A New Path [Eceph's Second Hatching]

[Kilnarak]

Romallyeh watched as the last of the larger eggs broke open to release a dark giant of a hatchling. The tawny intrigued her, a great lumbering creature that left her in mind of a mountain. A small mountain, of course, smaller than at least one of her siblings, but a mountain still. The creature's color and its gait were what gave Roma the impression, and she likely would have continued studying the newly hatched tawny, had another simourv not been slowly making his way over. Romallyeh saw the blue, his feathers vibrant against the pale sands, although it did not occur to her that he was heading toward her, specifically, until he had finally made it past all of the other remaining candidates. Also a rather large creature, the blue might have struck an imposing form - but neither his bearing or his manner gave any hint at intimidation or violence. Rather, the creature had seemed rather bright, friendly - not like some of the others who had lashed out, and not a bumbling creature like that other blue that had knocked into her; he moved with an easy sort of grace.

She was still studying the blue hatchling's movements, crouched as she had been in the sand, when he was suddenly before her. She turned her head one way then the other as the chick circled around her, coiling closely about her, and only offered up a faint startled sort of noise as he abruptly set his head upon her lap and nosed at her stomach. Hello, R'lyeh, Mine. Your Cantarillaph thinks you're wonderful, and also that you should be over with the other people where you can socialize. The blue's soothing, mellow voice insinuated itself inside her mind - his presence was a comfort, it filled the empty hollows inside her and seemed like to a bright, warm light in the dark. Cantarillaph was a comfort, yes, but he also startled her. She had not truly expected one of these creatures would choose her, nor could she have expected how it would feel... Neither could she have expected that the hatchling's criticism of her could sting so.

Cantarillaph's ears drooped slightly, pressing back for a brief moment as he felt that momentary twinge of distress from His R'lyeh. He didn't understand it - he had caused it? But he was merely offering a suggestion that would help His! Of course she should be social, she was not happy and being social made him happy, so she should be the same. The large blue chick warbled a soft, sonorous note and pressed his down-soft head to His R'lyeh's chest, wrapping more closely about her. He wasn't sure what else he could do for her, not yet, and after a moment he carefully uncoiled himself from about her, nudging His to suggest the girl stand. He continued to lean against R'lyeh's legs once she was standing, and he hummed a tune for His. Perhaps if he changed the subject... Can we go get something to eat, Mine? I'm hungry.

R'lyeh, still somewhat shocked, merely nodded mutely to Cantarillaph, and then made as if to move. The young blue, however, stopped her. He did not move to follow, nor did he cease leaning against her; he only stared up at his with wide gray eyes, waiting. "Ah, y-yes. Let's... let's go get something to eat, Cantarillaph," she half mumbled, half stammered after a few moments more of silence. The blue chirped a few bright notes at this, pleased to finally hear His' voice. That achieved, he nudged R'lyeh into motion again and the two made their way toward the feeding area set up outside. Cantarillaph's tail swayed fluidly behind him, and he chirped greetings and snippets of song to each of his siblings as he passed them - pleased to make their acquaintance! surely they should be great friends!

[Fox]

Once H’tio had moved off to get his simourv fed, Silvanus had retuned to watching the Hatching with a shrug. He would have returned to his previous position beside Embry, but with a start of surprise he realised that the boy was walking off the sands with a little green simourv by his side. Damn, he’d missed that bonding. Silas was almost a little miffed at himself for it, but with a mental shrug he figured he could speak with the blonde boy again another time. For now, there were still hatching simourv chicks to consider. The profusion of blues and greens seemed to overwhelm the man, as his eyes widened at every new addition to the sands. Gamely, he applauded every time he saw another of the candidates bond, but there was a sinking feeling in his stomach at every one. A bonding meant one less simourv on the sands, and one less simourv to choose him.

Silas wasn’t the most expressive of people when it came to his own feelings; his multiple masks saw to that quite efficiently. He kept still at the edge of the sand, with a faintly blank, agreeable sort of look n his face as he began to resign himself to the possibility that there was no chick for him here either. Sure, there were still a few chicks still taking their time, among them a large black, a tawny, a blue and a green, but the chances were almost disappointingly slim. In fact, the man was calculating the best means to escape, his eyes fixed on the nearest exit, when suddenly there was a presence in his mind. One that was not him. Silas hadn’t noticed the black approaching, but the minute Restaph spoke, so calm and assured, Silvanus’s dark eyes snapped to the hatchling.

