Reality of the Moment (new weyrlings)

[anhydrous]

It didn’t take long for I’dalyn to tire of watching the hatching commence. The heat radiating from the sands was nearly unbearable; the din of the crowd suffocating in its boisterous audacity. Daisulyth seemed preoccupied, so the brownrider carefully slipped away into the darkness of the hallway leading off from the sands.

He was left with his thoughts on the short walk to the feeding cavern, dull echoes from the crowd muffled and rumbling within the stone of the walls. He hadn’t really considered how difficult this was going to be. He knew the information, but the application of it was completely foreign to him. I’dalyn didn’t want to treat his weyrlings with the disrespect that his father had, but he was worried that no other method would be successful. With so many watchful eyes scrutinizing his every move, the pressure was beginning to become threatening.

He laughed; the sound harsh against the dampened quiet of the corridor. He hadn’t even addressed the weyrlings yet and already he was worried that he would crack under the stressful demands of his new position.

The feeding chamber had been carefully prepared, a long table along one wall serving to hold the hatchlings’ first meals. Metal pails full of freshly butchered meat patiently waited, lined up according to the size of the hatchling that they were meant for. A few vacant spots showed that a couple of weyrlings had already taken to the task of feeding their new dragons, each overseen by a rider who was carefully instructing.

I’dalyn pulled one of said riders aside, requesting that they take his place on the edge of the sands. The complacent man wandered off, and I’dalyn watched as a lad carefully fed his blue. “Each bite should be less than your fist,” he reminded as he balled up a hand and held it aloft. “It might seem like he can have more at a time, but you don’t want him to choke.” He must’ve said that at least twenty times today, but by glancing around the room it would seem the words had never left his mouth. “No bigger than your fist, lads! Small bites!” His words were loud enough to be heard by all the weyrlings that had gathered thus far, but the tone was far from reprimanding. It was just another of countless gentle reminders. He doubted that he would be this calm throughout their weyrlinghood, but he could hold his tranquility for at least the first night.

While he still had a bit of attention on him, I’dalyn gestured to an alcove that was nestled into the corner of the room. The niche was carved out at about waist-height, a shallow pool of warm water enclosed by a lip of stone. The water was heated by the same source that kept the sands at their ungodly temperature, bubbling up from the depths of the Weyr but never spilling over the side of the stone counter. “After you’ve fed them, they’ll need to be cleaned. The grit from the sands can irritate their hides.” Next to the alcove was a colossal basket of clean cloths, as well as a stack of shallow basins in which to dip them. “Be gentle with the washing. Don’t scrub hard.” He anticipated to repeat these instructions countless times, seeing as how the hatching still had its course to run.

Eyeing the drowsy yawn of an exhausted hatchling, I’dalyn sighed inwardly. They’d have to remain awake until all the weyrlings could gather. This was his first chance to lay out expectations and basic rules, and he fully intended to do so.

[Invisible]

Feeding Volsteath was an interesting experience. The hungry hatchling snapped up meat as fast as his clutchsibs, but with less attention to the sustenance. Food was good, but it was there and he had a lot to share with his rider who was telling him the most interesting things. So, he is not the same?[/i][/color] the brown asked as he chewed another bite of meat. He’s not and if that bronze of his tries to act better than you don’t you take it. K’mar’s annoyance at some of the other impressions had not gone away entirely and Volsteath seemed interested so he told him what he wanted to know.


Are you still hungry? He asked as he reached for another bowl of meat having reached bottom on his current one. Yes, I would like more.[/i][/color] K’mar eyed the brown’s belly and shook his head. Only a little more or you will be sick. Only a little more then.[/i][/color] And more softly he added a qualifier. For now.[/i][/color] He really was perfect K’mar thought as he looked at the latest pairing to come off the sands. None of the others compared in the least to the beauty and brilliance of his own Volsteath. Which brought him back to paying attention just in time to lightly kick away a bowl of meat someone else had left on the floor that the brown had tried to bury his head in. Cut it out already. You’ve had plenty. He smiled at the brown whose eyes had lost any trace of hunger and whose mind was now sleepier in its touch.


Come on, up we go. Let’s get you cleaned up. K’mar had to nudge Volsteath up and over to the water. Once there the brown settled down to take up as much space as he thought he needed. Nevermind it might leave the other dragonets with no space to be cleaned. If they want some room they just have to ask me. I am sure we can reach an arrangement[/i][/color] he offered to his rider around a mental yawn.

