HOME FIRES MISTS LIFEBLOOD SPOKES
This log was recorded on April 2, 1998 by Gina, Candidate class of spring 98 for Phediath's clutch by Solarith. I edited out: Knot chat +watch, except where relevant to RP and informative Pages Out-of-character whispers and poses * has arrived. * has left. And certain portions of the log traveling between rooms, in order to cut down spam. Enjoy!
You walk west into the living cavern.
Ista Weyr Living Cavern(#1100RJMs$)
The cavern is filled with people, rider and nonrider alike for the
evening meal. The reddish glow of the setting sun filters in through the
large bowl entrance to the northwestern wall. Through the constant
movement of drudges to and from the northern side of the wall, you can
see the four large hearths there, each put to the task of cooking the
large Weyr meals. An occasional drudge filters in and out of the entrance
to the Lower Caverns entrance on the western side of the room. New riders
and others are still filtering in through this entrance as well, leading
out to the rest of the lower caverns.
Several huge tapestries, many of them ancient, are hanging on the stone
walls. One particularly glorious one looks to be a study on the finger
rock. You also see several 'places' to sit.
Contents:
Glory
Elle
Kaci
Betting Scroll
Sandia
Refreshment Table(#15939C)
Carving Table
Serving Table
Obvious exits:
Hearths area Bowl Lower Caverns
Use '+lhelp' for local help.
Elle shakes her head. "Naw, just glad to not be sweeping floors today.
Now that Glory is done, that clears me...well, until the headwoman finds
me again."
Dorn enters from the narrow corridor.
Elle waves. "Gina. Hey."
Kaci waves cheerfully to Gina and Dorn. "Join us?" She grins at Elle as
she takes her seat. "I know what you mean."
Gina wanders in from the direction of the baths, braiding her hair.
"Evening!"
Dorn glances about as he steps into the living cavern with a big smile.
"What are ye up to ladies?" he asks curiously.
Gina looks at Dorn and then looks away quickly.
Elle shrugs. "Not much, thank Faranth."
Kaci chuckles. "Painting fire-lizards. Well, one fire-lizard anyway."
Shast enters from the narrow corridor.
You say "Painting? Oh, with colors?"
Dorn peers over at the group curiously as he steps closer before look up
towards Shast. "Sir" he bellows out in greeting.
Elle points to Glory's neck. "Ista colors."
Gina glances up and nods respectfully to Shast.
Kaci nods to Gina, gesturing toward Glory. "Hopefully he won't smear it."
She gives Shast a cheerful wave.
Shast nods to Dorn and the other candidates in response to their
greetings. Then he grabs some klah and sits alone, leaning back in his
chair and thinking.
You say "Do you need help, then? I can try to help out.."
Dorn eyes the firelizard for a moment then looks back at the picture.
"What are ye usin exactly to paint it with?"
Elle shakes her head. "Naw, we are pretty much done."
Madalyn enters from the narrow corridor.
Alexandra enters from the narrow corridor.
Alexandra looks about as she walks in. "Wow" she says aloud. "This place
is huge." She continues to walk, not really watching where she is going.
Dorn smiles towards the new entrants as he takes a seat beside the girls
to watch their hands at work. "G'deve Gina" he says in a soft tone,
barely giving the girl a sideways glance.
Kaci waves to Madalyn, and grins at Alexandra. "Yup. That's why it takes
all of us to keep it clean." She winks.
Madalyn is drawn -- more like lured -- by the taunting scent of freshly
roasted wherry. Nostrils flared with an appreciative sniff, she enters
the caverns with a bouyant, energetic step. "'Lo everyone!" she greets
with a wide wave, immediately heading towards the table full of food.
Gina nods and heads to the corner she'd been sitting in during dinner.
She pulls a basket from underneath the table and sits down, taking out
reeds and beginning to sort them by lengths. That is, until Dorn speaks
to her. Then she mumbles "Evening, Dorn.." and puts two longs with a
short.
Shast stands, leaving his klah and heads out into the bowl.
Shast walks outside, into the bowl.
Peyra enters from the narrow corridor.
Elle just leans back in her chair, enjoying the fact that she is doing
NOTHING right now.
Alexandra strolls around for a few moments moments staring at all there
is to see.
Dorn continues to fiddle with his hands for no apparent reason, every
once in a while looking over towards Gina, until he stands and walks over
towards her. "Me thinks we need to talk lass."
Gina takes a deep breath and sorts the rest of her reeds.
Kaci's eyebrows shoot up, and she watches Dorn and Gina curiously.
Peyra steps in, moving to get some dinner. He carefully avoids Dorn and
Gina as much as is possible.
Gina seems to have not heard Dorn.
Dorn kneels down on the ground so he can see the sitting girl at
eye-level. "Gina, we need ta talk lass."
Alexandra stops walking and turns to see a room full of people. "Oh..."
she grins sheepishly and looks about for a familiar face. Seeing Madalyn
she goes over and finds a place near her to sit.
Gina looks up at Dorn and essays a smile. "No, I don't think so, Dorn. I
think there's not much to say."
Dorn shrugs his shoulders for a moment after looking you deep in the
eyes. "All right lass, if ye say so" he says, standing and turing to
leave for the bowl.
Elle nods at Peyra, noticing his glance.
Dorn senses "Gina is trying not to cry."
"Here," providing a plateful of wherry for Alexandra, Madalyn pushes an
archaic, mahogany chair from the table's edge, scooting her form and
plate into place. "Here's some food, it's quite delicious.." she says to
Alexandra, eyes darting to the peculiar conversation between Dorn and
Gina. Interesting.
Gina resorts the reeds. This time she gets two longs with a medium and a
short with a very long.
Peyra gets himself wherry and tubers for dinner, then moves to a seat
near Alexandra and Madalyn for lack of anywhere else to go.
Dorn walks outside, into the bowl.
Glory lays his head down on the table, his eyes whirling slowly and sad.
Alexandra nods to Madalyn, "Thank you, very much." she says as she takes
a seat. "It looks delicious."
Kaci frowns slightly in concern, and gets up to follow Dorn.
Kaci walks outside, into the bowl.
Elle watches Dorn leave curiously. She remains in her seat however.
Alexandra watches as Peyra comes to sit near her and Madalyn. She gives
Peyra a soft smile and says, "Hello."
Gina takes another deep breath and begins to weave the reeds together.
She looks only at her work.
One after the other, Madalyn follows the candidate's untimely departure.
"Bye --" she pauses, swallowing a mouthful of wherry before finishing her
sentence, "Bye." Too late, they're gone; eyes jump back to those besides
her as she asks conversationally, "So, How is everyone doing today?"
Alexandra beings eating, taking obvious delight in having the meal before
her. She looks at Madalyn and grins, her mouth full of wherry.
Elle nods. "Tired, but fine." She looks around at all the entering
candidates. "What's with Dorn?"
Peyra shrugs. "Dunno." He starts to eat, feeding bits to Swirl as he
wakes up.
Peyra shrugs as Swirl takes flight from his shoulder.
Weave, weave, crossover, crossunder, weave. You'd think Gina was on Timor
right about now.
Alexandra shrugs in answer to Elle's question, even though she does not
believe it is remotely directed towards her. She finishes the mouthful of
wherry and starts in on a bit of bread. She looks up and giggles. "Come
on then." she says to noone inparticular.
Elle looks at the entrance to the bowl, lost in thought for a moment,
then returns her attention to the people at the table.
Elle smiles as Glory flies over and lands on her shoulder.
Alexandra quickly reaches onto her plate and pulls up a bit of lightly
cooked wherry and extends it outward.
Blaze heads away from the hearths.
Aphrodite dips a wing and comes soaring into the living cavern from the
lower caverns.
"Maybe he's having a bad day." Madalyn suggests; not quite a therapist
yet, she gives her shoulders a noncommital shrug. "Or maybe it was
something someone said." Slothfully slicing her wherry into miniscule
strips, she spears one of them with her knife, holding it momentarily
before her lips. "It is interesting though...How he acted.." Wherry
wavers for a moment before her face but is immediately eaten.
Aphrodite flies straight to the bit of wherry Alexnadra is holding out,
gobbling it up as stops before her pet.
Elle shifts as Glory resumes his perch on her shoulder. She gathers the
two paintpots on the table in front of her and gathers them up. She walks
them to the side of the cavern, depositing them on a tray. Then she gets
herself some of the roast wherry and tubers that the kitchen had offered
and returns to the candidates table.
Gina's fingers falter as Madalyn speaks. Then she resolutely goes on with
her work.
Blaze walks outside, into the bowl.
Alexandra giggles to her friend and says, "Is that better?" she scritches
the gold under her chin and feeds her another piece of wherry. "Take your
time sweet. No stuffing." she smiles to Aphrodite and says, "Leave some
for me too."
Elle nods at Madalyn, "I just noticed that he seemed to be out of sorts
for the last day or two. Well, none of my business I suppose."
Aphrodite chirrups as she begins to eat straight from her pets plate.
Elle sets her plate on the table and digs into the tubers. Glory chirps
on her shoulder and she picks up a small piece of wherry meat and hands
it to him.
Alexandra smiles as she takes a piece directly from Aphrodite's maw.
"Hey..." she giggles and eats the small piece. "I want some to." she
giggles and then looks around the room.
Madalyn watches Gina's weaving with a distant curiosity, her head tilted
towards the girl. "What are you weaving, Gina?" Fingertips rub together
as she plays with the remaining portion of her food, somewhat sated by
the meal. To Elle, she gives a concerned nod. "Yes, he has been out of
it. I wonder why.." Eyes cloud with a distant thought, though she pauses
to watch Aphrodite's antics.
Aphrodite chirrups a bit annoyed that her pet took that piece. She
quickly rifles through the plate and takes another piece.
Gina looks up. "Hmm? Oh, just a basket. It's a hobby." She shows you what
seems to be a rim. "I have one in the dorm that needs a rim and a handle,
and then it's done."
Elle turns to look at Gina's handiwork. "Your good enough to join
weaverhall." She nods with approval.
Gina looks at it, then up at Elle. "I am? I never thought of it."
Alexandra smiles to Aphrodite and says, "That's enough you glutton." she
finishes another small piece of bread and says, "I need to clean up."
Aphrodite chirrups and finishes the last piece of wherry.
Alexandra smiles as Aphrodite flies over and lands on her shoulder.
Storm flies into the cavern from the bowl.
Storm flits out, flying through the opening leading deeper into the
Weyr's lower caverns.
Elle nods. "I grew up near weaver hall. Always had the most beautiful
baskets around the hall from the hall. After all, you don't just weave
yarn into cloth, reeds count too."
"It's absolutely lovely.." Madalyn comments, torso leaning across the
table as she gives the basket further inspection. "How long does it take
you to make those?" she inquires, rubbing her index finger softly against
her temple, "We used to make quilts at Tillek, during the winter, but
those took forever." And her callused fingers are the result of those
tedious days and nights.
Gina smiles, pleased at the compliments. "This basket I'm working on has
been my project this sevenday. I haven't done anything really elaborate
since I've been here. Too tired!" She makes a slight face.
