Bryena has quietly made her way into the galleries, missing the chance previously. Sitting carefully, her satchel finds a place next to her feet as the firelizard on her shoulder curls up with a slight yawn.

Allyne strides over from the entrance to the hatching cavern.

Bacardi strides over from the entrance to the hatching cavern.

Stella has already settled in a comfortable place where she can see but not be jostled.

Guest1 , also known as Lacye, slowly lifts her head to regard the crowding galleries. She had taken her place in the front bench, and she doesn't intend to move at all. Not quite comfortable, but one has to be somewhat pleased with a mound of eggs down there and with such a /wonderful/ view.

Danyel has arrived.

Keesem walks over from the entrance to the hatching cavern.

T'las has arrived.

Nafai walks over from the entrance to the hatching cavern.

Stella glances around as more people file into the galleries, offering nods of greeting whether she knows them or not, but not expecting any in return.

Nafai trots up into the galleries, looking for a spot to sit.

Auralia watches the eggs with cocked head; "No movement yet. Still--I want to be here when the do move. Iesath hasn't heard anything."

Allyne smiles as she quietly sits watching.

Stella sees Nafai, and lifts a hand. "Nafai, there's room over here." she offers. And right in the front row, too.

Nausika walks over from the entrance to the hatching cavern.

Kayjay adjusts Karel on her lap, allowing him to stand up so the child can look over to the sands. She chuckles as he squeals with excitement and then looks around as the galleries fill. "So far so good, Auralia? No forest fires or other disasters on the way?"

Tris strides over from the entrance to the hatching cavern.

Guest1 , also known as Lacye, appears to be a grumpy young woman but who could be in a sour mood when there are eggs down there? "They will hatch soon, won't they?" She murmurs softly, looking at her hand and at the marks being slowly clutched. "Put my bets on this sevenday that they'd twitch, a'least."

Nafai spots Bryena and takes a seat next to her. "Hey Bryena, mind if I join you?"

Keesem grimaces as he searches for a place to sit.

Auralia tilts her head towards the ash, "Visibility isn't so good; I rather imagine it'll be slightly hard to see. Again." The greenrider rolls her eyes, giving Kayjay a grin of sorts. "We'll see." She tilts her head towards Lacye, insisting, "Today, it's thought, definitely today. And, well, soon, I think. Iesath agrees."

Danyel walks slowly down an aisle and sits as close to the sands as possible, eyes wide as she peers at the large clutch of eggs. Very excited at the thought of her cousin coming out to stand with the other candidates she quietly sits and waits for her appearance.

Bryena looks over at the growing crowds, edging closer to the space between her and the wall as she looks up at the voice with a blink. "Nafai? What a surprise. Um, sure," she replies, moving her satchel to her lap carefully.

Tris traipses into the galleries, waving as a younger girl who looks a great deal like her takes her leave of the Holder. She coughs a bit, waving her hand to clear the air around her as she looks around.

Kayjay sighs and hands Karel blocks that are threaded onto a string and settles him back into her lap. She smiles as she spots Tris. "Good eve' Lady Tris. So you heard the news as well? The eggs will hatch soon." She'd wave at Byrena but keeping an active child on her lap requires two hands. "Hello Bryena."

Guest1 , also known as Lacye, clutches the marks and tosses back her head in a bark of laughter before turning to regard Auralia with a bright grin. "Thank ye," she says calmly, straightening her position as she turns her attention back towards the eggs. "And they do 'ppear hard 'nough. Will be rocking soon 'nough, I s'pose." The crowd is given a wiggle of her finger in greeting as she leans forward in her seat and lets her attention drop entirely upon the eggs.

Dragon> All sense that Tiarnath rises back on her haunches, heavy talons digging deep within the hot sizzling sands of Southern Weyr's Hatching Ground, co-mingling there with the ash that remains, impossible to separate from the grains. Her humming starts as a croon deep within her chest, resounding all over the Weyr, from the Weyrhall to the beach, across the Southern Continent, and then, finally, across Pern. Vibrating through the air and stone, pride evident, she calls out through the crescendoing thrum, << They come! They come! They hatch! >> Then almost inevitably << Telinda, this ash is rather fun! >>

Dragon> All sense that Iesath adds her thrum to the hum, ranging octaves in delicious delight-- << They come, at last! Aura, I told you so! >>

Keesem waits with a strange expression on his face.

Auralia pauses, then straightens her in her seat: "That would be the humming beginning now, or so Iesath says." She peers towards the sands, head shaking, "Impressive."

Dragon> All sense that Ellath hums in his deep baritone. << They come! Finally! >>

Down on the Sands, Telinda strides over from the entrance to the hatching cavern.

Dragon> All sense that Enaeth joins in, humming with vigor, << They COME! >>

Dragon> All sense that Brielth's nervous mindvoice blends with Tiarnath's, harmonic echoes of what's to come. << It is time! >>

Stella cocks her head, listening, and smiles as she shifts, leaning forward a bit.

Dragon> All sense that Ardanth hmphs. << Well of course they come. Can't you feel it? >>

Tris nods, as she heads towards Kayjay to hear her words more clearly, "Yes, I was just here to visit my sister and so heard the news." She smiles.

Dragon> Xenalth bespoke Southern Weyr with << They come? Now? That is wonderful. >>

Dragon> Ceruth bespoke All with << Great. Just great. >>

Dragon> All sense that Lorsath adds his own thrum to the mix, commenting in his usual monotone, << Was there any doubt that they would come? >>

Down on the Sands, Telinda dashes onto the sands, a hand holding up skirts as she makes her way towards the Weyrleader and her lifemate, a proud grin directed to both. "I thought this day might never arrive" she adds with a teasing smile.

Nafai grins, "I got the package you sent, thanks again Bryena." He motions to the new outfit he's dressed in. "It's lovely, really."

Dragon> All sense that Rnayth rumbles with excitement, bugle turning into a vast, encompassing thrumming sound as he joins Tiarnath in her welcoming notes. << They're coming!? >>

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Yishenth hummms welcomingly. Her mindvoice swirls with excitedly bright violets and blues as she exclaims, loud enough for everyone to hear << Hurry, Imara! They're coming! The hatchlings are finally coming!! >>

K'laarn walks over from the entrance to the hatching cavern.

Keesem settles, watching the procession.

Down on the Sands, L'mir stands beside his bronze, puffing, as his hand pats the nervous lifemate's side. "I know." he grins, "How I know." Then, "Tel? Can you come closer for a minute?"

Down on the Sands, Telinda quirks an eyebrow, but does as asked, thumping golden hide as she strides by, "What's up?" she says, taking a moment to glance into the galleries to see who's arrived and who hasn't.

Kayjay winces slightly as baby hands tug at her hair but she patiently unravels the child's hands from their death grip and hands him the toys yet again. "Not long now, Kar, honestly." The brownrider grins. "Ah, well then a visit with Bella was most fortunate."

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Saith gives a deep thrumming bugle, echoing the joy of those around her, << They come, they come! Now there will be others for my lifemate, to make her smile.>>

Bryena looks towards Kayjay, lifting one hand in greeting as the brown on her shoulder starts to hum, quietly though. Seems like someone, or something in the form of a firelizard was trying to catch a nap before. "Hi, Kayjay," she calls over, looking to Nafai with a quick bob of her head. "You're welcome. I'm sorry it took so long, but with classes and everything...things were pushed back a bit."

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Suriath rumblechuckles. << Of course they will come. And they will be wonderful because they are Southern Dragons. >>

Guest1 , also known as Lacye, suddenly clamps her jaws and shakes her head towards the sands. Slowly the end of her lips begin to twitch up in a smile, curiously leaning back to watch the popping begin. "Would'a never thought I'd be 'ere." Of course her Bitran knot can be displayed proudly on her shoulder, her amber eyes rolling as she looks from one egg to the other. "Now t'see if that second bet o' mine is good.

Tris nods, finding a seat near Kayjay to continue the conversation. "Yes, finally. The last time I tried to meet up with her, the candidate auction happened and I never did find her. Oh, your little one is so strong now!"

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Emeleth thrums joyfully

Down on the Sands, L'mir motions with a grin to one of the young weyrbrats who just 'happens' to be standing off to the side in a partially hidden corner. It certainly must have been an exercise in coordination. The lad approaches, bearing something large in his arms, trying oh so carefully not to drop whatever it is. He grins to the Weyrleader then approaches Telinda. "Ma'am, this is a gift from.. well.. him." One thumb waggles in L'mir's direction before offering her the armful then he rushes off the hot sand.

This is an exquisitely crafted desk pad. Approximately three feet in length and two feet in width, the pad has a very irregular shape. Much of the pad has been dyed a deep, dark brown and appears wet from a carefully applied coat of shiny stain. Around this dark patch, the outer edge has been roughly filed and painted with shades of green and a splattering of yellows, oranges and reds. The pad resembles nothing more than a patch of mud in a flowery meadow.

Cut into the top of the pad are places to hold pens and bottles of ink, whilst accompanying it is a pair of paperweights. Though carved of wood, the paperweights are rather heavy, having something hidden within to weigh them down. Each has been carved to resemble a dragon.

The first of the dragons is a flawless beauty with pale strands of pearly-gold and bubbles of champagne-gold gracing her golden hide. Her jade eyes whirl with a sense of amusement and gaiety. She is posed as if ready to take a leap - crouching low, with wings swept back and tail curled under her.

The second dragon has a bronze hide that glitters with the advent of dawn. It is tinged with orange-red tones, reds and other bright shades of sunlight. Carved with a graceful tilt to his noble muzzle, he seems to be simply watching with an air of amusement in his emerald eyes. He is posed as if at rest - curled up with the tip of his tail tucked under his snout.

The underside of each piece is etched with the mark of Journeyman Quess of the Woodcrafters.

Kayjay chuckles as she tucks her hair back up and pins it more securely. "He has to be, he has an older brother, Nikelo, who lives with us. And oh, I do love that dress, so much, I didn't wear it tonight not with all the ash. I didn't want to ruin it." She stops suddenly and grins from ear to ear as she listens. "The dragons think it is very close now. No time at all!"

Down on the Sands, Telinda's eyes widen, and a hand tentatively reaches out for the desk pad, "For me?" she asks, eyes dancing as she glances back to L'mir, "It's.." words escape, just for the moment, "beautiful!"

Colyn has arrived.

Tris nods seriously to Kayjay, "I know the feeling, Anja's twins - my fosterdaughters - are growing so quickly. I can hardly hold them both at the same time now." She grins, "Of course not - a hatching is hardly the time to show of gather finery. Much as it is fun to wear it." She admits wistfully.

Elzbieta walks over from the Hatching Ledges.

Dragon> All sense that Tiarnath glances at her lifemate, and then snorts, << My eggs are more important. Look! See! They move! >>

Down on the Sands, L'mir smiles, shrugging as if it were an everyday event. "Glad you like it." he says quietly. "I think it looks like them, don't you?"

Stella sits quietly, listening absently to the conversations around her, but more intent upon watching.

Dragon> Ellath bespoke All with << Indeed, they are! And beautiful eggs as well, Tiarnath. >>

Elzbieta walks slowly up the stairs, scanning the crowd for familiar faces.

Sienna walks over from the entrance to the hatching cavern.

Keesem watches for the rocking of eggs.

Anja walks over from the entrance to the hatching cavern.

Fiaind walks over from the entrance to the hatching cavern.

Sienna comes rushing into the Galleries with a pant. "I...heard..the...humming!" She gasps in a halting voice.

Keesem has disconnected.

Kayjay grins. "Well it is fun to dress up and C'ley was very very impressed with the dress." A faint blush of memory flushes her cheeks momentarily and she quickly changes the subject. "Karel wanted to see the hatching, but he'll probably sleep through most of it."

Anja glances around the galleries, grinning at Fiaind, "There's Tris... lets go sit with her." She works her way over towards her foster sister.

Tris coughs again, waving her hand irritably to clear the ash, "Not only can I not see well, but it's hard to breath with all this too." She nods to Kayjay, then giggles, "I'm glad it made a positive impression." She nods again, a charmed smile for the youngling Karel.

Colyn settles into a seat to watch the proceedings, a determined look on his face, and not quite a happy one.

Khysta strides over from the entrance to the hatching cavern.

Auralia nods her head to those around her in general comment, eyes focusing upon the sands, and their precious eggs: "I just *know* that Siline is going to get the gold. That girl is perfect." She pauses, adding ruefully, "Although I admit, I've never been right before."

Down on the Sands, Telinda nods, "It does indeed, I can't wait to" she glances up at Tiarnath, "Oh shush you, I get to have some fun as well!" Hand gestures to the lad carrying it, "Can you take it to our office? Be very careful! And then be sure to rush back, the eggs are beginning to tremble!" She reaches up, kissing L'mir gently on the cheek, "Thank you, I'm stunned."

Down on the Sands, Light droplets of rain trickle toward the ground, replacing sullen, gray ash to a sappy, dark paste that clings to all it touches, sparing nothing: sand, eggs, humans and dragons alike.

Kayjay shakes her head. "My sixteenth mark and the promise I will make the bed for a month lays on Kylenis on Gold. I had better be right, I hate making the bed."

Uinn walks over from the entrance to the hatching cavern.

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Yishenth is still too excited to keep her mindvoice down. << Imara, why must they take /so/ long to hatch? They've been in there forever! >>

Anja slips into a seat next to Tris and kisses her cheek, "Did you bring htem?"

Down on the Sands, L'mir's blush deepens with the kiss, again offering a shrug but it's clear he's glad she likes it. "I think Quess did a good job with it, capturing that mud puddle." he says with a smile, then glances upward. "Shards! It's going to rain! Look?"

Khysta dashes up into the galleries, squeezing between a pair of Holders who hesitate before finding seats. With the brashness that littles at the Weyr seem to overflow with, the child pushes her way to a good viewing point, at least mumbling the occasional "'scuse me!' should an elbow jab a specator.

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Lorsath seems amused as he comments, << They will hatch. That is all that matters. >> Plain and simple.

Auralia rolls her eyes towards Kayjay. "Faranth, no. I hope not." She blinks towards the sands--"Faranth, it looks as though it's raining. Not with the *ash*."

Down on the Sands, Telinda's nose wrinkles as she glances up, "Shards, always something here. I swear it's to keep me on my toes."

Down on the Sands, The hot, humid air above the surface of sand shimmers. Once lightly colored, the granules turn to pitch black, that thick coating of ash reflecting the heat all around. Any random movement of air brings no coolness, but greater heat.

Tris does a doubletake, then giggles, kissing Anja's cheek, and shakes her head, "I didn't think all this ash would be good for them." She chews on her lip, "Should've I?" she asks worriedly.

Karel bounces on his mother's lap, staring at all the people who are suddenly appearing. He doesn't notice the rain for his mother seemed to be prepared for any emergency and covers him in a light waterproof hide.

Anja eyes the ash, "No, I guess not..." She smiles at Tris, "So how do you enjoy fostering the two?" nudging closer to Tris to make room for Fiaind.

Fiaind smiles as she follows Anja in, staying quiet and then settling down in the spot made for her. She glances excitedly over the railing at the sands. "Really, it's going to be soon, right?"

Down on the Sands, Dark shapes descend stealthily on darkness, a nightmare of grey and black. Indistinct shapes move, cease to move, only to awkwardly move again. Shadows appear to be solid forms, the eggs on the sands no more than dark shadows against a darker sea of sand and air.

Aithne walks over from the entrance to the hatching cavern.

Sienna looks over towards the ledges, and gets up.

Sienna strides over to the Hatching Ledges.

Down on the Sands, Brielth waddles from one side to the other, nose lowering toward one of the eggs without touching it. He croons, backing up to place himself beside Tiarnath.

Tris scooches over to help Anja make room for Fiaind. "I think they're finally settling in. They only ask after you four or five times a day now, it's much better. And somedays they can even handle playing while I meet with Rhys, Brandon, and Keri! It's hard getting them to eat properly though. I'm not very good at that yet. How are /you/ doing though?" She rubs her nose as a layer of ash clings to her hair, her face, her clothing, caught by the rain.

Kayjay sighs and -tries- to see the sands. "Not again!" She looks up at the sky. "Why us?"

Uinn fans her face and tips back the light canvas that protects her from the falling .... muck from above. She shakes her head and settles down into a spot to watch.

Down on the Sands, A brief, cooling breeze eddies down from above, giving a momentary respite from the furnace that the hatching sands have become. Those rejuvenating breeze fingers touch, then fade away.

Auralia grumbles. "*Honshu* never has this. Monaco never has this. Why us?"

Stella scowls at some fool apprentice who jostles her trying to get to a seat, the turn her attention back to the sands. Whatever can be seen, will be.

Down on the Sands, Jannee walks over from the Candidate Room.

Danyel cringes as the rain begins "Shards..." she mutters, clothed only in lightweight gear. No waterproofing at all. Shrugging helplessly she continues to keep a steady eye out for her cousin to appear...she wouldn't miss this for the world! "At least we won't melt" she offers helpfully to those seated around her.

Down on the Sands, Gaethan strides over from the Candidate Room.

Down on the Sands, Tiarnath gazes dubiously at the sudden invasion of candidates, that dare to enter onto her sands! Her head lowers as she glances over them in assessment, each one examined carefully through the rain. Snorting, as if something has been said to calm her worries, she eases herself down to the sands, rumbling at Brielth, her tail coiling around her flanks.

Down on the Sands, Jachin walks over from the Candidate Room.

Aithne makes her way out onto the galleries, brushing the muck from her face. "We are indeed fortunate." She notes as she settles into a free spot.

Down on the Sands, A slight humming sound reverberates through the Weyr, just below audible hearing range. The pitch increases slightly, resulting in the chant that accompanies a dragon hatching.

Kayjay adjusts the hide so both Karel and her are protected from the rains.

K'laarn sits down near the front of the gallery benches, quiet and subdued, watching the goings on below.

Down on the Sands, Jesika walks over from the Candidate Room.

Down on the Sands, Roma strides over from the Candidate Room.

Down on the Sands, Jachin steps onto the sands and makes his way somewhat cautiously through the darkness caused by ash and rain until he can see the lumps that are eggs. He looks back once, then halts, turning to find the shapes of the queen and her bronze consort, giving a brief bow of greeting.

Down on the Sands, Jannee bows respectively to the dam and the sire of the clutch and the Weyrleaders before making her way to what she feels is a safe distance to form the circle.

Down on the Sands, What could that noise be? Somewhat like a trader wagon rolling by, perhaps distant thunder? Only the weyrfolk will probably be able to guess right now, the low sound making the air tremble.

Allyne waves at K'laarn as she quietly watches.

Down on the Sands, Gaethan steps out onto the Sands, bowing carefully in the direction of the dam and sire, nodding deeply to Telinda and L'mir. Then he moves to join the beginning of the semi-circle.

Down on the Sands, Eireann strides over from the Candidate Room.

Tris glances around, "What was that about melting? Did you say something Anja?" she smiles over at Fiaind, belatedly greeting her, before a flash of movement causes her to squint, "Is that Roma? She was really really helpful the other sevenday."

Down on the Sands, Jesika bows to Tiarnath and Brielth, ignoring the heat of the sands for now to pay the Queen and bronze their respects.

Elzbieta spies Bryena sitting near the Weyr smith, but also notices Tris and Anja. She sends a smile to Bry that she hopes will be noticed and scrambles towards Tris.

Down on the Sands, Roma bows to the Dam and the Sire and takes her place beside Jannee, quickly clasping her hand.

Down on the Sands, In case any were doubtful, the humming grows slightly louder. Now even those visiting who have never heard the sound of a dragon birth before must be certain of the humming's origin. The hatching has most certainly begun.

Down on the Sands, L'mir watches his cohort, the young lad, take the desk pad from Telinda, trotting off the sand as the Candidates arrive. When he turns back, he grins at the Candidates as they arrive upon the hot sand. "Here they come."

Aithne watches K'laarn for a moment, "Brings back memories, doesn't it?"

Anja mutters to Tris, "... enough... want... Seems as if I'm..."

Down on the Sands, Jesika fidgets as the heat gets to her, lifting and placing her feet delicately in little mincing steps.

Down on the Sands, Telinda turns her attention from possible discernation and identification of the eggs and nods, with a smile, to the Weyrleader. A hand brushes back her hair, and then reaches out for his. "Here we go!"

Down on the Sands, Eireann, looking to be on the verge of bolting across the sand to find somebody, at least catches her nerves in time to dip into a respectful bow to Tiarnath and Brielth. Quick, light footsteps take her straight across to Jachin, and she tries to slip back into place beside him.

Down on the Sands, Maximus walks over from the Candidate Room.

Down on the Sands, The hatching grounds lay at the feet of the stands, normal white grains covered by a thick ash covering. Gently rocking eggs stand like solemn stones, supporting their own gray blanket.

Down on the Sands, Kellah strides over from the Candidate Room.

Down on the Sands, Jalynia walks over from the Candidate Room.

Tris is seated next to Anja and Fiaind and near Kayjay, but has room for Elzbieta to join them on her other side! She mutters to Anja, "... It's definite?..."

Down on the Sands, Meleri walks over from the Candidate Room.

Down on the Sands, Jesika fills in a spot in the semi-circle, reaching out to Kellah to offer her hand.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst strides over from the Candidate Room.

Down on the Sands, Jannee quickly grasps Roma's hand and watches the eggs nervoi-usly, the heat not affecting her in the excitement.

Anja mutters to Tris, "... to... and..."

Tris mutters to Anja, "It... I'm... glad... to handle... the... next is..."

Down on the Sands, Weyrfolk and guests cast dubious eyes down at the darkened spectacle; some casting worried looks at sky then the eggs. As if a mirror hung suspended in the sky, the clouds turn the gray of more rainfall.

Down on the Sands, Meleri makes her way out almost shaking as she casts a nervous glance at the galleries before moving to bow quickly to the sire and dam. She looks around and darts across the sand to Rea and Jachin.

Down on the Sands, Jalynia pads out onto the sands, sandals going squelch as she walks through the rain. A low bow is given to dam and sire, Weyrleader and Weyrwoman, before she slips over to find the side of Jachin that Eireann isn't standing on, reclaiming his hand.

Down on the Sands, L'mir stands up a little taller, one hand tugging at the belt at his waist to reposition it. The other takes Telinda's hand, giving it a squeeze. No, he's not nervous. Not much.

Bryena hunkers deeper into her jacket, shoving her hands into her pockets only removing one to quickly lift a hand in greeting to Elzbieta. The smile will have to do as she looks to Nafai, "Did you just get back to Southern?"

Down on the Sands, Jachin smiles down at Eireann as she arrives, and takes her hand again, squeezing it reassuringly before looking about.."Where's Kelli and Jaly?"

Down on the Sands, Amythyst bows to Tiarnath and Brielth then moves to the semi-circle, taking her place

Down on the Sands, Jesika grimaces as the rain falls more steadily upon her unprotected head.

Down on the Sands, Aerin walks over from the Candidate Room.

Anja nods at T ris, looking graceful and hugs her a moment. Her eyes turn back to the hatching, and grins at F iaind, "Definately looks like its time."

Down on the Sands, Roma trembles where she stands, shifting her feet as the gray rain starts streaking her white robe. She holds Jan's hand and offers her hand to the one standing beside her.

Down on the Sands, Maralita walks over from the Candidate Room.

Down on the Sands, Kelli strides over from the Candidate Room.

Down on the Sands, Maralita picks her way carefully through the ash and mud. "Black.. I _desteste_ dirt.." she mutters, pulling her robe hem high above the not-so-hot sands. "And rain.. what genious thought up _rain_?" she complains. She pauses her long line of ranting to bow gracefully to Tiaranath.

Down on the Sands, Kellah ducks her head a bit as she makes her way out onto the sands. She bows to Tiarnath and Brielth before she takes her place next to Jesika. She smiles and takes the girls hand, and gives it a squeeze before she turns her eyes toward where the dark shapes of the eggs are.

Down on the Sands, Aerin floats gracefully over the sands, her feet skimming the surface, trying to spend as little time contacting the hot sands as possible. She bows to Tiarnath and Brielth, Telinda and L'mir, then, trying to still a grimace as she realizes her feet have been still too long, she picks them up gingerly to move towards the eggs and make room for the next candidate.

Tiria walks over from the entrance to the hatching cavern.

Nafai nods to Bryena, "A rider friend was visiting and her lifemate let her know the eggs were about to hatch, she few me here. I'll be heading back after the hatching though, to check on Crystal's eggs."

Down on the Sands, Devin strides over from the Candidate Room.

Down on the Sands, Zarrien strides over from the Candidate Room.

Fiaind glances over to Anja. "You okay?"

Down on the Sands, Jesika motions to Aerin, and she returns the squeeze that Kellah has given.

