Voices Of The Next Generation [TOUCHING]

[Zen]

Candidate Master S'bol

S'bol grinned around at the group of candidates before him. It was nice that they no longer had to be ferried up on dragonback. The Minecrafters had finally finished the path up, and though it was a bit of a long walk, it was preferable to having to arrange for other dragonriders to come help him get all the Candidates up to the cavern constantly. It also made the Hatching Cavern more accessible for the rest of the weyrhold, they could come peek at the eggs at their leisure, and eggs on the Sands were a great moral booster.

Standing at the edge of the Sands, 20 eggs arranged behind him, he addressed the group a final time before allowing them to greet the gold's rider and be given permission to go among the eggs. “Remember everyone. Be polite and respectful, and no roughhousing around the eggs or trying to move them. Mind anything Talera says. They're just eggs, so no reason to be nervous or afraid of them. You can touch them, spend as much or as little time as you wish with them all.” He nodded, “If you have any questions, I or Talera can certainly answer them. Remember there are dragons in there, and one of them might be yours come Hatching day.” He smiled and looked over at Talera, who greeted them all and invited them among the eggs after telling the candidates not to bow for Aerroth, it did nothing for her. S'bol stepped aside to allow them all to pass.

Flame Egg
This egg is very aptly named, and very clearly contains a Gold within. Its shell gleams in the light, as metallic as the dragon within surely is. The top half of the egg is a vibrant gold color, the bottom half a darker red-gold, the pattern looking very much like flames licking their way up the side of the shell. It appears to be about the same size as the Banded Egg, which is to say very large. Aerroth guards this egg closely.

Banded Egg, Scarred Egg
Roughly the same size as the Flame Egg, the Banded Egg is so named for the thick dark band that circles around its middle, tanning the usual pale shell color. It sits not far from the Flame Egg. Beside the Banded Egg is the Scarred Egg, one of the smallest eggs in the clutch. It's shell is marred by several small, dark, scratch-like marks, giving it a scarred appearance.

Spiral Egg, Feather Egg, Cross Egg
The Spiral Egg is a smaller egg and has a faint spiral marking right at its peak. Beside it are the Feather Egg and the Cross Egg, both average in size. The Feather Egg has a faint marking which looks vaguely like a feather on one side while the Cross Egg has a large X shaped marking.

Giant Egg, Shadow Egg
The Giant Egg is by far the largest in the clutch. Though it sits nowhere near the Flame Egg, it is easy to tell that it is much larger than the new Queen egg. It is quite rotund, and appears to sit on its own near the center of the clutch, but closer inspection will reveal the Shadow Egg. This small egg is easy to miss, half buried and in the shadow of the Giant Egg. Be careful you don't trip on it.

Striped Egg, Splotched Egg
The Striped Egg is similar in size to the Tall Egg, so it is large, though it is rounder and less tall. Dark horizontal stripes mar one side of the egg, from top to bottom, while the other side of the egg has no markings at all. It sits not far from to Giant Egg. Beside it sits the Splotched Egg. This egg is on the smaller side, with random splotches of paler color on its shell.

Fish Egg, Flower Egg, Spotted Egg
This group of three eggs varies greatly in size. Near the top of the average sized Fish Egg is a dark blemish that looks vaguely like a little fish. The Flower Egg is one of the smallest eggs in the clutch. At the very top of the egg is a dark flower-like marking. And the Spotted Egg is on the larger side, but certainly doesn't hold a candle to the Flame Egg or the Giant Egg. It has six large spots ringing its shell.

Spark Egg, Cloud Egg
The Spark Egg is quite large, on par with the Striped Egg and the Tall Egg. It has three, small, pale markings on one side of its shell that look slightly like sparks bursting to light. The Cloud Egg is on the larger side, but not quite as big as the Spark Egg beside it. A pale cloudy marking covers about the third of the egg's surface.

Pointed Egg
This small egg sits on its own and seems fairly unremarkable until you get close and notice just how much more sharply pointed it is at the top when compared to its siblings.

Gazing Egg, Grinning Egg
Sitting farther away from the rest of the clutch, the Gazing Egg is an average sized egg that would be rather unremarkable save for the two unsettling markings which look vaguely like eyes, that seem to follow you around as you walk amongst the clutch. The Grinning Egg is about the same size as the Gazing Egg beside it. It has a large dark marking that looks vaguely like a grinning smile.

