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+--- Thread: [G] [H] 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching (/showthread.php?tid=5321)
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743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Ojassa - 17.Sep.22
Outside the sky was completely clear and the sun was already bright in the sky. You should get up and wake K'tir as well. You've slept in long enough and the eggs are moving. It really wasn't early at all, but that didn't stop the goldrider from grumbling and settling in more comfortably to the warm body alongside hers. K'tir had been quite thorough in his latest attempt to fulfil her request and she was still feeling quite pleased and not terribly inclined to move. I will be terribly annoyed with you if you spoil my hatching with your absence. Is this the sort of behavior K'tir's presence will encourage?
Despite the implied threat of future annoyance, there was none yet in the dragon's voice, so while Ojassa didn't rush or snap back, she did push herself up to gently shake the brownrider. "The eggs are hatching, get up and go support your proud brown. Unless he's somehow annoyed her since last night, Quayleth was wanting him there with her." As an added bit of incentive she leaned down to give him a kiss, pausing to gently nip at his lip before pulling away and walking to her desk to start writing a few letters.
There was a small chirp as a dark brown flitter popped into the room and landed curiously on the bed near K'tir to eye him curiously and occasionally softly hiss when the man made any movements. Ojassa didn't bother looking up as she swiftly and neatly wrote out the notifications and letters of invitation, as well as a much shorter note for Casa and J'zaq letting them know the letters were already being handled. "Don't mind Zeke, he's just not used to men spending the night quite so often."
She gave a whistle to the flitter and sent him off with the first set of letters before ushering K'tir to the bathroom so they could get cleaned up and dressed, and then off to his weyr to find him a fresher shirt. By the time they were on the Sands she'd fussed and rushed him enough that Quayleth turned her attention to the brownrider personally. It is a beautiful bright and shining day for a Hatching and it is good to have you here, K'tir. She may not apologize herself for it, but I am sorry that I accidentally encouraged Ojassa to rush you. I hope we can all still have a pleasant time and present a supportive front for the hatchlings when they arrive. The last thing that the gold wanted was silly drama from their riders marring the hatching, so hopefully her own attempt would help soothe things over.
Ojassa, true to the gold's word, didn't bother apologizing herself, but she did take a few breaths as she listened to the dragons hum and watched as people began to arrive and pile into the stands and candidates stepped out onto the sands. After a couple minutes she looked out at the eggs and softly said, "I know it's likely to be almost all blues and greens, but I hope there are two browns in this clutch. I think Ghaeth deserves to have a couple in his likeness."
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - K'tir - 17.Sep.22
K’tir had never been a fan of sleeping in, no matter how entertaining and late the night before had been. But since losing his vision and most of his purposes in life, it wasn’t something he gave much thought to anymore. Ghaeth had told him it was early morning at one point when he woke and found Ojassa still nestled against him but he had fallen back asleep. If the go-get-em goldrider wasn’t inclined to move, then he didn’t need to either. Eventually he was nudged awake and disappointed the kiss was only that—until the mention of the eggs.
He checked in with Ghaeth and felt his dragon’s excitement growing and K’tir was so proud of him. His boy was the sweetest dragon and deserved this so much but it also meant the time K’tir dreaded the most was upon them. What people thought of him had never bothered him until they won the Flight. His lack of vision had stolen away some of the attention from Ghaeth’s clean win and now he worried that would happen at the Hatching. He didn’t say anything aloud, however, since it was a conversation already had after the Touching. If he didn’t show, that would draw even more attention and cause gossip, and both the gold pair and Ghaeth had convinced him he didn’t need to wear a blindfold or any other such dramatics.
He allowed Ojassa to help him clean up and then escort him to his weyr for final touches. He even asked her to draw back his hair for him. It was a simple enough task that he could do himself even blind but this was an important moment and presentation mattered. He didn’t want a strand out of place and with the way Ojassa had already been fussing, he knew he had made the right choice in asking for that final detail.
By the time they were on the Sands, K’tir finally caught up to the moment. This was Ghaeth’s Hatching! And Quayleth’s, of course. He nodded his head in greeting to the gold when she addressed him and he smiled as she apologised and went right into business mode. “That’s also my hope for today, Quayleth. Thank you for having us.” He allowed Ojassa to position him and continued to smile as she hoped for some browns. “That would be a nice gift for him.” It was a shame there wasn’t a gold but having a brown or two would be enough for them.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Xendrin - 17.Sep.22
“Aw, man,” Xendrin pouted at his bowl. He had just sat down after weaselling some slices of tomatoes and cucumbers from the kitchen workers when the announcement sounded that the eggs were wobbling. There was probably time to eat. Maybe. Malvayth’s last clutch was insane with how off schedule it was and the pacing of the Hatching itself but Quayleth had a much more dignified air to her and her babies probably wouldn’t rush headlong into anything either. Convinced he had time after all, he happily dove into his favourite snack. He had forgotten to swing by for breakfast so he really needed the snack regardless so the Candidate Master couldn’t get too annoyed with him.
Or maybe he could. Xendrin didn’t mean to take his time savouring every bite but by the time he handed the dish back to the staff and thanked them, he returned to a rapidly emptying barracks. Whoops. But no urgent updates had been given so he was convinced he was still on track to make the Hatching, especially since a few Candidates were still lounging around. Maybe it came with time and Standing for so many that the urgency wears off. That was a little depressing since he was still very excited over the idea of being a dragonrider but he knew it would happen when it happened.
