The Spooky Clutch Touching: Trick or Treat! Open!

[SilverLutz]

It seemed like only yesterday that he had been trying to get a peek at the eggs and the gold that had laid them, and yet here he was, on the Sands with the other Candidates. Vennodren was brimming with excitement just as he always did during Touchings, although this time there was something extra to be excited about. Some Candidates from the High Reaches Weyr were here, and if they Impressed they'd be joining the Westerners for their training and the first part of their service. How exciting! He was hopeful to talk to some of them eventually just to see what it was like at the more conservative Weyr.

But for now he had other things on his mind, like eggs. Lots of eggs. So many eggs! He was very proper on the sands, giving a little bow to the proud mother of the clutch.

"Congratulations, Vimiath, your Clutch is most impressive!" His tone was full of nothing but genuine delight and as he rose, he scoped out the eggs and those that were already mingling among them. There were a few eggs that were getting quite a bit of attention, so he naturally gravitated towards some that were not getting as much. He bent down to rest his hand on the small Angel egg, giving off good vibes and as he spoke to it.

"Hey there," he murmured, not too loud. "Hope things are nice and warm in there for you, little dragon."  

[Sinders Path]

Roana listened attentively to the candidate master. She knew that he meant every word from his tone alone.She meant to follow all his orders and committed them to mind and heart for the special day. Well all the orders apart from one. She set her lips in a tight little frown. 'Do Western weyr proud' She had not even been in the weyr for a full seven day. There simply hadn't been time for her to form any solid attachment to the fortress of rock and stone or the people inside it. of all the things tat filled her head in that moment showing up the candidates from another weyr was so far down the list as to be inconsequential.

Her experience of weyr life so far had been classes and chores. A routine that she had appreciated. All routine gave life steady rthyem, and apart from some of the classes she struggled in, the rest had come easy as she was no stranger to hard work aboard a ship.

She spared a glance at the High reaches candidates who encompassed the same range of different people riding the same gambit of emotions as the Wesern Weyr candidates. Making a mental note to investigate the tension she felt between the two groups at a later date she marched into hatching in line with her group. It lasted until the candidate at the front of the crew came in arms length of an egg and stopped forcing the rest to split and fan out.

Most of the candidates and focus was on the front of the clutch. After sparing a weary glance at the gold mother of the horde Roana edged around the circle of the eggs to the back where the candidates were still spaced out and not as numerous. It gave her a first real look at the fat multi coloured spears. The sharp intake of breath was involuntary. Mastering herself quickly she strode forward and laid her hand on the first egg in reach that seemed sturdy enough to withstand the slight push of her hands without falling (pern preserve her). It was The demon. The egg had a fierceness to it. Maybe even pride, but she was equal to it.  

[Teiha]

Joshala (W)
One of the Western native candidates, Joshala had certainly done this a few times. It didn’t mean she wasn’t excited. Her heart raced, though she guarded her expression. As the candidates walked onto the sands, she bumped into a skinny blond fellow. He was unfamiliar, probably from that other Weyr. The “Over Reachers” some of the unkinder members of her circle had dubbed that group. She ignored their sour talk, just like she ignored the young man she’d collided with, and moved on to bow to the Queen and her rider. “Congratulations to you and Vimiath on another beautiful clutch, Aunt Tally,” she said, smiling. She genuinely liked the older woman, and enjoyed the occasional assignment to assist her in the creche.

Joshala walked past a few other candidates who had already begun to touch the eggs, choosing a small but eye-catching egg as her first acquaintance. She touched her palm to the Angel Egg, already sensing that she was being scrutinized by its occupant. It made her smile faintly. If it had been another person, she’d pull back instantly. But a dragonet? Hello, little one. Come on in, look around if you like. It’s a little dusty, but most of the tunnelsnakes are gone, now.