[neopanther]

It was proving a chore to feed his new life partner, Xyruth could barely keep his concentration to eat anything large than two chews before swallowing it, and promptly coughing and hacking it back up. Ez’ki found it was a much swifter process by grabbing one of the short handled knives from the side, and cutting the meat into pieces about half the size of his fist. That way little Xyruth was quite able to swallow them virtually whole.

Mine.
“Yes?”Ez’ki replied, keeping his concentration was a problem when the small dragon’s mind touched his, antsy, anxious emotions swelling and crashing into his mind like a tidal wave every time. It was all he could do from keep the knife from slicing open his palm.

Why is he different to me... The little blue looked at the larger brown hatchling from the same clutch, We have the same parent do we not?[/i]
“You do, you are both just hatched from the same clutch.” Ez’ki clarified for the hatchling, who was all too curious.

Then why is he larger than me, and darker
He tried to push his mental boundaries onto the dragon, and try the mind speaking thing that most rider could do, he failed initially, but on the second try he got it.
Because he’s a brown, you are a blue, your size and colour denotes your rank, you are born different the same as we are born different, For example, you see his bonded? K’mar? Ez’ki shifted his gaze to the new pledged brown rider. Xyruth looked up at his bonded, eyes intrepid, glancing in K’mar’s direction He has blond hair, green eyes, where as I, he punctuated this by looking directly at his bonded and away from K’mar but instead, my hair is red, and my eyes are a tawny brown colour. We were born different.
The dragon seemed to take a moment to think over this, snatching another bite of meat from His’ hands, So, I would rank above a green?
“Yes,” Ez’ki said audibly as he continued to cut meat, and proffer it to his bonded, “You rank above a green, below bronze and brown, and obviously below a gold,” He spoke his words softly, “Though it makes you have a very important role.” Ez’ki said, his words soft and unusually caring, You have to guard me. The small blue bounced, resulting in him regurgitating one of the pieces of meat he had swallowed whole.

“Patience Xyruth, chew your food, else you might choke, and we can’t have that.” He smirked, kicking the partially digested bit of food away from the dragon before he scoffed that, along with a mouthful of sand.
So, mine... Ez’ki let his gaze catch Xyruth’s as he chewed thoughtfully on his piece of meat, color=6688ff]Does that mean you rank above Volsteath’s bonded?[/color][/i] The little hatchling’s head quirked to the side, Ez’ki returned the look with a confused and confounded look of his own,

“However did you work that out?”
Well, Brown Volsteath ranks above blue me, and Blue me, I rank above a green!
yes...[/i]Ez’ki was still not quite following the dragonet’s logic, so...
Your eyes are brown, and his bonded’s are green! The sheer enthusiasm from his bonded at his ‘logical’ approach was hilarious, Ez’ki didn’t display it as openly as he felt he should, but he laughed nonetheless,

“No, Xyruth. Not at all, we are judged by whom we are impressed to, and because I am impressed to you, I rank Blue to.” He explained.
Ah! So we are the same?
We are.
Wow.
This is your last bit, you look like you’re about to burst. Ez’ki said, a wave of disappointment washed over his mind from little Xyruth.

“Come on Xyr, it’s not that bad.” He laughed and tossed the last piece of meat towards the blue, who snapped it from the air chewing and swallowing swiftly. “Do you itch?” He asked as he looked down at the blue who craned his neck, licked at a spot under those lurid wings of his.
Now that you mention it[/i]

Ez’ki smirked, he stood from his crouched position, and lead his blue towards where K’mar and his bonded were now in the process of cleaning – or in Volsteath’s case sleeping. As Ez’ki came to a halt, Xyruth started rubbing himself against his legs, scratching at his hide, finding this inefficient, he sat back with a plop. He started to bite and nip at the itchy bits.

Pack that in will you?
but it’s a scratchy bit mine! the blue sounded dissatisfied
I don’t care, you might scar if you do that, and we don’t want that, you’re such a beautiful colouring.
You think so mine?
I certainly do Xyr. Ez’ki smirked, casually avoiding K’mar’s dragon, Ez’ki fetched a shallow pale and a cloth, taking a space out off the way, he beckoned Xyruth over, who bounced over, still bubbling with utter exuberance. This would be a challenge. Xyruth was determined not to let this process go anywhere, he bit at the cloth, only to quickly let go, shaking his head and spattering drops of what about.

