A Fortuitous Day: Tarot Clutch Touching Open!

[Aukai Oceansoul]

Reenav stroked the Judgement Eggs shell ecstatic that they were sort of having a conversation on the stands. "I'd wager my mettle is due to that too little one, I look forward to your lovely self on hatching day." He gave the shell one last pat, then moved to the next egg that drew him.

The midnight blue shell of the Sun Egg even looked a little intimidating, so dark, so beautiful. He reached out and murmured "Hello there, arn't you pretty, I hope to meet you someday soon. He felt a little protective over this egg for some reason..he was not sure why. Surely their mother and father were enough to quell any silliness that might go on on the sands.

What creatures these dragons be
Who sound, and laugh and see into me?

Well he was no harper but still there was something about a touching!  

[faesinger]

Was he worthy? Of course he was worthy. Luiciand knew he was not without faults but one does not need to be faultless to be worthy of greatness. Usually Luiciand would glare at anyone that suggested he was less than all there was to be yet he didn't. This egg was judging him and while he did not like it he would prove to it he was worthy. He would not bow to it. He would not lower himself to some scum's level. And he would not be cowed. Luiciand continued to hold his hand on the high priestess egg almost in challenge and waited.  

[Teiha]

The pleasant, tingling warmth from the Sun egg made Karone burst into bright laughter. What a dragon this was! Such a joyous creature would be like a light in this darkening world. He poked its shell with a fingertip, as if teasingly poking a friend’s chest. “I want to see you make your grand entrance on hatch day,” he said. “Say hello even if you decide not to choose me.”

He knelt to touch the Star egg, but barely got to brush its surface before Uridith was suddenly everywhere. Wrenching himself back and sideways, he tucked into a roll to avoid her massive body. He stood some distance away from the eggs until Uridith had become relatively calm and returned to her previous position. He went back to the Star egg and patted it soothingly, apologizing for his suddenness before.


---


Lenix hadn’t anticipated such a... conscious response from the High Priestess egg. Really, he only expected a touch of awareness, having never been spoken to by a dragon and not really knowing just how intelligent they were. And its question... What would he become? He stood stock still with his palm pressed against the egg, pondering. In his mind, he pored over all of the heroes he’d been in his daydreams, looking at them with familiar fondness. But those were all creations of his own imagination, undaunted and untouchable by any enemy. The real Lenix was someone much more fragile. If he were to Impress, it was inevitable that he would face Thread that was merciless, and very much capable of destroying him. What would he do?

His contemplations were interrupted by Lestenna’s shout. Along with other candidates, he hustled out of the way as Uridith’s golden bulk came at them. He tripped over another candidate and fell, nearly landing on the half-buried Heirophant egg. He just missed it by a hand’s breadth. He remained silently on his hands and knees until Uridith’s tense moment had passed, and she returned to her resting place, taking the blood red egg with her.

With a deep sigh of relief, he looked at the half-buried egg beside him. “I would have liked to had a safe hiding place like yours a few moments ago,” he half-whispered, reaching out to touch it.  

[TheWishling]

Alumet could not help but heed Empress' plea to stay, offering the egg reassuring thoughts as a mind brushed her own. She understood all too well why the egg had been upset. After all, one shouldn't monopolize attention unless it was Empress, right? Just look at Empress. Very beautiful. Her fingers slowly stroked the shell in the way she might the head of a frightened herdbeast, soothingly humming in her mind to the egg. She would stay until the little one decided it did not want her to leave. It seemed the best idea right now.  

[Masterharper]

Ruhane Chiisai

The Fool
While it did not go far -- Uridith had made sure to hollow out a new space for the egg -- it was still all terribly exciting. Surely Farensil would share in this excitement and joy! The egg seemed to wiggle and writhe, and once again a sharp bolt of excitement and pleasure would zip up the Candidates hand. This egg definitely had a bit of bite! The song that the girl sang was met with even more excitement. How thrilling! Perhaps Farensil should sing louder, for all the eggs to appreciate?? Louder, louder, louder, or so the egg practically giggled.

-_Wish of Tevarae_-

The Emperor Egg
The large egg's anger would abate ever so slightly from Isilje, as if the creature within wished to shield the girl from its anger. So it was, it softened its intensity for the Candidate's sake, and instead allowed a tendril of comfort to reach out to the girl instead. Though its anger, irritation, and disgust was still present, it was clear that Isilje was not the intended target. Be comforted, child, and fear not. This egg's wrath is not meant for you.