Elle spoons up more of her tubers after sampling the wherry. She adds,
"I'd love you to make me one if you have the time, Gina. I...have a good
1/8 mark to pay you too, if that would be enough."
You say "Oh, you don't have to pay me! I harvest the reeds myself, from
the marshy area down near the hold. But maybe we'll barter if you have
things you make."
A candidate bounds through the cavern, gasping nervously. "I left my
dirty clothes under my cot and they're gonna -inspect- tonight..." He
runs into the lower caverns with scarcely a by-your-leave.
Gina glances up. "Inspection? Tonight?" She knows her cot's made, but
tries to think if she left her brush on it.
Elle nods. "Well, I was a spinner back home. I spin llama hair into yarn.
The weavers at the hall would turn it into sweaters and blankets. I could
trade you some homespun yarn if I could find a spinning wheel here at
Ista."
Madalyn adds her comments as well: "I'd love for you to make me one, and
would be /happy/ to pay for it." Ivory teeth exposed with the broad
expanse of her smile, the candidate leans far into the back of her chair,
tilting it upon it's back two legs; startled at the candidate's bounding
entrance, she manages to balance herself from falling. "Inspection?" she
springs from her seat, smoothing her fingers through her hair, "Be right
there.
Peyra grins. "I've not been inspected yet."
Elle hears the candidate's announcement and grimances. "It WOULD be today."
Gina looks back at Elle. "I know they have one, but I'm not sure if
candidates can use it." Unhurriedly, she rises and puts her work back in
her basket. She knows she didn't leave anything out, but then again, it
never hurts to be sure!
Elle nods to Peyra. "Hopefully my area is okay, at least it was when I
left it."
Elle nods at Gina. "I'll ask Daria later, if she will let me use it,
we'll do that trade."
Elle stands, leaving the Candidate's table in the center.
Gina heads to doublecheck her area.
Elle looks around. "Don't know about anyone else, but I think that I'm
going to check my cot just to make sure."
You walk down the corridor.
West Cavern
This is an oddly shaped cavern, almost resembling a half-empty wineskin
draped over a man's shoulder. Several baskets of glows sit on crevices,
giving the room ample light. Part of this cavern has been sectioned off
as a quiet recreational area of sorts, with chairs and a notice board.
Several tapestries here can be seen. It's a pleasant respite from the
public bustle of the living cavern to the west.
The cavern runs south, along which you can see many rooms opening out
into the rock. East are more rooms, and the archway to the Living Cavern
to the west.
Obvious exits:
Residents' Dorms Children's Cavern Living Cavern East Cavern
Elle enters from the living cavern.
You walk down the cavern to the east.
East Cavern
This cavern continues from the rooms curving away to the west, and curls
slightly around to the south-southeast as it heads towards the tunnel
leading to the Weyr's entrance. Open-top glass globes of glows are spaced
between every other curtained door that lines the northern and
southeastern run of the cavern. This busy cavern passes through a
narrowing corridor on its southeastern curve. An archway on the
easternmost side of the southern wall leads out of the Weyr.
The cavern narrows to the southeast. On the northeastern wall, a narrow
archway opens into the Meeting Room, another archway to the south leading
to the Bathing Pools. Nearby, a curtained entrance leads into the
Candidates' Quarters.
Contents:
Grego
Tamina
Obvious exits:
Candidates' Quarters Bathing Pools Tunnel Out West Cavern Rooms
Meeting Room
Madalyn arrives from the cavern to the west.
Madalyn makes her way past the curtained exit to the southwest.
Elle arrives from the cavern to the west.
Tamina flashes a smile and nods, "Come on then." She heads into the
barracks.
Gina waves to Grego and Tamina. "Inspection time!"
Elle goes down the hall toward the barracks.
You make your way into the candidates' quarters to the southwest.
Candidates' Quarters(#1299RAJs$)
The barracks of Ista Weyr are crowded almost Turn round with the
Candidates for its queens' Hatching. Cots line both walls and even the
space in between. All the cots have a small press at the foot of them for
Candidates' few belongings.
You see several Candidates getting ready for the evening chores and meal.
A curtain leads out into the east cavern.
Contents:
Madalyn
Anise(#2864PJOcem$)
Tothun
Caprio
Zephryus
Gem
Obvious exits:
East Cavern
Elle makes her way in from the lower caverns.
Tamina makes her way in from the lower caverns.
Grego makes his way in from the lower caverns.
Gina looks over her area. Well, it looks good to her! She can only hope
it does to the rest as well.
Anise sits in the center of Grego's cot, covers rumpled up around her.
Her expression is the same as a feline who's played with a ball of string
and gotten it all over the place.
Elle walks over to her cot and starts to check it over. She pulls out
someone else's dirty laundry out from under her cot. "Shards!" she
mutters and flings the offense clothes into a hamper at the back of the
room.
Gina smooths her cover. "Need help, Elle?"
Dorn makes his way in from the lower caverns.
Elle shakes her head. "Naw, just somebody was being a sharding wiseguy."
Grego, spotting Anise in his cot, does a mild doubletake. "Y'know," he
mutters. "In another situation..." But then he shakes his head, grumbling
a bit as he crosses to the cot. "Would you mind," he asks, trying to be
patient, "Getting up so I can make that again before they get here?"
Tamina smooths over her for once neat cot and sits gingerly on it, trying
not to get too many wrinkles as she watches all the others.
Kaci makes her way in from the lower caverns.
Dorn dives for his cot and thwaps a stray speck of dust of the rail,
hopefully making it in time before his cot has been expected.
Madalyn enters; footsteps immediately slowed to a seemingly confident
gait, she discretely edges towards her cot. "Um," is her only word, hands
quickly moving to fold and sort assorted clothing and objects from her
cot. "Ah." she finally gives her cot a s olid pat, creasing a fold in her
sheet with the edge of her palm.
Gina grins at Elle, but her smile fades when Dorn enters. She turns and
carefully checks her clothespress to make sure nothing's sticking out.
Instead of getting up, Anise lies down, further messing the bed up. "Why
should I get up? Who's coming?" She's all innocence.
Kaci pelts in, soaked from head to toe. She glances over her cot,
thennods, satisfied.
Grego, sounding maybe a little less patient, glances over his shoulder
towards the mended curtain. "It's a barracks inspection. Look, if you get
up now, I'll make it up to you later, promise. Whatever you want." Yes,
he's sounding just a little desperate.
Alexandra makes her way in from the lower caverns.
Elle survey's her cot one more time. She nods as she decides that it is
ready.
Anise hops right out of the bed and then bends over, quickly making the
cot back up. Around the corners she goes, making quick yet precise folds
in the bedding. She gives one final pull and... tadah, neatly made
candidate cot. "Well, why didn't you say so. I am going to hold you to
it, you know."
Alexandra walks in and looks at all those present. "Did I miss
something?" she asks, "Or am I just imagining there is something going on?"
Merellia makes her way in from the lower caverns.
Dorn doesn't even notice anyone else in the room, his mind focused on
cleaning. He picks up his pillow and hits it a couple of times, sending
some dust flying about the room. Carefully he runs his hand along the
sheet until it's perfectly smooth, plumps his pillow and carefully sets
it back down, now satisfied that it's done.
Elle says "Inspection tonight."
Anise pulls out a mark and bounces it on the cot, catching it on the
rebound, "Wasn't weyrlingmaster at Fort for turns for nothing."
Standing besides her cot, with one arm poised atop her pillow, Madalylyn
schools her expression to a complete blankness at Grego's comment. She
could say something, she really could -- but she doesn't, iand instead,
remains stoic at her cot.
L'tan makes his way in from the lower caverns.
Grego gives the cot a totally unnecessary pat. Then he groans quietly, as
if realizing just what he's done to himself. "I promised, didn't I. I'll
do whatever you want." He gives Anise a final, tight smile, then nods
politely to Merellia.
Elle falls silent as the riders enter. She stands at the foot of her bed.
Gina catches the Weyrwoman's entrance and salutes smartly. She stands by
the head of her cot. She pales, however, when L'tan follows.
Merellia brushes aside the curtain to enter the quarters, glancing around
briefly at the Candidates and their things before she offers L'tan a look
sidelong. "Shall you do the honors?" she asks with a faint lift of the
corners of her mouth.
Kaci glances toward the door, catching Merellia's and L'tan's entrance.
Well, at least the wait is over. This one, anyway.
Tothun sits on the floor by his bunk, grinning as he watches everybody
scramble over their bunks. He pets the firelizard (Gem) that's curled up
in his lap. His gaze moves to the two riders as they enter.
Tamina quickly stands up as Merellia and L'tan enter and hurriedly
smooths any remaining wrinkles on her cot.
L'tan walks slowly down the middle of the room, stopping at Grego's cot,
"Anise, I believe you should be elsewhere. Shouldn't you?" He then eyes
the very well made bed for a moment.
Grego nods to L'tan, too, and scrambles to stand at the end of his cot,
not making a noise as he bumps against the corner in his efforts to move
quickly.
Dorn steps casually behind his cot, shooing away Storm, but to his
dismay, the little blue only snaps at his fingers and curls back up in
the cot for a nap.
Anise gives Grego an unrepentant smile, "Yes, you promised." She waves to
the rest of the candidates on her way out, "Don't let old crusty bottom
get to you. He pulls his trousers on one leg at a time just like the rest
of us."
Anise pushes aside the curtain across the exit to go out into the east
cavern.
Elle remains at the foot of her bunk, awaiting her turn in the
inspection.
L'tan turns to watch the bluerider leave, "Crusting bottom?"
Peyra makes his way in from the lower caverns.
"Weyrwoman Merellia, Weyrleader L'tan," Madalyn greets, head nodded at
their entrance; still remaining at her cot's edge, Caprio's ruddy brown
wings furl tightly against his svelte musculature, eyes racing with avid
curiosity. "Shhh.." she says in a soothing voice, "They're just
inspecting."
One candidate, Kale by name corrects the Weyrleader, "That was Crusty
bottom, sir."
Daria makes her way in from the lower caverns.
Mertinel grins at the other candidates and waves. "Hey, guys."
Kaci winces. It was nice knowing you, Kale. Have a nice funeral.
Liz makes her way in from the lower caverns.
Merien makes her way in from the lower caverns.
[Inspection happens, ICly. OOCly, we had a Q&A.]
Merellia straightens up, crossing her arms across her chests. "Well," she
remarks in a quiet drawl, the words momentarily carrying a touch of Boll
about them, "I think that's about everything." With a smile to Daria,
"And they're shaping up well so far, Daria; thank you." Inclining her
head to Madelynda, she says to the weyrwoman with a smile, "They're all
yours now."
E'ryn stands near the sides of the room, appearing as if he's listening
to everything Merellia's said so far.
Liz pushes aside the curtain across the exit to go out into the east
cavern.
L'tan turns and stomps out of the room, mumbling something about "shaping
up well" and something that sounds like "my class."
L'tan pushes aside the curtain across the exit to go out into the east
cavern.
Gina's shoulders relax perceptibly as L'tan leaves.