Little Egg
This egg is by far the smallest in the clutch, but is otherwise rather unremarkable. It is the closest egg to the Tall Egg, but sits a little away from it.

Tall Egg
This egg is on the larger side, but is far thinner than any of the eggs in the clutch, which it gives it the illusion of being 'taller' than its siblings. It sits across the clutch from the Flame Egg, away from all its siblings, isolated.



Candidate Mizao

Mizao listened carefully to the given instructions. S'bol's were mostly just a repeat of what they'd all already heard. He'd been about drilling it into their heads since the Touching lesson, though she understood why. It was an important day, the eggs were important. Talera greeted them all, telling them NOT to bow to her dragon, and then S'bol stood aside as she invited them onto the Sands. Her heart fluttered nervously as she waited for some of the others to step out among the eggs first, unsure where to start or exactly what to do. Watching some of the others walking around, fingers trailing over shells, stopping to crouch down and speak to the eggs, she shook her head. She was overthinking this.

She moved forward, eyeing Aerroth with some amount of trepidation. She'd never been this close to a Gold dragon before. They were... very large, to say the least. She kept her distance, starting at the eggs farthest away from their mother. She would have to work her way toward her, for that's where the gold egg sat, and she would be lying if she said she didn't have hopes to Impress the hatchling within. Pausing at the Tall Egg, she hesitated before reaching out, splaying her hand against the pale shell. Gasping in surprise, she pulled her hand away at the unexpected sensations that had suddenly reached out for her at the contact. Taking a moment to collect herself, more ready this time, she reached out once more, pressing her hand gently against the shell.

The mind that reached out to hers was curious at first, apologetic that it scared her. She smiled slightly, “It's all right... I just didn't know what to expect....” She realized she was talking to an egg and flushed slightly. The dragon within the Tall Egg seemed mildly amused by this, but sent a wave of reassurance toward her that she was doing fine, and then it withdrew. She waited a few moments, but the contact was gone. Removing her hand from the shell, she shook her head again. How very strange.... Though she understood completely what S'bol had meant now... the impression of words. She gave the egg one last look over and moved on to the next.

OOC: Okay, so the way this Touching is going to work is that you can choose up to FIVE eggs to interact with in detail (if you so choose to, if you do not want to participate in this more interactive Touching you can feel free to just have your candidate go through and touch all the eggs with no real reactions from them). You can see somewhat how it worked in our last Touching HERE.

Choose one to start with and have your candidate approach and do whatever you’d like them to do, then I will PM you a response from the egg. It will be ‘secret’ (through PM) to simulate the fact that you only know what’s going on with the eggs your own characters are interacting with. Through this, you’ll get a glimpse of the personality of each dragonet within the eggs you choose to interact with, but remember, you can only interact with five in this manner, so choose wisely!

After I’ve PM’d you an egg response, you can reply to the THREAD with how your character responded to what they experienced with the egg (double posting is allowed for this thread). Depending on the dragonet’s personality, it might respond again, or it could ignore you, which is your queue to move on to another egg. In this way, your candidate can have quasi conversations with a couple eggs and the Touching becomes a much more interactive thread.

Above I’ve posted an egg response for Mizao to allow people who don’t have candidates to get in on the action a little and also to sort of show you how it will work. Do not post the egg's responses in your reply.

[Alyx]

Candidate Joia

Overwhelmed would have been an excellent way of putting how Joia felt. Even with all the lessons, lectures, and preparations, nothing would have really prepared her for stepping onto the Sands with her classmates. She shifted softly on the hot Sand, stealing glances at the form of the huge Gold near the eggs as S’bol gave them their last bit of forewarning before turning them loose on their own. She tried to focus, remember what he was saying, but all she could think about was the lesson barely seven days before and the talk she’d had with the other girls after it. Did they really want them to believe the eggs would ‘talk’ to them? I mean, what would the little ones in the shells really have to say to a bunch of silly students?

