Qirith Clutches!

Zynassa tries to get some betting - uh, wagering - going on in the stands for Qirith's clutch.

Zynassa - Friday, May 04, 2001, 3:17 PM
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Hatching Galleries -- Ista Weyr(#1300RDJQaqs)
The galleries provide more than adequate seating for guests who have been invited to watch a hatching. There are ten tiers, that arch in a semi-circle from the southwest to west side of the black stone cavern. Stairs lead down to the entrances, which are visible beyond the large gaping opening leading to the Senior Queen's Weyr. You have a view of the Hatching Sands as well as a clear view of the ledges up above you.
The people here are Mirielle, P'tod, and Mouse.
Scattered among the smaller perches are firelizards, including Mir.

Zynassa climbs up into the stands, her hair still a trifle damp from a bath. In an amused voice she asks, "So what's the wagering stand at for how many?"

A glorious array of eggs lie spread across the heated obsidian-glimmering sands of the Istan Hatching grounds. Scattered on the midnight-dark grains like jewels across velvet or the bright speckles of stars in the evening sky, eggs glimmer in all hues: brightly-colored violets are mounded about by sand, mixing with vermilion, viridian, pastel shades with delicate traceries of designs.
Lying scattered about the dark sands, you see:

Polished Jasper Egg
As if quarried to be faultless in nature, polished jasper hones in upon rounded egg, harmonizing ochre hues upon its angular form to a marbled finish of ruddy auburn. Regal strains of russet form a mosaic of elegant warmth, polished surface reflecting jasper and sanguine in a marriage of twined again by shades of rust that deepen red browned hues, salutating in a shadowed surface of auburn resonance. Tessellated finish delves as if in to a tapestry of hues: threading shade upon shade in a seamless finish to hold together contrasts of similarity for all time.

Blue-Hued Wraith Egg
Tropical winter, where the sky slips into unimaginably pure blue reflected across the crests of folding waves, threaded with the lazy tendrils of wandering cloud cover: An egg of such remarkable purity of color nestles close in the simmering protection of Ista's black Sands. As purest topaz glittering beneath the translucent ripple of a night-shrouded lagoon, the clarity of blue lends liquid grace to this finely honed sphere, delicately wrought of luscious indigo. Misty fine wisps - the thinnest depiction of silken miasma - spirals as the finest lace of lazy cirrus playing across the late afternoon skyline, filtering into palest fringes that dissolve amid the wash of ultimate blue.

Cinnamon Swirl Egg
A light brown diamond shaped figure dominates the surface of this medium-sized egg, made of light browns nearing tan to darker, resembling cinnamon. From each corner stretches a swirling, curving arm of lighter color, fading into darkness. Off of each arm are dark shadows, elevating it to new heights. Hiding behind a dark, purple and black egg, it attempts to escape from view. Its attention-grabbing color prevents this from happening, however.

Baker's Tasty Treat Egg
This overly large egg sits off to the side a bit away from the others. In fact it is one of the closest to the stands. The surface, therefore, is rather easy to discern. Along with the fact that it's brilliant raspberry and cream surface stand out against the black of the sands. Swirls of carmine and caramel mix with a touch of umber to give a rounded pattern spaced evenly like a treat baked upon a pan. At the center of each circle is a touch of cream that is reminiscent to a frosted glaze.

Verdant Grassy Plains Egg
Subtle changes dapple over this predominately green egg. As though it was covered with soft downy moss, faint changes play like marble across the shell. Tiny speckles of dark rich green mix and merge with drab splotches of earthy shades and delicate tendrils of bright spring hues. Pale hints of yellow and brown permeate the verdant expanse creating contrast amid the melding shades. The understated complexity of color allows this primarily green egg to stand about against its more vibrant siblings.

Mouse looks up, smiling. "I hadn't bet yet. Are you still teaching me how to?"

From the sands, Fluria glances up towards the stands and squints a bit, then she turns back to Qirith. Who is apparently muttering-crooning in her sleep.

From the sands, Tuoth rumbles as he sits near the galleries end of things and watches his mate lay their clutch. Even if he does get what one might consider a draconic `dirty look' when he does immediately move to her bidding. But despite all the mating pairs vocal back and forth another egg hits the black sands of Ista Weyr.