Madelynda nods to the Weyrwoman and looks about the quarters, eyes
resting a moment on each cot, nodding as she sees each one relatively and
reasonably in order. "Well, candidates," she says in her Thread-fighting
voice, voluminous and full. Her face betrays only the slightest bit of
worry, which she carefully masks. "If you promise to behave yourselves,"
she announces with a wry half-grin, "Perhaps we should venture out to the
Sands and see if Phediath will let you touch her eggs."
Bronia pushes aside the curtain across the exit to go out into the east
cavern.
Mertinel sighs, her eyes going wide.
Rykel sticks her head in just at the moment Maddy announces this
momentous event and her brows raise slightly. Interesting. She scoots
back out to await the flood.
Gina gulps and tries not to gnaw on her lip.
Chibi's eyes grow wide, and she gasps, looking excitedly between Dorn and
Madalyn.
Dorn blinks for a moment. "N, now?" he studders. "Go on the sands?" He
stands for a moment, seemingly frozen where he is.
Tothun's eyes move to Madelynda as she starts to talk. He starts to grin
at the statement, nudges Gem ponce or twice until she flies to the bunk
with a chirple, then scrambling to his feet.
Rykel pushes aside the curtain across the exit to go out into the east
cavern.
"Sands?" Madalyn exhales; pine colored eyes exapnd as the pinpoint onto
Madelynda. "Do we really get to go?" Child-like for a moment, the girl
clenches her palms against her chest, heart racing.
Grego pokes his cot once more, silently marveling at Anise's bed-making
ability. At Madelynda's words, though, he turns to look at the weyrwoman,
lips stretching into a grin. He bounces on the balls of his feet, clearly
ready.
Mertinel swallows. "I hope Phediath doesn't get angry."
Elle looks surprised, then a slow smile covers her face. "Eggs," she
breathes.
Chibi grins excitedly, and moves between Dorn and Madalyn, squeezing both
of their hands briefly. "Wow..Getting to /touch/ the eggs?" she is
breathless at the thought, and tries hard to keep from squirming about.
Merellia gives Madelynda a quick smile of encouragement, glance
understanding, before she slips out of the cavern herself.
Gina says softly "If Phediath will let us. I mean, those are her babies."
Merellia pushes aside the curtain across the exit to go out into the east
cavern.
E'ryn grins over at Madelynda, and then glances around to observe the
excited candidates. One young lad by the name of Churrun exclaims, "Will
she let us, huh, do you think she'll let us?"
Elle looks at Madelynda with expectation. She waits.
Madalyn religuishes her hands to her sides, giving both Dorn and Chibi a
meek, excited smile. "Amazing, isn't it.." she whispers to both of them,
jaw trembling with withheld excitement. Bouncing upon her tippie-toes,
the candidate just keeps her eyes fastened onto the goldrider. Waiting.
Madelynda nods resolutely, clasping her hands together in front of her
and straightening up. Wringing them just slightly, she says in a clipped
and formal tone, "Aye, indeed. Now, don't be afraid. That's the worst
thing you can do, I suspect. But be very gentle with the eggs, and if
Phediath even -looks- at one of you funny, the wise thing to do would be
to quickly stop what you're doing and come near me. All right?" With a
heavy sigh, she turns on her heel and leads the way.
Madelynda pushes aside the curtain across the exit to go out into the
east cavern.
[We make our way to the living cavern.]
Chibi motions quickly for Tothun to catch up to her, Dorn and Madalyn.
Madelynda, leading the way, pauses in the middle of the cavern to judge
the line. "Orderly," she says in a kind of bellow, emphasizing the
single word with her firm tone. "Orderly, candidates. The eggs will stay
there long enough for you to touch them, I assure you!"
Gina follows, trying not to look at anyone, still gnawing on her lip.
Dorn grins and jogs over to Chibi.
Mertinel enters from the narrow corridor.
Elle falls in behind Gina, trying to move in an orderly fashion.
T'saren nods his head to Minara, trying to keep an eye on the herd of
candidates trailing along with himself and Madelynda.
Mertinel is breathless, though with excitement or fear it's heard to
tell.
Chibi gently tugs on Madalyn's wrist, pulling her over with them as well.
She giggles a soft, squealish giggle, and falls silent.
Tothun uickly hops up to Chibi, past others as necessary, after she makes
a motion towards him. He just grins, wider still now, up at her.
Grego nods at Madelynda's words, gently tugging one of the smaller
Candidates to a more appropriate pace.
Mertinel gets closer to the other candidates.
Minara walks outside, into the bowl.
Dorn snorts softly towards his friends as he starts to shake himself with
anticipation.
Mertinel's hands are trmbling.
Chibi pats Tothun gently on the head, and flashes an excited grin to her
closest friends. Her hands shake with anticipation.
Madelynda sighs once more, mumbling more to herself and to T'saren than
anyone else, "They'll be there too long for most of us, I'm sure..."
Clearing her throat, she moves toward the bowl, boots clicking on the
hard floor with heavy steps.
Madelynda walks outside, into the bowl.
Dorn walks outside, into the bowl.
You walk outside, into the bowl.
Ista Weyr Bowl -- Southeast
Clusters of dragons group around the large entrance to the living cavern.
Smaller entrances line up to lead to the lower caverns and the infirmary.
Smoke issues forth from square holes cut into the mountain high above the
living cavern. The bowl extends to the northwest, and high above, the
southernmost points of the spindles reach for the sky. The sunset bathes
the northeastern side of the bowl in red light.
Ruddy evening light filters down from the mostly cloudy spring sky, over
the bustle of the active Weyr. A slight drizzle hangs in the air. Light
breezes waft playfully around the peaks, through the forests, and along
the beaches, causing frothy whitecaps on the surf. The temperature hovers
in the sweltering range, while visibility is good.
Weyrs and entrances to the lower caverns are visible on all three sides
of the Weyr walls that bound you.
Contents:
Dorn
Madelynda
Parth(#6789JOQaeps)
Tesith(#275Vaepqs)
Obvious exits:
Lower Caverns Center Bowl DragonWeyrs INFirmary Hatching Grounds
Chibi walks out of the living cavern.
Mertinel walks out of the living cavern.
Elle walks out of the living cavern.
Tothun walks out of the living cavern.
Madalyn walks out of the living cavern.
Grego walks out of the living cavern.
T'saren walks out of the living cavern.
Madelynda walks into the Hatching Grounds through one of the large
entrances.
Gina stays close behind the candidate in front of her.
T'saren walks into the Hatching Grounds through one of the large entrances.
Dorn walks into the Hatching Grounds through one of the large entrances.
You walk in through one of the large entrances to the hatching grounds,
your eyes adjusting slowly to the dimness within.
Hatching Entrance
You stand at the entrance to the Hatching Grounds. Before you the cavern
spreads out to the north and east. It is enormous to say the least, and
the gentle breeze blowing in through the entrance behind you, to the
southwest accentuates its size. Spreading around the back side of the
grounds itself are the Galleries, where guests can sit and watch the
action and quietly cheer candidates on. Below that is the black sand
itself, where the candidates stand.
Twin arches lead out into the expanse of the bowl. Ledges overhead
provide space for winged creatures, and a set of stone seats begin nearby.
Contents:
Dorn
T'saren
Madelynda
Obvious exits:
Main Seating Hatching Sands Bowl
Madalyn walks in from the bowl.
Elle walks in from the bowl.
Chibi walks in from the bowl.
Tothun walks in from the bowl.
Mertinel walks in from the bowl.
Grego walks in from the bowl.
Elle nods to Mertinel as all the candidates walk toward the sands.
Madelynda stops at the edge of the black sand sea, waiting for the
candidates to assemble with slightly wary eyes, glancing quickly to her
lifemate. "All right," she says loudly, her tone a bit quieter than
before, more cautious and respectful. "Anyone here ever touched an egg on
the Sands before?"
Elle shakes her head. "No Ma'am."
Gina glances around out of the corner of her eye to see if anyone is
saying yes.
Mertinel shakes her head and says quietly, "I haven't."
Chibi shakes her head slowly, her eyes large and shining with a million
diffrent emotions. She links her arm with Madalyn's nervously.
Alexandra walks in from the bowl.
Mertinel shifts closer to Elle.
Dorn senses "Gina's eyes rest on you for a moment, before darting away."
Grego's head shakes his head back and forth in a silent negative, then
squints towards the eggs again.
"No," Giving her head a vigorous shake, Madalyn looks unblinkingly to the
sands. "I've never touched an egg before."
Tothun stays close by Chibi as they move. He takes a few glances towards
the Sands..well, tries to..once they stop, but his attention turns back
to Madelynda, shaking his head.
Alexandra runs up. "Sorry." she chimes. "I got busy cleaning up my cot."
she grins sheepishly.
Dorn shakes his head towards the goldrider. "Nay ma'am. I've only just
seen them at a distance."
Elle gives Mertinel a reassuring grin, although she looks nervous
herself.
Mertinel is too nervous even to giggle.
Tothun glances up to Chibi again, and just nodnods silently. The grin
stays on his face, though.
Alexandra pauses and says, "Wow... those are the eggs." she grins widly."
Chibi ruffles the young boy's hair and offers him a grin, trying to
reassure him, but it dosen't seem to work. She peers towards the sands.
T'saren leans against one of the arches, looking over the assortment of
candidates as if making mental notes on their presentability and
orderliness. A soft rumble from his lifemate draws a glance over towards
the sands, and a quiet chuckle from the bronzerider.
Mertinel gawks at the eggs.
Dorn swallows hard and manages to look out towards the sands for a moment
at the sound of the rumble.
Madelynda nods soberly, placing her hands lightly on her narrow hips.
"Well, then. As I said before, don't be too nervous. She's ready to have
them be touched, as long as you are--and this is her very word, mind
you--'repectful.' You can manage that, now, can't you?" She then presents
a wavering smile, as if hoping very much that the answer to this question
is a resounding affirmative.
Mertinel hopes it isn't Phediath rumbling.
T'saren senses "Gina's posture is more sad than anything. Her mind is
only partially on what she's doing, although she is trying to be focused.
Maybe it's just restraint, and trying not to hope too much."
Mertinel nods.
Alexandra looks at Madelynda, and nods.
Dorn nods his head and bellows out an "Aye ma'am" in his nervousness.
Chibi nods vehemently, then weakly. She shifts from foot to foot and
grins foolishly to Madalyn.
Tothun again turns his attention back to Madelynda, quickly nodding his
head.
Madalyn takes to smoothing her hair, attempting to control the unruly
spring of her jasmine tresses; though, as usual, the simply grow wilder
with her every touch. Must be static. Watching the sands from a distance,
she draws in an inspired breath, cautiously releasing it. At Madelynda's
warning, she bobs her head, giving Chibi a brilliant smile.
Grego's lips curve in a sudden grin. One hand gently brushes his beard,
and he nods. "I can handle that, ma'am." At Dorn's bellow, he blinks,
muttering, "Got a dragon in the stands, too." He winks.
Gina nods to the weyrwoman. She glances out over the sand and tries not
to stare at Phediath and Solarith.
Aslana walks in from the bowl.
Aslana climbs up a flight of stairs into the galleries.