Peppermint Coffee

The Moon Egg
Desperate for any sort of positive reinforcement, the egg pushed hard against Rham's return. Oh! Oh such a sweet Candidate to be drawn back to The Moon! The egg's mood changed once again, turning bright as Timor and Belial on a cloudless night. Yes, this egg was beautiful, and precious, and should have as many admirers as its siblings. But Rham knows this, and shall be rewarded by the Moon all but preening beneath his touch. Do settle down and stay awhile.

ShinosBee

The Devil
Noooooooo! No, no, no, no, no! The egg was immediately angered by this sudden turn of events. In fact, its illusion of cool calm was immediately shattered as its mother forced her will upon it. Be gone! Stay away! PUT IT BACK! The egg all but pulsed with aggravation and rage as it was taken from its toys -- for indeed they were all toys to it. So it was, it sent its disgust and rage to its mother, trying to command the gold to return it, but was ultimately helpless. Uridith would rue this day!

Tasinei

The Emperor Egg
Similar to Isilje, the Emperor would immediately attempt to shield the worst of its wrath from the girl with the feather-light touch. Thankfully, the eggs mood would improve substantially with the remove of the bad one. In fact, its anger would turn down to a low boil. Not completely gone, no, but toned down to be less punishing to those undeserving of its rage. If a sliver of an apology was laced within its more composed touch, only Daesilena would know.

NovaCracker

The Emperor Egg
Be nice? Be kind!? The Emperor Egg, who had been on the verge of calming down, was instantly aggravated once more. Why on Pern was it being lectured? Just who did this Candidate think she was talking to it in such a fashion! The egg's offense was palpable. Be gone and take such foolishness elsewhere, or so the egg all but commanded.

Strawberri Stardust

The Moon Asheryn's touch was pleasing to the egg. Clearly, the dragon within this egg would be the best of them all! The most beautiful, most perfect, most wonderful one. The Egg's earlier mood was completely forgotten now that it was finally receiving the attention it had so earlier craved, and its gratitude to Asheryn was obvious.

The Heirophant
Fear not, young one, for you are just worthy of pride as any of the others. There is nothing to fear here, even with the excitement of earlier. But if the excitement or fear is too much, Rhey can settle next to the Heirophant until he gets his bearings. Take comfort from this egg and go in peace. Come what may, all will be well.

Kyrieko

The Star Egg
The soft voice, along with earlier comfort from The Empress, caused the little egg to stir once more. It was as quiet and uncertain as Avalinia, but not wishing to be rude, did reach out a small, gentle tendril of greeting. Fear not, though The Star understands such intimidation, and might well be encouraging herself as much as the girl.

Tsunake

The Emperor Egg
Now here was someone who understood it. Perhaps not the reason for the wrath, but there was a token of kinship there. This calmed the large, striped egg down considerably more than the consolation of others. Yes, all will be well, one way or another. The Emperor would make sure of that. With great dignity, the egg allowed its composure to return, and the last of its boiling rage to snuff itself out. Though its disgust in others remained, the egg allowed itself a moments calm in the presence of Goran. They are both better then others know.

Aukai Oceansoul

The Sun
The Sun Egg was absolutely delighted by the little verse, and of course the compliment. But there is nothing to worry about -- this egg is happy today! Today is fun and brilliant and wonderful and the Sun is oh so glad to have company. Is Reenav having fun? Is he enjoying the spectacle of its siblings? Oh, do tell The Sun all about it!

Teiha

The Star
There is no need to apologize! The gentle tendril reached out with more confidence, and it waned to assure the stranger more than the stranger needed to assure itself. It was all right. The frightening moment had passed, and all would be well again soon. Do not fret over the Star, for it is feeling much better than before. It did not mean to make Karone worry.

The Heirophant
If an egg could chuckle, this egg might very well have done so. Surely,
Uridith would not have stepped upon the Candidates, but Lenix almost made a scramble of it! And oh, the egg seemed to laugh at its own (rather poor)
bit of a joke. The Heirophant does hope that Lenix is well and not hurt or wounded in his fall? Be well, and fear not, for all is as it should be.  

