Golden Caress [[Egg Touching]]

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.:: Suynie ::.
Junior Weyrwoman

Suynie touched a strand of her dark hair into place, giving her appearance one last, casual, glance before stepping away. As usual the naturally beautiful woman spent little time on her appearance. A pair of riding leathers, her boots, and a sleeveless tunic constituted a daily outfit for the Junior Weyrwoman. Leaving her weyr, Suynie mentally touched in with Rhiannoth, feeling the gold's contentment as she slumbered lightly near her clutch on the Sands.

Today the Candidates would be joining Suynie and Rhiannoth on the Sands to touch the eggs. Suynie hadn't really talked it over with the large gold yet, but was sure that the new mother wouldn't mind.. too much. Unlike Issarith, Rhiannoth was a much less hostile mother, and gold.

Taking the stairs down into the Hatching Cavern, Suynie found herself stopping in mid-step, her eyes fixated on the colorful clutch arrayed on the dark sands. It never ceased to amaze her that those beautiful eggs had come from her dragon and that in a month's time there would be a whole new set of dragons at the Weyr.

Rhiannoth, wake up please. Suynie sent a mental nudge to her lifemate.
What now?
The Candidates would like to come and see your eggs today. Would you be okay with them coming in and touching them?
... If they are careful, and respectful... and only a few at a time. I don't want too many crowding my golden egg. The queen protectively shifted her wedge-shaped head closer to the gold egg.
I will make sure that Candidatemaster S'nuo is aware of your wishes.
They'll leave as soon as I say. Rhiannoth added one last grudging clause.
Of course. No one wold dare disobey you, love. Would you please contact Malith and tell them that we're ready for the Candidates?
Malith, Rhiannoth addressed the Candidatemaster's blue, You and yours may bring the Candidates to the Sands today.

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Tokyo, Japan

The Golden Cherry Blossom Egg
This egg is just as grand as its name with a bright golden shell that is swirled with petals of pink. Although the largest egg on the sands, there is nothing clunky about the Golden Cherry Blossom Egg. An aura of elegance and grace surround the egg, bringing tranquility to those who stand around it. The egg exudes authority and power and the dragonet that steps from this shell will have all of the grace of an Empress.

Sitting apart from the rest of the clutch and nestled safely in the Sand near Rhiannoth, the Golden Cherry Blossom Egg is warm and inviting to the touch-- if Rhiannoth allows you close enough.

Cairo, Egypt

The Sphinx Egg
Shrouded in a sense of mystery, the Sphinx Egg is wrapped in ribbons of silver that vary in shades, adding to its depth and complexity. Patterns of white crisscross over the egg, and each person who looks at the markings can see something different. Some swear it wears the markings of a dragon, others are certain that it depicts the scene of a Wing of dragons fighting Thread.

While the meaning behind The Sphinx Egg is up for interpretation, no one can mistake the undeniable sense of power and authority that the egg commands. Nestled beside of the Gladiator Egg, the two seem to block the path that would lead to where the Golden Cherry Blossom Egg is safely nestled.

Carthage, Tunisia

The Gladiator Egg
The largest egg on the Sands apart from the Golden Cherry Blossom egg, the Gladiator Egg is large and sturdy. It's the color of golden sand with finer flecks of brown peppered in that give it a sparkly look from a distance. Upon closer inspection one can see that the flecks of brown are swirled in a whirling pattern that undulate across the shell. The dragonet from this egg is sure to be brave and courageous, letting no foe cross his path and there certainly will be no denying his sense of adventure.

The Gladiator Egg sits beside of The Sphinx Egg acting as a centennial to those who would try to pass onward to the The Golden Cherry Blossom Egg. The sheer size of this egg exudes power, and authority, and there's no question that this dragonet will be influential to its clutchmates.

Jerusalem, Israel

The Promise Land Egg
A patchwork of blue and white geometric shapes spread over this egg like an inviting blanket. The blue is a rich shade, like the sky on a cloudless day, and brings a stark contrast to the impossibly white patches that cover the shell. Because of its contrasting colors and shapes, The Promise Land Egg certainly draws attention to itself and shouldn't be over looked because of its smaller size.

Located on the outskirts of the clutch, and almost by itself aside from The Sea Turtle Egg, this blue and white egg has an independent spirit that pervades those that draw near. Those who are particularly strong-willed will be drawn to this egg.

Moscow, Russia

The Red Czar Egg
An average size egg, this one is a deep, solid shade of burgundy. Sprinkled across the shell of the slightly bumpy egg is a dusting of gold that adds a luxurious shimmer to The Red Czar Egg. The texture of the egg is slightly rough, coarse, compared to its smooth shade. Unlike some of the other eggs, this one is much more oblong, and rests directly in the center of the clutch. In fact, some of the smaller eggs lean against The Red Czar Egg for support. It should be no surprise then, that this egg exudes a quiet, comforting aura and in its presence one has an undeniable sense of safety.

Berlin, Germany

The Great Chancellor Egg
An average size egg, this one is a rich, hunter green like the forest at dusk. Upon closer inspection you'll notice that there are multiple shades of green enveloping this egg like a shroud of silk. The most distinguishing feature of this egg is the ring of dark red stars on the side, seeming to signify that this egg is a leader.

When touching this egg the feeling of swift, sure persuasion will wash over you. Suddenly everything about this egg seems perfectly right and you know that you'll do whatever is desired of it without question. The strong will of this egg will undoubtedly attract followers.

Seoul, Korea

The Great Divide Egg
This egg, while somewhat simple, could quite possibly be the most beautiful egg on the Sands. As it's name describes, this egg is divided by two beautiful shades of purple and teal that meld together in a smooth marriage of color. Upon closer inspection one will note the wispy white strands that swirl around the egg, adding depth and complexity.

Standing near this egg, one will inevitably be at war with oneself over the meaning of this egg. While some will discover joyous feelings of belonging, while others will experience the dark cloud of exile.

Bangkok, Thailand

The Siamese Egg
Like the feline it is named for, this egg is a beautiful creamy shade of ivory. On one side of the egg there is a dark, bronze embellished print that resembles two felines intertwined. This egg is large, and smoothly rotund with an almost glossy look to its surface.

Upon touching this egg one will undoubtedly be filled with the lazy, lax attitude of a feline sunning on a ledge. Flexible and independent, the dragonet inside of this egg is sure to be an easy-going one.

Casablanca, Morocco

The 'Here's Looking At You Kid' Egg
This egg is far from modern, in fact, it could be described as a timeless classic. Beautiful oval in shape, and quite large, this egg is a startling shade of white and grey, each color swirling for dominance to the top of the egg. Black scrolling lines, like that of a calligraphist race across this egg in elegant spirals.

Confidence and maturity practically bleed from this egg, ensuring that the dragonet inside is one of strong convictions and wisdom. Touching this egg one will note the feelings of nostalgia and tranquility that pervade the air around it.

Rome, Italy

The Fall of an Empire Egg is pristine and exudes strength. Looking at it, you can't even imagine that something could possibly live inside. Instead it looks like a lifeless piece of marble, solid and unbreakable. Swirled up the center of the egg are golden rings that give the egg a royal flair, and a simple elegance. Touching the egg one will find it flawlessly smooth and cool.

Although the egg looks unbreakable, upon nearing it one can't help but feel the fragile ties that hold the egg together. The lifeforce inside this egg seems to be sensitive. People who are rowdy, mean, or arrogant will find that they don't mesh well with the gentle soul inside this egg.

New York, USA

The Liberty Bell Egg is a brilliantly colored egg that swirls into a burst of red, white and blue. While the egg is only average in size, it rests comfortably next to the Great Chancellor Egg and leans gently against the Guinness Egg. A beautiful dome shape, this egg is slightly bumpy to the touch, but overall has a soft, velvety feel.

Touching the Liberty Bell Egg brings a rushing sense of independence and freedom. There's a certain authoritative feeling that seems to rest around this egg, and an unabashed sense of pride. Bravery and a bit of foolhardiness will draw in those Candidates who are adventurous risk takers.

Toronto, Canada

The Maple Leaf Egg
Unquestionably large, this egg acts as a bridge between the Gladiator and Sphinx eggs and the rest of the clutch. With a solid, round base, this egg needs no support from others and stands perfectly on its own. A deep purple in hue, the defining feature on this egg is the startling indigo maple leaf that is stamped onto its glossy, smooth surface.

Standing near this egg one can feel a calm, nearly aloof, sense of confidence emanating from The Maple Leaf Egg. The surface of the egg is smooth, flawless, and yet extremely cool to the touch. No doubt the dragonet inside of this egg is going to be comfortable in his or her own hide.