Farinalgo (HR)
Ohhhh, yes, Farin was a bundle of nerves and joy and Faranth’s fluttering wings was his mind full to bursting of every egg-related fact he’d ever dredged up from the records or winkled out of the old-timers of High Reaches Weyr. He was not too distracted to forget what he needed to do, however. He’d listened to every word Gr’del said, forcing himself to focus. And focus he did, looking out at a literal rainbow of eggs, and having absolutely no idea which one he wanted to meet first.

He took an involuntary step when a (very soft) hip struck him from one side. He sensed the feminine presence and turned to apologize, only to see the girl sauntering away from him without even acknowledging the accident. There was something engaging about her (fairly rare) conformation that caused his dark eyes to linger on her a little longer than was necessary. Then he was back to the task at hand, making his bow and beelining for the red Mummy Egg.

Well hello! Is this your first time to a touching? What’s it like for you in there, my friend? He asked the question with more than a touch of sincerity. He really wanted to know what that baby dragon was experiencing, to add the revelations to his mental compendium. Whether or not it would respond was another matter.  

[Smerdle]

He didn't have much hair to style and the clothing he had been provided was sorely lacking in bits and bobs to arrange, but Oerlen still managed to stall, taking up a spot in line that was far from last, but definitely not first. Definitely not. He was a lot more nervous than he'd thought he would be, a lot more than he'd ever been before, and he hoped more than anything he'd ever hoped for that it didn't show. This was why he was here, why he was struggling through figures (ugh) and history (double ugh), because a Searchrider had thought he would make a good match and he had suddenly and desperately wanted a new life.

Luckily, showmanship was nothing like math, and Oer was fairly good at projecting confidence even when he wasn't trying. He bowed for the dragons and their riders, an impressively deep bend at the waist, and then he was off, carefully striding toward the large, fiery egg at the center of the—

Oerlen stopped dead in his tracks at the side of the Djinn Egg, peering at it out of the corner of his eye, then turning a smirk on the creature inside. Its exterior wasn't all that flashy, but something about it...

He reached out and gently pressed his hand to the very top of its streaky shell, thinking as hard as he could and hoping it could hear. We're all acting quite silly today, aren't we? Bowing and shaking. Well, I can assure you that the world outside is even sillier.  

[ChaosTheories]

Jagmund

To those observing, Jagmund would have been the picture of politeness as he joined the other Candidates on the sand. He listened to the rules being laid out, waited his turn, and bowed to the important people he was supposed to bow to (was Talela feeling unwell?). But his mind was churning. He had practiced all of these actions during multiple Touchings and had stood for a few Hatchings already. He just wanted to get the formalities over with and to get onto the good part: finally seeing the eggs!

With his cocky grin and flaming red hair, he was hard to miss, so he ensured to behave like the weyr's top Candidate as he approached the eggs. He gently brushed his hand over the Demon egg, his smile growing wider. I have fiery hair and you have a fiery shell, he thought to the egg, with a mental chuckle. We'd make a striking pair, don't you think?  

[Teiha]

Silviu (HR)
Silviu was near to hyperventilating by the time his boots sank into the hot sand of Western’s hatching grounds. Ever since he clumsily dismounted from his brother’s dragon for the Touching, people he didn’t know had surrounded him, some of them with varying degrees of annoyance, disdain or outright anger on their faces. Lucayr had explained to him that relations were “a bit awkward” between the Weyrs, so he knew it wasn’t anything he’d done to personally offend them… but it still made him uncomfortable.

The boy looked upon golden Vimiath and especially bronze Blundarth with bright, wide eyes. Lucayr would be so proud of him if he could Impress from this clutch! He bowed and made his way out to the eggs, considering one or two whose shells he admired, but felt one in particular broadcasting exactly what his insecurity demanded – welcome. He went to the Werewolf Egg and stroked it softly with both hands. You seem nice, he said. I’m Silviu. What’s your name?  

[magnadearel]

It wasn't long until she found herself once more staring into the hatching sands. Touching time. But it was different than before. There would be High Reaches candidates here. As long as they behaved themselves, she had no quarrel. They were being given an honor that could quickly be revoked if they misbehaved.

