Welcome to Gaia! ::

Oh thank Faranth. She hadn't fallen down, she hadn't squashed any of the lovely eggs and-- wait, what? "Err, hello again," Malina told Sheridan, looking up at the tall Candidate. "I didn't mean to," she said, simply weak with relief. He had averted true disaster, and for that she could not help but be terribly grateful. "Thank you. I didn't mean to fall, but I got so excited, and they were all so pretty, and then I was falling, and then there you were."

Malina was babbling. This was fairly normal, when confronted with super tall, super nice young men who liked to play rescuer. Between her backpedaling, and his helping hands, the eggs were safe. ... She was a little leery of touching them now, though, but they were all so shiny, so beautiful that she couldn't quite help but long to. Oh well. Maybe... "Do you think you could maybe go around with me?" she begged, knowing that she might at any point need a steadying hand.

That was pathetic! But this was so exciting, so riveting. She peered at the eggs, sneaking over to the nearest egg and stroking her fingers across it. This one was surprisingly ... vocal? She liked that about it, though. It reminded her a bit of Sheridan, who was very loud. "Hey, this egg is like you!" she informed him in a stage whisper. Best not to raise her voice and disrupt the eggs, after all.

And the next egg couldn't be more unlike him if it tried. It was... sweet, was how she could be describe it. Sweet, a little timid, but she liked that about it. "Aww, don't worry, you'll find someone soon," she reassured it, blushing because she was talking to an egg, and what kind of wherry did that? Obviously, a Mali-wherry. But she was not the only one, was she? After a moment, she withdrew her hand, sensing that it did not seem to want an overlong touch.

The next one was even nicer, if that was possible. She smiled cheerfully at it, excited at the opportunity to make a new friend. Her touch was gentle and sure, and she didn't worry about falling over. After all, wasn't Sheri there to keep her steady? Yes of course. It made her feel... well, warm, and she had the sense that it was friendly. Maybe a bit shy, but it was not the only one!

Definitely not. The next egg confused her, and she stared down at it. Why... didn't it seem to have the same kind of sense that the others did? How curious. It didn't have a definitive 'feeling', that she could detect. Still, she got the impression that she was being weighed and measured, and she wondered if she'd just imagined that. "Hmmn, you should come touch this egg," she informed him, brows drawn together in concentration, a bit bewildered.

The second clutch was much smaller then Brakiath's but Devlin had been told this was normal and it was spectacular that Alumanth had been successful at all. She was irritated with all of this attention too it seemed - rumbling her irritation for everyone to hear. As he had with the gold Devlin bowed his respect to the crimson before turning his attention to the eggs.

There were six of the pretty little things and while none of them were as large as some of the ones in Brakiath's clutch they were just a wonderfully patterned. Of course as he laid his hands on the first egg - a tannish looking one he almost revised his thoughts and pulled his hand away quickly. That little egg was upset about something and Devlin didn't really want to make it even angrier by lingering. He did make a mental note to keep an eye on that little fellow come hatching time though.

Thankfully after the first eggs angry reception the next egg, a pretty blue spangled little thing was quite the opposite bathing him in happy kind feelings of devotion and eagerness that made him smile a bit. The next egg on his circuit was one which looked like a moon was rising on the side of it and upon touching it Devlin had a hard time trying to figure out what it was trying to figure out, it was a conflicted little dragon and he only hoped it figured out what it wanted before it hatched.

Aware of Alumanth's irritation Devlin was trying to make his way through this clutch as quickly but thoroughly as possible. The crimson he knew had already been stressed due to the Benden healers constant watch and surely this was not helping her temper either. So much excitement for a first time mother.