Ista_Sands> Phediath rumbles quietly on the Grounds, her eyes already
whirling at the cluster of people standing at the edge of -her-
territory. Arching her neck to look at the bronze sire, the golden queen
stretches out one wing to hover over a group of eggs in a protective
gesture.
Dorn grins over towards Grego and rolls his eyes.
Mertinel looks at the eggs again, sighing.
Elle looks at Madelynda. "Uh, should we send our firelizard's home before
we go in?"
Alania walks in from the bowl.
Chibi smiles an excited smile, from Madalyn to Dorn to Tothun.
Alania wanders in from the bowl, watching the candidates with a crooked
sort of smile. she finds a seat, and gets ready to watch..
Ista_Sands> Solarith returns Phediath's rumble with a basso one of his
own. The big bronze uncoils himself from his napping position and
shuffles over to her, stretching his neck out and whuffling reassuringly.
Alexandra looks at the others gathered around. She turns back to the
sands and watches. "Do they move?" she asks noone inparticular.
Tothun's eyes move back to nervously grin up at Chibi again. He rocks a
little on his feet as he waits.
Madelynda sighs in a long, somewhat laborious exhale, and turns around to
look at her lifemate, as if to bespeak her. After a long moment, she
murmurs, "All right. Let's go." Over her shoulder, she emphasizes,
"Carefully...!" and walks onto the Sands.
Madelynda walks out onto the hot sands.
Ista_Sands> Madelynda walks onto the sands from the entrance to the
Hatching Grounds.
Mertinel walks out onto the hot sands.
Ista_Sands> Mertinel walks onto the sands from the entrance to the
Hatching Grounds.
You step off of solid rock onto hot sands, feeling a slight amount of
discomfort.
Hatching Sands(#1296RAas$)
The black sand beneath your feet reminds you of standing on a beach at
midday. Heat from the sands pentrates to your feet, making you
uncomfortable. This huge cavern arcs over your head in black matte rock,
while the tiers of the Galleries provide seating for spectators. A
glorious array of eggs lie spread across the heated obsidian-glimmering
sands of the Istan Hatching grounds. Scattered on the midnight-dark
grains like jewels across velvet or the bright speckles of stars in the
evening sky, eggs glimmer in all hues: brightly-colored violets are
mounded about by sand, mixing with vermilion, viridian, pastel shades
with delicate traceries of designs. The most prominent of these is the
richly gleaming luminescence of a solitary golden egg, taking the pride
of place among the clutch, and cradled protectively by Phediath.
(Type 'view eggs' to see a list of visible eggs.)
Besides the span of the galleries to the south, one can head over towards
the entrance to the hatching grounds, or into one of the Queen's tunnels
to the southeast and southwest.
Contents:
Mertinel(#16010PLce)
Madelynda
Solarith(#8900Jaeps$)
Phediath
Obvious exits:
Dragon Ledges Main Entrance Southeast Tunnel Southwest Passage
Dorn walks onto the sands from the entrance to the Hatching Grounds.
T'saren walks onto the sands from the entrance to the Hatching Grounds.
Chibi walks onto the sands from the entrance to the Hatching Grounds.
Madalyn walks onto the sands from the entrance to the Hatching Grounds.
Elle walks onto the sands from the entrance to the Hatching Grounds.
Tothun walks onto the sands from the entrance to the Hatching Grounds.
Elle walks along the edge of the sands, following the group.
Alexandra walks onto the sands from the entrance to the Hatching Grounds.
Dorn sucks in a deep breath and squeezes both Madalyn and Chibi's hands
for a moment before releasing them and casting a quick glance over
towards Gina. Then, he looks up at Phediath and gives her a little bow
respectfully.
Mertinel stands close to the other candidats.
Grego walks onto the sands from the entrance to the Hatching Grounds.
Mertinel remebers herself and gives a bow to the golden dragon.
Gina pauses about halfway out, and takes a deep breath. She hopes the
dragons can hear her as she says softly "Thank you for letting us admire
your eggs, Phediath. You honor us." She curtseys, not well, but the
effort is there.
Tothun continues to stick by Chibi as he follows quickly. His eyes
imediately moev to the eggs, searching out one egg in particular.
Chibi walks onto the sands, her whole body trembling, her heart pounding
so hard she can feel it in her throat. She stares hard at the eggs, her
eyes filled with wonder. She sticks close by Madalyn, Dorn and Tothun,
offering them a half smile, before turning her attenton back to the eggs.
She smiles gently up at Phediath.
That heat -- unmistakeably from the sands -- instantly draws Madalyn's
breath. "Oh!" she gasps, manners minded as her torso gives an elaborate
bow to both Phediath and Solarith. "They are beautiful.." the girl
mentions, straightening her back slightly.
Alexandra steps lightly as she enters the sands. Watching the others she
looks up at the large Gold dragon and grins, trying not to look too
nervous. "Hello." she says to Phediath.
Mertinel cannot decide whetther to look at the eggs, or Phediath.
Grego bobs his head respectfully to each dragon, then, seeing the others,
wrinkles his nose and gives a definitely awkward bow. He mutters to
himself, "If... saluted anyone... them."
When Elle notices Phediath's eyes upon her, she stops and gives the regal
queen a respectful curtsey. Her face flushes pink with nervousness.
Solarith eyes the candidates for a long moment, bowing his head down to
give one or two a particularly thorough sniffing before backing off and
returning his attentions to Phediath.
Mertinel shivers a bit, even though the sands are very warm.
Gina is from Ista, and she thought she was used to heat. Right now, it's
not too bad: midsummer noon on the beaching spar. She unconsciously
shifts her feet, though. This will be a lot worse as time goes on. She
curtseys to Solarith, too, before approaching closer.
Mertinel looks thoughtfully at the large dragons.
Tothun looks to the others a moment, then back up to smile nervously at
the queen. He waes a little, opening his mouth as if to say something,
then closing it again as nothing comes out. He blushes a little..
Alexandra walks over to the black egg and says, "Wow... this is great."
she smiles to the others as she looks up for a moment. Looking back down
she stares at the black expanse of the egg's shell and sighs.
Mertinel realizes that she is developing nervous tics... she tugs at her
clothes and bites her lip.
Raven-Black
This ebony egg beguiling a sad fancy into smiling by the grave
and stern decorum of the countenance it wears, with mien of lord or lady
it perches upon the sandy floor: deepest black, touched only by the
silken brush of purple and a ghostly, ruddy shadow like that of dying
embers. In contrast to the life growing within, the outward shell--flecked
by a crimson glare--sings a dirge of hope and melancholy burden...a grim,
ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous egg of yore.
Credited to Merellia and inspired by the title character of "The Raven,"
a poem by Edgar Allen Poe.
Childhood Mysteries
Its red-flecked surface dancing with unspent energy, this egg
fulfills with a visual vow the many promises of youth. Flittering dots
abound across the bright green landscape of the hardening oval in utter
abandon, ready to shoot onward and through the sky, declaring in
victorious tones how easy 'tis to up and fly. The erratic spirit of this
shell's coloring encompasses all the joy of childhood games before it
inevitably becomes a casualty of age and worry, faced with the imminence
of its hatching.
For awhile, at least, its exuberance will surely stand unmarred,
uncracked, and unabashed upon the Sands.
Credited to Madelynda and inspired by the title character of _Peter Pan_
by J. M. Barrie.
Elle looks at Madelynda. She seems to be waiting for the cue to go
forward to the eggs.
"Y-Your eggs are breathtaking," Chibi speaks softly to the gold dragon,
her eyes large and shining. Her body trembles, and she takes deep breaths
of the hot air. Seeing Tothun blush out of the corner of her eye, she
give his hand a reassuring squeeze.
Madelynda walks quickly yet carefully toward her queen, giving Solarith a
respectful nod on her way. Soothingly, she strokes Phediath's neck,
whispering something inaudible to the brooding mother. After a moment and
a loud snort, the gold slowly furls her wing toward her body and relaxes
a little, eyes warily watching the candidates.
Alexandra gives a quick look over her shoulder to the two dragons and
thenreaches out slowly, placing her hand flat against the black egg. She
smiles a bit to herself and then quickly pulls her hand from the shell.
She looks again at the two dragons.
Madalyn keeps to Chibi's side for a moment: more for the companionship
than fear. Inquisition draws her irises' pine color towards the eggs, her
steps slothful and almost melodramatic as she inches towards them.
Confused at which to approach first, she stands at the very edge of the
clutch, admiring before touching.
Grego's gaze follows Alexandra, then flickers rather warily back to the
dragons. His only movement is the lifting of a foot. Said foot shakes, to
rid the attached sandal of the sand that has already found its way inside.
Mertinel wanders slowly and carefully over to the eggs. Several of the
brightly colore beauties catch her eye...She lays her hand very gently on
the one nearset her.
Dorn casts a quick glance towards Madelynda. "Just, go out an touch
them?" he asks, not ready to budge from his position until the rider
gives her okay.
Gina gazes out over the eggs, her attention caught by one with red
flecks. She slowly moves that way, trying not to get sand in her shoes or
bury her feet too deeply.
Elle watches a few of the other candidates go forward toward the eggs.
She hesitates, but after she notes that there is no untoward reaction
from the queen, she also heads forward toward the pile of dragon eggs.
Lured by the pale deception of one egg, Madalyn approaches it with a
half-raised hand. "Interesting.." she muses, tunic pulled away from her
chest as it begins to layer with sweat. "We can touch them, right?" she
cautiously questions, hand hovering directly above the egg's upper-half.
T'saren steps over to Solarith's side, watching the candidates. "Not too
bad, looks like," he murmurs to Madelynda while running a hand soothingly
along his lifemate's flank. "At least they were polite enough for
Solarith."
Tothun smiles a little up at Chibi again, before his attention once
again moves to the eggs. He finally moves away from his friends as he
takes a step towards one in particular..the green egg with red speckles
(33).
Mertinel softly strokes the egg. "It feels lovely," she says softly.
From the Galleries, Merellia arches an eyebrow to Rykel, expression both
amused and challenging. "Going to take it?"
From the Galleries, Minara scans each egg thoughtfully. Which might she
consider if it were her standing there, feeling the hot sands beneath
her. She's been in heat, but that plus the sense of the moment would make
it different. She catches sight of Grego, Dorn and Yazric and whispers,
"Best.. all the best.."
Gina is heading toward the same egg as Tothun, at first, but seeing his
motion pauses and looks around again.
Madelynda looks toward Dorn and a few of the other hesitating candidates.
"It's fine," she smiles to them, reassurance in her tone. "Just be
respectful." After a quick moment, she adds, "And gentle!"
Alexandra shakes her head and says, "Wow... there are so many of them."
she smiles and looks up towards Madelynda. She turns back to the eggs and
then reaches out and touches more of them as she walks between a few.
From the Galleries, Rykel fingers the marks and lays a speculative gaze
on the candidates and their level of nervousness. Then she sucks on her
teeth while giving Phediath a good once over. "Nah," she blurts, almost
loudly. "Less than half of one, I'd say. If it's over half, you win by
default. How's that?" Oooh, so confident. Perhaps overly so, but those
aren't the only marks in her pocket.