He was speechless. Absolutely gobsmacked. The incorrigible, silver-tongued rogue was struck dumb, his mouth opening and shutting for a few moments as he stared at his Restaph. In point of fact, newly-named Sil’us rather resembled a fish at that point, but truthfully the man didn’t much care. He was too busy filtering through the new feelings of love and kindness and an overhanging unflappable nature that Restaph presented. ”Uh…” Was the very intelligent sound to issue from his mouth as Sil’us tried very hard to remember just how the thinking process was supposed to work. The hunger that suddenly lent his own empty stomach a sharp edge helped decide him, and a slow smile spread across the man’s face. Almost hesitantly, he reached out to weave a hand through the black chick’s downy, damp feathers, and Restaph shifted closer under the contact. ”Now… We get ye some food, li’l one.” A thrum of muted pleasure. Good.[/color][/size]

[Lan]

Finally the small green from The Divided Dwarf began to move. She was timid at first, finding her feet much slower than all of her other siblings. Yet, after much trying, she finally came to a stance that was somewhat stable and began to look around at what candidates were left with her big, doe eyes. After she had stood up, it was easy to tell she was a very petite thing, seemingly as fragile as a glass figurine. It was good then perhaps that she hatched after that violent blue and the irritable red. Mentally, too, she might not have been able to handle it. Her young mind seemed to peaceful, open to this bright world as an optimistic sponge. Cautiously, she took her first steps forward.

Unlike her siblings that ran around, the young green moved without a doubt, even if she didn't seem particularly confident. When those round, brown eyes met one girl ignored at the corner of the hatching sands her heart gave a soft flutter and she knew that was the one for her. Yet, as she crossed the sands she was slow, drifting occasionally before getting back on track. Her movements were so delicate that it seemed a wonder that she could ever grow into something that could fight koxi. Yet she would. Someday. Maybe she wouldn't be as ready as quickly as her siblings, but some day she would find her wings and her claws.

Upon reaching her chosen girl, she gave what sounded like a sigh and curled into a ball at her feet. Yes, she had found the one that was hers. Perhaps she could rest now? Yet sleep grew far away. No. Not yet. Now she would have to eat. Maybe Hers could help her? She looked up and crooned softly, almost like a whisper. Ma'yi-mine, could you possibly carry me to the food, pretty-please? Your Shiifiph is tired. The girl, Ma'yi now, was a bit dumbfounded. Carry her? Was that aloud? Still the longer she stared into her Shiifiph's eyes, the less it mattered. Smiling softly, she helped the young green to her feet and together they walked, the girl leaning over slightly to keep a steady and encouraging hand in the down feathers of her new friend.

207734 - innocent, naive, slightly built, tends to drift when she walks

[Cy]

[/i], one of those that he'd come to cherish since their arrival some time ago. He'd told the stories and sung the praises, now he'd be in the stories and earning the praises. If possible, his grin grew brighter, laugh lines crinkling the edges of his eyes as he nodded, dropping his hands down from his mouth. “I'm so excited,” He returned, exhaling a sharp laugh. He had never once dreamed of aspiring to such heights as to become what he was now. He'd been content as a simple trader, he'd been happy with the life he'd been leading. This didn't need to happen. But it had. He'd bonded and Tekoa was on the sands waiting for his own to appear. Life was perfect. “Haven't been here long, but I guess that's gunna change now, yeah?” He stated with a chuckle under his words, looking back to Emi. It felt like they'd barely made it in time to be a part of the hatching, sliding in by the skin of their teeth, but they had quite a journey ahead of them still. He'd be at the eyrie for quite some time.

---

She'd observed the hatching quietly, closely, applauding when it was appropriate and wincing when people fell to the ground. Nobody seemed severely injured, just a few scrapes and bruised egos, so she stayed in her place, glancing from the hatchlings to the fallen candidates and back. No sooner did people fall than they were bonding to their one and only's, so none of it seemed too bad. It was tolerable. More than that, it was even enjoyable, bringing a smile to her face. She forgot that she was on the sands to bond as well, she didn't think to notice that she was being passed up left and right, all that mattered was that she had the honour of witnessing such a fantastic event and so many people were pairing off with their respective simourv. She was so caught up in watching everyone else that it was a great surprise when it seemed that her turn came, a lovely green slipping gracefully along to tangle around her legs in the same manner that all the simourv had managed before her. Waving her arms lightly to regain her balance, her wide brown eyes stared disbelievingly at the little creature as it crooned up at her with those dark brown eyes.

'S'ara, your Lormanuph has done a lot today, but this is the best thing. My favorite thing...' The voice that fit into her head so snugly was sweet and warm, so loving and relaxed. She brought a hand up to touch her fingertips to her mouth, her brows knitting together as her eyes threatened to mist up and a meaningful smile tugged at her full lips. 'I love you, Mine. You're much comfier than an egg!' A chuckle of grand amusement escaped her and she nodded, dropping her hand down to briefly curl her fingers, touching the knuckles beneath her chin, before daring to finally reach down to slip her touch over the soft downy of pale green feathers. Happily, the orange tail flicked.

“I love you too...” She whispered, confusion creasing her brow further as she found the statement to be true. She absolutely adored this creature that she'd just met, devotion swelling in her chest as the chick stared up at her. 'Please, let us go eat and then sleep and then we'll do something wonderful, Mine!' Lormanuph exclaimed, nuzzling her head affectionately against S'ara's legs, closing her eyes and chirping. Another chuckle escaped the former teacher as she bit anxiously at her bottom lip, looking down to her feet as she attempted to step out from the embrace that Lorma had wrapped her up in. “Yes, come along...” She uttered the direction, never daring to take her hand away from the simourv. Eagerly, the green jumped to her feet to prance alongside S'ara as they headed off the sands as so many had before.