Beijing, China

The Epic Dynasty Egg
This egg probably catches the most attention in the group aside from the Golden Cherry Blossom Egg. It's not only large, but it's also a startling shade of bright red. Natural rosy hues swirl throughout the deep shades of crimson. As if etched onto the shell by an artist, rises the dark silhouette of a decorative dragon. People wonder if the the dark dragon depicted on the egg will be a foreshadow of what is to come on Hatching Day.

With the bright shade of this egg, and the black dragon painted on it, one can't help but feel as though the creature inside of this shell will be fierce. Competitive tendencies and a jealous air seem to pervade the area about this egg, which could explain why was positioned lovingly by Rhiannoth at the forefront of the group.

Paris, France

The Lady Marmalade Egg
On the smaller side of average, this incredibly chic egg is an intriguing shade of turquoise, with a hint of darker blue splotches that resemble flowered branches. While the shell of this egg is peppered with slight imperfections, they're unnoticeable at a distance, and even when running your hand over the surface you must admit that the imperfections give the egg a velvety feel.

A romantic and loving atmosphere is layered around this egg. The feelings of joy that over come the one touching the egg make even make them want to break out into song.

Madrid, Spain

The Cortez Egg
This egg sparkles golden, like the sun, well, it would if it weren't shrouded in a dark cloud of silky black. Strips of the brilliantly golden shell peek through like the sun on a dark day. The glittering effect of the egg attracts those at first glance, and then draws the viewer in with the promise of the treasure hidden inside the egg. Touching this egg, one is immediately overcome with an adventurous thrill and the itch to travel. This egg definitely isn't for a homebody as the dragonet inside will, no doubt, enjoy traveling.

Santiago, Chile

The Hasta La Vista Egg
This egg is a reflection of The Cortez Egg, only the brilliant golden streaks are replaced by a deep, burning red. The crimson rivers crossing the egg practically glow against the silvery, black shroud. The shell of the egg is leathery and tough, indicating that the dragonet inside is one made of inner steel. The atmosphere surrounding this egg is hostile, and an underlying sense of rebellion lies beneath the surface of this egg.

London, England

The Fish and Chips Egg
An especially colorful egg, The Fish and Chips Egg is a russet orange, framed by thick purple borders that give the viewer a window into the silky, smooth surface of the egg. One touch of the egg reveals a regal sense of pride. There's something historic and mature about the presence inside of the egg, and undoubtedly the inhabitant will be just as regal and elegant.

Ephesus, Turkey

The Jewel of Troy Egg
This egg is, arguably, the most beautiful egg on the Sands. A kalidiscope of colors, this egg resembles a gem when viewed through the bright rays of the sun. Like diamond in the rough, this egg practically screams for attention from the dun colored sands of the Hatching Caverns. The egg is so beautiful that it has caused more than one argument between on-lookers, and no one would be surprised if Candidates fought over the honor of Impressing the dragonet inside of this egg.

Savannah,GA, USA

The Southern Belle Egg-

Nestled in the middle of a grouping of eggs lies The Southern Belle. The size of this egg is small, but it is certainly not the smallest one in the Sands. A light orange shade serves as the background color for the eggshell, its dark pink areas often attracting the view of many as it sits on the warm and tan colored sand. These pink areas seem to me more for statement and to draw others closer to The Southern Bell, giving the egg the appearance of a rather large and fuzzy peach. The fuzziness is, of course, just an illusion by the mind; for how can an egg be fuzzy after all?

Coming in contact with the shell in close proximity will give one the feeling of being liked; wanted even. Nothing about this egg seems to hint that you are not welcome, on the contrary it seems to relish you and is delighted to bask in your presence. The Southern Belle Egg gives off a strong and candid warmth; feelings of hospitality and gentility easily flooding the mind. The comfort it seems to provide might leave a Candidate wanting to stand there forever; or at least until Hatching Day comes by.

Verona, Italy

The Capulet Egg

The Capulet Egg is easy to miss and in fact it would not be a surprise if many Candidates walked right by it. The egg sits behind Rhiannoth to the side with The Jewel of Troy Egg which easily steals the gaze of most who approach them. Despite this, some might notice of the gray background on the Capulet Egg. The color is like a rain cloud, cold and depressing. Uninviting already the black and brown speckles add no beauty or interest to the eggshell. One might think the Egg was up against some rather awful odds. The egg is at most forgettable. However even the smallest and least pretty eggs deserve a closer look.

With one touch a person can feel the underlying passion of the dragonet inside. It's an all-consuming passion, as if nothing in the world were stronger, or greater. Once this passion has begun to dissipate, mingled feelings of naivety, joy and a very tragic kind of sadness take hold. There are too many emotions and they are conflicting to the point that after one touch, a Candidate might feel completely confused. What exactly is the dragonet inside going to be like? Hopefully the little one will not be as confused as those who took the time to pay it some attention.

Rio De Janiero, Brazil

The Beautiful Beach Tan Egg

Sitting peacefully next to the Southern Bell Egg with some four or five other eggs is the Beautiful Beach Tan Egg. The small egg is smooth as a baby's bottom and looks exactly as its name implies. The color of bronzed tan skin, flawless and ageless covers the entire shell. There are no blemishes or hints of color other than the color of the perfect beach tan. The color is dark enough so as not to blend in with the Sands beneath the egg. The warm color and seemingly flawless shell attracts enough attention for the little one inside.

As one touches the shell a feeling of complete relaxation overwhelms the body. A Candidate might even begin looking for a spot to take a nap on the warm sands. This feeling never fades as other emotions of feeling warm and well liked seem to add to the relaxation. All at once the feeling of being watched takes over. Walking away the feeling that someone is talking about you and not in a good way prevails. (Did you hear?)

Kathmandu, Nepal

The Buddha Egg

The Buddha Egg has made its home next to two other evenly sized eggs, neither large nor small. This average sized egg is a beautiful round shaped egg. Not oval. Round. You might even describe the egg as rotund or pudgy. How it sits in the sands like that might be a question worth wondering for there is no doubt the egg is quite different. The shape of the egg alone makes it stand out but the coloring too is unique. The background of the shell is a pure white like milk or snow. Along the white shell there are jade blue and bronze colored gem shapes all over and in no particular order.

Drawing closer to the beautiful yet strange egg a feeling of serenity and calm washes over you. Upon touching the cool hard shell, there is a peacefulness and order that comes through. No matter what you were feeling before, now there is a complete sense that all things are balanced and good. There is nothing to worry about. The calm emanating from the Buddha egg even starts to affect the other eggs around it.

Sydney, Australia

The Sea Turtle Egg

Along the outskirts of the clutch near the Promise Land Egg is an average sized, sandy colored egg. Although The Sea Turtle Egg rests on Sands slightly darker than the color of its shell the egg is still difficult to see. The one thing that seems to stand out is the Caribbean blue colored sea turtle on the shell. The shape is only on the side facing away from the clutch and towards the Stands. The intriguing color if the strange shape would draw attention to the egg if it were facing the rest of the clutch, as it is no one will notice it unless sitting in the Stands or walking around the egg.

If anyone should see and then approach The Sea Turtle Egg they might be surprised. Despite the outer camouflage the egg sets one to thinking about new places that need to be visited, things that could be done, exciting things, new experiences. The adventurous side of the egg dominates the other lesser feelings of bravery and fearlessness. The egg can't help but give off a fun loving feel from the get go. It seems someone is ready to break that shell and start an adventure in the real world! Come on, its going to be so much FUN! Feeling anxious? Then perhaps this adventurous dragonet is not the one for you.

Dublin, Ireland

The Guinness Egg

Set apart from the eggs closer to the front of the clutchThe Guinness Egg is near the entrance. Nearby but not close are two other eggs, The Siamese Egg and The Here's Looking At You Kid' Egg.
Not that this particular egg presents anything bordering on bravery when touched. The Guinness Egg is one of the smallest on the Sands and has a rather unique coloring. The bottom three quarters of the egg is the color of a dark draft beer with bubbles of lighter color here and there. There is a light color at the top of the egg shell that looks like froth. In between the top and the bottom the quarters the colors blend. The bubbles are easier to see up close and are more numerous than one can even count.

SEE ME! LOOK AT ME! The egg practically shouts as it tries to win the attention of onlookers. The charisma and charm seething from the egg seems to grab some of the attention the egg seeks. The Guinness Egg's exacting and determined nature is only overshadowed by the overwhelming feeling of love for all who touch the shell. Sadly the small size seems to deter people more than the larger eggs. Perhaps people will take more notice when the dragonet is outside the shell?

