From the Shadows - Hatching

[Akki]

Hasima nodded in agreement. She loved her mother and father with all her heart, she wouldn't want to leave Dark Moon to go back to Ista. However, deep down part of her wanted to go back to Ista with Rimith one day. Just to prove everyone who doubted her wrong. Oh how susrprised that would be! Not only did she Impress, but she Impressed a mutation!

"Oh, that sounds easy enough." She said, obviosuly relieved. She didn't want to walk around stiffly the entire time in fear of it falling down. She shook her head slightly, "I don't have a comb or runner ties. Or I don't think I do. Maybe I do in my chest?". She bit her lip, trying to remember what was placed into her chest.

[Spirithawk]

"Well if you don't, come find me. I will show you how to make runner ties for your hair out of scrap hide. Combs though you might just have to wait on unless you want to ask old H'lan how to carve them. He likes to whittle hair combs while he and his dragon are on watch. He might exchange a comb for some chore like oiling straps or something like that. If not you can wait until the next Trader Caravan comes through and see what they have."

[Akki]

Once again, Hasima thanked Rhia for the offer of showing her how to make runner ties. She had never met H'lan, but decided that perhaps she would get him to show her how. She would gladly do a chore for return, it was only fair. Besides, she liked people though she could be wary of newcomers at first and this seemed like a good way to meet him. She could wait for the next Trader Caravan to come around. But the idea of being shown how to make one seemed more exciting to her. She would learn how to make one, she decided. "How much time is left before the feast begins?" Hasima asked, realizing she had lost track of time. And she hoped that Rimith was sleeping comfortably and that the little yellow didn't get lost or anything.

[Spirithawk]

"You have about a half an hour and I still need to get dressed. I don't want to shoo you off but I think you might want to change your shoes unless you want to wear your Candidate sandles with that gown. Mneith will take you down. Just hold on to the neck ridges and don't worry he won't drop you."

[Wolf]

Wolf had always been the type to stiffen when being scolded. There after her face commenced to get hot and she didn't speak for awhile. She nodded as Rhia spoke to show that she understood. 'Do I really have responsibilities now? Things are going to change?' The 15-year-old girl led Serinth over to the cot. Even the Golden dragonet could sense her rider's discomfort so she didn't speak to her until her rider's discomfort starting to dissipate. Once by her cot Wolf checked the chest to make sure all her things had successfully been brought over.

Are you okay Mine?
Yes... Just wondering why I was chosen, that's all. Wolf began to oil Serinth, as instructed, smiling ever so lightly as the dragonet crooned. Don't be so hard on yourself, there's no need for it. Just make sure your early from now on, as it should be. I can't help thinking about the future... everything to come. I'm not the type of person that is any good at taking life day by day. I thrive off knowing what's going to happen in the future, you know? Wolf's eyes slowly began to glaze over with the salty water of tears. A single tear slid down her cheek but she continued to oil the Gold. Wolf wanted nothing more then for Serinth to look her best. Deep breath's Mine. If I'm picking up on your thoughts correctly then this is not just about the scolding... the Gold paused a moment before continuing to give Wolf some pondering time, the mating flight is still a way's away. I know, Wolf sniffled, finally taking a sleeve to her cheeks as more tears traveled down her face. I'm just afraid, I'm sorry. Your fear is not misplaced Mine, I too have my concerns since I worry about you. There is no need for apologies. All will be well, you just have to give it some time. I'm not saying you'll be any less afraid when the time comes but perhaps overtime you will find a way to better cope with your fear... Thank-you Serinth, I love that you have wisdom. Serinth chuckled, folding her partly extended wings once Wolf had finished oiling her. "There all done, you look gorgeous." She motioned to ward's the area where Serinth could get some rest.