---

F'ric had been routinely glancing off to the candidates coming off the sands through his conversation with Emi, but his best friend still managed to sneak up on him. He didn't even notice the man until the blue was loudly greeting them with a bold trumpet of a sound and his hazel eyes were tearing off the young girl to land upon his friend, excitement refreshing with the sight of the man. And with a blue right there, he could only assume. “Congrats, my friend!” He exclaimed, throwing his arms out, grabbing the man's arm to tug him close for a quick, tight hug. He'd bonded, Tekoa – or whatever his name was now, T'koa or something probably – had bonded; things were going swimmingly!

With a squeeze, he released the other man to step back, keeping one hand affectionately on the bluerider's back as he angled himself to face the two simourv and Emi, though his attentions were aimed more directly to the bright blue that belonged to his best friend. “So who's yer new friend here?” He prompted, raising his eyebrows and glancing back to T'koa.

Vexigoph, in the meantime, lifted his head up slightly to look to his brother, his irritation creeping once more with the overwhelming brightness. The blue was so loud, so obnoxiously loud. 'Soleph.' He stated simply, returning the greeting offered to him out of the sake of courtesy and not at all happy about it, a fact that showed in the clipped sneer that managed to peek its way into the soft volume of his utterance. He watched his sibling for a moment longer before ducking his head back down, returning to the task of licking up the last of the nut mash that clung to the sides of the bowl. He felt heavy with fullness.[/ul][/size]

[Kat]

Ri’ley should have anticipated the fact that Amaryllis wanted no part in his presence, but he was not about to retreat now that he had made Dionyph so upset. It would be a waste of his simourv’s worry. The damage had already been done, and besides, Ri’ley knew that some of his own anxiety had to be taken care of if Dionyph was to be calmed as well. Even though the black’s anguish was directed to Ri’ley’s fault, a large piece of it was the fact that the Ri’ley was agitated. No, Ri’ley would stay and help his sister, at least until he was sure that she would be okay, and that she would recover. Then he would tend to Dionyph. And then, Amaryllis started to try to move her arms. The first arm waved seemed to be fine, but as soon as Amaryllis tried to move her second arm, Ri’ley watched her falter. Having to watch his sister’s pain on her face made him tighten his face, his face aging with the strain of his musculature.

As Amaryllis criticized him, Ri’ley’s face only became more and more straight and tight. He did not register any signs of emotional distress, but it was in this stoicism that Ri’ley’s emotional state could be read. He was upset by her rejection of him, as that was what it was, and the fact that she also attacked the way that he tended to Dionyph. He knew that he appeared negligent, but the truth of the matter was that Ri’ley felt that he had acted in the most proper way. Dionyph was upset, partially because of Ri’ley’s own fear and anxiety. He was also not physically harmed, but Amaryllis was harmed, in physical pain, and to Ri’ley, that meant that her state needed to take precedence over Dionyph. If Dionyph had been hurt, even in the slightest bit, Ri’ley would have tended to him as much as possible. And ultimately, if the stakes were even, Dionyph would always come before Amaryllis, but the stakes were not quite even.
“Dionyph is upset, because I am upset. I need to make sure you are fine before I can calm him.”
And this was true, at least in the frame that Ri’ley saw. But even though he focused his attention on Amaryllis, he kept a link with Dionyph, who wanted to both push Ri’ley away and also wanted to leech into Ri’ley’s mentality until the blackrider was forced to be with him.

And then, Amaryllis started accusing Ri’ley. Ri’ley listened to the words that his sister spoke, but he did not register any reaction to her. He was not about to allow her to agitate him further. Then, he would be completely useless to anyone, and Dionyph would only feel the stress more. Instead, Ri’le dropped his gaze to Amaryllis’s arm, which he did not touch yet. He appraised it as if it was a text to be read, and to Ri’ley, in many ways, it was.
”Your arm is broken.”
Was all that Ri’ley said. His voice was flat, completely emotionless, and cold. Ri’ley then dropped to his knees, so that he was level with her arm. He then gently lifted it, his hands gentle and soft, while he tried to determine the severity of the break. He was not going to set it on the sands. He would have to splint or plaster it directly after he set it. But he could prepare himself for having to set the arm. It was going to hurt his sister, which would be a difficult feat for Ri’ley, even if he knew it was best for her in the end. And he was not going to let one of the other medics do it—it was not that he did not trust them, but he knew that his own skills were great and would lead to a well-healed arm. He could not be as sure about any of the other doctors. Ri’ley was self centered in that way, sure of his own skills and unwilling to trust the skills of others.

As soon as Eoreph’s voice entered Dionyph’s mind, the black simourv began to calm down, his anxiety melting away slightly, which stopped his desperate mental calls. He was close enough to the tawny to push his face against her, in an attempt to seek comfort from someone. He pushed himself close to Eoreph, but he still remained anxious and panicked. He did not like the thought of Ri’ley on the sands. At first, his worry had been all about their standing at the Eyrie, but as more candidates kept getting hurt, Dionyph began to realize that Ri’ley was in danger. One of the simourv hatchlings could hurt his rider, and Dionyph could do nothing about it.
Eoreph, he is so angry and upset. I don’t know what to do with it. And I am so mad at him that I don’t want to help, but he is also mine, and I want him to be okay. I am very—angry.
Dionyph could barely explain his state, especially towards his rider, who he wanted to rip apart for defying both him and the Eyrie and Dionyph also wanted to hold until the man was forced never to leave Dionyph’s side.
I just want him to come back.
Dionyph sighed into Eoreph’s mind. He snuggled closer to her, and he hoped she would not mind.