[Fated Fable]

Fehral squeezed Chayrel's hand back, trying to calm him, but before he could act any further the other had slipped away. Very well. A bit apprehensive, for he had just seen the drama that one of these dragonets could create if not treated as they wished. A little spoiled, to be sure, but that couldn't be helped. Stepping away from where he'd lurked at Chayrel's side, Fehral bowed before the golden Queen before moving to lay his hand upon the Moon's shell. The poor little egg seemed a little miffed by events, and he hoped that a little positive attention would help it feel better. "Hey there. You're awfully pretty, you are," he crooned over the egg, his hand lightly resting upon it.

demon_pachabel

Death Egg
The dragonet reached out with its being in what was almost a hug, giving and receiving comfort. Yes, that was its sibling. Its friend. Devil egg would be fine without Death, but Death did miss its presence. There was so much to observe when it was nearby. It was very brave, you see, but also very clever. Perhaps Death could be a clever egg too.

Masterharper

Magician Egg
It was doing fine. Look at it. Did it look nervous? Don't worry, Chayrel. You too can be just as excellent as this egg. Look at this egg, now back to the others. Now back to this egg. It was clearly fine. Was he?

Wheel of Fortune Egg
Oh, oh, look at that! Wasn't that something? Wheel of Fortune had a front row seat to this play, and Cahlusi had a ticket! Wouldn't he come sit with Wheel of Fortune awhile, that they might appreciate this moment? Everyone was getting so very worked up, which was fine by it. It was eager to see what happened next.

High Priestess
If this egg had stories to tell, it wouldn't tell them. A hint of defiance sparked in the egg at Shinnikan's thoughts. But it was a little pleased that he'd noticed that it knew so much. It did not, however, deign to answer whether it was or was not riled up. The answer, however, was revealed all too soon, like it or not.

faesinger

High Priestess
From the depths of that calm, collected mind, there came a solid thwack against Luiciand's hand that was almost corporeal. Some scum? Indeed, how fitting that he should compare himself to such, and hold his hand forcibly longer upon its shell. This was not what it had asked for, nor to be scorned so vulgarly! The dragonet within enticed the aid of its mother. Let Mother explain what was and what was not proper.

-_Wish of Tevarae_-

Empress Egg
Mollified by Alumet's thoughts and touch, the Empress settled into its wallow, awaiting developments. The girl's thoughts were soothing, and it liked the way that she hummed to it. It did not want her to leave. Not yet. She should stay and tell it about her situation. Now that the egg was having its needs met, and had expressed its emotions to its satisfaction, it was fairly content.
 

[Tsunake]

His lips twitched briefly as he felt that awful rage start to abate, and he offered a little stroke to the striped shell. There. That was better. He would envy this one's rider, he thought, and reluctantly withdrew his hand to go to touch the other eggs. After all, there were still many more to see. His gaze next fell upon a small purple egg tucked into the sands, and Goran carefully approached it next.

Strange, it somehow felt as though the egg was appraising their group. What was it looking for, he wondered? Still, he did not hesitate to reach out and press his palm to the shell of the Judgement egg, appreciating its rich hues. He had never known that the eggs of dragons would be so beautiful...  

[TheWishling]

Isilje sent a quiet thank you to the Emperor, before stumbling to her feet and to the next egg that had drawn her. It was so lovely, the High Priestess Egg And honestly she was curious to see what the occupant was like. She was still a bit shaken and nervous after the angry display, the feelings still rattling her deep in her core. Slowly, her fingers reached out to touch the egg, curious as to who the inhabitant was.

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Alumet found herself content to stay with the Empress. After all, the Empress wanted to know? She sent her pictures of her mother, beautiful and confident, and of her brother, also beautiful and just as confident. Then there was Alumet. She would show the Egg just what she looked like, and explain that she was the sort to find pretty people and take time to be with only them...but her brother was very pretty too. Sometimes attention could be taken away, and she liked to ALWAYS look beautiful. After all, one had to look their best all the time, and look at the egg! So stunning. The humming continued, fingers stroking the shell with care.

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Shiloh sent Judgement one last image of that sunny sky and the dolphins, before moving on. No sense staying in one place. The images still fresh in her mind, the woman moved to the Death egg next, her hand resting on the shell, warm and sure. There was still that lingering happiness, a heart pained at the memories of home. This was happy here, yes, but she missed it sometimes.  

[demon_pachabel]

Ichta smiled, practically basking in the feeling. Was this how every rider paired with a dragon felt when a dragon touched them with their mind? She imagined it was better when you were meant for each other, though.

You can be whatever you want. she pushed the feeling back, allowing her hands to linger for a moment longer before she rose again. I hope many come to visit you, little one. But I hope they don't linger so long as to make you get taken away as well. Ichta briefly looked off towards Uridith and the red egg then smiled, Or maybe I do wish that, so you can go be with your friend.