Don’t be afraid he said. Riiight, sure. Easy for him to say. Still, when S’bol and the weyrwoman turned them loose, Joia watched the others go for a moment. There were so many eggs… for days the girls had talked about which ones might be Blues, Greens, Browns. Which ones they wanted to touch, to see if the ‘talking’ thing was real. Finally, Joia moved after the others, sandals sinking in the sand. She kept a wary look at the resting Gold as she picked her way through the scattered clutch of Eggs.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Mizao jump a little; she stopped, watching the girl reach back to the egg and murmur something Joia couldn’t really here. Maybe they did talk? If they did, were they supposed to talk back? Joia founded, becoming more confused each passing moment. All this what if and second-guessing was making her brain hurt! With a little frown, she decided the best course of action would be to do what she generally always did.

Jump in, feet first, and hope she didn’t get hurt.

After a moment or two of contemplation, she settled on starting with a smaller egg; one she was sure she couldn’t be eaten by. She crouched gentle down by the Little Egg and reached out carefully. She waited a moment, took a breath and braced herself for whatever might happen. Reaching out, Joia brushed her fingers along the curve of the small shell, gently, not wanting to harm the thing with her touch.

[Taxx]

Aleni had been looking forward to this since the eggs had been laid, and now she, and the rest, were being allowed to move among the eggs and touch them. It was a decently sized clutch too- plenty of chances for this Hatching to be her last. If one of the young dragons in the eggs found her acceptable. She gave a single nod to show she'd heard S'bol's instructions, and then they were beckoned forward. Eagerly, and with none of the shyness of the newer Candidates who would be unsure and possibly overwhelmed at the strangeness of it, Aleni stepped forward. She paused a moment, glancing over the clutch briefly before moving toward the Scarred Egg, letting her fingers brush over the shells of a few others on her way but not stopping to talk to them.

Joia seemed to have the same idea, heading for the smallest egg in the clutch- sure, there were plenty of big and flashy ones to admire, but the smaller, darker ones were no less deserving. Crouching by the side of the egg, Aleni faced it directly, trailing fingers of one hand along the scratch markings of the shell, while the other laid flat against the curve. "Hello in there, little one," she murmured, keeping her voice quiet- there was nobody else around, it was just her and the little egg and its occupant. This wasn't odd- not to her. She'd done this plenty of times. "I bet you're about ready to come out of that shell. It must be getting so cramped."

[Alyx]

Candidate Joia

Whoa! The whole thing washed over Joia like a flood – a rush of excited energy she hadn’t expected. It was almost like a pup in a way, all bouncing and happy, anything and everything all bundled up. She managed not to fall over on her butt, which she was very happy for, as the smile spilled over her lips. A soft laugh escaped her; suddenly, in a way, what they had been told in class made so much sense now! She shifted her hand, running it along the curve of the Little Egg’s shell. “Aren’t you just ready for the big day?”

Realizing she was actually talking, she looked up; but quickly noticed she wasn’t the only one. There was an undertone in the room, a murmuring of voices and shifting sands. Oh good, good! She didn’t look like a total spaz if everyone was doing it. She quickly looked back to the egg, trying her best to puzzle out what the flood of emotions and feeling were supposed to mean. Did it want something from her, or did it just want to share its thoughts?

Either way, it was thrilling. She brought her second hand up to the shell and leaned a little in. “Don’t you worry, little one. I’m sure we are just as excited to see you as you are to get out of there. Skies are big and blue, just waiting for you. I can’t want to meet you, whether you are my partner or not – I hope we can at least be friends once you are free.”

[Alyx]

Candidate Joia

Amazing. Joia felt the wash over her, and then the little feelings faded off. Sleepy… yea, she could imagine. How much energy did it take for the little dragons to reach them she wondered? Still, she couldn’t stop grinning as she ran her hands gently over the shell one last time. “Alright, little one, I understand. You rest, and I’ll see you soon.” Reluctant to leave the Little Egg, because the experience had been so very mind-blowing, she knew that as a Candidate she needed too. Joia suddenly felt whatever fear she’d had when the Touching had started fading away; There were so many little ones to meet still, one could be hers – if the little spirit in the Little Egg wasn’t.

And, of course, the shiny Gold Egg still to meet. That was something Joia was suddenly really looking forward to. What was the little Gold inside the flame-toned shell like? Nice, or mean? She’d heard Golds could be sweet and gentle, or predatory and cruel. The weyrling Golds, Sularenth and Danovelith, were perfect examples of the range of a Gold’s personality swing. But then, Joia was sure any Dragon could be anything if it wanted. Should she wait, or just go for it?