[Na Qaiah]

Tishu lined up with the rest of the Candidates outside the hatching grounds. Her arm was still bandaged but it was healing nicely. The little frustrated green that had bitten her on its hatching day, didn't do as much damage as the healers feared. The teeth marks were deep but didn't do lasting damage. What a story to tell when some one asks about the scars. 'Oh nothing much, I just got bit by a green hatchling is all.' Tishu thought snickering to herself.

Once everyone was present, and the word was given to enter the sands a few at a time, Tishu's heart rate went up. As she waited for her turn she tried very hard to not get too nervous. Wiping her hands on her pant legs. She stepped closer to the entrance. Even from here she could feel the heat that radiated from inside the chamber. So many eggs, and they were so beautiful. She had no idea where to even start. She knew there was a gold egg on the sands and she wondered if the beautiful Rhiannoth would allow her to see it closely.

When it was her turn, she entered slowly but steadily toward the golden Queen and her rider. Stopping, Tishu bowed politely. "Beautiful Rhiannoth, my duty to you and your rider Suynie. I thank you for this oppertunity to visit your beautiful eggs. I also ask permission to visit your wonderful golden egg. I hope you find me worthy of the honor. I promise not to harm any of your children nor will I take too much time." She spoke clearly, looking from one to the other. When she was granted permission, she turned and started into the eggs.

The Guinness Egg was closest to where she entered, it was a much smaller egg then the rest. Tishu stopped and rubbed her hand over the egg greeting its occupant. She didn't know why but it seemed fitting to give the little egg justice. The coloring of this egg amused her. It reminded her of a foamy brew with bubbles rising to the top where the foam settled. She was shocked at the excitement she felt from the egg, the 'look at me' feeling over took her for a moment before the feeling of overwhelming love replaced it.

Smiling she moved moved on between the Siamese Egg and The Here's Looking At You Kid' Egg. She didn't touch them but she did walk around them. Their coloring was so beautiful . She walked around a few more eggs heading back where the Golden Cherry Blossom Egg was sitting off to the side out of the way. Tishu stood at a short distance then looked up at Rhiannoth for signs of rejection before she approached the egg itself.

Not getting a rejection from either rider or Queen, Tishu gave a small bow before she approached. She made sure she walked carefully up to the beautiful egg. She looked at it before touching it. The bright golden color of the egg was startling in itself, but the pink coloring that resembled cherry blossoms would normally put her off, but in this case it all seemed like they belonged. When she bent down to look closer the feeling of peace came over her. She put her hands softly on the side of the egg and was surprised by the feeling of power and authority that came from within. The feeling of tranquility was wonderful to feel. This little lady was meant to rule and she knew it. Not wanting to over stay her welcome. Tishu moved away. She stopped to face the pair. "Thank you for the honor of visiting your beautiful golden daughter."

Turning she noticed a little egg that didn't look like much a bit out of the way, she decided she would go look more closely at the dull looking Capulet Egg. The shell was the most benign coloring of all the eggs in Tishu's opinion. That in itself is what caught her attention. She walked by the Jewel Of Troy Egg, giving this one a light touch as she walked by. Even though it was brightly colored it didn't draw her attention away from the Capulet Egg. She felt the dragonets presence inside, but it didn't stop her for closer inspection. This rain cloud colored egg with the different black and brown specs all over it was dull and depressing looking. Tishu laid her hand gently on the shell with a smile when she felt the dragonet inside. All kinds of feelings came from inside. All of them good to Tishu, she even understood the feelings of tragedy. She walked away giving the egg one more light pat before she did.

She didn't want to make Rhiannoth upset by spending too much time on the sands. So she decided she better get with it by walking among the rest of them softly laying her hand on each as she passed. Some she didn't take any note of except for their beautiful shell, and others she took a moment before moving on. She wanted to make sure she paid proper homage to each egg, so she didn't stop at any one of them for very long.

The Budda Egg made her stop and stare at the shell for a moment or two before she touched its surface lightly then she walked on. What caught her attention about this egg was its calmness she felt before she removed her hand. The Siamese Egg made her smile, she swore she saw two cats on the shell. When she touched the egg, she felt like taking a nap for a moment. She shook her head and kept going. The Sea Turtle egg made her pause a minute to make sure she was seeing a turtle on its shell when she walked around it. Smiling she walked on and around the Maple Leaf egg.

She didn't know if they would have another chance to see these eggs before hatching began, but she sure hoped so. Even if she didn't get to touch, she wanted to look at them. They sure were beautiful. Tishu was emotional when she was done visiting the eggs. She stopped briefly back in front of Rhiannoth and Suynie. "Thank you again for allowing me the pleasure of visiting your children." She sure hoped she didn't sound like a ass kisser, she didn't mean to. She meant every word. They came from her heart. She hoped they understood.

Giving one final bow of respect. Tishu left the sands. The heat made her arm throb. She hoped it would heal before hatching came. Her eyes still misty, Tishu waited with the other Candidates that were finished. They all waited for further instructions.

[freya]

Trelia had readied herself for this touching as she had been more diligent in her studies and tried to be more relaxed this time. Her confidence was not shaken as she knew that somewhere out there was a dragon for her. A personal hope that the dragon would be in this clutch of eggs and she stood at the edge of the sands. The young woman was well prepared for touchings by this time and stood dressed in a pair of brown pants. A loose peasant shirt went to mid thigh and her hair was pulled back. It was a beautiful day for the touching and she had worn her old pair of brown boots.

She just wanted to impress and hoped that with her entire body that this clutch would hold her life mate. When she entered the area and looked around it was such a astounding sight. Trelia had heard that there we're large clutches like this in the past yet had not believed it. It was such a large clutch of eggs and hoped that all of these eggs would hatch unlike the last clutch. A few steps in she took a formal bowl to the golden queen and her rider. "May I enter and touch them," asked Trelia as she waited to see if there was any objection and was pleased when there was none?

Her eyes hungrily went over the eggs as she had a great desire to touch them all. "You have given us much hope great Rhiannoth," said Trelia as she to steady herself for the overwhelming number of eggs. The young woman took a deep breath then caught her first sight which was of the "Golden Cherry Blossom Egg," then carefully approached it. A egg that begged to be touched yet it was very close to the golden queen that it demanded a special type of careful. Trelia was very careful as she approached it then her eyes wandered over the beautiful pattern. The golden egg that held a pink flowery pattern on it and she hoped that inside there was a gold dragon. It would be wonderful if it truly held a gold dragon in it and for a first clutch this was defiantly a great feat that Rhiannoth had accomplished. When a hand went to the egg then she got a feeling of calmness that seemed to make all other feelings leaving her. "I hope that your a gold," whispered Trelia to the egg then stepped back as she didn't want to risk Riannoth's wrath.

Her eyes wandered over a few other eggs when another egg caught her attention it was the Gladiator Egg with the large size and very odd coloring. She was just almost entranced to the point that she walked over to the golden speckled brown egg. Trelia had an idea that a brown dragon would most likely come out of this one or perhaps a brown dragon. The thought of a bronze shook her out of her thoughts because girls did not impress bronze eggs yet if it was a brown. A hand went over the egg as feelings of adventure overcame her and she smiled for a second. The adventure of impressing would be enough for Trelia as she gave one last look then pulled back. Trelia smiled at the possibility that these eggs brought and hoped that with such a large clutch it would her life mate.

[♥Rizu-Chan♥]

Nayzarette
Northerner Candidate

Another clutch had been laid on the sands; and so soon too! It hadn’t been until a bit after the first hatching that Nayza had become aware of the second soon-to-be-a-mother gold; the northerner brunette had never thought clutches could happen in such a quick succession. She had many questions, though some of the dragonhealers had been more than kind enough to listen to her inquiries and fill in some knowledge gaps. Indeed it wasn’t common for Queens to rise and mate close to one another; but it had happened (thankfully without any fatalities) and this was the reason the younger and first timer Rhiannoth was now guarding her brood in the sands.

And what a clutch it was.

Over twenty eggs laid close to the gold; the largest one holding a golden color to itself and nestled further away and the closest to Rhiannoth. Not only was this clutch bigger than the previous one, and thus quite impressive, but most of the eggs were a lot larger than the average had been for Issarith. Then again Rhiannoth was a big Queen; and her mate was also nothing to snort at either. She had been lucky to have been at the dragonhealer’s area again, pestering them with her many questions that they were more than willing to answer, when the news of the Touching were given out. Eagerly the girl had politely excused herself, heading right for the Hatching Caverns.

She dressed simply; knee length trousers and a simple white shirt with dark brown leather boots. Her usual form of outfits on the Weyr lately; the lack of funds made it hard to get anything fancy – but Nayzarette didn’t minded it much. After all they were often doing some chore or another, and she had come from the North with little if anything to her name. Fancy clothing wasn’t needed really; so long as she did her chores right and on time she was proving her worth without needing to flaunt it about. Besides, if she could send some of her few earnings as a Candidate back home for her father and little brother, in order to help them in these rough periods, it was the best way she could spend the few marks she earned in the Weyr.

