Hatching Feast

[Luna]

Luna finished giving instructions on seating, foods, and general information about certain visitors and what to watch out for right as the hour passed. The few drudges she had disbursed to make sure the Weyrlings and guests knew the feast was started. She had also managed to get cleaned up and in proper attire for the event.

She idly straightened her tunic as she looked towards the entrance. She wasn't sure if she should go greet the first ones or just go eat. She had always arrived to the functions way after the WW and just noticed that the WW was there. She tilted her head to the side, well, she was here to make some of her own rules.

With a smile, she grabbed a glass of Benden white and waited for others to appear. The smile widened when Raineth finally went out to the breaking dawn to feed.

[Lucius]

S'las!

The last thing anyone wants to do when they wake up is to see a huge bronze face staring into yours. Yet due to the Hatching excitement and the recent attempts at keeping order, S'las had been working on five minutes of sleep, one pastry, one small redfruit, and lots and lots of klah. And now he was trying to catch some well-deserved winks of precious sleep.

Unfortunately, Tugenth had other ideas.

S'las, they're having the feast. A little green told me they have Benden white.
White? S'las sat up, staring straight into the swirling blue-green on Tugenth's good eye. Benden white, you say? The man stood and pushed the bronze head out of the sleeping quarters, saying he had to get ready. Tugenth slunk back, a self-satisfied grin on his features.
You ready yet?
Almost.

Out came S'las, notably cleaner and dressed in a better tunic than the wher-hide he had been using before. He strode up to Tugenth and pulled astride the thin bronze, urging him into the air.

Although exhausted, S'las was able to slide into the feast and grab a cup of wine, nodding to Luna as he passed. He glanced over the new Weyrlings, noting their excitement. Ah, to be young and have only just Impressed! He could remember the feeling.

Ah, a bronze in the clutch.
Tugenth's voice turned S'las's attention to I'ner. Bronzerider, you say? Well, cheers for him! He should be proud. Then, after a pause, he added, They all should be proud.
Indeed. Tugenth shifted in his weyr. You will be asking Luna for a dance tonight, am I correct?
The suggestion nearly made him choke on his wine, and a scarlet flush came over his face. Tugenth!
Out of courtesy, not anything else.
After that, S'las was able to calm himself a bit. But after Rilyahra...

--

She was giddy, too giddy. Yet the contact of her green's sleeping mind, the fact that she could feel that, was causing her head to spin so much that she didn't need the influence of wine. Besides, weyrlings couldn't have it, if she remembered correctly. New bonds, scarring, violent emotions... Yes, she could see the reason.

Ingasa's blue skirt swirled as she spun on her way to the table and began to eat, laughing as she did so. Yinideth! Her Yinideth! Ah, if this was a dream, she never wanted to wake up!

If this was a dream, she was going to throw herself from the highest mountain near Surion.

She couldn't see anyone she knew in the crowd, considering she only knew a few people. But there was that young man she embarrassed at the lake... Oh, oh dear, didn't he Impress Bronze? He was going to remember that, wasn't he? Or did men forget things easier than women?

Ingasa sighed and shifted in her seat. She was also reminded that she had to send to Fort and let her family, small as it was, know that she was all right.

[elfie]

I'ner
Crirth finally seemed to be sated, or at least the bronze wasn't demanding food anymore. I'm full. The feasts starts now, yes Mine? Let's go. Thoughts were sleepy, but determined. I'ner knew the Feast was soon, but he hadn't expected his dragon to want to go. He figured he would want to sleep instead...

"Sleepy?" Inquiry was simple, and he already knew the answer as he looked back the sleepy beast. He wasn't in an impossible mood, but he could tell Crirth wouldn't be left behind. The bronze had gotten it into his head that he wasn't going to be the first of the clutch to go to sleep. He was going to stay up the latest, just everyone wait and see.

I'ner gave in, his dragon keeping his mind closely linked with his--more so than with the usual pairing, since His spoke so little. The new weyrling was washing up, deciding that he was going to be completely clean for the Feast. He'd already gone to the Healer and gotten a bit of numbweed for Crirth's forelimb where he'd snagged it on the shell. As I'ner ran a drying cloth across short locks, he couldn't help but glance back at the antique metallic hide of his dragon. Of course, said dragon didn't mind the attention in the least.

The lad pulled on his cleanest and best set of clothes, which would probably be outdone by nearly everyone else there. Breeches were patched in two places and looser on legs, though his tunic of light brown was in better shape, close fitting against muscled chest, and feet were once again clad in their normal boots. I'ner made his way to the Lower Cavers, Crirth stalking along beside him. Both paused as they entered, seeing to be some of the first to arrive. This pleased the bronze greatly, but made I'ner slightly hesitant. He nodded to his Weyrwoman, before feeling his stomach rumble.

It was reaching the time when he usually woke, dawn just breaking over the sky outside. He patted Crirth's head affectionately, before moving toward the hearths for some klah and food.