Folded Silk Green Egg
This egg seems almost to blend in with the shadows of its fellows, as if it were shy, unwilling to claim notice better deserved by the shining specimens of its brethren. Upon closer inspection, if you deign to make such an inspection, you might notice the intricate layering of color on its surface, as if someone had taken exceedingly fine, sheer cloth of rich olive color and draped it, haphazardly, over and around the egg. No pattern is visible in the shadings of color, no imaginary animals or half-remembered scenes, nor is it possible to tell where a Weaver might have begun draping the cloth.

From the sands, Fluria glances at the five eggs and in the interim noticably relaxes. She takes a few steps out onto the sands and towards her lifemate. She rests a hand on her eyeridge and gives a gentle scritch. Ready to step back at any time.

Zynassa tsks in mock disapproval as she makes her way to Mouse, "Wager, /Way-ger/." She grins. "Only ruffians bet." A nod is given to the others, and a friendly wave to Mirielle. "Tricky thing with number of eggs. And it's her first clutch, isn't it?"

From the sands, Qirith rolls the Folded Silk Green Egg in the black sand after allowing it several minutes of drying in the hot air, and then carefully packs it in the hot black grains. She settles back down to doze.

Mouse laughs at that. "Okay, wager. I still haven't. Um - I think so. I was just going to pick a number."

Tamina climbs up some stairs into the seats.
Tamina has arrived.

Pulyn waves to Tamina. "Hey Tamina!"

Zynassa makes an effort not to look eager at Mouse's inexperience wagering. After all, she is supposed to be teaching the other girl. "Well, I'll give you even odds on it being twenty to twenty five. Longer odds twenty five to thirty, how's that sound." Hearing Tamina's name, she attempts to look innocent and waves to her and Pulyn, "You guys want to get in on the wagering?"

Tamina hurries up steps to the main seating and pauses at the top, going up on her tip toes as if that would somehow give her a better view of the sand, "I heard that Qirith is clutching?" She waves to Pulyn and the other folks gathered.

Mouse considers that. "The second one. I was going to say about twenty-seven - so that's right in that section, isn't it?" She says this with a big smile. "I had been going to bet a quarter."

Pulyn shakes his head slightly. "No thanks, I'm ok. I'd rather just watch and enjoy."

From the sands, Fluria hears filtered comments from the galleries and turns towards them. "What is the current number?" She calls even as Qirith snorts her annoyance.

Mirielle sits quietly and watches the sands.

From the sands, As six eggs now grace the black sands, rather spread out so far, the queen adds another. Crouching with her tail curled slightly she strains. Then she stands and turns to look at her latest egg.

Flaming Sandstorm Egg
A storm from the depths of the Igen Desert rages across the sullen orange-red surface of this egg, in merciless torment of the eyes. Livid clouds of ochre and gold give way to lurid bronzed reds and oranges of dimly seen ground, thrown up into dark dunes, a testament to nature's fury.
From the sands, Qirith rolls the Flaming Sandstorm Egg in the black sand after allowing it several minutes of drying in the hot air, and then carefully packs it in the hot black grains. She settles back down to doze.

Alaida climbs up some stairs into the seats.
Alaida has arrived.

Pulyn waves enthusiastically to Alaida. "Hey there, long time no see!"

Zynassa pulls out a scrap of hide from her belt pouch and nods to Mouse. "Quarter mark on 27. We'll put that at three to one odds. How 'bout you, Tamina? I've also got a couple of long shot bets, one all the way up to thirty eight." As Fluria's question sounds from the sands, she offers, "It varies, ma'am. even odds on there being 20 to 25, three to one on twenty-five to thirty."

Alaida walks up, panting a bit as if she had run here. She glances over at Pulyn and smiles brightly, waving! "Hey there! I got a gift for you. "she comments with a few pieces of old, tanned weyrhide in her arms.

From the sands, Fluria chuckles a bit at that. "This is her second clutch. Even the first was large, Zyn. So you might want to take that into consideration. Just a bit of insider information for you." And with that she turns to examine the newest egg with a smile. "Oh Qirith, they're lovely!" She tells the queen as she settles again. A hand falling to scritch the eyerider again.

Pulyn looks like he is going to stand up, but then stops, noticing the people sitting behind him. "Really? What is it?"