The next egg in line was a misty,foggy looking grey egg and placing his hand on it he was immediately struck with curiosity, as though the little creature was trying to figure out just what was going on around him..or her..and why. Surely this dragon would be a handful for its eventual rider, always trying to figure things out. Moving on the next egg in line a blackish colored egg with lightning bolts along it's side, placing his hand on this egg left him with a happy laughing sensation, as though the little dragonet inside was supremely interested in having a good time. Such a vast difference in temperaments in this clutch Devlin thought to himself as he moved on and lay his hands on the last egg which seemed like it was either ready for a nap..o to charge off on adventure. It was hard to tell and seemed to shift on a whim. Smiling he pulled his hand away and with one last bow to Alumanth Devlin followed the others who had finished their rounds off the sands.

Gabriel passed back through the archway at which they started and onto the Sands on the other side. Agitated seemed too tame a word to describe the Crimson who awaited on the other side; the poor mother had to be restrained by her rider. It was hard enough given this was her first clutch, but given all that had been going on the teen couldn’t blame Alumanth for being weary of having people near her eggs. Gabriel gave a low bow to both the Crimson and her rider, thanking them silently in thought.

The teen flinched a bit when she first laid hands on the Windswept Egg. Such anger! Just what has gotten you so upset? She wondered, rubbing the shell lightly in a futile attempt to calm the dragon down. It didn’t work, and the next moment she did withdraw her hands as she almost felt like she had been bitten. Ouch! Sheesh, not a very friendly one, is it. Moving on then.

The Starshine Egg next to the mean one was a welcomed relief. Gabriel couldn’t help but smile widely at the loving and happy feelings that this egg emitted. Aw~ You’re such a sweetie! Yours is going to be terribly lucky to have such a nice dragon as yourself. Do try to spread some of the kindness to the egg next to you, will you? She hated to move on, but given the waiting Candidates and the testy mother dragon nearby, it was best to keep things going.

Hm… I’m not sure what to make of you, although you don’t seem too sure of things yourself, Gabriel thought as she ran her fingers over the Moon Rising Egg. She sensed varying emotions from the dragon within, but most of all she felt a sense of confliction. Don’t stress yourself out too much in figuring out what you feel, alright? I know Yours will love you no matter what.

The Foggy Grey Egg was on such a curiosity overload that Gabriel felt herself growing rather curious as well. What are you looking so hard for, silly? You’ll have plenty of time to explore once you are out of that egg. Then again, it was likely because it was trapped in the egg that it wanted to know so badly just what was going on. Whoever got this dragon would likely have quite the explorer on their hands.

When Gabriel first laid hands on the Raindrop Egg, it didn’t give her much of an impression at all. It was unusually quiet, and the teen almost wondered if it wasn’t a dud until she felt a burst of energy under her fingertips. Shards! Sheesh, you caught me by surprise, little one. Are you a future prankster in the making perhaps, or do you simply like to surprise people? naturally she didn’t get any sort of response, but the energetic feeling continued to thrum on under her hands.

Only one egg left. Gabriel was sad that the Touching was nearly over now, but at least that meant even more exciting events in the near future. Laying hands on the Thunderstorm Egg, the teen was greeted by another pleasant and energetic (although not nearly as energetic as its neighbor) individual. The dragon indeed seemed rather excited, and it almost felt as if it was laughing at something. I hope it’s not me you’re laughing at, she thought with a faint smirk, running a hand over the smooth shell. You seem an adventurous sort. I’m sure you will be lots of fun to be around.

Touching complete, Gabriel gave one last bow to Alumanth and her rider before returning to the archway to wait alongside the other finished Candidates. The Touching may have come to an end for them, but that only meant that the Hatching would be coming up soon in its place. In the near future, there could be up to twenty new riders in Trine Weyr. A very exciting prospect indeed.

Both the Shrinking Violet egg and the Battered Wing egg drew smiles out of the normally sullen teen. Both, back to back, seemed to be gentle dragons inside. Though one was shy and the other seemed more... Reserved, both had Jalarant trying to send his feelings of reassurance to them. It wouldn't be long before you'd be out of your shells and on the sands like he was! Be careful, it was hot. Though, you'd probably enjoy that, wouldn't you? Oh, who would you be outside of the shell? He hoped he'd be able to meet you both!