Rinis let her eyes follow A'ral as the candidatemaster paced back and forth. The same usual lines of course. She wondered if the other candidates were as sticklers as it was rumored that weyr to be. A'ral didn't give her long to ponder that though, as he sent them toward the Sands. As she entered the Sands proper and got a good look around she noted the gold and bronze parents.

Her mouth instantly felt dry and her limbs wooden. The gold was bad enough, but the bronze? His rider had to be around here somewhere too then. Hopefully he wouldn't notice her. And really why should he? She was only a candidate after all. One of so many. Rinis jerked ungracefully in a bow to the gold, then jerked herself upright.

Where to start? The candidates spread out and she looked for an unoccupied egg. There, a grey one. Rinis walked slowly over to the Djinn Egg and placed her hand softly along its shell.  

[smolderingskies]

Dharzol was surprised and a little horrified to find that the egg was... laughing at him? He quickly retracted his hand, holding it gingerly. The egg had given him a strong sense of knowing, but also of amusement. It knew everything about his affairs, and he didn't quite like that. But what if Rasthell came to the touching and found out? That wouldn't be... very beneficial.

Was he about to bargain with an egg?

His stomach in turmoil, Dharzol decided against it. How silly would that be? Plus, he was pretty sure that counted as "lingering." If his soulmate was the Goblin, surely it wouldn't rat him out to any Candidate that came by. Instead, he wandered over to another small egg, one that he felt matched him more personally. He laid a hand on The Gargoyle's teal shell, in awe at its size. "You and I are not so different," he admitted, hoping he'd have better luck with this egg. After all, if eggs were to know all your secrets at a single touch, surely one which also felt like it had secrets would know to keep them.

(was gonna hold onto this one but I started worrying gaia would log me out with all my refreshes LOL)  

[~Kiana_Nala~]

Miach (HR)

Miach felt her hands shaking uncontrollably at her sides as she stood at attention listening to A'ral speak to her and the fellow candidates around her. Was this really happening? With far more courage and adventure present in her decision than she believe she possessed, Miach had chosen to be apart of the group of candidates that had chosen to come from High Reaches to Western in the hopes of meeting their lifemate. The choice had seemed easy to make at the time as she had no ties that would keep her at High Reaches, other than the hope that she may one day meet her father. A letter from her mother--of all people--had convinced her that giving up the chance to meet the one meant for her was not worth the possible chance of meeting him. If it was going to happen, it would. Just maybe not tomorrow.

As the group was allowed to press forward for the touching, Miach let others step around her to get to the eggs. Considering she was a new candidate, Miach felt that she wasn't as prepared as many of the other candidates to be there today--but somehow determined nonetheless. "Don't be nervous. If something doesn't happen, it's okay." She reassured herself, biting her lip in the process. Miach let her hazel eyes scan the groups flocking to and from the eggs. Some of these candidates would be making their last attempt--at least those from High Reaches--and here she was. No, don't think like that. Miach closed her eyes and took a steadying breath. She could do this. Touching day was not going make or break. She should save these nerves for the day of Impression. With that thought in mind her eyes glided open. Miach slowly made her way to one of the eggs off by itself, The Hunter Egg.

"H-h-h-ello little on--e." She said softly with nerves, her hand extending to the warm, smooth surface of the egg. Miach tried not to pay too much attention to others who may have been touching the egg at the same time out of desire to keep her own courage up. "You don't seem to want much company, but I hope you don't mind mine?" She thought to the egg. "I know I'm not the most confident, but maybe we could be friends. I hope you find yours--even if it's not me." Miach smiled softly as she gently rubbed the egg one last time.

Kambri (W)

What. Even. Happened? Kambri was still beyond surprised that he had been searched just days before the touching had taken place. While news of the clutching had reached the far lands of Black Sands--he hadn't expected that he would be one of those lucky candidates being able to touch the beautiful eggs. Kambri would have pinched himself but based upon some of the stern, tense looks other candidates had around him he was certain it wasn't. His dream would have had much more smiles and excitement.