Ri’ley was still splitting his attention between Dionyph’s mind and Amaryllis’s injury, so he did not notice the green hatchling until it nudged him in the back. At that second, the man’s mind flashed back to his own hatching, when Dionyph chose him in much the same manner. The black felt the swell of nostalgia flush over his rider, and the black fledgling sighed, his body heaving, but he relaxed as well. Then the chick hissed towards him, and Ri’ley pulled himself away from his revelry and to the position at hand. When the green first moved towards Amaryllis, Ri’ley hissed with worry, afraid the green was going to harm his sister again. But then, Ri’ley’s mind contemplated what was occurring and he smiled slightly. Now, it would be much easier to help the girl off the sands, because she had bonded. He would be proud of her later—happy for her later. Now, Ri’ley was more focused on getting her off the sands. The large man looked down at his sister, and he nodded.
”Let’s get you off the sands, now. Can you get up, or do you need help. I’ll set your arm once we get you up and all of this is over.”
Ri’ley was already formulating a plan in his mind, a course of action, and after he was sure Amaryllis was safe off of the sands, the man wanted to go to Dionyph. The separation and agitation the black pair experienced strained Ri’ley’s mental state. And he could not stand it much longer.

When the Phoenix approached him, Ri’ley felt Dionyph tense again, and he started to attempt to calm his black before he started any more of his panicked, broadcasted statements. Dionyph was too exhausted to say anything else, and Eoreph’s earlier reprimand kept the black silent. Ri’ley listened to Ro’za, and he kept his gaze fixed on her eyes, which kept him staring down at her, in an awkward display of the height difference between them. He wanted to protest Ro’za’s words. He wanted to justify his actions, but he read in her eyes that such a reaction would do him no good. Instead, he dropped his gaze, and then he turned towards Amaryllis.
”If you can get off the sands, do so. I will see you as soon as I can.”
Ri’ley said, his voice stronger than it had been, as if he was demonstrating the strength of his own conviction to the community. Then, the man turned, his body slouched and tired, and strode towards his black simourv.

By the time Ri’ley reached Dionyph, the black removed himself from Eoreph, so that he could greet Ri’ley. Dionyph was so angry, but his compulsion for comfort, his need for someone to make him feel better, needed to be appeased. And the ultimate source of his comfort was Ri’ley. Ri’ley was Dionyph’s world, and the black needed his rider in that moment, even though the rider was the one that caused his frenzy. As Dionyph lowered his head to the blackrider, Ri’ley grabbed the simourv around the neck, where he nuzzled his cheek, his face, in Dionyph’s dark feathers. Ri’ley, too, was not about to let the black simourv go.
I never want to speak to you again, mine. You have betrayed me.
Dionyph announced, but even as he spoke his anger, the black simourv wrapped his wings around Ri’ley, pressing his large body as close to the man as possible, without toppling Ri’ley over.
”Just hush, Dionyph. We’ll be fine—always fine.”
Ri’ley muttered into Dionyph’s feathers, breathing in the scent of the creature as he breathed. And in that moment, Amaryllis barely mattered to either creature.

[Kilnarak]

Teimoph had yet to take any real note of the absence of His - distantly, he was aware that N'raan was no longer standing beside him, but he wasn't so far. It would barely count as stretching his wings, to fly over and retrieve him, and it would take less than a moment. If he focused on it, he might exactly pinpoint where His was, but as things stood he was content enough with a vague idea - N'raan was still in the warm hatching cavern, still within the confines of the viewing stands, in that direction. Perhaps he would have made more of it, had he realized Canph's was also in that direction - but he had not and did not, as the elder red was not also seated there with his rider.

However, where Canph was absent, another blight was easily visible in his line of sight. Teimoph narrowed his eyes upon Dionyph, noting where the young black perched beside Eoreph. He snorted lightly to himself, the feathers on the back of his neck ruffling up in annoyance. But at the very least the black seemed distressed - visibly on edge. And where was His? Ah! Down on the sands! Perhaps the human realized what a pompous fool Dionyph was, and hoped for a new bond? Of course he would have to be disappointed... But no, the large human made his way back into the stands, back to the black. Perhaps he was merely a fool, as well.

But where was His? Teimoph huffed lightly, glancing about briefly before reaching out to N'raan. The red's thoughts were heavy, curious, possessive. But His had no thoughts to go down to the sands, no, nothing of the sort. None of the hatchlings held any real interest for him - and Teimoph was beginning to come to the conclusion that he felt the same. Another green had hatched while he had been distracted, and a tawny. The tawny gained his interest for a moment - so much larger than any of the other hatchlings still on the sands - but only a moment. Others had chosen, blues and greens and the black. He noted the man the black chose and snorted with distaste - another dark-haired, pale-skinned one. Perhaps their own lack of color lead to these preferences; His was superior in this area as well, with his blonde hair and bronze skin. More interesting to look at, more vibrant. Perhaps he should feel sorry for the new hatchlings, that they should have no chance at bonding to such an pleasing human - but, of course, he did not.