Not much time was spent with the Mellow Daisy egg. He couldn't help but worry about something so quiet. Even the rest of the eggs, even the reserved ones, had seemed to throw about more personality than this one. Were you well, little one? Jalarant hoped so; perhaps this dragon would just be as quiet as he was.

His hand snapped back nearly as soon as it touched the Withering Leaf egg. It felt like the hatchling inside was judging him, and Jalarant got the feeling that it wasn't too pleased about what it found. He left the egg feeling somewhat inadequate.

The next egg wasn't much more friendly, it seemed. The Watching Eyes egg seemed to like being apart. Jalrant gently caressed it, his head tipping. It was all right to be apart from others, little one, as long as you didn't totally isolate yourself. Living in a weyr meant you had to be part of the group. ...It was something he, himself, needed to learn more of. Such a hypocrite he was.

The Tree Bark egg made Jalarant's eyebrows raise up his head, and a smile perk on his lips. Such a sudden feeling he got from the hatchling! You, He decided, seem to be the type to get into everything. I hope the outside world is as interesting as you dream of, little one. May you have great adventure.

After the excited last egg, the Gentle Breeze egg's straightforward nature seemed even more so. Jalarant stroked the egg's surface, a ghost of a smile on his face. So, being young wasn't your cup of tea? You'd grow up so shortly, little one, and then the world was yours. Anywhere you'd want to go, you could go and see. You'd be able to have all the adventure you wanted.

The Distorted Reflection egg made Jalarant's eyebrows raise, though not in a surprised or happy way. You didn't seem too thrilled that he was touching you, little one. You preferred the fairer sex? Well, hopefully the one you chose would make you happy, and be able to handle you!

The last egg of the Gold's cluch, the Animal tracks egg, seemed to send him mixed feelings. So, he wasn't quite up to all of your standards, little one? Did you want someone young, so that you could 'train' them? Whatever it was, you would be aspiring to greatness, and hopefully your rider could catch up!

At the end of the Gold's eggs, Jalarant turned and, again, bowed to the great Gold Queen. Thank you for letting me approach your eggs, He said, well aware of how inadequate his thanks were. Ah, well. Etiquette insisted!

With that, he moved to the Crimson's clutch, bowing to her next. Greetings. Thank you for allowing me to approach your first clutch, Alumanth. With an improved mood, caused by no major screwups from the last clutch, he headed to the first egg.

However, this clutch got to a rocky start. The Windswept egg nearly made him stumble when he touched it. Oh, he wasn't your cup of Klah, was he, little one. Jalarant risked a second touch, but pulled his hand back just as quickly. Oh, my. Hopefully you'd find the one you did like!

His nerves from the first egg were quelled by touching the second egg. The Starshine egg made him feel such care that the anger from the first egg washed away. He smiled and caressed the egg's shell, basking in the gentle affection. Oh, little one, yours would be a lucky rider. All of your wing would be lucky riders if you cared so much for them. May your chosen one be as good to you as you would be to them!

The Moon Rising egg was a strange little dragon! At the first touch, the dragon inside seemed a bit angry. The second, happy. The third was more wary. Did your mood change as quickly as the weather could, little one? Whatever the case may be, you'd make life with your chosen one undoubtedly interesting!

The curiosity from the Tree Bark egg was revisited in the Foggy Grey egg. I met one like you earlier. Curious about everything. Perhaps when you hatch, you should hunt that one out? It's much more fun to learn about things when you've got a parner or three. Jalarant grinned and stroked the egg's shell. He woudl enjoy watching you grow, and seeing what trouble you got into!

The feelings he got from the Thunderstorm egg weren't his usual reactions to a thunderstorm. No anger, no thunder, just relaxation and gentle feelings. Did you like what you found in the ones coming to see you today, little one? You seemed to have such joy about you.