”Rhodri! There’s so many of them!”

Finding her childhood friend hadn’t been hard, making a beeline for the man as she greeted him before they listened to instructions. They were to go a few at a time and n ot crowd the eggs; the girls interested in being Gold Candidates were to go to the golden egg and touch it – provided Rhiannoth gave her permission. Patiently Nayzarette waited for her turn, watching the other motioned candidates go forth and touch various of the eggs as they went – Trelia and Tishu included – while nervously fidgeting with the edge of her shirt. She couldn’t help but feel infinitely excited; this all still felt very much like a dream sometimes, and just the sight of this clutch was a marvel to behold. Nayzarette did not regret, at all, having come to the South that fateful day both she and Rhodri were Searched. She was certain, this was the place where she belonged.

And finally it was her turn.

Carefully the girl moved forth just as Trelia retreated from the clutch, nodding in the direction of the Jr. Weyrwoman and her golden queen. ”Greetings Jr. Weyrwoman Suynie and Gold Rhiannoth; it’s an honor to be allowed the chance to come so close with your wonderful clutch.” She didn’t felt the need to add more, the other candidates had already done so and Nayza had never been fond of rambling; she wasn’t here to brownnose her way to good graces, but she would show proper respect and etiquette to those that deserved it. The girl really meant it when she said she felt honored to be allowed the chance to touch these eggs.

Moving through them the first to catch her eyes had been The Promise Land Egg, her fingers faintly trailing the shells of the Sea Turtle and Guiness Egg as she moved. While she ignored none of the eggs this one earned a bit more time from herself; the beautiful silver and blue shades as well as the geometric patterns upon it being quite intriguing. Letting her hand linger longer on its surface than others she could feel the presence within touching her mind; Nayzarette had to admit she admired the strong and independent spirit residing inside. ”I’ll be happily watching to see who you turn out to be little one; keep being just as you are.” Smiling she moved away from the egg, continuing her way slowly as her hands continued to softly grace the various colorful shells before her; silently making her path around the clutch that allowed her to visit each of the eggs (even if only for a couple of seconds) as she finally found herself before The Golden Cherry Blossom Egg.

”May I please come closer to your Golden Egg, Queen Rhiannoth?” The inquiry was honest, the girl paying a courtesy to the queen now that she was much closer to her; much like she would in the North to the Lord and Lady holders of Keroon. Waiting patiently finally she was allowed to come closer, a smile spreading through her lips as she beamed at the golden mother. Nayza could feel the heart in her chest pounding so strongly with excitement; it almost made her feel as if it was in her throat instead! Cautiously she came closer, admiring the deep golden hues that covered the background of the surface, though what caught the brunette’s attention the most was the intricate pink design upon its shell. She had never seen such a pattern before in her life; but she could put one and one together enough to see it resembled some sort of plant life; or at least it seemed to.

Regardless it was a breath-taking egg to be sure.

Carefully she walked through in between The Sphinx and Gladiator Eggs, her hands softly caressing their surface in respect before she found herself in front to her goal. The largest of the eggs by far this Golden Egg was daunting and awe inspiring; just gazing at it made her desire to become a dragonrider flare within her and burn brightly. Everything about these creatures completely enraptured her mind, tickling every nerve and sense in such unimaginable ways. This was what she dreamed, this was the future she desired for herself. Slowly but steadily her hand was pressed against the warm surface, lingering for much longer than in any of the other eggs as Nayzarette allowed a moment to feel the presence overcoming her senses; savoring and etching every millisecond of this moment deep into her mind.

This was an experience she never wished to forget.

The egg itself was very warm and inviting, it made her feel at home and at ease just being there. Eyes closed softly the candidate focused all her being on this moment, on this single egg. So smooth, so perfect, she almost didn’t wanted to part from it now that she was here. And the presence, oh the presence within... it exuded such a confident authority; with a hint of grace and elegance to behold. It reminded the girl of those stories of Lady Holders in the past of Keroon; those that had been so amazing to be recorded in history among a civilization that usually saw them as nothing more than child bearers and property of their husbands.

The queen inside would definitely be a lazy in her own right; but she would be authority incarnated and a self-depending being. She would be a graceful and elegant creature, yet also powerful and awe-inspiring; there was no doubt about it. And how could she not be? Rhiannoth herself was magnificent; and such a sharp contrast compared to Issarith. Both queens were magnificent in their own right; it made sense this one would be just as perfect or more than those that came before her.

She couldn’t wait for the hatching day.

Finally she removed her hand from the shell, a smile still playing on her lips before she turned and politely excused herself from the golden mother and her rider; making her way out of the sands and towards her friend once more.

”Oh Faranth, Rhodri! They are absolutely amazing!”

[freya]

Quelas was in the candidate barracks as he was tired from the day's chores when a drudge came in to request his presence at the touching. He drew in a deep breath as he swung his feet over the side of the bed and then exhaled finally. The candidate didn't know if he could take another disappointment and vowed that if it didn't happen this time. His clothes we're slowly gathered as he got on a pair of black leather pants and a white shirt that had seen better days. While he got on a pair of brown boots and then took off at a slow walk towards the hatching grounds. A heart that was heavy with disappointment showed in his lack of energy and even caused him to sink into a depressed state.

When he arrived at the hatching grounds there we're a good number of candidates already present. He patiently waited his turn and let most of the others go first then he was allowed in. Quelas had to admit that he was impressed as the sight of twenty four eggs. Quelas couldn't believe that the golden queen had laid this many eggs on her first clutch and that there was a golden egg among them. His manners kicked in as he bowed his head to her then asked, "May I approach your eggs great queen,"? When he didn't receive any sort of objection and then looked at the eggs.

Quelas didn't dare want to get his hopes up as he looked on the eggs that we're in front of him. He thought that perhaps the dragnets kept sensing his fear. If he didn't impress this time then he would be leaving because he couldn't take the disappointment again or having to bear the sight of new dragnets. When he walked around the eggs he had to admit there was nothing special about them that he hadn't seen before at the previous three clutches. The young man wandered around till he came to the front of Rhiannoth's clutch and saw the Beautiful Beach Tan Egg

He tentatively put a hand on the egg as it was so smooth that he put both hands on it. While the egg was tan over and it seemed to have no blemish on it. His hands seemed to just wander over the surface and feelings of relaxation seemed to overtake him. Quelas almost wanted to just lay down and take a nap until he heard a noise that broke his concentration. The young man pulled back then began to walk away as he saw more candidates entering and he thought that he felt someone talking about him. It was no doubt someone saying that he'd be left standing again and he walked off the sands as he waited for his last chance to stand.

..............................................................................................

Sareen waited as others seemed to enter the grounds and she smoothed out her light blue dress very carefully. She'd taken to wearing dresses around the weyr and today was a light blue dress that she'd made herself. Her feet had on a pair of brown boots and we're well worn from her travels in the past. The candidate had to force herself to smile because she held great doubt inside of her that she would not impress this time either. When she entered the great hatching ground her mouth fell open at the number of eggs and then waited for her turn. It seemed forever as a boy entered then she followed them in and carefully went up to the queen. "May I touch your eggs great Rhiannoth," asked Sareen as she received no objection then she continued?

Her eyes wanderd around the eggs for a moment then she stopped in front the Great Chancellor Egg and noticed the beautiful green coloring. The egg had red stars on it which caused her to just trace her hand on it and smile. When a feeling of quick persuasion came over her and was almost overwhelming. She just wanted to help the creature inside and give it's greatest desire. Sareen's only thought that inside of this egg was a dragon that would lead and judging by it's color there was no doubt it held a green dragon.

The choice of color preference was something that Sareen had not put a lot of thought into. She just wanted to impress a dragon and to make her family proud. Sareen worried about how disappointed her family would be if they found her here after two clutching not impressed. Her eyes wandered around a bit as she sought out another egg to touch that's when it landed on

Lady Marmalade Egg

which was in the middle. It was a smaller egg then most yet had the most interesting color of turquoise on it. Sareen just knew that she had to touch it as she noticed that the colors seemed to go into patterns of flowers. The imperfections weren't noticeable till she got closer then she carefully traced them as they felt almost like velvet. A overwhelming feeling of joy overcame her as she just wanted to sing. When a noise nearby brought her back to reality and she broke away then said, "I hope one of you are for me," then left the touching for others.