Still, he did pick up a bit of speed as he changed into his robe and tucked everything back into his trunk. He could fold it all later—or not! Maybe he would have a little hatchling to fuss over first and laundry would be a distant worry. That had Xendrin smiling as he dashed from barracks to Sands. He waved at friends in the stands and around the eggs and greeted others as he moved by them. By the time he did a complete loop of the clutch, he noted his brothers hadn’t arrived yet. Zoremet wasn’t a surprise but Orgailian was usually prompt—when he wanted to be. One was probably lost and the other was sent to find him. He’d worry if they didn’t arrive before the first shell broke but for now, he turned to the group beside him and started chatting.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Ulliendis - 17.Sep.22
Ulliendis was stretched out on his borrowed bed in the barracks, legs crossed at the ankles and arms under his head. He had already changed but he didn’t see the need to stand around in the sweltering heat of the Sands so he chose to continue waiting in the slightly cooler and comfier barracks. His first few Hatchings had seen him get caught up in the excitement and had him dashing around with nearly everyone else and arriving early but that had worn off and now he was fine to wait elsewhere. Having a nap was tempting thanks to the humidity, especially as he let his eyes close. Alas, being out in the open space made it easier for various levels of staff to find him and drag him along.
Then again, it was too noisy to sleep. He was already too used to having his own space, even if it wasn’t much large than a storage room. Actually, it probably had been a storage room but Ulliendis was still fine with it. He had privacy once again and he got to have a little fun with concocting potions and whatever else Rh’us came up with. Ulliendis grinned as he remembered the healer’s face when he was told about Ista’s Hatching. No, he didn’t have to Stand at it but wouldn’t it be fun to gamble and see if the good little assistant would already be stolen away?
Ulliendis wondered if Rh’us would come watch to find out if he’d have even more paperwork to do soon or if he could drag his assistant home immediately upon it wrapping up. Only one way to find out. He got to his feet and took a moment to stretch and then fiddle with his hair. He wasn’t allowed to accessorize for Hatchings but his hair could still try to look good. He kept forgetting how awful the weather was in Ista until he had already committed to the idea and landed. Should he wet it or leave it? Leaving it was best since he knew the condition it was already in and with a sigh, Ulliendis finally joined his colleagues clustered around the eggs.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Orgailian - 17.Sep.22
Thanks to the Hatching being any day now, beach trips had been cut off for Candidates for two days and counting. Naturally, that only made everyone want to go even more and Orgailian was annoyingly right there with the common opinion. A swim would be nice but he usually felt the most inspired to attempt poetry when he was sitting on the beach and watching the water play along the shore. So he had to make do and was currently sitting on the ledge of a perky green pair that had Impressed to Thallyath’s clutch the year before. The rider was a friend and neither part of the pair minded him using their ledge for such moments.
He had been up there for a while, maybe two hours, when the call went out. “Seriously?” Orgailian grumbled as he continued writing. He had been hit with inspiration for a short story and it was flowing so easily out of him that he didn’t want to stop. Maybe he could skip this Hatching? As much as he wanted to Impress, his confidence in the ability to do so was down and it didn’t feel like missing one would hurt his chances all that much. But Zor would be disappointed in him and that was something he didn’t want to deal with. Still, he wrote on, needing to finish the scene in his head and then jot down points for the remainder of his ideas.
He eventually made it back to the room he shared with his brother. Zoremet’s robe was still draped where it had been laid out for the last few days but the man in question wasn’t around. Orgailian frowned as he stripped. If Zor was with N’noa again ‘helping him’, Orgailian swore he would no longer wait for or look for him when Hatchings were starting. But since there still seemed to be time and he was now changed, Orgailian grabbed his notebook again to flesh out one of the ideas he had marked down to give Zor a little longer to arrive on his own accord.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Rh'us - 17.Sep.22
That Harper brat and all of his nerve. Rh'us scowled a bit as Hispidath landed near the Sands in Ista and he quickly slid off the dragon's back. Do not ruin the hatching just because you are grumpy. The healer scowled. I already promised I wouldn't do anything while I was here. We'll just watch and wait for this to be over with, then I'll either shove this handful of papers at him or his new weyrlingmaster or we can take him back and have him clean all of the beakers and flasks. The bronze's nose wrinkled as he turned his head about to study his rider. Even the sulfur ones? Of course.
With a snort and a huff, Hispidath let out a soft disgusted noise before setting off to go watch from the ledges, using his immense bulk to muscle his way into a spot that gave him the best view. Rh'us meanwhile headed into the Sands and took a look at the healer stations, deciding they were adequate enough for now with how they were staffed. Just in case though he gave one of the other healers he knew a wave and a nod before finding a seat at the front of the Stands. If an emergency popped up he'd jump in and help,
He looked around for any other familiar faces, making sure to give Ulliendis an annoyed frown before resuming his casual search to see if he could find R'dare. If he spotted the bluerider he might consider walking over to say hello and have a brief chat since he'd gotten Zelana to the healers rather efficiently.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - A'tay - 18.Sep.22
He knew Zelly was well enough to walk on her own and didn’t need assistance but A’tay couldn’t help but still offer his arm and slow his pace to match hers as they made their way to the Sands. They had been told her recovery was going well and she had even been cleared to Stand again but Zelly had opted to take things a little easy for a while. Considering he had been nipped by a hatchling while others were fully mauled and killed at the same Hatching that Xyxyth looked to be charging at him, he could understand her desire to sit on the sidelines until she was back up to full mobility.
A’tay also knew it was a risk to have Zelly in the audience, something that had been made very clear at Malvayth’s last Hatching where three Impressed from the stands. But she had friends on the Sands and wanted to be there to cheer them on and it wasn’t his place to insist she stay away just in case. So he guided her to where he liked to sit when he attended Hatchings. A few rows up and off to the side where the proud parents stood. It gave a clear view of the clutch and wasn’t usually as crowded as the centre or the side that could see the hatchlings being tidied up.