For his part, the young red-rider settled beside his senior, affecting a slight lean toward K'huna - not quite touching, but certainly close enough that his presence could be felt. His hand slithered back down K'huna's arm as the man greeted him, and a faint smirk tugged at N'raan's lips before the other man looked away. "How couldn't I, in such company?" he purred, his voice smooth and clear; in the same sort of tones he had used upon first meeting K'huna oh so long ago. He continued to smile, although the expression one might read in his eyes was something harder, sharp-edged and predatory - but of course, K'huna was watching the sands, not him. Well, he could play at this game, as well.

N'raan tilted his head slightly, following K'huna's gaze back down to the eggs with feigned interest. There were so few remaining, this event should not last much longer - the later event would be more to his liking, with its festivities, food, and alcohol. His play-smile faltered slightly as he felt Teimoph peering into his mind - but the red only saw him looking down toward the eggs in disinterest, not the company he had chosen to keep. And then Teimoph's attentions had turned elsewhere, presumably back to the eggs as well. Good enough.

"And you? Are you enjoying yourself this evening?" N'raan's bright amber gaze turned back up to K'huna, his smile returning - not a crack in the mask to be seen. He shifted his weight slightly, his hip brushing K'huna's with the motion, and his smile turned more sly. "Will you be attending the... celebration later?" he continued in his honeyed tones, waiting only a moment before posing this second question.

--

"Flight of stairs? Nah. Just a li'l misunderstandin' with some friends, ya know?" A're straightened slightly as M'ari moved to examine him - his posture was almost proud, although there was a decidedly mocking edge to it. He grinned broadly at the other greenrider - or he would have, but the expression tugged at muscles so recently bruised and in the end only amounted to a slight amused twitch of his lips. "What d'ya think? How's it compare to th' one ya had last week?"

They were not your friends, Muraaph's voice broke in after a few moments - she was still making a game attempt at grooming Hers, for all that the slight young man was trying to push her snout away. She whuffed lightly, tousling A're's hair with her breath. They were horrible, terrible men, and I should have tossed them clear out of the Eyrie.

[{r e k y}]

Koeti watched the black, now. There were a few others on the sands, but the black was still patiently moving through the candidates, which recaptured the tall woman's attention. He'd been going at it for a while now. He was doing a thorough job of weighing out his decisions, she supposed, which was either smart or uselessly time consuming. Was he having trouble? She sure hoped not. She couldn't imagine how stressful that would be, having trouble finding your lifemate. If the black was having trouble, though, he'd probably be far more distraught. He seemed fine, so Koeti relaxed. Confident in his wellbeing, she let her eyes stray elsewhere, to the last hatching Giant. After this, all of the big eggs would be gone.

The beak that poked through immediately told her mind 'blue.' However, the little chick that followed was a surprise that disproved that theory. She was a tawny! Koeti was perplexed by the color scheme she had. Brown feathers, purple legs and beak. After the initial surprise, though, she came to like it. It was interesting. Unique. The tawny was definitely her own person - er, simourv, going about cleaning her egg's mess up without a care about anything else around her. Koeti liked all of the individuality that came from the hatching. Simourv were just like people in the respect of their personality variations.

The black had finally gotten around to the boy that was his bond, Koeti noticed, and she smiled and clapped. He definitely hadn't been having trouble, or if he had, it was over now. He'd found his lifemate, and so had another chick - a blue. The blue went to Romallyeh. Rom'yeh? Ro'eh? Roma'h? Maybe there would be a list later where she could figure out how everyone's new names were spelled. She'd have to relearn all of them, which shouldn't take that long, but she hoped she wouldn't call anyone by their old names. That would be embarrassing, though she personally wouldn't mind if anyone called her Koeti after she bonded. She didn't even know what her new name would be. Ko'ti? Ke'ti? K'ti? K'i, even? She liked the sound of "Ko'ti" best, but it didn't feel like her name. Twenty years of being called Koeti, and nothing else really felt like a name to her.

Another green bonded, the injured Amaryllis (she gave up on guessing at changed names) and her green left, and everything was going well. There were only three chicks left, and no eggs left unhatched. The tawny, a blue, and a green. Koeti felt a pang of doubt. What if she didn't bond? She really hoped she would. With a glance at the few candidates left standing, she felt guilty for that thought. They all deserved to bond just as much as she did. She almost hoped they'd bond instead of her. She'd be fine if she didn't bond, she supposed. It would be disappointing, but she'd survive. Nodding to herself, she let that notion sink in. Yes. She'd be fine no matter what happened. With a smile, she looked out on the three remaining chicks, hoping.