Joia found herself winding through the clutch, careful not to bump either the other Candidates or any of the scattered eggs. She wasn’t sure why she was doing it – heck, maybe her wonderful experience with the Little Egg simply made her braver then she should have been. She found herself nearing the lounging Gold and her rider; Joia was happily she remembered she had been told not to bow to Aerroth, but it was hard not to with the sheer size of the Gold once you got up close. You almost felt you should bow, whether she would notice or not. Joia squared her shoulders, not shouting – but using her best voice as she asked the Gold pairing’s permission to get close enough to touch the fiery egg.

Yes! Joia smiled, and with a quick thank you, she took the last few steps over the heated Sand to crouch next to the Gold’s Flame Egg. It was so much bigger than the first she touched, making her heart jump into her throat. Nervous? Shards yes! It was huge, and what if it didn’t like her? Joia took a deep breath, glancing up at the massive form of the Gold Mother nearby, and reached out to press her palm flash against the smooth, warm shell. “Hello, shining one. I thought I’d come introduce myself..”

[Alyx]

Candidate Joia

The response to her touch brought a smile to her lips, a light one that seemed to be both kind and a bit apologetic. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.” The mind that brushed hers was a little calmer than the occupant of the Little Egg, which was nice. She opened her thoughts, or at least she thought she did so that the little Gold knew she was welcome. After all, that was why Joia was here, right? To make a friend, maybe more? She closed her eyes for just a moment and then opened them again. Bored?

“Yea, I guess it would be, wouldn’t it? All cooped up in your egg with nothing to do? Let me think.” What could she give? She could look around at the other eggs, the candidates, but would the little Gold care about that? Chances are, if the little hatchlings could talk to the Candidates, they could probably talk to each other. The Sand Cavern wasn’t nearly as interesting to someone in an Egg, she was sure – it was pretty much just a big hollow section – like a big egg with a bunch of little eggs in it. No, that wouldn’t work. After a moment, the girl smiled; closing her eyes, she pressed her hand to make sure the palm was flat against the shell and tried to think of images that she would await the Gold in the shell.

Beautiful sunsets with their spectrum of oranges, pinks, and purples. Clear blue waters lapping at soft sandy shores, and what it felt like to dive into it, or to walk along it, the water running over her toes. Bright Flowers, newly bloomed, like the ones in the spring. And of course, the clear skies, vast and azure and perfect. She went a step further, sharing with the little, unhatched Gold the sensation of her first time in the air – when the Searcher had brought her to the Weyr. That first thrill of flight, the racing wind with the land sprawled under them as they sailed through the skies. In Joia’s mind, they were only a handful of what waited for the little Gold, once she hatched.

Opening her eyes, she took a breath. She hoped she did that right. “How is that, little one? Enough to hold you over until you can get out of there? I can tell you there is so much more waiting. You just have to wait a little longer, I promise. It will be over before you know it. Then you’ll get to see everything for yourself.” She laughed. “I could try to share more, but I don’t want to spoil all the surprises.”

[Esko]

Candidate Karolinna

She had to admit, while walking down the tunnel Karolinna didn't really feel much. The clutch hardening on the Sands still seemed distant to her, it was hard to imagine the eggs were even real. It wasn't until the Candidates stepped out of the tunnel into the heart of Mount Chariath that the magnitude of the situation really hit her. The golden Queen in all her glory, along with her brood of eggs. They were beautiful. even if most of them were a drab brown color. Her destiny could lie here, in one of these eggs; the thought sent an electrifying chill down her spine. Karolinna rather resembled an excited canine pup in that moment, twitching and looking around at the eggs. She wanted to touch them all! Oh, but where should she start? There was no use touching the larger eggs; they contained bronzes and browns, something she could not possibly Impress.

Immediately, the Flame Egg caught her eye. Oh, how shiny it was! Ever since she was a brat, Karolinna had a strange fixation on shiny things. She would collect as many metallic objects as she could and just sit there, admiring the sparkle. Oh, but what if she had a shiny dragon that she could not only admire, but talk to and love? Even though her, a rowdy pirate who could barely read basic words, likely didn't stand a chance with Impressing Gold. Maybe she should still touch the Gold egg, just because. Besides, it had flame patterns on it; she loved fire too! It was lucky she never set The Bronzer on fire.