His face lit up when he saw Wynera enter with a group of friends, though his anxiety also went up. He loved all of his siblings but he had never worried as much about is brothers as he did his little sister. Thankfully, she didn’t Stand too often outside of Telgar but this would be the first one without Mylorah out there. He had relied on her when he was Standing and knew some of the others liked to stay close to her as well since she was oddly very aware of everything when on the Sands. Now, they would have to watch their own backs. A’tay hoped for a smooth Hatching as he started chatting with Zelly and making playful bets about who they thought would Impress and to which colours.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - T'ryn - 18.Sep.22
With Cazan confirmed pregnant, T’ryn was on another solo trip for a Hatching. Then again, other than the first Hatching where Malvayth claimed her, they had only ever been able to attend Telgar’s Hatchings together—and even that was stretching the definition of ‘together’. Out of the three golds, Cazan stood with Malvayth, he and Syrendryth stood beside Bedith, but they could sit together for Neryseth’s clutches. Everything in his life had to be complicated so he couldn’t even have simple dates with his mate.
This was potentially one of the last Hatchings at another Weyr he would be able to attend as well. If S’far wanted to watch one, T’ryn knew he would have to stay behind and have Telgar under his command until the Weyrleader returned. He had actually offered to start that now in case both S’far and K’dar wanted to watch this Hatching but S’far waved them off. T’ryn suspected it was less about letting the brothers watch their siblings take another shot at Impressing and more about avoiding Casa—something he could understand.
T’ryn looked around the cavern as he entered and Syrendryth moved up to a ledge to join the humming. He worried he would arrive late as they had just started bathing the twins after their breakfast and that could be quite the adventure in itself. But it seemed the eggs were content to keep wobbling a little longer and he moved up into the stands after spotting A’tay. He sat in the spot on Zelly’s other side so she was stuck between the brothers and kissed her cheek. “You’re looking a lot better since I last saw you. Your colour’s returning.” Zelana had been so pale and looked like death was seconds away from claiming her that first night but she was too stubborn to give up just yet and her strength showed clearly in her recovery.
After a little more chitchat to catch up with, T’ryn scanned the Candidates and spotted some of their siblings. Orgailian and Zory were missing but he knew they were Standing so likely just running late, which wasn’t unusual. But he did wonder why any of them were out there today when he took in K’tir and Ghaeth. Statistically there wouldn’t be any bronze in the clutch and there wasn’t a gold either so if anyone Impressed, they would be the trend-breaker. Being the first to Impress in their family, alongside Casa, meant he never experienced the added pressure of trying to land on a shiny hide that he knew some of the younger siblings were starting to feel.
“Do you think they’re Standing in the hopes of breaking the pattern and getting a colour of their own or because it’s the home Weyr for three of them and they have no choice?” He could possibly see Orgailian doing something like that but definitely Xendrin since he didn’t even want R’nd’s acknowledgement so he wouldn’t care if he got bronze or not to be like his siblings.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Zelana - 18.Sep.22
As much as she'd been fine walking on her own, Zelana was glad to have A'tay with her. He'd been quite sweet, especially with making a special stew just for her while she'd been confined to the infirmary, and he'd continued to be a sweetheart even after she'd been released. It was just simple little gestures, like doing extra things like getting her extra pillows or blankets without her asking just because he wanted her to be comfortable. Even now it was just nice and reassuring to have him there to make sure she didn't stumble as they made their way to the Stands to go cheer their friends and his siblings on.
Zelly settled in to lean comfortably against A'tay and waved at friends as she saw them. "Oh there's your sister! Do you know if she's still seeing that Harper boy?" She kept scanning the candidates for other familiar faces, waving where appropriate, but after a moment she frowned slightly. "Are Gail and Zory running late or am I missing them? I hope they didn't get distracted." If they did she would have to tease them, and by them she really meant Orgailian since he was clearly supposed to be the more responsible one.
She was enjoying speculating on colors and odds with A'tay when she saw T'ryn and smiled. "Thanks. I'm working on getting the color back, but the healers keep saying I need more food and time than sun." She gave a small conspiratorial glance around and leaned over to T'ryn to softly say, "I almost wonder if I can just steal someone else's blood to make it go faster." She was only partially kidding. There were some recipes for blood sausage after all, but she was having fun making it sound more sinister than it really was.
"Oh, as I was telling A'tay, I think if it's going to be anyone, maybe Zoremet with a green." Zelly smiled. "I think Orgailian would be too happy to get a blue, so clearly he can't get one here. He's been in too good of a mood lately."
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Zoremet - 18.Sep.22
It had taken Zoremet too long to find his pants when he'd gotten the news that the eggs were moving. Part of him suspected that a flitter had been at fault, especially considering he eventually found his pants in Nari's little kitchen area and nowhere near his bed. But after one abandoned shirt and some some vigorous hopping he made his way back to the candidate barracks and his shared room with Gail.
"Gail what are you doing here?! You're going to be late!" Zory blushed, hoping that Gail wouldn't notice anything obviously amiss, especially since losing shirts wasn't exactly a new or odd occurrence for him. It didn't matter either way as he quickly got dressed into his candidate robes. He was still straightening them out when he reached over and grabbed onto Gail's arm and pulled him along. "We gotta go!"
At least they hadn't seemed to have missed anything as they arrived. and he took a moment to catch his breath and wave to his other siblings on the Sands before looking around to see who all had come to watch. K'dar looked like he was just arriving too and taking a seat next to T'ryn. He gave them both waves along with Zelly and A'tay too before quietly saying, "Too bad Zelly's missing out, but I'm glad she still came to watch."