Euch! his tongue strertched out and recoiled, brushing over his teeth as he did so, brow furrowing a little,

It’s to clean you with, not for you to eat, not everything that comes out of a bucket is edible Xyr. Ez’ki smirked. Kneeling now, he set about cleaning the blue hide. Xyruth was determined to fidget though. Making it rather increaisngly difficult for Ez’ki to clean the hatchling properly,
Sit still[/b] Ez’ki forced on his bonded, He was now trying to sneak away, obviously not liking the idea,

“Xyruth, the more you fidget and move, dally and dance, the slower this will be.” His tone was harsh,
The dragon let his head fall a little,
Miiiiiiine... it’s boring...[/color]
“I don’t care, the quicker we do it the quicker you can do whatever it is you’re determined to do, okay?” Ez’ki smiled, Xyruth flopped down in defeat.
Think Volsteath will play after we’re clean? Ez’ki stifled his laughter, the brown looked ready to drop, yet, here was Xyruth, so full of unkempt energy that he wanted to play, when most hatchlings should want to sleep. This little one was going to be a challenge.

[ignisfatuus]

Leeth was being remarkably patient, especially for one so young, so hungry. He was probably dimly aware that the prolonged waited between each few chunks of meat was his fault.

A couple of the healers had exchanged looks of 'Oh no, not again' when they witnessed Jansen's impression and what happened to his leg. These looks deepened to despair as once again, J'sen proceeded to ignore his wound (like last time) and got up and moved off to feed his dragon. Did he not care about infection or blood loss? The feeling of annoyance at his general disregard for his own well being overwhelmed any impressed feelings they had for his general ability to handle the pain.

And so it was that J'sen ended up sat down (he hadn't been given a choice) as a healer cleaned up the gash on his leg and applied numb weed to it now that the bleeding had died down. The Caminar did his best to ignore this as he made sure all of Leeth's food was no bigger than his fist, as he was being told. The little bronze beast had already almost choked in his hurry to eat so he was not taking any risks.

Eeeeh?! I can handle more than that!
No you can't and you know it.
Leeth's tail flicked from side to side as he eyed up the meat, not caring, or perhaps not noticing how it kept hitting the healer. Oh how glad the healers would be if they didn't have to deal with this pair too much.

Patience, patience. Once this person is done I'll be free to tend to you more diligently.
As it should be then! Leeth said as he snapped up the next bit of food. Despite the fuss he was making, by now he was starting to become full. He wouldn't admit, newborns greed was too powerful for that. But J'sen knew all too well that he shouldn't overfeed this little one.

A couple more pieces and thats your lot for now. J'sen could sense protests were imminent and made a quick attempt to quell them. Just for now, I need to clean you and too much too quickly wont be good for you. One of us needs to be fit and healthy. J'sen couldn't help but smile tenderly at the little beast as he snapped up the last few pieces of meat that J'sen tossed in his direction.

As the healer finished up his work on J'sen's previously good leg, the new rider used this as a chance to finally look around and see who else had impressed what. There were a few greens, blues and browns but he couldn't see any other bronzes. Had no others hatched yet? He could not conceal a smirk as he relised that the reluctant outside had somehow managed to impress the highest ranking dragon, bar the queen of course. It was interesting what twists life threw at you.

As the healer bid a less than warm farewell, Jansen got gingerly up and walked in an ever so slightly peculiar manner. Yet he still exuded pride, and a little arrogance as he headed over to the water where a Brown and a Blue were already being washed.
Why are they smaller than me? Leeth asked as he walked in a manner most befitting for one of his colour, grace and general fineness. Because... You are of higher rank than them. Ones of your colour tend to be larger than ones of theirs from what I've heard.

"Ah, K'mar... I see you managed to impress at last" J'sen said as he passed the eldest of all those on the sands. He had heard about his many tries on the sands and his rude nature. He had experienced the latter first hand in fact. K'mar had made it clear that he didn't think that J'sen should stand when they met. He had to smirk at proving this delightful man wrong.

"Settle down here Leeth" J'sen said, indicating a spot between the Brown and the Blue as he got a cloth and some water before settling down beside his dragon and cleaning off the sand and remaining egg goo.