A'ver
"Ready to go, love? The Feast's starting." A'ver peered over at the brilliant emerald hide of his green, a great grin curving visage. Oh, she was beautiful! He couldn't think of a better color if he tried. He'd decided to match his clothes to it, or at least choose a complimentary color. He'd washed up, though he'd already been mostly clean. He'd just been slightly sweaty from standing on the hot sands, and that wasn't attractive at all, now was it?

He'd left his hair down, so that it fell in a thick sheet to his shoulders, and his chest was covered by a tunic of lighter blue not fitted but neither loose. Legs were clad in a pair of tight breeches, to best show off his long legs, and a pair of boots. He had to look his best, didn't he? He'd even put a thin line of black kohl around his eyes. You're not supposed to look better than me, Mine. Imith informed him, tone teasing as she shifted to her feet with only a slight stumble.

"I could never look better than you, love." A'ver replied cheerfully, turning and crouching to scratch an itchy spot on her shoulder. "We'll get that taken care of soon, don't you worry." He promised, before draping an arm across her shoulders to attempt to lead her gracefully to the Kitchens. It didn't work, the poor thing was stumbling and tripping, but at least she didn't catch her wings or tail on her claws, Hers made sure of that.

As they entered the Feasting room, A'ver grinned and dipped into a bow to Luna, before hazel eyes swept over the room. Where to start? People would start showing up soon, or at least more would, and he wasn't sure if he was hungry or not yet.... But there was wine, and it did look good. Maybe he'd just have a little, and then some klah to try and counter the effects. After all, Kriss was sound asleep on his bed, and would wake him when it was time for chores. He knew there would be quite a few more tacked onto his list.

[Wangri]

Pasine

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It was only after a long session with the Healers and a longer session feeding a ravished dragonet and an ever longer session of napping that Pasine and Sphinith began to get ready for the Feast. Where are there so many red dresses? You should wear blue, to match me, Sphinith asked coolly, snorting offensively at the dark dresses in her room, still ruffled from the rushed move. "It would be hard to match you, dear Sphinith. You have simply too many colors in you to fit into one outfit."

And you too few, hence why you need to wear silly things like clothing and I do not.[/i] There was a chilly silence that followed, and Sphinith soon realized he had pushed it a bit too far. Well, that was all apart of the Bonding process, learning and testing limits, he supposed. Still, the dragonet regretted his words. Wiggling his way snugly inbetween her legs, he pointed out a plain blue dress that had thick white accents with his snout. I like that one, Pasine-mine. It will accent your beauty nicely. Wear it.[/i]

The Weyrling smiled softly and picked up the dress. It was her least favorite by far, but she was going to wear it to show she accepted his apology. "This will hide my bandages as well." She tugged softly on her arm, which was stitched under many, many layers gauze. Her leg has turned out to be not nearly as bad, and had only require bandages. Still, she was under orders not to do anything strenuous for the next sevenday. Not too hard of a task, since she usually never did. Too bad she'd have to miss out on dancing, though. "Let us go, before you fall asleep on your face again, my lovely Sphin." Light giggle, heavy snort.

The two arrived at the Feast to find the Weyrwoman, two bronzeriders and one greenrider already attented. Pasine was slightly put out; she had put so much effort into being early, especially since they'd had to cram so many task into such a short time! But Sphinith bowed his head to to Luna-nothis, and Pasine distracted herself by following.

Moving more into the room, the blue Weyrling realized that the Green Weyrling here was actually a man. Delighted at another mixed-gender pair, even if a male greenrider was more common than her situation, she and Sphinith made their way over to the two. "Good evening, and congratulations. Your dragon--"Her name is Imith, 'mine."--Imith is a lovely shade of emerald."

Mine does not lie, your coloring is very attractive, sister Imith, Sphinith greeted the other dragonet, probably choosing coloring to compliment since both of their remarkable hues were something they had in common. He was probably expecting one back in return too.

Piene

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Next came in a swaggering Piene, sporting a sharp white shirt with expensive metal buttons and cuff-links. His pants, too, were rather spiffy; they were a loose wher-hide dyed pitch black to match his slim boots. Overall his short body seemed elongated in this obviously carefully chosen and expensive outfit. This Candidate was not going to be spending marks at a Gather for turns to come for the cost of what he was wearing.

Piene was obviously overcompensating for not Impressing.

That also might explain the manly sway he held as he headed straight to the table where the wine was being held, bypassing Luna completely. He was still in his Post-Hatching blues, or rather he was still trying to ignore his Post-Hatching blues by acting extravagantly. His manly pride was hurting, after all, and he had to act like it. So when he saw they had Benden White, a malicious grin spread across his face and he grabbed an entire bottle for himself and his drinking buddy.

Oh yes. Where was the lad? Piene scanned the room as he popped open the bottle and took a swig. Hm. What was his name again? Khell? He'd likely forget it by the end of the night, if not sooner with the wine's help, better shorten it. Khe. Ell. Hell. Hell! Perfect. Confidently smiling, he awaited the other Candidate's arrival.
[/font]

[Khell]

There was one good thing about his family coming to the hatching and that was the fact that Khell could steal some of his brother’s clothes for the feast. The two were practically identical in terms of height and weight so Khell didn’t have to worry about baggy trousers.