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - A'tay - 18.Sep.22
A’tay scowled at the mention of the Harper. He knew his siblings were all protective of Wynera but he was the one that had been raised beside her and he had a particularly strong big brother defence mode for her. He would have been forever happy not knowing about this Geric guy being with his sister but not only had he seen them together at the Hatching party, but he kept hearing gossip about the adorable pair. Thankfully (maybe) it didn’t seem like it was anything serious. “I offered to bring him here to watch the Hatching but she declined. I don’t think they’re together now.” He paused and groaned when another way of looking at it hit him. “Or they’re purely physical. She’s my little sister, Zelly!” A’tay groaned again and pouted but was soon saved from further discussion of sibling sex lives by T’ryn arriving. Then again, knowing who his big brother currently and previously slept with, maybe he wouldn’t escape it after all.
When T’ryn pointed out the brown sire for the clutch, A’tay turned and frowned at the eggs for a moment. He hadn’t considered why any of their siblings were Standing for this one. The brothers obviously had to as Candidates of Ista but Winnie could have stayed home. He shrugged as he turned back to T’ryn. “The fear of missing your dragon because you didn’t show up is sometimes stronger than the fear of not living up to weird expectations you or others have created.” And then he was laughing at Zelly’s assessment and nodding. “That, too. I think the boys would be happier on blue or green since those have less responsibilities and surprise promotions aren’t likely to happen.” He exchanged a look with T’ryn and was happy, if a little shocked, to see total understanding there.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Orgailian - 18.Sep.22
Orgailian teased Zoremet the entire way to the Sands about being caught in bed again. He finally got his brother to admit it was also N’noa again as they claimed a spot around the eggs but he held his tongue while they did the appropriate waving to family. His amusement faltered when they saw Zelly and he nodded. He knew she could still Impress up there but it wasn’t the same as having her down in the sand with them trading comments and making plans when they inevitably failed again. But Zell was alive and likely to be cleared soon for more strenuous activities so he was all for her taking it easy a while longer. Besides, he had fainted at the Benden Hatching because he wasn’t fully healed to do such a thing and he didn’t want to see a friend suffer the same fate.
“So, N’noa,” Orgailian couldn’t help but go back to the sexy dragonhealer he could see at his station, going over the supplies. He rested a hand on Zor’s shoulder as he leaned close to whisper, “now he would be a fun third.” He wasn’t jealous of the good time his brother had been having but Zoremet did deserve to squirm a little for making him wait around yet again. With a laugh, he stepped back from his brother and decided to watch the eggs to see if he could guess which one would be the first to appear based on the wobbling and cracking.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Ojassa - 18.Sep.22
Quayleth let out a pleased rumble when the brownrider expressed his gratitude, it was always nice when the riders were cooperative and not letting silly drivel get in the way of things which were actually important. As soon as K'tir mentioned his son, Ojassa immediately tried to scan the candidates looking for him. The gold quietly asked Ghaeth to confirm which one was the boy before directing her rider's attention. Over there, yes that one.
"He's a fine looking boy," she said softly to K'tir. "You must be quite proud of him. I'm sure he's also proud that Ghaeth managed to win." It would be nice if the young man managed to Impress one of his father's dragons progeny, but Ojassa wasn't sure if K'tir was the superstitious sort and would take mentioning it as a sure way to bring bad luck. So she kept the thought to herself for the moment before idly chatting with him about the prospects for the eggs and lunch plans after the Hatching.
A particularly violent wobble sent an egg pitching forward to land sideways in the hot sand, and she went silent as she intently watched to see what would come out of it. Ojassa would have missed the other egg hatching entirely if
The egg he sniffed at suddenly exploded in his face and made him hiss as
While he was being led off, the green sisters set off to find their own boys, each heading in a slightly different direction.
Ojassa frowned, wondering if somehow the hatchling had been hurt when her egg had been knocked over. It seemed someone was helping him move the hatchling to the sidelines, but she didn't have time to watch as there were other cracks, and in rapid succession three eggs hatched, producing
"I hope that little green is okay," Ojassa said quietly, frowning as she gave the pair another worried glance before turning her attention to the rest of the eggs.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Orgailian - 19.Sep.22
So he was off by one. In his defence, he couldn't see the egg the brown came from all that clearly so Orgailian decided he was close enough and considered it a victory. But it was short lived as the brown started knocking around eggs--one of which being one he had Touched and had a nice connection with. The dragon within had been a soothing and sweet presence but they also mutually understood they weren't compatible. It had still been a nice time and Orgailian held his breath as a green spilled out and seemed disoriented as she wobbled her way stiffly to her bonded. She never looked his way but he watched her the entire trek to a man he knew and sometimes hung out with. It was a good match from what he got of the green and knew of the human but N'noa rushing over to assist with moving her off the Sands worried him/
As much as he wanted to keep watching her or even run over to her, Orgailian also knew that was dangerous and turned back to watch the other hatchlings starting to emerge. A good thing as well as there were now three on the loose and kind of moving as a pack. One of the blues seemed to be heading in their direction and again he found himself holding his breath and even grabbing his brother's hand. Was this it? Was he or Zor about to break the shiny pattern and be a bluerider? But no. The chubby baby went to a boy standing several feet from them. He released Zoremet's hand and pushed his hair back from his eyes. It was long enough to mostly stay pulled back but a few wisps were stubborn and currently served as a focus for his confused emotions. Was he disappointed or relieved? And who was he feeling those for?
Finally he gave a little shrug as he looked at Zor. "He was a weird shade of blue anyway." It was easier to deflect the emotions and give them an excuse to latch onto instead.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Ulliendis - 19.Sep.22
Hatchings never seemed to be dull. He watched the brown break free first and nose around the other eggs which set off a chain of chaos. It was entertaining until one of the greens seemed injured. That was a bit of a mood killer but she made it to her mate and seemed well enough. He was sure she would be fine after a nap. Hopefully. He really wasn't a fan of the keening the dragons did and would prefer not to hear it again.
