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Ugh! A look of disgust passed over the boys face as he made his way out of the caverns. Catching tunnel snakes was not easy and he didn't smell very pleasant. Unfortunately, it was one of the easier ways to make a few marks and he did want to have some saved up. Although sometimes it was hard to fit it in with all of his chores. Though, keeping busy was something that he enjoyed lately. It didn't allow him too much time to think, and there were days where he much appreciated not thinking.

Zhierd hurried along to where the hot springs were. He was pretty sure that he could be smelled from miles away and he needed to get cleaned up. There was no way he was going to go the rest of the day smelling like this. How on earth would he get any girls? He grinned a little at that thought. He hadn't really had much time to socialize lately but maybe there would be a pretty girl at the hot springs? One could only hope.

The boy slowed to a casual walk as he entered the springs. There was usually water about and he didn't particularly feel like falling on his face today. He was sure there would be plenty of time for that later. Looking around a little, he saw a few riders over to his right but on his left sat one girl who seemed to be alone. Was she a candidate? He thought so, she definitely seemed to look familiar. Zhierd doubted he actually knew her but was pretty sure that he had seen her around. Until recently he hadn't been very social with girls. Mostly just awkward. He carefully climbed into the springs and moved closer to her. "Mind if I sit with you?" He asked politely.

"Nice to meet you Layla. I mean I've seen you around before too but I've mostly been keeping to myself lately." He shrugged. Had she been crying? Her eyes looked a little red but maybe she had allergies or the water was bothering them. Either way it would be terribly rude to ask or point it out. Instead he thought he'd try and cheer her up a bit. What with the hatching and the rumor of the plague, there was plenty to be upset about and frightened over lately. As it was he himself was a little worried about the hatching. He had been to one before and it could get really ugly. Especially if you weren't fast enough. Although the chance to impress was definitely worth it.

"You're a candidate too right?" He asked. Although he was pretty sure she was but it would be silly of him to assume and then be wrong. Zhierd smiled at her again. In times like these it was best to stay hopeful and friendly. Besides, everyone could use another friend.

Zhierd's smile faltered a little as Layla mentioned the last clutch. "Yeah I was at the last hatching. It was my first one." He said rather softly. The memory of the last hatching wasn't a very a pretty one and he did not want a repeat. However, the chance for impression was too strong for him to not go to anymore of them. Besides, the terrible trio was something of a fluke. Honestly he was glad that he hadn't impressed any of those three and he did his best to steer clear of them.

The boy put his smile back on then. If it was Layla's first time it wouldn't do her any good for him to worry her even more. There was always a risk when you went out onto the sands but they all did it for their chance of impression. Though dwelling on what could happen was not a good idea. "That last clutch was something of a fluke though. I highly doubt this hatching will be nearly as terrifying." He paused for a second before continuing on. "You know, I honestly don't understand why most people around here don't think girls should be allowed to ride a fighting dragon. It's just crap really. I've met some girls and woman who are much more mature and able bodied then a lot of boys and men I've known."

Zhierd nodded as Layla talked. What she said made sense and he had heard it before a few different times. "I can see why they wouldn't want Women on fighting dragons in that case, though you would think that we wouldn't be quite so medieval now a days. Especially since the other Weyrs are more accepting of it."

The boy studied Layla for a few moments before continuing on. She seemed really nervous, though he could understand why. "I remember how nervous I was before the last hatching. It can be kind of scary to think about." He told her. "Instead of dwelling on all of the things that could happen, just think about the dragon. What might he or she look like? Think of the bond you could have. Just try and remember why you're going to be there and what the goal is. Especially when the hatching begins. If you want you can come stand by me. I'll protect you." He gave the girl a little bit of wink.

Hopefully he could help raise her spirits. If she was going to stress about everything that was going wrong she'd end up killing herself with worry. Zhierd always thought it better to just let life take it's course and hope for the best. There really wasn't too much you could do to change things.