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Azuran returned to the barracks feeling rather heavy of heart. Another clutch come and gone and another time left standing on the sands. It was impossible not to feel discouraged after trying for four turns now with no success. Still, while part of him just wanted to give up, he wasn't about to deny future clutches their options. He didn't want any dragons going Between any more than the next guy, so even if he had to stand out there till he was 21 Turns he would. It would be so much easier though if he could only stop hoping that he had a chance...

Drakell crooned comfortingly from the teen's shoulder, readjusting his position a bit as the human climbed back into his bed. He projected feeling of support, trying his best to cheer up the other.

Azuran had been stroking Drakell absently when Zeren walked back in, and didn't take immediate notice of the other Candidate until he spoke. He chuckled without humor at the words. "Yeah, maybe," he echoed back, continuing to pet Drakell along the top of his head. Of course, he had already been saying that to himself for four turns now. He was silent for moment before speaking up again. "That was your first standing, wasn't it? You'll still have plenty of opportunities in the future." Just because he was feeling pessimistic about his own chances didn't mean he should bring the older teen down with him.

The brown flit stayed silent while the two spoke, simply continuing to offer support. The petting was rather nice too admittedly.

"You could say that," Azuran replied with a faint smile, although he didn't feel it. Unlike Zeren, he didn't turn over to look at the other. "Been a Candidate for four Turns now."

Drakell had long since made himself nice and cozy on his human's chest, and despite his efforts to stay supportive the petting was beginning to make him sleepy again. He was most certainly not a nocturnal lizard, and the late hour was starting to get to him.

The teen was faintly amused by the sleepy expression on the brown flit, and he switched to stroking his eye ridges. "What craft did you study before coming here anyway?" he asked, trying to somewhat change the subject. The mood was depressing enough as it was without dwelling on it.

Azuran pondered over the question for a moment. Had it gotten easier? In a small way, yes, although he suspected that this time around it was easier because he had Drakell. "Somewhat, yes," he replied. "With firelizards things are a bit easier I think."

Drakell too soon fell asleep, although he fortunately didn't make any snores.

"A trader? That sounds rather interesting." Other than dragonriders, Traders were probably one of the few people who ever got to travel around Pern. "Whether you stay or go back is your decision, but I personally like Weyr life." He chuckled slightly. "Then again, it's all I've ever known, so perhaps I am not the best judge. I still enjoy it here though."

Azuran smiled faintly at the annoyed chittering emanating from Zeren's bunk, and glanced over briefly at the other Candidate. "I'm sure it'll all work out in some way or another," he said quietly, blue eyes returning their gaze to the ceiling. It would probably be best to end this conversation soon though, as the others in the barrack might grow quite a bit annoyed should they continue to carry on any long given the late hour. Also, the gentle and rhythmic rise and fall of his flit's chest upon his own was helping to ease Azuran back into his own previously sleepy state. Things would probably seem better after they had gotten sufficient rest.