As the pack of three emerged and seemed to start hunting their prey, Ulliendis eyed them suspiciously. What were they up to? He couldn't make out what they were saying to each other but did they verify their choices with one another? Were they about to fight for the same man like what happened at another Hatching? That was some ugly business and he preferred not to see that again, especially up close as they moved closer in his direction. When they split up, there was a moment of panic that they were circling a target like wild felines but he saw one blue Impress to his right and relaxed.
He had lost track of the green but the other blue was still nearing him and Ulliendis finally acted. "Shoo, keep moving," he whispered with a wave of his hand to urge the hatchling onward. It likely wasn't necessary if he went by the weyrfolk belief that dragons always knew and made their connection immediately out of the shell and it couldn't be changed, but he wanted to make sure. Luckily, he did keep moving though his words earned him a look from the blue has he passed by on his way to his mate.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Habraxel - 19.Sep.22
It had been quite accommodating of future Weyrleader K'dar to handle his last minute plus one, but that was what the man got for interrupting him when he'd been enjoying a rather pleasant breakfast with one of his favorite mistresses. At least all of his clothes looked good enough to wear to occasions, so once Kaya was dressed and he'd finished his glass of wine and juice they were swiftly on their way. Perhaps it was a bit of his own ego, perhaps it was just a long ingrained habit of flattery to those who had any potential to be useful, but he couldn't help but comment once they'd landed that Tiberuth had been a much more comfortable and enjoyable ride than the brown he'd last travelled with.
And then the dragon had been delighted enough that he'd spoken to him! Brax quietly nudged Kaya after they sat down in the Stands behind K'dar and his siblings. "Tiberuth spoke to me! He's got quite a deep voice, but he told me I was clearly a discerning individual." The Lord smiled as he settled in, casually carrying on some conversation with K'dar and his brothers. He even introduced Kaya quite politely. "This is Kaya, one of my favorite healers in Igen. She may not be with the Hall, but she's quite capable of handling my persistent headaches."
He did not clarify that the cure for headaches were very rigorous tumbles in her bed. Or in her bath. Or on her floor. When one of the young men asked about the cure, possibly intrigued by their own headaches, Brax just gave them a wink and a grin before saying, "It's up to Kaya if she wants to take on any new patients, but perhaps if you ask her very nicely and treat her right, take her to dinner, she might tell you." The young woman with them, Zelly he thought she was introduced as, giggled in a way that clearly showed she knew what he was talking about.
Alas their conversation had to wait for a bit as an egg tumbled forward and the show began. It was really quite charming, though considering how young some of the candidates looked, and how large the dragons were and especially how sharp he noticed their claws were, he found he was quite glad he didn't have to watch any of his own children out there with clumsy murderous toddlers coming straight for them. He frowned as he saw the little green stumbling about. "She almost looks drunk," he said softly to Kaya as he watched.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Kaya - 19.Sep.22
Well used to living a life readily interrupted by the needs of others, Kaya didn't protest a bit when her breakfast with Brax was cut short. The woman simply carried off a danish in her flowing nightgown to find suitable travel clothing to wear, finishing off the pastry as she walked. For a lady of means, it would be considered quite rude, but the healer saw it only as practical. Flying was exhilarating, and not worth doing on an empty stomach. Of course, one also didn't want to be too full either and risk the same outcome.
Settled in front of Brax for the ride on dragonback, Kaya had smoothed her hand along the soft hide much as she did with her stallion back home, appreciating the warmth Tiberuth offered in the fascinating place known as Between.
The healer had shed the borrowed extra layers of clothes once they landed and happily followed the others to a sand-filled arena dotted with eggs and Candidates both. Kaya chuckled as Brax excitedly shared that Tiberuth had spoken to him. The scarred dragon was striking and beautiful despite the healed injuries, and Kaya had quite enjoyed his presence even if she wasn't nearly as chatty as Igen's Lord.
"Dragons seem to enjoy flattery as much as you," she commented with amusement.
The woman smiled and greeted the host of others politely, but found herself far more interested in the goings-on below. Of course, she snorted when Brax started going on about her taking new patients. "You do realize that while I'll treat any patient in need of care, I'm more discerning than how you're painting me, don't you?" she asked sweetly. Brax seemed to be of the mind that if she bedded him so willingly, the same would be true of her towards others.
That said, she wouldn't be wholly opposed to a romp. Brax had already indulged himself with others on their trip, and as this was meant as a vacation for her, she saw no reason not to partake in such adventures with people who were far more fascinating to her than Hold or Hallfolk.
When the hatching began, Kaya leaned forward in her seat, her hands steepled in front of her chin, fingers just barely touching her mouth. They were adorable, the way the little ones stumbled about. Not drunk to her eye, but as ungainly as newborn foals with legs too long yet to know what to do with. The healer knew little of dragon health but saw no true cause for concern with the little green Brax pointed out. "I think she's fine," she comforted.
They were all so cute, Kaya thought she may burst with love. How anyone thought to poison such wonderful creatures or their riders was beyond her. She'd seen so many injured back in Telgar that it made her practically sick with worry.
"I imagine those who don't Impress will be terribly disappointed," she murmured with sympathy. Though Kaya, herself, was too old for a hatchling to consider her, even she felt some of it. How wonderful it would be to bond with such a partner! Granted, she was also quite pleased with her life and would be remiss to leave it all to train in a Weyr away from all that she knew. Visiting suited her just fine!