Mouse says, eyes wide, "Thirty/eight/? Who bet /that/ one? And what are you giving on past thirty."

Tamina walks quickly down one of the tiers so that she's near Mirielle. The bluerider calls to Zynassa with a wry smile, "Save it for your brother, Zynassa. I never bet on an egg before it hatches." She plops into a seat and says to the other woman, "It never loses its excitement for me, you know? Any gold egg, by chance?"

Alaida glances over at Tamina, smiling. "Hello, Tamina. " then she walks over to Pulyn to offer him the hides.

Pulyn takes them from her, fingering them with his hands. "Wow, these will do great! Thanks so much Alaida!"

Alaida picks her way through people, muttering softly. "Pardon me. I'm sorry. Whoops! I didn't mean to step on your foot. I am so sorry. Eeks. " then she quickly braces herself on Pulyn once she gets to him.

From the sands, With another loud `EEEeeeeeEEEE! EEE! EeEE!' reminiscent of the Qirith's first seconds on these very sands, she lays the next egg. Why the noise? Who knows, this is Qirith.

Silvered Sands Egg
As if waves had just left the beach on a moonlit night, wet streaks of silvered sand are left behind, in peaks and valleys along the ovoid shape of this egg. All around the black dryness of the Hatching Ground lies in dark contrast to the luminescence of a shell that fairly pulses with Inner Light in its hollow of darkness.

Zynassa mmms softly, digesting Fluria's information. To Mouse she says, "Um, they asked not to be named, Mouse. Dunno why, but I just hold the purse." Tamina gets an impish grin. She also doesn't divulge her wager, making another notation as a greenrider hands over a small sack and whispers something in her ear. She nods, makes a few marks on the tally sheet and then says, "Gold egg? That's running at seven to two odds." The information is greeted by a few mutters at the other end of the stands.

From the sands, Qirith rolls the Silvered Sands Egg in the black sand after allowing it several minutes of drying in the hot air, and then carefully packs it in the hot black grains. She settles back down to doze.

From the sands, Fluria turns suddenly and puts her hands in her ears. She gives her lifemate a `look'. "She hasn't done that for a -long- time!" She states with a bit of annoyance.

Alaida grins. "You're welcome. I promised I would keep my eyes out " then she quickly puts her hands to her ears, looking over at the sands with a blink. She gasps at the eggs, now that she looks and blinks at the sight of the queen. "Oh shards. " she murmurs.

Pulyn gets up momentarily to give Alaida a friendly hug. "They're beautiful, arent they?"

Mouse considers that. "Can I bet another sixteenth on a gold?"

Chaia has arrived.

Brielle climbs up some stairs into the seats.
Brielle has arrived.

Brielle walks up into the stands and smiles when she sees Pulyn.

Tamina glances at Alaida with surprised pleasure, "Alaida! Here to see some of the clutching? It's nice to see you again." She winces a little at Qirith's rather vocal comment, but her smile doesn't diminish, "I love hatching times."

Pulyn grins and waves to Brielle. "Hi Brielle! You look beautiful as usual!"

Zynassa nods to Mouse. "Course!" A bit louder she asks, "Anyone else want to wager on the number of eggs and if there's a gold? Come on - I'm giving *great* odds." This earns a snort from a brownrider seated near.

Alaida squeeks then giggles at Pulyn's hug. She hugs him back with her hands lowering from her ears. She waves to Tamina again. "Kinda. I had to practically beg to be allowed to come with Journeyman Ruger.. I gotta stay out of his way and do what he wants, but other than that. Seeing the eggs is just a huge bonus. "

From the sands, Tuoth responds to Qirith's vocals with a soft and soothing rumble of his own. In fact he has stayed where he is, watching her work her way across the sands with pride. And even now he watches her lay the ninth egg.

Turquoise Seaweed Egg
A drift of dark topaz strands across a deeper wash of melded turquoise and deep sea blue gives an impression of seaweed floating in the waters of a coastal cove. Back lit by the sun creeping in through some unseen crevice, green-gold glowing lights seep forth from beneath the weed, giving this egg both a mysterious, yet strangely familiar appearance.
From the sands, Qirith rolls the Turquoise Seaweed Egg in the black sand after allowing it several minutes of drying in the hot air, and then carefully packs it in the hot black grains. She settles back down to doze.