[/blockquote]

[Shaetani]

One by one, the eggs hatched and as each did a little thrill of anticipation shivered down Taridans spine. Of course, he was young enough he could probably be left standing this time and still be the right age for the next hatching, but that would surely be depressing. Shaking his head over the thought, he shifted back and a bit towards Koeti as the injured girl was impressed and the black found his. Hmm. He hadn't been paying attention to the exact count, and as he focused once more on the hatchlings his breath caught. There were only three left, and two of them usually impressed to girls... shards, all three of them could go to girls if they wanted! or maybe the green would pick a male? It was a guessing game and he soon gave it up, not wanting to think of the odds of him walking away alone. Yes, he had arrived just before the hatching and had missed out on most of the candidate lessons, but could the hatchlings sense that? He was ready... he had to be. Shifting his weight and trying to ignore slow throbbing that was starting after standing on the hot sands for so long. He was thirsty, and quickly getting tired of the heat but determined not to leave until each and every babe impressed, even if it wasn't him. They had to find partners... it would simply be too sad if they didn't. Taridan squared his shoulders and focused most of his attention on the blue, though he kept sneaking peeks at the Tawny and Green, curiosity over who they would pick nibbling away at his attention span.

[‡§åkørü‡]

The green by the tawny had finally gotten bored of hiding behind her eggshell. At last she peeked up to look over the shell, investigating all of the remaining people. There weren't many candidates left... that meant she didn't have to spend too long over there. Well, all right then. The little brownish-green rose slowly, cautiously, and, crouching down a little as if to avoid attention, slithered across the sands. Peeking up into the face of each candidate, she gave each a gentle nuzzle before moving on. The first time around, she couldn't find Hers. But Hers had to be here somewhere, right?

At last, on her second round, the hatchling found who she was looking for. It was a girl; she wrapped around her legs with a pleasant hum, and then lay down, nuzzling her new friend's ankles. Let's go, Pr'selMine. Your Vesperaph is hungry and she's afraid of all these people.


AFA60B - uncomfortable around crowds, shy, very physical with affection, empathic

Pr'sel's eyes widened as the green wrapped herself around her legs. Her eyes softened, and she bent down to stroke the hatchling's soft feathers, hearing the voice in her mind. A smile appeared on her face, and one hand lowered to stroke the new baby's back. "Okay, my Vesperaph... let's go." And off they went, winglet and chick, towards the buckets of meat and then the outdoors.

---

Very fortunately, no more candidates had run around touching eggs and causing trouble. Ts'kal observed this with approval. Aburoqaph had calmed down, too; he was now sitting contently in the sand watching the remaining hatchlings. He allowed Romallyeh to leave, since she stopped and crouched some distance from the other candidates still. Aburo, however, kept a close eye on her, feathers rising on the back of his neck. Obviously the rainbow, despite his gentle nature, was entirely prepared to seize the girl and throw her out of here if she caused trouble. Morgana, of course, was the one to look out for but she was staying put - as was the smart thing to do.

Watching the new bondings with approval, Ts'kal smiled, relaxing from the fierce image he had presented before. Back to being his cheerful self, the candidatemaster turned to pay attention to the hatchlings, knowing that he could stop Morgana if she went off anywhere. Of course, then a brilliantly coloured green came strutting over and picked her, and he was free to ignore the new winglet at his leisure. She was no longer under his command.

The next events that took place, however, were a bit more alarming. The blue and green racing toward the twin sisters turned from an innocent picture into a bloody brawl, and the candidatemaster readied himself to help if necessary. Both came out of it able to walk and not seriously injured, though the blood on the green's feathers was a bit worrisome. Since the pale blue proceeded to bond with no further complications, Ts'kal focused his attention on Shaegir and the green, who had apparently just bonded. Seeing them head off to get meat, he was reassured - and then less so when the new winglet headed towards him, asking his help.

"Of course I will," he assured her, and seeing that she was probably a little undone, the candidatemaster put one hand on her back and nudged her gently back towards the green, smiling warmly. And then he was off, striding quickly and purposefully to where Sh'gir's Anaph sat eating her meal, and crouched down next to her. "Hello, Anaph," he murmured in a friendly tone, lifting his eyes to trace over the bloody wounds on her back and sides. They were gory, but not serious, and he examined the gashes without touching them. Her brother had sure beaten her up; the idea of such violence was distasteful, but he'd seen it before.

Aburo, come here, he called, and the rainbow responded accordingly, spreading his broad wings and beating them once or twice to carry him across the sands. He landed in the midst of the winglets, placing his legs carefully so he wouldn't squish anyone, and tilted his head at his bonded. Ts'kal smiled, and rose from looking at Anaph, digging in the side pouches of the riding harness for the bandages he'd brought just in case of something like this. Fishing out a couple of rolls, he also grabbed a flask of clean water, and returned to the hurt green's side. "This might sting a little, but it shouldn't be too bad," he warned her, and knelt to rinse the wounds with what he had in his flask. There wasn't a lot, but he managed to get the worst of the gashes mostly cleaned up. Deciding that the number of them warranted a little more care, he put the bandages back in the bag and smiled slightly at Sh'gir. "When she's done eating, come with me so we can wash those wounds more thoroughly. They're not serious but they'll require a little bit more care."

