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 Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 3:43 pm
"Mmm...I'd think of something...but....I don't want to think of something else. This is one of my dreams that I hope comes true. It would be nice change in my life." He could smell the soapsands pot the moment Con moved it closer and his eyelids opened slowly so his hand to slip in to the pot and pull out some to scrub with.
He rubbed himself up and down and finally pulled out the braids to make sure that his mass of locks got every last ounce of meat goo out of them. "Should have had your flit clean me up too." he chuckled as he watched the blood and gory sucked away as the water constantly filtered in and out.
"I hear there are a lot of candidates so I will guess we just have to hope that some little guy or girl needs someone like us when the crack open and they crawl free." he said while washing his hair and dunking under to rinse. "I suppose that each candidate has something to offer. Just not to sure how the dragon senses it. Guess I still need a lot of lessons in other areas yet."
"I wonder how long until the eggs start cracking." he said as he stared up at the ceilling with his stormy-blue eyes; the water rolling along his supple neck into the water as he leaned back against the edge of the tub.
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Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 3:53 pm
Conomor scooped up a good amount of the soapsand and scrubbed it into his coarse hair vigorously. "Agreed," he said, "all I've ever wanted is to be a rider. The right dragons will come for us in the end; it's not like clutches are few and far between right now. We'll find our matches in the end." With this assertion he ducked under the water to scrub the suds out of his hair.
Surfacing once more, he dashed water from his face and hopped up onto the side of the pool to give his body a good scrubbing as well. "It won't be very long now," he said with a nod. "Touching... maybe a sevenday, and call it a sevenday more after than and we should be hearing some dragons humming to us." To be on the sands when that marvelous noise sounded, even to be there and to walk away without a dragon. He wanted it so much he ached. watch the shells crack, see the awkward little dragons taking their first stumbling steps... he would be there. This time. He would make it.
"I can't wait for the Touching," Conomor went on as he slid back into the water to wash off. "To get the first impression of what the hatchlings inside the eggs might be like... I've heard it's an incredible experience."
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Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 4:05 pm
Ren watched as Raith flew away as well to join a larger darker dragon perched on the edge of thw weyr bowl, blinking in the sun he turned his head away before he was blinded and a few strands of dark hair fell in front of his face. Nervously he brushed them away running his fingers back through the stands a little dry and brittle from constant battering of salt air and water. Pleasantly surprised by the riders words, well that was good he hasn’t been here two minutes and he was already getting people greeting him he hadn’t even seen. So strange, the ease of long distance communication that was available with a dragon. “Umm, thank him for me.” Ren asked “It’s nice to feel welcome.” And it was. He noticed now that there were plenty of other people walking across the wery bowl carrying or going about business in a brisk manner.
Most drudges, ordinary weryfolk but he was able to pick out a few riders with their uniforms and shoulder knots, he quickly moved back to pick up his pack from L’thor and swing it onto his slim shoulders so it was out of the way, it wasn’t heavy after all and the straps only left light imprints into his skin. Most people seemed to ignore him but a passing brown rider cast a smile his way, and another bronze gave him a look he had seen farmers give livestock at market, he half expected the man to walk over and look in his mouth and ran a hand along his legs for any sign of lameness. He cast back his own gentle harmless smile hiding his thoughts about it and the man huffed and walked on. He didn’t think he had been very impressed with what he saw.
Oh yes eggs. He shook his head and suppressed the desire to flee and let his eyes instead fix on the entrance to the hatching sands, through the gaping mouth he could just see the towing shape of another dragon, the queen. He swallowed sharply because she made Raith look like a hatchling. “ugh, do we just walk in?” he asked L’thor feeling even more out of his comfort zone than ever.
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Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 4:16 pm
"I have Xerrineth, and Xerrineth has told His," Raith said before L'thor could ask her. "Xerrineth's also says that he has torn a seam on a shirt and he would like you to repair it later?"
L'thor rolled his eyes, but sent a feeling of assent. Why V'kain couldn't just learn to stitch a little himself he had no idea. Oh well. As they passed the bronze rider, L'thor took a subtle step closer to Nehren and thew the tall man a filthy look. "Egos as big as their dragons' backsides," he muttered half to himself, half to anyone else who cared to here. Anyone who knew anything at all of L'thor knew he didn't look kindly upon the riders of the biggest male dragons.
He came to a halt as they approached the hatching sands and shook his head to Nehren's question. "No, you won't go out there until the Touching. Come around the corner here," he went on, setting off down a passageway, "just along here there's a crack you can peer through. Take a look," he concluded as he came to a halt beside it. Last time he'd stood here, he'd been with Veyes and he'd been very sore. It hadn't been long ago at all, and he was amazed at how much better he felt. As yet he wasn't quite as supple, fit or strong as he had been before but he was within a flitt-length. By the time those eggs out there hatched he ought to be on top form again. He certainly hoped so; checking himself back from doing acrobatic things was really very tiresome.
