Share the Feelings Hatching

[Symphony]

[ far from stellar, but i didn't want to make you guys wait any longer. remember to fill out the request form! ]

Mine, someone is calling you from the Weyrbowl.
What? Okay.

Outside, it was storming. Liyanna's first response to her queen's explanation was that there was something very bad happening outside; had the storms come on suddenly and flooded the rivers again? They'd built barricades to prevent flooding inside the Weyr and inside the Hold but that didn't protect the few silly fools who were caught out in the storm. There were rules against people going too far from either the Hold or the Weyr on foot for such reasons and usually a pair of riders scoured the valley to find any misfits lost; had they forgotten to do their jobs? She was going to have to kick K'lir's skinny behind if he had forgotten; he was in charge of that, it was the only useful thing that he and that strange green of his (who blinked between faster than any dragon she'd ever seen and with more composure than most could accomplish) were allowed to do, given K'lir's attitude problem. A thousand doubts welled up inside of her.

Liyanna spun on her heel and headed up the corridors of the Lower Caverns and around to the entrance, when she caught sight of the falling rain collecting in the Weyrlake, splattering against the ground, and... a group of... candidates? They were close enough to the Weyr to be inside - what were they doing! She brushed a strand of black from her face before stepping right out into the rain, without any regard for the mud sloshing up against her boots.

"You all need to get inside right now!" she called over the rising winds and rain, as thunder echoed above. The storm was only getting started, yikes! One hand came up to cup her eyes, as if to prevent the rain from splashing in them or perhaps to make her vision more clear. "This storm's going to be a bad one -- what is that buzzing?!"

That buzzing was the sound of firelizards - all the firelizards of the Weyr, humming in unison. With the rain as loud as it was, it was difficult for Liyanna to identify exactly what the sound was, but once it dawned on her, she flinched. Firelizards were very large irritants. She did not want to have to deal with them if she could help it. She didn't like firelizards and Aria liked them even less. Shaking her head, she gestured for the group to follow her. "Inside, come inside, now! Which one of you has firelizard eggs? We'll take them to the dining caverns - Aria will announce they're hatching. Follow me and put them onto one of the tables." She shook her head and then slinked off, without waiting for the group's response. She wanted to get them inside and then... run away. Firelizards were definitely not her idea of a good time.

All who would like a chance at Impressing a firelizard, there is a clutch discovered by candidates in the Lower Caverns! Bring your own meat!

01. Lovespell Egg Side crumpled in, not moving
02. Constant Anger Egg Impressed; Brown; Ketoh
03. Joyous Friendship Egg Impressed; Green; Q'in
04. Strong Lover Egg Impressed; Gold; Minji
05. Shy Sky Blue Egg Impressed; Blue; Keizo
06. Lively Happiness Egg Impressed; Bronze; Lienau
07. Scared Witless Egg Impressed; Green; Tenmor
08. Confusion Egg Impressed; Blue; Hinuk
09. Regal Air Egg Hatched; Bronze; Beka
10. Hunger Egg Impressed; Injured Green; Tiramnet
11. Forewarned Egg Impressed; Blue; Jevorin
12. Moodswing Egg Impressed; Green; Rylvan
13. Jovial Egg Hatched; Wild Blue
14. Yucky Egg Impressed; Green; Nayza
15. High-Feelings Egg Impressed; Brown; Krii

[Symphony]

01. Lovespell Egg
Very small and delicate. This egg is a light pink in coloration with various shades of pinks and reds swirled about the white base color of it. It leans against the Strong Lover Egg, which practically towers over the small encasement of the Lovespell Egg.

02. Constant Anger Egg
Medium-large and sturdy. If anything possible, this egg looks as if you could seriously drop it from the highest spot and it would not shatter. There's a rippling effect of oranges and reds with brown and green streaks marring the outer shell. It is huddled almost away from the rest of the clutch for fear of it unleashing its fury on them.

03. Joyous Friendship Egg
Medium-small. The Joyous Friendship Egg is a vibrant shade of yellow, but do not think that it could very well hold a Gold, for it may, or may not. It is ovalish and is pretty much buried a third of the way as if it will roll off the table should it find a new friend that will blow its mind away. Very delicate, yet average at the same time.

04. Strong Lover Egg
Medium. The Love Strong Egg is a cool, earthy combination of browns, greens, and blacks. It resides by the small Lovespell Egg, towering over it and yet, being towered by the other eggs that are larger than it.

05. Shy Sky Blue Egg
Small and not in the least blue. Names could be deceiving. The Shy Sky Blue Egg is nothing to the color blue; instead, it is a pink color. Odd, yes, but this egg will still host a shy individual, and because it is small, it is possible that it will not host a blue or a green.. The question is, does it really?

06. Lively Happiness Egg
Medium-large and robust. Combinations of yellows and anything bright sprinkles the whiteness of this egg. It sits patiently near the middle of the clutch and it seems as if it cannot really stay still. There's constant motion in this egg and when you stare at this egg, it makes you wonder as to whether it sports a really big green, twin greens, or even a very lively bronze.