[dragon]

T'rad walked into the area where the rest of the weyrlings were, Paleoth trailing behind him. Paleoth was something unlike his color. He was bulky, muscular, but yet he wasn't lacking in energy or atleast for the moment he wasn't and his coloring was so dark. T'rad almost wondered if he was meant to be a brown, the dragonet was a fascinating thing to look at.

Am I really that interesting? Paleoth interjected his bonded's thoughts. T'rad still wasn't use to the feeling yet. But more and more, he was starting to get use to it and become comfortable with it. He had no choice really. The two were bonded for life, he'd have to get use to it. Not really caring to keep the conversation to himself, T'rad answered allowed. It was far easier for him anyway. "Indeed you are. Your coloring, your build, it's all very unique. And that voice of yours has impact. I'm still not quite use to it", T'rad's tone was something of fascination.

T'rad made his way to one of the seats and sat down, Paleoth standing beside him. Do I get fed now? The blue's tone was not only curious, but a bit impatient. "Yes, you get fed now", T'rad answered a bit exasperated. T'rad did as instructed, feeding his dragon bits that were only the size of his fist. Paleoth ate it as quick as he possibly could, it seemed. As if the food would vanish in his very mouth if he didn't swallow it. "Paleoth. I realize you're hungry but do slow down The food isn't going anywhere but in your stomach but if you continue at that pace you'll make yourself sick", T'rad said a bit motherly. T'rad could still remember when he was little. He was impatient as ever, he could hardly sit still for a moment. He'd eat just as fast and get scolded for it. It was something he learned not to do. But I'm so hungry and you're going too slow! You'll starve me to death at this rate! T'rad's look was one of frustration but he quickly calmed himself. "I don't think it's my pace that's the problem", T'rad said as calmly as possible as he made yet another fistful and fed it to Paleoth. Paleoth actually chewed his food thoroughly this time before swallowing. "There. That's much better. Now just a few more and we're done", T'rad explained. You are starving me to death! The blue didn't like what T'rad had to say. "I am not. I can't have you getting sick on me. You know you're not going to be hungry by then", T'rad said as he fed the dragon yet again.

By this time the blue was starting to fill up after he took yet another bit of meat. He started to look around the room at the other dragons. Look at those two over there. They are different from me. "Yes, they're your clutchsiblings. They're different colors", T'rad said plainly. But if we came from the same clutch, then how are they different from me? Well, dragons have different colors. Gold, Bronze, Brown, Blue, Green. You may come from the same clutch, but you're still going to be different and unique. Take us for instance. A person could have a sibling and look completely different, yet they came from the same parents. I'm sure other weyrlings could explain that personally. Some probably have brothers and sisters that don't look like them. But what about that one right there. He has the same color as me. Why not the other two? "Yes, but look. The two of you are built differently, you have different shades. You may have a similar color, but the two of you are still different and unique in your own ways", T'rad explained yet again. "Alright. Last one", T'rad gave one last bit of meat to his blue and Paleoth was patient on this one as well. "Now. Are you done with the questions? Maybe now we can move over to cleaning you", T'rad asked as he looked over to the others cleaning their dragons. I can hold them off for now. There was a short pause before he continued. I think.

T'rad just smiled and shook his head as he got up and moved over to where the other weyrlings were cleaning their dragons. He motioned Paleoth to a vacant space, where he could squeeze in. T'rad came with a bucket and cloth, kneeled beside Paleoth, and started to wash him. Paleoth squirmed about, however. T'rad was made aware that he wouldn't be sitting still for very long and this would prove to be difficult. "Stay still. This will be over alot quicker if you can stay put", T'rad said, a bit frustrated. But it feels weird! "Well you'll live. I promise", T'rad said, though couldn't help but smirk a bit at his comment. You're being very difficult. Paleoth's tone was a mock hurt. "And you're overreacting", T'rad said plainly and to the point as he continued to scrub his dragon. "Maybe you shouldn't have stirred up so much sand. There's a good bit of it on you, not to mention you've still got some egg goo and shell pieces", T'rad noted aloud to Paleoth. Well if you would have just showed yourself right away instead of worrying about leaving without me there wouldn't have been any need. "Well I'm sorry", T'rad said a bit genuinely. Apology accepted. The Blue answered proudly and T'rad gave a smirk and a chuckle as he continued to wash his blue.