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - K'dar - 19.Sep.22
At first the bit of innuendo had flown right over K'dar's head too, but as soon as Zelly started to giggle he caught on quickly enough and he couldn't help but eye the woman for a moment. He very politely kept himself from staring too much though, after all even if she was very clearly one of Lord Habraxel's mistresses that didn't mean he had to be rude. He did chuckle a little as she chided the Lord rather gently. At least the Igen guests seemed to be enjoying the Hatching so far and he focused more on the eggs himself and gently patting T'ryn as he softly said, "Don't feel too embarrassed, I thought he was talking about actual headaches and medicine at first too."
There was a soft gasp for a moment as an egg hatched and what looked remarkably like a glistening gold trotted out. K'dar straightened slightly with a frown. There hadn't been a gold egg but a bronze didn't make sense either. And then the little thing started to angrily huff and roar about how he wasn't a girl at all and after a few shakes and rolls in the sand as it threw a tantrum a male candidate ran out and started to try and wipe the hatchling down with his robes. With the shiny ichor from the egg removed he was much more clearly just a rich pale tawny
While his boy ushered him off there was a sudden series of squawks as a cluster of eggs hatched nearly at the same time.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Orgailian - 20.Sep.22
Orgailian rolled his eyes when people gasped and murmured about a gold or bronze hatching. Were people that stupid? For some reason, the gold's egg was always tinted and there was a brown sire. Besides, hatchlings were kind of gross when they popped out of their eggs covered in goo and sand as they rolled or trotted along. That was clearly brown and Orgailian felt a little bad for him with how upset he was at being mistaken. Good luck to that pair and the jokes and memories that would follow them for years.
Another group emerged at the same time but none came in their direction. He kind of preferred it that way since his hopes didn't have to bother rising and have a higher fall back to reality. Another girl Impressing did earn a quirk of the brow and then a nod. He had nothing against women on greens and blues but found it interesting that the dragons seemed to think it was time for a resurgence in that happening. But he knew the new green weyrling as well--he knew essentially everyone in one way or another if they were in the Weyr long enough--and he was kind of just as shocked as she was that she Impressed a green.
Another hatchling ended up injured due to a sibling but this one didn't seem as bad, at least to his untrained eye. Maybe the little blue just needed to walk it off and he'd be fine or just a quick patching up and he'd be good to go in a few days. There was a part of him that wanted to tease Zoremet about his current favourite hook-up being too busy for the next little while but even Orgailian knew how in bad taste it was to joke at the expense of injured dragons and held his tongue.
There was a brief moment of calm and Orgailian used it to see what his observing family was up to. At some point K'dar had joined them and so had Brax. What? Why? No, that actually made some sense. Brax was the Lord Igen and K'dar and A'tay would be working with him soon enough so it was probably some kind of test run. "Hey," he nudged Zoremet and nodded at the family, "the man sitting beside K'dar? Do you remember him? That's Brax." They had been together when the Lord approached them but Zor had flittered off soon after and Orgailian took advantage of the situation. "We should say hi later." Assuming neither of them Impressed and his wife wasn't attached to his side. His flirting was a bit more straightforward and he likely wouldn't be in the mood to pretend he'd try for subtleness.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Xendrin - 20.Sep.22
Xendrin's eyes were wide when the next hatchling appeared. People around him whispered about a gold but he thought it was a bronze and his gaze bounced between brown Ghaeth and the cranky little fella trying to make it add up. Then he was laughing at his mistake when it became obvious that it was a brown they were looking at. He knew the man that Impressed him so he'd definitely apologise and compliment the brown on his hide and good choice later on. His friend was going to have his hands full with that spirited guy!
He wanted to watch them wander off together and try to catch their names but movement drew his attention back toward a trio heading in his general direction. He loved and hated this moment. It was exciting to see hatchlings come close but there was also the fear that he could get mauled but that also got his heart racing and he realised he liked that boost of adrenaline as well. Mostly, he hated the moment because he had yet to be chosen by a dragon. Still, he continued to smile as a man on either side of him left with their new mates and the third went with a woman. Those ones were cute but they weren't the last ones in the clutch or in general. He assumed since there were a couple of clutches on other Sands at the moment and he didn't think the golds would all suddenly stop Flying after that.
Xendrin gave a little cheer when another friend ran out to check on the injured blue. He was happy for the man but also happy that the dragonet was getting up and moving on his own, even if there was a limp. They were so lucky to have dragonhealers again but to also have N'noa back in Ista leading their lot. He had helped keep the original three of Thallyath's clutch alive and seemed serious about keeping that streak going.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Ulliendis - 20.Sep.22
Ulliendis had watched Lord Igen walk in with K'dar but with a lull in the action, he was able to take in the scene a bit more. It truly was a shame Geric wasn't there. He would have loved to see his friend interact with his baby mama's father who was a powerful Lord to boot. It would have also been fun to have Geric drunk while the interaction happened but that was probably mean and he didn't want his best friend murdered on sight or to die of mortification later on. Still, maybe he could go say hi to Habraxel after the Hatching and get a feel for the man. Geric wasn't doing the best job at keeping him in the loop for that drama--not that he blamed the younger man given the offers Ulliendis kept reminding him of. But one look at Rh'us' cranky expression had him torn on the idea. He should probably leave Habraxel alone since he didn't have up to date intel on the situation and the woman with him looked too old to be a daughter in need of removal.
Still, he continued to keep a casual eye on the group while also making sure he wasn't mauled or trampled as either would ruin his day. He liked the second brown that hatched as it had a true flair for the dramatics and one of the greens had truly impressive colouring but none came back to his area. It allowed him to notice how dreadfully uncomfortable A'tay looked and left Ulliendis wondering if the young bronzerider would be an easily exploited weakness. If he hadn't already decided to play with Rh'us, he'd put in a transfer for Igen.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - T'ryn - 20.Sep.22
T'ryn had made the mistake of asking Lord Habraxel about how Kaya helped with his headaches since he was still occasionally hit with them himself. But when the Lord started to vaguely explain how to win Kaya over, he caught on to what her methods were and was sorry he asked. It wasn't until Zelly giggled that his brothers seemed to catch on and A'tay looked like he wanted to be swallowed through the stone they sat on. When K'dar gave him a gentle pat, T'ryn returned the gesture and echoed the words with a grin. "Don't feel too embarrassed that I caught on quicker than you did."
