Fortune Favors the Brave [Wher Egg Touching]

[Zen]

10th Pass, 6th Turn, 10th Month
Turn 2761, Autumn

Juvellin and his gold wher Juvelsk had been guest to Mavros for some time now, the queen had laid her clutch and they were now hardened enough that the gold would allow candidates to come forth to claim them. Master Galderran had sent an apprentice about to gather up those that had put their names forward for the chance to bond with a wher and was admitting one at a time so as not to upset the mother any more than necessary. All other candidates had to wait outside to see if the one that entered came out with an egg or not. It was a first come, first served sort of deal, with the small group he had hand picked to have a go. Overall there weren’t that many interested parties to begin with. The lifestyle of a wherhandler wasn’t for many.

The first to enter came out empty handed and disappointed. The man sighed and shrugged as he passed the waiting group, “Guess she didn’t like me enough.” Galderran chuckled, “A mother wants what’s best for her children. Wher mothers are no exception.” He looked down at his list and then up at those gathered and waiting their turns, “Lorthoren! Go ahead inside and try your luck.” He waved his hand toward the passage that led into the heated room where the gold, her handler, and her eggs awaited.

Inside the small, dim room, eight eggs were arranged before their golden mother, who stood hovering near one egg in particular. She watches each person that enters with an unwavering gaze, tinged with red, and her handler watches her closely. Without taking his eyes from the gold, Juvellin informs each new candidate that enters to slowly approach whichever egg they like, but that if Juvelsk makes any move they should back away and may try to approach a different egg instead, and that he may ask them to leave empty-handed.

Guarded Egg - This egg sits closest to the gold and is one of the largest in the clutch. Each of the other eggs is arranged around it and the queen seems incredibly protective of it, never straying far from it for long. - Claimed by Tyxian (Esko)

Restless Egg - This small egg is continuously being fussed over by the queen and is located nearer the Guarded Egg than any of the others in the clutch. When the gold does leave the Guarded Egg, it is normally to nudge this one back into place after it has somehow shifted. - Claimed by Jinsoo (Kevna)

Center Egg - This egg sits near the middle of all its siblings, perhaps to watch over them all, or perhaps it is the one being watched over. It is hard to say if it is the largest egg in the clutch or if it only seems to be because of the proximity of so many smaller eggs. - Claimed by Leander (Alyx)

Little Egg - This egg is very clearly the smallest egg in the clutch, sitting not far from the Center Egg and the Lumpy Egg. Besides being the smallest, there isn’t much else of note about it. - Claimed by Asheryn (Zen)

Lumpy Egg - All wher eggs are rather bumpy, but this one is particularly so. Located near the Little Egg and the Center Egg, this egg stands out for the excessive lumpiness of its wrinkled, leathery shell.

Pale Egg - This egg is the one that perhaps stands out the most from its clutchmates, as it is several shades lighter in color than any of the others and quickly draws the eye. Nearby is the Round Egg.

Round Egg - Unusually, this egg is much more spherical than the others. While there is a slight point to it, giving it some semblance of an egg shape, it’s overall roundness sets it apart. It sits nearest the Pale Egg and the two are similar in size. - Claimed by Zylorin (Muze)

Outsider Egg - This large egg sits at the edge of the clutch and its mother seems content to leave it mostly to its own devices, or whatever devices that an egg can have, at least. - Claimed by Lorthoren (Taxx)



OOC: So as stated, you will all be choosing your eggs in a first come, first served manner, according to who posted in the interest check thread first. So it will go Taxx , Alyx , Esko , tovaana , kevna , and then myself. HOWEVER if you take longer than 48 hours to reply after your turn begins, you may be skipped for the next person in line and your turn will be bumped lower on the list, leaving you with fewer choices.