From the Galleries, Haiya launches her plump body awkwardly into the air,
then disappears *between*.
Melancholy Midnight
Resting apart from its fellows, a clump of sand gathered at its
base causing it to list to one side, this brooding egg seems lost in
thought. The inky surface cloaked in shadows, its dark, solemn,
unrelenting blackness appears almost velvety in texture. Not a trace or
glimmer of lighter, cheerful color can be found; the very essence of a
starless, midnight sky enfolds the egg in a deep and murky mourning on
the Sands. Yet the sorrowful raiment also serves to augment the aura of
purpose which also shrouds this lonely egg, as if it had some great and
somber promise to fulfill.
Credited to Ellwiny and inspired by the title character of _Hamlet_ by
William Shakespeare.
Chibi focuses her eyes upon the egg with pale-pastels. Slowly, she
inches forward and lays her hand gently upon it. She strokes it lovingly,
gently, murmuring, her voice barely audible,"I've never seen anything so
beautiful in my life.." she seems not to notice the stickiness of the
strings of hair clinging to her face.
Mertinel leaves the egg she's at and wanders slowly to another, all the
while keeping an eye on the two dragons.
Elle walks near the large eggs, her eyes wide with amazement. Gently, she
reaches over and touches one with a dark shell. A smile alights on her
face, wonder and delight mixed together.
Shabby Velveteen
There once was a velveteen-colored egg, and in the beginning it
was really splendid. It was round and glossy-smooth, as an egg should be;
its shell was spotted brown and white, with threadlike dashes wrapping
about the egg that resembled whiskers, and streaks of a sateen pink
remarkably like back-folded ears. On the obsidian Hatching Grounds, where
it sat wedged at the top of a mound of eggs between a holly green egg and
another of berry red after its clutching, the effect was charming.
Credited to Merellia and inspired by the title character of _The
Velveteen Rabbit, or, How Toys Become Real_ by Margery Williams.
Tothun swallows a little, eyes staying on the egg now. He hesitantly
reaches out, just barely touchin the egg with his fingers. Gently, he
strokes them down the side a little, starting to smile brightly.
Closing Circle
This meek and distanced egg, covered with tousled splotches of
light brown, doesn't seem to require a second glance. However, flecks
within the ordinary brown promise that power will come with age, as if
the simplicity were a facade. Mysterious, deep blue jousts with splashes
of bright, righteous color, creating quest-driven collages that demand
attention.
Credited to Phaedra and inspired by Will Stanton of _The Dark Is Rising_
by Susan Cooper.
Mertinel strokes the snow-decked forest egg gently, smiling all the
while.
Gina shifts her feet absently, looking over the eggs. She still hasn't
touched any.
Gently, carefully, cautiously; fingertips brushing against the outer
surface of the Deceptively Plain egg, Madalyn's face represents absolute
adoration. "Ah...so, /soft/." she explains, to Chibi -- or at least, she
thought it was Chibi. Reluctantly removing her hand, she inches over to
another egg, somewhat intriuged by it's all-knowing appearance.
Dorn carefully waves his way between the eggs to a perticular egg.
Softly, he reaches out, barely touching the dark surface as if the shell
could crack like glass from his very touch. "Didn't expect it to feellike
this" he says with a smile, glancing back towards Madalyn, Chibi, and
then to Gina.
Mirthful Elegance
Almost asparkle against the blackness of the sand, this egg
embodies the essence of elegance, a curving pool of richly jewel-hued
color. Lucent emerald gracefully wrestles with ruby red to gain a
foothold on the shell, only to rub figurative elbows with soothing
streaks of glistening sapphire. Spitefully, lattice-like ecru speckles the
battling royals, lending a sense of charm to contradict them all--as if
the egg itself were, at heart, an iron fist in a luxurious velvet glove,
in the same moment flattering the opposition and bending it to its will.
Credited to Madelynda and inspired by Lily Bart of _The House of Mirth_
by Edith Wharton.
Mertinel wonders if the hatchlings will be as beautiful as the eggs they
come in?
Grego, seeing that all those touching the eggs still have all their limbs
in their proper places, carefully slips towards a yellow-green egg. One
hand hovers above the shell for the span of three heartbeats, and then
finally lowers. Suddenly, Grego grins. Turning towards the riders, he
asks, "Do the hatchlings know we're here?"
Elle continues to move among the eggs. She stops at one, then another
egg, looking at each one as if she were visualizing the little dragonette
inside each one. She softly touches each of the eggs as she walks,
caressing the smooth patterns of their shells.
From the Galleries, Merellia's features crinkle in a laugh. "All right. I
owe you three if Phediath won't let them stay for less than half an hour;
you owe me if they get to stay more than." Her tone is fairly
confident--Merellia clearly expects Madelynda to be able to exert that
much control over her lifemate. Glance sliding back to the eggs, she
inclines her head towards them, "Started placing any bets on which will
hatch which colors?" she questions generally, then adds teasingly to
Rykel, "Since you're so keen on losing your marks."
Madalyn heads out towards the entrance.
Alexandra walks among the eggs and continues shaking her head. She
reaches out often, touching the eggs as she passes them. Often she pauses
and settles in next to an egg. She stops over one and leans down, placing
her cheek to the shell.
Mertinel heads out towards the entrance.
Gina kneels slowly, for a moment. The hot sands are searing her feet and
she needs to give them a rest.
Phediath watches the scene with an air of aloof resentment, her tail
flicking with unspent energy. Her eyes finally land on Gina, who stands
motionless on the Sands; after a moment, she snorts toward the girl and
thumps her tail on the Sands.
Elle startles at the sound of Phediath's tail thumping the sands. She
freezes in place, watchful.
Tothun continues to lightly run his hand along the egg for a moment.
However, when another, slightly older candidate (aren't they all) steps
up, he moves aside, biting his lip. He moves then to the next closest
egg, once again touching it just barely.
Gina looks up with a start. "I'm sorry, Phediath, if I did something
wrong." She looks over the eggs. "It's just they're all so beautiful,"
she whispers.
Alexandra keeps her cheek to a flaming orange and scarlet egg. She
reaches her hands out and places them on the sides of the egg. She
giggles and stands up. "They seem so fragile."
Madelynda chuckles heartily at the queen's action and looks to Gina, her
smile warm and inviting. "She wants to know if the eggs are not pretty
enough for you to touch?" Winking, she waves a hand in a gesture of
encouragement. "Go to it, girl. She's in a generous mood." Her gaze
shifts to include everyone as she says, "Go forth! It's best for the
hatchlings, as well as you."
Elle finds another egg that is close to her. Another dark one. She
fingers it lightly, looking at it complex patterns.
Chibi focuses her attentions on the egg. She wanders over to the egg with
the golden sheen, and bows her head respectfully before Phediath before
she gently puts her hand upon it..She gasps softly, unable to find words
to describe her feelings. She smiles, and murmurs,"Tothun..Come here,
this egg is so beautiful!"
From the Galleries, Rykel arches a brow, still fingering her marks.
"Well, I have at that. Figure my luck with this clutch was running pretty
high since I won that other bet." Her chest rumbles with a soft chuckle,
"I've never had so many marks in my life. It is... intoxicating. Anyway,"
a brisk tone ensues, "I bet on more greens this time for some reason.
Don't know why."
Dorn glances up towards the gold with soft green eyes for a moment,
before moving on to another egg. He just glides his hand softly over the
surface, and decides to keep moving along. He ends up working about most
of the eggs but falls back again to that perticular egg that just seems
to grab his attention. "Chibi" he whispers softly, his eyes round as he
sees which egg she's near, not daring to go anywhere near it.
Alexandra sits down in front of the blazing orange and scarlet egg and
says, "You really like this heat don't you." she smiles and shakes her
head. "It's murder on the feet." she pulls off her sandles and empties
the sand.
Tothun uickly looks up as he hears his name. Carefully, he works his way
around to move over to Chibi. He smiles up at her, then looks to the egg.
Grego watches the riders for another moment or two, then lifts his
shoulders in a barely-perceptible shrug, turning back to 'his' egg. His
right hand joins his left, one thumb running along a whorled pattern.
Elle moves on, slowly making her way back out of the egg pile. She stops
at a lighter egg, touching its shell in a caressing way. Elle can't keep
the smile of sheer delight from her face.
Solarith croons gently to Phediath, moving his head to give the gold a
soft whuffle, as if saying those noisy pink things like her eggs, no
matter how strange they act.
Gina looks back up at the queen. "But tht's just it, they're all so
lovely. I want to look first." She stands up and finally moves to the egg
with the pattern like wings. Slowly, she puts out a hand and lets it
hover above the shell for a moment.
After emptying the sand from her shoes, Alexandra stands again and adds,
"I hope you don't get overcooked." she winks.
Chibi realises she's nearest to the egg Phediath seems most protective
ofand takes a gentle step back, looking up at her respectfully. She moves
on to the egg that seems to have a wide mouth, and traces over the
pattern. "Hello, in there.." she smiles, feeling somewhat giddy, from the
heat and the presence of the eggs.
From the Galleries, "Greens usually make up at least half, though,
anyway," Merellia comments in return, eyes flickering over the candidates
below. Banteringly, "You sure Faerth isn't influencing you with wishful
thinking?" Giving a quick laugh, she adds, half to herself, "L'tan walked
out rather than touch the eggs--and my class, Rodrith decided he had to
taste the candidates to see if we were suitable to be near his eggs."
Phediath sees Chibi near the golden egg and--eyes suddenly shifting to a
yellow-orange tinge--hisses loudly in her direction, wrapping her tail
protectively around it as she glares her warning. A boisterous rumble
punctuates the action.
From the Galleries, E'ryn climbs up some stairs into the seats.
Chibi eep!s and steps quickly backwards, falling on her rear in the
sands. She blushes fiercely, and looks to Madelynda and Phediath.."My
apologies.." she near-whispers.
Dorn winces softl and takes a step back from the blacked egg with two
detailed red marks across it's surface. "Do, do we have to leave now?" he
asks cautiously, heading over towards the entrance on tip toes.
Grego isn't quite so absorbed in the egg that he misses Phediath's
reaction to Chibi. Almost automatically, he steps to the other side of
the egg, so that it is between him and the gold. Eyes just a bit wide, he
watches.
The young candidate from Telgar gulps at the sight of those eggs and
hesitates, then glances up at the great golden dragon. "You've done
well," he manages to get out, almost choking on his own words. His hand
reaches out to stroke the egg nearest to him, and he shudders as that
shaking hand connects.
Churrun, unlike his usual self, has been awfully quiet as he awedly
touches an egg with his pale hands.
Tothun grins up at Chibi again. Howeer, he then blinks, looking up at
the dragon and uickly moving back, away, though moving almost right beside
Chibi, he stays on his feet.
Gina lets her fingertips brush over the soft, leathery shell. Her eyes
close, and she jumps when Phediath hisses, instinctively steping back
from the egg she's just barely caressed.