Down on the Sands, Kelli practically wades through the muck of the sands and ash, pausing to turn and bow stiffly to first the gold, then the bronze, then to make his way back over to the cluster of Candidates to join the semi-circle, hand already reaching for Jalynia's again as he brings Maralita with him.

Down on the Sands, Maximus hotfoots it, literally onto the sands just slightly behind the first Candidates. A rather corny, but perfectly serious bow followed by a small salute is given towards Sire and Dam of the clutch of eggs. Shuffle-Shuffle_ouch_Shuffle...the tall ex-stablehand tries not to wince noticibly on the oven like temperatures of the Sands.

Tris nods to Anja, glancing up to smile as Elzbieta joins them, "Come sit!" She tries wiping the ash-glazed seat nominally clean, the lines of her face traced by ash.

Danyel forgets the rain as the candidates come streaming out. Blue eyes strain to see through the rain for any glimpse of Maralita. Spotting her relation she jumps up and waves, making quite the spectacle. "My cousin" she explains to any who care.

Down on the Sands, Devin, hands tightening into fists as he comes out onto the sands, pauses long enough to bow respectfully to Tiarnath and Brielth, then Telinda and L'mir, before he makes his way over to join the semi-circle.

Raperl has arrived.

Down on the Sands, Saizin walks over from the Candidate Room.

Down on the Sands, Jyanda walks over from the Candidate Room.

Down on the Sands, Faizah strides over from the Candidate Room.

Elzbieta smiles, "I can't believe I wore my best dress for this. I didn't realize the ash would be so horrible," she grimaces.

Kayjay rocks Karel, who has indeed dozed off, and scoots a bit closer to the wall, making room for others to squeeze on her bench.

Down on the Sands, Zoe walks over from the Candidate Room.

Down on the Sands, Wiebke walks over from the Candidate Room.

Down on the Sands, Erin strides over from the Candidate Room.

Down on the Sands, Zoe steps out onto the sizzling hot sands, the white robe of a candidate hanging off her shoulders and her feet lifting quickly as the heat burns through the soles of her sandals. She pauses when she is within the site of Tiarnath and Brielth, bending at the waist in a polite bow before hurrying to her spot in the circle of candidates.

Down on the Sands, The light mist continues to fall, making the ash stick to the eggs. White robes appear at the mouth of the Grounds, and odd juxtaposition to the gray about them.

Anja sneezes and rubs her nose, "At least its raining." She eyes the candidates, "Any from Cove Tris?"

Uinn squints through the damp ... -muck- to see, and shakes her head in disgust as clear vision is night impossible. SHe mutters something under her breath about natural disasters and hunkers more deeply into her canvas covering.

Down on the Sands, Candidates begin to emerge from the gaping maw that is the entrance, customary bow taking place as they form the semicircle with their backs to the stands. The light drizzle wanes, and is now less than a fine mist, which clouds the air.

Down on the Sands, Zarrien makes his way out onto the hot sands, casting bright, emerald eyes up towards the ominous sky, before attention is turned upon the Dam and Sire. Each in turn receive a quick bow, and then, he moves on, looking surprisingly calm, though it's taking a lot of doing. He positions himself aside Meleri, glancing sidelong at Jachin and Rea, offering them a lilting smile, though remaining silent.

Down on the Sands, Jyanda brushes ineffectually at the wet-ash rain as she comes out, bowing to both Tiarnath and Brielth with a smile. She takes her place in the ring.

K'laarn turns and smiles at the few folks he recognizes, lifting a hand to wave at them. "Hey folks! Looks like we're about to see a show."

Down on the Sands, Erin steps out easily, and sketches a perfunctory bow towards Tiarnath and Brielth before finding some room in the semi-circle of candidates -- near Devin, Jalynia, Jachin, and Rea.

Down on the Sands, Wiebke steps onto the sands, involuntarily lifting her feet as a reaction to the heat on the sand. Grateful for the few moments she's had to study the sands before the dust, she carefully picks her way along, bowing in the direction of the gold-clutch mother being, before heading towards the eggs, hoping not to run into them.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst smiles as she sees Faizah and Zoe. She waves them over after they have bowed to the parents of the clutch

Down on the Sands, L'mir nods politely to each Candidate, offering a reassuring smile. "I doubt they'll stay white for long." he leans toward the Weyrwoman, glancing at the sky. "It's going to get soppy very soon."

Aithne peers intently into the sands, as if just by staring she can see.

Down on the Sands, Saizin enters slowly but surely, a bow towards Tiarnath and Brielth and a nod towards the Weyrwoman and Weyrleader. As he walks towards the circle the ash gets on his large sandled feet.

Down on the Sands, Tendrils of heat caress the eggs even as they scald the feet of the candidates, making anything low to the ground appear to dance in a mirage. It is not long before the legs and the hems of the usually white candidates' robes become covered in searing gray matter.

Down on the Sands, V'tali walks over from the Candidate Room.

Tris nods to Anja, "Saizin was searched. As were two of the farmhands - maybe they'll follow in B'gron's footsteps?"

Down on the Sands, Faizah walks quickly over towards Tiarnath and Brielth, bowing respectfully, before quickly making her way over tio the semi-circle. They're not kidding when they say the sands are hot are they!

Down on the Sands, Telinda nods, and "And I have a new dress on, how typical is that" she remarks, grinning at the candidates.

Down on the Sands, People in the stands clap and shout their encouragement as the candidates arrive, special messages going out to all the hopefuls, from family and friends. The excitement builds as the viewing ledges are packed with dragons, all eyes riveted on the expected arrival of their newest kin.

Anja grins at Tris, "Anything's possible... Oh, there's Jyanda, she stood at Honshu I believe."

Raperl looks on with awe at his first hatching. His head is constantly moving, not know ing what to watch

Down on the Sands, As eggs all over the sands shudder with the furious struggles of their occupants, and the adult dragons of the Weyr hum a welcoming chorus, the Hidden Treasures Egg preempts its fellows and bursts into a hundred tiny pieces. Within moments the glistening bronze has found his lifemate in a portly, maladroit young man. "Raouth!" he calls, tripping over his own feet.

Kayjay sighs and bites her lip in anticipation. "Should be brown first, I think, good luck for brown for the first egg!"

Down on the Sands, Aerin's deep gray eyes scan the galleries, then the sands, and she gravitates towards kellah and Jesika, to take their hands again, shifting her feet on the hot sands.

Down on the Sands, Meleri takes Rea's hand again hopping from one foot to another as the heat finally hits her.

Down on the Sands, Eireann reclaims one of Meleri's hands in hers, and attempts to give it a light squeeze. "Do -not- let my robe fall off." is hissed once again to Jachin, as she tries to lift the hand she holds with his to wipe smudges of ash from her face. "Already?" she blinks at the impression, dark eyes flinging -wide-.

Down on the Sands, V'tali patters out, moving with quick, light steps, though whether to avoid getting scorched or to keep his boots as much out of the muck as possible, it is unclear. He hangs back from the candidates, staying behind their tight semi-circle.

Down on the Sands, Jesika lifts her feet in the heat of the Sands, and tries to see who Impressed. She sighs, giving up.

Down on the Sands, N'all strides over from the Candidate Room.

"Bronze first!" states Aura, peering into the gloggy mess. "I think? A good sign, anyway, that they're hatching fast."

Down on the Sands, Steamy Haze Egg tilts to one side, knocking the outermost layer of its caked-on ash-water mixture on the ground -- but there's more underneath, alas. It's still again, and except for the ash on the ground, on top of other ash, there's little evidence it's moved at all.

K'laarn asks "You sure that's a brown, I thought it was a bronze??" He grins at Kayjay.

Down on the Sands, Kelli makes a face at the additional heat, stepping for a moment, lifting one foot out of the heated sands, trying to keep the matter from clinging to him. "A bronze first." he says, softly, nodding his head in pleasure.

Down on the Sands, Faizah looks at the first young pair, "wow, that was quick"

Down on the Sands, Jachin's eyes widen as he sees the egg burst. "Oh, shells...will you look at that." He notes, suddenly a wee bit more nervous, as the tightening of his hand in Eireann's might suggest. He smiles then at Erin, noticing her for a first time. "Is that good, Jaly? Bronze hatching first?"

Down on the Sands, Zoe walks over to where Amythyst is waiting, once again clasping the other girl's hand as she looks around her, and at all the grey matter covering everything. "How are we susposed to see anything?" She asks Amy. Seeing the young dragonet find his lifemate, she smiles, but then returns to darting her eyes around the sands.

Down on the Sands, Jalynia gets her hand snagged by Kelli, and grins through the haze and the muck up at the taller Candidate...and blinks as he points out the first Impression. "That's a really good sign," she notes in response to Jachin.

Down on the Sands, Tiarnath wiggles a wing, setting the grey blanket into motion with the aid of her movement. Her tail coils around her body as she lowers her head, trying to keep a possessive eye on the rocking eggs of her clutch. The hum, that emanates from deep within her chest, continues, the thrumming noise encouraging those dragonets captured inside to break free, and echoed in the very stone of the hatching grounds, all the Southern dragons heralding the impending hatchings and pairings.

Down on the Sands, Maximus shuffles his feet against the hot sand, attempting to wipe cloggy ash and rain away from his arms and legs.

Down on the Sands, N'all follows the trail of candidates, then assumes his position by Telinda and L'mir. The customary wineskin is handed wordlessly to L'mir, "Don't hog it."

Down on the Sands, Amythyst smiles as a bronze hatches first and finds his lifemate so quickly.

Kayjay shrugs. "Hard to see but I think you are right, K'laarn, bronze." She sighs, "There goes me cleaning the dishes every night for sevenday."

Down on the Sands, Devin offers his hand over to Erin, once he catches sight of her through the mist and rain. "Great weather, eh?" Hearing the rather distinctive sound of eggs cracking, he peers a bit more closely, trying to find out *where* that came from.

Down on the Sands, Zarrien casts a wary gaze down upon the mist that is gathering about his shifting, dancing feet... Frowning, he shifts his attention upon the egg that has just hatched. Amazed, he watches, as impression occurs. "That was quick," He murmurs softly beneath his breath, while a seeking gaze raises, scanning the galleries above, though, unable to find the form of the soul he looks for. Vision is restored to the sands, and, the rocking eggs.

Auralia turns her head towards Kayjay, asking, "Are there any other household chores you're going to be stuck with at this rate?"

Down on the Sands, Jesika wipes ash from her eyelashes, and then remembers advice long since given, and remains still on the sands, only lifting scalding feet.

Down on the Sands, Jyanda grins, forgetting the rain as she looks toward the newly hatched bronze. "Oh, congratulations!"

Down on the Sands, Kellah smiles and squeezes Aerins and Jesikas hands as she stands watching the dark shapes that are the eggs, she thinks. She takes a deep breath to try and calm her nerves as she watches the dark shapes.

Down on the Sands, The light mist disappears as quickly as it came, leaving only gray clouds behind. The ground and the sky echo each other, both a mask of gray to make the world seem bleak on this wonderful day. The colors of the dragons on the viewing ledges stand out even more so, reminding all of their strength and abilities.

Down on the Sands, Maralita shudders. "This is so gross.." she mutters, and looks up at kelli. "I'm guessing I'm not going to persuade you to hold me til you Impress?" she asks, fluttering her eyelashes. Wide eyes innocently gaze up at the near-7 foot man.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst shrugs "Don't know Zoe."

Down on the Sands, Wiebke gropes her way into the loose semi-circle, biting her lip to distract her mind from the pain shooting up her feet and finds herself near Devin. She squints, trying to pick out the Star Gazing Egg, to locate the bit of the heavens on the sands.

Down on the Sands, Roma smiles brightly, squinting to see who Impressed. "Oh a Bronze!" she says to Jan.

Down on the Sands, L'mir claps at the first Impression. "Look, Tel! A bronze!" Of course he'd notice that right away. "Hmm?" The weyrleader's head turns toward N'all and the wineskin, accepting it with a grin. "You just 'may' get some. How many marks did you say you have in your pockets?"

Kayjay chuckles. "Umm, lets see, tidying the main room, carrying the laundry back from the laundry area, I think I'll be busy if I keep this up."

Down on the Sands, Saizin sends a dimpled smile towards the bronze who impresses right away, "Ah yes the definate sign of a strong clutch." The rain drops down on his head and his stormy grey eyes look over each of the eggs carefully.

Auralia rolls her eyes. "Note well why I don't bet, I just hope. Not that I really have anyone to bet with in regards to chores."

Down on the Sands, If I Were An Egg moves sluggishly against the damp sand and ash that surround its shell. Too mired down to do more than sway at this point, it gently rocks one way and then the other, slowly pushing the ash and sand away so it'll have room to really wiggle.

Down on the Sands, Telinda wrinkles her nose, "N'all, that's becoming rather old you know, one day I'll expect something different" she teases, grinning back at L'mir and nodding, "First out, a good omen, which we need."

Down on the Sands, Jannee blinks widely, her excitement having more of the better of herself. A hard squeeze to Roma's hand as she fervently looks about the sands to try and not miss a thing. She just can't speak yet...

Down on the Sands, Faizah reaches out for Zoe's hand, looking at the eggs. Did that one just move? Maybe she's imagining things in her nervousness.

Down on the Sands, Kelli answers Maralita in a word: "No." as he simply allows his hand in hers, still.

Down on the Sands, One the Help Me I'm a Newbie Egg begins to rock, there's no stopping it's determined pace. Small cracks lead to large cracks lead to shards in the sand, and a blinking blue is left standing in their midst. One foot, the other foot, yes, this is good. Methodically he makes his way away from the mound, paying such careful attention to his feet he does not even look up until it is time to Impress, and Impress he does, to a stunned holdbred boy who pushes back sandy hair to stammer, "B... Barshath? Your name is Barshath?" He turns to the others, crying, "His name is Barshath!" The pair is quickly escorted off the sands.

Down on the Sands, Jesika looks around in surprise, as she cannot regain her voice just yet.

Down on the Sands, N'all looks at L'mir, "Don't push your luck, upstart. I always bring a wineskin to share with the weyrleaders, and woe be unto him who does not share." He snorts at Telinda, "If you say so." Oh, look, a metallic impression, N'all rubs his hands together, "Oh, excellent."

Kayjay shrugs. "I usually don't bet but C'ley can convince me to do just about anything. He has a way with words." She quiets as she notices in the shadows another egg rocking.

Selene has arrived.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst grins "They're moving Faizah, they're moving." nervous excitement laces her words.

Down on the Sands, Kelli spots the favored egg of his, momentarily, in the mess of eggs. "There it is." he says aloud, then nods his head as it hatches nito a blue. "Congratulations." he rumbles to the lad and new dragon.

Down on the Sands, Meleri grins as an impression is made. "Congratulations." She calls fairly softly to the the candidate, now weyrling before squeezing Rea's hand and resuming her shift dance.

Down on the Sands, Steamy Haze Egg jolts to the other side, and then back. Oh, it moved for sure that time. Bits of dust and other darker particles swirl around as a cloud over the egg, which shivers a little in the thick fog.

Selene quietly makes her way through the galleries, smiling at those she knows, looking for a seat upon which she can sit and watch the hatching.

Auralia's comment is dry. "So I've noticed, in the turns since I've known him--Faranth, it must be nine, or even ten." She goes silent, as if reflecting on this, peering into the ash-covered sands. "It looks like Ista, with black sands."

Down on the Sands, Jesika calls out a "Congratulations," to the lad.

Tiria has disconnected.

Down on the Sands, Zoe gives Amy's hand a squeeze with her one hand, taking Faizah's hand in her other. Her robes are now almost completely a dingy grey in colour, her hair also the same shade. "Oh, look!" She says, a sharp intake of breath heard as she says, "Oh, this is going to go quickly."

Down on the Sands, Erin alternates her weight from foot to foot, her eyes searching not the gloom about the sands, but that which hovers nearer the galleries.

Down on the Sands, Jalynia still has Kelli's hand in one of hers and Jachin's in the other. "I can't see anything through all this," she mutters, before blinking. "Is something moving over there? I can't tell."

Aithne rests her chin on the palm of her hand, elbow resting on her knee. She occassionally glances to those around her, but for the most part her attention is on the sands.

Anja gives a wave to her cousin, calling, "Selene!", eyes immediately moving back to the scene on the sands.

Down on the Sands, L'mir takes a long tug of the wine, wiping his lips with the back of one hand. "Upstart? Hmmph. We'll see about that later." He grins to the Weyrlingmaster, offering the skin to Telinda.

Down on the Sands, Gaethan wipes the ash from his brow, looking out at the eggs, just silent, drinking in the sight...well, the fuzzy sight, before him.

Down on the Sands, Aerin unconsciously squeezes the hands that she holds tighter, her eyes wide at the impressions taking place around her.

Down on the Sands, Eireann pales, cheeks practically draining of all colour as eggs start popping open and doing the wiggling-thing around the sands. "Ohhh.." she murmurs, and it seems that's -all- she can say. Legs wobbly, hands shaky, she just clutches onto Jachin and Mel's hands.

Down on the Sands, As eggs shatter and new bonds are made, the candidates remain in their little semicircle, each white robed figure with their own unique story to tell, their own chance at meeting someone greater than they'd ever imagined. Many cluster together, holding hands in the face of the wobbly creatures with sharp claws, and eyes only for that special someone.

Down on the Sands, Faizah grins. "Congratulations" goes out.

Down on the Sands, Jachin shivers slightly now that he's damp /and/ ashy, but looks up at the sky with relief. "Well, at least the rain stopped." He notes, before calling his own congratulations to the newly impressed - he'd clap, but his hand is occupied.

Down on the Sands, Jesika shifts her feet, prancing about in a attempt to keep her feet from being burned.

Tris looks around, "Selene? Where?" she gives up craning when the crack of an egg recalls her attention to the sands.

Down on the Sands, Zarrien watches on as a 'Help me I'm a Newbie Egg' cracks, and releases its dragonet onto the sands. Swallowing hard, he gazes over towards Rea and Jachin, before offering his hand towards Meleri, who he happens to be standing aside. Emerald eyes train upon the impressing duo, and he smiles in a crooked manner, appearing a bit nervous, despite his attempts -not- to.

Down on the Sands, Kellah bites her bottom lip as she stands between Jesika and Aerin. She beams at the two candidates that already impressed. She calls a congradulations to the two before she looks back to where she thinks the eggs are. She squeezes Jesikas and Aerins hands again.

Stella grimaces slightly, "Shells... what a mess." she mutters.

Down on the Sands, If I Were An Egg finally gets going, teetering around and gyrating as its occupant struggles vainly to free itself from the confining shell. For a moment it rests once it has had a good shake, but then it starts up again with a vengeance. This way and that way it rocks in wide, rolling sweeps, flattening the sand and ash around it. Eventually, as though tired it rocks to a gentle halt, ceasing all movement.

Down on the Sands, V'tali hops to, escorting the newest Impressions off the sands and away from the others, slogging through the increasingly slippery muck to do so.

Selene smiles as she hears the familiar voice, making her way over to Anja, giving her a quick hug and cheekkiss. "How many have hatched so far?" she quietly asks the green rider.

Anja returns the hug and cheekkiss and shakes her head, "Not quite sure... a bronze at least. Too much muck to see clearly."

Tris scoots towards Elzbieta to make room for Selene between herself and the Masterharper, smiling up at her, "Hello!"

Down on the Sands, Wiebke rolls the name around silently in her mind. Barshath. The girl glances down at the sands underneath her burning feet, trying to keep her eyes free of wandering dust. Shivering slightly, she bites her lip at the sound of cracking eggs.

Down on the Sands, Meleri takes Zarrien's hand with a nervous smile to the other candidate. She then stares out at the sands pointedly ignoring the galleries now. "It's really happening." The cook turned candidate says softly.

Down on the Sands, Jyanda moves in closer to the extremely girl next to her, speaking reassuringly. She motions to the half-seen eggs, nods to a muttered comment.

Down on the Sands, Maximus keeps shuffling, rubbing at his eyes with ash-covered hands to clear them. Giving up, he turns his gaze towards his feet, leaning down to tie up a shoe, although he rapidly stands again. Can't be too careful.

Fiaind just looks around with wide eyes, blinking as each egg hatches and the impressions coming so quickly.

Down on the Sands, Two eggs jerk and shudder beside each other, their struggles knocking them together to split and spill a pair of surprised hatchlings onto the sands. A green and a brown, they examine each other curiously for a moment, but hunger can't be contained any longer and the pair prowl toward the line of white robes. Sneaking up on an unsuspecting pair of young boys, they Impress almost simultaneously, and the names are hard to make out as they are shouted together, "Beleventh!" "Ravinoth!" As candidates fall to their knees and hug hatchlings, green Beleventh croons her hunger, and nudges her new lifemate to follow brown Ravinoth and his partner off to where the smell of tasty meat beckons.

Down on the Sands, Roma ahhs as the egg that was rocking stops. She wipes her face and ends up streaking it with ash. "Oh dear," she says looking at her hand.

Down on the Sands, Kelli turns his head, catching sight of the newly-moving... or perhaps not so newly moving... egg in the mass of ashen mud. "It's so hard to _see_." he complains, releasing Jalynia's hand for long enough to try wiping off his eyes and beard.

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Belith almost bursts with exitement. << They are all so beautiful so far! >>

Down on the Sands, Zoe drops Amy's hand momentarily, raising her own to her brow to wipe the sweat and ash from her brow. "I swear its hotter now than when we were allowed to touch the eggs." She comments, her eyes never leaving the eggs and the dragonets. Lowering her hand, she reaches out and reclaims Amy's.

Selene grins at Lady Tris and Elzbieta, casting a thankful glance for the place to sit. She can't help the soft chuckle as she looks at all the ashy candidates.

Kayjay chuckles. "Why they are all in white is beyond me today. They are now all the colour of the remains of firestone after threadfall."

Down on the Sands, Jesika grimaces, as her vision is temporiarily obscured by ash and rain, and she wipes a hand over her face, succeeding in spreading black soot on her face.

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Ellath laughs happily. << They will all be beautiful, Belith! >>

Down on the Sands, Devin squints, trying to get a closer look at some (or *any*) of these Impressions. "Shards, it happens so fast! I just wish I could see any of it." This is said to Erin and Wiebke, who he's nearest to.

Down on the Sands, N'all walks toward the tunnel to the Candidate Room.

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Iesath grumpes, noting, << I can't see them. How can they be beautiful in horrible ash? >>

Down on the Sands, Amythyst chuckles as the green and brown hatch and choose, congrats are called out a bit belatedly to the four who have founf lifemates before she turns back to the sands and the goings on there.

Dragon> Suriath bespoke Southern Weyr with << Indeed, they are strong and formed well! >>

Down on the Sands, Zarrien raises his sandal-bearing feet in turn, gazing down upon the gathering ash-and-sand muck, and grimacing. He tilts his head upwards, ruddy bangs sweeping forth into his eyes. A slightly surprised comment slips from his lips, as he observes the double impression. Though, it is rather hard to distinguish colors... And faces. Meleri is offered a smile, and a squeeze of the hand. "It is..."

Down on the Sands, Steamy Haze Egg trembles, then goes still, subtle shadows of off-white the only evidence it ever moved. The eerie silence, during snowfalls that surely gave it its bleached appearance, is contrasted by a sharp cracking sound -- the first sign of thawing? Its surface splits in chaotic spinnerweb patterns, a darker object pushing out from within, and suddenly the egg ruptures in a blizzard of fragments, revealing the heart-melting inhabitant within.

Down on the Sands, N'all strides over from the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, Aerin giggles at the pair of hatchlings, and then sombers as she turns her eyes to the other eggs, trying to peer through the mist and ash. she shifts her feet, trying to cool her feet -and- keep her balance in the slippery muck at the same time.

Down on the Sands,

---*** Twilight's Dusk Hatchling ***---

In the gloaming light, movements appear in spurts and flashes of something hidden in the fading of the day. It creeps over the sands, footfalls almost silent as it walks, safer in the darkness that spreads slowly now and then faster as night comes to call. Only as the true dark falls will it come out completely, black hidden against black.

Dragon> Yishenth bespoke Southern Weyr with << Of course they're beautiful. All hatchlings are beautiful! >>

Down on the Sands, Jesika gasps in awe as she makes out the form of a hatchling.

Down on the Sands, As the hatching continues, reminiscent looks flash over many riders' faces, their eyes glazing over. "Just a bunch with voices in their heads!" one young lad whispers to his companion, who rolls her eyes and slides away.

Down on the Sands, Maralita stays still. Why move? Movement leads to dirt, and dirt is no fun to clean up. So she stands there, one hand in Kelli's, the other holding her robe up higher that the ash. "Why white..?" she says once more in disgust.

Dragon> Suriath bespoke Southern Weyr with << My lifemate reminds me that beauty comes from within the egg. If they are a bit grey and murky, that will wash off. >>

Down on the Sands, Faizah just watches as other people walk off, now happy young weyrlings. She gasps, looking at the hatchling.