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Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 6:21 pm
Ren stifled the amused smile that tried to come to his lips on L’thors comment. He had seen a few bronzes sunning themselves as they had flown in to the weyr so he could safely say their egos must stretch a green dragon length in either direction. He picked up his feet then noticing the elder rider was moving forward and followed him closely, still lagging slightly as he took his time in taking all the sites in. Noting all places of significance on a mental map for later. So engrossed was he in visual study that he almost walked straight into the back of the mature man. Stopping just short of toppling them both over.
His expression fell at first, so he just had to try and see as best he could from the entrance? But no it seemed that L’thor had a better idea and Ren followed him eagerly, The path he noticed was well worn of late, this was obviously not an unknown spot he thought with a smile. Seems everyone wanted to peek at the eggs before time. And he wriggled his way in front of L’thor and looked through he knew why.
The clutch this time was small it seemed and the Queen lay beside them with a quite stillness which portrayed how alter the mighty creature was to any sign of threat. Yet why would any one seek to hurt them? They were beautiful. He tried to count them, six? Seven? It was hard because of sand and the great golden tail that curled round to obscure his view. But they were splashed with colours and patterns he had never imagined, he just thought that they would be uniform like Werry eggs but each was as different as the dragons they would produce. He though he even saw one move, shudder just a fraction and the queen gently extended a claw to move it back in with its brothers and sisters. No queens in this clutch, maybe not even a bronze but Ren didn’t care. He desperately wanted one of them to be his.
Usually he would have considered others in his desires, after all with the number of candidates he had seen around and the few eggs there was bound to be considerably disappointment when it came to the hatching but for once he didn’t care, if another was disappointed as he was picked he wouldn’t loose any sleep over it. He still had his eye glued to the gap as he sighed longingly. “They are all amazing, might brighter colours than I though and so…alive.”
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Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 4:22 am
L'thor smiled faintly and nodded. "They are, aren't they? Amazing things; they never cease to surprise me." Nehren would do well by a dragon. Well, anyone would of course, you had to but... well, Nehren would do better than most others, he was sure. Probably just because he'd been the one to bring him in, but the feeling was there nonetheless. He knew the boy, a very little, and he liked him; of course he felt he'd do well, and wanted him to get the chance to prove how well he'd care for a dragon as soon as possible. Along with Veyes of course. He'd be delighted if both of them managed to Impress in this clutch.
From his shoulder, River crooned softly before hopping into the air and flitting over to cling onto the wall and peer into the hatching sands. Clearly he was as enamored of the eggs as everyone else was.
"The Touching ought to be very soon now," L'thor went on, "perhaps a sevenday? I must confess I've been a little out of touch with their progress though so I could be wrong." That first experience of the eggs, those first moments on the hot sands, under the watchful eyes of the queen. To touch the shells, to feel their warmth, and feel something of the dragons within. He remembered Raith's egg. A calm soft grey, freckled heavily with deep blue, and the feeling of her had been calm too, but with an undeniable feeling of wicked humor as well. He'd had the presence of mind to grab a few shards of her shell as they'd left the sands together, and they were still carefully hidden away in a tiny wooden box in his weyr. It felt like an eternity ago.
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Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 7:55 am
"True...as full as this Weyr seems to be, I'd guess there has been quite a few eggs. Mmm...L'thor had mentioned that they might be scouting out a new Weyr for the future. I wonder what happens to us if that occurs." He seemed thoughtful as he tried to consider the options. At this low level, he probably didn't have much choice - they might move him anywhere.
"So what happens at the Touching? I hear at the Hatching you have to avoid being mauled by baby dragons looking for their candidates but L'thor didn't mention much about what happens at the Touching. You get a first impression of the hatchlings? What do you do...sound like you just touch the egg but...is that all?"
Veyes looked at his fingertips noticing their prunish texture so he pulled himself out of the tub and toweled off feeling a lot cleaner than he did awhile ago. "I bet the touching is better than looking through the crack in the wall." He smirked as tugged on clean clothes and rebraided his very long hair.
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Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 8:10 am
Conomor too hopped out of the water and dried himself off before sniffing cautiously at his shirt. Eh, not as clean as him, but passable for the rest of the day. He pulled it on and then hopped into his britches. "Yes, pretty much you just touch them," he said as he pulled his boots back on. "You get... feelings from them, a sort of idea of the personality of the hatchlings inside. So I'm told anyway," he concluded with a shrug and a rueful smile. "As for finding a new Weyr..." he scowled disapprovingly. "Excuse the language, but it's about sharding time. We've been overcrowded for turns, but only now they're starting to maybe possibly consider action, with the Thread due to come within the turn? Still," he sighed, "I'm sure it'll all get sorted out in the end. They're not complete deadglows at the top of the chain of command, or at the very least have people advising them who aren't." Yes. It would get sorted in time.