A small holder lad, not appearing older than perhaps twelve turns, but
yielding some whiskers that need a shave, leans over an egg and peers at
it, suspicious. Turning this way and that, his dark blond locks dangle to
tickle the zenith of the shell and his serious green-blue eyes ponder it
with a ferocity of intention. Slowly, with a careful gensture, he reaches
out to rest his palm on the warmth of the shell and a devastating smile
encroached upon his features.
From Alexandra's shoulder, Aphrodite softly lifts upward and in a flash
goes *between*
Chibi gasps, not bothering to get up. She backs upwards in a spiderclaw
like way, bumping into several candidates as she does. Her eyes are wide
with fear and embarrasment.
Madelynda frowns and looks to Chibi, one hand on the queen's forleg.
"Now," she says gravely, "She'll let you stay...but gentle, gentle!
And..." She glances at the gold-hued egg, cradled in Phediath's tail,
"...it might be best, young ladies, to leave that one alone for now," she
says simply.
Elle hears the queen hiss and turns sharply to look at her. Elle visibly
is trying to gauge if she should stay among the eggs or not.
Elle is reassured by Madelynda's words and continues to walk among the
eggs, going back to that first dark one that had caught her eye when she
first entered the sands.
Tothun looks to Madelynda, then back to Chibi. "C'mon..wanna see a really
nice one? The other side.."
Grego mutters rather whimsically, allowing his hands to touch the egg
again, "So much for my dream of being the first male goldrider." As the
young Candidate at the egg nearest his gapes, Grego adds, "It's a joke,
kiddo."
From the Galleries, Rykel was about to answer Merri with a quip until she
spies the young girl backing up on her rump. "Chibi!?!" She nearly
bellows in surprise. "By Faranth's tail-fork, girl, when'd you get here?"
Alexandra moves towards another egg.
T'saren raises a brow at Maddy and Phediath, frowning. "I know she's
protective," he comments to the gold's rider, "but I didn't expect her to
be that bad." He glances over his shoulder at his own lifemate, eyes
going distant for a moment. "Solarith just thinks they're noisy, but
he'll protect the eggs if need be."
Alexandra heads out towards the entrance.
Chibi's face is the colour of a redfruit. "I-I'm sorry, Ma'am.." she
nervously climbs to her feet, trembling, and hears a somewhat familiar
voice. She turns, and peers into the stands, squinting, and gasps.
"R-Rykel? Zat you?"
Gina blinks. It hadn't occurred to her to even venture near the golden
shell holding the queen's gold daughter. She kneels by the egg again, and
after a moment caresses it again lovingly.
From the Galleries, Merellia slants a glance towards Rykel. "Are you
/trying/ to upset Phediath?" she questions calmly, then turns back to the
eggs. Thereby hiding a smile from the bluerider, she remarks, "I guess it
is Faerth, then."
The Telgarina tries to move past that egg he's just touched but his hand
almost refuses to leave stroking the smooth surface. "I'll bet you're a
lively one." he whispers, hoping the little one inside hears him.
Tothun bites his lip as Chibi gets distracted. After a moment, he turns,
working his way back to the green and red egg.
Grego bites back a yelp, pulling his hands from the egg as if it's
suddenly turned white-hot. "It moved!" he announces, visibly trying to
decide whether to be delighted or worried. He tentatively rests a hand on
the shell again.
Dorn nods, still hesitant towards the rider but ambles back over softly
towards that special egg. He kneels before it, gently placing both hands
on either side, and running his fingers down the the side softly. Closing
his eyes, he takes a deep breath and wrinkles his brow, almost giving the
appearance of trying to imagine something. After a moment, he seems to be
satisfied that he knows the feel of this perticular egg quite well and
stands to his feet. "They are a right pretty lot" is all he mumbles as he
heads over towards Tothun with a grin.
Gina touches her forehead to the egg's shell, very lightly. As if she was
whispering to the hatchling within.
From the Galleries, E'ryn stands near the upper tiers, watching the
candidates with a grin on his face. Slowly he steps down back toward the
bottom of the tiers, as if having satisfied himself with the view from
the upper ones.
A delighted smile remains on Chibi's face, and she flicks off a quick
wave to Rykel before rejoining Tothun. Before she even dares to venture
near the eggs again, she looks a bit questioningly towards Phediath, her
head bowed.."I am sorry for my mistake, Phediath.." she murmurs.
From the Galleries, Rykel stifles her next amazed remark and simply nods
to Chibi, shoving a finger over her lips to sign to the girl to be quiet.
"I'll talk to you later. Good to see you!" She turns to offer a smile to
Merellia and nods, adding quite offhandedly now, "Yep. It's always
Faerth."
Churrun lifts his head and gazes up at the gold on the sands and grins
estatically before he walks over to another egg and touches it boldly. He
says, "This one's gonna be bronze, and I'm going to Impress it! Just you
wait!" Then with youthful exhuberance, he trots over to another egg.
T'saren chuckles at Grego, shaking his head. "They do that occasionally,
lad. Solarith here moved quite a few times, from what some of the other
candidates in my group told me." He gives the bronze in question a firm
pat, eyes full of his fondness for his lifemate.
Tothun once again reaches out to touch the egg he seems to like so much,
kneeling down beside it now. He risks a quick glance to Chibi, though.
Grego nods to T'saren, giving the bronzerider a delighted grin, then
crouches just a bit, allowing his cheek to rest against the egg--or maybe
that's his ear. For a long moment, he doesn't move, doesn't blink,
doesn't even seem to breathe.
Alchemical Fire
A swirl of orange wraps itself about the camber of this fire-hued
egg, tendrils of flame flickering over shadowy green and the pale cream
of moonstone. Gold and silver splashes divert the crimson heat, mixing
and coalescing as if in the preparation of some strange elixir. The egg,
resplendent in the brilliance of its coloring, rests in the sands,
patiently biding its time until its mystery of colors distill and reveal
a hatchling.
Credited to Merellia and inspired by Margret and Malachi from _In Pursuit
of the Green Lion_ by Judith Merkle Riley.
Gina finally stands and gives the wingdappled egg a final caress.
Madelynda looks over to Grego, brows furrowed even as she smiles and
shakes her head. The loud announcement by Churrun distracts her and she
openly frowns toward him, but carefully steadies her expression, perhaps
for her lifemate's benefit. She smoothly strokes Phediath's neck as the
queen lowers her head toward the weyrwoman in a soft whuffle.
Elle spies the golden egg and looks at for a moment, but she doesn't go
to it since the queen is protecting it more closely now. She glances at
Chibi and frowns at the girl. Then, she returns to her study of the dark
egg with the complex patterns.
From the Galleries, G'lin climbs up some stairs into the seats.
Gina spots an egg that looks like it's wrapped in fire and suddenly grins
openly. "Grego?" she calls softly.
Dorn snorts softly at the enthusiasm of one young Churrun as he turns
back to Tothun, examining the egg the boy seems so hung up on. With a
wistful smile he ambles over towards a percariously silver egg and kneels
down before it. Deftly he places his soft palm on it's smoothe surface
and drags it across carefully. "Wonder who you are" he whispers in a soft
tone as he glances back at the others, noting their progress and what
seems to be their favorite eggs.
From the Galleries, Alania climbs up some stairs into the seats.
From the Galleries, G'lin saunters in from the Bowl, his face bearing an
amused smirk.
Chibi catches Elle's frown out of the corner of her eye, and flushes
again, her ever-present happiness seeming to fade. She returns her frown
with an even more acidic one, and dares once more to venture towards an
other egg, brushing her fingers over it gently.
From the Galleries, Merellia leans back in her seat, elbows resting
against it to prop herself slightly away from it where cooler air can
still circulate against her back and the heat rising from the Sands not
overwhelm so swiftly. Her glance shifting momentarily to E'ryn as the
brownrider nears, she mentions to the Weyrsecond, returning her gaze to
the Candidates, "Has Bevin spoken to you, E'ryn? She's interested in
fostering Liaryn." G'lin's arrival evokes a smile for the bronzerider and
a wave inviting him--and Alania, as the greenrider approaches--over.
"G'lin, what's so amusing?"
Grego steps away from the green-yellow egg, picking his way over to Gina.
Seeing the egg in question, his lips open in a brief o. "Wow," he
murmurs. "That's just...wow." He gives the girl a wide grin.
Churrun doesn't seem to notice Madelynda's frown. He's young yet, only 12
or so it looks like, and he's wildly excited, if the expression on his
face is any indication. His hands stroke another egg. "Or maybe I'll
Impress this one! I bet its a blue!" He crows softly to one of his nearby
companions, another boy with a shag of brown hair.
Gina mutters to Grego, "It looks... made... you. Look at... sparks in..."
You whisper "It looks like it was made for you. Look at the sparks in
it!" to Grego.
Tothun turns his attention back to the egg, after a moment. He whispers
something softly, too soft to be heard, and smiles bright again as he
runs his fingers over the shell very gently.
Silent Wind
This large, understated egg sits quietly on the sand, easy to
lose sight of as the light smoothly avoids rather than illuminates the
hardening shell. Positioned on a darker patch of the Grounds, it almost
blends into the murky shadows there. Occasionally, though, when the light
hits from the right angle, it stands out brilliantly to loom over its
colorful neighbors. The surface is almost consumed by dark grey, fading
in places to a shockingly bright white, gilded by thin tendrils of inky
black, entwining and separating to form beautifully diverse patterns.
Protectively, jet black tendrils embrace two inset circles of
jewel-green, like a silent death-wind emerging from the shadows to enfold
and protect what it desires.
Credited to M'hryn and inspired by Max the Silent of _Blue Belle_ by
Andrew Vachss.
Chibi slowly moves to the egg Tothun is looking at, and smiles. She
whispers something quietly to him, and traces a finger gently over the
patterns.
Solarith raises his head abruptly and looks towards the north, eyes
whirling a faint orange. After a moment he calms back down and continues
trying to both soothe Phediath and keep a close eye on the candidates.
Grego's head bobs enthusiastically at Gina's quiet comment, runnertail
waving wildly. "Just -look- at it," he murmurs, fingers splaying along
the splashes of gold and silver.
From the Galleries, E'ryn was leaning toward the sands, but sits up
slightly as Merellia calls his attention by her words. His eyebrows raise
thoughtfully. "Bevin, you say?" He looks as if he's trying to place the
name.
"Gently, gently..." the weyrwoman mutters to herself, eyes watching the
candidates. Madelynda's eyes go once more to Churrun, her frown
returning. Clearing her throat, she warns, "You there...Churrun, that's
your name, right?" Her tone garnering a tougher edge, she says quietly,
"Phediath says you should be more gentle. You'll ruin it for everyone if
you rouse her, lad."
From the Galleries, G'lin smiles a greeting at Alania and strides over to
where the Weyrwoman sits. "That time again, is it? Egg-touching?"
The blonde haired girl from Benden shuffles her feet back and forth,
obviously not used to the heat that makes its way through her sandle. She
decides to weave her way through the candidates toward one rather small
egg. As she passes Dorn, her shoulder bumps his. "Sorry," she smiles.
Gina steps back from Grego and smiles at him, glancing over the egg pile.