It was nice to see them again though, his father told him he would Impress next time. His mother, showered him with kisses while his two siblings threatened to bring the firelizards next time. Faranth, how he hated those creatures. He shivered slightly at the thought of them being at Surion before going back to trying to flatten his hair. He sighed – there was no point since it was clear his hair wasn’t going to comply. He shrugged on a pair of black wher hide pants and a simple maroon colored shirt. While his brother lacked Khell’s taste in fashion, the boy had more clothes than Khell which was why he was stuck nicking some of them.

He smoothed out his clothes, getting rid of any wrinkles before heading out of the barracks and towards the feast. There were a handful of people there already, the Weyrwoman and some fellow can- no, wait – used to be fellow candidates. With the exception of Piene, of course, who was still his candidate and currently carrying around a bottle of Benden White.

“Oh good, you found some already then? I was worried I’d have to take some from the kitchens.” Khell said to the boy as he walked up to him, the crooked grin on his face once more.

-------

Aifae had spent most of the hatching carting people back and forth and only caught the last few minutes of it. Some weird colors in there, that was for sure but it was nice to know that the Weyr was buzzing with dragonets.

And it was also buzzing with guests for the feast.

She twisted her curls into some sort of an up do with two ringlets slipping out and more or less framing her face. Actually, they were more of getting caught in her mouth so she quickly tucked them behind her ears. She grabbed her outfit and quickly slipped it on, cursing a few times when her hair got caught in the fabric. The dress was simple; a soft sea foam green that could be considered rather plain for the feast. But it was the new Weyrling’s night, not hers. Hers had come and went four turns ago.

You look nice Aifaemine. Go, have fun for the both of us.

Aifae grinned, patted the green on her snout. “Will do, Colvarinth.” She laughed as she slipped out of their weyr and headed down to the feast and quickly swooped up a mug of klah from a passing drudge.

[Risa]

~Sandra~
So, this wasn't for her now. Oh well, so sad. She was happy to wait until things were right, until a dragon wanted her or until she had outgrown being a canidate. Whichever came first. Not to say that not impressing wasn't embarressing, but she wasn't the only one, so it wasn't horrible. Sandra was however the only girl not to impress, meaning until more canidates were found, she would be quite alone.

That was perhaps the depressing part. She enjoyed having people to talk with, to enjoy the company of, and she would be very alone for a while. Maybe it would do her good though. As she returned to the canidate barracks, one happy thought occured to her. Now, Sandra could finish sleeping. Unlike the weyrlings, she wasn't so required at the feast, and wasn't hungry enough to justify going. Besides, she was still likely to have chores when all was said and done.

Then a thought occured to her, tugged at her really. She should go, enjoy the socializing and congradulate all the now weyrlings. Not going would just make her look rude after all. Digging through her things, Sandra found one of her few nice dresses, in a neutral tan color that would not let her be mistaken for any of the newly impressed. Tugging off the white canidate robes, she slipped the loose dress over her head before tucking the white robes away. Making a quick braid of her hair, she went on her way to join everyone who would be at the feast.

So far, not too many had shown up. Even fewer she recognized, but the weyrwoman was a face she did know. With a polite smile, she continued through the grouping crowd to find faces she knew. Spotting the two other remaining canidates, Sandra headed toward them. "Hello. Excuse I don't remember names well, I do think I heard at least once." She was tuning out the fact one had taken hold of Benden White. For herself, she had already gotten sick one too many times on spirits more evil.

~V'kem~
It is bad enough you missed most of the hatching, get GOING. Teglth was rather pushy when we wanted to be, and now was one of those times. I won't let you back until you've at least spoken to some of the others there. And that was final, for them both. Once Teglth made up his mind on things such as this, V'kem had learned it was best just to listen.

You know, you lump of a bronze, I planned on going anyways. Keep an eye on Kaino. So it was a bad retort, it made him feel better. Anyone who didn't know better would think the pair hated each other, but that was far form the truth. They had just taken to picking at each other in the last few turns to keep amused. It wasn't like he could be as open with anyone else.

Yes, I will watch the little one.

Quickly, he changed into clothes that reflected Teglth's dark bronze color. His tunic matched the dark color of his dragon against the black of the rest of his clothing. Best to make a good impression after all, and not show up in worn out clothing he'd worn in drills at the old weyr. That was boarderline rude to even think about. Still, he was never vain, and wasn't about to start being now. So long as he didn't look like he lived among herdbeasts, all was well.

Upon joining the crowd, V'kem made a point to bow to the weyrwoman. "An interesting clutch your Raineth has given us." he said, again, doing his best to be polite. Neither Teglth or he wanted a repeat of before. It was one reason he'd been so eager to transfer after all.

~Jinek~
Oh, Risyth, we are going to be in trouble. You know that? Arriving during such an important event. If HE hadn't been so slow to approve the transfer, we wouldn't be...