He exchanged a few more pleasantries with Kaya before bringing up that Zelana was interested in healing. It was an attempt to see if the woman had any advice for his friend but unfortunately the dragonets had decided they made everyone wait long enough and began their debut parade. Opening with a brown was still seen as just as bad as green but T’ryn still eggs hatching in general as a good thing and didn’t mind what colour was first or how many of each. But he did hate seeing injured dragons and his heart sank as the green was escorted off to be looked after.
His hopes raised when he saw a few heading towards his siblings but none were chosen. “It can be hard on some of the Candidates, especially if they’ve been Standing for years,” T’ryn answered Kaya’s observation. “I’m one of the lucky ones. I Impressed at twelve at my first Hatching so I’ve avoided a lot of the stress and worries that can form.” He had friends that struggled with the constant rejection but he also knew people that just shrugged and went on about their business as they knew their time would eventually come. He had a feeling he’d try to pretend it didn’t bother him but he would likely constantly fret about it and wonder what was wrong with him. He was lucky to have Syrendryth and be found by the annoying beast so quickly.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Zelana - 20.Sep.22
Once Zelly was done with her giggle fit she gave Kaya a smile and nodded as T'ryn mentioned her interest in healing. She held her own comments about it once she saw more eggs were hatching. "You know... I don't think I blame him for being upset," she said softly once the brown began to shriek about not being a gold, "is probably be annoyed if someone thought I was a boy if I wasn't trying to look like one on purpose."
As the little hatching spree continued, she couldn't help but cringe a little when the blue was knocked down but part of her silently wondered if maybe he'd deserved it for whatever little spat they'd had. Still, hopefully it wasn't that bad and he'd recover quickly.
When there was another lull she turned back to Kaya. "I'm not serious enough about healing to go to the Healer Hall for it, but I've been learning a lot about herbs and things, and I have a general healing book that Gailie got me from Bronzerider Rh'us." Realizing the woman probably had no context for any of that she added, "Orgailian is another one of their brothers, and Rh'us used to be a proper healer from the Hall I think. He's very good though, managed to help Gail and Zory and K'dar."
She turned to look over at the other candidates on the Sands and shrugged. "I think some of them are used to it. I still haven't impressed either, but I'm waiting a little longer before I Stand again. I'm just a little nervous right now." Not wanting to think about the injury that made her hesitant, Zelly decided to lean against A'tay for a moment for a bit of physical comfort.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Zoremet - 20.Sep.22
There was so much going on with the hatching so far and Zoremet was so glad he still had siblings to Stand with because he wasn't sure he'd be able to stay as calm as he was without at least one of them around to cling to. There's been that tense moment when Gail had grabbed his hand and he'd squeezed right back, the worry for the wobbly green, the blue that had come so close, and the moment of disappointment that it hadn't picked one of his brothers.
Was it odd that he thought it would be for Orgailian or even Xendrin rather than him? What color did he even think he'd get? Zory wasn't really sure, and he wondered if that was some sort of point against him. He didn't want to dwell at that so instead he just nodded in agreement when Gail mentioned it was a weird shade.
Still, he was so wound up by the time the pale brown popped out that for a moment he had believed it was gold. A quick glance at Gail rolling his eyes at all the whispers made him flush slightly in embarrassment and hold his tongue about his own mistake. At least the girl who impressed the green was a nice distraction from that. "Oh, huh. I didn't even know she wanted a green..." he still didn't know honestly, maybe she thought she didn't but the dragon knew something? At least the blue had N'noa to help it.
"Hm?" Zory glanced over at his brother when he got the nudge and then followed his gaze. "By K'dar? Oh I think I remember him. He seemed nice." He didn't remember too much, he'd gotten distracted and wandered off to have a bit of his own fun, but what he did remember was that the man was very friendly. "Sure we can say hi."
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Ojassa - 22.Sep.22
At least so far the injuries didn't seem terribly bad, at least they didn't seem terribly bad to Ojassa from her vantage point. She wasn't exactly close enough to eavesdrop on the conversations, and she didn't have the best vantage point to try to even watch. Quayleth was also being distinctly unhelpful since she did not want to pester the dragonhealer or his dragon about it. Let them do their work and find out later once the Hatching was done.
After a lull, one of the eggs hatched with a soft peep and
While the young man screamed,
With the fight broken up for the moment,
It eventually took Quayleth's gentle reassurances to make
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Xendrin - 22.Sep.22
Xendrin didn't know where to look. It seemed like fights were breaking out all over the place and K'dar liked to try drilling into his head to keep his eye on the target or threat or whatever--he sometimes tuned the guy out, as well-meaning as he was. But what did you do when several hatchlings were fighting and it was spreading out and at least one human was now on the ground? His first instinct was to get to the kid being mauled but he saw the healers rushing in and the blue hatchling that was clearly his bonded had taken up defence so maybe he'd stay away. In fact, he took a few steps back, deciding he was still a bit too close to the action.
As disappointing as it was, Xendrin didn't feel anything different in his head or heart and no missing pieces suddenly clicked into place so it was safe to assume he didn't Impress any of the others still out there. It felt wisest to get out of the way so angry and upset babies could easily make it to their new mates. After several tense minutes, everyone seemed to find each other and were moving off together, some with more assistance than others. The dragonhealers were putting their training to use that day and that was depressing. Xendrin took his eyes off the eggs to watch the healers in action. It was good to have them back and hopefully they really could patch up all the hatchlings and keep them alive.