"I'm sorry, its all my fault that you missed out on some sleep," Wolf told her with an exasperated sigh. Serinth butted her with her head gently, as if indicating that she was forgiven.
Get ready Mine. Serinth got into her resting-place, craning her neck in a comfortable position, closing her eyes over drowsily. "Sweet dreams... my Serinth," Wolf whispered. Wolf walked over to where her Gathering clothes were placed in the chest, taking them out gently.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

R'xis looked to Wolf, worried about how she'd take the scolding rather then himself. "Yes ma'am," he said to Rhia respectfully, saying no more. Ersith looked up set that Her's had gotten in trouble.
Oil me quick so you can have sufficient time to get ready. Ersith mentioned nothing of the incident, deciding since it was over it best not be talked of. "I'll do a good job, no need to rush, I'm the King at getting ready quickly," he replied aloud while heading over to his cot. Ersith was by his side, yawning tiredly. Taking the oil in his left hand R'xis began to oil her, marveling at how shiny it made her hide. "Wow... cool." Cool... that's good, right? Ersith asked hopefully. Yeah, it is R'xis laughed.
Once Ersith looked as good as Serinth R'xis was done. "There, now get some sleep. We can talk later." He motioned to the dragonet's resting place, watching as she got into it eagerly. "Good girl," he teased, receiving a smart remark from the dragonet for his words.

Like his sister had done R'xis headed over to his chest of clothes, taking out the pants and tunic inside...

[Akki]

She nodded, she understood that Rhia needed time to get ready too, it only made sense. After all, it wouldn't be fair if Rhia spent all her time helping Hasima getting ready and had no time left for herself. However, she couldn't help but let out a small squeak when she learned she had to go on Mneith to get down. Biting her lip she slowly climbed onto Mneith, which took her a moment for the dragon was so big. She clung to him with her knees and her hands grasped his neck ridges as she waited for him to push off of the ground and head downwards.

[Spirithawk]

Mneith waited until the girl was settled and then dropped from his ledge, opening his wings to slow his descent and glide gently to the ground.

Rhia smiled when he reported that Hasima was back at the Barracks and then turned to her own dressing. She pulled out a dark purple gown. The overskirt had been slit to reveal a silvery green underskirt. The bodice emphasized the brownrider's lean hourglass figure. The gown left shoulders and part of the woman's bosom bare, just enough to tantalize. Her skin had a golden tan to it that blazed against the dark dress. She pulled her wavy auburn hair into a loose runner tail. She left tendrils out all over and made the tail so that it cascaded down her back. The bottom was left down so that her hair seemed to fall in a waterfall effect down her back. She added a few barettes fashioned in the shape of flitts. Her grey eyes shone in stark contrast to the dark gown. The gown gathered in at her slim waist and then flared out. The neckline was trimmed with the same silvery green material as the underskirt. The overskirt was a little bit shorter than the underskirt. The sleeves fell off her shoulders and were not much more than a wide strap on her upper arm embroidered in green. A belt of dark silver was fitted with a few green stones and a bit of the chain fell from the side of her waist. She had dark purple shoes to match the gown.

She slipped out and twirled in front of her dragon for approval. She was single now after all and Rehan and Giana were already a Turn old. The twenty turn old brownrider was over her silly conceptions of lasting love. The brown voiced his approval and she slid onto his back so that he could take her down.

Rhia lifted the skirt of her gown as she made her way to the W'ling Barracks to fetch her charges. She would arrive with the young dragonriders shortly after the WW returned.

[Akki]

Hasima slid off of the large brown dragon awkwardly, not used to being on one and thanked him graciously for taking her down. She returned to her barracks, now ready for the feast that was approaching. She moved carefully, not wanting to step on the dress by accident or fall down and lose the comb that was placed in her now elegant hair. She reached her cot and Rimith stirred from her slumber, sensing her presence.

The small yellow looked up at Hasima and crooned, Hasima! You look so pretty! Rimith clambered down from her sleeping spot and stood beside the pale girl and was happy to see that her yellow hide clashed wonderfully against the soft blue material. The colour of her dress made the small yellow stand out. "Rimith, I think Rhia is coming soon to pick us up, so if you want more sleep you better do it now." Hasima said, sounding sorry for waking the dragon though she didn't do it. Rimith declined, saying she was well rested and would wait with her.

[Kandarra]

V'koran finished oiling Verith with a last circular motion.

That feels so much better, thank you, sighed Verith, his itches completely sated. May I sleep now?

V'koran nodded. Yes, Rhia just made an announcement. I'm to go get dressed for the feast, and you can go to your couch. Verith wandered off in the direction of the barracks. The new brownrider followed him, showing him which couch was his.