When the time came for them to step forward and begin touching the eggs his heart swelled with excitement. He just knew this touching was going to reveal wonderful things. A storm like any other had produced these eggs. Surely great things would befall the dragonlets and their future lifemates? Kambri was definitely off into his own whimsical story for the touching and looking at it through rose-colored eyes but the boy was nonetheless determined. His golden eyes latched onto the Gargoyle Egg.

Kambri grinned large when he was able to touch his hands to the surface of the teal egg. "Wow, you are stunning." He couldn't help but marvel. "I know you're in there. Maybe I could tell you a story to help perk you up?" He chuckled as he gently stroked the surface of the egg as if to say he would give it lots of touches. "We could cuddle as I did." Kambri added as if every dragon would love to cuddle.  

[Thaliawen]

Marinel had been about to drag Dolmar towards the pretty white and blue egg when Dolly made his decision. He paused, and nodded. "Alright," he said. There was no reason for them not to visit every egg; surely they'd have time to!

He put a hand against the teal egg, beaming. He'd never--never really expected this day to come, somehow. Even after the flight. But here they were. Could the eggs respond? Maybe?

"Hello," he greeted softly. Maybe The Gargoyle egg would respond. Hopefully it was friendly!  

[ShinosBee]

-----------------------------------------Jacquol-----------------------------------------

Oh-ho! This was IT! The chance for freedom, to find what was hers! Jacquol had come to Western in Jacomus' footsteps to escape a terrible storm, and out of the desire for a dragon all her own. It'd been an adventure, she'd thought, to creep in, lay low, and woo one of the babies off the sands when the day came. She hadn't anticipated instead falling literally into the arms of a rogue of a scoundrel (handsome though he was!) instead! She'd been utterly thrilled to get to know Ambrin...and less thrilled when, later, having capitulated to becoming a proper candidate, to find herself strpped by so many rules. Schedules and lessons and rules! The barracks! Another sore spot for her...though one she'd easily enough skirted around.

It was shockingly easy after all to creep out of the barracks after hours, go scampering down one hall and around a corner, and back into her real weyr. And Ambrin's arms. Much more...well, more fun, if not more comfortable!

He was quite besotted, it seemed. Fantasies half-muttered about a pirate queen. But pirates had to be free, and she'd be someone other than herself if she hadn't put her own desires first. Luckily for him, right now she wanted him just as much as she wanted a dragon all her own. With lingering thoughts of a certain blond-haired thief, she sketched a sly, winking bow to the golden mother, before swooping in to card wide seeking palms over The Siren egg. Hello gorgeous!

-----------------------------------------Falienn-----------------------------------------

Falienn was...well. Not bored. It was all still too new to be boring. But he wasn't exactly happy as he floated across the sands, cutting a flawless bow to the presiding parents, and then slithered down to gently caress The Angel egg. There were just so many interesting young men and women here...the eye candy wasn't unpleasant at all. It was all wretchedly distracting from the eggs. No, this was all...just so much hassle. He'd so much rather be lounging in bed with a lady on his arm...and am an on his other arm, too. You get me, right? He glanced down at the egg. It had some lovely colors, at least.  

[Masterharper]

Meepfur

The Hunter
The egg would give a sharp jerk away from Dezerac, offended by the first touch of his egg. Of course all dragons could fight Thread -- perhaps the only heathen here was Dezerac himself. Be gone, beast!

smolderingskies

The Werewolf
Yes! Company! Yes, yes, yes!! The egg wriggles closer to Laelia, its pleasure obvious. It doesn't know if it will be pretty or not, but Laelia is kind to think so! Laelia must be the best one for visiting The Werewolf first!

The Demon
If an egg could purr, this egg would be doing so. A pleasure, really, the egg seems to say, and it would all but preen beneath his hand. Perhaps what he seeks is here? Does Saimwen believe he deserves the biggest and the best or is it only something he's been told? What does Saimwen want when the day is done?

BastetAmun

The Hunter
This egg seems to study Huarwar, before sending a sharp reproach to the other. Sheep! Follower! Spineless! Wrong, wrong, wrong!! This egg does not tolerate those who abide a bully! Visit again when you grow a spine!