[Yuu Kanduet]

There was a nervous shuffle of clothe around him, as Bahari stood straight backed in front of the Sands. It had taken a lot of convincing and proving himself responsible before his parents had grudgingly let him become a candidate. That had meant no pranks or escapades, just upstanding citizenry and good behavior. It had driven the little trouble-maker up the wall, but he remained steadfast in keeping his nose clean.

Now he found himself exactly where he had desired to be, and the task before him suddenly seemed much more daunting than he had considered. As Bahari stepped onto the Sands and moved to approach the giant Gold that guarded her clutch, a raw energy could be felt emanating from the eggs. They were dazzling, and Bahari almost let his eyes wander before he reminded himself that Rhiannoth must be greeted first.

"Queen Rhiannoth, truly your clutch is a testament to your magnificence. There is not an imperfection to be glimpsed, and I would be most humbled if I might be allowed to pass through your children in search for one that I might prove worthy of."

Words had always come easily to Bahari and flattery even more so. This sometimes made it difficult to determine when Bahari spoke the truth because so much of his idle compliments were not born of sincerity. Bahari's very nature was as slick and slippery as his tongue. The only truth that held true for this young man was his desire to always be there for his friends. Bahari was loyal, and prided himself on his ability to listen and comfort those he had come to love.

There was also something methodical about all of Bahari's actions, which showed as he plotted his course through the eggs touching each. Some he lingered about, and a few he paused for long moments with his hand braced on the shell of the eggs with a thoughtful look overtaking his features. This was the first time Bahari had ever touched a dragon's egg, and he found himself continuously astounded at how emotional they all seemed.

The first two eggs that Bahari touched had a feeling of overwhelming power and authority, and while these feelings had a certain pull to Bahari, the boy was one who enjoyed manipulating and controlling. Overwhelming power and force wasn't really his style. Moving on to run his hand along the shell of The Maple Leaf Egg. The aloof confidence appeals to Bahari, but it still felt as if something were missing. The next four eggs do not appeal much to Bahari and he finishes off his first column of eggs and walks over to the next. The lack of connection with an egg was drawing Bahari's ire. He had not come so far just to fail because he couldn't connect with an egg.

The Epic Dynasty Egg forces Bahari to pause, this feeling of jealousy had been one he had become accustomed to during the last few months that had led up to the Hatching, but it was not something he wished to carry with his every day of his life and thus moved on. Bahari likes The 'Here's Looking at You Kid' Egg. It has some of the better qualities that Bahari prides himself on, but it still lacks the feeling of something more, something mischievous and slippery. The next egg next egg feels much like the one he had just touched except that this one has a certain sense of regality that, while pleasant, isn't what he's looking for.

None of the rest of the eggs catch Bahari's attention outstandingly in this column, although he had stopped at the Red Czar Egg. It's feeling of safety had caught Barahi's notice since he wished to protect those he called friends and keep the, safe from everything. This included themselves at times. The Red Czar Egg was the egg that had called to Bahari the most so far, but it still wasn't what he was looking for. Bahari wasn't quite in a comforting sense but rather a conniving one.

All the eggs were pulling at some part of Bahari, but none were connecting fully. Was that bad? Or perhaps Bahari should be looking for the egg that was the most opposite of himself. Then it might balance himself out. The thought caused Bahari a quite moment of thought. He didn't really want a dragon he would be constantly butting heads with, but he wanted to Impress so much. There were still a column of eggs remaining, and Bahari decided to stop thinking long enough to start down it.

The first egg Bahari touched in this new area swamped him with emotion and a confusing jumble thoughts arose within Bahari's mind. He didn't have the first clue what to think of this egg, and he stumbled away from it throwing a glance back as he touched the next egg. The next egg had a pleasant feeling of rebellion, but Bahari wasn't one for hostility. The egg following it was far to relaxed and unadventurous.

When Bahari's knuckles brushed The Great Chancellor Egg, there was a moment when he couldn't breath. The sureness that washed through him was a pleasant rush. It felt like those times when he had conned the adults into letting him off the hook or giving him what he wanted. The feeling of authority was nice too. Bahari had never sought to assert himself, but he was enjoying this sensation the egg was providing. Bahari moved to the next egg with a little sense of disappointment. He had taken to it.

The Liberty Bell Egg wasn't really Bahari's cup of tea, but the Guinness Egg forced Bahari to a stop. He loved the familiar feeling of charm and persuasiveness. It was something he lived with everyday, and he reveled in the eggs aura. The egg was also making Bahari feel wanted and loved. It was the same aching love he felt for his friends when he tried to protect them. There were no feelings of deceit or lose morals, but at the same time Bahari imagined he couldn't sense feelings of honesty either.

The last two eggs did nothing for Bahari, and the boy stood stationary for a moment as he realized that his first touching had come to a close. Looking back at the eggs as he walked around the edges of the Sands back towards the Gold watching over her clutch. With a slight nod, Bahari thanked Rhiannoth and took his leave from the hot Sands.

[♥Rizu-Chan♥]

Hinuk
[Weyrbrat & Brat Pack Leader]

It was his third time stepping into the sands; or at least when one counted only the times he had not been here to meet with his pack or cause some form of mischief. Hinuk hadn’t expected much after Issarith’s clutching, he’d figured Rhiannoth would be similar to the paler queen, but the young lad could barely muffle the slight gasp of surprise as his blue eyes took in the sight... a rather magnificent one to be honest and true.

Twenty four eggs, ten more than Issarith herself, and among them lied a golden egg that would hatch into another future queen; nestled much closer to Rhiannoth herself. To the gold dame, or her golden child for that matter, the boy didn’t really felt like paying much attention; but he did felt his chest swell up with pride and glee.

These were Zorometh’s babies.

His dad’s bronze had really outdone himself, the size of those eggs and their shape were all simply perfect. He wasn’t sure the bronze had even managed such a perfect sight when Aeriath had clutched for him before; though Hinuk had been much younger and observed those hatchings from quite the distance. Finally, however, he could stand for one of Zorometh’s amazing clutched – and the boy could barely contain the excitement he felt within. So what if that silly bronze sired by Tseravith hadn’t even considered him? That dragon’s brood wouldn’t even know awesome if it smacked them in the face.

Here, however, Hinuk was sure Zorometh’s brood wouldn’t be stupid... or at least that was what the blond kept telling himself in his mind. He would not entertain a sliver of an inch of a negative thought in his head. He was perfect, his father was perfect. Zorometh was also perfect and therefore his bronze children would be perfect to. He would impress one of his children; if not now sometime in the future, but Hinuk refused to think any chance of a failed impression was due to fault of his own.

As the crowd of candidates slowly begun to spread out, candidates moving to touch the eggs and others returning and waiting in a less crowded area to speed up the process, the Brat Pack leader spotted the familiar figure of Bahari move forth; carefully making his way around the eggs and touching them all as he went. Hinuk knew this hadn’t been easy for the boy; in order to stand he had to keep out of mischief for quite a while – a task slightly easier considering two of the three leaders of their rag tag group were quite busy as it was.

Sometimes Hinuk really did miss the free time to spend with his friends, picking on Emera to their hearts’ content, but he wouldn’t trade away the chance to stand for anything in Pern. If he had to keep a straight path for the time being then so be it; and he was glad to see others of his “family” finally entering the sands as well. Only one thing could top his dream of impressing the best bronze of Pern; and that was that his entire group impressed to their own dragons. To lead a wing with them at his side, a wing solely composed by the Brat Pack; it was an ambitious and unrealistic dream perhaps... but that did not meant it as fully impossible.

Finally Bahari was done, the boy sending a wink his way before he confidently strode forth into the sands. A bow was given to Rhiannothout of courtesy; it wasn’t that Hinuk had something against the golden queen, not at all really, he just hadn’t really agreed with the fact they were the maximum authority. They couldn’t fight thread like bronze could, they couldn’t even produce their own flames! It seemed silly to revere them above all else, above the bronzen kings, and it was something Hinuk had never fully liked. A distaste that transferred to the way he approached them; distant, politically politely.

The fact her rider had been monopolizing so much of his father’s time, of course, didn’t quite put her in his book of favorites either.

”My congratulations to you, gold Rhiannoth, and to Zorometh as well; this is a magnificent clutch indeed.”

He waited for permission, and when it was finally given via no objection the boy steadily and purposely strode forth. Hands reached out just long enough to caress the variously sized and colored eggs as he went, up one aisle and down another. He didn’t pay much attention to the lot of them however, barely registering them in his mind as he moved; though considerate enough to give enough of a pause in each one in respectfulness. No, his eyes had been on two eggs, both large in size, nestled close to the golden child of Rhiannoth – those were the two that really interested him the most. The way they were placed, almost as if guarding the Gold Egg, attracted him to them – and while he once more found the concept of magnificent dragons having to bow and conform to a queen not exactly wonderful Hinuk soon shoved that concept out of his mind as he finally reached them.