After settling Verith in, V'koran rummaged through his things, searching for the one truly feast-worthy shirt he had. He pulled articles of clothing out one by one until he found it. It was sapphire blue and grey, made of silk and cotton and tailored specifically to the lanky weyrling's unusual build. The shirt itself was simple in the torso: It was the silk part and had a button-up V-neck and short, stiff collar without flaps, much like a Terran priest's. It fit close to his body with a slight emphasis on the chest. The sleeves, however, were made with cotton, long, grey, and had extra cloth and a cuff at the wrist, so they draped away from his shoulders to give him a classic, gallant look. His hair was layeredish to just below his ears and parted down the middle, and he fixed it so it didn't look mussed. He replaced everything in the chest and stood, looking around for Rhia and not seeing her. He sat on a stray barrel, waiting for Rhia or Jess, whichever might come first.

----

L'von stood, unmoving, as Rhia gave orders. His face fell as he finished oiling Zalith.

What's wrong, my love? Zalith asked, nuzzling his knee concernedly.

I haven't anything to wear to the feast. I never had anything nice. Now I won't look good on our feast day. Sadness crept into L'von's mindvoice.

Don't be silly, Mine, Zalith replied. What about your friend? I bet he has something to wear.

Who? Oh-- C'adyn? I didn't think of that, he said, hope creeping back in.

Well you're lucky I'm here, then, aren't you? Zalith said. She then went on to contact Hith. Hith, Mine needs something to wear for the food. Does Yours have something Mine may borrow?

[Spirithawk]

Rhia entered the W'ling Barracks just as the W'ling's two hours were up. She held her skirts up so that they did not sweep the ground like they were supposed to.

"All right everyone...let me see if you are presentable." She went through the W'lings after they lined up, straightening out doublets and making some of the lads tuck in their tunics and comb their hair. Some of the girls needed a bit of help fastening jewelry but finally they were all ready.

"You will enter in line, walk up to the High Table and accept your W'ling knots from Christae. You will go in order of the largest dragon. Serinth and Wolf will be first. Hasima, Jessalyn and Sorcha will go right after Wolf and Serinth since their dragons will be in the Queen's wing. Then the bronzes, browns, blues and greens afterwards. No jostling and be polite. After the WW presents you to the guests you can go to any seat you want except for the High Table."

[Akki]

As Rhia entered the barracks Hasima hurried to quickly get into the line with Rimith by her side, whose hide now seemed to glow from the oil. I am excited for the feast Rimith said, looking up at Hasima who agreed with sincere honesty. She watched as Rhia corrected clothing, fixed jewellery and such and let her mind wander to picture what the riders were wearing, probably rather nice clothes since they were of high ranks in the weyr.

She listened quietly as Rhia said the order of which people would go and closed her eyes for a moment, memorizing when she was supposed to go. I'll remind you if you forget Rimith offered kindly to Hasima with a soft croon.

[Torva Anian]

K'nest was glad he was going to be near the end. It would be too much if he had to stand in the middle of a large group of people. He'd still be stuck between the green and browns but there weren't that many. He would deal with it.

His eyes flicked from one person to another, they had all gotten extremely fancy for this dinner. It was a wonderful sight. Beautiful, odd dragonets beside their Bonded in his/her best dressed. He figeted slightly wanting to move already, he wanted to see what this fuss was about the feast.

[Tenma]

J'kel looked at Jorath, who was looking back at J'kel with a blank look in his eyes. Why are you dressed up nicely? The blue questioned, causing J'kel to laugh silently.

I told you. They are holding a feast for all of the new weyrlings, including us, and we have to wear gather clothes. J'kel was slowly getting a hang on speaking telepathically to his newly impressed dragon. He got a lot of practice from Jorath asking so many questions. 'Who is that? Who is this? Where are they going? Where are you going?' Many different questions. J'kel was pretty sure that the hatchling didn't care, but was merely bored, for he had been awake for a while.

J'kel ran a hand through his shaggy brown hair. He didn't even bother trying to make it look nice, because he knew it wouldn't and that fact didn't really bother him. He stood up and walked toward the door of the Weyrling barracks. Come on. We have to go. J'kel said. The two exited the barracks, J'kel excited and Jorath just not caring. J'kel walked towards where they were supposed to meet Rhia right outside the barracks.