Ryala

The Ghoul
Hello! Howdy! This egg seems to roll a bit closer, investigating the girl's hands curiously. How's life out there? . . . how's food out there? Did you have breakfast too? Breakfast is the best meal of the day... and lunch...and dinner....but no, really, how's breakfast?

tatterpixie

Frankenstein's Monster
If this egg's shell could get any brighter, it would have done so at Phayton's touch. The egg would seemingly touch back, wanting to get closer to the boy. Of course it would like nothing more than some company, and understands what it's like to get crazy. What drives Phayton mad? Do tell, please... This egg certainly has the time.

Shaddaling

The Wraith
Hmmm? It seems as if the egg was asleep when Rylyrr put his hands on its egg. Oh. Hello. The greeting is quiet, soft, and seemingly far away. Its touch is soft, and it seems to drift away as soon as it arrived.

Hattaki

The Zombie
This egg seems to take a moment to respond to Amra. It touches back without much force. Meh. It doesn't seem to respond to Amra's request to keep a secret -- it's an egg. Who's it going to tell?

Mx Cherie

The Demon
Salutations stranger, or so the egg seems to say. Welcome to its egg! How clever of you to choose this one first! Surely you might like to stay a while? Let's get to know one another better. Do you know this other lad Saimwen? What drew you here first anway? The shell color? The size? Something else? Really, the Demon would love to know.

demon_pachabel

The Hunter
The egg would burn out under her hand, and a sharp surge of approval would flow through the girl.. and perhaps a twinge of caution. Don't grow so rigid you become inflexible; don't grow so cold that the warmth you can give others turns to ice. Beware becoming the enemy you hate. Happy hunting, Candidate.

Sinders Path

The Demon
Oh, what's this? Another hand upon it? The warmth of the egg would wrap around Roana like a cloak. Be near and tell the Demon more. Are you a proud sort? What might you give the Weyr? Are you prepared to fight or do you yearn for other things? Tell the Demon of your worth -- it certainly wants to know.

Teiha

The Mummy
The egg seems to shudder, and it pulls away from Farin's touch. For a long moment, it seems to say nothing, horrified. Faranth help them all if this the best High Reaches could do. No wonder the boy hadn't Impressed! In fact, the egg could not bring itself to dignify Farin's stupid question with a response. Hmph. Silence. Horrified, slightly disgusted silence.

ChaosTheories

The Demon
Oh, do you think they would be quite the match, red-haired child? What are your grand plans? What do you wish to achieve? If they are to be a match, don't you think the Demon should know all your secrets? What would make them so striking besides a fondness for red?

Teiha

The Werewolf
Oh, oh, oh!! My name is a secret, but maybe one day you'll know! Silviuuuuuu! Silviuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu! How fun, how fun, how fun! Silviuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu! Silviuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu! The egg seems to rock wildly with excitement every time it joyfully declares his name. Don't be nervous,
we're all friends here!

~Kiana_Nala~

The Hunter:
The Hunter would size Miach up before offering the girl a wave of confidence and assurance. Be at peace, and take strength from its shell. Be of good heart, and know that you are safe with The Hunter here. Stay as long as you'd like, until you feel better prepared to meet its siblings. Nothing will harm you, not with The Hunter here.  

[SilverLutz]

The response Venn got made him smile a bit wider as the small dragon within seemed comfortable with him. Even though this egg might not house his dragon, he was always more than pleased to meet all that he could. Another Candidate came over to offer her greetings to the egg, so Venn gave the shell a soft, farewell pat before moving along. He glanced around again, trying to find an egg that wasn't too crowded, and slipped over to crouch beside the Hellhound Egg. He squinted just a bit as he laid his palm against the almost glowing shell, the brightness surprising.

"Well, aren't you an eye catcher," he said with a little chuckle. "With a shell like that you certainly can't be missed." This egg was a bit larger than the Angel he had previously touched, so he gently stroked the shell to hopefully keep it warmer than it might have been previously.