You may approach one egg to have a very brief interaction with it (it will not go beyond my single reply to you) and then decide to either choose that egg or take a chance on a different egg, which you will NOT have a preview interaction with. If I believe the wher inside any egg your character approaches would be an absolutely terrible match, I will post the gold wher warning you off of it (but I don’t really see this being much of an issue). This is my first time doing this so we’ll see how it goes 8D If you have any questions, of course feel free to ask in discord~

[Taxx]

Lorthoren had been waiting for this day since the gold wher had arrived, all too thrilled at the idea of being given the chance to claim one of the whers for his own. On finally receiving word that the mother and her handler were willing to allow visitors, he'd made his way to the handlers' quarters to make his claim- if he was so lucky as to be allowed by the unfamiliar gold. He waited, while the first went in, and chatted with half an ear as he watched the entrance. The hopeful's return was one of disappointment, a shrug and rueful admission following his retreat.

There was the slightest flicker of pity for the luckless candidate, but it was just as quick to vanish when Lorth's name was called and he broke off the aimless gossiping to stride toward the room, giving Galderran a nod as he passed. It was lit inside, just enough to give the arrivals some visibility while not being bright enough to bother the gold, and it was to them that Lorth's attention went (after a short scan of the eggs resting in the sand between them.) He grinned, spread his arms and bowed grandly to both as the wher's partner finished his introduction. "My humblest gratitude for this chance to claim one of your glorious eggs, gold Juveisk. I hope the evening finds you and your handler well?"

Then his gaze went back to the eggs, taking his time to look over each before making his choice, gaze pining with certainty on the Outsider Egg. With a brief flick of his eyes toward Juveisk, he rounded the clutch to approach it and knelt, balancing himself on his feet as he reached a hand to the lumpy shell.

[Zen]

The gold huffs at Lorthoren’s fancy words, but her handler smiles a bit and nods, “We’re doing alright so far. This is hardly Juvelsk’s first clutch so Faranth willing, it will continue to go well.” When the man approached, Juvelsk watched him closely as he approached an egg she had sat farther away from the rest, and she relaxed a bit for his lack of proximity to the rest of the clutch.

There is a quiet presence within the Outsider Egg, and though you can tell there is a mind within, lurking beneath the surface of the shell, it’s hard to say just what it might be like as it doesn’t seem to offer much feeling of any sort. There is a vague tolerance of your own presence, but it doesn’t seem to care whether you are there or not. It does not reach out, nor does it withdraw, it simply seems to simmer in its existence.

Juvelsk huffs again at Lorthoren’s lingering, and she speaks a single word to him, insistent, Choose. While this single word makes it obvious she accepts him and is willing to entrust him with one of her children, it also makes clear she is impatient to have him away from the rest of her eggs and that she will not tolerate him for much longer.

Taxx

[Taxx]

While his greeting had been moreso for the gold, it was met with little more than an impatient huff. Her handler replied in a friendly way, and Lorth hmm'd a reply as he moved toward the Outsider Egg. His fingers trailed over the wrinkled shell, ridges and valleys mapping the egg's surface but hardly noticed against the feel of the presence within. It was a vague greeting, the sort someone might give if they were half asleep still but trying to be halfway polite.

He found it agreeable. In short, he would have gone for any egg- unless he found the mind within simply too annoying to cope with even for this short meeting- and this was suitable. "This one I choose, radiant Juveisk, if you truly think me worthy of the chance to bond to one of your precious eggs." Laying it on a little thick, maybe, but hey, he was who he was and females of any kind were worth attempted flattery. Some liked it, others told him to get bent. The gold hadn't seemed too keen on his first attempt, but anything short of a demand to knock it off was taken as a reason to continue.

Sliding both hands down the sides of the egg, ready to haul it up on the gold's agreement, Lorth waited just long enough to be sure he had it before lifting the Outsider Egg and turning on his heel to head out, beaming widely as he emerged from the room with his wher-to-be.

[Alyx]

Leander

For the event, Leander had actually bathed. It had been a quick wash; enough to get the layer of dirt off for the most part, but she’d done nothing with her hair. The dark mass of tresses still remained tangled and slightly knotted, hanging down into her eyes and her cheeks, shielding most of her face for the moment. It was dark, and no one here would so much as glance her way for more than a moment, but she was still uncomfortable wary of these near-total strangers. She’d picked out cleaner clothing, still dark and oversized, to join the rest that had taken up the chance to become Marvos’s newest wherhandlers.