Down on the Sands, Jalynia blinks, straining to see through all the goopiness. "I thought I heard something over there," she notes, hand finding Kelli's again. "Gimme that back. I need it."

Down on the Sands, Meleri nods her head and shifts her feet straining forward to see a gray shape. "I think I see one." She says softly and nervously her voice wavering.

Down on the Sands, Saizin peers around and his eyes dart around from hatchling to dragon curiously. If the candidate didn't look nervous before he definately does now. His face is now a bronze tainted with a crimson red and dark ash.

Down on the Sands, Aerin hears Jes's gasp and tries to see what her friend is seeing, leaning slighly forward.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst tenses slightly as she catches a movment from near the mound of eggs, she peers at the sands trying to get a better look.

Down on the Sands, Eireann releases Jachin's and Meleri's hands for a moment, using her own to wipe across her face. "Shards I can't see a thing." She complains, making yet more streaks of dark ash on pale cheeks. "Can you see what that is?" she catches Jachin's hand again, attempting to nudge his attention towards the newly hatched lump of darkness.

Down on the Sands, Maximus squints, attempting to make out hatchlings through the watery ash, head shaking. "Can't see 'em," he notes, the tall stablehand shifting his legs about again.

Down on the Sands, Jyanda rubs a grimy arm over her eyes, peering uncertainly. "There's one over there - I think."

Down on the Sands, Jesika points at the dim form of a wandering hatchling.

Fiaind has disconnected.

Down on the Sands, Kellah blinks as she hears the cracking sound of the eggs hatching. She blinks as she just makes out the form of the newest hatchlings. "Theres another one." She points out. She squeezes the hands of the two ladys on either side of her.

Stella asks those near her, "Can anyone make out who's where?"

Down on the Sands, Kelli finds his hand once more grabbed and pulled down by Jalynia. "Sorry." he rumbles, blinking as he tries to find the egg he'd seen just a moment ago. "Because they didn't expect this?" he hazards to Mara.

Down on the Sands, Roma peers and rubbs her eyes.. "Wha's that? Jan lok."

Down on the Sands, Erin remains more or less where she is, but pulls her attention down from the galleries and focuses on the forms of any hatchlings moving about -- wouldn't want to get mauled.

Fiaind has connected.

Down on the Sands, Jachin tries to peer through the grayness, squinting to perhaps see better "It's....a hatchling." He finally says. Well, Duh. "But I can't see a think either. Sharding ash." He glares up at the sky "Everything just looks a shadowy lump to me."

Down on the Sands, Zoe keeps an eye on the area in front of her, occasionally glancing to either side to watch for dragonets. She may be in their way and her body shows signs of being ready to dart out of the way if the need comes up.

Uinn looks up and over at Stella, from beneath her ashy-muck-caked bit of canvas and shakes her head. "Not a one ... though I think that's Jaly there ... from the way she stands," she says quinting some more.

Down on the Sands, Gaethan looks out at the firelizard, not holding anyone's hand. Yet. He just watches...seemingly quiet and contemplative.

Down on the Sands, If I Were An Egg has neither shaken, nor stirred, for quite some time. Instead, politely, it waits its turn. However, now it lurches back and forth, gyrating to and fro, very unbecoming of an egg such as itself. And now it's soiled! Ash stains its side, but only for a short time as the unthinkable, yet inevitable happens: The egg rolls off its sandy pillow and hits the ground, splintering into a multitude of shards and revealing the hatchling inside.

Down on the Sands,

---*** Thunder Cloud Hatchling ***---

A roiling dark mass of cloud looms threateningly: dark as deepest night, and impenetrable to the eye. The edges blur from focus, swirling cloud holding no shape that the eye can fix upon. Flickers of colour within the cloud threaten the lightening that will be brought by this storm. Clouds of gray smoke billow around, rising in the heated air. Twisting, turning and swirling around, this dragon sometimes resembles a miniature whirlwind, then slows again to hang in motionless obscurity, hovering above the ground.

Down on the Sands, Jesika lifts her feet again, placing them down on a different area of the sands, and she squints. "By the First Egg, I can't see in front of my own hand, much less hatchlings!"

Down on the Sands, Wiebke reaches up an mildly irritated hand to clear her eyes of the spreading ash. Sighing bleakly as nervousness dominates her emotions and she glances up to squint at the sands before her.

Down on the Sands, Telinda grins, taking the skin, a small sip, and then it's passed back once more, "Thanks. I might need more with all this ash around still."

Down on the Sands, Maralita snorts, obviously not finding this answer satisfactory. "I told them that that it was probably a volcano.. tsunami and a volcano.. this is rediculous.. I want to go back to Ista.."

Selene points to a familiar figure on the sand, "Is that Saizin?" Her voice is hopeful, wishing the lad an impression this stand.

Down on the Sands, Zarrien narrows his eyes, and gazes over upon the newly hatched dragonet, trying his hardest to tell what color it is. "What... I can't see, through this haze," Murmurs the candidate, as his feet continue to raise and fall, sloshing against the mess of sand and ash. And now, another hatching... Again, color cannot be distinguished. "This is frustrating."

Down on the Sands, Jannee is already looking at the hatchling, not really able to see what it is other than a dragon, and lets out a squeal. "I see it!"

Down on the Sands, Twilight's Dusk Hatchling comes closer through the darkness, the only evidence of its movements is fleeting: blinking, red-tinged eyes whirling in the darkness. Crack! Thump! Is it another egg? Maybe not -- looks like the Twilight's Dusk Hatchling has just stepped on shards from an earlier hatching. Or did it trip? The eyes are unmoving, and the shadowy form rumbles with some irritation as it rights itself and continues on. The game is afoot.

Down on the Sands, With no fuss, no bother, hardly a rock or a jostle, the Mud and Crawlie Pie Egg cracks open, followed very shortly thereafter by a dignified little hatchling who steps gracefully from the remains of the shell. Fluttering wings to remove the bits of clinging egg it stares languidly about the sands, her eyes whirling as she surveys the selection of candidates before her. Not one to be indecisive, a choice is made quickly, and with determined steps and warning trumpets, the hatchling descends upon an enormous, seemingly uncouth lad from the very remote Sandy Cove Hold. What led her to this choice is unclear, but O'dral's startled, "Javarith?" confirms it.

Down on the Sands, Jalynia makes sure she's got Kelli's hand quite firmly in her smaller grip. "I can't see anything," she mutters, before squinting through the gloom and goop. "I think there's another one around here somewhere."

Tris nods Selene, "He's down there, anyways."

Down on the Sands, Jyanda chuckles, cautions, "If it moves and it doesn't talk, step aside - that's about the only thing you can do."

Down on the Sands, Amythyst grins "There's another." is said as she sees another shadow of movement, she shifts her feet a bit to /try/ to cool one then the other.

Down on the Sands, Kellah shakes her head as she listens to others. She peers through the rain and spots a second for she guessed was another hatchling. "Look, another hatchling." She says to Jesika and Aerin.

Khysta has disconnected.

Down on the Sands, Kelli catches sight of the motion in the mud, pulling his hand up and careful not to yank it out of Maralita's grasp. "There. Over that way." And another rumble of congratulations for the new Imperssee, as well.

Down on the Sands, Jesika squints in the direction Kellah suggeests, but then curses again. "I can't see anything!"

Stella gives Uinn a tight smile. "Well, at least they aren't being smoked out during this one." That's a good thing, yes?

Down on the Sands, Faizah looks about, several hatchlings here now.

Down on the Sands, Devin starts shuffling his feet, almost absently, as he watches the vague shapes of hatchlings and th eir movements. A squeeze is given to both of the hands he holds, and he nods off toward the Twilight's Dusk Hatchling--sort of. "Did that..um..whateveritis just move?"

Down on the Sands, Aerin pulls a bit on Kellah's arm. "Where?" she asks, shaking her dampened hair off her face to try and see.

Down on the Sands, Meleri stands on one foot for a moment then hops to the other straining to see. "It's all so fast, so fast." She mumurs clutching Rea and Zarrien's hands tightly.

Down on the Sands, Zoe does the candidate shuffle - well, the dance that candidates do by lifting one foot up, then the other in an attempt to cool them. She gives the hands within her own a squeeze, her eyes darting around to try to take in as much of the event as possible.

Auralia adds to Stella's comment, "Or dying under the heat of the hottest summer in living memory, like I had it."

Down on the Sands, Upper Crust Egg doesn't move. It is too good to do something as hasty as that. It sits comfortably atop its small mound of sand, its gray surface untouched by any change. Seemingly devoid of life, it waits, surrounding its inhabitant in stillness.

Down on the Sands, Telinda giggles, "You're biased" she remarks, tucking an errant strand of hair behind her ear.

Uinn yelps suddenly as cold mucky water trickle down the back of her neck and the canvs slides to the side, dumping its load of yucky junk all over her. She blinks back at Stella with a wry grin. "Ah ... yes ... yes I suppose so," she remarks, wiping at the mud mask that bathes her face now.

Down on the Sands, N'all chuckles at L'mir, "If you say so."

Down on the Sands, Maralita nods, letting her hand move with Kelli's, following it.

Down on the Sands, Wiebke quietly shifts her weight in accordance to the amount of pain mounting in each at the time from the burning heat. She glances around with cloudly hazel orbs only feeling frustration in the obstruction of her vision.

Down on the Sands, Gaethan inches back to the Jaly-Jachin-Kelli crowd..."Mind if I hang with you? I can't see them, but...THERE...there's one..." He points to the Twilight Dusk one... "You can barely see it..."

Down on the Sands, How are the hatchlings ever to find their chosen when they blend in with the surroundings? The once white candidate robes are now rimmed completely with gray, legs and feet covered in it. Although the outcome seems bleak, some instinct drives the awkward dragonets to their partners, names and exclamations ringing out in the sands.

Down on the Sands, Jesika runs a ash covered hand through her hand defiantly.

Down on the Sands, Thunder Cloud Hatchling blinks closed its outermost eyelids as it tumbles out of its shell into the muck with all the ceremony of, well, getting dumped on one's head in sticky, clingy stuff. However, this little one doesn't seem to mind its position. Rather than immediately scramble to its feet, it wriggles its wings down into the warm, damp concoction, writhing forward on its belly along the slippery stuff. Giving off a melodic trill of delight, it finally lifts its head and looks around at the strange surroundings.

Down on the Sands, L'mir fairly beams at Telinda and N'all, hefting the skin toward the Weyrlingmaster. "At least I must admit your taste in wine is exemplary, N'all!"

Kayjay adjusts the hide to peek in on her son and chuckles. "I knew he'd fall asleep as soon as the eggs started rocking."

Down on the Sands, Jalynia squinty-peers again, shifting her feet with a *squelch* as the wet, gooey stuff lets her sandal go. "I'm a mess," she comments absently, glancing down at her greyed, muddy self. "If anyone else can see one coming, warn me?"

Down on the Sands, Eireann yanks her hand free of Meleri's for a brief moment--hardly even long enough for her to tuck errant, ash streaked strands of hair behind her ears. She reclaims it with a hard squeeze, and leans forward in an attempt to peer closer at the /things/. "Please tell me if something starts heading this way so I can run..."

Down on the Sands, Amythyst chuckles softly as the one hatchling 'plays' in the sand

Down on the Sands, Roma follows Gaethan whom was holding her hand. "Look there, wiggling on the ground, hear it?" she says, voice trembling.

Down on the Sands, Twilight's Dusk Hatchling lets out a creel, sidestepping some unseen barrier and coming right up to one row of candidates. Not /too/ close, on the edge of the murky darkness. Another rumble, questioning. Where are you? Not here. Let's move on. The hatchling turns and nearly trips again in its eagerness to find The One. Ash flies, but there's more where that came from. Why is it /hiding/? Is it a game? Another creel indicates that while games might be fun, hunger needs to be dealt with first.

Down on the Sands, Maralita smiles over at Gaethan. "Sure.. S'fine." she shifts to her other foot. "My butt's starting to cramp up.."

Down on the Sands, Jesika calms down, and doesn't talk, focusing on remaining out of the way of roaming and searching dragonets.

Down on the Sands, Jachin tilts his head, as if by doing so he could hear better "I heard crunching over thataway" He notes helpfully, then grins "Just remember what Jyanda just said. If it doesn't sound human, step out of the way." He advises Eireann, squeezing her hand again and using his other to brush away ash.

Down on the Sands, Kellah points a bit with the hand holding Aerins hand. "Right there, you can barely see it." She says. She blinks as she watches the dark forms of the hatchling. She blinks at the hungry creel from the one hatchling.

Down on the Sands, The Eat Your Greens Egg flips once, burrowing in the hot mess of sand and ash, and with a mighty crack splits right apart. Deliberately shaking the remains of shell from a foreleg, the hatchling raises a wedge-shaped head and regards the Candidates within easy reach, studying them for one brief moment. Sweeps a multi-faceted gaze from side to side, neck craning to see through the mist and the mire, there is no doubt. One of them belongs. But which one? Suddenly a voice is heard, a pull is felt, a need is sensed. Taking only a few steps, impression is made as blue Ilmiath locks eyes and heart with L'ink and forever they are one.

Stella shakes her head, her shortened hair dripping in front of her nose. With a grimace, she pushes it back impatiently. "At least the hatchlings seem to know where to go through these messes. I just hope no one slips..."

Down on the Sands, Saizin peers around to what appears to be a hatchling. From behind the mask of ash and rain a dimpled smile can definately be seen. As he shifts his weight the sand under him squishes but he freezes and the squishing stops.

Down on the Sands, Faizah looks at the hatchlings, wondering who they'll choose.

Tris dimples at Kayjay's sleeping youngster, then wipes from from her forehead again, watching.

Down on the Sands, Upper Crust Egg rocks around in a violent and sudden flurry, picking up ashes to coat its surface almost as soon as it looses the fine dust in its romp around the sand. Shell cracks, fine lines splitting the surface of the egg as the creature within does its best to break free. The egg withstands the assault like a fine thick walled fortress - that little hatchling isn't going anywhere.

Down on the Sands, Jesika claps her hands. "Congrats, L'ink!"

Down on the Sands, Zoe blows up towards her face, trying to move the tendril of hair that is dangling in her eyes. After a frustrated few tries, she drops Faizah's hand and pushes the lock of hair out of the way. While her hand is raised, she once again wipes her brow, smudging the ash that is settled there and leaving a dark grey streak across her forhead.

Down on the Sands, Kelli points again, this time over toward the sound of the creeling. "There. Did you hear it? I think she's... rolling in it. Good luck to whoever gets her." Her? He's appaerntly decided that it has to be a 'her'.

Down on the Sands, Zarrien trains his gaze upon what he -thinks- is a dragonet, though its form fades into the shadow. Frowning a bit, he shakes his head, and casts a sidelong glance towards Meleri, "Indeed it is... Though, I keep losing track of these dragonets. They seem to melt into the haze..." Jade eyes twinkle, as a lilting smile returns, heart fluttering in his chest. The excitement can't be denied, despite the awful visibility...

Down on the Sands, Jannee remains in Roma's tow, peering out over the sands to try to make sense of the whole thing. "We'll all let each other know..."

Down on the Sands, Amythyst wipes her face with her free hand even as one of the hatchlings seems to be inspecting the line of candidates.

Down on the Sands, Jyanda turns her head. "Well, that was definitely not human... Where is she?"

Down on the Sands, Thunder Cloud Hatchling is not even close to being ready to give up the sensation of damp ash all over its body. However, it also seems to want to check out all those other interesting things around. So, being a good problem solver, it pushes against the wet ash and sand with its legs, slithering along on its stomach towards a dull, ash-coated, wiggling egg nearby. Once there a grey-green tongue emerges from the ash-covered head and licks, yes, licks, the surface of the egg, showing a purple swath of shell. The hatchling, however, doesn't seem to like the sensation very much, spluttering indignantly and scooting away from the egg.

Down on the Sands, Jesika moves suddenly, and bumps into Aerin, stumbling slightly into the hot sands.

Down on the Sands, Gaethan nods to Roma....and then points to L'ink. "There's one, but it looks like he found his lifemate...shards..." He looks over Roma to Janee. "Call out if one comes close...I'll do the same from this side..."

Down on the Sands, Aerin nods and follows Kellah indication, finally catching sight of some movement. She stares even harder.

Down on the Sands, Meleri nods her head. "At least if we can't see them, they can't see us in the galleries either." She says softly and grins. "I guess it is kind of exciteing."

Down on the Sands, Jalynia blinks a few more times, freeing her hand briefly to mop a bunch of ash-and-rain mess off her face. "I look like a mud dolly," she murmurs, before blinking. "Did something just...-lick- an egg over there?" she asks, regaining Jachin's hand.

Down on the Sands, After rolling around in the ash for awhile, turning its surface entirely grey, the Brightly Bouncing Egg breaks open to show a clumsy blue hatchling. Like his egg, he moves around the sand for awhile before Impressing a brown-haired lad from Southern Weyr. "Yes, yes, of course, Traveth. I'll get right on that," he tells the blue.

Down on the Sands, Maralita nods. "I heard." she confirms, sounding disinterested. Been here, done that.. back to regular life.

Down on the Sands, Devin shakes his head, as if trying to rid it of the beads of sweat that have formed there, and ends up completely unsuccessful. Briefly, he drops Erin's hand, only long enough to swipe at his forehead, before he takes up the former apprentice's hand again. "Can *you* see anything?" he asks.

Down on the Sands, V'tali is distracted by the sight of sticky, ashen hatchlings rumble-tumble on the sands, and has to move quickly to catch up. "L'ink, you and your lifemate can step this way," he invites, taking the two to food before returning.

Down on the Sands, Jesika squints, trying to escape the ash, and slops through the mud in a attempt to remain with Aerin and Kellah.

Down on the Sands, Kellah narrows her eyes as she tries to peer into the rain to try and see what she thought were the hatchlings were doing. She bites her lip before she takes a deep breath to try and calm her nerves once again, which helps, a little.

Down on the Sands, Erin shakes her head quickly, more or less oblivious to Devin's grabbing of her hand. "Just... grey," she mutters; then, with brow furrowing, adds, "We'll probably hear more than we'll see."

Down on the Sands, Roma nods, "Alright, " she chcukles a bit to relieve some tensness. "This is ... nerve-racking"

Down on the Sands, Faizah looks about, all these little hatchlings, where to look?

Down on the Sands, Wait Until Dark Egg makes a quiet whisper of sound: muddy sand displaced, a drift of ash shaken loose, as it twitches slightly in its nest. Becoming still once more, its darker side lifted a bit more into view from the hollow where it lies, it is yet shaded from view by falling ash. Another tremor seizes it, more damp sand cracking away in caky waves from its sides, and it lists sideways slightly as support vanish from beneath it.

Down on the Sands, Heat roils along the grayness, the air becoming thick with humidity and heat because of the mist. Dragonets are now only darkened shadows in the place that is between gray sand and dark sky.

Down on the Sands, Aerin slips a bot but holds steady for Jesika to get her balance. Her lips tighten into a thinner line than usual as she watches.

Down on the Sands, Wiebke rubs her faint cerise edged eyes as the ash begins to catch up with her and irritation sets in. Though resigned to the fact that she can see close to nothing, the girl continues to squint just in case something should happen that would requrie her moving out of the way for safety's sake.

Isaiah has arrived.

Down on the Sands, Zarrien turns his attention upon the galleries above, squinting a bit, and shaking his head. "It probably isn't a great view," He comments softly, before attention is trained on the wispy form of a wandering dragonet. "Ah-hah. There's one... But, color..." A hand waves quickly towards Thunder Cloud Hatchling, as his eyes flicker brightly. "Exciting, yes! I'm nervous, though... It's such a huge event..."

Down on the Sands, Twilight's Dusk Hatchling is more despearate in its actions, focused yet reckless. It almost runs over that young minecrafter apprentice, late of Cove Hold, but the youth was spared the talons. The Twilight's Dusk Hatchling's tail is another matter. It thumps the minecrafter on the side of his torso, partially knocking the wind out of the lad, and beats a retreat. But... Aha! The puzzle is solved, The One it seeks is right. Over. /There/. And so, stumbling but not too much, the hatchling heads toward one who doesn't stand over the others -- except in this hatchling's mind and heart.

Down on the Sands, Slowly, the ash simply falls from the Twilight's Dusk Hatchling's hide as it moves, hitting the sands in a dusty cloud that fades away. Shimmering shades of dark blue revealed, a dusky landscape of sapphire twilight hide. He stops in front of one candidate, his choice among all there. A soft croon is emitted as his eyes meet Wiebke's.

Midnight hues sweep the breadth of night darkened land, shadowy columns marching in a stately procession that is half hidden in shadows, the hide of this hatchling shimmering with the first touch of cerulean light. Lapis lazuli speckles his flanks, faint traces of gold hidden in the landscape of his body and down the murky shade of his belly. A malignant tone of navy spreads, coiling around his feet, before creeping upwards across his legs and down the curved length of his tail, eventually beaten back by cascades of aquamarine that capture avaricious talons and outline the brightness that resides in the fork of his tail. Indigo flirts with his headknobs, the efflorescence fading slowly like the night sky banished by the impending dawn, sun-warmed turquoise greeting the horizon of his neckridges. Eventide dominates wings, sapphire highlights pinions, reminiscent of a starry night, spreading out along wingsails where patterns become decipherable in the hidden depths of colour, which sparkle in faint translucence.

Down on the Sands, Telinda stretches out a hand, keeping a grip of Tiarnath in this ash bound landscape. Eyes drift upwards as a breeze whistles through a tunnel, a hand pushing through damp hair.

Down on the Sands, Jesika peers with narrowed eyes out into the rain.

Down on the Sands, Eireann dares to peek around Jachin, dark gaze finding Jalynia just beside him. "Did you say /licked/ an egg?" she whispers, voice quivering--betraying nervous energy and slight fear alike. "Did.. did..?" she peers along the line, attempting to see where that ever-shifting dark lump 'o dragon moved to.

Down on the Sands, Jalynia gapes, thoroughly distracted from her peering at the goop by the appearance of..."Oh, my shards and shells, Wiebke, he's gorgeous," she calls out, before nodding at Eireann. "Licked it, I swear."

Kayjay tries to see through the muck and mire. "Is that an impression, a blue? Wiebke?"

Down on the Sands, Amythyst watches as Twilight's Dusk Hatchling chooses Wiebke. She cheers for Wiebke "COngrats Wiebke!"

Down on the Sands, Jesika laughs slightly. "Congratulations, Wiebke, and you new lifemate!"

Down on the Sands, Faizah smiles, "Congrats Wiebke"

Down on the Sands, Maralita watches Wiebke Impress. "CONGRATULATIONS!" she calls, more Maralita-like now.

Down on the Sands, Meleri smiles over as she sees an impression. "Congratulations Weibke." She calls over softly. She squeezes the hands she's holding starting to get more excited.

Down on the Sands, Aerin beams towards Wiebke, "congratulations," she calls.

Down on the Sands, Roma cheers quietly. "Wiebke! Oh congrats!" she calls out, brushing a curl from her face and smearing more ash across it.

Auralia leans forward, head shaking--"Really, Kayjay? I didn't see. How wonderful, she's a nice girl."

Down on the Sands, Gaethan smiles and says softly to Wiebke. "Congrats, Wiebke...congrats..." And then his eyes quickly turn back to the remaining Hatchlings...clearly not wanting to wind up like that minecrafter lad.

Down on the Sands, Jannee giggles in excitement, her feet more than shifting about, more like hopping. "Oh, congratulations! Congratulations!"

Down on the Sands, Zoe looks over, seeing a dragonet near Wiebke, "Congrats!" She calls out to the other candidate. Only a brief pause to call out before her gaze is once again towards the other dragonets and the sands.

Uinn wipes more gunk from her face and leans forward. "That's what it sounds like Kayjay ... though I can't see a Sharding thing."

Stella shrugs to Kayjay. "Not sure... sounds like it though."

Down on the Sands, Kelli has yet to notice the Impression, lost among the mess of Candidates and dragons. However, the calls catch his ear, and he turns to see the knocked-down miner lad... and Weibke and her new dragonet. "Congratulations!" he booms.

Down on the Sands, Erin's stern expression twitches for just a moment into a smile. "Congratulations, Weibke," she half-whispers, the words likely going unheard beneath the din.

Down on the Sands, Jyanda cheers, bringing her hands together. "Congratulations!"

Down on the Sands, Saizin claps his wet hands together as Wiebke impresses. The dragonhealer turned candidate just stays silent but very alert.

Kayjay grins. "From all the cries down there, I think I am right."