Brielle grins and sits down next to Pulyn. "Thanks. You're handsom, so there." Sticking out her tongue, she peeks and looks down at the eggs.

Chaia slips in hoping to be unobtrusive. She looks to see if there's anyone she knows, offers a shy wave to Pulyn, then turns to watch the sands.

Pulyn gives Chaia a wave back before gently moving to hold Brielle's hand.

Alaida reaches to poke Pulyn in the ribs. "You are a flirt! " but she sits down next to him with a grin. She obviously means nothing by the poke and is probably not even in that stage of flirting herself.

Mirielle smiles at her sister and goes back to look at the eggs.

Brielle takes Pulyn's hand and smiles over at Alaida. "Hi. I don't think we've met yet. I'm Brielle."

Tamina's head tilts to one side and she gets to her feet with a disappointed expression. Murmuring pardons, she makes her way back toward the stairs, "Be back soon.

Tamina walks down the stairs towards the entrance.
Tamina has left.

Alaida tilts her head, looking down at the sands even more. "They are so pretty. I didn't know dragon eggs were so colourful. " She looks up at Brielle, smiling. "Hello, Brielle. I'm Alaida. " She tilts her head, watching Tamina walk off while looking confused.

Brielle grins at Alaida. "Nice to meet you. Have you been here long?"

Zynassa arches her eyebrows after her brother's weyrmate, lips thinning for a moment in worry, before she goes back to wheedling the spectators, "Come on. Anyone else for a wager on Qirith and Tuoth's fine clutch? Mouse's antied up. I'm Zynassa by the way," she tells the small group where Tamina was sitting. "And Tamina would tell you, I'm perfectly harmless, even if I can't get your to wager."

Mouse wouldn't know a great odd if it bit her in the rear. "And I'm Mouse. She's harmless, honest. She's even teaching me how to wager!" A big grin, met with that same rider snorting.

From the sands, For a moment more Qirith rests near Tuoth. With him she surveys the eggs that currently collect upon the black grains. Then at an encouraging nuzzle from the bronze she moves out and deposits the tenth egg onto the sands with an annoyed `EEE!'

The Sigh of Sisal Egg
The sisal swirl of a girl's first Gather gown is trapped in frozen animation on the surface of this distinctively crafted egg, the feathers of animation evident yet stilled as they dwindle. Pearled maroon creates the hint of activity as a ribbon dancing on unseen breezes, as a trickle of iced juice frothing in a shadowed cup. Threads of scarlet wash amid the glittering mauve, the iridescent carnation, their richer hues detailing some shaded corner where fervent first kisses might be exchanged as Harper's music meanders from an unseen dancing square. There's the promise of a secret in those reds; the whisper of something fervent and giggling in the breathy fingers of pale imagination that swirl of arrested locomotion.
From the sands, Qirith rolls the The Sigh of Sisal Egg in the black sand after allowing it several minutes of drying in the hot air, and then carefully packs it in the hot black grains. She settles back down to doze.

From the sands, Fluria glances from the galleries to the sands at her lifemates vocalized annoyance and gives her own, "Ohhhhhhh!" Of admiration. "It's lovely dearheart." She tells the gold as Qirith settles again.

Donovyn climbs up some stairs into the seats.
Donovyn has arrived.

Alaida glances back to Brielle and shakes her head. "Nope. I just arrived. I should probably get back to the stables soon, but I got to stay out of Journeyman Ruger's face for a bit longer. " She looks over at Zynassa. "I don't have any marks. Sorry. "

Brielle giggles. "I never have any marks. You work in stables? SO does my sister, over there. Mirie, come overhere!"

Mirielle hears her sister and comes over, sneaking by some people watching the clutching. "What is it?" she asks, sitting down next to Brie.

Pulyn looks to the two girls sitting beside him. "You can borrow one if you want. I just finished another pair of shoes for one of the riders, so I've got some extra money."

Natalee climbs up some stairs into the seats.
Natalee has arrived.

Brielle laughs and shakes her head, tickling Pulyn's side for a second. Silly. I don't want to bet and lose, especially your money."

Chaia half listens to the conversations around her. When Zynassa mentions wagering, she looks interested, then wistful. But she doesn't speak.