Walking towards it, she realized that the gold Aerroth was guarding over it, eyeing the other Candidates with suspicion. The little gold inside held the secret to carrying on the dragon race in its tiny head, of course it would be the most prized. Walking with caution, Karolinna inched towards the gold. "Excuse me, lovely Queen, she began, hoping to sweet Faranth that her descendant liked flattery, "May I please touch the gold egg? I promise, I won't hurt her." That was how flattery worked, right? Oh, she hoped she looked ladylike enough.

(Karolinna's post has been fuzzy-timed a bit so as to not conflict with Joia's touching.)

Candidate Shintagoi

This, this was it. Shintagoi was at the front of the mass of Candidates, where he belonged. He'd decided to wear some of his best clothes today; after all, he was going to be in the presence of a Queen. It was better for his own wellbeing if he impressed her. His fifteen Turn, at one clutch the gold Tenaith nearly snapped the head off of a boy who dared offend her. She went between a Turn later when her rider killed herself out of some love squabble or something. Sometimes, Queens picked the weakest women. Not like many women were strong, but some were...much too airheaded.

Shintagoi snapped out of memory lane when they were led into the heart of the mountain. He had to admit, he was impressed. For a failing Weyrhold that wasn't even built like a proper Weyr, the location was well picked out for the Sands to be. Somewhere in this sorry cavern, his bronze and his future lay. He had a few more Turns to stand, but this time...he had a haunch. In one of these eggs his bronze waited for him, ready to break shell and run to him on Hatching Day. And he was coming. Oh, he was definitely coming. Immediately, Shintagoi scanned all the eggs. Of course, he wouldn't visit any of the smaller eggs; those weren't worth his time. The gold egg was obvious, so he wouldn't visit that one.

Shintagoi's eyes fell on the Giant Egg, which was clearly the largest of the bunch. It was placed in the center, and something about that seemed so funny to him. It was like the surely-bronze egg was the main guy, much like himself. The man's heart began to race a little; surely the egg's placement wasn't a coincidence. Striding over to it, he almost didn't notice the tiny egg half-buried in the sand beside it; he ignored it. With how deep it was, it was probably already cooked. A stupid green, hogging his bronze. He tapped it with the sole of his shoe, a subtle move. He wanted to bash it in fully, but that would get him thrown off the Heights for sure.

Finally, he laid his hand on the Giant Egg, and smiled. Don't worry, my bronze. I have come for you. I'm sure we'll get along nicely, and when you hatch I will find you. He waited for the rush of feelings to hit him.

[Zen]

Candidate Mizao

Aerroth eyed the girl as she approached and requested permission to come near her golden egg. With a soft huff and a rumble, she looked to her rider, and Talera nodded at the girl, assuring her that it was fine to approach. Mizao, from her place slowly working ever closer to the golden egg, watched as first one girl and then another would approach it, offering respect to the mother. Everything after that seemed to go just fine. Aerroth seemed relaxed and more than willing to allow the girls near. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad. But, for now some other girl was there, so she would wait and find a different egg. Glancing around the clutch, she nearly headed toward the Giant Egg, amazed at the sheer size of it, but then Shintagoi approached it and she balked.

Nevermind. That one could wait too. Instead she approached a group of three eggs of varying sizes, immediately noticing their unique markings. How interesting. She wondered briefly what caused the markings on the shells, then bent to brush her fingers over first one, and then another. It was amazing how very different they all were. The Fish Egg was a bit much for her, and she apologetically broke contact with it rather quickly in favor of the smaller Flower Egg. She spent a bit more time with that one. It seemed to gush at her, full of joy to have another mind to interact with. She couldn't help but laugh softly, “It is nice to meet you as well.”

It seemed to sense something in her, something not quite so happy, and sent her wave after wave of reassurance. Whatever it was, the dragon within was sure it would work out in the end, so she shouldn't be sad! Mizao was struck by the sincerity of the little dragon inside, its concern for her, and its desire to help her feel better. She wiped at her eyes and gave another soft laugh. She was being silly. “Thank you... I'm sure you're right. Whoever you choose will be lucky to have you as their partner, little one.” She gave the egg a last gentle rub and moved on to the Spotted Egg.