Down on the Sands, Kellah blinks as she watches the two dark forms of the hatchlings and eggs. Se blinks again and beams as she sees the blue that chose Wiebke. "Alright Wiebke!" She cheers to the girl. She smiles as she squeezes Aerins and Jesikas hands, and she looks back toward the dark forms of eggs and hatchlings.

Down on the Sands, Devin just gapes at the blue as the hatchling is revealed--and not all that far away from where he's standing. A quiet congratulations is murmured to the Candidate-turned-weyrling next to him, his voice lost among the noise, and the others.

Down on the Sands, Jachin didn't see a thing, actually "Jaly says she saw it," He says absently, then is startled by the sudden calls of congratulations "Wiebke? Really? Well, now." He smiles, squeezes both Jaly and Eireann's hands "Cool."

Anja smiles at Fiaind a moment, then turns her attention baccck to the excitment on the sands.

Nafai nods, "Way to go Wiebke! One less smith for the masters to torment, I suppose?"

A smith master near Nafai pounds on his back, "I knew she'ld do it!"

Nausika has disconnected.

Down on the Sands, Jesika clutches at Aerin's and Kellah's hands with not fear, but a great alacrity that has stolen over her heart.

Down on the Sands, L'mir folds his arms, feet placed at such an angle that he's firmly planted on the sand, or so it seems. A very long sigh is given, smile brighter than ever before. He's totally happy.

Stella grins a bit, chuckling. "Brings back memories, doesn't it?" she asks of her fellow riders, though it sounds more like she's talking to herself.

Anja nods her agreement as she hears Stella.

Down on the Sands, Roma shifts her feet and leans forward, trying to see better.

Down on the Sands, Jesika looks fierce, a smile on her face showing that she is elated to be standing amongst the others.

Down on the Sands, Zarrien swings his gaze about, catching sight of the blue as it approaches Wiebke, and smiling brightly, green eyes flickering. "Shells, look at that!" Now, it seems, N'dat's impression has snatched this candidate's fleeting attention. His empty hand is wiped upon his robe.

Uinn grins and nods in answer to Stella's words, face an odd blend of pale patches and mucky spots. "Oh aye ... aye in deed," she says softly.

Down on the Sands, Gaethan walks with Roma, squeezing her hand gently as he wipes more ash from his eyes with his free hand.

Down on the Sands, Kellah shifts a bit from one foot to the other a bit as she starts to feel the heat through her sandles. She squeezes Jesika and Aerins hands as she peers through the mist, and tries to see better, especially those hatchlings she know are out there, somewhere.

Down on the Sands, For awhile it was stiller than the rest, but now the Can't Find Me Egg is a frenzy of wild gyrating movement. Hairline cracks appear, then after a particularly violent shudder comes the resurrection of the dragon inside and the hatchling makes itself known in the unfurling of wings. Nary a moment is wasted, as the perfectly formed hatchling heads over to a trio of candidates, and after a moment's indecision her true companion is chosen - a petite apprentice healer, who barely manages to call out her new lifemate's name in between sobs of joy. "Melinith!"

Down on the Sands, Jalynia whistles under her breath. "You know, this is going a lot faster than I thought it would," she remarks conversationally, freeing her hand from Jachin's again to wipe another load of grey goo off herself. Not that it helps -- it's still impossible to see.

Down on the Sands, Wiebke blinks a few times, momentarily taking a step backwards, before opening her eyes wide and falling to her knees, one arm quickly draping over the neck, the other hand wiping a swath of the hide clear of the obscuring ash, a streak of exposed. "Yes, Wynth we'll go get you some food." Her voice wavers slightly, even as it is stronger and more confident then it has been.

Wiebke Impresses Blue Wynth

Down on the Sands, V'tali grins, "Congratulations, Wiebke! Let's get your little... Wynth? Wynth, fed. This way," he directs the pair to the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, A shake, a shudder, and suddenly a tiny dragonet bursts from Giddy Up Egg's shell, scattering shard over all of the candidates nearby. Standing quickly but looking a little dazed, the hatchling shakes it's head to clear its thoughts and soon gazes upon K'nuck from the Tanner Craft. Making a vtol-line straight for the former apprentice, Iortith quickly Impresses, and the two walk away, life mates forever.

Down on the Sands, V'tali strides over to the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Anja smiles, "Wynth and Wiebke... they look well together." eyes (and ears) seeking out others matching up.

Down on the Sands, Wiebke walks toward the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, Wynth moves towards the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, Faizah peers at the eggs, hopping from foot to foot on the hot sands.

Down on the Sands, Kelli raises one foot, shaking it to try and dislodge the overheated sand and ash, then the other, to do the same. The name's announcement catches his ear, and a congratulations is rumbled over toward Wiebke, before he brings his hands back over to take Jalynia's again. He's starting to need it, too.

Auralia grins. "I like dragon and rider names beginning with the same letter; it makes it easier to remember. Just lovely."

Anja grins over at Auralia, "Is that why you can never remember your Iesath's name?"

Down on the Sands, Jesika gasps as another impression is made, and again congratulates Wiebke and Wynth.

Down on the Sands, The Did it Move Egg cracks open without much fanfare, unceremoniously dumping an awkward bronze hatchling onto the ground. The young dragon flops his clumsy way over to the large N'den, ending up in a pile at the lad's feet. The young man immediately falls to his knees to sort him out, muttering, "Yes, Cryndath. I'll get you back on your feet."

Down on the Sands, V'tali strides over from the Weyrling Room.

Kayjay giggles at Auralia. "It's a lovely name though, sweet and short." She covers her mouth, hiding a smirk, at Anja's comment."

Auralia laughs--"Oh, exactly!" She pauses, giggling, "Or something like that." The woman winks.

Down on the Sands, Eireann attempts to swipe some of the ash and grit from her face as she just continues watching, staring out into that ashen-greyness ahead that seems to cloak everything from view. "Wiebke impressed?" she murmurs, blinking blackened lashes a few times. "I didn't even see."

Down on the Sands, Zoe raises her hand once again, this time to rub the back of her neck. In short time, Zoe is going to be just a grey mass, occasional movement showing that she is alive. Lowering her hands, she takes the two hands, her head moving around as she attempts to see everything on the sands at one time.

Down on the Sands, Zarrien turns his attention towards Wiebke once more, just catching the name as she utters it, smile spreading across his lips, "Wynth?" He repeats, before tipping his head into silent approval. As if his is needed. "Meleri, did you see that?" Questions Zar softly, though it would seem the foot-shifting candidate is trying to pass away his anxiousness with idle chatter.

Down on the Sands, Aerin blinks, her eyes following the sounds of impression that she hears all around her.

Down on the Sands, Meleri clasps Zarrien and Rea's hands tightly as she rocks back and forth in the heat. A smile sits on her face as she squints out towards the eggs.

Down on the Sands, Jyanda frowns briefly at her sandals, the ash making them too heavy. She imitates Kelli, before standing still again.

Down on the Sands, Jalynia grins in Wiebke's direction. "Wynth. Nice name." Further commentary is shut off by Kelli's reclaiming her hand. "Sorry," is her half-apology as her feet *squelch* in the ashy-sandy mud again.

Down on the Sands, Whiteout Egg stirs from its quiescence, shrouded in grey. A gentle rocking motion as if the Whiteout Egg was beginnings its quest for release. The ovoid's movement almost blends in against the whirling ash. One last shudder before falling still, as if the inhabitant had paused to regain their strength.

Stella laughs at Auralia's comment, and then laughs harder at Anja's. "I always find it easier when the names -don't- begin with the same letter." she notes.

Down on the Sands, The violent rocking of the Upper Crust Egg gives no doubt to the fight for freedom ensuing inside. The egg remains stalwart, determined to keep its prisoner entrapped, but it clearly cannot hold up much longer, and, at last, a head thrusts through the side, knocking a large portion of shell away. Forelegs and wings follow suit as this hatchling makes its sloggy way out into the grey, grey world, stumbling out of its shards.

Stella says "Though Wynth is a pretty name."

Down on the Sands, Jesika grimaces as her eyes are stung by the fall of rain and ash, and releases Aerin's and Kellah's hands to rub at them, cursing lightly.

Down on the Sands, Jannee is beside herself, a little girl again and giggling like one. She squeezes Toma's hand tightly again and gleefully exclaims to the rest of the group. "This is so exciting!"

Down on the Sands,

---*** Summer Storm Hatchling ***---

Only as the pale colour of the sky shifts to an unnatural hue does the storm threaten to break. Its fury banked beneath an eerie calm, a hushed waiting for the moment to release in savage destruction. Then springs down the storm in the whine of the wind and a rush of pelting rain, moving and flattening everything in its path. So does this hatchling move, with uncanny slowness and furious rushes, lightly on the sands.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst watches as eggs move and hatch and impress.

Down on the Sands, Devin wipes his free hand on his robe, and ends up just grabbing a handful of the white fabric as he wathes Wiebke and Wynth walk away. "Shells," he breathes, then quickly shakes himself back to reality and squints off through the ash and mist again.

Down on the Sands, The Gentle Lullaby Egg's shell suddenly cracks large enough to allow a claw to poke up through. The tiny hole soon widens to spill out a thin hatchling who squeals at finding itself belly-down on the Sands. Hopping to his feet, the hatchling heads directly to... yes, it's Telinda, and he seems intent on whuffling the Weyrwoman's hair. He only succeeds in falling back onto his haunches. Screeching, the little brown scoots backwards--running directly into Deyanar, who similarly falls on his rump. The boy's eyes suddenly light up with joy as the dragonet nuzzles his hair. "Oh! Oh! Irhilth, now can I hear you!"

Down on the Sands, Maximus shuffles his feet again, stretching up on his toes to peer towards the hatchlings, unable to see them properly through the ash.

Down on the Sands, Kellah blinks as she hears Wiebke. "Wynth?" She asks, "What a pretty name for a pretty blue!" She calls. "Congrats Wiebke!" She cheers to the girl. She then looks back to the dark forms of the eggs and hatchlings. She squeezes Aerin and Jesikas hands.

Anja brushes some wet hair from her face and smiles over at Auralia, before turning back to take in the sands.

Down on the Sands, Jachin smiles down at Eireann, shifting a bit against the hot sands as he remains joined to both the girl and Jaly on his other side. "Seems so....I didn't see it, but everyone called out Weibke, so..."

Down on the Sands, Faizah watches the pairs leaving the sands, automatically congratulating them.

Down on the Sands, More and more pairs are escorted off the sands by the weyrling staff, to where food and assistance awaits. Still, an incredible amount of candidates remain, clumps of friends watching and waiting, hoping to find their lifemate for all time.

Down on the Sands, Thunder Cloud Hatchling turns its attention at last to the ring of greyish and pink things, each crowned with hair of a slightly different hue. 'Oooh, neat.' Its thoughts are almost obvious as its attention shifts and it finally scrambles to its feet. It rushes forward, but trips up on its own awkward legs, sending it right back into the slippery mixture. The little hatchling doesn't seem to really mind, though. Instead, it resumes its former glissade across the ash towards the candidates, eyes whirling as it tries to look at them all at once. This, of course, becomes difficult as it gets close to them. Only then does it regain its feet and advance these moving, noisy things more cautiously, searching with care for that most fascinating one.

Down on the Sands, Kelli stiffens at the dragonet's crash, ready to call over one of the healers, perhaps. However, he relaxes as he realizes it's another Impression, and yet another congratulation is rumbled out.

Down on the Sands, Saizin seems to have been left by himself and he slowly and awkwardly slide/walks towards a group of people. Seems the candidate doesn't want to stay alone afterall and he tries to find a group to join. Even though his stormy grey eyes are on what he thinks are the hatchlings.

Down on the Sands, Meleri nods to Zarrien. "I saw. It's amazing." Her soft voice trails off as her feet shift in the dance of a candidate on the hot sands.

Down on the Sands, Telinda chuckles, smiling brightly, eyes dancing as she watches the the impressions. Tiarnath nuzzles her rider's hair, causing the goldrider to giggle, "Oh, I remember" she says obliquely, and to no one in particular, a hand rising to rest gently on the gold's foreleg.

Selene tries to look carefully amongst the candidates, murmuring to herself, "Apprentice Jachin should be down there somewhere.."

Down on the Sands, Jesika settles to a still stance on the hot sands, aware of how dangerous it is to be mauled by a hatcling.

Down on the Sands, Jyanda waves to Saizin, trying to draw his attention through the muck and the mess.

Down on the Sands, Jalynia is definitely more grey than pink right about now. "Yeah, a blue. Pretty blue, too," is her absent comment to Jachin, before she peers. "I -think- there's another one out there somewhere."

Kayjay chuckles as the dragonet gets it right and impresses finally. "That should be an interesting pairing for N'all to sort out."

Down on the Sands, Amythyst watches as the shadow of the hatchling approaches the candidates.

Down on the Sands, Maralita makes a face and hikes her robe up closer to her knees. "Ew..." she whines.

Down on the Sands, Kellah blinks and tenses a bit as she notices one of the dark dark forms is close to the semi circle. She remembers what she was told and gets ready to move out of the way into the hatchling comes stumbling into their group.

Down on the Sands, "Teath!" comes a shout from the ring of candidates as a young man from Great Bay Hold rushes towards a lovely little lime green dragon who has managed to spill herself out of the Ethereal Purity egg only paces from him, and Impress before managing to even get off of her back.

Down on the Sands, Thunder Cloud Hatchling makes its way towards a grey-cloaked candidate, standing perfectly still for a few moments. The drizzle begins to coalesce into small rivlets that course down the hide of this small dragon, sweeping away the layer of grey. As the moments pass, more and more of malachite hide becomes visible. Then, a soft croon gradually turns into an incessant creel as she looks lovingly into Erin's eyes.

Languid waters ease their way across a sandy plain, a ribbon of water meandering to bring a tropical effusion of life to this desert of ancient civilisation, cimmerian ripples undulating across the velvet surface of this green hatchling's flanks. Sunlight dances across malachite hide, wavelets widening as colours meld into a dark patina, flowing smoothly over shoulders and haunches as this antiquated river runs its course. Luminescent droplets of emerald, rubies and sapphires crown her neckridges, a ransom equal to any queen's finery, jewel tones fading in the curve of her tail. Muzzle, finely drawn in shimmering olive, darkens perceptibly as the current drifts over her head, lines of kohl encircling each eye before sweeping upwards towards equally caliginous eyeridges, lending an almost feline appearance to her expression. Gossamer wings form a subtle contrast against the beryl of her torso, milky jade presenting an illusion of frailty, ethereal image aided by the spinner's web sketched lightly against the aileronic membranes

Down on the Sands, Roma loks over to Saizin and waves him to where she, Jannee, and Gaethan stand, never taking her eyes off the moving forms.

The smith master pounds once more on Nafai's shoulder, "HA! Another smith!"

Down on the Sands, Zarrien swallows, and takes a series of deep breaths, nerves soothing considerably, now that hatching is swinging into full motion, and he's become a bit more aware of his surroundings... Or, at least used to what is going to happen with each impression and such. Even so, the event has him wrapped into awe, and emerald eyes follow the form of the newest hatched dragonet, just viewing it through the mist.

Down on the Sands, Zoe's eyes are never on one spot for more than a mere second at a time. Her lips seem to be moving, though the words of 'Breathe, I must remember to breathe' are clear to those near her. She drops Amy and Faizah's hands again, this time to kneed at the side of her robes, rubbing the ash deep into the once white material.

Down on the Sands, L'mir walks off to the left, somehow managing to get that wineskin into his hands again. Several more sips are taken, grinning and laughter are now a matter of course for him as he watches the hatchlings and the Candidates.

Down on the Sands, Jesika swallows audibly, and cheers silently as she watches Erin Impress.

Down on the Sands, Wait Until Dark Egg 's motions become more frantically frenetic now, the ovoid shape rolling free of encasing muck, traveling several paces before coming to rest again in a slight depression in the ground. Such energetic activity shakes loose a portion of the ash that coats the egg's surface, only to reveal a miasma of surface striations, testament to the efforts of the hatchling within.

Stella turns her head to look at the exuberant Master Smith, chuckling. "Well, there's one Hall that'll be celebrating tonight."

Down on the Sands, Erin shifts her weight again, braced to dodge or bolt should it become necessary -- and abruptly sinks to her knees in the ash-wracked sand to wrap arms around the malachite hatchling's neck. Eyes wide as saucers, she breathes, "Mariyth. Yes. Yes, we will. And... we'll get you something to eat."

Erin Impresses Green Mariyth

Down on the Sands, A large blue hatchling springs from the suddenly broken remains of the Glass Confectionery Egg and bounds across the sand at breakneck speed. He skids to a stop near a group of Candidates, sending up a shower of wet ash to stain their robs. Next, he turns and races off in another direction, this time swerving to avoid a loan boy, then slinking back to him, to gaze adoringly up at him. The boy, tears on his cheeks, sinks to his knees, whispering to the hatchling, the only perceptible word is, "Kyrth."

Down on the Sands, Amythyst grins "Congrats Erin"

Down on the Sands, Devin releases Erin's hand, his eyes wide as he just *gapes* at his companion. "Erin...she's beautiful!" With this, he takes a few very shaky steps away from her, now *both* hands gripping his robe.

Down on the Sands, V'tali presses on through the sticky mess, growing greyer and greyer with the ash and rain. "Erin, congratulations! We WILL get Mariyath something to eat, this way." He heads back toward the Weyrling Room, casting a quick glance back at the pair.

Down on the Sands, Kellah takes a deep breath as she watches the dark forms of the eggs and hatchlings. She swallows a bit out of nervousness and she bites her lower lip. She starts to shift from one foot to the other. She blinks hearing Erin. "Mariyath? Congrats Erin!" She cheers for the girl.

Down on the Sands, V'tali walks toward the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, Saizin finds himself near Roma and he smiles at her brightly from behind the ash and mumbles to her. "Thanks." He brings both his hands together as Erin impresses and then looks around towards the eggs and other hatchlings.

Down on the Sands, Jesika cheers for the girl loudly.

Down on the Sands, Eireann is straining to listen for something -anything-, and she happens to catch that name tossed out by Erin. "Oh. Oh!" she bounces up on her toes, fear-widened eyes now only filled with happiness with the younger girl. "Oh Erin, Mariyath!"

Down on the Sands, Kelli twists again, to focus on the friendly cluster, just in time to see Erin embrace the small dragonet. "Congratulations." he booms out to her, adding on, "I'm glad that Candidacy wasn't a waste, like you were afraid of." Eyes gain laugh-lines, before he nervously looks over the others again.

Down on the Sands, Mariyth moves towards the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, Meleri grins over towards Erin. "Congratulations Erin." She grins at Rea. "I bet she's glad now she stayed." Then her atention turns back to the sands.

Down on the Sands, Faizah watches and congratulates new riders, pretty much automatic. The eggs get a good look, in fact the eggs get her whole attention.

Kayjay chuckles and leans over, which unfortunately sends a river of water and ash down her back to land on the lap of the holder woman sitting behind her. "Erin, and lovely name, I do think!" She blushes as she realizes she drenched the woman and hands her a cloth from her diaper bag. "Sorry it's not bigger."

Down on the Sands, Jachin steps aside a bit as he senses rather than sees Erin finding her lifemate..or the other way around. He grins, "She's beautiful, Erin." He notes softly....

Down on the Sands, Jannee continues to bounce, more out of necessity than excitement, but both at once. "Erin!! Oh, congratulations!"

Down on the Sands, Zoe hears Erin's voice calling out a dragon's name. Turning, she smiles at the girl, mouthing a 'Congrats' before returning her gaze to the eggs and dragonets on the sands.

K'laarn nods and agrees with Kayjay, "yup it is."

Down on the Sands, Aerin smiles at Erin, "Mariyath, what a beautiful name. Congratualtions, Erin!"

Down on the Sands, Gaethan smiles softly as he hears the call. He looks in the complete wrong direction, not seeing the Impression through the ash, but says, "Erin impressed! Good..." Truly happy for his fellow candidate.

Down on the Sands, Jalynia whistles yet again. "Mariyath. Another lovely name." Now she's grinning, teeth showing whitely through the grey goop. "This is fun," she notes to Jachin and Kelli, doing the sludgy two-step in place.

Down on the Sands, Roma says "Oh Erin! She's so lovely!"

Down on the Sands, Erin strides over to the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Stella tilts her head, listening. "Erin? Mari.. Mariyath? Now that one is lovely name."

Down on the Sands, Maralita shrugs. "Its always a waste." she snorts. "They should just bring us in, like, a sevenday before.. save the time.." she shakes her head. "Search people, and come back and get them later..

Auralia nods her head. "Almost as lovely as Iesath, I must admit."

Down on the Sands, Summer Storm Hatchling lifts its head in a very stiff, almost militaristic mannerism. Bold eyes glow red, neck swiveling to carry the head around in a confident half-circle as the hatchling searches. It is content, this dragonet, to wait here on the sand right where it landed when it hatched while it patiently observing everything around it the way an intelligent strategist might. The grimy ash seems to bother the hatchling not at all - no movement of wing or limb designed to dislodge the clinging stuff.

Down on the Sands, V'tali strides over from the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, Jesika grins, hiding any expression of disappointment from the others.

Down on the Sands, Zarrien turns his gaze upon Erin, and catches the impression, eyes glinting merrily. "Shells, look at that..." He proclaims to himself, still immerged in complete awe, considering the amazing event that he is observing. As the pair move off, he turns his attention towards the shady figures that are shifting through the darkness, squinting.

Down on the Sands, Hide in Plain View Egg shudders lightly through the greyscale dim, compounding movements against sands darkened by the elements, writhing back and forth in exultation for its coming moment of glory. Colouration is lost entirely: the egg an enigma against the imposing shadows of the hatching grounds. Ash exfoliates against egg, shading darker still against rocking form.

Down on the Sands, One, two, three, the eggs shatter in quick succession, a trio of them all together. And from the three eggs sprawl three green hatchlings, as alike as peas in a pod. One immediately hops to her feet, scanning the waiting blurs of white with instant interest. The second follows more slowly and cautiously, spreading her damp wings to dry and seeming a great deal more concerned with their progress than with her clutchmate's activities. The third stays sprawled for several long moments, finally rising with extreme reluctance and with some preemptory urging from her dam. All three greens, however, find their matches at the same moment. It's an uncanny mirror image as three greens stare into the stunned and happy faces of three young women, who, moments before, had been clinging together- destined to be as inseparable in weyrlinghood as in candidacy, no doubt.

Down on the Sands, Zoe continues to scrunch her hands, pulling the no longer white material into little balls inside her fists. Otherwise she stands perfectly still, the only other motion being her eyes as she tries to look at everything at the same time.

Down on the Sands, Wait Until Dark Egg shakes reluctantly, fidgeting and shifting back and forth. Then it is still for an uncomfortable pause, but its refusal to move doesn't last long: There's movement inside. Bits of ash, dark clumps of glass and other debris fall, as a fissure opens on the egg's surface. There's a head, and then it retreats. But the hatchling is ready to go *now*. What's left of the egg breaks open, and from this desperate doorway escapes a new hatchling.

Down on the Sands, Devin shuffles his way a bit closer to Eireann and the rest of the group she's closest to. "Did you *see* that?" It's addressed mostly to himself, and he smudges a streak of grey ash across his forehead as he tries to rub the sweat away.

Down on the Sands, Saizin scrunches his nose up as he hears Maralita's words but says nothing to retort instead just shakes his head and spots the three greens meet three young women.

Down on the Sands,

---*** Winter Tree Hatchling ***---

Spindly branches reach out from a dark looming trunk and long dead leaves rustle in the breeze. Dark shadows form beneath the limbs of this winter-bound tree, the pale sun never quite reaching. The branches swaying with the wind are the only sign of life, this tree must be dormant, awaiting the first touch of spring. Sunlight catches the boughs, cascading rainbows from the glass shards within the ash that rimes this hatchling.

Nafai has left.

Down on the Sands, Kelli adds another gravelly 'Congratulations', almost automatic, now, as he shuffle-steps in the sand, trying to find a cool spot. "Look at them all. Amazing." he says to Jalynia and Maralita. "Even if you can hardly see them." he adds.

Down on the Sands, Wetly, the Star Gazing Egg cracks open and the two halves fall to the sand to break further as a green hatchling rolls out, unbalanced from her awkward position in the egg. Once she's all situated again, and on her feet, she tramps off across the sand, spending quite some time looking for her lifemate. Finally, however, she seems to find her in a stern-looking older girl with brown skin, hair and eyes. The stern expression fades from Kichola's face as she beams down at the hatchling, "Cymanth! I knew you'd find me."