Jin-mine, calm down. If the leader here is angry, we appologize. It is beyond us to do anything but that. The soothing alto voice of the green worked magics no other could for Jinek yet again. As they spiraled down into the weyrbowl, Risyth sent out a mental call to the local queen. Please, where may we find the weyrwoman? We are late transfers.

~A'noth~
Thankfully, Mnesilth knew enough to guide A'noth until his shock wore off. Once fed, the dragonet was more than happy to tolerate his stunned bonded. It was depressing his family wouldn't know for some time though his fortune. Come on, get going. Change if you must, but we need to go.

"Yes, I know Mnesilth. I am just rather... stunned by all that's happened." Well, get unstunned, and change, so we may go.

A'noth decided not to argue, dressing quickly in brown shades to match Mnesilth, which he thankfully had plenty off, and headed off, the brown dragonet keeping pace. Better mine. Now, just enjoy. After all, fun is the best.

[Wangri]

Piene

Ah! There he was! Piene brightened visibly as his drinking buddy entered the room and made his way over to him. Draping an arm over the other's shoulder in a brotherly fashion, which was a hard feat considering his size, he passed along the bottle to Khell and let him take a swig (Or do whatever he wanted to do with it. As long as Piene got the bottle back, he was happy).

"Hello and welcome to the party, m'friend! Don't think that I'd abuse my drinking buddy like that, making you walk all the way to the Kitchens just to get some fair wine." Obviously he was making fun of the boy, since he was grinning like a mad monkey. Once Khell was done with whatever he did with the bottle, Piene snatched it back and took another swig. Under his breath her murmured just loud enough for the other to hear, "Even for Benden, this is a little too aged for my tastes. Probably thought they'd get rid of their old, fruity wine on the new, poor Weyr. Trust me, it's my profession."

What had brought that on was most likely an attempt to dis the party and thus make himself feel better. The only way he'd beat the Hatching blues was by dragging everyone else around him lower, it seemed. But then a girl Candidate, or rather the last girl Candidate, approached them, and Piene's bad mood seemingly evaporated in thin air. Sure, it was still there, but now hidden under thick layers of charm like aromic layers of musk.

"Hello and welcome to the party! I'm Piene, and this here is 'Hell. We're going to cut loose a little while we still can, unlike those Weyrling stiffs! Come, join us, it'll be a blast!"

[Khell]

Within seconds an arm was heavily draped upon his shoulders and it was clear that Piene had started drinking without him. And not just sipping, chugging no doubt. “Ha! But you’d abuse me enough to start drinking without me? For shame.” He scolded playfully, taking the bottle from the boy and taking a swig from it.

He held out the bottle which Piene took back to take another drink from it. He laughed loudly and clapped the lad on the back, “Wine is wine! I’ll drink what I can get.” Of course he added a comment under his breath, not very loudly either, “And fruity isn’t so bad.” He hid his large smirk from sight as he took the bottle back, once again downing some of the liquid inside. Apparently not Impressing wasn’t such a bad thing if it meant a guy wrapping his arm around Khell’s shoulder.

He raised an eyebrow slightly when Piene introduced themselves to a girl, another person who was left standing. Hell? Really? Then again, he had had worst nicknames so he supposed he had to be grateful. He raised his arm and put it on the girls shoulder, grinning, “We’re going to make all the Weyrlings jealous of our freedom!”

He leaned in slightly so he could whisper into her ear with Piene overhearing, “It’s Khell by the way.”

[Risa]

~Sandra~
As an arm was put around her shoulder, Sandra had to laugh. At least they weren't taking things badly. After all, being the ones to not impress, they could all have been rather depressed. It seemed that was not the case for these two though, so it wouldn't be with her. She could hardly do otherwise really, as she was so quickly added into their group.

"I'm glad to join your party. I'm Sandra." She said, her smile taking over her face. This was what she lived for after all, being around others and enjoying life. She just had to hope they didn't expect her to drink as much as she once had in the hold celebrations. After all, she had been trying to break that habit. Trying the key word there.

"So, Piene and 'Hell, lets get on making them envy." Already her words were betraying her... not that it would matter much. Though she had heard Khell pass on his name, Sandra couldn't help but tease at the nickname.

[elfie]

I'ner
Gray eyes cast about those attending, cup of klah warming his hands as his bronze lounged beside him, staring everyone down. The weyrling was still in a state of surprise and shock, which had only really just begun to hit him. He'd forgotten to be amazed by the fact that there had actually been a bronze in the clutch, let alone that he'd Impressed Crirth. He admired the antiqued metallic color, wondering how long it might take to send word back to the Hall and ask to have some sent to him. He could shape it into another bangle, probably, like the jade one worn about his wrist.

It should be gold and bronze, not green and bronze. Crirth promptly informed His, reaching his snout forward to bump the bangle curiously. He promptly ignored it when it didn't do anything interesting except move along I'ner wrist. It was an interesting shade, though gold would have been much prettier.