Alaida nods, smiling. "I do when its my turn. " She looks at Mirielle with a smile before looking at Pulyn. "Thank you but no. I don't wanna take your marks. I don't make bets. "

Zynassa looks a trifle crestfallen as the younger (and perhaps more gullible) faces in the crowd stoutly declare a lack of funding. "Well, you can guess anyway if you like. Or put up something else. Some folks haven't wagered marks." She waves to the new faces climbing up into the stands offering, "Welcome to Ista." At Alaida's mention of 'bets', she gives a restrained sigh.

Looking around at the gathered, Donovyn seems not to recognize a whole lot, so she sits quietly by herself, watching the clutching.

Pulyn shrugs slightly, and smiles. "Just an offer." He then grabs some dried bovine from his pockets, and begins to slowly eat it.

From the sands, Fluria moves more towards the galleries and calls to Zynassa, "Am I allowed to bet on my own lifemate?" From the satchel at her side she pulls a half mark and waves it a bit. She also give her sweetest smile.

Alaida blinks as she looks over at Fluria, then giggles softly as if she found that funny.

Pulyn moves his gaze around momentarily before spotting Donovyn. He waves, and calls, "Hello Donovyn!"

From the sands, Tuoth leans his head forward to nuzzle Qirith once more. This time she gives him another `dirty look' and then snorts. Before she once again lays the next egg she warbles towards the galleries and those watching. The distraction, for that is what the noise was intended to be, means that there is now another egg amongst the sand.

Violet Fossil Egg
Chasing each other in rings around the egg's evening violet surface, are the whorled remains of some ancient creature, washed up from the ocean's depths. Arms radiate from the circling centers of each ring, joining in a webbed dance traced in lighter shades of purple, fading to white across the smooth shell.
From the sands, Qirith rolls the Violet Fossil Egg in the black sand after allowing it several minutes of drying in the hot air, and then carefully packs it in the hot black grains. She settles back down to doze.

Ears perking momentarily, the short-haired girl with stomry blue eyes looks over at Pulyn... She blinks and waves excitedly. She stands and walks over to him, sitting down briskly. "Hello." She says with a smile.

Zynassa considers the Voice From The Sands. "Uh... yes ma'am. Of course. Though I'd have to give you a bit lower odds. Having an inside track and all you understand. Like me wagering on a runner I'd trained." She eyes Qirith and the rate at which eggs are joining sands.

Alaida tilts her head as she glances at the new egg. "That looks less messy than a birthing. My mom tells me giving birth is painful. Is it painful to a dragon also? "

From the sands, Fluria glances back at her lifemate and then back to Zynassa. "I understand completely. I just want to wager on a gold and 37 eggs." She says. "Just considering her huge size, still, and already 11 eggs. Plus the long and high flight..." Here she trails off and just twirls the half-mark between her fingers.

Mouse doesn't say anything anymore, sitting quietly and looking down.

From the sands, Fluria blinks and turns her attention on Alaida. Then a glance at her lifemate, which is considering, and she says, "It is more an uncomfortable pressure than anything."

Pulyn says to Donovyn, without taking his eyes off the sands, "How've you been? I have not seen you in a while."

Alaida blinks, looking at Fluria as if she didn't expect that question to be answered. She smiles. "Thank you, Ma'am. I didn't know that. "

Natalee walks down the stairs towards the entrance.
Natalee has left.

Zynassa clearly debates Fluria's offer and then nods. "Of course, ma'am. A half, is that," she squints, "On each? or on there both being a gold *and* there being thirty-seven? That might bring your odds up just a bit, the double restriction."

From the sands, Fluria winks at Alaida before looking back to Zynassa. "That's for both." She says cheerily. "Qirith laid 35 last time...I figure there will be more and a gold this time around."

Pulyn takes his eyes off the eggs on the sand to turn to Brielle. Quietly, he asks, "I'm wondering, if you could have anything on all of Pern to eat, what would it be?"

Chaia follows the exchange between Fluria and Zynassa with growing interest. Finally, curiousity overcomes her, and she asks softly, "Excuse me...but...how are 'odds' determined?"

Alaida giggles, smiling and goes back to watching the eggs. "I'm having a strange craving for chicken. "

Brielle cocks her head to one side as if that wasn't exactly what she thought he'd ask. "Oh, I don't know," she says, at a loss for an immediate idea. "Maybe roast wherry with baked redfruit?"