She blinks at an egg off by itself a bit, one that seems to shed light
and not gather it. She glances up at the queen and picks her way over to
the silent wind-like egg.
Tothun smiles brightly up at Chibi, keeping his hand ery gently resting
on the egg, and nodnods.
Once finished with the silver egg, he moves on. The heat now causing him
to sweat a little, Dorn reaches into his pocket and pulls out a tiny
hankerchief which he dabs at his face with. Another egg seems to catch
his eye as he walks over towards a dark blue shaded egg and walks about
it a few times, glancing at the swirls and patterns in every direction so
as not to miss on it's beauty. Softly again, he places his palm down in
the shell's surface and it's just as smoothe as the others. Dragging his
fingertips across the top slowly he finds all the patterns and grooves
within the seeminly perfect shell and smiles a bit as he stens back
towards Tothun. "How's yours lookin lad?" he asks in a quiet whisper.
Churrun's face falls at the rebuke from the young weyrwoman. "Awwe." He
says as he scuffs his toe into the sand. "I wasn't doin' nothing. Honest.
I'll try to be more quieter, promise!" But the next thing he does belies
his words as he scoots over to another egg and fondles it, whispering
loudly. "Bet this one's a brown!"
Chibi moves slowly towards the raven-coloured egg, and marvels at it for
a moment..She gently places a hand upon it, murmuring something to
herself.
Elle walks to a group of three eggs. She caresses one, then another.
Tracing the patterns on their shells with the tips of her fingers. "You
are all very beautiful," she whispers softly.
Gina seems to have forgotten the heat. She touches the egg lightly,
exclaiming softly over the brilliant whites and deep black tendrils on
its surface. How could this one be overlooked? She leans over it, the
backs of her fingers stroking it like she might a child's cheek: tender
and awe-filled.
Grego has, apparently, found his favorite egg. His expression is rapt,
and his fingers trace the swirling pattern. Only when another Candidate
jostles against him, wanting to touch the same egg, does he move. Even
then, he doesn't move far; when the egg is again alone, he quickly
remedies that situation.
Phediath's muzzle whooshes with a long, belabored exhale as she arches
her neck to look at Solarith, responding to his sudden change in
attitude, and watches him carefully--as if to glean his reaction. Her
tail twitches anxiously in the sand as she blinks all three eyelids.
From the Galleries, Merellia tips her chin to look up at E'ryn with a
nod, "One of Daria's immediate assistants," she explains, then shifts her
glance to G'lin, a grin quirking her mouth. "First time Phediath's let
them near this clutch of hers. Rykel," inclining her head briefly to the
bluerider, "and I've been placing bets to see how long she lets them stay
to touch her eggs. Rykel says three marks that it'll be less than half an
hour." Drily, "I'm hoping it'll last a while longer."
Tothun turns his attention to Dorn again then. Smiling brightly, he
simply says, "It's pretty."
From the Galleries, G'lin settles into a seat and peers down at the
candidates on the Sands. He listens to Merellia's remark and nods,
frowning critically. "Good luck. Any of them any good?" He gestures
vaguely in the direction of the Candidates.
T'saren shakes his head to Madelynda, trying to puzzle out his lifemate's
anxiousness. "I don't know what's got him all riled up. Something going
on up at Telgar, I think." He shifts from foot to foot, picking up on his
lifemate's unease.
From the Galleries, E'ryn ahhs as comprehension dawns. "Bevin." He says
musingly. He rubs his chin briefly as his gaze sweeps over the sands and
back at Merellia. "Nice enough person. And I do suppose she needs to be
fostered sometime. Not like neither of us won't be able to see her." He
comments as he thinks it over. Then he queries, studying Merellia, "And
what do you think of the idea?" He smiles then and says "I'd like to hear
what think. I always thought you would of liked them fostered out of
weyr." He adds hesitantly.
Gina doesn't quite hug the egg. It's not very respectful to do so. She
does, however, lay a gentle arm over it lightly.
Madelynda takes her eyes from Churrun and looks at T'saren, her frown
matching his. "Telgar? My, I hope all is well." Her expression drawn with
concern, she watches the bronzerider and his lifemate a moment before
looking back to oversee the candidates.
Chibi reluctantly leaves the solem black egg, and goes back over to
Tothun, kneeling and placing a hand softly on the egg. "This one is one
of the most beautiful.."
Tothun looks back to Chibi, smiling brightly still, he just nods quickly
in agreement.
Dorn grins towards the lad as he moves on. He starts to walk towards a
yellowish egg when he passes by an orangy colored one and is promted to
stop, mid-stride. Quickly he glances around to make sure no one else is
crowding about it and stels ever closer towards the firey orb. "Very
vivid indeed" he states as he examines this much like the last, walking
about it in a circle and placing his hands atop it's smoothe surface.
"And ye said there were thirty-four total?" he asks over towards
Madelynda, but lets the question fade seeing she's involved in
conversation. His inhabitions about being here now gone, he turns back to
the egg in front if him. "You sir, will probably be a strong one" he
says, giving the shell a gentle pat as he continues down the group.
Grego fidgets absently from foot to foot, murmuring something about grit.
His murmur increases in volume just a bit. "Hello, in there." As the
Candidate behind him calls a high-pitched , but equally quiet, "Hello!",
he rolls his eyes. "I wasn't expecting the egg to answer me, you
wherryface."
Solarith rumbles faintly, then gives Phediath a gentle nudge with his
muzzle. His eyes slowly return to their more normal blue, though still
shot with streaks of orange occasionally.
Gina rises and pats the subtle egg again. Her eyes fall on Dorn, and then
she turns away and makes her way to a muddy-brown colored egg. No one
else seems to have touched it, so she will.
Putrid Earth
Unluckily colored a putrid earth-toned hue, this hapless egg is
easily mistaken for an over-large mound of sand. As dingy and insipid as
a holdless girl in a muddy winter, it can't compete with its classier,
well-bred clutchmates. Darker, ashen smudges stain it thoroughly, like
self-loathing tears, dripping their way from crown to base--endlessly
falling, yet never penetrating the filth-colored coating of the shell.
Credited to Madelynda and inspired by Eponine of _Les Miserables_ by
Victor Hugo.
From the Galleries, Merellia replies thoughtfully, eyes narrowing as she
studies the Candidates and their reactions to the eggs, "There are some
likely ones out of this group so far; though I'm hoping there are still
to be some older ones Searched--this class seems pretty young, overall.
We could use the added maturity of a few more Turns, with more than half
the Pass left to go." With a shake of her head directed to E'ryn, though
she continues to watch the candidates, still propping herself up against
the back of the tier's seat, "Not necessarily. Bevin's only a good match
for Liaryn, though; I'd feel better, however, were she shifted to a craft
in a few more turns."
Phediath whuffs Solarith gently, then swings her head toward the clutch,
ever the brooding queen. Stretching her neck toward the figures of Tothun
and Chibi as they hover over an egg, she breathes on them, watching with
eyes that seem to express more curiosity than warning, her haunches
untensing and tail settling on the sand.
Elle walks toward the far end of the sands, going to where there are
fewer or no candidates at all. She stops at beige white egg and marvels
at its large size. She touches it gently, trying to sence the dragonette
within.
T'saren continues to frown, but sighs softly. "Not much I can do about it
if there is anything wrong," he admits quietly. "I just wish I knew
what's getting him all worked up." He looks briefly towards the north, as
if he could pierce the distance by sight alone.
From the Galleries, G'lin shrugs out of his wherhide jacket as the heat
of the Hatching Grounds exorcises the chill of *between* from his bones.
He nods at Merellia's comment. "Still, Impression and weyrlinghood have a
way of maturing youngsters beyond their Turns."
From the Galleries, E'ryn strangely enough, for all the opposition in
fostering he's given, agrees, "Thats what I feel, Merellia. I think she'd
do well for herself if she went into a craft." Well then, why wouldn't
he? He was a crafter too, once upon a time. "Have you talked to Liaryn to
see what kinds of things interest her?" His gaze shifts back to Merellia
for a moment. "She might want to do as you have, and go into healing."
Chibi gasps a bit at the dragon's warm breath, seeming somehow diffrent
from the warm Istan winds. She smiles gently and respectfully up to her,
and murmurs.."Your Clutch is magnificent, Phediath.." she backs slowly
away from the egg, and moves toward the one Dorn is gazing at.
Gina whispers to the dark and uninspiring egg softly, petting its shell.
Her hair is coming loose from its braid at the bottom, and she shifts her
position regularly. It's been a long day of chores and work, and she's
glad to have something else to focus on for the moment.
You sense the Putrid Earth egg move slightly under your touch. But just
as quickly, it's still again, as if it hadn't moved at all.
Churrun cheerfully starts to run across the sands, forgetting he's not
supposed to rile the other dragons watching the eggs. He skids in the
sand then, nearly bumping into an egg as he falls on his backside. He
starts to pick himself up, looking bashful. Thankfully he didn't get
anywhere near that egg. He looks around furtively, did anyone notice
that? He looks, with some fear, over to Phediath.
Tothun blinks, looking up to the gold. His smile turns nervous as he
looks up at her, glancing back to Chibi a moment, before he nods uickly
in agreement. "They're all...great." He blsuhes a little as his slight
lack of vocabulary becomes obvious.
Gina blinks but doesn't draw back. She whispers again, encouragingly.
Dorn seems to be keeping his gaze more on the eggs now as he feels Gina's
gaze sweep past him again. He steps over towards a misty colored egg,
tilting his head just so to see the thing in the correct light. "Chibi"
he calls, in as quiet tone as he can manage. "Want to come take a look at
this one?" he says, waving her over as he places his hands back on the
egg laying directly in front of him. "Tis a strange one, lovely, but
strange...seems like ye could reach a hand within it from the colors on
the shell" he states, leaning down to look at it from the side to make
sure. "Ah well, each one is special" he whispers as he pats Chibi on the
back. "Did ye find one that perticularly caught your fancy?"
From the Galleries, Merellia's features lighten with sudden amusement in
response to G'lin's comment. "Well, we're less likely to dump ovines in
weyrs after Impressing," she replies agreeably, green-gray eyes
reflecting unvoiced laughter. Lifting one hand to E'ryn in an
indeterminate gesture, sobering, "She's not yet that focused; Bevin will
be keeping an eye on things and working with her on exploring the
possibilities."
Elle notices that the golden egg is not being looked at, she slowly makes
her way toward it. Stopping before Phediath and giving her a respectful
bow, before going over to touch the yellow shell.
Solarith grumbles as a blur of motion draws his attention away from
Phediath. He hop-steps towards Churrun, hissing and raising his wings to
warn off the youngling.
From the Galleries, Minara sighs, tearing her eyes from the eggs, if not
but a minute. A small stretch helps to snap her back to the tasks she has
to do before tomorrow. "I'll see you all tomorrow," she smiles, looking
once more at the candidates in the sands, "Good night and good luck!"
Gina mutters to herself, "... you... me... there,... one..I... be in...
the... When... we'll... be here to greet you... love..."
You mutter to yourself, "I know you can hear me in there, little one..I
can just sense it. You'll have to be in there in the warmth a while
longer. When you're ready to come out, though, we'll all be here to greet
you and love you..."