She stood away from the rest, scanning them as Galderran entered. He wasn’t there for long – his words when he reappeared made Leander’s heart skin into her boots. “Guess she didn’t like me enough. A mother wants what’s best for her children. Wher mothers are no exception.” The mother had to like them? Leander worried at her lip with her teeth. But… what if she didn’t like any of them? What if she didn’t like her? She’d already tried to get Searched for Dragons, but that had been about as useful as trying to teach a tunnelsnake to knit! If the wher mother didn’t like her… she didn’t quite know what she’d do.

Galderran called one of the boys next, and Leander shifted to crouch against the wall, arms crossed over her knees as she waited. Her mind chased itself in circles, trying to think if there was something she could do once she was inside to make sure the Gold understood how much this meant to her. She felt that she might not be the only one thinking along the same lines, they all seemed lost in quiet thought while they waited for Lorthoren to reemerge.

When he did, he didn’t come alone. The massive, bumpy rock in his arms didn’t look like any egg Leander had seen, but the smile on the man’s face made it clear he was happy. She couldn’t help but smile back, giving a quick nod at the man as he passed, though she doubted he was paying attention to any of them. “Leander! In you go. ” She jumped at her name, her heart in her throat. Really? Now?!? She nodded, pushing to her feet, trying not to look like she was about to either puke or bolt for the door.

She kept her eyes down as she shuffled past the rest, slipping into the door that Lorthoren had just exited. She paused inside, taking a deep breath before lifting her chin. Fingers caught the hair in her face, pushing it back behind her ears so she could see clearly – and the wher and her handler could see her, she supposed. Stepping forward, she gave them both a shaky smile. “Evening Juvellin, Lady Mother. I hope I’m allowed to be here, I’d love very much to pick a partner from among your lovely clutch?” It came out more like a question than a statement, but she was happy enough when Juvellin motioned her toward the clutch.

She smiled, turning her attention to the eggs. They were all bumpy and a little lopsided, nothing like she expected eggs to look like. Still, she expected bumpy whers made bumpy eggs? She stepped forward, chewing slightly at her lip again; how did you know what to do? The handler and his wher weren’t any real help. She stood for a moment, looking at them all rather overwhelmingly, before stepping carefully past a few to touch the Center Egg.

[Zen]

Juvelsk levelled a stare on the young woman when she entered, and snorted with a shake of her head when she spoke. Juvellin half hid a small laugh behind his hand before motioning the girl toward the clutch. The gold had little appreciation for everyone’s flowery words. As Leander came closer, she took a half step to hide the Guarded Egg behind one of her legs so the girl wouldn’t get any ideas about coming near it, lowering her head slightly, all the better to hide the apparent favorite of the clutch from view. But Leander stopped half way, reaching for the Center Egg instead, and Juvelsk tilted her head slightly as she watched the girl, eyes ever tinged with red.

There is constant confidence radiating from the Center Egg and it seems to bolster you as you touch it, while also filling you with a strong sense of duty. It seems the wher inside has confidence to spare, and it isn’t hesitant about sharing it either. It isn’t arrogant or cocky, more just a steady sense of who or what it is, a stable, unwavering presence that promises to be a rock in the storm for whoever bonds with it. But there is an immutable solidity to the mind inside as well, promising that a partnership with it will not always be easy, and it is up to you to take the risk.

Juvelsk seems to have more patience for the girl than she had for the previous two men and does not rush her to pick, watching her with vague curiosity to see if she will hesitate or not.

Alyx

[Alyx]

Leander

The Gold moved, not much, but enough to let Leander know the egg, or eggs, next to her were off-limits. Got it, not gonna push it, Leander knowledged the red-edged gaze with a quick nod of her head before she reached to touch the Center Egg. She didn’t know why those pair of eggs were so important, but it wasn’t really in her mind to question it more than a moment before the Center Egg became her sole focus.