07. Scared Witless Egg
Very small and delicate. This egg is mostly a light, light purple with light blue rings at the top and bottom of the egg. The Scared Witless Egg is, if not, as delicate as the Lovespell Egg. It is in the dead center of the clutch, and it seems to be slightly comforted to know that it has most of its bigger counterparts surrounding it; guarding it.

08. Confusion Egg
Medium. The Confusion Egg is, just as its name states. It's shell is every color that could be thought of spattered all over it. It seems as if a weyrbrat thought it to be funny to dip it into a batch of coloring dye and then paint over it with multitudes of colors that he or she could reach before deeming it just right. Of course, of all the places that there is color, there is a solid white splotch on the top of the egg with a black line spiraling into it.

09. Regal Air Egg
Large and pompous. Solid golden, bronze in color, one may seem confident in what could be hidden within this shell. There are strips of green, light and medium in color, the streaks it in a tiger fashion and it sits almost next to the Scared Witless Egg. Though it is most not indefinitely in the center of the clutch, it does seem to draw a lot of attention if one cares for such regal demands emitting from even a fire lizard's egg.

10. Hunger Egg
Medium-small. A pukey green in general, there is some hints of red and orange mixed in with it. In most cases, this is not the most beautiful of egg designs, but its whats inside that matters. More than likely, this egg's occupant will be VERY hungry, so be prepared to possibly get your finger, or whatever it finds most appealing, chewed.

11. Forewarned Egg
Small and stocky. Black, or something close to that color, is how it makes its first appearance. This egg seems to be quite dangerous and whatever is beholden inside of it will not stop at anything. The Forewarned Egg shivers constantly and, like that of the Constant Anger Egg, it, too, is cast off somewhat ways from the entirity of the clutch.

12. Moodswing Egg
Small. The Moodswing Egg is partially black and partially white. The two colors do clash somewhere in the middle, but other than that, they are separate. At one moment, this egg is a quiet and still like before getting into a fit of rocking motions. Surely this occupant will not be as harsh as when it hatches.

13. Jovial Egg
Medium-large. The Jovial Egg is a cool shade of yellow with... A smiley face on it.... As much as this egg screams HAPPINESS TRA-LA-LA-LA-LA, the Jovial Egg can possibly get on ones nerves quickly. It wouldn't possibly be that it's continuously happy, but, well.. Maybe that'll be the reason why...

14. Yucky Egg
Small. The Yucky Egg is nothing to what its name states. This is a pleasant mix of colors from light purple, blue, and pink. It is off on the outer edges of the clutch, but not as far placed at the Forewarned and Constant Anger Egg.

15. High-Feelings Egg
Medium. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet.. The colors of the rainbow. Unlike the Confusion egg, this egg seems to be as if 'high' if there's such a thing on Pern. The colors all mix in well with each other, but there is a black or white line that divides right down the middle of the egg. If not anything, this egg's occupant will express its feelings any way possible, and one may know where it's coming from depending on how well this keeper's able to control those feelings.


[ Clutch designed by Minji. <33 ]

[Minji]

Being that Minji knew what Liyanna's voice sounded like, saying she had spent an almost entire day with her, she was very relaxed, however slightly, by soon after the Weyrwoman's presense. Even though the Weyrwoman was not exactly happy sounding with them, Minji did do as she was told and looked to the few candidates that had noticed her carrying something in her coat. Now was not the time for answers as both questions were the same thing, surely they would know the second she put the coat down to reveal the hardened shells of the fire lizard clutch she had all but mistakenly discovered.

"I do, ma'am.."
Minji responded as she took a step forward and then began to follow Liyanna before settling the coat down gently upon the closet table and rearranged the eggs so that they were not all crumpled together. A good majority of the eggs were still upon Minji's coat, but there were a couple that had been moved elsewhere, though the way Minji assembled them had nothing to do with order or any other specific placement, she just thought it to be more suitable in how she felt more comfortable with. Once she was suited withthe arrangement, Minji stepped back and looked over her shoulder to realize that the Weyrwoman was no longer where she was last standing.

Because Minji wasn't one to make comments most of the time, she kept her mouth closed and heard, for the first time, something echo inside her head. What was that and would that ever happen again? Such imprivacy that had rung through inside her very mental being slightly disturbed Minji, though she was quick to shrug it off as she whirled on her heels and headed for the kitchens. Why not at least supply the meat, even though the voice clearly said to bring your own, for the few other people who might forget to bring some for the very fortunate fire lizards who would soon be bursting from the eggs that Minji thought weren't going to hatch for some time to come.

However, upon her arrival, a medium sized bowl with a variety of chuck sizes within, the young artist took a placement about an armlegth away from the table that she had so curtiously placed the eggs and arranged before again looking over her shoulder to see if the other candidates would follow suit. Yes, Minji wanted to Impress to a fire lizard, but only one as she knew should she Impress a dragon, they would need more care and loving then the fire lizard, though she would not neglect her chosen fire lizard partner. It would, hopefully be a nice compatible fit between any of the fire lizards who chose her to her, hopeful, dragon from gold Ariannalyth's fostered clutch.

[Missa]

All who would like a chance at Impressing a firelizard, there is a clutch discovered by candidates in the Lower Caverns! Bring your own meat!