Above him, Aburo trilled and lowered his head to look at the little green, reaching out his nose to nudge her unhurt shoulder gently. You'll be okay, little one. Mine will make you better, he promised with a warm croon.

---

Ke'raza hadn't left yet, waiting for Jackson to accept her hand. And then a blue hatchling, out of absolutely nowhere, knocked her back, provoking a snarl and a lunge from Sdapaph. Years of training horses gave the dark-skinned girl an automatic reaction to this - "No, Sdapaph!" He listened only reluctantly, backing away from the man on the ground and the blue on his chest. He hissed, and then lowered his haunches to sit next to His, glaring at the new wingletpair. Ke'raza ignored him temporarily, offering a soft, radiant smile to Ja'son. "Congratulations, Ja'son," she murmured, and then turned with her own blue to leave the sands. Behind her, Ri'ley was climbing down to go help the fallen girl, but she had things of her own to deal with. The blackrider was none of her business, nor was the drama he was causing.

Instead, Ke'raza searched for a bucket suitable for Sdapaph, and when she had found it, she offered it to the simourv. Standing next to him, she brushed her hands wonderingly through the soft feathers. Are you really mine, Sdapaph? she asked plaintively, unable to believe it. She had bonded! To a simourv of her very own!

Sdapaph glanced at her, his expression indicating that he thought she was being quite daft. Of course, Ke'raza. Isn't it obvious? No one else on these sands deserves me. Learn that, he commanded a bit coolly. The girl, startled by her simourv's harshness, cocked her head. But she wasn't angry - how could she possibly be angry at this perfect, perfect creature? He filled her heart absolutely - as much as Azreiax ever had and more besides. She wasn't sure how she'd care for both Shire and simourv now, but she was sure she could manage. Well... okay. I'm glad, she added suddenly. So glad. Thank you for choosing me, Sdapaph. The chick snorted, digging into the fresh meat. You were the only worthy one available. I chose you because of that, Ke'raza. There is nothing magical that made me choose you as mine. Nor is there anything special about the other winglets. They may have bonded but that does not mean they are worthy. You are. Don't make me explain it again.

Ke'raza shook her head, feeling like a scolded little girl, but smiled. Sdapaph didn't shake her hand off of his feathers, and for that at least she was grateful. As soon as he was finished eating, they left the sands together.

[/center]

[Bre]

You're a good soul . . .

The tawny continued to make her way towards the candidates, looking to help. She didn't realize that she was practically the last simourv on the sands. She hadn't noticed her final sister bonding to one of the girls. Calm and collected, she made her way to the few remaining candidates and then looked them over. She gazed at one, then the next. There weren't that many left. She felt touches of fear in some of them, reading their faces and body language better than the world around her. She wished to make them feel better, but she wasn't sure how to do that. Only one for her, even if she didn't quite know that. Knowing wasn't the same as doing or feeling, and she was better at the second two. Ambling along, she picked her way between the remaining candidates. They were so far apart with so few of them! It took her forever to make her way amongst them.

However, when she got to her rider, the tawny knew. It was a simple knowing, her sort of knowing. She settled herself in front of the girl and nuzzled at her hands, soft beak preening at the fingers and soft flesh. Ko'ti, your Lavaloph is here. Now we must go find food. Then we should sleep; the tawny said, way of speaking just as slow as her way of walking. She laid a schedule out for them and that made her feel better, more settled in her own skin. She continued to clean up her rider's hands, enjoying the task for no particular reason. Keeping things clean was something to do, something she could do. Her love for her rider was not overwhelming, but it would pass the test of time. It was a simple love, a ponderous love, her love. Her rider. Her love made her all the more blind, all the more oblivious. There was nothing but her rider.

With the tawny bonded, there was only the little blue left, nestled amongst Eceph's limbs. Oh, it was his turn now! His turn to make everyone proud! With his beak shoved out in front of him, he ventured once more into the world. There were only a couple of candidates left. He'd already seen them before, but one of them had to be his! He trotted up to the first boy, stopped, and stared in interest. Nope, not him. Then he trotted over the second boy. Nope, not him. Back again. Nope. Turn around and repeat. Nope. Back and forth. Back and forth. Nope and nope. Nope and nope. He went at it for a while, trying to do right. Finally, though, he got distracted and stared down into the stands at the flicker of something interesting. His yellow gaze scoured the crowd. Perhaps there was another human for him? But it was all nope. Nope. Nope.

At long last, with a sigh, the blue turned around and shuffled back to his mother. He was such a disappointment. He liked people. He really did. There just wasn't one there for him. Perhaps he was just too much of a dreamer, unable to settle. Perhaps he just loved his mama too much. A tinge dejected but no worse for wear, the blue came to sit in front of his mother, staring up at her. He had been on the sands for a long side, so his downy fur was dry, and he looked perfectly healthy. Even if he was a disappointment, he got to spend extra time with mom, unlike all the others! Of course, he rather wished he got to spend more time with his siblings, but mom was good too. At least he had someone, even if that someone wouldn't be with him forever. Well, who said he couldn't stay there forever? There was no reason he had to leave. He liked people.