Gold is expensive, and I mined this jade myself. It was an actual 'sentence' so to speak, made of I'ner's thoughts. He found he didn't mind the communication method in the least. He'd quickly learned he could mesh together images and words instead of simply speaking. So much quicker as well. As he conversed with Crirth, gaze snagged upon a figure he remembered--that girl from the lake the other day. They'd both managed to embarrass themselves.

Sturdy form straightened slightly, deciding that he would attempt to greet her again. It didn't look as if she were already conversing with someone, and he couldn't remember what color she'd Impressed....no, wait, he did. It was to a green, if he remembered correctly. Right before He'd Impressed. Yinideth. The name was promptly supplied by I'ner's bronze shadow, who immediately took offense to that image in His' mind. I'm no shadow!

"Sorry." I'ner murmured, turning to apologize verbally to Crirth who stepped forward to peer at Ingasa intently before turning gaze elsewhere. There was more to look at. I'ner simply shook his head, he was going to have to get used to Crith's forceful personality, that was sure. "Hello. Congradulations...." Words trailed off as brows furrowed, unable to supply her name. Then again, he didn't think he'd ever heard it, and his lifemate wasn't about to supply it for him.

A'ver
At the sound of a voice, the tall weyrling turned around, taking in the sight of the other weyrling and her blue. She triggered his memory, she was the one damaged by the shards of that bronze that had also nearly mauled him. "Why thank you, dear! Though I fear that'll go straight to her head." A'ver replied amiably, gaze sliding over the colors of her dress and that of her lifemate. Oh, the patterns! It'd make a delightful dress if that same swirling color scheme could be transferred over and enough time given....

Dear-Mine, his name is Sphinith. Imith informed Hers, before turning her gaze back to their companions, her neck arching in a very pleased manner at the compliments. Thank you! Your hide is a most interesting color as well. Almost makes me dizzy. It'll look brilliant in the sky. Thoughts were sincere, if perhaps a little enviable. Oh well, she was a perfect jade beauty, and that was all that mattered.

Oh, she was going to be quite the flirt when she grew up, already meting out compliment for compliment. A'ver was going to enjoy being a rider, that much he knew for certain. As attention shifted from his green back to Pasine, long fingers twitched slightly at his side. He rather wanted to feel what her dress was made of. It didn't look like the best quality fabric, but it certainly wasn't shabby, and the dye was a brilliant shade. "Ah, sorry, looks like I've forgotten my manners a bit. Congratulations to you, too, you both look splendid together. I'm A'ver by the way, though you already know that little sweetie's name." Grin curved lips as he gestured to Imith, who looked pleased at another compliment. "By the way, are you feeling better, dear? I saw you got hit by the terror of a bronze's shell fragments when he hatched."

[Lucius]

The verbal greeting from the bronzerider shocked her, and she glanced up, the giddy smile fading. Oh dear. Ingasa made a mental note to watch her tongue tonight so that nothing too horrid happened.

Then a soft soprano voice brushed her mind. Ingasa, where are you?
In the Lower Caverns, dear heart. Mind-speak was easy, she had just discovered. All she had to do was think! Ha! I'm eating and feasting. Are you lonely?
No, I just woke up and didn't see you. I was worried. In the barracks, the dragonet yawned. Now that I know you're fine, I can sleep easy.

A smile crossed her face, and she felt a bit more confident now that she knew that Yinideth cared for her no matter what. "Ingasa," she said. "You'll need to learn it eventually. Weyrling training and what-not." Oh, now she was babbling. "Oh, and you Impressed Bronze. Congratulations on that. I'm afraid I don't know your name, either..."

Ingasa, I'm coming to find you.
Why? A frown appeared on her elfin face, and she glanced out to the crowd.
The other dragonets are there, and your visual pictures are interesting. I want to see it!
Oh, okay Yini. Just be careful!
I won't break!

[Luna]

Luna smiled to V'kem, "Yes, yes it was. A great many surprises she threw. I'm almost sorry it's over. But I really don't think I could take any more suprises." She let her eyes go over all those who had arrived. At last it finally seemed as if her Weyr was bristling with energy. "I hope you and Teglth are doing well?" She took another sip of the great wine. A parting gift, it seemed her old Weyrleaders hadn't begrudged her leaving and actually thought it good.

Raineth had just finished with a herdbeast when a green's voice intruded upon her dinner. Glad to pass off any meet and greet she replied, You will find her within the Lower Caverns with everyone. The hatching has just finished you so may have to wait for an official welcome. Feel free to enjoy the feast though, it is a time of celebration, for many things. Now, done with that, she returned to her hunt.

The shocking cold of Between was felt and Luna turned ready to scold whatever dimglow, or drunk, rider thought to appear in her Lower Caverns. She stopped when she saw who it was, her mouth opened in surprise.

There gliding to the ground, body positively wiggling in excitement, stood a blue? It seemed he had been the missing Taiga egg's occupant. He quickly made his way through the crowd. One or two Hold Ladies screamed to see an unbonded dragon moving among them. One even fainted.