Before Thoth had even said anything, Beka had glanced over with a glare, her answer clearly seen before she even opened her mouth to repeat it.
"No." The statement was out, and of course, Thoth had to complain. He always complained when it came to the subject of pets, usually, Thoth allowed her to make the decision. This time however, the blue seemed determined to make her go, even if she sulked the whole time. Oh how well her lifemate knew her.

Yes. Go. Take meat for the babies, and tell me his or her name? I think something pretty, boy or girl, it has to be pretty. Off you go. Fully aware that he'd left no room for argument, Thoth watched his rider with amusement, noting the change in expression as she went from trying to find a way out of the situation and then to resigned as she gave in. Winning arguments with His was ever so amusing, always fun.

Why did she always lose? It couldn't be that hard to put her foot down on the subject of pets, well, she'd thought she had. How did one lose an argument that you weren't having? Grumbling the whole way down to the caverns with the small bowl of meat, Beka didn't seem to care that someone might find approaching a hatching in a foul mood offensive or unusual. Though, Beka was in a foul mood most of the time, so it was doubtful anyone would actually notice.

Oh look, eggs and candidates. Did they just gravitate to all hatchings now? Yes, Beka was fully aware she was being nasty, at the moment though, she didn't care.
You won't Impress if you're grumpy.
That was the idea.
I want one though! Shard it, did that dragon just go out of his way to make life difficult? Scowling darkly for a moment, Beka did attempt to rid her thoughts of negative emotions.

[Yakura]

Romeath twisted where he was at the call of his Queen, unseating Q'in, who had been perched resolutely on his back. The short rider fell with a yell and landed with a thump and a great deal of cursing, his bronze easily ignoring him. "Yes, yes, I know. A Hatching," he said irritably, straightening slowly and working a crick out of his neck. The bronze huffed and settled back down, obviously not wanting to move. "Whaaaat? You aren't coming?" Q'in whined loudly, dismay clear on his face. Romeath snorted and closed his eyes, not even dignifying His with a response.

He took off at a slight jog, snagging a piece of meat from a passing drudge. He yelled an apology, but continued. No one would miss a small piece of meat, right? He arrived in the Lower Caverns in a reasonable amount of time, skidding to a hault so quickly that his feet almost slid out from under him in the process, forcing him to wheel his arms madly for a second or to. Looking disgruntled and quite damp, he straightened his hair and padded forward towards the Clutch, pausing before Liyanna and favoring her with a broad smile. "Good day Weyrwoman. Beautiful day, isn't it?" he said pleasantly, head tilting. Many found the harsh weather disfavorable, but he enjoyed it quite a bit as it was. The rain washed away his worries, even though he knew he should consider the effects of flooding.

His gaze flicked to the eggs for a moment, but he supposed it would be in better tact to stick around and make sure everyone got in fine. He proceeded to wring out a sleeve, spilling water onto the floor without much care. Although he doubted that anyone would die from standing in the rain for too long, one never knew here. Nature seemed to conspire against him as it was, and he merely hoped that it did not rub off on anyone else. Well, made he did hope a bit, but that made him feel petty, so he shunned such thoughts to the back of his mind.

[Post the others later.]

[Symphony]

Liyanna turned back to Q'in with a raised eyebrow. Someone to talk to; drat, she was going to end up having to stay near the clutch, as to run off mid conversation would be rude. She had no desire to Impress any of the firelizards, though, and mentally reassured herself that none would want her thanks to her positively icy demeanor. That and Ariannalyth was giving off hostility like nobody's business. She just hoped that would suffice for firelizard repellent. Her heart was only big enough for one, and Ariannalyth filled that space inside of her. She shook her head slowly in response to the bronzerider's inquiry and offered him a friendly smile, easy-going, or as much as she was capable of being.

"If you like thunder storms, yes."

Yes, she was deliberately making it hard to tell whether or not she actually liked the weather. She didn't know Q'in (which meant she didn't dislike him), so she was not planning to volunteer any information about herself. She was a secretive creature by nature. The black-haired woman silently regarded the clutch laid out on Minji's coat, before signaling for one of the drudges to bring towels and blankets for the wherry-brains who had gotten caught out in the rain - and for what, firelizards? Bunch of dead glows. She didn't like flitters nearly enough to ever risk her own precious skin.

The first of the eggs began to rock, wobbling back and forth in tune with the humming, as if the creature within was listening to the sounds. The Joyous Friendship Egg wobbled, twice, and then bumped into the Regal Air Egg. The smaller one then split down the side, a spider-webbing of cracks that exploded all at once to reveal a small green firelizard. Significantly under average sized, she had wide wings that she folded around herself before she crawled onto the much larger egg next to her. Her dark green hide was slick from the egg goo around her, and her tail curled around the top of the egg almost possessively before she cheeped at the people surrounding the clutch. Her movements had created a crack in the Regal Air Egg, but she seemed oblivious. The colors of her eyes changed rapidly, partially from confusion, but mostly out of general curiosity. So many peeooooooppppleeeeee~...