She hadn’t known what to expect; whatever it was, it wasn’t what she felt. She sat a bit straighter in her crouch, her hand pressing a little firmer against the bumpy shell. The whole encounter seemed like a lifetime but was over before Leander was ready for it to be. For a moment, she felt… she couldn’t describe it. ‘A partnership with it will not always be easy, and it is up to you to take the risk…’

Leander smiled. “My life has never been easy. No point in starting to look for that now.” It was barely a whisper, but the words were ones she meant. Her hand still resting on the egg, she looked over at the Wher and her handler and found the Gold watching her back. It wasn’t a hunting looking, not like before, and Leander gave a quick nod to the mother. “This one, if you please.” Still a question, but the words were far more confident than before.

She ran her hands over the shell, careful to gauge the best way to hold and carry the thing before she pulled it up from the Sand. Working in the mines helping had at least prepared her for the heaving lifting the little brute entailed. Belatedly, she realized her hair was still tucked back, but with her hands full, there wasn’t a lot she could do about it now. She paused a step short of leaving…

Oh, screw it. Let them see, she didn’t care at the moment. In her arms, she held her final escape from her uncle’s reach. None of them could take that away from her, and if they tried, she’d bite them. Egg secure in her arms, her back straight and chin up, Leander stepped out into the outer room with the others. She smiled at Galderran, eyes dancing for a moment before shuffling off to follow Lorthoren had taken toward the barracks.

(Leander claims the Center Egg)

[Esko]

For this, Tyxian decided that he should probably trim his beard a tad.

With the roughest bits of fur cut back into something presentable, the reality of the day was yet uncertain to the Minecrafter. This was absolutely the closest he'd ever been to bonding to one of Pern's whers, a nagging goal that'd attached to him as a young man and grown like a lump. Mining whers. Smaller on average but still strong. One of those beasts could even save men buried under rocks. A wher could work with him to improve his productivity, and if one of the creatures was a little hotheaded? Nothing a firm hand couldn't channel into something better. Of course, it occurred to him as he followed the apprentice to the location of the clutch, there was a high chance that he would leave empty-handed. But if he showed himself with good conduct today, it was just a step closer to fulfilling that goal.

After all, another mining wher for Mavros could only help its efforts to build and thrive.

The Castellan would find himself standing outside the entrance to the egg room, arms crossed and eyes bouncing around in...in anticipation. Yes, he realized- he was just a sliver anxious. Anxiety was only natural in a scenario like this- waiting in a room of one's peers while just idling about, wondering if the Master's list would call your name next. With the first to be called emerging empty-handed, it didn't set the scene for optimism. Tyxian cast an eye to Galderran, the Master Miner and his boss. One of those mining men who had a fine bronze wher by his side. Perhaps, should Tyxian find himself with an egg in his arms today, he'd be learning directly from the bronzehandler. Surely the silver-haired man would have mountains of wisdom regarding the subject. After all, there weren't many silver-heads in the Minecraft.

Successes abound! Tyxian's gaze would focus on the first man to successfully emerge with an egg in his arms, grinning from ear to ear. At least he didn't have to witness so many frowns before a smile. But, that did mean a lessening of options. Should he catch Lorthoren's eye, he'd offer but a congratulatory nod. It was something, to be chosen by a mother as suited to one of her eggs. Probably. He could only assume, judging by the grins of the man and the woman who followed once she emerged. A nod for her too. Probably made them feel real special, unique in some way. They fulfilled some special set of requirements, and should he be summoned to the mother wher, he'd find out if he too held those traits.

Then his face would whip towards Galderran again, this time in reaction to the older man calling out his name. That was for sure his name. Tyxian's spine straightened and expression colored with mild surprise- now, he was but a step closer. This was real. With a nod of acknowledgement to the Master, he passed the man and through the entrance to the cavern, squinting as his eyes adjusted to the dimmness that plastered over everything.

In the faint light, he could see the forms of the eggs, their wrinkled shells nestled into the sand. And the great golden beast whos red-tinged glare bore upon him, checking upon all the eggs but never leaving the vicinity of one for long. Tyxian paused at the entrance for just a moment, to take in the scene and plan out his next moves. He was to move very carefully towards any of the eggs that he liked, but should the queen make any moves towards him, to back away immediately. He may leave empty handed. That was a concept that Tyxian had convinced himself of, but now that the eggs were here, perhaps being one of those bondless men would be more of a crushing disappointment than he'd anticipated. So with very slow, careful steps did his boots touch the sand, knowing his first choice as soon as he glanced upon it.