Her next visit would be to Judgement, and she wasn't exactly feeling ready for it to weigh it's thoughts down upon her, to be judged. Still, how could it make any decisions about her if it knew nothing? She pressed a palm gently against it's surface (albeit, gentle was the only way she did anything), nudging gently with her mind.

Though it seemed she wasn't the only one there, she looked to Goran briefly and offered a small smiled before returning her thoughts to the egg.

Did you enjoy the fun your siblings caused? Or are you still trying to decide? I think I'm still trying to decide.

Tsunake

Whoops, now we are here together.

 

[ShinosBee]

Uridith had almost rejoined her rider and her mate with the Devil egg when she felt the touch of High Priestess reaching out. For all its scolding, Devil was little more than an afterthought as she stepped up to the big bronze and gently placed the red egg beside him, pausing to nuzzle it despite its radiating foul mood, and Takarath. I will return in a moment. Our children still need me, it seems. She paused to share thoughts with Lestenna, who'd shifted her hand to gently brush the thumb over the ridge of V'kenti's spine in his neck beneath his own hand. She seemed unbothered by the whole ordeal, but her eyes did seem sharp as they flicked to Gr'del and then any candidate who happened to be looking her way.

The gold twisted about, eyeing Luiciand intently. Her eyes had managed to remain more or less calm, and now that the issue with Empress had been sorted, they'd gone back to a slightly more robust yellow-green. She gently cocked her head to one side, deciding in the moment not to walk over herself. There was no need. She could do what needed done from here, after all. You should move on now, came the bell-like voice, firm and undeniable, though lacking the mental weight of a command. Or else I will remove you from my sands entirely. I hesitate to have near someone who would feel the need to challenge an unborn, helpless infant, especially when they have been told the rules. Her eyes slowed their whirl, color shifting more orange, not quite red for a moment. Do not make me regret the choice of letting you remain, for now.

Only when the boy moved on would she settle down herself, hiding the Devil egg firmly away between her body and Takarath's.  

[BastetAmun]

The feel of suddenly being yanked away by the back of his shirt, away from the lovely red egg made Caderyn cry out. It was a slightly strangled cry of anger that was then quieted when he realized who it had been who pulled him way. His eyes watched Uridith as she picked up the egg in her mouth, carrying it way and off the sands to keep it with her. There was confusion over why this had happened, did he or any of the others around do something that had made her angry? The brunette shook his head some, a hand moving to run through his hair and then lightly massage the back of his neck. Uridith had been as gently as she could be, but she was still a dragon and he was a young man. There was a slight want to see the Devil Egg again but he knew better then to try anything. He did his best from where he was to send a thought to it, trying to calm the restless and angry dragonnet within. It is alright. You will have your day at the hatching. With that, Caderyn turned his attention to the other eggs. His eyes found the Death Egg and he lightly placed his hand upon the shell, stroking it gently. I was waylaid...I apologize. Although he felt silly for having gotten so entranced by the Devil Egg, he still found he liked it, though he pushed those thoughts from his mind and focused upon this one, noting the lovely coloring of it's shell.

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Dorianus felt a smile upon his lips at what he felt from this egg. There was such a wise presence there. He noted what was going on in the surroundings but he did nothing but stay beside the egg, still listening to it. It seemed to lean into his touch and he smiled once again. "I cannot wait to see what you will achieve young one." He have once last stroke before he straightened up. "I thank you for showing me what you are and will be capable of." His attention moved to the other eggs then and he made his way easily through the sands towards the Emperor Egg. He let his long fingers move easily over the egg. "Are you feeling any better young one? It seems one of your siblings was having a bit too much fun."  

[faesinger]

Luiciand began to stumble over his words in a hurry to reassure the dragon baby. "That isn't...I didn't mean...". Before he could get any further he heard the mother dragon in his head and knew he was going to be in trouble when this was over. He was in trouble now. So he ate his words and bowed to the high priestess egg. "My apologies for offending you. I did not mean it in that way and I regret it." With that he stepped away from the egg.

He looked around a little lost and wondered if he was allowed to continue.  

[Eos Galvus]

The hostility was not unnoticed, and Amila all but panicked, drawing back as she tried fighting down a bad memory, shutting her eyes and trying to block out the unwanted thought. She always tried to be no trouble -- and trying to help caused ever so much.