[Invisible]

Volsteath was not interested in causing trouble while being washed. He lay still and moved when K’mar directed him to. For now it was easier to comply. It was getting him what he wanted and it was best to teach his rider soon that when Volsteath got what he wanted things went much better than they might have otherwise. When more dragonets appeared and seemed to be horning in on his space he stretched out.

Tail went out and swished just a little to indicate it wanted ALL that space thank you very much. His wings extended as well even though they were not currently being washed. When J’sen and Leeth appeared he took up even more room. For a creature that was not large he sure could take up a lot of space. Which suited K’mar just fine. Let them learn now who would be treated well. When J’sen spoke K’mar turned away from Volsteath for a moment to consider Leeth. From snout to tail he looked at the bronze and then shook his head. “Well, at least it’s not obvious from the outside. So long as you’re not standing around him. A shame though. I mean, he’s obviously deficient having chosen road trash.” Lips curling up into a smirk K’mar turned his back on the pair and resumed Volsteath’s washing.

We do not like them? They are bad?[/i][/color] Yes, Volsteath. And they will try to act better than us just because of the color of his dragon. But no one’s better than us. No one is better than us, K’mar. No one can do what we can do. We will accomplish much and no one will know how much until we tell them. But I am very sleepy right now.[/i][/color] K’mar smiled at the brown and rubbed his head. Sleep soon, Volsteath. Right now we need to pay attention. To recognize potential trouble spots for later. We will handle trouble. Together.[/i][/color] It was almost enough to bring tears to K’mar’s eyes again. He was not alone. But there would be no crying and looking weak in front of the others.

[flamewolf]

"Wujinth, for the love of Faranth, slow down!" S'yu exclaimed in exasperation, yanking away the bucket of meat with his foot and pulling the slab of meat he hadn't finished cutting into an appropriate size away from the maw of the slim brown. Said brown hissed in impatience, hunger still roiling from him in waves. His dark freckled head arched back on his long neck, and his gaze whirled quickly. "If you don't, you'll choke," he pointed out.

I am hungry. I am not stupid enough to choke,[/color] the brown hissed back, eying the meat greedily.

"I never said you were stupid, Wu, but you need to slow down." S'yu had been cutting the meat up into appropriate sizes for the dragonet, and had a handful or two down. He tossed one to the brown, who snatched it from the air. "Chew!" the weyrling said sharply, and Wujinth gave him a look before doing so.

As S'yu continued cutting, the brown's gaze caught something else and he turned his slim head towards the bathing area. He hissed slightly, making his rider glance up and follow his line of sight. What is that for?[/color] he asked, almost commandingly.

"To wash you when you're done," he responded with a roll of his eyes, handing him another piece of meat. The brown chewed slowly as he regarded the water. The former candidate paused as he watched the dragon hatchling lift an oversized paw, flexed his claws, then set it down again. "When you're done," S'yu reminded him.

Wujinth's head whipped around on him so quickly it made him jump. I heard you. His voice crackled like the burning of the wick of a stick of dynamite. He handed him another piece wordlessly, and the brown snapped it up, yet again, impatiently. After a few more times like this, the hunger feeling disappeared as quickly and sharply as it had come, and S'yu felt himself relax slightly as he pushed the empty bucket away. We need a wash, the brown declared out of the blue.

"Again with the 'we'," S'yu said with a sigh, then as his dragon's tail slithered towards his legs, he quickly stood up and led him over to the dip in the cavern. He paused near the edge, seeing Kono-K'mar and his bronze taking most of the space. Purposefully, it seemed. His eyes narrowed slightly just as Wujinth joined him at the basin's edge.

Would you mind moving so another can join in? You are not the only one with a hide in need of washing, the brown's voice sizzled to Volsteath with burning eyes boring into the other sleepy brown. S'yu walked back over with a washing bucket held in his hand, already heard Wujinth's "request" and wondered how the other brown would take it. S'yu glanced over to see J'sen on the other side of the brown with his bronze.

[neopanther]

Ez'ki watched, he was currently the lowest impressed there, but it did not stop him frorm findingthe events amusing. A bronze and a brown waited to get space away from Volsteath, little chance they had.

Mine, mine... look so many, and look that one is brown but lighter than Volsteath![/i] The hatchling sounded utterly amazed. He flared his swings, those bright colours still shocking to his eyes, violets blues, whites navy, all sorts of colours, a spectrum of blue, complete from white to almost black, all splaying out from the 'wrist' at the very top oof his wings, how amazing. Ez'ki's wonder must have been conveyed to his bonded,

What is it?