Would it be a risk? A challenge? Absolutely. But it was worth it to present himself, to try. Maybe his career would end right here with a missing hand or arm, as it seemed dangerous to approach the queen's clear favorite. Yet his boots carried him ever-so-closer. "Evenin'. Thanks for the opportunity." Poised to pull away at a moment's notice. His hands were held out in invitation. "It won't be an insult if it's a no. But I'd like to take the chance with 'im." He motioned towards the Guarded Egg with absolute caution. After a moment, he added, "Please."

[Zen]

As with every candidate, the gold wher watched the new man that entered with a hard, unfaltering stare, still standing over the Guarded Egg. It took but a moment before the man was moving forward, coming closer, and Juvelsk’s lips pulled back in a snarl. Her handler’s hand came to rest on her side and she rumbled a growl, but the man stopped, asking permission, and she stared at him with her fangs bared for a long moment. He didn’t say dumb fancy things like the others. He held his hands out and after a moment she leaned forward to bump her nose against one of them. With another warning rumble, she took a half step back, revealing the Guarded Egg to him even as she continued to growl softly.

Something aggressive lunges for your mind when you touch the Guarded Egg, as if to sink its teeth in and never let go. The presence within seems to try to overwhelm and conquer. It is unyielding and fills every sense with itself, commanding your full attention. It will not be ignored.

Juvelsk gave him an ultimatum then, Take. Or no take and go. She was offering him her most prized egg and she would not allow him to spurn it for another. If he did not take it, he would not be allowed any of her eggs at all.

Esko

[Esko]

When the queen's lips pulled back in a snarl, showing the wide array of tools she could use to rip him to bits, it caused Tyxian to stop and breath to hang in his throat. This was the moment, he supposed, when she'd examine him for those special traits that only a mother knew. His worthiness. It was tough for even the most hardened man to face such a beast and not feel the terror of danger, and Tyxian wasn't the most hardened to exist. So the whites of his eyes were exposed when they widened, as he watched the hand of the handler go to her side in an apparent effort to calm her down. The aggression lowered minimally. Tension hung in the air like fog as the queen's fangs remained bared, before her snout finally moved forward to bump one of his palms. Briefly did his hand conform to the shape in a cup. When she retracted with a rumble, the Guarded Egg was exposed to him.

Now, he didn't speak wher, but that seemed as much of an invitation as any. Tyxian slowly exhaled what felt like pent-up air in his chest, before his body was moving once more to where he could touch the egg in question. Her continuous growl prevented the hairs on his neck from lowering, but he knelt down to get to the egg's height. And with some remaining caution, every muscle in his body jittering at the possibility of jumping away, he placed a palm on the lumpy shell of the prized egg.

It felt as though a large set of jaws sprang from the egg and locked around his torso; Tyxian needed to look down and get a grip on himself to make sure his upper body wasn't physically dragged down. A powerful beastie inside for sure, for it overwhelmed his senses and threatened to drown him. The only thing that mattered was the presence inside, it seemed, and it was all he could do to not get completely overtaken. It would not be ignored. Pinky promise, Tyxian thought, for it would be impossible to do so. And yet, just like everything else, he'd lock his feet down and weather it if need be. The mining stock were typically more docile, but this aggression...well, it sure was something.

And the voice entering his mind gave a clear message, even if the Pernese itself was short and broken. He'd locked himself into a predicament then, on the brink of success. Take his chances with the fiery personality inside, or return empty-handed and dejected. It was all about whether he was willing to wrangle with that was clearly trouble. Or, if he wanted to wait ages for another clutch to be brought to Mavros. Tyxian examined the shell critically then, practically hearing the ticking of the queen's timer. Surely though, there was a reason this egg was the queen's favorite, her prized.