[Rose]

Lienau was in the barracks, reading a book and trying to wait out the storm. He was glad to be safe inside, away from the rain. It was so peaceful hearing the raindrops on the roof that he had almost dozed off when a resounding voice sounded in his head: All who would like a chance at Impressing a firelizard, there is a clutch discovered by candidates in the Lower Caverns! Bring your own meat![/color]

"Fire-lizards?" he repeated out loud before realizing that the person who had spoken was not present. His eyes widened at the thought that a dragon had addressed him--he didn't even know it was the Queen--and then the message sunk in. He loved fire-lizards, but had never had a chance to impress one before. It was a great opportunity to have a "free for all" clutch, and one he was certainly going to take!

He grabbed a bag of dried meat that he kept around for snacks and headed for the lower caverns. He was extremely grateful at that moment for the Weyr's partially underground construction, which made it easier to avoid getting wet in the rain. Arriving at the dining hall, he hurried over to the table where several people were gathered around.

"Wow, that's a nice clutch," he remarked to no one in particular, although he didn't really have any prior experience to say whether this clutch was superior to any others. He glanced shyly around at the dragonriders, then went to stand beside Minji, smiling at his fellow candidate.

[Minji]

People were beginning to arrive, and Minji felt slightly warm in the cheeks. It was indeed much more inviting within the building than it had been moments before, but furthermore, Minji just shrugged the thought off more so because it was very seldom she had ever seen a fire lizard hatching, more so running into a clutch out in the openness of the valley between Weyr and Hold. But the more Minji thought about why her cheeks were flushing a light red in color, the more she thought as to what may be going on inside her.

The group of fellow candidates made it inside just before it got any worse, but that still did not excuse any of them from possibly falling sick. Still, it was very unlikely that Minji was going to get that sick in such a short time, but surely after this clutch going straight to the barracks would be a nice idea and hopefully, she'll beat the sickness from ever so much as settling in.

At the first of the eggs showing signs of life, Minji let out a breath of air, not really realizing that she was holding it for a short time. Of course, Minji was hoping for a bronze to come out first, indicating a strong and healthy clutch, but then she thought that the superstition was only for dragon clutches. Either way, this green was very much adorable and the way she cheeped made Minji almost 'AWW' out of it being so cute. It was then that she almost missed the fact that the egg from which the green had caused a direct hit, had a crack upon its shell and before Minji could really observe any more of the hatchings, she wondered as to where her sketch book was at, only realizing that Lace had it kept safely within her bag.

It was hard not to show any of her concerns for the book, for she trusted that it was alright within Lace's bag. The drawing of a fire lizard clutch hatching could wait for another time, should another happen. She feared that the paper would not be sufficient enough to draw upon, so Minji had her fingers laced together as she just stood and watched the clutch. The bowl of meat oblivious to her as she wouldn't really find a means of needing it if, and only if, a fire lizard claimed her as theirs.

The approach of Lienau was not noticed all at once by Minji, though once her mind was cleared of her worries for her sketch book did she finally noticed that someone that she had yet to really get to know was standing by her, a smile drawing across her warm cheeks. Surely she had seen him once or twice, though she never really got the chance to introduce herself to him, or vice versa. Maybe after the hatching of the fire lizards were done, and she was heading for the barracks, they could exchange names and share some free time. Minji wasn't exactly an out going kind of person, but she was quite friendly and always lent a hand to those who needed it. Though lately, Minji's been noticing that she has opened up alot within a day after been Searched and living at the Weyr.

[Yakura]

Q'in smiled good-naturedly at the Weyrwoman. As it was, he was hardly bothered by the icy demeanor of the goldrider. In fact, he wasn't truly bothered by it in much of anyone. People could be as unfeeling and lackluster as they wanted; it only affected Q'in when people could become down right nasty. As it was, he found that Liyanna was charming in her own way, offhand though it may have been. He twisted slightly where he stood, all-too-aware of his own lack of height. Already there were taller people in front of him, vying for a better view. He sighed wistfully and turned his attention back to Liyanna.

"Oh, I do enjoy storms. They are so fickle, saving and destroying, at the same time." He had spent the past day out in the rain with Romeath, content to sit on the shore until he had found out that rain water pooled in lower-lying places. Mainly right beneath his rump. He had spent a good amount of time squelching around unhappily, soaked to the bone. Still smiling placidly, he set his gaze firmly on the Hatching. "Oh. They're Hatching now."

The Joyous Friendship Egg was the first to hatch, spilling forth an amorous green. Q'in couldn't help but smile, a warm grin quirking his lips, his eyes sparkling in the sparse lighting. Unlike Liyanna, he was quite enamored with firelizards. They were adorable, small, and could be handy. Could being the opportune word. Romeath would no doubt be annoyed by one, so Q'in had chosen to stay away from any flitter clutches for the most part, intent on not being drawn into another draconic relationship. Besides, what was there not to love in the chirping little green?

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

The call was for all to hear, and Tenmor heard it all right. The lanky Candidate clambered to his feet, blinking sleep from his eyes. Although he was not one for naps, weather such as this made him drowsy and complacent. There was little to do outside, as he oft enjoyed, and thusly was forced inside to find shelter and refuge. Today was no different, except for the prospect of a flitter clutch. And it appeared that such a prospect held steady, for there was one ready and waiting, right now.