Humm, ready to go now? Conomor checked around quickly that he still had everything he'd come in with. Looked like it. He'd have to leave his hair loose for now, but no matter. After giving the coarse black stuff a quick scrub with his towel, he called Gilden over to his shoulder and tossed the towel into the wash basket. "Ready to go see them then?" he asked of the other Candidate with a grin.
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Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 8:38 am
"Ah...so that's what to expect." It was a thrilling to think that the little dragon might be able to feel something about him...and he it while in the egg. He had to wonder if that was how they figured out which candidate was right or wrong. Part of him also was curious about how such a little dragon could figure out so easily who to choose.
However, when he heard Con's harsher words he knew that emotion came from the years of growing up here. There wasn't as much privacy in this place with all the people packed in the Weyr. At times, for him it could be uncomfortable. He certainly wasn't use to the big crowds. And sometimes he didn't know what to say in larger groups. "It's ok. I don't find it easy living with all these people around. The farm was quieter. But...the opportunity...its worth being here."
He smiled rather content then let his eyes wander over Con for a moment as he bent over to grab up his pants. What a nice...butt... His cheeks hinted a blush as he finished clipping up the braid. Ok so maybe that was one of the first times beyond thinking L'thor was attractive that he actually had a slight bit of a tingle as he enjoyed the...well-formed view. Uncertain of what to do with his thoughts, he turned quickly and tried to not let the wave of interest over take his imagination. That could be really bad. "Oh..Yes. I am ready to go now ." he said quickly and eagerly went to the door. What had gotten into him!
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Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 8:48 am
Conomor blinked and then shrugged internally at Veyes' abrupt departure and set off after him. "Yes, it's certainly worth it," he agreed as he caught up, "I just... I feel that something should already have been done, so that we wouldn't have to say that." If a new Weyr was started, would he rather stay here or go there? This place had been his home all his life, and that was a reason to stay but it was a reason to go too. New place, new opportunities... Well, perhaps he wouldn't be given a choice in any case. He hoped he was though, and filed away the matter for later pondering. Ista, or somewhere new? Humm.
As they rounded the corner that led to the passageway with the convenient crack, it became apparent that they weren't the only ones coming to see the eggs; two people were already there. Ah, and one of them was L'thor; he looked a lot better than he had the last time Conomor had seen him. He didn't recognize the boy with him... new Candidate? Probably; he had a pack by his feet and everything. Even more competition. Ah well, no help for it he supposed.
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Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 9:24 am
Veyes was so glad to be walking; letting the movement guide his mind away from the sensations that crawled through his mind. "Ah...I agree with you. Why wait so long to take care of a problem that isn't just going to go away?"
This small feeling plagued him for a short time. What had set him off? Fortunately, it seemed like Con hadn't notice and for that he was relieved. What a silly thought? Nice Butt? Well...it was...nice. He pushed the thought aside or else he'd not be able to look the other straight in the face.
But then they rounded the corner and low and behold he saw L'thor. Now that was a worthy distraction from his other thoughts. "Hey, L'thor! How are you?" said Veyes with a bright smile upon is face. However, it was then he noticed the smaller boy peering into the crack. His brow furrowed for just a moment - another candidate. It was easy to tell; wide eyed and a pack at his feet just as eager as he was the first time he looked through the crack.
And now that there were more than one person; he started feeling a little awkward and became a bit quieter. So that's where L'thor had gone; well...what could he do... That seemed to be L'thor's job.
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Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 9:18 am
Ren kept watching, even settling himself in a relaxed posture against the rock where he could still easily look thought onto the hot sands. He didn’t know what was so fascinating about them, they drew his eyes like magnets even as the young queen lay down around them to protect them with the bulk of shimmering golden hide covering rippling muscles.
Ren turned at the mention of the hatching practically quivering with suppressed excitement although he hid it well. Controlled as always. Despite L’thor uncertainty on an exact date it didn’t matter, he knew it would be soon. He wondered if he would be able to tell if he would bond to a dragon just by touching the smooth shell, he was surprised the queen would even allow it knowing how protective mothers could be of their young. And well he would rather not incur the ire of the gold least it damage his chances with her young. Not to mention having a pissed of dragon of any size targeting you was bad enough but a gold…well he really didn’t want to suffer that. But overall the anticipation of being able to run hands over the egg out weighed the negatives that plagued his mind. And the idea of the slight thrill it might bring actually was an encouragement to him. After all he had been afraid of Raith and more afraid to Fly her but that experience would stick in his memories as a source of freedom and joy. “I look forward to…” he trailed off as he heard foot steps.