Down on the Sands, Summer Storm Hatchling holds its position for a little while longer before apparently making a decision. The hatchling moves out, marching away from the scattered shards of the eggshell that kept it imprisoned against its will. The dragonet holds itself regally - eyes forward, head straight, neck stiff and wings to its sides. Its first steps are awkward however and a little wobbly as it does its best to maintain the strict regimental pose. Fellow dragons are passed by without a glance - candidates are the only thing this hatchling desires or needs - but which one is it to be? That is not apparent from the trajectory it has taken.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst watches as the hatchling emerge from their eggs.

Down on the Sands, Jalynia frees her hand from Kelli's again, wiping another handful of ash and water off her forehead before reclaiming the other Candidate's hand -- hers muckier than before. "Isn't it though?" she says, grinning broadly.

Down on the Sands, Jyanda shifts her weight from foot to foot. "There's another one - and Kichola's taken. Congratulations!"

Down on the Sands, Meleri looks out. "I think I see another!" She says softly but with her excitement starting to come to the forefront. Rea's hand is dropped for a moment to rub her eyes before being clasped again.

Down on the Sands, Faizah watches the three greens meet the three women, then turns back to the eggs. After calleing 'Congrats' of course.

Down on the Sands, Whiteout Egg resumes it efforts and motion becomes more intense as the being within becomes more aware that there is indeed more to its world than the confines of its shell. Minute cracks form along the crown before slowly growing larger, rocking giving way to shudders that seize the egg.

Down on the Sands, Jesika clenchs her hand, teeth gritting as she continously peers into the darkness, squinting in her extreme effort.

Down on the Sands, Eireann is all too happy to allow Devin in close to the group she stands with; Meleri, Jachin, Jaly, Kelli.. and bobs her head but once to the candidate. "I saw, can you believe it--" and then her gaze, and attention, stray towards the newest hazy form of dragonet, dark eyes straining to view it clearly.

Down on the Sands, Kellah takes a deep breath as she stands, watching the dark forms of what she thinks are the hatchlings and eggs. "This is going by so fast." She says to Aerin and Jesika, and she gives their hands a squeeze. She peers into the mist trying to watch the dark forms.

Kayjay blinks. "Triplets, almost, now that was something. Too bad I didn't have a wager on that!"

Auralia laughs--"Indeed."

Down on the Sands, With a resounding crack, the Way Up High Egg bursts asunder, scattering the sparkling shards of its shell across the ash-blanketed sands, the force of the breaking shedding the coating that hid its color. However, as it steps through the rain, the newly-hatched dragon's color is completely hidden. It's only when he meets up with a flaxen-topped, white-robed girl that her caress cleans the clinging ash from his muzzle, revealing his blue color even as the girl responds, "I know, Alemth. We'll get you fed straight away."

Down on the Sands, Aerin shifts her feet, trying not slip as the goo pulls at her feet. She nods a reply to Kellah who probably can't see it, and continues to try and figure out what is happening, where.

Aithne just shakes her head in bemusement. "N'all will have fun with those."

Stella grins at Kayjay's comment. "If that beginning is any indication, N'all may have his hands full with those three."

Down on the Sands, Jachin smiles over at Jalynia and Kelli. "You know, I'm thinking that bath I just took earlier was a complete waste of time." Seeing as how he happens to be head to toe ash and wet, with sand mingling in just for variety. He shakes one foot to free his sandal. "Can either of you see anything?"

Down on the Sands, Hide in Plain View Egg is here--or is it? Shaking in monotonous regularity, it bounds up and down, defiant in the cause of simply not being there at all. Not egg, not at all, no, no, no. Or is it? Ash oscillates against it, marvelling about hidden curves in generous reflection, movement gentle against the darkened sands.

Down on the Sands, Zarrien follows Meleri's gaze, and catches sight of the hatchling as it spills from its egg, bobbing his head once into an affirmative nod, looking quite pleased, as he can finally settle his gaze upon something. It's dreadful, to stand there, hardly knowing what is going on about yourself, and as well, uncertain if some dragonet will pass through the haze... To impress, or to maul? "Yes, there's one," He confirms through words.

Down on the Sands, Zoe lifts her feet up in an attempt to cool the soles. Wincing, she places them both back solidly onto the sands and looks around, her hands now unmoving at her sides.

Down on the Sands, Maralita makes a face. "And so another egg hatches." she replies in disgust, shifting once more back to the foot closest to Kelli. "I hope this ends soon, I'm getting soaked, and this mud isn't doing much for my complexion.. "

Down on the Sands, V'tali returns, weaving through other pairs straggling through the muck to get fed. Almeth and Cymanth are led away with their respective lifemates, and V'tali wipes his forehead as he watches for a moment, just watches.

Down on the Sands, Jesika moves, shifting her position, attempting not to slip as the muck pulls at her feet, and she attempts to dislodge them, the steam from the sands getting to the thin-soled sandals protecting her feet,

Down on the Sands, Summer Storm Hatchling appears to tremble with a degree of excitement now as it closes in on the groups of spaced out candidates. There is no hesitation as it draws closer to the one person meant for it - no distractions either. Nothing will halt this hatchling's progress, except for the wings getting tangled in its feet. With a degree of embarrassed frustration, the hatchling stops its measured march across the sand and calmly disentangles itself. That task accomplished it continues on, the passion of its excitement causing a quiet thrumming whuff to escape - very close now!

Down on the Sands, Jalynia flicks her head slightly, sending a lick of ashy water off in some undefinable direction. "You're only just now thinking that?" she asks, semi-sardonically, of Jachin, squelching a little more in the wet sand and ash.

Down on the Sands, The Sand Sculpture and Scribbles on the Wall Eggs seemed like such opposites on the sands, in close proximity but not at all alike. Sand Sculpture egg was neat and tidy, Scribbles on the Wall with a multitude of stripes and spots across its surface. This odd couple never came to blows, though, until now as both shiver and jitter around and career right into each other, cracking their shells and depositing two greens on the sands.

Down on the Sands, Roma laughs. "Oh, will you look at that!" She shifts in her spot and blinks as the Way Up High Egg bursts. "Me too Jachin," she says hearing his comment about baths.

Anja smiles, "Lots of greens, a real good sign for any hatching."

Down on the Sands, Faizah looks about at the eggs and hatchlings, getting more impatient, but still nervous. She shakes her head, shaking out such thoughts, and /tries/ to be calm.

Down on the Sands, Maximus continues to shift on his feet, up and down, back and forth. The former, and perhaps soon to be again, stablehand watching nervously the action. "Who was that? I didn't see."

Kayjay chuckles. "Suriath is impressed with all the greens but for another reason."

Selene grins at Anja, "You're not at all biased, either."

Stella wrinkles her nose at Anja, shaking her head. "I am doomed..."

Down on the Sands, The Summer Storm Hatchling marches up to a certain figure, eyes shifting from red to yellow to red again behind its ashy disguise as it performs a quick inspection. Not that there's any doubt -- this hatchling's just waiting for a response. A croon begins, from deep in the ground underneath the hatchling. As the sound rises through its form, it starts shaking from some imagined wind. Bits of black and gray start piling at its feet, then more and more, as rain mists. Wingtips first: a faded blue. More ash melts, revealing violets and lavenders, and then spare precipitation from an overhead cloud washes away the rest to give life to this fragile creature -- his wings widen, tail twists nervously, and his head reaches forward to gently tap Zarrien on the chest.

Fresh and vibrant when plucked from the stem, this flower's soft petals have long since been dulled by the gentle passage of time -- the dried bloom's enduring remains colouring this violet-blue hatchling. Generous layers of somber indigo -- the underside of the blossom protected from Rukbat's fading properties -- root his flanks, giving him some much-needed shading across shoulders, his haunches the darkest of all as they escape the once protecting, and now debilitating, rays of sun. The brightest sapphirine and the faintest of lavenders effloresce across neck and head, curling with leafy greens over neckridges, before the hues intensify to orchid purples near the end of his tail's curve, while solid mauves variegate the slope of his belly, reaching down to loam-black rapacious talons. Wings seem ephemeral and fragile -- stamens of jade and turquoise forming the ridges that bud over pinions and link the wingsails, all lines subtle and subdued, yet essential for holding this gentle flower together.

Down on the Sands, Kelli looks down at Maralita again, shaking his head in wordless disgust. Hey, _he's_ excited, anyhow. "There." he says, indicating an advancing hatchling. "I see it."

Down on the Sands, Kellah takes a deep breath as she watches the dark forms, especially the one thats close to the semi circle. She bites her lower lip as she does her best to watch the forms. She squeezes Aerins and Jesikas hands as she watches the advancing forms.

Down on the Sands, Those two greens, no one can tell the difference: They're both as green as the deep forest, and their creels seem to finish the other's thoughts. Small wonder, then, that the two greens march up to a pair of sisters from Black Rock and butt them lightly on their white-clad chests, in tandem. "Sandilth!" cries Kabari, followed closely by Baraka's "Livarth!"

Anja grins at the other riders, before laughings oftly, "Of course I'm not biased Selene."

Elzbieta half jumps excitedly in her seat. "zarrien impressed!" she almost squeals happily. She claps her hands and calls out happily to the cousin that is probably oblivious at this point.

Selene turns excitedly to Elzbieta, "Zarrien impressed ... your cousin is going to be a rider!" She turns to the hatching grounds calling out her congratulations to the lad.

Down on the Sands, Zoe remains quiet, knowing that words are unnecessary on the sands right now. She stretches out her hand and reaches for Amythyst's hand. As always, her eyes flickering from egg to dragonet to egg again. Her free hand continues to smudge the ash around her face some more, making her eyes look very bright against the dark background.

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Belith cries exitedly, << He Impressed! >>

Stella turns to blink at Elzibieta, "Your cousin? Oh, that's wonderful."

Down on the Sands, The mist begins to drift away, allowing for a little more clarity. It still appears as if orange-red orbs drift like phantoms across the world of grey, but more features can be made out, such as a wing flapping, or a head turning.

Elzbieta nods happily, her eyes shining as she watches.

Kayjay grins. "Ah, thank you Selene. I wasn't quite sure who it was who impressed. Zarrien on blue, huh? Interesting!" She pauses. "At least, I think it is blue?"

Aithne snickers softly. "Its hard to tell anything, really."

Down on the Sands, Jannee shuffles over to make sure she's within the group's perimeter before pointing at the shadows in the mists. "More of them..." She's starting to get a grip on herself, though her excitement will never cease.

K'laarn nods and says "Sure looks like it Kay, that color is definitely gotta be blue." He comments as he gazes down at the sands with a grin. "I wonder what Z'rien's going to say the name is?"

Down on the Sands, With the dreary rain coming down, it's hard to see the Spoonful of Sugar Egg splinter open, and harder still to see the dreary blue hatchling emerge. Thus, virtually unnoticed, he progresses all the way to the feet of his beloved Y'to before being noticed, and, of course, worshiped.

Down on the Sands, Maralita lost her enthusiasm for this sort of thing a long time ago. "Sorry." she murmurs towards Kelli, wavering slightly. "I just want to go."

Down on the Sands, Amythyst clasps Zoe's hand as she watches fellow candidates impress. Slowly she shifts her weight from side to side,

Uinn squints and nods. "I believe so Kayjay ... can't tell the shade though ... be it dark, light or otherwise."

Selene grins at Kayjay, "I have my eyes on the very few I know down there ... want to see them successful tonight."

Karel has left.

Kayjay carefully gathers Karel into her arms.

Stella smiles, "Blue would be good.. we need more blues this Hatching." No, she's not biased towards that colour, not at all.

Down on the Sands, Roma awes, "Such beautiful little ones," she says to all near her. "Look there," she points to the red orbs amist all the gray. "Yes, oh - this rain, will it ever stop?" she glances upward and squints.

Aithne tilts her head as she turns to Selene, "Oh? Who might that be?"

Down on the Sands, Jesika droops abit, and she releases Aerin's and Kellah's hands as she watches the other candidate's impress with growing disappointment.

Down on the Sands, Z'rien glances out across the mist-veiled sands, emerald eyes flickering. "I can't see a thing, now..." It would seem though, he spoke far too soon, for through the haze comes the form of a dragonet. Heart thuds hard in his chest, as it draws near... And the blue swirls are highlighted against the ashen of the mucked sands. Heat, intense heat, seems to threaten to bowl Zar over for a moment, before the hatchling before himself is regarded with a tender gaze, and a bright, proud smile. "Yes, it's me... Z'rien." He assures the Blue dragonet, lowering down, and tenderly engulfing an eyeridge with his palm, caressing. "And I am yours as well, Onsrath!" He cries out in triumph, features drawing upwards, as he lowers another hand to touch the hide of his Onsrath...

Z'rien (Zarrien) Impresses Blue Onsrath

Down on the Sands, V'tali chuckles at Zarrien and his fragile blue. "Handsome. Hungry, too, I'll bet. Let's get him something to help with that." He turns away from the pair, and leads them off the sands with a smile, adding Y'to and his new love along the way.

Down on the Sands, Meleri grins widely as her former hand holder impresses. "Congratulations Zarrien." She says softly to him tears starting to form in her eyes as she grins brightly.

Down on the Sands, Saizin hears Maralita's words again, yet still says nothing and this time he doesn't even move. Although stormy grey eyes do roll and he then looks around and for some sort of distraction and then Zarriens impression is that distraction. Sai claps his hands together for the man and his blue lifemate.

Down on the Sands, V'tali walks toward the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst grins "Congrats Z'rien"

Down on the Sands, Z'rien strides over to the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Kayjay grins. "Onsrath. Strong name."

Stella looks over at Selene, "Who are you watching out for?" she wonders. Maybe they have some Candidates in common?

Down on the Sands, Winter Tree Hatchling tumbles free of falling shell and sprawls in ungainly fashion on the sands. Then it picks itself up, standing a mite unsteadily, attention on its own limbs for a moment, hide masked with ash and gunk from the ground. Bright eyes pinprick through the ashy wet gloom, as head shifts this way and that, testing its surroundings. Though still unsteady on its feet, it takes its first almost-dancing steps toward a captivating flutter of grayed out Candidate robe.

Down on the Sands, Jesika calls out a congratulations to Z'rien, and the blue that is his lifemate.

Down on the Sands, Jannee brightly chirps her congratulations to Zarrien before he's led off and again she's watching.

Down on the Sands, Jalynia rolls that name around in her mouth a little. "Onsrath. Interesting. I kinda like it. Congrats, Zar...er, Z'rien." Jaly corrects herself at the last minute, pausing to flick another load of ash off the hem of her robe with a little kick.

Down on the Sands, Kelli shakes his head again, shifting to free his hand from hers. "Then you don't need a hand." he assures her, hearing the proclimation from Zarrien... no, Z'rien. Another 'Congratulations!' offered.

Down on the Sands, Onsrath nudges Z'rien proudly and steps forward ever closer. Time to go. Food's a calling.

Down on the Sands, Jyanda smiles, calls after him. "Congratulations, Z'rien!" She turns back to try to see the rest of what it going on, a tight grip on her robe.

Down on the Sands, Kellah squeezes the hands of Aerin and Jesika as she watches the darm forms of the hatchlings and eggs. She sighs a bit as she takes a deep breath to help her nerves, which it does, only a little though. She smiles at Zarrien. "Congrats Z'rien!" She calls before she looks back to the dark forms.

Down on the Sands, V'tali strides over from the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, Aerin calls a congratulations to Z'rien, and pokes Jesika in the side, before using the hand to wipe some ash off her face. "It's not over yet," she encourages.

Down on the Sands, Gaethan's eyes are wide as he drinks it all in. "You know...even after being through this once before, Roma...its all so different...amazing..."

Down on the Sands, Eireann clings to both Jachin and Meleri's hands now, as she leans her upper body forward to take a careful look down the line--and only has to glance past one. "Oh Z'rien!" her lips pull into a grin, revealing a row of perfectly white teeth in her dark, ash smudged face.

Down on the Sands, Jachin watches Z'rien go with his new lifemate, and sighs a bit. "Shells, I'm hungry." Don't ask him why the thought just came to him. "Don't you think they could have waited until after lunch to hatch?" he opines, watching the shadowy figure of another dragonet pass by.

Down on the Sands, Devin misses Z'rien's impression, but smiles in their direction as he catches sight of them going off to the barracks. Hands tighten on his rapidly greying robe, and he shuffles his feet, as if trying to get them *some* relief.

Down on the Sands, Jesika perks up, green eyes sparkling. "I know, but, being passed up time after time doesn't make me feel any better."

Down on the Sands, Roma says "Congratulations! Z'rien.. and Onsrath..lovely names. Is it Gaethan?" she asks, looking at him with a smile."

Down on the Sands, Gaethan nods to Roma. "I...shards, Z'rien? I missed Zar Impress...I can't see a thing..." He wipes more ash from his brow.

Down on the Sands, Faizah nods, "Congrats Z'rien and Onsrath"

Down on the Sands, Whiteout Egg gives a shudder, then falls still. Perfectly, ominously still, and showing no signs of ever moving again. Just as suddenly, it seems to change its mind, shattering into thousands of tiny fragments, scattering every which way in a flurry of ash and shards. In its wake is left the huddled form of a hatchling, frozen on the spot at the violence of its own hatching.

Down on the Sands,

---*** Ashen Ocean Hatchling ***---

Achromatism forms ephemeral whirlwind: etiolated mass heaving and pulling as if some tremulous wave sweeping across brazen landscape of choking ash. A flash of talon acts as if a bobbing object under the forceful influence of a watery grave -- here, then there, then swept away from view entirely -- thickened air providing an odd grace to a fearsome roll and heave of ashen form. Candescence devours light, proving impervious to lighthouse beams of lantern glows.

Down on the Sands, Maralita calls half-heartedly. "Congratulations, Z'rien.."

Down on the Sands, Fractures creep along the ash covered shell of the Nature's Gift Egg, growing ever more distinct shadows and markings. Finally, the shell crumbles, leaving a dragonet sprawled upon the hot sands. In moments, though, she's up and seeking the Right One, and eventually winds up before a young pale lad. S'lane exclaims and embraces the sage-green dragonet, dropping to his knees, heedless of the wet, steamy, sizzling sands. "Of course you are hungry, Ramianth, lets go deal with that right away."

Down on the Sands, Meleri giggles and looks over at Jachin. "You're always hungry." She says lightly squeezing Rea's hand before looking out. "There's another one!" Her voice gets a bit closer to a normal volume in her excitement.

Down on the Sands, Zoe manages a brief moment's break to call out a congrats to Z'rien. That done, she returns to watching for dragonets. Her free hand tries to smooth out her robe, creating a dark grey streak down that side.

Down on the Sands, Peek-a-boo Egg gives a shudder. A dramatic shudder. A delicate, horrified shudder. The ash writhes along its surface as it vibrates, and it rolls a slight distance only to bump into another egg along the way. Oh dear, this will not do, it shivers more violently.

Down on the Sands, Jesika bites her lip with such violence that she draws blood, and backs away, using her hand to wipe the blood off of her ashen face.

Down on the Sands, Kellah sighs quietly and shifts from one foot to the other as the heat under and on her sandles makes its self known. She squeezes Aerins and Jesikas hands tightly. "This is going by so fast." She says before she bites her bottom lip.

Down on the Sands, Jalynia snorts roundly in the direction of the ex-harper on her right side. "Is there ever a time when you're -not- hungry?" she comments, squelching in the wet sand and ash again. "I think I heard another one out there somewhere."

Down on the Sands, Winter Tree Hatchling pauses in its progress across the sands, distracted momentarily, but the sudden trembling of another egg. It's colors, even faded out by muddy ash, captivate the orange-hued eyes and the hatchling trills softly perhaps in encouragement, perhaps simply an expression of interest. Another movement, elsewhere on the sands and the hatchling is off to explore -that- now too. But wait ... there's more over -there-. Right. Back on track to investigate that fluttering stuff.

Down on the Sands, Kelli blinks at Jachin, eyes blink-blinking through the mask of ashy slop. "You're actually feeling your stomach?" he asks, askance. Heck, he's lucky he's feeling his _feet_ at the moment. "ANother one? Where?"

Down on the Sands, Faizah is hopping from foot to foot, alternating between nervous, impatient and excited.

Down on the Sands, After hatching from the Here's One I Made Earlier Egg, a large green hatchling moves awkwardly across the Sands. She catches a wing beneath her, and with a horrified creel, lands on her face in the wet ash. A young boy from the Smithcraft reaches out to help her to her feet, but she snaps at his hand and he wisely backs off. She rights herself and promptly stumbles into a young, green-eyed man. Spellbound, he steadies her, mouthing her name, "Gilliath"

Down on the Sands, Saizin agree's with Gaethan and he actually says something, "You are right Gaethan, It is completely different this time around. Although the nervous feeling is still there." The man wipes his hands off on the already dirty candidate robe.

Down on the Sands, Aerin nods, her eyes shining as she watches her friends impress and hopes for herself.

Selene finally makes out what seems like a rather ashy mirror image of her husband. She leans towards Anja, "Last hatching, Sian and I both thought Remol was down there ... came to find out that Gaethan and Rem are cousins." She softly chuckles, "It was a sight."

Down on the Sands, Onsrath moves towards the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, Loud screeching is heard as a particularly noisy hatchling pushes itself out of Running Down a Dream Egg and makes its way across the sands. It travels close to several candidates, but none are satisfactory. At last, the dark form stumbles nearby a tall, blonde girl. She gasps and reaches out to touch the ash-covered green, calling out, "Tresemmeth! Of course I hear you!"

Down on the Sands, Smoke Vent Egg jerks, just once, pauses then jerks again, this time with more intensive vigor than the first. What may be a storm of activity within is enough to send the ovid rolling and spinning along the sand, leaving an indentation behind, well marking its path. Only now does it pause, silent once again, anchored in the sandy soil by the plowing effect of its progress.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst wipes sweat from her brow, streaking ash along her cheek, then returns to watching the eggs and shadowy hatchlings, nerves and excitement and hope as hatchlings walk nearby war upon her face.

Down on the Sands, Jannee smirks. "You would think you could think of something other than food right now..."

Down on the Sands, Kellah peers into the mist as she tries to get a better view of the dark forms. She looks to the one closest to the semi circle then back out to the other one and the eggs, or atleast she thinks those are eggs.

Down on the Sands, Jachin grins over at Meleri, giving her a wink as well as he peers around Eireann. "Of course I'm always hungry. I'm all hollow inside." He notes, shifting his feet a bit before laughing softly at Kelli, pausing only briefly to watch yet another amorphous shape in the ash-gray haze..."I can always feel my stomach. It's a curse. Hey...was that a dragonet that just wandered past?" He can't see a sharding thing.

Anja ponder a moment, "Gaethan? Oh, yes... the one that everyone thought was Remol over atCove that time." She flashes a grin at Stella, "Some more greens."

Kayjay ohs. "I remember the confusion at Cove Hold. Poor Gaethan spent most of his time trying to convince people who he was."

Down on the Sands, Zoe shifts from foot to foot, whether from the heat searing through her soles, or from getting ready to dart out of the way if need be isn't quite readily seen. Still remaining silent, she peers into the distance - well, the near distance to see if she can't make out more detail.

Down on the Sands, Jyanda is quiet now, face still hopeful, but accepting. Her eyes stand out the most in her black face.

Down on the Sands, Hide in Plain View Egg shudders with regular jolts, working its way deeper and deeper into the sand, as if trying to bury itself to escape the turmoil of the hatching. The encapsulated dragonet's battering blows take their toll over time, however, and soon chunks of ash and shell fall away under the punishment. A tentative nose pokes out, coated with ash before it even has a chance to truly taste the air, and the rest of the young body snakes out of its shell, to begin its search among the ashen sands.

---*** Whiter Shade of Pale Hatchling ***---

At first its face is just ghostly, perhaps a product of the swirling ash, a shimmer at once immediate and distant. But as this hatchling steps into view it becomes corporeal only by a small degree. While other objects on the sands may take on deep, darker tones, though, this hatchling stands uneasily and steps into the light -- its features taking on a whiter shade of pale. Its tail twitches, dancing behind the uncertain creature, but that isn't helping its balance as the hatchling begins to move. It sways to and fro, as if seasick, and so it goes.

Down on the Sands, Gaethan looks out to see the now ex-Smithcraft boy Impress and says, "Yes, Saizin...only this time..." His voice trails off as he watches. "Its truly amazing..."

Down on the Sands, Jesika looks around hopefully, and then sags, hoping just hoping that one finds her worthy.

Selene can't help but chuckle some more, "It seems that my ma near had a fit seeing Gaethan. Wouldn't let up ... kept calling him Remol and chastising him some."

Down on the Sands, Jalynia is trying to look everywhere at once and failing miserably, partially due to the fact that there's too much to look at and partially due to all this ash. "Jachin, you can feed your face -later-," she mutters.

Kayjay grins. "We should have put a sign on him. "No, I'm not Remol."