With a nod, Tyxian's hands slid under the egg and into the sand, scooping the large thing into his arms with an umph. Nothing that he couldn't lift, but admittedly, he would be looking forward to when he could finally place it down. The fire inside the egg could almost be felt buzzing through his arms, or maybe that feeling was something else. But for sure, he wouldn't be working with any regular docile mining stock. For now, he was okay with that. He'd succeeded, had whatever the mother wher was looking for, and he re-emerged from the dim cavern into the assembled candidates with an egg in his clutches. He'd throw a nod towards Galderran, and there was even a smile on his face too. It was infectious, the momentary glee! And he followed the first two successful future-wherhandlers to the barracks.

(Tyxian claims the Guarded Egg.)

[tovaana]

Zylorin;

“Guess she didn’t like me enough.” Zylorin watched the man come out with a stoic expression. One less unworthy person, one more egg for someone who actually deserved a wher egg. Also, one more egg from him to choose from. “A mother wants what’s best for her children. Wher mothers are no exception.” This wasn’t true, of course. If his mother had wanted best for him, she would have married someone who would have given him more connections and opportunities. This man was blaming the mother for not allowing him an egg – when he should be blaming himself for not being worthy enough. Despite his own mother’s flaws, Zylorin had changed his life for the better and was constantly fixing what his parents had inflicted on him. He was worthy.

He did not glance around at the others waiting, just watching the portal where people went in and came out with wher eggs. The next three went in and came out with eggs, the one just before him seemed to have a larger egg than the others. He eyed it and glanced up at the man who came out with it. Well, the process wasn’t perfect. He hoped there would be another one in similar size as he was called to enter next.

In the dimness, the gold wher’s glimmer demanded his attention first. He bowed at the waist, stiffly giving his respect. “Hello. You know why I’m here – I hope you find me worthy of one of your eggs.” Even though he knew he was worthy, he did not want to assume it would be so. While whers may be better than dragons, they were not as intelligent as humans (perhaps more intelligent than some). He pushed down that smallest bit of fear that he also might be rejected, like previous Searchers for dragon candidates had rejected him. He pushed it down deep and glanced at the eggs that were left.

From mental calculations and as memory served him (as it usually did) there the largest egg had already left. It seemed logical to think that his one chance of getting the valuable bronze had also walked out that door. Well, if he couldn’t have the largest – he’d have the next best. His dark gaze glanced over the eggs and was drawn to the egg that stood out from the others – then to the egg next to it that was the smoothest of all of them. His prior experiences with other creatures told him that this egg then must be the next best. He approached the Round Egg and glanced at the gold before touching it.

[Zen]

Juvelsk’s growling had fallen away when Tyxian took the Guarded Egg up into his arms, and with her favored egg gone she turned to the Restless Egg as the man left the room, nudging it a bit and huffing over it in annoyance, for it just didn’t seem to want to sit still. When the next man entered the room she stood with one paw lightly holding the egg in place. The bow was met with a silent stare from the gold, watching as he approached the Round Egg. She turned and nudged more sand up around the Restless Egg, hoping that might keep it still for a while.

There is a calm radiating from the Round Egg and what can only be described as an underlying empathy. The presence within is quiet but not necessarily meek. It reaches out with a pleasant welcome and wraps warmth around you. It seems to want to help you, though it can’t quite grasp just what it is you want or how it can be of assistance. If only you’ll give it a chance, however, it will do its best.

The gold turns back to look at Zylorin, her tone impatient, Done yet? It isn’t as insistent of a ‘hurry up’ as she has offered others, but there is only time to perhaps change your mind and grab a different egg before she decides it’s time to go.

tovaana

[tovaana]

Zylorin;

He took the queen’s silence as a good sign – better than growling and chasing him off the eggs. The handler also didn’t say anything contrary, so he touched the smoothest egg and was surprised to feel something under the surface. Logically he had been taught and knew things, but to actually experience it for himself… It was a welcoming warmth with a need to appease him – though perhaps there was some confusion mixed in there.