Nothing, I was admiring the colour variations on your wings, they're rather large for your size aren't they?

Are they? Do you think?[/i] the dragonet's tone was between curiousity and happiness. Ez'ki could see the tension building between the three 'senior's of the clutch, it would be difficult to say the least if he got involved, distracting Xyruth was sproably the easiest way to keep the little dragon from sticking his tail righ in the firing line, it looked like it might get a little... jumpy.

[Invisible]

Volsteath raised his head to look at the other brown, eyes whirling just enough to show he was not sleeping. I like this spot. I suppose I might consider moving for you.[/color] There was something in the way he said it that implied he would expect something in return. That nothing was given away for free with this brown. He lowered his head back down so K’mar might rub the top of it. He didn’t really need scratching there, but his rider needed to be doing something after all. May as well make himself useful.

Said rider didn’t bother moving or trying to move his brown. It’s not as if he’d been asked to do anything. Surely if his dragon had he would know. Of course he would. So, how is he to be aware his brown hogs space. Perhaps he just thinks Volsteath needs that much space. After all, it took him soooooo long to impress how could he know? There was not even a smirk to betray what he might know or not know. Just poor old K’mar probably trying his hardest to move Volsteath. Really, honest, he was. What a bunch of idiots.Oh, no, K’mar, some of them are very smart I am sure. Those we will just have to work differently on. Never fear, I will take care of us both. We will have all you ever wanted and all I want.[/color]

[flamewolf]

Wujinth hissed in annoyance. We have every right of space as you. Now move over! The hatchling's eyes whirled fiercely and he took a step forward, his slim head lowered towards the basin and his tail lashed. The crackling voice touched S'yu's mind like an explosion of gun shots, as if he knew what they were, of course. He jumped slightly at the fierceness of the dragon's mindvoice and his gaze snapped over to the lanky brown.

"Wu, calm down," the weyrling said, disconcerted at the force behind the brown's voice. His gaze turned over to K'mar, who seemed to not notice the request at all. "Would you ask your dragon to move over so I can clean mine up?" he asked. He got the feeling that the older weyrling believed he had more of a right to take up as much space as he could just because he was a candidate longer. Though his temper was more controllable than his dragon's, small sparks of anger started to flicker.

I will calm down once they move! Wujinth's head whipped around to regard his rider, who turned to him and jumped slightly at his voice. The brown's head spun back around to glare at Volsteath and S'yu sighed. This is going to be...fun... he thought warily as he looked at his lifemate.

You do not even know.

[Selvagem]

Jh'na
Mirabeth ate slowly, taking each mouthful with a soft delicateness that only made Jh'na marvel, again and again, at the Impression which had given him such an elegant and beautiful green. Even her posture conveyed finesse: she lay with her forepaws spread neatly before her, and her tail curled gently against her hindlegs. The curly-haired boy had tried to haggle for a bigger bucket with the rider who handled the buckets of meat, and eventually settled for the one with the choicest pieces he could identify - quite unconsciousness of the fact that his decision had been influenced by his dragonet’s subconscious prompts. He sat beside Mirabeth right now, offering her each piece from the spread palm of his hand, and keeping each one small as the Weyrlingmaster had requested.

I have enough, thank you, the green pulled back her head by a slender arching of her neck, rising from her belly with a gracefulness that was almost feline in manner, A bath would be comfortable now, she spread her hatching wingsails and frowned at their goo and sand-covered undersides with distaste, A good one.

Jh’na nodded happily as he pushed the meat bucket aside, wiping his bloody hands on the ground as he pushed himself onto his feet and glanced towards the bathing pool, Sure. It looks crowded, but I think we can fit you in.

Jh’na, you will not touch me with those hands, the green shuddered, staring at the hands that her lifemate had been rubbing clean against the ground, Wash them before you start washing me. Come, I’m sure they’ll make space for a lady.

With another happy nod, Jh’na scrambled to find a suitable cloth while Mirabeth strolled daintily over to the rest of the dragonets at the bathing pool. But she pulled up within three metres of them as she saw and overheard the commotion just beginning, and with eyes whirling curiosity and mild alarm she watched. What a ruckus. Best to stay away for a bit. Fighting could be such a fuss, and so…ugly. Unwilling to throw herself into the midst of it all, she glanced over at Xyruth, her tone aloof and laced with distaste.