Down on the Sands, Ashen Ocean Hatchling is Frozen, but only for a moment before being compelled to look around, gaining first look at the world. Such a world it is, various shades of grey fill its view. A bit of glowlight gleams against the dragonet's talon as first one foot, then the other is lifted and placed with care. A seemingly random path is made through the various candidates, unless one were to observe the placement of the glows. Indeed, the diminutive dragon gives each one as wide a berth as possible without avoiding the other glows.

Down on the Sands, Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. The eerie sound of eggshells crackling underneath talons is heard, barely audible against the ever-increasing humming noise.

Down on the Sands, Eireann lifts the hand that Jachin holds to try and swipe thick, goopy ash from her face, and more importantly, her eyes. "I can't see again.." she complains, flicking it off and onto the ground. "Your /hungry/?" That's asked of Jachin in an incredulous tone, before she *stretches* up on the tips of her toes to try and see through the mist.

Anja can't help but laugh, "Of course, Id idn't see anyone thinking Remol was Gaethan."

Down on the Sands, Kelli covers his ear at the shrieking baby. "Shards. That one's a noisy one. At least it lets us know where it is. Congratulations." he calls to the Impressee, then resumes his inspection of the Sands again. "There's something. Is it a Candidate, or a dragon?"

Down on the Sands, Devin looks just amazed by Rea's comment. "WHo's hungry? How could anybody be *hungry* at a time like this?"

Down on the Sands, Jesika stands, immediattly trembling at the sound of talons smashing eggshells.

Down on the Sands, Meleri shakes her head. "Men and food." She mutter softly to Rea before smiling out at the sands shifting her feet.

Kayjay shakes her head, frowning, as she overhears the conversation on the sands. "They should be watching out for hatchlings in the gloom, instead of lunch. When they aren't paying attention, somone always seems to get scored."

Stella shakes her head, brushing back a few tendrils of hair. "Shells... how many greens are down there?" Reanth is going to have a hay-day once they're mature, for sure. She doesn't make any mention about the comments of Gaethan, her lips pressing together. "I hope Kelli and Jalynia get one." she murmurs.

Selene giggles at Kayjay's suggestion, "I would think that Gaethan would prefer Remol to wear the sign, 'No, I'm not Gaethan'."

Down on the Sands, Winter Tree Hatchling pokes its muzzle at the hem of a tunic, then drops its head to investigate sandal-clad feet, peering with marked interest at the shape of toes held within ashy-sandy straps of leather. The Candidate in question, stands more still than the statues all resemble clad as they are in muck from the skies, not breathing. The hatchling loses interest after a few seconds, gaze captured by a shimmering bit of broken shell in the sands. It regards this for a little while, then moves on again, head held up at a slight angle, movements almost, but not quite graceful, as it passes between two as-yet still eggs, toward more flutterings across the sand.

Kayjay can't help but giggle at Selene's retort. "Well, true enough."

Down on the Sands, Saizin smiles at Gaethan even if the man may not be able to see it. "I think it will be amazing every time, whether it be your first or your One hundred and first." For a split second Saizin takes his eyes off of the dragonet forms and looks over to his fellow candidate.

Down on the Sands, Whiter Shade of Pale Hatchling sails across the sands in anachronistic obscurity: hues hidden entirely by the falling ash and rain that bathes the sands in its murky cover. Pale in consequential delineation, it, at least, is visible against the darker hues that augment the sandy grounds. Tail swings, only just missing a group of candidates, a fumbling movement carrying pale hatchling further through the swirling ash, lost for a moment, then found, wandering aimlessly. Hellloooo? Heloooo?

Down on the Sands, Jachin rolls his eyes. "I can't help it!" he announces to all those critcizing his need for food. "It's lunchtime..or dinnertime..kind of hard to tell what time it is.." Time seeming endless and too rapid all at once on the sands. He sighs again "And I'll have to wait, won't I? Can't leave, after all."

Down on the Sands, Jalynia winces. "That crunching is enough to make your skin crawl," she notes, eyeing the grey surroundings dubiously. "Is it just me or is it -- whatever-it-is -- getting closer?"

Down on the Sands, Roma uses the sholder of her robe to wipe her eyes. She leans back to see Saizin. "Really - oh there was another one," she half answers Jan and laughs at Jachin.

Down on the Sands, Maralita blinks at the crunching, something she's picked up through the chatter. She shifts once more, shaking her head. "I wish I could see.." she murmurs whistfully.

Down on the Sands, Aquatic Resurrection Egg shifts and shudders, stubbornly resisting the hatchling which it encases. First one small crack, then another, and eventually an ominous grey head pokes through the shell. With a powerful kick, the young dragon releases itself from the shards and begins its search for a lifemate. Almost immediately, as if it knew before it was even hatched, the dragonet hurries to a young man from Central Hold. Clairol, now Cl'rol, softly whispers the brown's name: "Panateth."

As the young boy from the Smithcraft impresses his Gilliath, the smith master lets out a cheer, and pounds poor Nafai's shoulder once again.

Down on the Sands, Zoe doesn't hear the other candidates talking about being hungry or food, else she's ignoring them because now is not a time to be thinking of food. She leans forward slightly, trying to make out some of the grey shapes she sees, her free hand rubbing ash down the side of her face as she wipes the sweat from her cheek.

Selene grins at Kayjay once more, "Good thing the continent separates those two ... less confusion that way."

Down on the Sands, Jesika's sharp eyes pick the dim figure of a wandering dragonet, and she cocks her head, smiling secretly.

Down on the Sands, Kellah swallows a bit as she watches the dark forms. She squeezes Aerins and Jesikas hands as she watches the dark forms. "I wonder who'll they'll choose she says to the girls on either side of her. She chews her bottom lip as she watches the dark forms. She blinks words that reach her ears. "Someones hungry?" She asks.

Down on the Sands, Jyanda calls over, "The ash is tasty, Jachin. Try some!"

Down on the Sands, Aerin turns her head in the direction of the sound of the crunching shells. She peers hard, trying to catch of a glimpse of the hatchling that made it.

Down on the Sands, Devin dryly remarks to Jalynia, "Hopefully it's not someone's foot or something." He continues to shuffle his feet back and forth, lifting each in turn to try in vain to shake some of the ash-and-sand goo out of his sandals. Still, he squints off at the direction where the various noises are coming from, trying to pay attention to everything at once.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst squeezes Zoe's hand gently even as she tries to see the hatchlings herself.

Down on the Sands, Kelli steps back as the dragonet gets close, swinging that tail a little too close. "Careful." he calls, though whether warning the dragon or the people, it's hard to tell. "A feisty one, that one." he decides.

Stella snickers suddenly at something. "Why do I get the feeling there's going to be alot of drunken Smiths when the news reaches the Hall?"

Down on the Sands, Peek-a-boo Egg jolts, jerking itself away from the other eggs to a spot of its own, where no other may touch it. There it gets down to business, shivering and trembling to send spinnerweb cracks down its sides.

Down on the Sands, Gaethan whispers to Roma...a rather loud whisper. "Jachin's ALWAYS hungry..." And moves out of the way as the tailswinging dragonet approaches, as well, still holding Roma's hand to not be separated from the group.

Down on the Sands, Ghosting through the mingled curtain of rain, and ash that falls from balconies above, the dainty Winter Tree Hatchling pauses to nose at a group of Candidates. Leaving behind a grey wet smudge on a barely white robe, a hint of green might be espied beneath the mud mask that coats the hatchling from nose to tail-tip -- the right one is not found here, no matter *how* interesting these ones are. A few more steps, a few more drops of rain and vibrantly verdant hide becomes increasingly visible as the dragonet pauses in front of Zoe and lifts adoring eyes to a beloved face.

Dust lifts from the road and dissipates in filmy clouds of ocher hue as the caravan moves on, a single soul left to view in its wake, a study of elegant independence in this dainty green's hatchling stance. Along verdant flanks reminiscent of the darkest jungles of the South, a play of light drifts in a nomad's dance, uplifting penumbral shades into a glorious phantasmagoria of viridity, a play of malachite, trading off for jaspered whorls of jade satin along sleek neck ridges and graceful limbs. Gathering again, into dusky folds of old velvet, the neck gives way to a gracefully upheld head, flanks dive into belly, hidden darkly beneath as a carpet of moss beneath a newly rolled stone. Pinions limned with trailing rusty dust striate with deep ribbons of emerald, only to fade out into near translucence, over wingsails' draping fall. Trailing behind, rust encroaches again along sinuous tail, it's darkness becoming lost in the swirling redness that masks it, turning green nearly brown, at tail's tip.

Down on the Sands, Jesika steps back as a dragonet comes closer, as she is fully aware of the danger of being mauled by talons of a newly hatched dragonet.

Down on the Sands, Maralita makes a face and lifts her foot, balanced precariously, and draws a little design with her toes in the muck. "This is grosser than the stables.. at least that washes off.."

Down on the Sands, Jachin shifts a bit too as he feels the breeze from that tail passing by "Shards..that one was close." He notes, squeezing the hands he's holding on to. "Hey..did you feel that, Rea? Jaly?"

Down on the Sands, Jannee just shakes her head, still smirking. "You are all silly...food and ash..." She squeezes Roma's hand once more and looks about, watching and makuing sure she avoids trampling.

Down on the Sands, Blank Slate Egg is just sitting here, happy as could be, not a care in the world, or at least right now. It's just a clean sheet, waiting to see what might happen, and what will be. That misted rain has turned the ashy sand, that Tiarnath coated it with, into a congealed mess, that sticks to it's side, hiding it's true colour from observation. See, it truly isn't anything but really is a nothing. A nothing that is probably an egg. It shivers, the precipitation causing tremours to begin inside, but otherwise, that's it.

Down on the Sands, Roma hops back and nods to Kelli, laughing nerviously. "Shh, oh look there," she says to Jan, squezzing her hand back.

Down on the Sands, Meleri looks out at the hatchlings trying to follow the vague movements as she clutches on to Rea's hand.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst lets go of Zoe's hand, and backs off

Down on the Sands, A smaller egg, the Flying Trapeze begins to jostle, as if elbowing its way out of a crowd. It stops once its goal is met, but for only a moment before bursting apart. The hatchling released from its' shell goes tumbling head over tail across the Sands with a squawk of surprised outrage. Jumping immediately to her feet, it strides forward--right over the feet of a female Candidate too paralyzed to move. Unheeding of the girl's cries and the blood now staining her talons, Avath steps forward to turn her blazing red eyes upon the curvaceous Anya hovering farther back than his Candidate companions, and the malachite-green's vicious hiss turns to a croon of joy.

Down on the Sands, Jesika shivers, becoming quite cold despite the heat of the Sands that she is trying to avoid with all cost.

Anja watches Zoe impress, "Looks like another green..."

Down on the Sands, Eireann lets out a little sigh, "I didn't feel a thing, and all I can hear is that /crunching/ noise. Sounds like.. broken eggshells." she comments, worrying her lower lip. Her fingers tighten around Mel's slightly before she releases it to point. "Look!" she calls, spotting the bloodied candidate and the new impressie in one. "/Anya/." a roll of her eyes at that.

Down on the Sands, Kellah takes a deep breath as she listens, but she also attempts to watch the various dark forms of the hatchlings and eggs. She still seems ready to move incase one comes stumbling into the group. She bites her bottom lip, and squeezes the hands of the two girls next too her.

Down on the Sands, Saizin hears another complaint of Maralita's and this time whispers to Roma even louder then Gaethan's whisper, "It's very disrespectful to complain at a hatching. Not like they force us to be here." And then the candidate goes silent after finally saying something. Stormy grey eyes checking out the eggs and hatchlings.

Down on the Sands, Zoe looks down at the little green at her feet, her knees collasping under her as she places her hand on her new lifemate's head, "Oh Ziareth, you are even more lovely than I." She calls out, brushing more of the ash from the green's muzzle. Raising to her feet, she looks around to see where it is she is susposed to go, adding to Ziareth, "Yes, we will go find food now."

Zoe Impresses Green Ziareth

Down on the Sands, V'tali catches Zoe's Impression out of the corner of his eye, and heads that way. "Zoe! And _________! Wonderful. Let's get meat in that belly, this way." He gestures toward the Weyrling room, and turns to move that direction.

Down on the Sands, Maralita squints through the darkness. "Zoe..?" she asks uncertainly.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst grins ""congrats Zoe"

Down on the Sands, Aerin nudges her companions and points, "Congratulations Zoe," she calls.

Down on the Sands, V'tali strides over to the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, Kelli turns at the sound of a pained cry, almost heading over that way, in pure instinct. It's only the tug at Jalynia's hand, the one he still holsd, that keeps him where he is, frowning unsurely. Yep, he's just had a good look of what happens if you can't move. "Congratulations." he mutters, uncertainly, now watching the others. "Zoe! Congratulations!" More certain, this time.

Down on the Sands, Zoe walks toward the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, Devin shuffles back and forth in 'his' little spot of sand. "Shells, I'll never get clean after this." The brief complaint is offered after a look at his grimy robe,, before he hears Zoe, and looks over toward her. "Zoe! Congratulations."

Down on the Sands, Peek-a-boo Egg stands apart, immobile, mysterious. Those potential bumps and wrinkles across its surface could be tricks of the light, as shadows seem to constantly shift along its curves. Then, a gaping chasm appears in its side, arriving without sound or oscillation. Something moved inside, this is sure, as this shadowy oval turns on its side and a deep cleft opens perpendicular to the first. And then, limbs desperately pushing membrane and shell aside, a hatchling makes its first appearance in this world.

Down on the Sands,

---*** Silver Screen Icon Hatchling ***---

Striking, beguiling, with stage presence to spare. This hatchling's got it all: long, sculptured legs -- an even-shaped head already held aloft with the sort of confidence that it takes other dragons months to develop -- and a clear voice that carries far (especially as a creel of hunger). But as it stands there, gathering its thoughts, it seems almost larger than life - even though it's really just a hatchling. Once it starts moving, with relative grace considering its undeveloped coordination, it's with confidence. Only then is it clear the hatchling isn't as tall as it first appeared. The ash settles only when the figure is still, which isn't often, and otherwise the silvery particles shimmer around the hatchling, eyes whirling with hunger blinking out of the haze, stealing the show.

Down on the Sands, Meleri smiles. "Zoe! Congratulations." She nods to Rea. "It's kind of an odd sound."

Down on the Sands, Faizah smiles, "Congrats Zoe" but by now, a little of her impatience, mixed with a little disappointment, creeps into her voice.

Down on the Sands, Jalynia calls out a "Congratulations, Zoe. She's lovely," over to the newest Impression, before wrinkling her nose up at Jachin. "You kinda have to expect it," she comments amusedly, before blinking. "What color -is- that?"

Down on the Sands, Roma gasps, "Congrats Zoe!"

Down on the Sands, Smoke Vent Egg erupts in a flurry of activity, falling onto its side then rolling about as if simply willing a crack to form along that murky dark emerald surface. Something within must have decided enough was enough of these present antics, though. For the last time, it reposes, waiting, biding its time for the final fling, the one that will end all this nonsense.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst sighs and moves closer to Faizah, she then looks out at the other shadowy hatchlings.

Down on the Sands, Ziareth moves towards the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, V'tali strides over from the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, Ashen Ocean Hatchling lands amidst a pile of ash with a soft thud, a startled creel emerging almost immediately. After a brief pause,the dragonet bounds onto feet and very carefully shakes out wings, sending a shower of ash mush in all directions. For a moment, the only movement is the tip of a tail as it twitches from side to side. Then the hatchling steps forth, moving with confidence, straight towards Brielth.

Down on the Sands, Kellah blinks as she hears Zoes words. "Congrats Zoe!" She calls to the girl. "What a lovely green!" She smiles after the leaving girl and dragon. She squeezes Aerin and Jesikas hands as watches the dark forms. Her bottom lip is chewed as she watches the hatchlings that are on the sands.

Kayjay shifts and another river runs down her back, harmless to her but not so to the holder woman who curses softly. "Zoe and Ziareth!"

Down on the Sands, Brooding within the muck of the sands and ash, the Blended Potions Egg barely rocks while its clutch mates all seem to be alive with activity. Without warning, shards scatter in an explosive burst of delicate fragments, leaving a creeling hatchling, unsteady in its' first steps. Wings trace a pair of lines beside her tracks as she picks her way across the sands, peering at the gathered candidates. Eilasoth gives a triumphant shriek, as her gaze falls on the bright Tanteeka from Cardiff, and struggles the final few steps into the arms of her lifemate.

Anja grins at Auralia, "Another easy pair of names for you to remember."

Down on the Sands, Jachin blinks "Zoe? Well....." He murmurs, wincing as his stomach rumbles again, squeezing Jaly and Eireann's hands yet again..It's a reflex. "All of the candidates we know are impressing" He notes....

Down on the Sands, Jannee turns, hearing Zoe, but missing her, though her excitement follows the girl off the sands before returning to the matter at hand.

Down on the Sands, Brielth was watching that hatchling, yessiree. He warbles to the Ashen Ocean Hatchling, an almost tender tinge to his 'voice'.

Down on the Sands, Jesika sighs as she continues to watch the dragonets search and impress, not one coming even close to here, and well, that hurts.

Oden has arrived.

Stella hmms, then grumbles something along the lines of, "Oh, shut up Reanth." Then she tilts her head to the left. "Ziareth? Oh, that's pretty."

Auralia grins at Anja. "Exactly!"

Uinn has left.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst grins as one of the shadows aproaches it's sire.

Down on the Sands, Aerin shuffles in the sand, feet burning. "Congrats Zoe!" She calls to the retreating pair. She gently squeezes both Jesika and Kellah's hands. "This is so exciting!"

Down on the Sands, Jalynia squints some more. "Uhm. There's one headed for Brielth, I think," she comments, narrowing her eyes to peer through the muck. Another *squelch* sounds as she lifts and re-settles her feet.

Down on the Sands, Tiarnath wiggles her wings in the ash, sending it flying everywhere, and warbling at the hatchling. Silly thing -- play in the stuff, don't waste it!

Down on the Sands, Kelli laughs lowly. "Maybe it's trying to Impress him?" h guesses, jokingly, as his eyes still keep to the movements in front of him, ready to move out of the way at a moment's notice.

Down on the Sands, Jesika smiles softly as a small figure approaches Tiarnath and Brielth.

Down on the Sands, There's an Egg rocks slowly, back and forth, moved by a deeper sense of purpose. It must hatch and soon. But this shell, it won't shatter and all the wobbling and moving doesn't seem to be helping.

Down on the Sands, Maralita blinks. "What, is it going to Impress Brielth?" she asks in confusion, watching Ashen Ocean Hatchling.

Down on the Sands, Meleri shifts her feet and giggles over towards Jaly and Kelli.

Down on the Sands, Roma says to Saizin with a quick nod. "I agree with you - this is an honor."

Down on the Sands, Kellah smiles as she watches her friends impress, before she looks back to the dark forms of the eggs and hatchlings. She squeezes Jesikas and Aerins hands. "Exciting and going by so fast" She says. She blinks as watches the one dark form move toward Brielth.

Down on the Sands, Jyanda closes up the circle, moving to standing near Roma, a few people down.

Down on the Sands, Blank Slate Egg Blank Slate Egg seems to ponder movement. There's a single pirouette that happens to a silent melody, and then nothing for a couple of heartbeats. Harmony intertwines, a juxtaposition of earlier serenity ensuing in the vicious hopping that this egg goes through now. Ashy sand is tossed up, all around, further cloaking this egg within it's blanket of security, hiding it from all but the most careful of observers.

Down on the Sands, Faizah looks over towards the eggs and hatchlings, still hoping that 'her' dragon will hatch today, altohugh surely if 'her' dragon doesn't hatch today, its just not it's turn yet. It will hatch. eventually.

Down on the Sands, Silver Screen Icon Hatchling strides out from its shards, airing its wings with a dramatic flutter. It seems headed the wrong way, toward its dam rather than the candidates, but any direction THIS hatchling travels is the RIGHT direction. It's the other hatchlings who are all going the wrong way. Head tips back, and whirling eyes size up Tiarnath, then Brielth. They've got nothing on me, it seems to say, and turns saucily to move toward the white, er, grey-robed creatures after all.

Down on the Sands, "You have to watch for the eyes," one candidate whispers to another. "Look for the orange-red glowing through the mist, then ya know they're coming." The advice is quickly passed down the line, some listening, others ignoring.

Down on the Sands, Jesika moves to reform the semi-circle that has broken apart from the missing candidates and continues to look a bit gloomy, not aware of yet anothe egg rocking, and the other hatchling moving ever closer.

Down on the Sands, Jannee smiles warmly at Kellah. "Fast? I know what you mean, I can't keep track of it all...but its still amazing, isn't it?" Her head turns quickly as more motion catches her eye and her attention is taken again.

Down on the Sands, Faizah nods, "the eyes" she murmurs, watching.

Kayjay laughs as she catches a glimpse of Silver Screen Icon Hatchling. "Now that one will give it's lifemate a run for their marks."

Down on the Sands, Jalynia can't help it. One hand frees itself from Jachin's to cover her mouth, leaving smudges all over her face as she stifles a snicker. "We've got a hatchling about to Impress to a bronze, and another one with...uh...presence," she notes, with a grin.

Down on the Sands, Gaethan smiles at the barely made out movements of the Silver Screen Icon Hatchling, holding Roma's hands. He looks around, making sure there are no dimly made out objects about to run him down.

Down on the Sands, Whiter Shade of Pale Hatchling is in the dark, at least to one definition of the word. Sort of. Spooky. The hatchling traipses forward, obscure nature defiant in incessant pale, plunged into monotone against the sands. How frightful: it's awful hard to see in here. Tiarnath, Brielth? No, better yet: someone else? Be individual, be different, be--Whiter Shade of Pale Hatchling. Plunging tail over headknobs, the hatchling emits a baleful note, gallivanting back into the action upon the sands.

Down on the Sands, Kelli gives Jalynia's hand a brief squeeze, before releasing it to rub his hand across his face once more at the heat. "Look at them all." he says again, even if the eyes are all you can see in the mess. "Quite the clutch." he agrees with Jalynia.

Stella quirks an eyebrow at Kayjay's comment, smiling. "It's lifemate, or N'all?" Most probably both.

Down on the Sands, Smoke Vent Egg shifts its position, leaning now precariously over the edge of its sandy home. Then it jerks the other way, and then back, and then it's rolling, the movement shrouded by a thick cloud of sand and whitish ash. Suddenly, an awful, bone-tingling scraping noise emits from within the darkened ovoid. Something's trying to get out. Talons finally manage to break the surface, sending ebony shards flying in all directions, the dragonet within revealed.

Down on the Sands,

---*** Sun-warmed Granite Hatchling ***---

Sunlight plays against silver and buff granite, sparkling as it hits patterns on the quartz and reflecting back the light. Ponderous and slow are its movements, it has the weight of time and the ages on its side. A shuffling step here, a lengthy stay there, whilst it considers its options. For choices are things that should never be made in haste, to be regretted later.

Down on the Sands, Devin's eyes narrow yet again, as he squints over toward where the dam and sire are. "I wish I could *see,*" he mutters once more, almost as though he's adopted this as his mantra.

Kayjay chuckles. "Both, more than likely, Stella."

Down on the Sands, Jesika slips in the muck, and regaining her balance, looks doleful and frightened.

Down on the Sands, Aerin listens to the sage advice, nodding her head absently. "Watch for the eyes, 'eh?" She can do that, certainly. Her palms have become sweaty, and she disengages one from Kellah's to rub it against her robe. "So hot," she mutters.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst glances around and catches sight of orange-red eyes moving rapidly towards the candidates

Down on the Sands, Kellah looks down at her damp and grey robe,then back to the dark forms of the hatchlings and eggs. "Atleast these robes haven't turned see through." She comments. She looks back to the dark forms of the hatchlings and eggs. "I wonder if our dragons are out there." She comments to Aerin and Jesika.

Down on the Sands, Meleri smiles as the hatching turns around. "Good it turned around." She softly and closes her eyes for a moment before opening them again. Tears roll down her face though from the scene around her or the ash it isn't clear.

Down on the Sands, Eireann passes the hushed whisper along the line--then turns her gaze back out to try and view any of these orange-whirling eyes. "I still can't see a thing." She notes, sparing a glance for Jes as the candidate falls in the muck.

Down on the Sands, Ashen Ocean Hatchling holds still for a moment, muzzle tilting up towards the clutch sire for a few moments. Another pause as the mist congeals into ash-shrouded hide but then another needs urges the young dragonet into motion once more, this time towards the knots of candidates, singlemindedly moving without regard for the glows.

Down on the Sands, Roma wipes her eyes and takes Gaethan's hand again. "See the eyes?" she says and peers out again.

Down on the Sands, Maralita shudders. "Watching two red lamps coming towards me.. is it just me, or does that seem like.. Impending doom?" she shakes her headd and chuckles. "There's another, did you see that?" she points.