Chibi smiles, again at Phediath, still very embarassed at her actions.
She turns back to Dorn, and nods.."Yeah..that one..over there." she
points to the Prunes and Prisms egg.."It is just so.." she pauses,
wracking her vocabulary. "I don't know..I'm not good at all with
words..It's...elegant."
From the Galleries, E'ryn nods then, looking approving, "I like the idea.
I don't know Bevin all that well, but what I've seen, was promising.
Liaryn's getting older now, its time she's had an older person, a mentor
if you will, helping her slide into those responsibilities." He smiles
then, nodding once more as the idea settles.
From the Galleries, Minara makes her way down the stands and back to her
workshop.
Elle touches the egg only once and then moves away from it, going out
toward the others in the clutch.
Gina starts at the hiss and looks up, tightening her "hug" of the egg
she's with protectively.
From the Galleries, Minara walks down the stairs towards the entrance.
Grego gives Churrun a rather amused grin, finally looking away from that
egg, then starts at Solarith's reaction. "Sharp," he mutters, backing
away even though he's not all that near Churrun. "Very sharp."
Phediath does, indeed, notice the crash on the Sands--and, neck arching
upward, bellows loudly, Churrun having landed -much- too close for
comfort by -her- egg. Eyes whirling angrily, her bellow ends in a loud
hiss as she swings her head toward her lifemate, urgency in her violent
motion.
From the Galleries, G'lin dissolves into laughter at Merellia's remark.
"Shards, I'd forgotten all about that escapade. I guess some, like Tamma,
never mature. Thank Faranth for that."
Churrun cowers as the huge bronze hovers over him and hisses. He raises
one hand to ward it off and starts to snivvel. When Phediath joins in,
tears start to roll down his face as he whimpers, "I didn' mean nothin!"
Elle cringes at Phediath's bellow and quickly makes her way out of the
eggs clustered near the queen, she heads toward the wall carefully.
Tothun, wide-eyed, again looks up to the two dragons. With a glance at
Churrun, quickly scrambling away from them and the eggs.
Gina stands but does not back away from the muddy-colored egg. She's done
nothing wrong.
Madelynda blinks at her queen and nods like a sir'ing and ma'am'ing
weyrling. "All right, all right," she almost squeaks, almost stumbling as
she spins around on her boot heel. "Off! Out! Go!" she calls,
exasperation caught from her lifemate.
Gina sighs, gives the egg a last caress, and moves toward the entrance.
She pauses to bow to the queen and murmur a (probably unheard) thanks.
Dorn nods over towards Chibi. "Aye, it's a right nice..." he begins as he
watches the dragon's movements and then the goldrider's antics. "Looks
like we overstayed our welcome" he states with a grin as he hops off the
sands quickly.
Dorn heads out towards the entrance.
T'saren blinks in surprise at the reaction of his lifemate and pulls his
attention back to his surroundings. "If it's not one thing, it's
another!" he mutters, throwing his hands in the air. "Churrun, I think
Maddy's right. Phediath looks rather upset, and so does Sol."
Grego's adam's apple bob just a bit as he hears Phediath, and he looks
instinctively to Madelynda, just in time to hear her directions. He
doesn't ask 'how high', but scoots towards the entrance.
Chibi gasps, and lets a small squeal escape her lips. She backks quickly
away, meeting up with Tothun, and sticking by his side. She checks to
make sure Dorn is about. She trembles, and skitters out.
You head out towards the entrance.
Hatching Entrance
You stand at the entrance to the Hatching Grounds. Before you the cavern
spreads out to the north and east. It is enormous to say the least, and
the gentle breeze blowing in through the entrance behind you, to the
southwest accentuates its size. Spreading around the back side of the
grounds itself are the Galleries, where guests can sit and watch the
action and quietly cheer candidates on. Below that is the black sand
itself, where the candidates stand.
Twin arches lead out into the expanse of the bowl. Ledges overhead
provide space for winged creatures, and a set of stone seats begin nearby.
Contents:
Dorn
Obvious exits:
Main Seating Hatching Sands Bowl
Grego walks off the sands towards you.
Chibi walks off the sands towards you.
Dorn glances towards gina for a moment as he continues on through.
Dorn walks out into the bowl through one of the entrances.
Chibi walks out into the bowl through one of the entrances.
You walk out into the Bowl.
Ista Weyr Bowl -- Southeast
Clusters of dragons group around the large entrance to the living cavern.
Smaller entrances line up to lead to the lower caverns and the infirmary.
Smoke issues forth from square holes cut into the mountain high above the
living cavern. The bowl extends to the northwest, and high above, the
southernmost points of the spindles reach for the sky. The sunset bathes
the northeastern side of the bowl in red light.
Ruddy evening light filters down from the mostly cloudy spring sky, over
the bustle of the active Weyr. A slight drizzle hangs in the air. Light
breezes waft playfully around the peaks, through the forests, and along
the beaches, causing frothy whitecaps on the surf. The temperature hovers
in the sweltering range, while visibility is good.
Weyrs and entrances to the lower caverns are visible on all three sides
of the Weyr walls that bound you.
Contents:
Chibi(#9051PJce)
Dorn
Blaze
Oerth(#5224JOaep)
Parth(#6789JOQaeps)
Tesith(#275Vaepqs)
Obvious exits:
Lower Caverns Center Bowl DragonWeyrs INFirmary Hatching Grounds
Dorn smiles as Blaze flies over and lands on his shoulder.
Ista_Sands> Elle pauses near the exit of the sands, she looks back at the
giant queen and her wonderful eggs, then leaves the sands.
Grego walks out from the Hatching Grounds.
Elle walks out from the Hatching Grounds.
Tothun walks out from the Hatching Grounds.
Ista_Sands> From the Galleries, Rykel raises her brows suddenly, coming
out of her self-imposed silence and peers around for a candle, eyes
alight. "How long was it?" Her fingers rattle the marks.
Ista_Sands> Churrun whispers, properly repentant. "Ain't gonna hurt me or
nothing, are they?" He looks fearfully at the dragons as he tries to get
up, acting as if he's worried they might pounce, any moment.
Chibi pauses, glancing around, and realises she's lost Tothun. Seeing
him, she grins, and links arms. "C'mon!"
Tothun runs to catch up to Chibi, slowing as he nears her again. He
glances back, biting his lip, but then smiles a bit up at Tothun..
Elle looks a bit dazed as she leaves the hatching grounds.
Chibi walks into the huge living cavern.
Elle walks into the huge living cavern.
You walk into the huge living cavern.
Ista Weyr Living Cavern(#1100RJMs$)
The cavern is filled with people, rider and nonrider alike for the
evening meal. The reddish glow of the setting sun filters in through the
large bowl entrance to the northwestern wall. Through the constant
movement of drudges to and from the northern side of the wall, you can
see the four large hearths there, each put to the task of cooking the
large Weyr meals. An occasional drudge filters in and out of the entrance
to the Lower Caverns entrance on the western side of the room. New riders
and others are still filtering in through this entrance as well, leading
out to the rest of the lower caverns.
Several huge tapestries, many of them ancient, are hanging on the stone
walls. One particularly glorious one looks to be a study on the finger
rock. You also see several 'places' to sit.
Contents:
Elle
Chibi(#9051PJce)
Betting Scroll
Sandia
Refreshment Table(#15939C)
Carving Table
Serving Table
Obvious exits:
Hearths area Bowl Lower Caverns
Use '+lhelp' for local help.
Gina doesn't pause. She goes straight through.
Grego walks in from the bowl.
You walk down the corridor.
West Cavern
This is an oddly shaped cavern, almost resembling a half-empty wineskin
draped over a man's shoulder. Several baskets of glows sit on crevices,
giving the room ample light. Part of this cavern has been sectioned off
as a quiet recreational area of sorts, with chairs and a notice board.
Several tapestries here can be seen. It's a pleasant respite from the
public bustle of the living cavern to the west.
The cavern runs south, along which you can see many rooms opening out
into the rock. East are more rooms, and the archway to the Living Cavern
to the west.
Obvious exits:
Residents' Dorms Children's Cavern Living Cavern East Cavern
Grego enters from the living cavern.
You walk down the cavern to the east.
East Cavern
This cavern continues from the rooms curving away to the west, and curls
slightly around to the south-southeast as it heads towards the tunnel
leading to the Weyr's entrance. Open-top glass globes of glows are spaced
between every other curtained door that lines the northern and
southeastern run of the cavern. This busy cavern passes through a
narrowing corridor on its southeastern curve. An archway on the
easternmost side of the southern wall leads out of the Weyr.
The cavern narrows to the southeast. On the northeastern wall, a narrow
archway opens into the Meeting Room, another archway to the south leading
to the Bathing Pools. Nearby, a curtained entrance leads into the
Candidates' Quarters.
Obvious exits:
Candidates' Quarters Bathing Pools Tunnel Out West Cavern Rooms
Meeting Room
You make your way into the candidates' quarters to the southwest.
Candidates' Quarters(#1299RAJs$)
The barracks of Ista Weyr are crowded almost Turn round with the
Candidates for its queens' Hatching. Cots line both walls and even the
space in between. All the cots have a small press at the foot of them for
Candidates' few belongings.
You see several Candidates getting ready for the evening chores and meal.
A curtain leads out into the east cavern.
Contents:
Caprio
Zephryus
Gem
Obvious exits:
East Cavern
Elle makes her way in from the lower caverns.
Ista_Sands> From the Galleries, "They get along well, complement each
other nicely, E'ryn," Merellia says with a genial nod, before a grin
flickers over her features at G'lin's laughter, looking over to the
bronzerider. "I've never been able to forget it, having to stay up
nightlong cleaning out your weyr afterwards; though Tamma's definitely
done more memorable pranks than that, I agree--ah, see? Over thirty
minutes." Stretching out a hand, she taps Rykel on the bluerider's near
arm. "Pay up." The Weyrwoman turns her hand over, palm opened flat,
smiling at Faerth's rider.
Ista_Sands> Madelynda gesticulates wildly as she shoos everyone off and
away. "All of you, candidates!" she bellows in imitation of her queen.
"Didn't I tell you--gently?" she calls to Churrun, shaking her head.
"Go, all of you!" she calls once more, for good measure.
Ista_Sands> From the Galleries, G'lin chuckles. "A few minutes too long,
apparently."
Ista_Sands> T'saren rolls his eyes at Churrun, though his lifemate is
looming rather close to the young man. "Dragons don't hurt people, unless
it's an accident. Now get going before you make them more upset." He
makes a shooing motion with his hands, trying not to scare the boy any
worse.
Ista_Sands> Churrun picks himself up, dusting himself off, looking none
the worse for wear, and only a little frightened. He nods, continuing to
snivvel, as only a rather young boy would. "Ya did told me lady, and I
ain't no good listener. I do better next time! Promise!" That is, if he
remembers. With that he hurries out, at a walk, head darting back to look
over his shoulder repeatedly.
Ista_Sands> From the Galleries, G'lin arches an eyebrow at Madelynda's
antics. "A bit proddy, aren't we?" he drawls.
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