Aren’t they throwing such a fuss, when there could actually be space for all, she sounded bored, almost affronted, as she sighed mentally, Boys…

What’s happening Mira? Jh’na, with his cloth and basin, had finally caught up with his dragonet. The green cast him an amused glance.

Look Jh’na, they’re arguing.

[anhydrous]

Thunderous applause echoed faintly into the feeding cavern, which could mean only one thing: the Queen had Impressed. I’dalyn turned away from the weyrling he had been helping, gaze poised at the entrance to the cavern. There were still a few pairs to trickle in, but with the queen hatched surely it wouldn’t take long.

What seemed to be difficulties were arising at the bathing station, and I’dalyn approached with the faintest of wrinkles to his brow. Picking up one of the basins, he handed it to the nearest weyrling with an impatient smile. “The idea is to fill this up from the pool,” he said as he handed another basin to a nearby green weyrling. “Then totter off back to your places,” This bit was directed at the tangle of young dragons, each of which would soon learn that I’dalyn was one more on the long list of people that they had to obey. “Then there won’t be a crowd.” The weyrlingmaster stood with his back against the wall to watch and make sure his suggestion wouldn’t be ignored, carefully eyeing what seemed to be the heart of the issue. Konamar. Or, K’mar, now. That didn’t surprise him.

Daisulyth’s voice interrupted tensely into I’dalyn’s thoughts. Where are you?[/color] It was more of an accusation than a question. The weyrlingmaster sighed, having hoped that his dragon would have taken a little longer to notice his absence. I have to help the new weyrlings. I promise that we will be done soon. Daisulyth growled, angrily launching himself from his perch in the weyrbowl and winging his way up to the weyr that he shared with hid rider. Please don’t be upset! I’dalyn pleaded. It’s my job!

The silence that Daisulyth countered with was more painful than any words he could have said. The brownrider clenched his fist, momentarily ignoring the goings-on of the cavern to try and placate his dragon. Daisulyth deftly ignored I’dalyn’s pleas, curling himself into an angry little knot and pretending to fall asleep on his weyr ledge.

[Xinnai]

Salina and Deoneth made their way in for food and to be fed. The girl was still radiating energy and happiness as she scooped up a pail and moved to the side. Deoneth followed, her stocky form at odds to most images of a gold, but she was absolutely beautiful, nonetheless. Salina frowned thoughtfully, glancing at the meat and then at her little beauty.

Mine, hurry. I am terribly hungry.[/i]
I'm going, I'm going. Just be patient a moment, Deoneth. I have to make sure these bits are small enough for you.
I can handle them. Just hurry.[/i]
We'll make sure anyways.
Salina grabbed a knife from the table and plunged a hand into the pail, grabbing out a hunk of meat and cutting it up quickly and efficiently. She'd heard that meat was to be no larger than a fist and she was rather sure her own hands were smaller than the men who surrounded her, so the meat needed to be smaller. Besides, it was just common sense. If she cut them up smaller, Deoneth could eat them with much more ease.

The blonde quickly handed the pieces to her gold as she cut, watching carefully as Deoneth chewed once or twice before swallowing, not quite snatching at the other pieces, though it was close. Salina kept cutting and doling out pieces to Deoneth for what seemed ages. But the gold's attention wavered from the cavern of her belly as she saw the other dragonets wallowing in the water.

Something seems to be going on... she noted, her clear, sharp voice soft as she observed I'dalyn speaking with the weylings.

Salina frowned, glancing over, eyes sweeping over those assembled about the water, feeling a brief twinge of delight as she saw Ez and his blue-well, he'd be Ez'ki now, wouldn't he? She nodded slowly, handing a bit of meat to Deoneth, who took it almost absentmindedly.

Yes, I suppose you're right. She could feel the lingering tension in the air, and then noted who seemed to be in the center of it all. Konomar, or K'mar now. Eyes grew slightly angry. Was he being his normal self? Well, no doubt about that. She handed another bit of meat to her gold and then noted her slightly bulging belly.
That's enough for now, you can eat later.
I'm still-[/i]
Deoneth, if you eat too much you'll get sick. And no one wants the new queen to be sick, especially me.
We'll bathe then. I don't look as clean as those others.