[Taxx]

For one awful moment, there was nothing; Aleni's mind jumped to the horrible conclusion that it was a dud and that there was no presence within the shell. But then it came, a sort of creeping, feeling-its-way-along sense, and the mind against hers soothed her brief concern. She said nothing else while the young dragon prowled through her mind, giving it time to feel her out, and getting a feel of it in return. The steadiness appealed to her- she knew well what happened here was not a set-in-stone outline of the dragonet's personality, but if this one were, she liked it. And she didn't hesitate to let the youngster know it.

The sarcasm caught her more off guard, but she grinned. "Guess that was a stupid thing to say, huh?" The feeling of being in a space that grew ever smaller while she grew bigger, ending up squashed and confined... oh, she could understand that. After all, hadn't that been her, back before she left Benden Hold? Forcing a deep breath, blinking to remind herself that she wasn't in the egg with the baby, and a wave of sympathy for him or her. "You'll be out soon." A steady tone, stating a fact without adding a chirpy feel to her voice, but giving encouragement all the same. "And then you'll be free, and you'll never be that cramped again." Stroking the scratch markings again, admiring them, but starting to wander- she liked this one, but there were others, and she wanted to talk to them, too.

[Taxx]

Aleni remained at the Scarred Egg's side for a moment longer, almost reluctant to leave- she hadn't expected to find a dragon she could mesh with so quickly. What if the next hated her- or irritated her- worse, what if it liked her too? Obviously, the choice was up to the dragon- if more than one liked her, would they fight? She didn't want that... but there was no point in beating herself up by imagining things that hadn't happened, or might not happen.

"Thank you," she whispered to the dragonet. "I look forward to seeing you Hatch."

Rising back to her feet, Aleni turned and set her sights now on the tall Egg, sitting alone from the rest of the clutch; none of the other Candidates had gone to it yet. Pausing at its side, Aleni reached out to set her fingers on the top, the curve of this one more angled than the rest. "Hello in there," she greeted, sliding her hand down to rest flat on the surface. "Can you hear me?" Or was that another silly question? Maybe not- it could be a dud. She really hoped it wasn't.

[Alyx]

Candidate Joia

Joia smiled, feeling the warmth and gratitude back. She’d picked good images to share it seemed, for that if nothing else she was thrilled. To be locked in a shell would be like locked in a small room – no windows, nothing. She’d be beyond bored and frustrated, she was happy she could give the Gold something to look forward to and Joia felt privileged to have been able to do something for such a sweet spirited being. “You are very welcome. Soon enough, you’ll be out and you’ll get to see them all for yourself.”

Joia felt a little feeling, the reaching and questing in her mind once more, but there seemed something wrong. Confusion? Joia tilted her head a little, hand still on the egg. She felt the contact pull back; not all the way, but it did draw away. She was torn between leaving the little one be, remembering how tired the Little Egg had been when she’d felt it slip away. But this was a different withdraw. “What is it, Shining one? Can I do something else for you?” Joia tried to think of kindness, reassurance, letting the little Gold know she was welcome to wander Joia’s mind as long as she needed. “Or shall I let you rest?”

[Alyx]

Candidate Joia

Even though she had asked, Joia hadn’t expected the force of the images the Flame Egg’s occupant poured into her mind. It left her almost breathless, a glint of tears edging her lashes. ‘Oh, little one, you shouldn’t worry on such dark things..’ the thought was there, but she wasn’t sure the little dragon still trapped in the hard shell of her egg could see or hear them. Fingers flexed on the smooth eggshell, Joia trembling just a little. What could she say to ease such a strong, frightening image from the little queen-to-be’s mind?

Joia dropped from a crouch, shifting to kneel almost directly in front of the egg, so close her knees almost brushed the egg’s flame-colored shell. Forgotten for the moment were the other eggs, the other candidates, and the looming Mother Gold nearly within touching distance. Joia leaned, pressing her forehead against the Shell and bringing her other hand up to join the first on the surface. Closing her eyes, she did her best to send warmth back to the little one inside. “You will never be that alone, Shining one.” Joia tried to put a sense of confidence and strength into the words as she spoke, keeping her voice down.

“Never, ever, ever. It wouldn’t be possible. You are such a sweet little heart, no one would leave you alone like that. And besides, you will have your Bonded, your rider, when you get out of that shell. With them, you will always have someone there.” She found herself smiling. “And you can have me, as a friend, if you remember me when you get out of there, okay? I’ll be your friend, whether I get to be your rider or not. Deal? So you don’t ever have to feel alone, ever.”