Oh, K'ellmine I found you! I was so worried!

I hatched and no one was there. Oh, mine, it was just awful. I went off to find you and now I have. Now that I've found you, I'm awfully hungry. Please feed me?

Laeth would always be more willing to do something than let others do it for him. If he has to wait...nope, there is no waiting for him. You'll never see him just waiting for something to happen, he makes it happen. As evidence by his hatching, he does have a natural feel for time jumping, but normally he's too excited to do it correctly. He'll just leap without thought unless his bonded is quick enough to stop him.

With time he'll even out to be a great ladies' man. Just adventures and girls. He doesn't really notice how much he flirts, even with the human girls, but he's a natural. He has a real boyish charm to him.

The only really odd thing about him was he wasn't a real blue. He was almost Ebony, but still retained a twinge of blue. Some say because he has a shade of blue that makes him blue. Others hold out that in some spots, it's not even blue anymore so he's an Ebony and definitely not a blue. Laeth just says he belongs to Khell.

[Khell]

Hmph. Fine. If they could turn his name into a nickname, then he could do the same to theirs. He let his hands flop to his side before grabbing two glasses of wine off of a tray that a passing drudge happened to carry. He passed one to Sandra and lifted his own into the air slightly, “Well Pi and Sand. To us, the greatest candidates of all time!” He toasted loudly before tilting his head and easily downing the drink.

He placed the glass on a table and grabbed another one – he was definitely ready to drink the hatching away. Especially when there was some good company around him. He heard a lady scream behind him and rolled his eyes, “Seems like we’re not the only ones having too much to drink today.” He lifted the new glass to his mouth and sipped at it, a smile on his mouth. Tonight was going to be a good night.

Oh, K'ellmine I found you! I was so worried!

Blink. Blink. Khell stared at his glass for a long minute, was he drunk already? He was hearing voices!

I hatched and no one was there. Oh, mine, it was just awful. I went off to find you and now I have. Now that I've found you, I'm awfully hungry. Please feed me?

Finally Khell, well K’ell now, turned around. Staring up at him with his bottom half wriggling happily was a dragonet. This didn’t make sense. K’ell was almost positive he hadn’t Impressed at the hatching! He once again looked down at the glass of wine. “But I was toasting to candidacy…” He mumbled almost mournfully. While K’ell was doing his own thing, so was Laeth.

This dragonet wasn’t waiting around to be fed! He was going to feed himself! He scrabbled against a table, claws scratching at the wood to get to the platter of meat rolls. K’ell blinked again and grabbed some meat of off the table and shoved it into Laeth’s mouth, who flopped onto the ground and chewed contently. K’ell turned back to Piene and Sandra, his glass raised.

“To us, the greatest candidates and one Weyrling!”

The fact that he had Impressed clearly wasn't hitting him just yet.

[Luna]

After the shock of seeing a dragonet already betweening Luna set to action. She didn't get in his way, but she did follow him through the crowd. She motioned to a drudge to get some meat, what was for the feast, was fine and well, but it wasn't exactly the best for a growing dragon.

"I'll take that Weyrling K'ell of ....?" She arched an eyebrow at the lad as she took the wine from his hand. It was bad enough he seemed to have downed the bottle in his hand. (Her not having seen him exchange the bottle with Piene.) But ignoring the just Impressed hatchling was another thing entirely. She'd thought fairly well of the lad, a little reckless to be sure, but she did hope he'd be responsible enough to handle his dragon. A slight fidget at her side made her realize the nervous drudge was back. The woman handed her the bowl and hurried off, wanting nothing to do with this it seemed. "Now, here is something to feed your blue. Once he has been fed and properly taken care of, you may responsibly enjoy the rest of the festivities. Take care to remember you're a Weyrling now." She waited to make sure he seemed to understand before turning and smiling at the rest of the crowd. "Another happy Impression!" She clapped her hands and nodded towards the Harpers to continue their song so that she could deal with this privately.

-------

R'dyn arrived to the feast late. It'd taken him forever to find the Weyrling Barracks as he'd not had anyone to guide him or anytime to figure it out before hand. He frowned, why was he so nervous? He attended social events bigger than this by the dozens. With far more important people, than family of just turned dragon riders, and a tiny Weyr's WW. After wiping the sweat of his hands on his pants he had to admit to himself. It was because he was in a new role. He wasn't the spoiled Lord Holder's son here, he was the new Weyrling ... person/thing.

When drinks came around he eagerly grabbed for one to sooth this nerves, only to get tut tutt'ed by the drudge and reminded of the Weyrling 'rule'. What weyrling rule? He was Raedyn for Faraneth's sake! R'dynmine you really must calm down. Should I join you?

Zayth had sleepily declined to join R'dyn at the feast. He'd already had more than enough to eat and a decent nap after working to crack that egg sounded great. R'dyn shook his head, No Zayth, I'll be fine. With a sigh, he determined he'd calm down one way or another. With that in mind he decided to do something that came naturally to help take his mind off this stuff...and that was flirt.