He hurried along, arms above his head to keep off the steadily falling rain, though he failed quite spectacularly. Upon arrival, he noted that he, luckily, was not the only wet one, and settled his bedraggled self in a corner. One of the eggs had already hatched and a few others were cracked and waiting to free their draconic contents. Tenmor watched quietly as a green tumbled into the world, immediately crying out to those around. She was helpless and pathetic, still shining with egg goo, flopping about as she learned how to correctly use her limbs.

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

"Eggs?" Krii asked brightly, fumbling with her work for a second as she struggled to put it down. Prim fluttered to her shoulder, draping her green form loosely under Krii's red-gold hair. The green flitt had started her own buzzing, picking up the chorus of her brothers and sisters with reckless abandon. She fanned her wings, staring balefully at Krii for not being ready right away.

The girl sighed and put away the last of her work. She had been busy cleaning various medicinal herbs for the Healers and had neglected to do her job earlier, as she had been instructed. Now she was paying for her folly and would no doubt be late to the flitt Hatching. A Hatching, no less! She wouldn't have minded being late to some stuffy, overly done event, but greater stakes rose at Hatchings. Although she loved Prim dearly, the green was with her constantly and could easily become an annoyance, as she had come to find out.

The pair dashed out into the rain, Krii's feet sliding over the slick ground as she attempted to maintain her balance. Prim clung to her neck, mainly protected from the rain thanks to Hers' thick mop of wavy hair. This didn't last long, though, and the two arrived dripping wet. Krii paused for a moment to wring her hair out and cast a glance about, then moved towards the eggs. One had already hatched and there was a green, like some very small Prim, cheeping piteously on the table. She glanced back down at her muddy, wet footprints and paid them no more mind. They weren't her concern, were they? She looked back at the eggs, amber eyes widening hopefully. There were quite a few there, assembled and waiting, their shells a variety of sparkling hues. What did each contain? What was each flitt like? She leaned forward despite herself, beaming at those around her, a buzzing Prim clutched tight to her chest.

[Missa]

More people, brilliant. With each person that stepped closer to the clutch, Beka took one away, hating to be ind close quaters with anyone. Let alone people she didn't know. Why did Hatchings have to draw such big crowds? Though, that wasn't that bad, it was when Thoth forced her to come along that Beka started to get a bit upset about it. Hatchings could be exciting things, fine, she didn't have to see them.

An egg was hatching, which one was it? It was one of the smaller ones, well, it was more wobbling from side to side and - Hitting another egg. Smart egg, adorable green though. Despite not wanting to come to the hatching, Beka found herself smiling gently at the young flitter as she scrambled atop the other egg. For what ever reason, maybe she wanted to see everyone that was gathered around, she wouldn't have liked it if everyone was staring at her on her birth. Not that Beka could remember back that far, heck even ten turns was pushing it.

Stepping back again to let others step closer to the clutch, she didn't deserve such an adorable flitt. She didn't even want to be here! Had Thoth not forced her, she wouldn't be, the bowl of meat would not be in her hand and she'd be quite happily relaxing in her weyr. Of course, her beloved dragon just had to go and get the idea that a flitt would be good for them.
Of course it will be. Now, what's going on?
A green hatched and is sitting on another egg.

(Crappy but I'm sleepy)

[Katy]

Cador glowered silently at his pack of belongings, giving it a solid kick in hopes of wedging it firmly beneath his cot. He had barely arrived at the Weyr, and already he was having minor difficulties. So.... This was candidacy... He shook his head at how ridiculous it all was. He was 20 Turns old-- a man! Most were Searched when they were barely teenagers. He was a Journeyman Harper, and his absence would not unnoticed amongst the Hall. It was amidst such thoughts that a voice threaded into his mind.

All who would like a chance at Impressing a firelizard, there is a clutch discovered by candidates in the Lower Caverns! Bring your own meat!

The voice-- surprisingly-- was far from intrusive; Cador recognized it was simply serving as a means of announcement. He also noted (with the trained ear of a Harper) that if voices could be seen in color, this one would undoubtedly be gold. He didn't bother glancing around the Barracks; he knew without having to look that whoever had spoken was not physically present. He shook his head with a start, the message finally fully registering. Firelizards.... Well, it couldn't hurt anything, could it? He strode off resolutely, reaching the general meeting area of the Barracks before he realized that.... he had no idea where the Lower Caverns was. He had not yet learned how to navigate the Weyr, and knew how to reach few destinations. He stopped, hands on hips, squinting in concentration down one of the hallways.

"Looking for something?"
Cador stiffened at the sound, aware that this voice's owner was standing in the same room as he. He turned slowly, attempting to conceal as best he could that he had been seriously startled. Nonchalance was his thing, after all. He soon stopped his leisurely rotation, only to find himself staring rather blatantly at a female-- a candidate, by the look of her knots. He gave her a thorough appraisal, letting slip a glimmer of a grin as he made his inspection. She was certainly.... interesting. Barely shorter than him, with reddish-blond hair cropped slightly below the chin and a bone structure that made him suck in a breath from surprise and mild appreciation, Iolanthe was a creature radically different from the girls he was used to. It was hard to guess her age; she had the freshness of youth, but all that could have been childlike had been sapped from her long ago, replaced with the even certainty of maturity. He couldn't help but think that she would certainly be his sister, Camylla's, type.