[Esko]

Candidate Shintagoi

Ah, it seemed he would like this egg. Soon after his palm touched the surface of the egg, a sense of confidence rushed towards him, as if the egg was so sure of himself. Yes, that was exactly what a bronze should be. A leader, ready to take a stand and guide the Weyr in his way. Shintagoi's signature smirk grew into a full grin. Yes, surely this was his! He remembered his earlier advice at the touching etiquette lesson, that the egg's personality didn't match the dragon's all the time. But surely fate had led him to his bronze, and the dragon inside knew he'd found his rider?

Then, suddenly Shintagoi picked up another feeling. It was just as strong as the calm, reassuring confidence. However, he could only describe it as the sheer opposite of the first feeling. While the confidence embraced him, the reluctance followed, until -whush! It retreated, vanishing into whatever dark depths of the egg's mind. All that was left was the feeling Shintagoi liked. While it didn't quite use words, he knew what it wanted. 'I like how you work. You want to be entertained? I am a man of entertainment and of style, I can surely give you what you want.'

He gave him memories. Memories of Gathers, of Hatching Feasts, with rich food and great entertainment. Images of the bravest bronzes flying to meet Thread, and of great Telgar hatchings. It made him a little homesick for Telgar, to be quite honest. While the winds were blisteringly cold, it was his home and forever would be. Mavros was just...an opportunity. 'Would you like to see more, brave bronze? More of my glory?' His hand stayed on the Giant Egg, as he waited for another response.

Candidate Karolinna

With a rumble, she was given permission to touch the gold egg. Walking the rest of the way towards it, Karolinna stared at the egg's surface. Wow, it was even prettier up close. She wondered what could possibly await her inside. Queens, she heard, could either be the gentlest ladies or the most ruthless hags. She'd never heard of a gold who simply loved adventure, or who liked mud baths, or anything like that. Could the little queen inside be something like that? She'd have to find out. Karolinna placed her palm on the Flame Egg, bracing herself for impact.

[Taxx]

Aleni's apprehension over the reaction she might get from this egg was forgotten as it reached out instantly, with none of the cautiousness of the Scarred Egg. The hatchling could hear her, and she gave a sense of gratitude for the acknowledgement, and allowing the typical feel of searching, as though the youngster were inspecting connections- possibly looking for a match? But after just a moment, and without a feeling of acceptance or denial, it retreated once more, wishing her well but giving no indication that it found her satisfactory.

A moment longer she sat there, forcibly pushing down the feelings of ineptitude, reminding herself that she wasn't going to mesh with each baby and that that was a good thing- hatchlings fighting among themselves for a partner was not what she wanted. And she'd got a much better reaction from the occupant of the Scarred egg. This one's rejection- or more appropriately, its lack of response- shouldn't bother her. She'd just move on to the next. And whether or not it was still listening, she offered a last statement before moving on. "I hope you find yours too."

She stopped next beside the Spark egg and the Cloud egg. She settled between them, reaching both hands and setting one on each egg- probably not a good thing to do but she'd see in a minute if she would regret it or not. "Good morning, little ones. I hope the day finds you well."

[Alyx]

Candidate Joia

Joia felt the little hatching in the Flame egg draw back the torrent of dark fears, the little rush that came back was much more soothed and a little apologetic. Joia smiled, opening her eyes as she lifted her forehead from the Shell. “It’s fine, really, I mean it. Fear is natural, especially with nothing to do in their but be locked in your shell and think. But try not to dwell on it too much, alright? Once you are out and you get to meet everyone, I’m sure you’ll see what I mean about not being alone.” Joia laughed softly.

Joia looked off at the others, then back to the egg in front of her and gave a reluctant sigh. “I suppose I should let others come talk to you as well; not fair I keep you all to myself is it?” She would if she could, no doubts there. She didn’t want the little gold inside to think Joia was tired of her attention or company, but Joia also didn’t want to overstay her welcome and stress the young gold-to-be out anymore then she might have already. Joia ran a hand over the shell, gently, torn between leaving and staying. “But thank you, for talking with me. I can’t wait to meet you without this shell between us, little one.”