[yankeegeek]

Danathi
She'd gone to change, after the Hatching. The heat had been nearly as bad in the Stands,
and she didn't mean to show up at the celebration sweat-soaked and filthy.
Silth took off, wanting a break, and some quiet. He'd be at the Lake; they'd agreed to meet there later for a nighttime swim and stargazing. Possibly camp outdoors, overnight; it was warm enough to be comfortable, so why not?
Give my regards to Teglth's, if you see him, Silth said unexpectedly, just as
Danathi turned to go inside.
Danathi's eyebrows arched. "I will, of course." She brushed a hand over her skirts, smiling, before she joined the crowd celebrating the new Weyrlings. There were quite a few faces she didn't recognize. She made her way through the throng, to find a place near the Harpers.
Music, rather than wine or food, made for her idea of joyful hours. Not that she'd turn down
those, but they weren't her first interest.
Ah, there he was, talking to the Weyrwoman. Her face lit up with a smile as she waved, hoping to catch his eye. Yelling across the room wouldn't do, obviously.

Yimian
After seeing to the injured Candidates, and ascertaining that no one else needed her in her official capacity, Yimian was more than ready for a break. She knew she ought to make at least a short appearance at the Hatching Feast, however. She was, admittedly, curious about the 'faded-' looking and copper colored dragonets. Yet, they both seemed healthy and not deformed, merely possessing unusual coloration. She firmly banked her curiosity for later. Threading her way through the crowd, she noticed a smaller knot of young people--the Candidates who'd been left, she realized. A twinge of sympathy went through her. She hesitated, then started to thread her way toward them.
So, she was in time to see a hatchling appear out of between, and Impress one of the remaining Candidates.
Hmm. Apparently this Hatching's surprises weren't over with, after all.

J'rev
Aoryth hadn't woken by the time he decided to go nab some food for himself, and see his parents. Familiar with how hungry new dragonets were, they'd urged him to see to Aoryth first, and then come meet them at the feast. He was grateful for that. It wasn't that he wasn't pleased they'd come, far from it! But he had needed some time with his bonded, first,
without interruptions.
He was unprepared for the crowd in the hall. It looked as if most of the continent's people had to have shown up, though he knew that that wasn't accurate. Still, he quelled an urge to
retreat. Walking toward the tables, he unconsciously rubbed at the half-healed bites on his arm.

[Risa]

~V'kem~

As the blue suddenly joined the crowd, V'kem almost laughed. "So much for no more surprises." He remarked quietly before answering the weyrwomans question. "We are doing very well, thank you. I should hope you and Raineth are the same." Over the years, V'kem had adapted formality as second nature, and knew when such polite remarks were needed. He might have stayed longer, had the wave of another rider caught his eye. Danathi...

"Excuse me." he said, giving a quick bow before approaching the bluerider. "Greetings. How are you and your Silth?"

~Jinek~
As Risyth passed on the queens directions, Jinek cringed. She had arrived just after a hatching... oh, how late was she really? Still in her riding gear, she would look horrid at a hatching feast, but she had to prove she'd shown up. After all, she couldn't turn back now that she was here.

Heading into the lower caverns, it wasn't hard to spot the most important figure there. Staring at the ground as she approached, she offered over her transfer papers. "I'm sorry I'm so late. There were delays about getting papers signed." she explained weakly, nervious more now than she'd been anytime recently.

~Sandra~

She laughed as Khell returned her use of a nickname for him with one for her. Sand... well, it wasn't so bad. Accepting the wineglass, she found herself hesitating to drink anything. Did she really want to go down that path again? It had taken a lot to give up drinking in the first place. Suddenly though, she was distracted as Khell suddenly found himself bonded to a dragon.

Shaking her head, Sandra thought no more about over drinking, and drained the glass. One feast drinking couldn't hurt, could it? It couldn't possibly set back two turns sober, right? Then the reckless side of her mind spoke up. Yes, it could.

At Khel...K'ells comment, she raised her glass as well, even if it was empty. "To the best." she laughed.

Looking over to Piene, Sandra winked. "Guess we're the only true canidates left, huh?"

[Wangri]

Piene[/u]
Hah! Even if he hadn't Impressed, he wasn't doing so bad after all! A drinking buddy, a pretty lady and a bottle of Benden wine! Things finally started looking up for him, even without the aid of the wine. Lifting the bottle to clink it against the two others' glasses, he loudly rallied their new names with a hearty, "Here, here!"

Then, a dragonet pulled the impossible; it sailed out of between and Impressed to 'Hell, now K'ell. The boy broke the arm-over-the-shoulder chain to go feed his new bonded, and Piene slumped as the weight was taken off his shoulders. No fair! Stupid dragon. He glared at angrily, drunkenly, blaming it for all his current woes. Then, K'ell had the audacity to propose another toast. Begrudgingly, he clinked his bottle against his, though his eyes were averted.

He sighed depressingly, tipped his head back and chugged the rest of the bottle.