The Sphinx and Gladiator eggs were really quite awe inspiring; and such a contrast to one another. While the first held soft and attractive silvery shades the second was of a rather fiery nature in hues. His hand came upon The Sphinx Egg first, lingering on it much longer than he had on any other egg as he now, finally, paid attention to the creature within. Powerful, commanding, it exuded authority through all its essence and Hinuk found himself attracted to it. He had almost been compelled to end his Touching there; but something about The Gladiator Egg made it impossible to deny it the same treatment.

And so his hand was removed from the first egg shell, settling now upon the warm surface of the second; and the boy was appalled at the feeling. While similar to the first – they were both very commanding and authorizing presences no doubt – he found the courageous and braving lingering feelings on the back to be of extreme interest. He lingered on this shell much longer than any other; both hands now coming to rest upon its surface carefully, as the adventuring nature he could feel swirling in his mind was drank in full by the lad.

It wasn’t until a sound alerted him back to his surroundings, snapping him from his trance and bringing him back to reality, that Hinuk regrettably moved himself and parted with the egg. It was nothing short of truth that the creature inside had rather captured his heart; the lad was quite taken with the fiery looking egg indeed. A final bow was given to Rhiannoth, before confidently removing himself from the sands; a last backward glance given to the egg of his fancy before he rejoined the others to wait.

[Lady Smara]

Tschermak had asked twice if it was such a good idea that he attend this touching, or maybe he should even sit out this hatching and wait for the next one that would hopefully come in the next turn. He’d at least be a little bit taller then (hopefully) and would be fully healed. When the healers had declared him fit enough to walk, however, S’nuo and Malith had taken a second look at the boy and Malith was once again convinced that the boy should stand.

Tschermak couldn’t help but agree with S’nuo that his little blue dragon had too big of a heart.

So it was, thanks to Malith’s decree, that Tschermak was given walking buddies every day and his chores were not yet placed back on him as he was simply made to strengthen the leg that had been damaged by the little pale, blue hatchling of Issarith’s clutch. While some walks had been made with healers, others had been made with various candidates. To his delight, however, he could count more walks with Seirsha than any other single person. He had promised to stand with her when she stood for a clutch, and while this was not her clutch he planned to use it to help himself grow a little braver – that way he could be just as brave as she when they stood together.

He wouldn’t mind being left on the sands again, it would put him that much closer to standing with her. Even so, S’nuo had him march out (with very little help from Hinuk, Tschermak was proud to say) to the hatching sands with the rest of the candidates when Rhiannoth’s eggs were deemed ready to touch. His leg was still wrapped beneath the loose britches he had tied to his waist to keep from falling off his slender hips. There was strong limp, but the healers kept telling him that the limp was getting less and less noticeable – the boy wondered if it would ever completely go away.

When he was signaled to take a turn upon the sands, Tschermak took a deep breath, puffing out his chest slightly before letting the air slowly out as he limped his way to a nearby corner of the clutch. The first egg he came to was an average sized egg, white in color with little blue and bronze colored shapes marring its white surface; The Buddha Egg. While the boy had been nervious walking up, his heart seemed to skip a beat as he neared the egg and he found his hand outstretched even before he commanded it to. Laying his hand upon the egg, he felt his nerviousness ease. The eggs could not step on him, they could not knock him over and the gold was being so protective of her golden egg… Surely she wouldn’t mind someone as small as Tschermak touching a few eggs.

With the calming sensation of The Buddha Egg the boy found the courage to venture futher in as he slipped past two other eggs to reach a tentative hand out to the Cortez Egg next, attracted by its shimmery colors. When his small hand brushed against the shell and he felt the thrill of adventure rewarm his calm blood, however, he quickly took his hand off the shell. He’d never wandered away from the Weyr before. After all, it was dangerous in the jungle with the felines and snakes and holdless… Ah, but there was one holdless who was not so scary. In fact, he had walked several times with her while healing too.

Deciding he shouldn’t move any further into the clutch – and defiantly no closer to the gold who was larger than Issarith had been – he began to turn back toward the edge of the clutch to leave when he found himself staring at another egg. The Red Czar Egg was larger than two others who were slightly leaned against it for support. Something about the soft burgundy shade drew the small boy forward like those two little eggs as he brushed his hand against its course shell. Again he found himself comforted and embolden as the egg gave him a sense of safety – something none of the eggs in Issarith’s clutch had done.

With that feeling of safety firmly planted in him once more, he decided one more egg would not hurt as there were so many. Turning, he began to limp his way out, greatly favoring his right leg as the thigh now burned from walking in the shifting sand with no support. Somehow, perhaps from the eggs themselves, he felt proud that he had declined the offer of help as he approached the last egg of his choice.

The Southern Bell egg was smaller than the other eggs he had touched, but it seemed fitting to Tschermak that one of the smallest candidates might be naturally drawn to the smaller eggs. Reaching out a hand, he laid it softly on the Southern Bell’s surface and could not help but be glad that he had. He felt welcomed, warmed and even wanted. Wanted. Could an egg really want him? There was no stopping the boy in his awe and reviery of the egg as he placed a second hand on the egg, caressing it gently.

Oh what a beautiful dragon it will be, to be so kind and welcoming… he thought to himself as he admired the orange and pink shades of the shell. Sure, the shell looked girly, very much so compaired to the other eggs of the clutch, but the feeling that it gave off was everything that Tschermak had ever imagined a mother might offer. It made him want a family even more. Wincing at the thought, he finally took his hands off the egg. “I’ll be standing, just for you if you want me to.” He whispered to the egg before stepping backwards.

His backwards step, however, landed on his right leg and he let out a little cry as the sand shifted and his weight fell a little too heavily upon his tender leg. Going down in a tumble, his fingers brushed across the Great Chancellor Egg. He briefly felt the strong will of the egg and knew instantly that the dragon inside was a strong leader who would direct with orders and expected none to question him. It would be an intimidating dragon indeed, that hatched from such an egg. Backing up a little before fumbling to his feet again, he stared at the green egg for several moments before managing to make it safely out of the sands. Twice more he had looked at the last egg he touched as he limped behind the candidate master and followed the class of candidates out of the hatching sands.

Something about this clutch and the eggs he had touched – both calming and daring, as well as authoritive… The clutch might not seem as deadly as Issarith’s, but it was going to hold its own magic and Tschermak was going to be there to see it first hand, even if he did not walk away with a new friend.

[HG]

The number of firsts he had since arriving at the Weyr was continuing daily. Today though he was in familiar territory. Or so the Northern boy thought until he had arrived at the Hatching Sands. There were some rather noticeable differences between this clutch and the previous one. Rhiannoth was gleaming with health as were her twenty four eggs. He had never seen one before but the coloring was unmistakeable, there was a Gold egg, nestled close to the Queen. He knew little about Weyr politics but he was sure the Senior Weyrwoman was feeling jipped. Perhaps it had more to do with the sire. Zorometh had proven to sire large clutches from the gossip he had heard in passing. Most of the Weyr seemed to idolize the man. Rhodri knew better than to follow the crowd. He would make his own opinion of men and their dragons in the South.

Watching other Candidates go and touch the eggs gave him time to think about how to address the Queen. Before he could really start though a familiar young woman came up to him. “Many more than the last one. More chances for us!” He said cheerfully. There was a good chance they could Impress this time. Rhodri was optimistic that not only was his lifemate out there but Nayza’s was as well. He did not know what made a dragonet choose a rider but he knew he had all the things a dragonet should want. Arrogant thought, he stopped himself. There was a fine line between pride and arrogance. He had to be careful not to cross it. Rhodri knew all people had good and bad qualities and he was not above this. He was simply suggesting he had as good a chance as anyone else to be a rider.

The eggs were brilliant in color. So much so when it came for him to approach the Queen he had no idea where to start. He came closer, walking with extreme caution. Bowing to the Queen as he had seen so many others do. Being from the North he had no idea how to speak to a Queen. He would think of it as speaking to the Lady Holder. “Queen Rhiannoth, I request permission to briefly explore and touch your eggs.” He had no reason other than curiosity to touch the Queen and judging by the number of girls wanting to do so, he might as well skip it.

Rhodri waited for permission before moving closer. The first egg to catch his eyes was the Jewel of Troy Egg. While the coloration of the egg begged for him to touch the shell as soon as he did so, he felt the tension and vanity coming through. Beauty was not the most important thing in life to him. Fighting over the egg, like it wanted, was something he was not prepared to do. Leaving the egg for more confrontational sorts of people he walked toward, the Hasta La Vista Egg but before placing his hand on the dark shell he found himself drawn away from the hostile egg. Nearby the green shell of the Great Chancellor Egg drew him in. Rhodri’s hand touched the hardening shell and was instantly nervous. The egg’s inhabitant wanted him to do whatever it wanted. The strong will within was confident and in all honesty made Rhodri wonder if perhaps the dragonet inside might be a Bronze.