She rather wanted to go hide in bed, but no, she was supposed to be doing her duty as a Candidate - though she swallowed the lump of doubt in her throat to move for a less occupied area. Amila was desperate to go back to the Star, to curl beside the sweet seeming egg, but others were now giving attention -- good. The little one deserved all the love and affection, and so she drew near to the area, but on a side closer to the Sun Egg, touching the egg timidly. She was glad it was there for the little egg.

She didn't speak this time though, simply began to stroke The Sun gently, lowering her gaze. She just wanted to show a little affection for now, a little appreciation for it being a good sibling.  

[Dragon Berri]

Asheryn beamed at the response she got from the Moon egg, happy that she had pleased it and made it feel better. "Of course you will be!" she encouraged the little dragonet inside. "You will be everything to someone who will love you very much," she assured it and pressed her cheek to the shell in a small hug. Noticing that others had come to offer comfort and attention to the Moon, Asheryn smiled and moved away after one last stroke of the shell. "I can't wait to see what you become," she murmured.

She did not however move very far away as the Wheel of Fortune egg drew her attention next. There was so much excitement going on and the feeling she got from this egg was that it was simply amused and wondering what would come next. She snorted a little in her own amusement and laid a hand on the shell, her own curiousity on what would happen to the Devil egg now coming through loud and clear.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rhey smiled at the comfort offered by the Heirophant and did in fact, settle in for a moment beside the egg. The last thing he had expected was the queen moving through the eggs and then taking one?? He wondered what was going to happen to that egg. It had been so popular... He shook himself a little and allowed himself a moment to relax. "You're right," he murmured to the egg. "All will be well." He smiled and ran his hand across the green egg's shell before standing to move on to another egg.

Since it had been the cause of such a commotion, Rhey thought it prudent to stop by the large golden Empress egg. He was all but certain that the dragonet inside would be a gold and thus not for him, but it was only polite to say hello to what was probably the next junior queen of the Weyr. "Hello, beautiful one," he said to it and laid a hand on the metallic shell. "Are you getting enough attention now?" he asked with amusement in his voice and in the smile on his face.  

[Teiha]

“I’m glad you’re all right,” Karone said to the Star egg. “Just didn’t want you to think I’d forgotten you. You deserve just as much attention as everyone else.” He smiled, looking it over and noting its small size. He spoke from his mind next, not wanting to accidentally cause any more offense among the other eggs. They may rank the bigger dragons higher in this place, but even if you turn out to be the smallest, I’ll bet it will only make you better at fighting Thread than they ever could be. You’ll fly circles around them!

He stood up and turned to meet another egg, and found himself face to face with Lenix. Or, rather, face to chest with the much taller boy. The two boys exchanged gentle shoulder punches. As one, they turned to gaze at the Emperor egg. Kar had been aware of the harsh feelings coming from it a few moments before. Even now, he could sense it radiating its indignation. When it was his turn, he placed his palm upon it without hesitation, ready to share the dragonet’s burden.

I know how it feels to be wronged and to have no way to fight back, he said. It was a sober thought, tinged with painful memories of loss in that first Threadfall. Someday, the both of us will have our chance to make things right. If we are patient and work hard, we will grow strong and make a difference.

----

Lenix gulped down what was almost a sudden roar of laughter – did the Heirophant egg just make a joke? Dragons made jokes? The idea was marvelous to him. “I’m fine, thank you,” he said, noting a few minor scrapes, but nothing more. He blinked at the egg’s final thought: “Fear not, for all is as it should be.” Did it mean that he was really meant to be here? Could there be some role he was needed for here in the weyr? He had a hard time imagining how he could possibly be all that important.

The dragonets he had met so far had made him think about some very serious things in a very short time. He wasn’t used to such... heavy ideas. When he turned away from the half-buried green egg, there was Karone. After their usual greeting, Karone touched the large, striped egg. He seemed especially intent on it. Karone never wondered what his purpose was. He just was. Lenix... Lenix really wanted that.

When his friend moved on, Lenix stepped up to the Emperor egg. He stared at it, knowing by its huge size it very likely contained a bronze. He felt overwhelmed with emotion, a longing for something he couldn’t even name. To fill an empty space. To have that space within him filled. To know who he was. To choose who he wanted to be. To serve. To be liberated.

Hesitantly at first, then with increasing confidence, he reached for the egg. You’re a leader. Tell me... could you ever have someone like me? If not... what must I do to pass the test? I’m just a simple boy, but I want to learn.