"I'm afraid I've just found it, darling," he murmured coyly.
Hardly flustered, Iolanthe lifted one brow as she exhaled a small burst of laughter.
"Ah, one of those, are you? Sadly, I must inform you that I'm utterly immune to charm. I should also, in good conscience, tell you that if you're truly trying to catch my attention, you have no idea what you're getting into."
Cador was caught slightly off balance. He was used to being greeted with giggles and faint blushes, not evenly matched stares and playfully hostile exchanges. He knew, without the slightest trace of a doubt, that everything she had said was true. It bore the silken weight of it. He could tell from the resolute dip of her sharply angled chin, the subdued intensity of her eyes, that she was indeed a force to be reckoned with. Relaxing his demeanor slightly, he shrugged, turning his head even as he stole a glance at her out of the corner of his eye.
"More's the pity. But, as I happened to stumble upon you, and you look a bit more certain of your bearings than I am... Could you be so kind as to point me in the direction of the Lower Caverns?"
A small, knowing smile flickered across her lips.
"Firelizards, then." She glanced downwards, eyes narrowing imperceptibly before she lifted her head. "I'm afraid I can't help you."

He stared at her, mildly incredulous and completely taken aback. That was definitely not the reply he had been anticipating. He hadn't expected her to trip over herself in her hurry to assist him, but he certainly hadn't foreseen a refusal, either. He only grew more puzzled as a genuine smile spread slowly across her face.
"We haven't been properly introduced yet," she said with a grin. "I can't have someone following me around who's name I don't know.
She extended her hand, still grinning, as she took the opportunity to study him. She surveyed him silently, raking her eyes over him with the same muted ferocity he had looked her over with. She would give him only the treatment he had shown her. Though she truly had little interest in his appearance, it was only human to acknowledge that he was handsome, perhaps, in and off-handed way. It was evident that he was completely unaware of his looks, a fact she noted with relish. Everything about his manner, however, exuded "pridefulness." Iolanthe had little patience for the arrogance of men, but sensed a depth to him that belied his smooth manner.

"I am Iolanthe, a candidate."
Cador shook his head, releasing his irritation in a hasty breath as he took her hand.
"Well met, Iolanthe. I'm Cador, Journeyman Harper, and a candidate, as well. Now... Mind lending me your services as a guide?
She immediately started walking in the direction of the lower caverns, not even bothering to look back over her shoulder as she stated, "So long as you don't call me 'darling' ever again, I don't mind at all."
"It's a deal," Cador replied. He started to add "m'dear," but instantly thought better of it, biting his tongue. This time, Iolanthe did look back, humor glinting in her gaze.
"You're a quick learner. I appreciate that in a man."
Cador snorted softly, but hurried after her.

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

The two chatted companionably as they made their way through the Weyr, Iolanthe slowly warming to Cador as her initial disgust with him faded. She was accustomed to the Holdboys, who regarded her as an equal, not an item. She thought Cador friendly enough, if somewhat overconfident. There was something about his flippant manner that made her wary, that triggered within her a surge of distrust. She knew instinctively that he had a very casual relationship with the truth, and far preferred the relative ease of lies.

Iolanthe guided them through a brief detour-- into the kitchens to grab a bowl of meat. Cador was speaking at length about his history, telling Iolanthe about his sister and his parents, only mentioning his deceased brother in passing.
"Well, Journeyman Harper. What was it that made you choose your craft?"
Cador paused, more sincerity shadowing his blue eyes than Iolanthe would have thought it possible for him to possess, let alone summon.
"Music... completes me. It connects me with the rest of the world, with something greater than myself. It's my calling. Nothing short of a Searchdragon could have convinced me differently."
Iolanthe nodded reverently, struck with an odd respect for the passion thickening his voice. That level of devotion in a man was something she actually did appreciate.
"So, you will always have something to go back to if you don't Impress. I've searched my whole life for something that makes me feel the way you feel about your craft. That's why I took no apprenticeship. The brief trip to the Weyr on dragonback was the first truly fulfilling thing I've experienced. There's some hope in that, I think."

Iolanthe stopped speaking as she stopped walking, sweeping her arm in a grand gesture towards the knot of candidates and riders clustered around what she could only guessed was the firelizard clutch.
"The Lower Caverns, as promised," she muttered.
"You're not staying?" The man could barely hide his disappointment; he had enjoyed the company, and was not looking forward to be plunged into a mass of strangers.
"No, I'm not. Perhaps I'll try for a flitt next clutch. I have my hands full with life, at the moment. I need not add the responsibilities of another quite yet. I'll wait in hopes of that happening at the Hatching of Freseath's final clutch."
She handed him the bowl of meat, dipping her head in farewell.
"Good luck. If you ever want a real tour of the Weyr, come find me."
She turned, heading back towards the direction from which they came, stifling a laugh as she called to him in parting, "And try not to get lost on your way back to the Barracks. Some are not so sympathetic to presumptuous men asking for directions."

Cador chuckled-- she was indeed immune to his charm. He gripped the bowl of meat lightly, and squeezed into the crowd surrounding the firelizard clutch, his grin lingering as a dark green flitt emerged from her egg, cracking the shell of one of her clutchmates in the process. Weyrlife was going to be quite a new experience; of that much, he was sure.