He didn’t much care for the little one’s demanding nature and moved away with no regrets. Rhodri needed a less ambitious life partner. Looking toward the entrance, he thought perhaps all of the eggs were pushy and confrontational and it would be in his best interest to get out while he still could. On his way out one more egg piqued his interest. The blue and white geometric shapes on the shell of the Promise Land Egg appealed to him. Tentatively he placed a strong hand on the shell. He caught a sense of independence both of spirit and will. The sense of wild freedom it brought made him think of the runner stallion he left in Keroon. Untamed and independent he could handle. Or so he thought.

With the good experience under his belt he figured it would be for the best not to try his luck again. He walked away from the clutch only to be practically pounced on by Nayza. “They were rather…strong.” He said as kindly as he could manage. “Was the Gold’s Shell any different in feel than the others?” Curiosity getting the better of him after all. Well he was still curious even if he was unable to touch the Gold. “Any in particular catch your fancy?”

[wolflover1458]

The slightest bit of luck had finally come to her. After the utter disappointment that had been Issarith’s clutch, she’d been concerned and upset that she was stuck as a Candidate for that much longer. Honestly, if Rhiannoth’s clutch had gone the same way, she may very well have started crying. She did not want to have to wait longer than that. She hated being a Candidate; she hated the chores, the lessons, the lack of respect for what she was going to become. Everyone just treated her like someone who might very well never Impress. At the way things had been going, it had looked that way, certainly.

But Rhiannoth had laid a golden egg. It had taken long enough, and it made Therion ecstatic. The rest of the clutch could have been duds for all she cared; the only egg that mattered was that egg, the one that most certainly had to hold her destiny. She had missed her chance once before, and she was not willing to let that happen again. The Golden dragon inside this egg would go to her. It had to. What would she do otherwise? It would kill her to wait any longer for the dragon she should have gotten ages ago. She wanted the power and the respect, and she didn’t want to wait any longer for it.

To think it would be ages before the clutch hatched. Just the mere thought of it was rather unbearable to Therion. Still, at least her victory was in sight now. Before, she’d just had to wait and merely hope there might be a golden egg soon. Now at least there was, and the end of her torment was in sight. All she knew was that she wasn’t going to let the same mistake happen again. She couldn’t let yet another Gold pass her by for a less qualified girl. She needed to be chosen this time. She wouldn’t be able to handle anything less again.

Therion hadn’t even bothered to attend Issarith’s touching. There had been no point to going when she already knew none of the dragons there were for her. Rhiannoth’s, however, was something she could not pass up. Aeriath hadn’t let the girls touch her golden egg. Therion could only hope Rhiannoth wouldn’t be the same way, or her whole reason for going was gone. She didn’t care for the rest of the clutch in the slightest; she just wanted to see the egg she was sure held her dragon.

As ready as she was to get her first greeting with her future lifemate, Therion was far from the first to head to the hatching sands. Evidently, Suynie hadn’t wanted everyone coming in at once, so she had been forced to wait as several Candidates went out at a time. Of course, she had to be at the end of the line for that. The thought of other girls fondling the egg that held her dragon was nearly enough to drive her mad. She should be the only one near that egg; the others didn’t stand a chance anyways. Why bother wasting their time like that?

It felt as though most ever misguided girl had gone out before Therion finally got her chance. Rhiannoth and Suynie were practically alone on the sands as they only let a few people come at a time. Well, perhaps that was just as well. At least she wouldn’t have competition for fondling her dragon. Therion didn’t much want to deal with that kind of nonsense right now; she just wanted to confront her destiny and then wait most impatiently for the moment when they would finally have to accept her as a Weyrwoman. It was coming; she could feel it. Just some days longer and she would finally get what she had been waiting for for so long.

There were a multitude of eggs around the hatching sands. Therion couldn’t be bothered to count them; it hardly affected her in any way. Her eyes immediately went to the gleaming golden egg guarded carefully by a large Queen dragon. It was the egg she had been waiting so long for; and now she finally had the chance to come near it. She could only hope Rhiannoth was congenial to the request. If she wasn’t, well, like mother, like daughter. And such a tragedy that was. But then, they couldn’t all be perfect. Not like her dragon was going to be.

But those were hardly the right thoughts to have if she wanted Rhiannoth to let her in, no matter how right they might end up being. She would just have to think nice things and be as polite as possible. Best to keep the Queen happy, after all. It was only for a while, after all. Young dragons didn’t choose riders based on how polite they were to their mother. Most dragons probably couldn’t even say which Queen was their mother without asking their rider. It didn’t really matter after they were hatched.

She approached Rhiannoth with the best grace and humbleness she could muster before giving the Queen a great bow. “Oh Queen Rhiannoth, thank you for allowing us to visit your clutch. I extend my grateful thanks to you for this opportunity. And if you would be so kind, I would also like to extend my welcome to your golden daughter.” She’d said something similar to Aeriath before. That Gold had been quite uncooperative. Less cooperative, it seemed, than Rhiannoth, who granted her such permission.

Well, at least one Queen was willing to accept the inevitable. As if Therion would really want to harm the egg with her dragon inside. No, she just wanted to give it the attention it deserved. And now she finally had the chance to do so.

The golden egg was tucked securely beside her mother, but even there it managed to stand out from all the insignificant other eggs in the clutch. Therion wasn’t willing to take her eyes off of it for a second. She just stared in wonder at the egg that was so precious to her. She noted the little pink swirls dancing around the shell. Odd. She’d rather hoped the egg would be a perfect, solid gold. All that pink was taking away from the beautiful of the eggs true color. Why was it there anyways? A Queen egg shouldn’t look as though it wasn’t sure what color it wanted to be. It should be as brilliantly golden as possible, to declare that the dragon inside was a Queen and she knew that she was.

This egg wasn’t like that, and it bothered Therion to think there could be an imperfection on the eggshell when the dragon inside was so important to her. Well, it couldn’t be help, and so long as the dragon inside had a sound mind, she was sure to pick Therion. After that, it hardly mattered what the egg had looked like. At least it was mostly gold. The pink was pretty easy to ignore anyways.

What was more important was that this was it: the egg she had been waiting so long for. It held the creature she had been forced to bide her time so long for. The end of her torment was finally in sight. Soon, she would be able to prove herself greater than everyone who sought to push her down. And once she was on top, she could give them what was coming to them. It was a moment Therion didn’t want to wait for, and it was a shame that she would be forced to.

Still, at least she knew how much longer she would need to endure this. For now, it was better to just enjoy the expectations ahead of her. The things she wanted would come with time, after all. She just needed to be patient and wait for them.

She’d never touched a Queen egg before. And now the chance was right here in front of her. There was no way Therion was going to pass this up. She stood there for one more breath before boldly crouching forward, and extending one hand carefully out to the gleaming shell before her.

It was warm to the touch. The surface was hard, and rather rough. She could feel something like the… spirit of the egg (supposing eggs had spirits at all) coursing through her, and she had the odd feeling that the creature inside was welcoming her to it. Confidence surged through her. Of course this creature was welcoming her. She clearly recognized that Therion was to be her rider, yes? That must be what it was. She was being accepted by the dragon inside, and that made her feel even more secure in her future.

She passed her hand carefully around the surface, feeling the heat of the egg seep into her own body. She could already feel the inevitable joining of herself to this creature. It had to be so. Why else would it accept her presence so happily? Perhaps she’d finally found a dragon willing to unconditionally accept her as her rider. That would be a wonderful thing. Therion would love to not have to worry about the upcoming hatching, although she knew that worry was inevitable until the event was over.

She would have happily stood there the whole day, rubbing the egg until her hand had gone sore, but was given an unwelcome motion from Rhiannoth that she had spent more than enough time there already. Therion gave a slight sigh of displeasure before turning to the mother creature and giving her another bow, although not near as graceful as her arriving one. “Thank you again for allowing me, Queen Rhiannoth.”

Then she turned and left, picking up her pace to get off of the burning sand. Her mind was still on the coming hatching, but the queasiness in her stomach had lifted somewhat. She actually gotten contact with the creature she desired. Now she was even more sure that, one day soon, it would be hers. She just needed to wait.