He saw Hasima and ran up to her, giving her a quick hug before backing off. He didn't realize how this might seem, because all the women at his hold greeted good friends this way. He never saw much of the men because they spent most of their time fishing and there were few children. "I can't believe we are Weyrlings. I can't believe this whole feast is for us." He said excitedly to her. Jorath stood at his feet, looking around from J'kel, to Hasima, to Rimith.
*************************************

I am going to go get changed. Hali said to Orylith, who was sitting impatiently on her couch. Hali grabbed her gather clothes and walked into the washroom. She stripped herself and carefully bandaged up her chest. She threw on a nice white top and black bottoms. She ran a brush through her very short hair and gather up her other clothes. She walked back into the barracks and put her other clothes away.

About time. Orylith said, sighing dramatically. Hali smiled at the small green's over dramatic acting.

Well I am done so would you like to go? I personally don't want to see the majority of the male Weyrlings undress. Hali explained as she headed for the door. Orylith snorted stubbornly but didn't object as she followed her mine out the door. She saw a few other Weyrlings outside the barracks and stood near them, also waiting for the rest.

[Akki]

Hasima let out a small sound, which was like a squeak of surprise, when two arms enveloped her, pulling her into a hug. She turned to face whoever hugged her and a small smile tugged at her lips as she saw it was Jakel. "Hello." She said softly, a blush reaching her cheeks as to the fact she was just hugged. Hasima nodded in agreement, she too couldn't believe that she was no longer a candidate but a weyrling and one day she would be a full fledged rider, flying with Rimith every where. Rimith trotted over to Jorath, tilting her head to one side as if inspecting him and his newly oiled hide before crooning, Hello again.

[maira]

((ooc: please just assume that Jessa has done all she's supposed to up to this point. RL kicked my butt and it would just be easier for me to pick it up from here... Oh, and don't mind C'adyn, he's feeling playful tonight...))

The sight of a snoozing copper dragonet was amazing to Jessalyn. The fact that the same copper dragonet, who's hide now glistened with oil, was -her- dragon just completely baffled her. How had she gotten so lucky as to impress a dragon? Especially one so beautiful. Of course, Jessa knew, everybody thought their own dragon was beautiful...

Once Aylith was sound asleep, Jessa went about getting ready for the feast that she and the other Weyrlings were being honored with. Rummaging through her few belongings it didn't take Jessalyn long to find what she was looking for, a dark sapphire blue dress with silvery thread embroidering at the neck, around the close fitted waist, and at the sleeve cuffs and the hem. It was a treasure she had picked up on her trip down to Dark Moon when she'd been with the caravan. Slipping on the dress, Jessa gave a soft sigh of satisfaction as the smooth cool fabric molded itself to her. Having no jewelry, Jessa didn't have to fuss with any of that, her curls on the other hand were another matter all together. The only thing to do with the mass of curls to make them look good was to pull them into a tight bun and let a few tendrils fall down around her face.

She had just finished up with her hair, and had just slipped on her sandals when Rhia came into the barracks and gave instructions on how to line up for being presented at the Feast. As soon as the instructions were given out, Jessa crouched down (careful not to let her dress get dusty) and scritched Aylith's nearest eyeridge. "Wake up beautiful," she murmured softly and waited for the dainty copper to stir.

Not wanting to wake up from her snooze, Aylith only opened one eye and asked curiously, <<What? Do we have to go already?>> Jessa laughed softly and answered, "Yes love, we have to go line up with the rest and go to the Feast." Aylith let out a perturbed breath, rather close to a sigh, stretched, and raised herself off her couch. Once up and about, Aylith's energy perked up and she pranced her way to where she knew a certain brown dragonet was...

Jessa had a sneaking suspicion that her soulmate was heading straight for V'koran and Verith, and when she saw that indeed the copper had found the new brown pair, she just shook her head and smiled. Following Aylith at a bit more dignified a pace, Jessa took the time to admire just how well V'koran cleaned up. She was also a bit surprised to see that they would be going to the feast in matching colors. That made her smile broaden. When she finally reached her friend and the dragonets, Jessa ran her hand up his arm and whispered, "You look rather dashing," before pulling away to a more appropriate distance.