The last egg of the clutch had just as strong of a personality as the first. The Raindrop egg didn't seem the type to let life pass it by! You seem to have a strong heart. Soon you'll be able to show the world that good things come in small packages!

Jalarant backed up a few steps, bowing again to Alumanth. Thank you, he said, feeling a bit worn out. As he had no further business on the sands, he went out as he was told. There would likely be more things to do today, though they would all be completed in a bit of a daze. He always felt like this after a touching. So much unfamiliar emotion welling up inside of him!

Saykiro bowed to the Gold and Weyrwoman as he left. As he followed the other Candidates to the Crimson clutch he thought of the eggs. Each one with their wonderful and strange personalities already.

He walked onto the Crimsons clutch sands and bowed to her. As expected she seemed on edge with everyone around her first clutch. He couldn't blame her, with all the fuss Benden was giving them and this being her first.

He looked at the eggs, smaller then the Gold's, but still wonderful to look at. He stepped up to Windswept feeling uneasy to touch it. Saykiro took a deep breath and placed his hand on the angry little egg. "Aww, you are feeling Alumanth's agitation a bit. It will be ok, especially when you find Yours, little one." He gave it a gentle pat and decided he was going to stand a little farther away from this one when they hatched.

He moved on to Starshine and was surprised at the energy coming from it. He expected the two to have somewhat similar feelings, but not this one. This one had a feeling of loyalty. As he gave the little egg a rub, he smiled and sent You will be a handful at times to Yours, wont you? That one will be lucky with you.

He stepped up to Moon Rising as if pulled towards it. There was something special about this little one. Saykiro touched the egg and whispered, "No need to try and please everyone." He gave it a light rub and moved on to Foggy Grey. Right at the first touch, Saykiro was confused. He looked at the last egg he touched and shook his head. He touched Foggy Grey again and got the same thing. You will know soon enough young one.

Thunderstorm was next to be touched and Saykiro lingered with the egg longer then the others. He didn't want the touching to end. His hands touched the egg and he smiled. Such an excitable little dragon that Saykiro couldn't help but laugh. This one was a going to be a handful. He gave the egg a rub and pat before moving on. Last but not least is Raindrop. He touched it, getting a feeling of quietness at first and then a 'lets go' feel. "Yours is going to have fun figuring out what you are going to do next." Out of these six eggs, this one seems likely to be one of the first to hatch, but maybe it will be Windswept.

Sad that it was the end of the touching, Saykiro bowed to the Crimson as he left. As he stepped out off the Sands, he remembered that next time he is there, it will be for the Hatching. His eyes grew wide as he thought of all the eggs and their personalities he felt. He would congratulate his fellows, those that Impress and help them when they need it.

The bared fangs egg came next—and Akaya found its stubbornness endearing, perhaps reminding her of a few caprines in her parents' herds back in her home Hold. Then she giggled—comparing a dragon to a caprine, such a silly idea. I'm very sorry for the comparison, if it's caused offense, she thought apologetically. I am sure you will find your 'mine', be it person or something else!

She realized she'd almost passed over an egg on her circuit, and retraced back a few steps to touch the grassy plains egg. It seemed surprised to see her, and she chuckled. Surely you've felt the Candidates before me—by now you ought to realize there are quite a few of us! Past the surprise, she felt a strength from the little egg, and smiled. You will be a credit to your wing and rider, I think. You seem like the sort that can be relied upon.

The loud echo egg was next on the circuit, and Akaya's eyes widened considerably as she heard singing from the egg—or at least the feeling of it...and how a Harper knew the feeling of singing! An egg after my own heart, I think...I hope you still feel like singing when you hatch! After all, she still had notions of a draconic chor, and this egg seemed as if its occupant might be a willing participant for such an endeavor...its rider willing, of course. She glanced about before humming a bar of the Duty Song as she stroked the egg goodbye—but she had to keep moving.