[SnickersPods]

Briac stamped into his boots, the thick wherhide still stiff and unused. He thanked the drudge curtly for the new boots they had approved for Briac, missing her surprised expression as he all at once sprang into a ground-eating stride. The woman shook her head with wonder as she watched him disappear around the nearest corner. Neatly Briac dodged a messenger hurrying down the corridor, scowling as the child barrelled onwards. He was still unfamiliar with the layout of the Weyr, and had to begrudgingly stop and ask for directions twice. The people he asked always seemed so bewildered at his simple question. He could not have known they were reacting to his dark expression of foreboding.

Eventually he made it to a part of the Weyr he could navigate, and picked up his pace accordingly. Briac burst out into the sunlight and strode to the group of candidates with enough time to catch the end of the instructions. He stood slightly apart from the others as the first groups entered, his age and natural hostility had prevented any attempts at socializing with his fellow candidates up until now. He could view the two dozen eggs or so carefully arranged on the sands, their brightly coloured shells sufficiently hardened that the magnificent Queen would let them near. Northern born he had heard nothing but stories about the protectors of Pern, his first sight of the Blue that had searched him still made his stomach jump. He had thought the blue had been big, but Rhiannoth was huge. She towered in the great cavern, sparkling with health and that inner glow associated with well-earned pride. Finally, it was his turn, and he entered the hot sands with a suitably humble expression. As he walked, he examined his emotions, and was not surprised to find no fear. There was respect, and certainly, a lot of awe, but his pride left no room for fear and crowded even the possibility of it out with ruthlessness. He came to a precise halt before the glowing Queen, performing a rusty but suitably respectful bow. He straightened and levelled a steady gaze on both her and her rider as he delivered his greeting, "I am lowborn, and have no fancy words or pretty speeches, but I speak true when I thank you for allowing such a great gift." His gesture then was expansive, and although it technically encompassed the clutch only, it included much he did not say.

"With your permission?" He asked awaiting the lack of reaction he had observed seemed to suggest acquiescence. Once assured he would not regret it Briac moved towards the eggs, gaze skipping over the myriad of colours to avoid being dazzled. Eventually he approached The Sea Turtle Egg, being one of the less gaudy in his immediate path. He circled it; the sudden image on its shell springing forth to catch his eye as emotions that were not his own engulfed him. Briac just barely managed to prevent himself wheeling back at the unexpected assault, slowly releasing each coiled muscle as the initial fight response eased off. Calmed somewhat he began to pay attention to what the egg was trying to communicate, and felt his mouth quirk as his own desire for freedom and travel arose within him to mirror back the emotions. Without conscious thought, he reached forward and placed a calloused palm against the shell, the warmth rising up through his arm along with the playfulness inherent within the creature inside. Briac chuckled and gently stroked the shell, "Patience, you'll fly soon enough." Shaking his head at his own hypocrisy, he moved on with a final stroke to the smooth surface.

The Promise Land Egg caught him next, the shell beneath his hand before he'd even had a chance to think. Again he had that sensation of holding up a mirror, parts of his own identity reflected back at him. Independence he knew, and understood, for was not it just another facet of pride; a need to be able to do everything yourself. Briac placed his other palm alongside his first, feeling the life beat beneath his fingertips. It was smaller than many of the others, but wanted to make everyone aware that it did not need anybody else anyway. It even stood apart from them, as Briac often found himself doing. With a little shake of his shoulders, Briac dropped the contact and moved on.

He brushed a hand along the Here's Looking at You Kid Egg as he passed, pausing for a moment as the wisdom inside clicked against something within him. He came to a halt and allowed his hand full contact as he explored this unexpected feeling. Whereas the other eggs he had greeted so far reminded him of tarnished mirrors reflecting back only what matched, this egg felt like more of a balance. Where he was quick to fight, this creature was the first to think. Where he would take offence, this one would consider all possible meaning. Briac allowed himself a moment longer, basking in the unexpected tranquillity he could usually only achieve when he worked. He sensed also a longing for times gone past, when to be a DragonRider was a far greater position than any other on Pern. Eventually he moved on, aware there was much still to visit.

He passed one egg on his trek to the Fish and Chips Egg where he spent only a moment exploring the strong pride and maturity pouring from the colourful shell. He felt a curious mix of his previous encounters, whereby he felt both the sense of reflected traits and yet oddly balanced. The impressions from these creatures were intense and Briac sensed that he could not spend too long with all the eggs less he become attached or derailed. Quickly he moved on to the next egg.

He greeted the Southern Bell Egg as he passed, surprised by the blast of welcome it sent him. Grateful for the unconditional warmth he silently wished it well as he continued onwards. The Liberty Bell was the next to graze his palm, the contrasting bumpiness alongside the velvet plush the first thing that made him pause. With the pause came the sensations and again it pulled Briac inexorably into the mind of this adolescent creature. The feeling it cast over him was like finally soothing the itch that bid him always run, away from all his troubles. It was a powerful pull, dangling the ability to run as far and as wide as he wished with nothing standing in his way before him. With a sense of disappointment, he turned from the egg and moved off, sensing he did not have much time left to him.

It was with a quick step he approached the Red Czar Egg intending only a brief visit, until his calluses found purchase on the rough surface. This sensation was unlike the rest, and reminded him much more of looking through a window at a well-known friend. There was a deep sensation of safety, but it was not suffocating or provocative, as Briac would have normally thought. Instead, it represented deep love and undying loyalty, a driving need to protect those within his heart. It was anything but alien to Briac and he embraced the questing consciousness into his heart. He caressed the rough egg as his eyes glazed and he communed with the semi-conscious life form, sharing his own need to keep those around him safe and happy. This creature would both balance him and counsel him, but also stand by his side against those that threaten. Briac pulled himself away with the most reluctance he had yet felt during his time with the eggs, and kept his hand upon the shell for as long as he could. When contact was finally dropped Briac blinked and knew his time amongst the eggs was ending.

He had no desire to go amongst them any longer, but he did visit two more as a point of courtesy. The first was the small Fall Of An Empire Egg, that pulled strongly at his need to protect the fragile and the weak. He promised the comparatively tiny thing that nowhere could it be safer as he left it. His final touch was to the Hasta La Vista Egg and he immediately recoiled before his skin even ghosted over it. The hostility came off it in waves and Briac, no stranger to the emotion, did not wish to acquaint him with any more.
Finally, he felt he had spread his attention evenly through the clutch, carefully threading his way out onto the clear sands. He couldn't resists a lingering touch to the Red Czar Egg as he passed by it. He halted where he had originally stopped to greet the Queen and sketched another neat bow, delivering a very nearly proper thanks before he departed. Briac was not entirely sure what he said, as his mind was so preoccupied with the little minds he had briefly touched. He did not know how Impressions went, though he'd been given all the text book notes, but he thought that at the very least he may have made the start of some sort of friends if not a life-partner.

Passing the other Candidates Briac wondered about some of the stories he knew, of the rarely gifted that could hear all dragons. He could never imagine so many voices and feelings in one's head all the time, if what he'd gone through was just a glimmer of what that would be like. He shuddered at the thought and sat down outside of the hatching grounds, pulling off his thick new boots and letting his feet cool off. Even working in a forge could not prepare one for such constant heat, creeping through the soles of your feet like tunnel snakes. There was a breeze blowing that cooled the sweat around his toes pleasantly, Briac leaned his head back against the stonework behind him and closed his eyes. In the darkness behind his eyelids, he relived the experience of touching.

[hbk]

Suynie watched as the last of the Candidates trickled through the Hatching Sands. She could tell by the way that Rhiannoth's tail began flicking faster, and faster, that the Queen was coming to the end of her patience. Feeling waves of anxiety beginning to pour between the connection that they shared, Suynie gave a sharp clap of her hands to gather the Candidates' attention, "Thank you all for coming and for being respectful. It's time for you to leave, please file out of the Sands in an orderly fashion." Suynie hated the terseness she heard in her own voice, but Rhiannoth's agitation made her antsy.

Rhiannoth gave a low growl, effectively hurrying the last few Candidates off of the Sands as they scampered to get out of reach of the Queen's powerful jaws. Once the youngsters were gone, the junior Queen began carefully raking through the Sand with her nose, erasing all traces of the humans' scents from around her eggs. Once this was finished she went back to inspect each egg with large, whirling eyes. Satisfied that they were okay, Rhiannoth carefully checked the golden egg and then cast one large Wing over the clutch protectively.

"Relax, Rhia, it's done." Suynie said soothingly, running a hand along her lifemate's golden flank.

No more. I don't want to see another human in this Cavern until they hatch.

The command in Rhiannoth's voice was evident and Suynie knew that there would be no persuading the Queen otherwise. Not that it mattered, the Junior Weyrwoman decided. The hardness and size of the eggs suggested that it wouldn't be long before they hatched. The Weyr would soon be graced with an entire new rank of dragonriders that would help Refuge grow in strength and security.