All eyes were on the blue. Little one? Eceph's voice was soft, kind, and motherly. She peered down at her son sitting in front of her. Normally, she wouldn't have spoken to him like that, but old instincts were stirring and she had her suspicions about what was happening. He stared back up at her, looking puzzled for a moment. He opened his beak as if to speak, then shut it, realizing that wasn't right. He glanced about himself, briefly distracted, then looked back at his mom. He opened his beak to try again, then remembered that wasn't right. Beside her simourv, Ro'za stared at the offending blue. What was going on? She did not look pleased, because as Eceph came to understand, so did she. Not that she accepted the thoughts and considerations she received from her gray. She rejected them, glowering at the blue in a sullen manner.

I . . . am fine, mom. Don't . . . worry; the blue finally managed to say. His voice was perfectly audible, but he stumbled over the words. The meaning was there. Eceph understood him perfectly. However, the words were elongated and awkward, the meaning found in his tone and expression, the empathy they shared. He smiled up at her in his way, looking pleased. There! She would be proud of him now! In truth, Eceph wasn't quite proud. However, she loved him regardless. There was no rider for him on the sands. He would walk free, and she would have to care for him, with the help of the others. Leaning down, she pulled him into her grasp with his beak, nudging him into the safety of her limbs. Ro'za gaped, eyes bugging out of her head. Her fingers folded into fists. Errant candidates were forgotten in an instant as her face turned red.

Alianph, get food for our son. He did not even have a name, but Eceph did not care. She issued the order to her mate with ease. Gritting her teeth in a ridiculous fury, Ro'za whipped around and stalked off. Eceph let her go, knowing that the grayrider would eventually settle. Right then, Ro'za was furious. They needed riders, not baby hatchlings! It was unfounded! Every other hatchling had bonded! One of seventy! If the odds were one out of every seventy wouldn't find a rider, they were doomed. They needed better searching. They needed better standards. Seething to herself, she exited the nesting cavern without a word. She didn't spare a single thought to how it looedk. There would be no celebrating that night, at least not from her. Turning his head, the blue watched her go and snuggled closer to Eceph. He was such a disappointment to them all.


6A3E18 - oblivious, orderly, matronly, rather slow and ponderous

. . . you've a kind heart.

[Lan]

The little blue's failure to bond left G'len rather shocked as well, although his reaction was more likely on the opposite side of the spectrum than Ro'za's. To him, it was a curious occurrence worth studying. Perhaps with this blue that failed to bond, they could understand more of the growing up process of wild simourv that stay with their mothers. It certainly would be interesting. Would this simourv learn to talk, since it's around other simourv that are able to? Would it form relationships with people or stick with its own kind? Would it be able to bond later in its childhood, or had it already missed its chance? So many questions riddled the scientist's mind. He rubbed his hands together, wringing them in thought. Would he be able to approach the young blue to examine it? Would anyone be allowed near him, now that he was under Eceph's guiding wing? Curiouser and curiouser...

Alianph had been standing a respectful distance from Eceph and their son for a while, knowing she would take care of the unbonded blue and not thinking it polite to approach without reason. He stood close enough if she needed him, though, watching the other hatchlings and their bonded people until she would call for him, should she call for him. When she did, he gave a polite grunt of acknowledgment, then made his way over to where the new hatchlings were being fed out of buckets of meat and nutmash. With a glance to the new Wingletmasters, he reached over and picked up a pail of nutmash gingerly in his beak, and then made his way back over to where Eceph and his son were nuzzling.

Here you are, little one. Alianph hummed kindly as he set the pail down near in front of Eceph and the little blue. Taking his place next to his love, he curled his long feathered tail around where soon his son would eat his first meal and made a sort of circle of protection as he looked on to defend against anyone who would get too near or cause any trouble. G'len watched with fascination, not bothered when Ro'za stomped off irritably. He was growing used to her moods now, and knew that his presence wasn't required and was actually discouraged when she needed to work things out. Even if it still brought about a pang of guilt whenever she was in a foul mood, he at least stopped saying the wrong things. They may not be romantically interested in one another, but their relationship of at least getting along was beginning to stabilize.

It will be well, Alianph sent to his bonded, sensing the traces of distress that were always brought about when the Phoenix was in a bad mood. G'len sighed and smiled politely. Well, there was another hatching gone by and another winglet class to be taught. The family of the Eyrie was growing quickly now and would grow much quicker as Laraph matured. For a moment he stood there, overwhelmed by this thought. Soon the Alphas would graduate and the size of their fighting force would double. Soon the Eyrie's eylings would become more and more full with matured riders and they would have more of a presence in the cities. It seemed like it was happening so fast... and at the same time it wasn't fast enough. People were dying all the time from koxi attacks and all the fighting force they could summon was needed to save those people. They hadn't been able to save enough so far. The Commander sighed and massaged his temples with one hand. It was true, they needed more people... but they also needed to find away to stop the koxi once and for all. How that could be managed, he had yet to discern.

Yet, today was a bright day. There would be a feast later in celebration of the new Charlies. It was not a day to be fretting over things they could not change.