Akaya reached for the shirking violet egg next, centermost in the grouping of eggs she was now near. It was a pleasant, uncomplicated sort, though Akaya lingered long enough to feel hesitation. It'll be all right. She wasn't sure as to why it felt so hesitant—was it wanting out, or shying away from the commotion?

A stretch brought her hand within reach of the battered wing egg, who seemed like a meditative sort, and perhaps a calm bastion for whomever they chose? Your rider will be lucky to have you, she thought fondly, patting it gently before moving onto the last of the this tight circle.

The mellow daisy egg was a puzzler, and Akaya found herself cocking her head to the side as she tried to figure it out. Neutral wasn't a bad feeling—perhaps it would find itself a mediating type? Or it could just be shy and guarded. I wish you luck in making up your mind, whatever the result may be.

Akaya had to stifle a chuckle as she felt grumpiness from the withering leaf egg. Your situation's enough to make any creature cross, she assured it, though she rather thought it seemed the sort to complain no matter what the circumstance. It did take all kinds...

The watching eyes egg reminded her of her younger brother, before she'd left for the Hall—so intent on giving the impression it didn't want company! Which, she'd reasoned both then and now, was mostly an act. Both humans and dragons were social creatures of a kind, and if nothing else, the young dragon inside the egg would need their rider. Even if Yours is the only one you need, you'll need them—and they'll need you!

There was just one more tight cluster of eggs left in this clutch, four in number. Akaya touched the tree bark egg next, and was immediately charmed. It's curiosity that's brought me here, too—I hope Yours will encourage your pursuit of knowledge! After all, Pern was a big place, and there was so much to see!

On she went to the gentle breeze egg, and she smiled in sympathy at the impatient edge to the feeling. Adventure is a marvelous thing, but you've got a bit longer to go before you're ready, I'm afraid. On the bright side, being born a dragon practically ensured adventure—well, after the weyrling training and one could fly and go between of course. It was awfully annoying to hear “when you're older” as an excuse, but it was usually also the truth.

It was a strange feeling to be welcomed for one's gender, Akaya thought, as she touched the distorted reflection egg. She was rather put in mind of...well, most Harper journeymen she'd ever known, if they fancied the ladies. But there was an edge behind the welcome of being tugged towards something or another, and she raised a brow. Now it's a bit early to be pushing us silly humans around, isn't it?

Ah, the last of Brakiath's clutch—the animal tracks egg. Determined and seemingly a little disappointed she wasn't a man was the impression she got, and she shook her head lightly. You'll be one who's going places then, I think—I hope you find someone of equal spirit.

It was onto crimson Alumanth's clutch then, Akaya mused, as she walked through the archway that separated each hatching ground from one another. Alumanth was not happy to have them here, and Akaya was ever more considerate of etiquette as she bowed to crimson and rider and offered gratitude silently in hopes it might serve to somewhat placate the mother of the clutch she was now to set about touching.

She placed a hand on the windswept egg—and nearly drew it away immediately, filled with a sense of anger. But as she willed her hand to stay, she tried to sort through the feeling...and came up empty handed. If you spend your time wound up so, it will be difficult for you I fear, was all she could think to tell it. Whomever the dragon chose, it would no doubt have an interesting time of it. Perhaps it would stop being so angry when it could find its rider...

Akaya admired the pattern of the starshine egg before touching it—so interesting, how it seemed to resemble the night sky! The dragon inside seemed as lovely as its shell, with love fair radiating at the touch of it. Akaya had to wonder if it was no coincidence this egg and the previous had been arranged together so. You're a sweet one! Try and work some of that sweetness towards your sibling over there, would you?

The moon rising egg was next, and Akaya found herself puzzled once again, as she couldn't keep what she was feeling from the egg straight at all. Flickers of various feelings fluttered through her mind, and as she tried to pin it down, the more it wriggled away. You're a tricky one, all right—testing us just like we're sort of testing you, I suppose.