He knew injuries were common at all Hatchings in every Weyr but Xendrin still couldn't help wondering if Ista's Sands were cursed since Thallyath's maiden clutch. Had that tainted everything to come? He was being silly. Quayleth and Thallyath both had clutched again between then and now and those had gone fairly well. He was just picking up A'tay's superstitions and believing in any old bit of insanity now.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Orgailian - 22.Sep.22
Without Mylorah there to pay attention for them, Orgailian was making himself try a little harder. It wasn't like he could leave it up to Zor. His brother was probably more of the reason he was keeping a close watch on everything. His own person was rather dear to him but so was Zoremet--especially since he owed his brother his life. They had hashed all of that out before but Orgailian still quietly believed he was indebted to Zoremet. Even stopping the trusting adorable fool from eating more fruit 'from T'ryn' hadn't balanced everything in his mind. But that didn't mean he wanted another chance so soon!
It was the green that came charging in their direction that had Orgailian on alert. The blue had been moving at a leisurely enough pace that he didn’t feel any sense of danger. The green, however, was running on a lot of emotions—positive from the brief glance to her eyes told him—but it didn’t matter what her intentions were when a collision happened. As soon as the two tangled, Orgailian had his arm around Zoremet’s waist to quickly guide him away. He wasn’t brave—or stupid, as he sometimes leaned toward—like Mylorah who jumped in front of Ayontay to keep him safe. Again, his own self-preservation kicked in and leading them both out of harm’s way seemed like the best idea ever.
He moved them until he deemed it was a safe enough distance and then took in the scene. The fighting had attracted another green and it seemed the injuries were starting to add up. The boy on the ground had Orgailian wincing and happy they relocated. Would they have been safe if they stayed put? Maybe but why risk it? “I’m starting to hate Hatchings,” he confessed and finally let go of Zor.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Kaya - 23.Sep.22
Turning as T'ryn introduced the giggly Zelly, Kaya found herself smiling as well. These folks were far better at humor than most Holdfolk. Perhaps she should have been born in a Weyr. But with healing brought up, the woman considered the younger with an appraising eye. She had the constitution to make a good one! And it didn't take a lot to see that spark of intelligence in her gaze.
Before Kaya could make any comment on it, more eggs were bursting open.
Hatchings were so exciting! The healer thought it was a shame she'd never had the opportunity to witness one before. The way one of the little boys raged over being mistaken for a girl had her hiding her grin behind her hand. Oh, goodness. She couldn't claim to know one way or another, not at all versed in dragon colors to know it signaled their genders until she overheard others in the Stands talking about it. How interesting! They were a bit like birds then, weren't they? At least some of them. Male birds tended to be quite flashy compared to the females, but dragons seemed to play by a different set of rules considering they were all quite beautiful.
During the next lull, Kaya returned her attention to Zelly. "Oh, I'd be more than happy to write down some information for you!" Undoubtedly, Brax would be rolling his eyes. She was meant to be here on vacation away from her work, yet she was back at it again at the earliest opportunity.
Kaya knocked her shoulder against the man she accompanied. "You won't mind, will you? I'm betting you can fetch a spare journal for me before you wander off on your escapades this evening," she said with a smile, knowing well his appetites didn't stop with her. Kaya didn't mind in the slightest; Brax wasn't hers. They simply scratched each other's itches from time to time.
When more eggs began to hatch, her eyebrows winged up in surprise. Who knew even babies could be so aggressive? Upon seeing a candidate caught up in all of the trouble, Kaya tensed to stand. Instinct called for her to rise to help, her hands clenching tight when she reminded herself this was not her place to do so. Thankfully, other healers were quick to assist the newly Impressed young man, but Kaya found herself watching with worry.
Leaning against Brax, Kaya frowned. "It's not easy to not rush in to help," she admitted, her hands now fiddling with the colorful fabric of her clothes.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Zelana - 23.Sep.22
Upon hearing Kaya's offer, Zelana grinned. "Oh thank you! And I have a friend who keeps extra journals, Orgailian down there, the thin blonde down there standing with... actually there are too many skinny blonde brothers down there, I'll just point him out to you after the Hatching if he hasn't Impressed." She was sure that Orgailian would appreciate bumping into Habraxel, even if it was just to get a closer look at him. And if the Lord needed a bit of a distraction to give her some more time to get notes from Kaya then Gail could
There was a soft hum of consideration from the Lord before he shrugged and admitted he had no pressing business so they could stay as long as Kaya wished. Zelly couldn't help but smile a bit more. "I'm sure you could find some sort of entertainment while you were here! Ista Weyr is a fun place. I can probably convince Zory or Gail to show you around too."
Yes, that would give her plenty of time to learn as much as she wanted from the woman. Pleased with her bit of planning so far she leaned back against A'tay to continue watching the Hatching. Watching the one boy get hurt was sad, but his dragon was still there, hadn't gone between in grief yet, so she hoped that meant he would be fine. "He's going to be so dizzy when he wakes up," she said softly, mostly as she remembered her own recent experience with massive blood loss.
RE: 743.09.19 | Blinded by the Light Hatching - Ojassa - 24.Sep.22
There was a loud crack as an egg practically exploded to reveal a deep and rich earthy
A pair of blues and a green hatched in rapid succession shortly afterward.
The last egg on the sands shook and hatched, revealing
Ojassa let out a long sigh as she saw that all of the eggs had hatched and all of the dragonets had their mew mates with them, though there were still a few lingering at the healer stations. "Three browns, all of the eggs hatched, and all of them Impressed. Ghaeth should be proud."