With a small smile, Salina quickly cleaned her station before she and Deoneth made their way over to the water. She smiled at those assembled and reached for a basin, dipping it into the water and grabbing a towel or two. She smiled at Ez and motioned slightly with her head for him to follow before she made her way back to where she and Deoneth had been previously.

Kneeling, the girl dipped towel into water before applying it to her dragon's gleaming hide. She rubbed vigorously, removing all traces of the egg goo to reveal Deo's absolutely gorgeous shining hide, the very color of little golden buttons. As Salina continued, she noticed her Deo's muscled little form, mentally recalling the image of her mother. She wasn't as graceful and fluid as that, but she was certainly beautiful, a predator rather than the regal form that the other queen within Telgar made. Salina smiled, wiping carefully at her bonded's wings.

"You're so gorgeous," she murmured.
Well, I am a queen.
Salina stopped for a moment, shocked, before she burst out laughing. "Oh yes, yes you are, my darling." She continued in silence then for a few moments, revealing the edges of Deo's wings, much paler than the rest of her sails, appearing like some sort of smoken edge. Well, that was beautiful...

"How are you feeling now?"
Much better now, Mine.

[neopanther]

There... Ez'ki stood, his back aching from being stooped over for such a period of time, "I think we can deem you clean now." He laughed, Xyruth bounced, literally before lowering to his haunches and swishing his whip-like tail. The blue fanned his wings, those marvellous mebranes flashing their vibrant colour again, making Ez'ki smile. He was like a storm, a perfect storm. Lightning crashing each way from the wrist of his wings.

So can we explore now mine? There's so much I want to see! You've not let me out off this blasted cavern yet... The blue got distracteed, his thoughts fickle on their intnetions

Miiiiine loooooook[/i] The blue crooned mentally to his partner. Xyruth was looking in the direction off a certain golden haired female, and her astonishingly gold bonded. Ez'ki felt a smile tug at his lips, slowly growing into a proud smile, to an excited grin.

He placed a finger to his lips "shhhh" He said to Xyruth with a wink. Xyr looked a little baffled, so Ez'ki duely explained

Quiet, I'm going to go to talk to Salina.
ooooh the golden's bonded? Hers? Xyr sounded positively ecstatic at the ideda of being able to interact with another dragon

"yes..." He said a wicked smile pulling at his features. Feet light and gentle, he gradually moved towards Salina, creeping in frorm behind her. He waited till he was close enough to her to look almost right over her shoulder.

"Mmm, I don't think the white of those robes does much in comparison to your bonded's hide. " He commented with faux judgement. A grin appeared on his features and he pulled back from her, vibrant and exuberent as ever. Xyruth fighting to keep still beside him, his eyes darting too and fro, his tail swishing impatiently, scraping against the floor in a callous noise.

[Xinnai]

Salina worked at Deoneth with a determination that was more than a match for the daunting task ahead of her. Deo was one of the larger of the dragons gathered and as such had much more hide to be cleaned. Salina sighed, tossing back golden hair as she worked laboriously on her gold, who basked under the attention.

That feels good...[/i]
"I'm sure it does." Salina laughed, leaning back to give her gold a critical once-over. She was truly gleaming now, almost all the way clean. The weyrling bent to attack a stubborn spot on her dragon's flank when a voice spoke up behind her.

"Mmm, I don't think the white of those robes does much in comparison to your bonded's hide." Salina jumped, gasping to wheel around. The shock gleamed into her eyes before it turned to pleasure. She smiled and fairly jumped to give Ez a hug.

"Oh! Ezi!" She grinned and pulled back, pushing at slightly damp and sweaty blonde hair. "Hi!" She was fairly glowing, she was so happy to see him.

Mine...Deoneth complained softly.
Sorry, sorry, love. Just let me say hello to Ez here and I'll finish.
Is he the Mine of the blue?
Yes.

Deoneth stood, pressing against Salina's side, peering over at Xyruth, eyes whirling slightly as she viewed her clutchmate.
He's very excited for one of his kind, isn't he? Because he is blue, is he not supposed to be calm?[/color]
Salina started at this unexpected well of knowledge, blinking once or twice. Yes, you are right, Deo.
I thought so, the gold thought smugly.

The conversation took all of a few moments. Salina looked up at Ezi then and laughed. "So, it looks like you didn't get that green you were just long over," she noted, eyes gleaming wickedly.