*****

C'adyn was himself getting ready for the feast when Hith snorted and relayed a message to him. <<Zalith wants to know if by chance you have anything that her rider can wear to the feast. Apparently he doesn't have anything fancy enough.>> The amusement was clear in Hith's tone and C'adyn just ignored it, he knew his dragon thought humans were the oddest creatures and now he just had more fuel for the fire...

Throwing on his second best tunic, C'adyn grabbed up his first (a soft creamy colored tunic with looser sleeves and a tighter torso with a light blue dragon embroidered at each side of the v-necked collar) and a pair of well made and smart looking chocolate brown pants. He knew the pants would be too long for the shorter man so just had to remember to tell him to tuck them into some knee length boots...

Once he had everything gathered, C'adyn begged Hith for a ride over to the Weyrling barracks. The blue was more than happy to oblige as it meant getting a first glimpse at all the new weyrling pairs before anybody else. It only took a matter of moments from the time that Zalith asked if C'adyn had anything for L'von to wear, until the blue pair was landing outside the barracks. Sliding off of Hith's back and down his side, C'adyn rushed inside and looked around in a bit of bewilderment. Where oh where had the cute greenrider gone? When he spotted L'von, C'adyn hurried over to him and proffered the clothes. "I come at Zalith's request, I hope these will work for you. Just make sure to tuck the pants into your boots, otherwise it'll be obvious they're too long." That said, he gave the new greenrider a quick hug and bolted from the barracks, he didn't want to get scolded by Rhia for interfering or some such nonsense.

[Spirithawk]

Rhia smiled at C'adyn and then turned to her charges. "Quickly now loves. We don't want to keep the public waiting." With that, she gathered up her skirts and swept out of the room, waiting for the young riders to follow her.

[Akki]

Hasima shuffled in the line, not sure whether or not there was any order to it. She didn't know if she was supposed to go to the back for having the smallest dragon or stay where she was at the moment, which was at the front of the line. Rimith crooned softly, telling her mine to say where she was otherwise everyone would begin shuffling around and any order would be lost. The girl nodded slowly, agreeing the pale yellow. She stood in front of Rhia now, shuffling from side to side as she waited for what ever would come next.

[Spirithawk]

((I had mentioned earlier the order in which the dragons were supposed to go...but take them to the feast thread. I am about to close this one))

[Kandarra]

V'koran heard Verith say, Good evening, sister, and he turned. Walking towards him was Jessalyn, and she looked beautiful. He froze a moment before standing quickly to greet her. He noticed that she was wearing the same colors as he, and smiled. She was beautiful, her eyes reflecting the blue on her dress. The black of her hair was startling in contrast with the sapphire blue and V'koran felt himself staring at her longer than was polite, even with their close relationship. He broke out of his trance-like state and smiled at her; it was the smile he reserved for Jessa and only Jessa.

Verith greeted Aylith with a nuzzle as V'koran squeezed Jessa's hand. He, also, stood at a more appropriate distance after that greeting. "You look amazing," he said, a softness in his voice.

----

L'von hardly had time to sit down and wait before C'adyn was shoving what looked like his finest gather tunic in his arms. He barely had time to nod at the instruction to tuck the pants into his boots before C'adyn gave him a hug and practically scurried off. He felt lucky he was wearing his good undershorts and slipped his boots and pants off. He pulled on C'adyn's pants quickly, fastened them, and tucked them obediently into his boots. Pulling his own tunic off, he slipped C'adyn's over his tanned torso. It was a tight fit, as he was a bit broader in the chest than the bluerider, but it still fit him and he wiggled a bit to adjust. He fixed the collar just right and made sure the sleeves were the right length. He was surprised that the clothes fit him, but glad and very grateful.

Zalith, please send my thanks to Hith and his rider, he said as he lined up.

Mine wishes to thank you and Yours for the clothes, Zalith said to Hith. He is very glad for the help. The green lined up next to her rider, ready to go to the feast.

[Kandarra]

((Um, isn't Rhia supposed to take them? I'm confused.))