The voice of the golden mother brought his head up sharply to looked at her and then down at the egg. He’d been so lost in the moment that he had almost forgotten that he got to choose and take an egg. He was glad too – he imagined at a dragon egg touching if you felt a presence you liked, you couldn’t scoop up the egg and just leave. And this he did, scooping up its smoother surface and standing. He could even imagine the thought of leaving the calming presence behind. He bowed again, but more with the bending of his neck. “Thank you.” There were emotions that stirred vehemently under his surface, but his face was as professional as it was when he entered.

He turned to leave, full of pride and accomplishment. At least there was more shape to his future – one as a wher handler. It created a clear pathway in which he could go and shape the future of.

(Zylorin took the Round Egg)

[kevna]

Jinsoo - Wher Candidate

He had waited with trepidation for this moment. He didn’t like the idea of being stuck in a small room waiting, surrounded by a group of strangers. He had stuck near the back of the group as best he could, and when they entered the room made a bee line for the wall, so he wouldn’t be surrounded. He stumbled a bit when he noticed a small, dirty-girl?- right where he had planned to plant himself. Catching himself, he awkwardly redirected to the other wall, keeping his eyes from meeting anyone’s on the off chance they would greet him.

Jinsoo just had to get through this. He had his back firmly pressed up against the wall, his shoulders bowing inward towards his chest. Not knowing what to do with his arms, he crossed them. He waited patiently. When the first candidate came out empty handed he caught his breath. He hadn’t known that was a possibility. He had made the majority of his family members upset when he had informed them of his intent to get a wher. It meant relocating and being less available for the immediate chores, at least until the wher was older. His fiery daughter had thrown a fit that had overwhelmed him. But they had come around when his sister had shown the logic and even the need for it if they desired their beasts to be safer. He had been so grateful for her intervention.

He watched one by one, becoming more and more relieved as each of the following candidates walked in, and came back out carrying one of the desired eggs. When his name was called he came forward, giving a quick nod to the beastmaster, but not meeting his eyes. He entered the room, and without a thought overlooked the caretaker for the sight of the gold wher before him. She was beautiful. There was something about her motherly figure that reminded him so strongly of every other mother he had ever met, human and beast alike. Yet there was something intelligent in the eyes of this creature that most beasts lacked.

He rolled down into a bow, his eyes leading, then his neck, which curved his back. He came back up, and looked directly at her. What a magnificent creature.

“I am Jinsoo. Thank you for honoring us.” He used his calm voice, the one he had used countless times when assisting one of his beasts during labor. He approached with his hands out, unassuming and unthreatening. He cast his eyes around and made a quick assessment. Two stood out, the one nearest her that seemed to rock with energy, and the lumpy one. Energy meant hard working, right? Something driven to help? That's what his family needed.

At least he hoped. “May I, Mother?” He asked, continuing to use his calm voice, a small gentle smile in place for her alone, warily watching for any reaction that would negate his eligibility. He crouched slowly down, and placed his hands upon the restless egg.

Zen

[Zen]

When Jinsoo entered, Juvellin didn’t miss how the man seemed only to have eyes for Juvelsk. It didn’t bother him, whers were why everyone was here, after all. Juvelsk took her paw off the Restless Egg in favor of scrutinizing the stranger in her domain. Hopefully the sand she’d pushed up around it would keep it in place this time. As he made his way to the Restless Egg she huffed. If he dislodged it without taking it she would not be pleased.

Upon touching the Restless Egg there is a flood of a strong sense of curiosity, a barrage of questioning that you can’t quite make out enough to give any sort of answer to. But there doesn’t seem to be any sort of frustration that you can’t answer either, the questions flow easily and are just as soon forgotten. There is a buzz of energy that the egg barely seems to be able to contain.

The gold shakes her head lightly, staring at Jinsoo, and offers a pointed word of advice with all the fond exasperation of a mother with a problem child, Egg already trouble. Juvellin laughs softly, and offers his own comment on the egg, “She’s been fussing over that one constantly.” Trouble, Juvelsk repeated firmly, eyeing Jinsoo as if trying to discern if he could handle her problem child or not. Of course it was only an egg, so how much trouble could it really be?

kevna