And then round the corner, two boys appeared, only a few turns older than himself he would guess at a look and candidates both. He straightened and stepped back from the crack next to L’thor. And from the looks of it he would guess the greenrider was familiar with both of them. He let that smile settle of his lips. Harmless and Simple. While putting L’thor skilfully between himself and the other boys. “Hello. Sorry did you want to look? I should leave it to you.”he muttered and picked up his bag slinging it back over his shoulder with practiced ease. He had noted that both of the boys gave him slightly displeased looks coming across him and both were much boarder in shoulder and chest than him although he almost matched them in height. He did not wish for awkward meetings now.
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Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 9:47 am
L'thor started at the unexpected voice and spun around. "Veyes!" Oohhh... Shards. He should have made time to see the young man. It wasn't like he'd been avoiding him at all, he'd just been busy... He hoped he'd understand. "I'm well thank you, and yourself... Err... Look..." he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. It didn't help that there were two other lads present. "I'm sorry I haven't come to see you since we got back. I kept meaning to but... somehow I just seemed to be very busy."
Trying to get fit again, catching up with various chores and errands, increased sweeps... Still, he should have fitted it in somehow. River, sensing his human's embarrassment and guilt, hopped off the wall and flitted onto his shoulder with a consoling chirr, even ignoring the presence of Conomor's gold to pay attention to L'thor.
"Anyway!" he stroked the flitt gratefully and smiled from one new Candidate to the other, remembering to include Conomor as well after a moment; looked as though he'd befriended Veyes which was a relief. "Nehren, this is Veyes, another Candidate I brought in a little while ago. That there's Conomor; he's always lived here so he knows his way around the place nicely. You two," he smiled at the approaching boys, "this is Nehren, we've just arrived this moment." He did hope his two Candidates got on together! Both shy and awkward... he could see it being a little difficult to get them together as it were.
*****
Conomor nodded to the other boy's name. "Hello there Nehren, welcome to the Weyr." He looked... maybe a couple of turns younger than himself or Veyes, whom he had placed at between fifteen and seventeen. Still, it wasn't like the age gap precluded friendship; Conomor had very little in common with most people his age, and as such saw no reason not to hunt for companions among those both older and younger than he himself was. Sadly enough however, it seemed that both Veyes and Nehren were shy types. Perhaps easy conversation wouldn't come for them in groups larger than two.
He had to confess a little surprise at the rider's apology, too. He hadn't imaged him as the sort to say sorry for or regret anything at all. Certainly the man seemed to have plenty of good friends, which probably meant he probably wasn't a total tailfork but... Conomor shrugged internally. He just came off as one of those people who was so self-obsessed they couldn't see past the end of their own nose. Perhaps that had been a hasty assessment; he seemed genuinely sorry for not spending time with Veyes, something Search riders seldom bothered to do with their Candidates in any case. Still, he supposed Veyes was a special case what with... well, whatever it was that had happened. He usually didn't care for gossip in the least, but seeing the rider's behavior, knowing he'd been hurt somehow and having seen Veyes' scars he couldn't help his curiosity.
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Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 10:17 am
Veyes face started to brighten a bit more with the hearty response and the sudden turn. It was obvious L'thor hadn't just forgotten about him and that made him feel just a little better after the doubts that had started to have.
A small relieved sigh escaped him even if he couldn't explain the emotions attached to it. He wanted L'thor's attention but why so much? Maybe it was because the man had removed the worst threat in his life and offered him a chance at his dreams...or was it something more? He couldn't quite describe the tangle that had formed in his head.
"Umm...that's ok...maybe we can get together later?" he said to L'thor eagely then remembered that they weren't alone. And suddenly he was a bit awkward again, glancing from side to side trying to avoid looking too closely at the newest candidate.
However, when introductions were made he had to make eye contact. His mother taught him to have good manners so he couldn't just leave the words without some response. "Umm...nice to meet you Nehren. I hope your....umm....travel here was a good one. " It took him a moment to come up with things to say. And when the boy asked about the eggs that at least was an easier question to answer, "Yeah...we just got done with chores so we were going to catch a small peek. I...I wondering if they moved?"
He fingered through his hair and took a quick peek in the crack so he could avoid too long looking at Nehren. It seemed like he was trying to hide behind L'thor and if Veyes had been able to correlate the similarities between the two of them he might have laughed.
But suddenly his mind was completely distracted for a brief moment by the sight of the eggs in the crack. "Con! I think they have moved a little!" The bubbly excited emotion to hard to contain even with his discomfort in groups. The daily changes even in this short of time seemed to overwhelm him at times with many dreams for the future.
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