Casting Sand a sideways glance, he murmured, "Yea. Hopefully it wont' stay that way." As much as he loved being singled out along with a pretty lady, he did have to admit that having a dragon would probably me more of a long-term asset in attracting ladies. Guess he had to settle with less than average once more. It was something he was used to, he realized with another sigh.
[/font]

[Khell]

K’ell turned around when a voice reached his ears. The Weyrwoman’s voice. Oops.

“Of Laeth. Blue Laeth? I think?” He said with a slight grimace, not entirely sure what exactly the dragon was. He had tinges of blue but at the same time he was practically all ebony. A tricky little dragon. He let her take the bottle away, shooting a quick bashful grin at Piene and Sandra. He was a Weyrling now and Weyrling’s couldn’t drink – he’d have to remember that vital piece of information.

He took the bowl of meat from the woman and knelt down beside Laeth, slowly handing the dragon pieces of meat.

You got in trouble. Laeth said, his voice tinged with amusement. What’s this? He was already getting attitude from his dragon? Oh snap.

“Thanks Weyrwoman. And, you know.” He motioned to the bottle of wine, “Sorry ‘bout that.” He watched as Laeth continued to chew on the meat and glanced at Sandra and Piene, “Can I still be part of the group? This won’t get me kicked out, will it?” He was just making friends! He didn’t want to lose them already – even though he had gained a Laeth. He nodded his head at Piene’s last comment. “I’m sure you guys will Impress some rocking dragons next time.”

Did their dragons get lost also? ‘Cause I can go find them Mine. Laeth offered, tail thrashing with the idea of going on an adventure.

[Luna]

She was about to turn back to K'ell to make sure he was feeding his dragonet properly when a greenrider appeared and handed her papers. The mischievous imp she'd been as a Candidate made her want to tease the greenrider on lateness, but as the WW she couldn't do that without potentially scarring the girl. She looked about to crumble into dust as it was. So she smiled at the girl as she glanced down at the parchment, "Jinek of green Risyth?" She glanced up for a nod, "Well, you're just in time for the feast. Actually it's just begun if you'd like to freshen up. No doubt your dragon wouldn't mind getting those riding straps off." Raineth, would you mind giving them some directions to the smaller weyrs still unoccupied. "Risyth should be receiving images of some weyrs to choose from. We still have quite a few empty so you're welcome help." She gave the girl's shoulder a squeeze, "After that, report here for some mingling and fun. It's a time for celebration! Ten healthy hatchlings in this clutch." Once Jinek said her piece Luna turned back to K'ell.

She nodded as it seemed all was well. She glanced over at Piene and Sandra, "You might not be Weyrlings, but you still represent the Weyr. Enjoy yourselves, but not too much." She said eying the glasses they held. She knew they were pushed to this from after Hatching blues, but no reason to let it go too far. If she were actually three people she'd have enough time to take them to the side and chat. As it was, they were at least coping together so it was probably best like this. She couldn't console them, her with a dragon, like they could with each other.

[Risa]

~Sandra~

Under the eye of the weyrwoman, Sandra nodded respectfully. She wasn't gone yet after all. Still, she couldn't lose her happy grin looking at K'ell. Messing with him would be easy, but that really wasn't in her nature. She wouldn't want to be teased in his situation, so she doubted he did either. "You're more than welcome to be my friend at least." She said, looking over to Piene. He seemed glum about the sudden impression.

"Hey, cheer up." She muttered. "Think of it this way, at least your not the absolute last canidate, and when the next batch is searched, we'll have one up on them." That was Sandra for you, helpful and supportive. As her siblings had said, she probably didn't have a mean bone in her body. Then the drinker part of her kicked in, noticing late that Piene chugged the bottle. "I hope you don't plan on keeping all the wine to yourself." Again, hardly a serious tone to her voice.

~Jinek~
With a sigh as her stress vanished, Jinek nodded, heading back up to seek out a weyr with Risyth. Pulling herself onto the greens shoulders, Jinek slumped. "I thought I was going to pass out Ris."

I don't think you need to worry. They don't seem horrible here Jin-mine.[

Jinek nodded as they landed on the ledge of an empty weyr, slidding down and begining to remove Risyth's riding gear. Once that was said and done, she changed herself into lighter clothes, mostly in shades of grey lined with green. Care to give me a lift back Ris? She asked, running her fingers quickly through her hair to detangle any major knots from flying. No need to be the center of attention after all, just to look presentable was enough.

Sure thing. Behave though.

I could say the same to you, but I know your going to sleep, so why bother.

~A'noth~
Looking around, A'noth would have been content to stay quiet, but Mnesilth had other ideas. Pushing A'noth, he headed over to the suddenly appeared dark blue hatchling.

Greetings. Mine is being too quiet, I hope someone shall lighten him up. I am Mnesilth. The young brown was already outgoing, leaving A'noth with his jaw dropped. Day one and this was going to be the case, he feared what would happen when the brown got bigger. Best to play to the dragons tune then. To the one who'd been feeding the blue, he gave a slight grin. "Surprise impression, you'll be remembered for that." he said.