[Rylvan]

Hm.. ?

Rylvan, munching on a meatroll he had snagged earlier from the kitchen, stood in the dry mouth of the cave while gazing out at the gathering of rain-soaked candidates. He was not foolish enough to wander out and get himself wet, but he was curious enough to linger at a distance. Soon enough the Weyrwoman appeared (Rylvan casually watched her out of the corners of his eyes) and she ordered the group inside. That suited Rylvan just find, he would gain a better perspective on why everyone was suddenly anxious.

Taking care to stay out of Minji's line of sight, Rylvan circled around while she placed the fire-lizard eggs on the table. Truth be told, but never admitted, Rylvan knew nothing of these fire lizards. Yet they drew enough of attention that the former thief edged closer to the tight group forming around the table. He did not like crowds, but this was one of those rare times he stepped out of his distant demeanor and joined the masses.

His eyebrows knitted at he curiously eyed the small green fire-lizard that gazed around at them all. She was darling, by why was she just sitting there, were they all suppose to be doing something? Rylvan flicked his gaze onto all the others, searching for some sort of hint or clue..

[Nasrin]

The kitchens were a cozy hideaway, filled with rich scents and the warmth of camaraderie. Nasrin had elected to finish her afternoon chores tucked in a recessed corner, safely out of the bustle created by the well-oiled kitchen crew but happily ensconced in an atmosphere that reminded her all too much of home. A ball of yarn nestled in her lap, its loose tail leading up to a pair of knitting needles. The needles were wielded by the young woman with admirable speed, their soft clicking drowned out by the clatter of pans and the staff's boisterous conversation.

The sock she was working on seemed almost to knit itself, with Nasrin lulled into a near-drowse by the mindless work, and the familiarity of the setting.

Knit, perl. Knit, perl. Knit, perl...

The serene flow of her mind's own voice was suddenly layered over by something most unfamiliar.

All who would like a chance at Impressing a firelizard, there is a clutch discovered by candidates in the Lower Caverns! Bring your own meat!

The Holder lass startled in her hard-backed chair, jumping quickly enough to send the ball of yarn tumbling from her lap. It rolled across the floor, picking up bits of dust and fallen herbal matter before it collided with the head cook's foot. The older woman looked over, fixing the candidate with a curious stare.

As had been happening all too frequently since arriving at the Weyr, Nasrin found herself discomfited. She felt her cheeks burn. "I... there are firelizards hatching in the Lower Caverns."

The cook's eyebrows crept towards her hairline, forcing new wrinkles in her already creased brow. "Firelizards?"

"Yes. They... they will need meat, I think."

Nasrin smoothed her expression into something calmer and stood to retrieve the fallen yarn, setting the knitting neatly aside in the chair while the cook stared, lips pursed. While she recovered her composure through tidying, one of the assistants bustled up with a broad shallow bowl, on which a mound of glistening red viscera rested.

"Oh, don't give her that look, Mam! I heard it too, there are little'uns hatching!" The assistant, close in age to Nasrin herself, grinned and shoved the bowl into the candidate's hands. "She's deaf as a post, inside as well as out, but no one puts out a better roast," she confided in a stage whisper, earning a growl and the threat of a smack from the basting spoon the chef carried. "Go on! I'll come right after I have the fresh loaves out of the oven."

Nasrin wasn't brave enough to face the basting spoon, not with nerves so unsettled, so she seized upon the offered avenue of escape and whisked the heaped entrails out of the kitchen.

It was a small matter to discover where exactly the firelizards were hatching, in the lower caverns. A trickle of the curious and hopeful led the girl on until she came upon the crowd clustered about a table. With the bowl braced between forearm and belly, she eased forward

"Here," she murmured to those nearest to her with empty hands, in this case Rylvan and Krii. Her free hand gestured to the indecipherable tangle of flesh in the bowl, demonstrating the proper method by plucking what might have once been a portion of liver from the top of the pile. "Take some and pass it around? There should be enough for everyone."

[Symphony]

Liyanna glanced at Q'in, almost thoughtfully. Joyous and destroying at once... that was one way to put it. She'd never really put much stock into philosophical musings and the motivations of storms, though. In her opinion they were exactly that: storms. Destructive, ugly, and usually more loud than she was willing to deal with. If he liked them, more power to him. She was happy for him. She liked the brightest light, the days of summer when it was warm - but summer was far away. They were trapped amidst winter and it was unpleasant to say the least. One the warm weather returned, perhaps some of her more friendly traits would as well. Who could say for sure? But Liyanna had plans - plans for the summer.

"So they are," she said softly, and turned her attention to the clutch as it deserved. Even if she wasn't going to even consider feeding any of the winged noise makers, should they have come near her (and they would be wise not to), she would still treat the clutch with respect. She was a queenrider for a reason and she recognized when something was worthy of her full attention, at least most of the time. That did not stop her from speaking playfully to the bronzerider next to her, though. If he was going to stand by her he could at least keep her amused. "If you're hoping to Impress, you might stand closer, Q'in - I'm not going anywhere near thos eggs. Aria in a fit is not my idea of a good time..." Her gaze lifted to follow one of the kitchen girls - Nasrin, her name was, Liyanna remembered - moving around the tables with bowls of meat. Good, good...