Down on the Sands, The hatchling springs forth from the Puddle Jumper Egg almost before it can be noticed rocking, and jets across the sands, narrowly missing several of his clutchsibs in his arrow-straight path. In a panic, a cluster of candidates scatter, shrieking, but no mauling ensues - the little brown takes a nose-dive and plows the sand with his muzzle to land right at the feet of you skinny boy who promptly stops shuffling away from the heat. Alarmed, the lad hastens to help the brown up, reassuring him, "Yes, Abitilith, I'm here! You found me, nobody beat you to me."

Stella chuckles, "I wonder which one in this batch is going to be calling him 'The Big Scary One'?" There's usually one in every clutch, isn't there?

Down on the Sands, Jesika glances at Eireann, and gives a quick happy grin, far from the emotion she is now feeling.

Down on the Sands, Silver Screen Icon Hatchling slinks closer to the row of candidates, approaching first a cluster of three huddled girls, then giving a disgusted snort and disregarding them entirely as a clutchmate wanders too near in it's search. A deafening shriek emits from this hatchling, as it scolds the other firecely - do not presume to intrude on MY space, it seems to cry.

Down on the Sands, A series of wracking tremors stress the Blank Slate Egg, sending a network of cracks down its surface, hardly visible through the sticky, ashy mess that coats it. The hatchling inside is not to be thwarted, however, and soon struggles free, one limb at a time. At first it is hard to distinguish dragonet from egg, for they are both the same dark, ashen colour, but the hatchling gives a final shake and its shards fall free, leaving only the newly hatched to survey the sands.

Down on the Sands,

---*** Swirling Cape Hatchling ***---

Calcareous tones exemplify ephemeral striations -- darkness enrapturing ashen form as recalcitrant morphescent posse levels against dull mien. Wafting form puffs against a breeze: swirling cape blowing lengthened curls of grayscale as of an aureole of dusk. Wafting movements carry it across the ash-swirled sands -- a hint of talon glinting beneath the thickened air, as mesmerizing as a flick of tail -- dusty clouds trailing off as movement unrests it from becloaked form, nature proving improbable to undress, as if a prudish woman.

Down on the Sands, Two cracking sounds are heard as the Den of Chaos and Tradition's Warmth split open at the same moment. The newly-hatched dragonets merge into one shapeless blob and converge upon a line of white-robed humans. All at once, two names are called from two different voices, and two distinctly green dragonly shapes are embraced.

Down on the Sands, Jesika straughtens at the shriek of one of the hatchlings, and she becomes alert, looking for the dragonet who emitted it.

Down on the Sands, Gaethan nods to Roma, looking out, however, and squeezes her hand gently. "Yeah...you can barely make them out..."

Down on the Sands, Faizah hears the Silver Screen Icon Hatchling, how could she not? She looks in the direction of the sound then, hopeful.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst nudges Faizah gently, "That one has a temper" she whispers about the shrieker.

Down on the Sands, Saizin makes a sound in response to the baleful note emited by a hatchling. "Oof sounds like someone triped." Then his stormy grey eyes peer over towards the hatchlings that he hears cracking left and right. "Wow lot of them cracking faster now." Mumbling to Roma and Gaethan.

Down on the Sands, Meleri shivers at the dragon cry squeezing Rea's hand tightly.

Down on the Sands, Kellah squeezes Aerin and Jesikas hands as she shifts from one foot to the other absently as she watches the dark forms. She blinks at the shriek the one hatchling give off. "That one doesn't sound happy." She comments. She chews her bottom lip as she watches and listens.

Down on the Sands, Maralita acks. "That one has a set of lungs!" she cries, wincing, even it if goes unseen. "My ear stings.."

Down on the Sands, Jyanda swivels around, searching the Sands for glowy red eyes.

Down on the Sands, Kelli once again reaches up to clasp his ears. "And they're noisy." he adds to the thoughts on the hatchlings, as the other one qsuawks her displeasure. "Hopefully, Impressing will settle it down."

Down on the Sands, Rain mists, congealing cloying ash, the gelatinous volcanic tribute slowly washing away from the Ashen Ocean Hatchling, revealing tantalizing shimmers of hide that glows subtly beneath. As water trickles over hide, rivulets of gray are replaced with rivers of gold, as though a nugget had just been removed from a muddy mountain river. The person in front of her is considered once more, and then a sound of approval is made, as head lifts up, eyes capturing Jalynia's for the first time.

Dawn's first rays slant, illuminating sylvan glade, ostracizing diaphanous mists that leave ethereal filaments clinging to nebulous trees -- motes of dust sprinkling sparkles of sunlight that dapple golden hide. Antediluvian gold glitters over flanks, flowing like an aureate river across shoulders and haunches, hints of turquoise swirled amid the flaxen tones as though rich golden ore tumbled amid a mountain stream. Rings forge the elegant lines of her neckridges, forswearing the archaic gold of her flanks, interlinking to casemate the tips as they curl down to her tail, circled in burnished metallic tints. Rosy pinks mingle with prismatic indigos limning the curve of her belly, rainbow hues arcing across the gilding like a bridge of colour, before rooting themselves in the earthen shades of her malevolent talons. Flames dance along pinions, immolating wings in a roaring conflagration of molten fire, leading edges ignited with omnipotent crimson, trailing edges reborn in gilt.

Down on the Sands, Faizah nods, "Is a bit loud isn't it?"

Down on the Sands, Just as the mist seemed finally gone, it begins to drizzle again. The hot sands and the droplets hiss as they meet, tendrils of steam curling into the air. The world is grey once more.

Down on the Sands, Roma wrinkles her nose and closes one eyes. "Oh my," she says.

Down on the Sands, Jalynia just...kind of...*splats* in the sand, landing rear-end first in the gook. Just as quickly, though, she scrambles to her feet, tears streaking through the ash on her face. "Oh, my...Joleath? Yes, yes, we'll get you fed. Right now, as a matter of fact."

Jalynia Impresses Gold Joleath

Down on the Sands, V'tali spots a hatchling stopping by Jalynia, and with a bright grin, heads her way. As he discerns the color he pauses, blinking a moment, then in a very mild voice, invites the pair to join him. "Congratulations, Jalynia, and Joleath. We have food right this way for you. Let's get your prety lady fed."

Down on the Sands, V'tali walks toward the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, Whiter Shade of Pale Hatchling wants out now, please. Sounds of silence are just frightful, and nighttime doesn't really sharpen--it terrifies, for what it's worth. The hatchling trips over it's own tail once more, lunging towards a group of candidates that thankfully get out of the way just in time. Phew. That *was* a close one. Obscure muscles tense and swell, hesitant feet carrying their torso and head closer to a group of candidates must surely save him from this dark terror.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst says "Congrats Jaly,"

Down on the Sands, Aerin watches, eyes wide, as the eggs continue to crack. She pulls back slightly, afraid of the traipsing dragonets. "Not only am I hot, but I'm wet too!" She complains loudly, stomping her foot to emphasize. This, of course, sends up a spray of mud. And, ooh, wassat? "Jalynia!" She calls ecstatically. "You're impressed!" And to the gold, nontheless.

Down on the Sands, Jalynia strides over to the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, Jachin steps away as a golden form looms suddenly too close for comfort. He gasps, dropping Jalynia's hand as a smile forms. He uses his freed hand to wipe away the ash and wet, just to make sure he isn't seeing..."Jaly? And a gold? Oh, shells! Rea, Jaly got gold!"

Mychaela strides over to the Entrance to the Hatching Caverns.

Mychaela has left.

Down on the Sands, Joleath moves towards the tunnel to the cavern entrance.

Down on the Sands, Kelli draws a sharp intake of breath as he sees the dragon apprroaching. Then he sees it's toward Jalynia. Then he sees the color. "COngratulations!" he absolutely booms to the young lady. "She's lovely. And a lovely name, too."

Down on the Sands, Meleri eye's get wide as she sees Jaly with the gold. "Jaly! Congratulations. She's beuatiful." Now the tears are definately happy ones as she clutches Rea's hand.

Down on the Sands, Away from the main cluster of eggs, with little fanfare, the All Fall Down Egg silently crumbles and a small green hatchling emerges. She daintily picks across the sand, headed unerringly for a gangly, green-eyed redhead that fidgets, oblivious to her approach. In fact, she makes it all the way to his feet before he looks down, a stunned-wherry expression on his face. "Neyith!" he manages, as he drops to his knees.

Stella leans forward, blinking. "Am I hearing them right down there?" she asks. "Jalynia... gold?"

Down on the Sands, Devin's eyes widen--he *saw* this one. "Oh...Jaly! Shells...Erin was right!" This seems to please him, and he continues on shuffling again.

Down on the Sands, Gaethan gasps. "Congrats JALY! I's gets marks fer tha' one! I's knew ye'd get th'Gold!" For just an instant, his old accent is back, as he slips back into his native dialect. Then quickly corrects himself. "Um, Congrats, Jalynia."

Down on the Sands, Maralita blinks around Kelli and her jaw.. drops. "J-J-Jaly...? Oh my Faranth! Congratulations, Jaly!"

Auralia blinks, pausing quite without words. "And there goes my non-bet. Oh, wow. Jalynia, was it? Jalynia and Joleath. Lucky L'mir?"

Down on the Sands, Kellah peers into the mist trying to get a better look at the dark forms of the hatchlings and eggs. She squeezes Jesika and Aerins hands as she watches the dark, hard to see, forms. She beams at Jalynia. "Look! Jalynia impressed a gold! Congrats Jalynia!" She cheers to the girl, a bright smile on her face for the girl.

Kayjay allows tears to flow down her face, unchecked as she watches Jalynia impress. Speechless with joy for her friend, she clutches her son closer to her then finally takes a breath. "OH Jalynia!"

Down on the Sands, Sun-warmed Granite Hatchling pauses with the cracked remains of an arched shell balanced on its head, heavily attached with sticky ash, close to striking a pose for anyone who *must* be watching! One slight wiggle is enough to send it toppling onto the sand, landing with a soft plop close to that granite-shaded form. A motion that could only indicate the lowering of a dragonet's head combines with a light croon, aimed toward the bronze sire. Look, Da! It's me!

Down on the Sands, Eireann blinks a few times at this announcement from Jachin, and drops Meleri's hand to peek around the male candidate next to her. "Shells, she impressed and I didn't even /see/!" she wipes grit from ash-stained cheeks, and just gapes after the pair. "Congrats!" is called out a moment's after.

Down on the Sands, Jyanda calls, "Well done, Jalynia!"

Down on the Sands, Roma cheers for Jaly in a quiet way, heart thumping in her chest. "I just knew it!" she says a bit later and smiles brightly.

Down on the Sands, Faizah 's eyes open, wow, "Congrats Jaly!" then, "wow, gold"

Down on the Sands, Saizin claps his hands together and tries to see the gold dragon but only catches a glimpse of her hide. "Ah welcome the new Queen and her Rider." He claps a little louder for the two and then looks around to try and spot some more of the dragons.

Down on the Sands, The goal to find the one Whiter Shade of Pale Hatchling is searching for, the one amongst all these white-robed humans who'll be its compliment, is deterred not once. Wings stretch backward, flicking away from its hide as if the feel of grimy ash were distasteful but it is in that moment that the hatchling's head suddenly swivels around -- there he is! The candidate desired, the one dreamed about, hoped for! As the hatchling waddles it's fastest toward the young man, bits and pieces of cloying ash are washed away to reveal the brightness of a burning torch's light in his bronze hide. Contact is made as he looks up into Kelli's face.

Imagine a torch made of bound wood, pine withies covered in sticky pitch -- fire burns atop this burning brand, the light flickering with a warm and substantial heat. Bronze flanks are a reflection of that illumination, shining like a glowing, amber radiance cast against the smooth surface of finely cut stone and as the brightness fluctuates, be it by wind or breath, shadows play in the hollows previously left hidden. Ruddy copper dances with ancient bronze darkness, a fiery luminescence accenting neckridges, before twining, like wisps of insubstantial smoke, with the charred coal of his tail. Resplendent around his throat lies a glistening torque of scarlet-veined aureate flames, the blaze dancing irregularly over his broad chest, while wings, reminiscent of the most translucent of sisal cloths, are dyed a startling combination of crimson and burgundy, threaded through with ethereal elements of gleaming gold, a fragile and exquisite costume cloak.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst grins and nods "yeah.

Stella reaches out a hand, leaning around some people to try and give Kayjay's shoulder a squeeze.

Down on the Sands, V'tali walks over from the Weyrling Room.

Isaiah has disconnected.

Kayjay wipes away tears and looks back at Stella. "I am so happy for her and it looks like Kelli too!"

Down on the Sands, Swirling Cape Hatchling takes a moment to glance imperiously around, checking its surroundings, you see, despite all odds, despite all that's happened, it has now arrived, and now is its time. A time that might have seemed like an eon, but a time that nonetheless could never be rushed. Plastered in ashy grey, which gives no substance to this hatchling, it almost blends into the sands as it moves. Those wings though, encircle the dancing grey, reddened eyes peeking over the top like some dastardly villain.

Auralia sits up straighter, beaming. "Oh, amazing. Jalynia, and now Kelli as well. One a friend, the other a searchee." Soppy. Gah.

Down on the Sands, Aerin cheers loudly as Kelli impresses. "Congrats Kelli," is yelled to the newest impressee. Then she's back to shuffling her feet in the mud, and watching for glowing eyes. The danger is upon them.

Down on the Sands, After wobbling back and forth for several long moments, the Berry Crush Egg shatters to reveal a massive dragonet. It greets the world with a sound that is half-trumpet, half-creel, and well, it swaggers to weave a path through a knot of knee-knocking, terrified Candidates. Before it can get where ever it thought it was headed, shaky legs abruptly give out in front of the diminutive lad from Katz Hold. Whirling red hatchling-eyes meet brown boy-eyes, and a croon resounds. "Luveth!" H'ran cries, kneeling to caress the brown's muzzle. Looking around the sands in a panic, the lad calls out. "Luveth says he's starving!"

Stella blinks, swivelling her head around as her eyes light up. "Kelli? Are you sure?" Now it's her turn for her eyes to get a bit misty over a friend Impressing. "What colour? What name?"

Down on the Sands, Jesika stumbles from disappointment and hits the sands, not thinking ahead, just knowing that she might not find her lifemate here.

Down on the Sands, Kelli suddenly stops his searching, blinking as he sinks down to the sands, ignoring the sharp heat and muck that oozes up. Rather, he reaches a hand out to the bronzen head befoer him, his voice first a soft whisper. "Venalth." Then, louder, the voice booms up into the Galleries and to the ledges. "His name's Venalth!" he bellows, before slowly standing.

K'lli (Kelli) Impresses Bronze Venalth

Down on the Sands, V'tali hurries out, eyes sweeping the sands, feet carrying him straight to Kelli. "Congratulations, better feed your handsome boy. Let's get him to Niare's den of meat and oil."

Down on the Sands, Maralita blinks and steps away from Kelli. Is that a tear..? No, Mara wouldn't cry.. would she..? "Congratulations.. " she says in a trembling voice and stands there awkwardly, looking quite lost and very alone.

Down on the Sands, V'tali strides over to the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, Roma gasps as the Bronze chooses Kelli! "Oh look! I knew it I knew it!" she calls out to her big friend, clasping her hands.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst says "Congrats Kelli"

Down on the Sands, Meleri grins wider. "And a bronze for Kelli! Congratulations." She shifts her feet the tears really streaming down now.

Down on the Sands, K'lli walks toward the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Kayjay sighs. "Another bronze. Oh dear!"

Down on the Sands, Gaethan looks over to the nearby Kelli, a smile on his face, as well. "Congrats Kelli. I mean...K'lli."

Down on the Sands, As several candidates nearly trip over themselves to get out of the way of a stampeding brown, one wildly rocking egg gives a tremendous *pop*, shattering in several different directions all at once. Laying among the shards like a beryl set in ivory is a small green who slowly stretches out her limbs and wings, testing them with an exploratory sort of air. With a sudden, startling movement, she leaps free and heads straight for the nearest group of white, coming close to knocking over one or two unwary candidates. One though, catches her eye. A burly apprentice smith blinks in shock at the very little green in front of him (will she ever be big enough for a young giant like him to ride?), then sinks abruptly to his knees. "Caloieth!"

Down on the Sands, Venalth moves towards the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, Jannee is just awed, again at a loss for words, not knowing why, but simply being such.

Down on the Sands, V'tali walks over from the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, Devin wipes a hand across his forehead, further smudging the ash-paste on his face. Hands are then wiped on his grimy robe, and he looks over just in time to catch Kelli's impression. "So fast...it happens so very fast."

Down on the Sands, Jachin's eyes widen as Kelli, too, finds a lifemate. "A bronze....well, what could the big man get but that?" he notes, smiling just as much for his tall friend as he did for Jaly and everyone else...He squeezes Eireann's hand again, "Look, Rea." As if she couldn't help but notice.

There goes the pounding once again, as yet another apprentice smith impresses. The Master smith pounds on Nafai's shoulder once again, "Look there Nafai!"

Down on the Sands, Kellah blinks as she watches a dark form approach Kelli. She beams at the tell boy as she sees the bronze hatchling. "Congrats Kelli!" She calls the boy. "Way to go!" She calls after Kelli. She blinks as Jesika goes down, but then she looks back to the dark forms on the sands.

Stella breaks into a huge grin. "Venalth? And a bronze? Oh, that's just wonderful!"

Down on the Sands, Amythyst sighs softly as Kelli becomes K'lli. The excitement, nervousness and hope still rage across her expressive face.

Down on the Sands, Roma takes Jan's hand again and then Gaethan's. "You alright?" she asks Jan.

Down on the Sands, Saizin adds more clapping for K'lli as he impresses and says, "Ah two metallics back to back very strong clutch indeed."

Down on the Sands, Jesika blinks as a tear rolls down her cheek, and she looks down at the ground as she continues to shuffle her feet, clearly depressed, and she breaks away from the others, to stand by herself, to stand alone with her sorrow.

Down on the Sands, Aerin sighs. Emotions run high at hatchings, that is for certain. She's also not the only victim of such uncontrollable feelings. "Oh gosh..." she murmurs, kicking at the mud beneath her feet. "I hope I'm not left out here, after everyone has impressed."

Down on the Sands, It barely has time to shake and shiver like the other eggs, as the I Can See For Miles Egg goes from stillness to sudden cracking sounds to breaking open in mere moments. It almost seems like the blue within was caught off guard, and is being pushed outside before it's quite ready. The cerulean headknob shifts back and forth nervously, the steps are extremely tentative, even for a hatching, and it takes a stumble toward the nearest candidate to seal the deal. "It's all right, Olioth," the soft, wavering voice of big strong Southern weyrbrat X'dian whispers. "I'm a little nervous, too."

Selene grins and murmurs to no one in particular, "I bet L'mir and Brielth are pretty proud about this group of dragonets."

Down on the Sands, Silver Screen Icon Hatchling strides away from her clutchsib in a huff, crying out its dismay at the travesty of it all. How could it be subjected to this trial of starvation and lonliness? How could it be forced to get such muck all over itself? It isn't fair! There must be a candidate to help it out of this misery. That one there looks nice, hmm.

Iesath> From the Sands> Joleath moves over from the entrance to the hatching cavern.

Down on the Sands, Eireann clings on tight to Jachin's hand whether he likes it or not--and just stares, open mouthed at the happenings around her. "I saw, I saw!" she tells him, lips pulling into a slight grin once she's managed to drag her gaze back from the others.

Down on the Sands, There's an Egg moves quietly, creeping slowly at first on the sands. It stalks the great darkness it finds, seeking and searching in the gloom for the one that must be there for it. Soft creels fill the air, as it glances to Tiarnath for a long moment.

Iesath> K'lli finally manages to pull his brain out of... well... wherever it happened to be. "Food." he says, blinking slowly. "Oh, yes! Right! Food! Where's the food at?" QUickly, he's looknig around, going to grab some of the meat and offer it to his bronzen beauty.

Iesath> Zoe looks over to the rest of the dragonets, as if seeing them for the first time. "Yes, they are pretty, but not as lovely as you." Nodding her head, she offers Ziareth another morsel of meat, "Just let me know when you've had enough." She says to her lifemate.

Down on the Sands, Jesika continues to stare at the ground, shuffling her feet to get relief from the heat.

Iesath> Jalynia was too busy beaming all over her face to answer up until now. "Food. I need to find food," she mutters, finding herself a bucket of meat. "Here you go," she says, holding out the hand-sized piece of meat toward the gold hatchling.

Down on the Sands, Kellah encouragingly squeezes Jesikas and Aerins hands as she watches the dark forms of the hatchlings and eggs. "This is going so fast." She comments as she watches the forms. She shifts from one foot to the other trying to keep them cool as she stands there.

Stella catches Selene's words, and smiles. "From what I've seen, the 'sire pair' are usually puffed up for sevendays afterwards."

Down on the Sands, Faizah smiles, the Silver Scren Icon Hatchling gets her attention for the moment, it uses it's voice, and loudly.

Iesath> K'lli also adds to Niare, "Kell... no, K'lli." He almost forgot. "And this is Venalth."

Down on the Sands, Amythyst grins slightly at the hatchjlings wandering around. She blows up at her forehead actually knocking loose some of the hair that sticks there because of the rain and ash

Down on the Sands, Maralita sighs. No.. no, she's not crying, honestly, those are raindrops. She shifts, and kicks up ashy mud, building a little mound before her. She looks up and shakes her head and the fastly deminishing group of Candidates.

Down on the Sands, Jesika peers at the Silver Screen Icon Hatching, wondering what the brave little hatchling is going to do next, it's creels somewhat cheering her up slightly.

Down on the Sands, Roma peers over towards Tiarnath and what looks like a hatchling making noises at her. "See there? My so many.." she says somewhat hopefully.

Down on the Sands, Jannee squeezes Roma's hand back and nods, just not certain why she can't speak. She offers her a soft smile before looking on to see what will happen next.

Down on the Sands, With a sudden lurch, There's an Egg moves! Or so it thought it did. Then the wiggle comes again, not a mistake at all but the attempts of something to break free. Shards fall loose, slipping to the sands as the hatchling inside destroys its past home and then walks free. Nothing is left but the collapsed remains.

Down on the Sands,

---*** Icy Lake Hatchling ***---

Dark bubbles rise up in winter gray ice, movement flickering deep down in this frozen lake. Darker shapes move beneath, hinting of life somehow surviving. Is there something here? Or is it just a shadow, creeping, seen one moment in the sun, then fading into shade again? Its unclear form seems sometimes small, then moments later grows to the lengthy shadows of evening, as though the sun were dappled the waters, slanting into the depths. Wind formed ridges cast shadows across the ice, giving the illusion that this lake is ever moving, towards some goal only it knows.

Iesath> K'lli's eyes soften from their harsh expression, the meat offered to the bronze as he drops down to an easier reach for him. "Here." he rumbles, soft as a whisper, to Venalth. "And remember to chew." he adds, remembering what was said.

Down on the Sands, Nothing can last forever, and so the Silver Screen Icon Hatchling's search finally comes to an end. It approaches one particular candidate, and stretches its wings quickly, protectively -- *This* is the one I want. The rapid motion jars loose damp clumps of ash, which fall away, revealing green hide one patch at a time. And then, she looks up, searching for recognition from Eireann.

Once faded frescos limn vaulted ceilings, the achromatized hues now returned to the glorious paintings that they were, creation and life displaying an inherent strength, and a gentle tranquility, within the brushstrokes that sweep across this olive green's hide. Rukbat dapples shoulders, dancing with sparkling emerald hues that radiate along her flanks before separating into the somber midnight shadowed tones of her haunches, sun and moon creating unusual iconography in the swirls of warm gold and cold pewter that spiral down the curve of her tail. Gardens of paradise are evident in the lush, verdant, greenery that curls over her headknobs, garlanding neckridges with laurel leaves and tempting apple greens. A quintessential harmony of beryl and turquoise contours her belly, rose fingers extending into the intense colours of her legs, avaricious talons varnished in brown, earthen pigments. Flood waters rush to fill the near translucent expanse of her wings, the tempestuous blues of a stormy ocean crashing over pinions forming a masterpiece of perfection amid the foam-capped waves of milky jade.

Down on the Sands, Saizin agree's with Roma by giving a nod of his bronze head. "Yeah this is a big clutch. It's even bigger then the first clutch I stood for." Stormy grey eyes dart over towards where Roma was talking about.

Iesath> Z'rien continues to caress the eyeridges of his Blue lfiemate, and holds a piece of meat, poised in the air. Shaking his head, the Weyrling clears away a few pestering bangs of fiery red from his forehead, while his jade eyes glimmer brightly. "Are you almost full?" He queries of Onsrath, though, K'lli's arrival catches his attention, "Hey, K'lli!"