She was encouraged at the occurrence of a second curious egg as she touched the foggy grey egg, but it was a different sort of curious than the other'd been. The other had been friendly, and this one was not unfriendly, but...more neutral? It won't be too long before you can see for yourself, so hang in there!

Akaya moved to the raindrop egg next, and was filled with a sense of personality—clearly this dragon would know what they wanted, and hopefully 'whom' as well. She only hoped the 'whom' could handle what promised to be a very forceful personality.

The thunderstorm egg was the very last, and it wasn't a bad note to leave on, Akaya thought, as she touched it. It seemed a pleasant sort, and it was an almost...anticipatory sort. And the laughter! You'll be a friendly one, I'd wager, with a good sense of humor. The question seemed to be would it chose one of a similar mind, or pick a more stoic personality to balance the partnership?

She bowed once again to the crimson as the others seemed to be doing, and did so for Brakiath as well. She'd stood on the Sands for the Touching—now, if she could just find the proper words to make the experience into a song... Those were the thoughts that occupied her on her way out.

At last! Nasuymi moved in with a few others to Alumanth's clutch. The crimson was obviously irritated at all the attention and nosing about her sands. This one, Nasuymi did give a slight bow to but kept her thoughts wisely to herself. Approaching the clutch, she noticed the eggs were slightly smaller but impressive all the same. Nasuymi was personally happy she would never have to lay eggs and knowing herself, she would never have a child as well. Time to get started, she moved away from the others and towards the Thunderstorm Egg.

The feeling Nasuymi got from this egg was one who laughed often and laughed loud. Like there was not a care in the world for this one. A smile crossed her face as she rubbed the top of the shell. Whoever had this one better not be the grumpy sort! No need to say words, so she moved on to the Windswept Egg. She hissed as a wave of anger overcame her. "Shards, lil one. You gotta be touched. Tha's the way o'thin's. No worries though. It'll be over soon." Nasuymi barely touched the egg and moved aside for the next fool. Personally, she wondered how the next person would react to the little egg's personality. The Starshine Egg was next.

For as dark as this egg was, it's feelings were bright and shining. Nasuymi could almost see this little one sitting and admiring life around her. Perversely, she wished she could have this view of Pern but life had dealt her a different hand. Still, she admired this little one for being so positive. "Good for you. Don' let no one bring you down!" Turning around, she faced the Foggy Grey Egg. Curiouser and curiouser! She had the feeling of being probed and prodded for inspection. Stepping back, Nasuymi rubbed her arms. Goodness that was strange! Hesitant to touch the egg again, she merely peered over top of it. "Whatcha lookin' for? Tryin' to figure ou' the world 'fore yer hatched might not do you good." Behind her was the Moon Rising Egg. She was nearly done touching the eggs and about ready to be done with it all. But she had promised Neesha that she would try to touch as many as possible and tell the little girl about it. Sighing, she went ahead and laid her right hand on the egg. Immediately, Nasuymi got a sense of someone who tried to please everyone. Frowning, she didn't like this. One should never try to please everyone... You had to live for yourself. "Don' worry bout wha' I want lil one. Just worry bout yerself and finding yers when the time comes." A yawn escaped her and she quickly slapped her hand over her mouth. It was getting along in the day and she was tired. Not to mention hot. And sweaty. She would have to go to the bathing pools before going back. Hopefully no one would be there. Lastly, the Raindrop Egg. It reminded her of the youngest in the creche. Up to mischief and trying to get into a bit of everything. What a handful this one would be to whomever impressed it. This one seemed to bounce from one emotion to the next. "Hope you calm down a lil by the time you hatch. Oth'wise you will've ever'one in a tizzy."

Turning away, Nasuymi gave a final bow to rider and dragon. Leaving the sands, her first stop would be to rinse sweat and sand off her body and then back to her wards.