* * *

The Joyous Friendship Green gave another startled cheep and then looked at the different people moving about. Across the eggs she crawled, seemingly oblivious to the fact that she was climbing on hatching eggs - that was, until she stepped on the Lively Happiness Egg. It rocked visibly and sent the little green tumbling across the table, and she chirruped her distress. Rather than wait for anyone to help her, though, the young green threw herself into the air and took advantage of the flight instinct that came naturally to her species, before gliding across the hall. She was doing just fine, too, until she flew smack dab into Q'in's shoulder, but rather than release him, she creeled and made it clear she'd made her choice. Q'in was hers! ... whether he wanted her or not...

The Lively Happiness Egg twitched again, and rocked into the Hunger Egg. Both of them split at once as a result of the contact, and two firelizards fell ontop of one another - a mottled mixture of a color close to olive and then vibrant bronze. The larger of the two firelizards lifted his head, the Lively Happiness Bronze squeaking curiously, and then he recoiled just slightly. He was a rich bronze color with edges of copper rather than the green that some of his type were known for, and he was definitely large. His tail curled behind him and he squeaked again, edging away from the other firelizard - a positively tiny green. It was as though she frightened him, or maybe he simply felt guilty. There was a good reason for that.

The Hunger Green was tiny, even for a green. She was thin, and her little wings were bent slightly under her. Her coloring leaned close to olive, save for a deep ring of green right around the end of her tail, and a nearly black spot on her right wing. She carried that wing as she forced herself upwards. The wing was bent at an odd angle, and she was obviously hurt, from the high and pitiful squalling that escaped her. The sound of an animal in pain could be a very harsh thing to hear, and her clutchbrother shrieked at her in response. But rather than wait for a response, the Lively Happiness Bronze flew over toward Minji, almost as if he recognized her... and probably landed not on her shoulder, but on Lienau's. He did not turn toward his sister sitting in her egg-goop, crying out for someone to help her.





[ I'm rather neutral on the subject of firelizards. Since this is our first clutch, I'm going to leave it completely to the people who Impress to design their flitters, based on their behavior upon hatching and the appearances I provide. You can make up your own quirks. I design the dragons out myself a lot more detailed than this (Glace can attest to the appearance bit XD), but I think that firelizards merit a little more freedom. After this hatching I will open a poll for everyone to vote on what style of flit hatchings are preferred, though. I'd like input on that ~ Also, sorry for the utter crappiness of this post. o.o ]

[Boobalicious]

A flitter hatching? That sounded interesting; Jevorin had not yet had the opportunity to see one. So it was that he left his barracks and quickly made his way to the Lower Caverns where the clutch was. Even if he didn't Impress, it would be something just to see one. But just in case, he stopped by the kitchens for a bowlful of meat scraps. If one approached him, he didn't want to be caught unprepared. And he wouldn't be, given the generous helping of meat that he was handed by one of the drudges. Apparently they'd begun producing it as quickly as they could upon hearing of the event. The candidate couldn't help but wonder how many others had stopped by for their own bowls.

Once he had a bowl of the meat, Jevorin made his way toward the clutch that was already surrounded by a decently sized crowd. Not wanting to deprive anyone else of the chance to Impress, he hung back slightly. Luckily it didn't seem like he'd missed much, although there was a green who appeared to be injured. She was crying piteously, and it was all Jevorin could do not to shoulder his way through the crowd to go to her. But surely someone closer would offer aid to the little hatchling, or she would choose someone. Surely she wouldn't continue to just sit there and cry with so many people around....

"Kid, has anyone told you how annoying you are?" The voice belonged to that of a certain female bluerider as she sauntered up to the crowd with another certain weyrbrat actually perched on her shoulders. Tunimi merely giggled and wrapped her arms around Aryna's head.

"I can see better from up here!"

"Yeah and I can't see at all" was muttered from the young woman as she pried the little girl's arms from over her eyes. How had she ever gotten talked into this?

"Look, that one's hurt!" Tunimi pointed at the Hunger Green, sitting all by herself and issuing piteous cries for help. The eight-Turn-old girl was clearly distressed, the mirth gone from her face and replaced instead by a woeful appearance. "We have to go help it!"

"Leave it alone; someone closer will probably help it first."

"But--!"

"No..." Despite her callous exterior, a frown married Aryna's pretty features. She couldn't stand to hear the little green cry any more than Tunimi could, but she knew that they couldn't go 'help' the hatchling. At least not yet. But since she hadn't seen the thing hatch, she'd had no idea what had happened. Zarath... what's wrong with it? She could feel the blue rouse from his nap in his warm, dry weyr, and knew that he was disgruntled for being disturbed over a firelizard.

The bronze hatched on top of it, crushing its wings came the slightly disapproving reply. Zarath didn't understand why His wanted to know this; it wouldn't help the firelizard and it wouldn't change anything. But instead of complaining, the dragon merely shifted his weight more comfortably before settling back down. His rider's thanks mollified is mood only slightly, but Aryna clearly didn't care at the moment. She was occupied.