Down on the Sands, Amid the choas of the hatching, the Fragrant Bed of Gold Egg seems forgotten. Quietly waiting, waiting... then, at long last, it gives a single violent shake and out bursts a hardy green, trumpeting her presence as if to provide herself a fanfare. As the rest of her clutchsibs find their partners, she soon finds herself alone, and frantically searches the candidates' faces as she scrambles past. Whirling eyes lock on a large woman whose candidate robes strain at the seams, and the woman cries out, "Donoth! My love!" The green belts out a series of delighted trills, then settles into warbling happily as she is led off the sands to her first meal.

Down on the Sands, Jesika sighs even more sadly, the tears rolling down her cheeks with much more violence, her slight frame shuddering as she is slightly enveloped in the light mist.

Anja eyes Jesika a moment, snorts, "And there's eggs left on the sands." then turns in time to watch Eireann impress.

Down on the Sands, Sun-warmed Granite Hatchling takes off from the shard remains of its discarded home, angling toward the ever-lessening circle of candidates, a blur of granite mass, dedicated with the sole purpose of reaching them quickly. It would attain that goal, were it not for a hollowed depression in the sand, the physical remains of a splintered egg left abandoned so recently. *fwoomp* A quick burst of air is exhaled quickly from the surprised darkened form as contact is made with the ground. How rude of it!

Down on the Sands, Jesika hears the cracking of another egg, but is far too distraught to care.

Stella raises an eyebrow at Anja's snort, but doesn't say anything, simply shakes her head in a disapproving fashion. Each person reacts to a Hatching differently.. there's no need to judge.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst winces as the sadowed form of a hatchling stumbles. "That can't feel good."

Down on the Sands, Maralita looks over as someone else Impresses and strains to recognize the form. So, she simply gives up, turning her head to catch the noise of another egg's shell breaking and the thump from elsewhere. "That sounded painful.." she murmurs with a wince.

Down on the Sands, Jyanda glances around, a slight smile if anyone were to look at her, looking just as confident as she has seemed to be since she was first Searched, for Tiarneth's clutch.

Down on the Sands, Jesika winces in her distress as she takes note that a hatchling has stumbled, rather painfully.

Down on the Sands, Faizah just looks at the eggs, confidence waning.

Down on the Sands, Roma oh's, smiling again as someone finds there lifemate "Congratulations" she calls out, truley happy for them. She winces as she hears the hatchling 'fwoomp'. "Poor dear, she mutters.

Down on the Sands, Kellah beams at Eireann and the green the girl had impressed to. "Congrats!" She cheers. "What a pretty green!" She calls to the girl and her lifemate. She smiles as she looks back to the dark forms of the hatchlings, and what she thinks is the remaining eggs. She winces as another hatchling hit the hot sands. "Ouch." She comments.

Down on the Sands, Swirling Cape Hatchling is darting around, hiding behind that egg there, this one here, and oh look, big gold dragon to hide behind! It snorts a greeting to Tiarnath as it hides behind a massive hindleg, red eyes whirling in this mischievous game. How close can we get before those silly white, but rapidly turning grey, things notice it? Well, they're probably dumb enough that they are watching one of its more flamboyant siblings. In its haste to escape identification it bumps inside something, giving a creel of annoyance, before - Oh, hey dad!

Down on the Sands, Icy Lake Hatchling moves quietly, creeping slowly at first on the sands. It stalks the great darkness it finds, seeking and searching in the gloom for the one that must be there for it. Soft creels fill the air, as it glances to its dam for a long moment.

Down on the Sands, Faizah is debating helping the poor hatchling who fell over, but then decides against it, it might hurt her.

Down on the Sands, Meleri catches Rea's impress and starts to really cry totally happy. "Rea! Congratulations!" She calls out rather loudly. She stands still for a minute not noticing the heat before she starts to shift her hot feet again.

Down on the Sands, Eireann's hands suddenly go limp in both of Jachin and Meleri's, then drop to her sides as she simply stares right ahead--straight into the eyes of a dragonet. "Auribeth!" She cries, tears immedaitely making streaks down through the ash covering her cheeks, and the girl flings both of her arms around the greens neck, blissfully unaware of everything else around her. "Food oh yes, we'll get you some food."

Eireann Impresses Green Auribeth

Down on the Sands, Aerin stares, eyes wide, as the little green becomes visible. "She's lovely. Congrats Eireann!" She nudges Jesika, and whispers something to the other about the hatching. "Nothing to worry about dear...you'll impress, I just know it." She unlinks her hand from Jesika's to put her arm around the other's shoulder. "Dontcha worry. We'll stick together, no matter what." So much for being non-emotional.

Down on the Sands, Jachin drops Eireann's hand and backs away, eyes wide. "Rea?" is queried softly, and then he fades into the grayness, leaving her with her new lifemate, a smile of congratulations on his face.

Down on the Sands, V'tali moves toward Eireann, "Good job, there you go, Eireann! Pretty green, let's get her fed. Right this way." He guides the pair off the sands, to the waiting meat, sticky ash clinging to his boots and legs as he heads off.

Down on the Sands, Eireann strides over to the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst grina "Congrats Eireann"

Down on the Sands, Jesika wipes her face, no longer weeping, and she finally stands straight and tall, ready to face to outcome.

Kayjay grins as Eireann impresses. "Wonderful, a green? I think." She peers. "Blue? I can't see."

Down on the Sands, Amythyst turns back to watch the hatchlings as best she can through the gloom.

Down on the Sands, Sun-warmed Granite Hatchling tucks, scrambles, sends light sprays of sandy granules into the air about it as long, insecure pinions lift that bulk to an upright position. Sparkling orbs peer and sweep along the row of not-so-white robes, just before settling on one certain lad. Right there. In front. Perfect. As always.

Down on the Sands, Devin's eyes widen. "Rea! And...Auribeth. Oh, that's a lovely name." Now he's quite by himself, but he doesn't really seem to mind that. Hands tighten on his robe, and he starts to shuffle back and forth on the hot sands again.

Down on the Sands, Roma looks over as Rea calls out her lifemates name. "Wonderful, congrats!"

Stella's nose wrinkles. "I think it's another green, Kayjay."

Down on the Sands, Gaethan squeezes Roma's hand, looking out at the dark forms still moving through the grey darkness.

Down on the Sands, Jannee is scanning the sands still, a little less energetic than before, but returning to herself. There are still hatchlings out there...

Down on the Sands, Kellah she smiles as she watches the leaving Eireann and Auribeth. "Congrats." She sands after them before she looks back to the remaining dark shapes of the eggs and hatchlings. She squeezes Jesikas and Aerins hands as she peers through the mists trying to see better.

Down on the Sands, Tiarnath warbles down at the little ash covered dragon, nudging it lightly as it moves, a questioning look sent to Brielth.

Kayjay shrugs. "How can you tell in all this mire? " Karel shifts in his mother's arms and one tiny hand flops out to bean a rider sitting on the bench below them.

Down on the Sands, Saizin claps his hands together and smiles softly as he hears Eireann impressed. "Ah Way to go Eireann and uh Auribeth." He continues to clap and the sound of the stumbling dragonet doesn't really affect him that much but he spots the dragonet near his sire and dam and mumbles to Roma and Gaethan. "The dragonet's respect there parents that is one thing I did notice."

Down on the Sands, Icy Lake Hatchling shifts in its stance, head snaking around to glance toward the white robes. There. Those. It needs one of them. Surely. But, what one is the question. It stops, head nodding as it peruses slowly, glancing at each offering.

Stella shakes her head. "I can't really. Name sounds green-ish, though."

Down on the Sands, Jesika stops scanning the sands, her head drooping in deep depression, aware that her friend, Eireann, has become a candidate. She calls out a soft, "Congratulations," to head her way.

Down on the Sands, Swirling Cape Hatchling warbles an apology to Brielth, it didn't really mean to do that really, it just looked like it, so heh, perhaps that's it -- it meant to do it, really! There is a certainly a possessive type of arrogance in it's stance as head goes high, and it glances around, perhaps it would be better with a partner at this? Head is tilted up to the sky, the clouds above matching the colouration of hide below, but there are rivers that now run down flanks. It steps forward giving careful consideration to a line of candidates -- which though? That? That? No *this*!

Kayjay smirks at Stella after apologizing to the rider. "Ah, and just what does green sound like?"

Down on the Sands, Jachin stands alone now, stomach rumbling, looking in the direction that all his friends are disappearing towards. "Shells, but I wish I could have a snack" is muttered. Some lose their appetite when they get nervous. Jachin just seems to get hungrier.

Stella grins over to Kayjay, winking. "Trouble."

Down on the Sands, Amythyst watches as one hatchling pauses to inspect the troops, a grin spreads across her face as the hatchling looks over the candidates.

Down on the Sands, Jesika hears a warble from a hatchling, and perks a bit, as it inspects the Queen and bronze.

Down on the Sands, Meleri moves towards Jachin offering him her hand as she wipes away tears with the other one. "It's so wonderful." She tells him softly.

Down on the Sands, Aerin shuffles in the muddy sands, growing increasingly impatient. "Someone needs to impress, and soon."

Kayjay cackles at Stella. "True enough."

Down on the Sands, Brielth returns Tiarnath's warble with one of his own, his more reassuring. After all, it's one of theirs, right? Each hatchling is sent a croon of welcome, diligently, as he watches.

Elzbieta chuckles at Stella's reply, her eyes drifting over to Anja

Down on the Sands, Kellah shifts from one heated foot to the other as she watches the dark forms of the hatchlings and eggs. She chews her bottom lip as she peers into the mist to try and get a better look at the hatchlings. She glances between the two dark forms that are near the semi circle.

Down on the Sands, As this dragon steps forward, streaks of colour show through in paths as the soft rain begins to wash him clean. Swathes of ochre cut through areas of dim, gray ash. As the Sun-warmed Granite Hatchling moves towards its target, more and more of his shading is revealed, the deep true brown being revealed in rushes and currents as the water gathers. Magnificent young wings shake off the muck and mud of the ash, revealing themselves in their full glory. He nudges Devin forcefully, and locks his whirling eyes into his new lifemate's own.

A dark and forbidding path wends through a leafless, barren wood that lifts caliginous fingers towards a darkened sky, which in turn spread shadowy traces across this hatchling's hide. Sepia, so clouded in obscurity as to be nearly black, sketches across his wings, creating a dappled appearance with the barely warmer cinnamon of aileronic background. Rich wet ochre smears in a heavens-seeking, vertical pattern over his flanks, matching bars marching across his ribs and down onto the cimmerian shades of his forelegs. From the tip of his nose spreads forth a twisting, narrow passage of worn, earth-torn brown, broadening as it races down his neckridges like the perspective in a painting, disappearing off into the infinity point of his muzzle. Trail transverses haunches, pushing back the dusky markings, before taking a sudden turn and vanishing from sight, leaving his tail obscurated as if hidden under the canopy of a myriad foliated trees.

Down on the Sands, Jachin smiles down at Meleri, taking her hand. "It sure is..." He notes, squeezing the girl's hand.

Down on the Sands, Jannee smirks a clouded expression at Jachin. "You'll eat afterwards, just be sure you don't *get* eaten." Such a scolding...

Down on the Sands, Jyanda glances around, and hears a mutter from near her. She turns, offering a slight grin to Jachin, nodding a head towards Janne, "What she said."

Down on the Sands, Jesika shifts her weight around from foot to foot, watching with increasing sadness that there are almost no more hatchlings or eggs around.

Down on the Sands, Icy Lake Hatchling pauses, stepping slowly on the sands and spreading its wings slightly. It stops before one along, crooning softly as it does, before glancing away once more. Yes. It's that one, near here but over there.

Anja grins over at Stella, "Greens aren't trouble... just their riders."

Elzbieta laughs out loud, her twinkling eyes looking to Anja.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst smiles as one makes its choice and another seems to.

Selene coughs back any retort to Anja's comment, choosing to keep her thoughts to herself.

Down on the Sands, D'vin just stands there, gaping for a long moment, before he finally reaches out wrap his arms around the brown hatchling in front of him. "You're hungry? Yes...food!" Then, louder, tears streaming down his face, he calls out, "He says his name is Chalith!"

D'vin (Devin) Impresses Brown Chalith

Down on the Sands, The dense air shrouds with opaque intensity the Swirling Cape Hatchling no longer -- a drenching rain acting as if a waterfall about a hidden secret, clearing the air, and freeing a hidden form from dissolute ash. Bowed down with dripping water, the ash clears in muddy strains, leaving within its wake a dark bronze hatchling, naked under the clearing of his dusky hide. Sedately removing him from ash-cloaked oppression, the bronze attests his true nature to Jachin's eyes -- his own whirling blue in the single moment of a bond finally made.

The setting sun lights, as if allowing for a fatal glimpse at truth, the remains of an ancient empire, allowing darkness to settle dulled shadows upon murky twilight as it engulfs the one time glory of ruddy bronze hide, vanishing beneath future's cape. Striations of gold set pace upon flanks, as if mountains of gold forever lost beneath the wash of darkness that catalogues denizens of bronze -- raptured in the shadowed wake of vanished pride decadent in wine-rich hues upon sculptured maw, reminiscent of times past that cannot live again. Incandescence resonates within melancholy carnelian follicles -- as if a flawless statue bathed in greatness, lost in dissonance -- to ramble glamour of a desert oasis lost to the sands of time upon belly's rounded curves. Sunset's shadows mould cinnabar hues upon wingsails -- edges caught as if within the brilliant gaze of a new sun, whilst topazite hues elongate fiery talons banishing insidious darkness to hold mournful shadows beneath the rising glory of an aureate dawn.

Down on the Sands, Roma shifts her feet and shrugs her sholders. She lets go of Jannee for a moment to wipe her eyes again and let out a tired sigh.

Kayjay laughs out loud. "Suriath informs me that Devin impressed to brown. And my silly brown lifemate is crowing about it as if he was the sire himself."

Down on the Sands, Aerin stares at Devin as he impresses. "A...brown? Oh, wow, congrats Devin. Or is that D'vin?" She grins slightly, knowing very well that the newest weyrling won't hear her. He's too absorbed in his newfound lifemate to see anyone else. Aer turns her deep blue eyes back upon the cracking eggs, and the creeling dragons.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst says "Congrats Devin"

Iesath> From the Sands> Amythyst says "Congrats Devin"

Down on the Sands, Kellah smiles as she watches shapes. "This is going by so fast." She says once again. She takes a deep breath as she peers into the mists, in an attempt to watch the dark forms. She squeezes Aerin and Jesikas hands as she watches the dark form. Her bottom lip continues to be chewed as she stands there.

Stella snickers over at Anja, "True, true." she acceeds, grinning. Then she blinks over at Kayjay, before her grins grows wider. "Now, don't let him corrupt the little one." she teases.

Down on the Sands, Jesika looks mournful, yet is happy for Devin as he impresses the beautiful brown. "Congratulations Devin."

Anja smiles at Stella, "I remember when your Reanth managed to catch Seareth..." She turns eyes back to the sands, "Isn't that your apprentice Selene impressing?"

Down on the Sands, Saizin turns his head from one impression to the other in deep confusion. "Um wait who impressed? and to what?" The candidate gets a confused look upon his face and he squints his grey eyes towards the people and decides to just clap for both.

Eirene walks over from the entrance to the hatching cavern.

Down on the Sands, Jannee rasies an eyebrow at Kellah, who seems to only be able to say one thing, but quickly adds her congratulations to the list going to Devin.

"Oh my," Selene murmurs, happy for the new bronze rider, but rather saddened to be losing such a talented harper. She maintains the excitement of the moment and calls out, "Congratulations Jachin!!"

Down on the Sands, V'tali moves to Devin's side, "Nice brown," he remarks. "Congrats, D'vin, and your new lifemate. Let's get him fed."

Down on the Sands, D'vin walks toward the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Stella nods at Anja, "So do I. He bragged about it for as long as he remembered."

Down on the Sands, Jyanda blinks. The man she was *just* talking to, now completely absorbed. A shrug, briefly, and a grin, and she's off to glance aorund, looking for someone else to stand near..

Down on the Sands, Roma blinks D'vin,"Congrats .. so handsome too," she calls out. She looks at Saizin and points.

Down on the Sands, Jesika loses her dreary expression and forces herself to look up, to the bright side of things, and that she does. She continues to peer out into the mist, searching for lonely dragonets.

Down on the Sands, Kellah smiles. "Congrats Devin!" She calls to the boy. "What a lovey brown." She comments. She glances to Jannee then back to the dark forms of the hatchlings and eggs. She squeezes Jesikas hand and then Aerins as she continues to peer into the mists, trying to see better.

Down on the Sands, J'cin drops Meleri's hand, stunned as he is suddenly in the presence of the stealthy one....he blinks, trying to get ash from his eyes, but is blinded by bronze brilliance instead, which makes him smile, a hand reaching out to caress headknobs gently "Teharyth...." He murmurs, no words, for once, forthcoming. And then he laughs. "I never fret, dear one." He notes. "But I'm glad you are here."

J'cin (Jachin) Impresses Bronze Teharyth

Down on the Sands, Gaethan looks over at Devin, smiling, as he barely makes out the Impression, and, still holding Roma's hand, he turns back to the remaining Hatchings. "Its going quick...sure enough..." And then his eyes widen as Jachin impresses nearby. He grins a bit. "Guess Jachin's meal is put off." he says to Roma, and then to Jachin, "Congrats, my friend."

Anja smiles at Selene, "J'cin and Teharyth now... a bronze?"

Down on the Sands, Amythyst smiles "Congrats J'cin"

Down on the Sands, Aerin squirms. Two in a row? "Congratulations Jachin--J'cin?" She waves and smiles at the form of the newest weyrling pair, which is all but lost to her in the rain. As her hand is squeeze by Kellah, she squeezes back gently. "I think it's almost over."

Stella then turns towards Selene, questioning, "Jachin? Jachin Impressed? Oh, that's great!" she congradulates.

Down on the Sands, V'tali blinks, then grins at Jachin. "Good thing we finished that song already. Right this way," he invites the two new sets of lifemates to follow him.

Down on the Sands, Meleri hears Devin and grins over then wider as Jachin becomes J'cin beside her. The tears start again happy for her friends. "Congratulations J'cin." She tells him. "Teharyth" She seems to savor the name grinning through her tears as she's left standing alone.

Down on the Sands, Roma laughs at Gaethan's comment. "Oh Jachin too?"

Kayjay cheers for the former harper apprentice. "Oh well done! He'll be too busy to write sarcastic songs about me!"

Anja grins at Kayjay, "I'll just chat with Aislynn about that... She might have some time."

Down on the Sands, J'cin looks up, smiling at V'tali. "Huh? Oh, yeah." He nods, following after a second and after smiling down at Teharyth again...

Selene grins, rather proud of her harper ... or the lad who used to be her harper. "I hope the bronze can appreciate music ... there'll be a lot for Jachin to sing about now that he's a rider."

Down on the Sands, Maralita sighs and begins moving towards the Weyrleaders, passing back behind the other Candidates left Standing. "Congrats, J'cin." she calls absently. Her vision being limited, she doesn't see the Sands, nothing but the muck before her. "Finally.. just me, Mara, again." she mutters.

Down on the Sands, J'cin strides over to the tunnel to the Weyrling Room.

Down on the Sands, *Splat*, *splat splat* One raindrop, then two and three, and more, drop down from the skies onto the grayed hide of the Icy Lake Hatchling approaching a huddle of Candidates. Like skirts of gossamer lifted by an impudent holder lass to give a quick glimpse of colourful hosen and a sparkling glasslike shoe, gray gives way to terse flashes of indigo, azure, ultramarine and cobalt, then another, dusty colouring becoming vivid beneath the swirling retreat of wetted ash. He pauses -- neck stretched upward, a royal gesture of dignity, hope and promise, in front of Jyanda, to croon so sweetly to her that a Harper would smile.

Sunlight caresses the finest velvet, the rich folds of which clothe this most prosperous of Lord Holders', fabric enhancing courtly appearance and chiaroscuro dancing across periwinkle hide. Smalt dapples flanks, the crystalline glass shimmering over shoulders, while potash smudges haunches into tenebrous shadows, as though they'd been rubbed in the cold ashes of a once roaring fire. Dashing hues of amethyst arc upwards from his muzzle, vanishing behind a bice-tinted mask that conceals true identity, while lapis lazuli chains intertwine each neckridge, linked together like a lover's embrace. Beryl and cobalt aid debonair appearance in the embroidery that patterns his waistcoat, designs ultimately concluding in the polished ebony of his booted talons. Midnight traipses over pinions, twilight shades of iridescent darkness luxuriously brocaded, like an elegant cloak, as they spread beguilingly over wings.

Down on the Sands, Jesika swallows audibly, but murmurs a congratulations to J'chin.

Eirene grins over at Kayjay, shaking her head. "I wouldn't count on it."

Down on the Sands, Saizin turns his head to follow off Jachin now too. "Oh boy that was confusing." He chuckles and smiles at Roma before clapping for the impressions as they are made.

Anja smiles, "Jyanda found herself a brown it looks. Well done!"

Down on the Sands, The activity wanes, the last of the dragonets finally finding their partners. A few minutes, and it is almost over. The last dragonet remains on the sands, seeking out it's lifelong companion, for a moment longer, than that too is gone.

Down on the Sands, Kellah beams. "Congrats J'cin!" She calls to the boy. "What a lovely lifemate!" She cheers before she looks back to the remaining dark forms of hatchlings and eggs. She takes a deep breath as she tries to calm her nerves as she watches the forms.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst sighs

Down on the Sands, Jesika claps dolefully for the Impressees, not feeling quite as happy as she did.

Down on the Sands, Maximus waits a long moment, heaving a sigh. "Well, that's over. Never mind. Back to the stables."

Elzbieta gives Anja a puzzled look. "Really?" she asks, "it kinda looks blue to me."

Down on the Sands, It takes a moment for those on the sands to realize that there are no more dragonets left, for now. Many reactions occur. Some shrug, some cry, some laugh. A melee of emotions sweep over those left in the misty world with no light to show them the way.

Anja nods, "Blue, yes... I meant that..."

Kayjay peers. "I think that's blue, Anja?" She giggles. "Who can possibly tell at this point. Those hatchlings are going to get their first baths a lot quicker than most, I think."

Down on the Sands, Faizah looks about, "Where to now?" she asks, mainy to herself.

Fiaind smiles over at Anja and just grins. "Still, a dragon for her."

Down on the Sands, Meleri smiles widely then it drops into a sad look as the last hatchling impresses. After a moment it returns. "I can cook again!" She declares softly.

Down on the Sands, Jesika's fill with tears, and she loses herself, flooding with emotion.

Down on the Sands, Roma looks beside her and gasps, steping back as Jyanda Impresses. "Oh!" she stammers.

Stella doesn't speculate about the colour, though another blue is -always- a good thing.

Down on the Sands, Candidates comfort those taking the 'loss' too deeply, assuring them there /will/ be more eggs and more dragons, as there always has been, and always will be. Footprints are retraced as those remaining head off the sands.

Down on the Sands, Amythyst stands there, her shoulders straight as well as her back.

Selene grins to herself, rather amused at how riders root for the different colors.

Bryena has left.

Down on the Sands, Jannee heaves a sigh...of what emotion she knows not. She turns to Roma hide herself in her arms.

Down on the Sands, Saizin sends a smile towards Roma giving her a bit of encouragement. The candidate himself doesn't really look upset, maybe a little disapointment can be seen upon his face but thats about it. Although Grey eyes peer over towards Gaethan and then Jannee.

Down on the Sands, Gaethan looks around as he sees the others look around..."There aren't any more eggs left, are there..." His voice a bit devoid of emotion. "Shards, I remember what THIS feels like..." His voice dropping. He looks at Saizin. And then to Janee as well, nodding understanding.

Down on the Sands, Jyanda Was looking for someone, and found someone alright. Eye to eye she ends up with a little dragonet. A blink, and another one, before she whispers, "Kaisyth... You.. You found me..!"

Jyanda Impresses Blue Kaisyth

Down on the Sands, Aerin sighs, and looks down and her mud-covered feet. Another impression, 'eh? "Congrats Jyanda," she murmurs, not quite as energetically as before. As she peers though the rain, the relization his her. It really is over. "Well, I suppose I'll go back to the beastcraft. Or hang 'bout here." The really isn't any particular reason for her to be upset. There will be another time.

Down on the Sands, V'tali slips out, spying Jyanda, and making his way to the last pair. "You've got MY spot - you're this clutch's V'tali! Last Impression, you can tell your grandchildren about it some day," he winks. "Let's get his belly filled, this way."

Elzbieta looks sadly down at the sands. "Poor Saizin, I was so hoping he'd impress this time."