Alaida turns to Pulyn quickly. "Where did you get that dried bovine? I'm starving. "

From the sands, Qirith continues to move about the sands now and then. Sometimes piling more sand around eggs and occasionally laying another. This is just such a time. With another groove in the black grains she lays the next.

Whispers in the Dark Egg
Torch lit midnight roils across the surface of this ebon sphere, nearly lost amid the fine black granules that cling to the velvet surface. Smoke, thick as dreams on hot summer nights, billows in an ethereal coverlet across the blackened surface, bare wisps of illumination infiltrating the surface as distant but invisible flames might dance in boiling riot. Calculating darkness ensconces the shell, a fold richer than childish ambitions squelched by fear of the night. A distant storm brewing on the horizon, a plume of smoke from a desperate night fire, a frozen breath in the depth of frigid night, this egg calls to mind a wealth of darkened imagery with its wisps overlaying raven canvas.

Zynassa nods slowly, her expression suggesting that she suspects she's not getting the better end of this wager. "Yes Weyrwoman," she calls down to the sands. "A half mark on thirty-seven eggs and a gold." As a soft voice mentions odds, Nassa turns her attention to Chaia. "Well, depends usually on the avergae number of dragons Ista clutches at a time, and whether it's a first clutch or not, how high and long the flight was, that sort of thing. Care to make a wager? or even a guess? -- I'm Zynassa, by the way."

From the sands, Qirith rolls the Whispers in the Dark Egg in the black sand after allowing it several minutes of drying in the hot air, and then carefully packs it in the hot black grains. She settles back down to doze.

From the sands, Fluria turns away, hal-mark still held up, to view Qirith's latest egg. For a long moment she just stares and then turns back to Zynassa with a smile. "Make that 38."

Pulyn pulls out another strip of bovine, and hands it to Alaida. He then replies to Brielle, with a mischevious smirk, "That's good to know." He notices her strange expression, and adds, "Why the strange look?" With his free hand, he fishes another piece of bovine, and offers it to Brielle.

Brielle takes the bovine with a smile and nibbles on it. "I don't know. I was just thinking of other things, and I guess your question took me by surprise."

Donovyn yawns, not with boredom.. Her ice-hued eyes begin to glaze with lack of sleep and her movements grow slower. She looks up at Pulyn and the other girls, blinking lazily.

Chaia thinks it over for a moment then says, "I'm not certain wagering's a good idea for me...but I'll /guess/ thirty-six eggs." She smiles, then adds, "I'm Chaia...from Keroon Hold."

Alaida hmms and smiles, taking the offered food. "Thanks, Pulyn. " then she tears into the dried meat with a good yank on her teeth. She looks over at Donovyn, smiling. "Hi. " she says the other girl's way.

Rubbing her eyes fiercely, Donni looks up and curtly bobs her head, smiling and replying," `lo."

From the sands, With more noise and sand sifting Qirith once again labors over a small dip in the sand. Another egg is produced and she proceeds to fawn lovingly over it for a moment.

Crushed Orange Velvet Egg
This blazing orange egg, though small, is somewhat of an eye-catcher. It lies near the stands and is nestled closely to two blue and watery looking eggs. Luckily it is not lost amidst its larger clutchmates and the lovely patterning on the surface can easily be viewed. Much like the fine velvet produced by the Weavercraft, its surface catches and throws back amber and topaz colors that are mixed with an underlying deep orange. The surface mimics the soft fabric so well that one may be led to think that it could indeed feel as such to the touch.
From the sands, Qirith rolls the Crushed Orange Velvet Egg in the black sand after allowing it several minutes of drying in the hot air, and then carefully packs it in the hot black grains. She settles back down to doze.

Alaida tilts her head while she chews on the tough meat then swallows before commenting. "You don't look like you've slept at all. "

Zynassa's head swivels back to the sands and she hurriedly yells to Fluria, in case she should change her wager again, "Done! I'll get your mark after you get off those hot sands!" Her tone is goodnatured, and she turns back to Chaia. "Ista's duties to Keroon then. And Chaia, was it? Thirty six. Got it."

Donovyn grins somewhat sadatedly. She makes a lousy attempt at a fake salute and pipes,"Well, when y'get up at the crack o' dawn, 'Reaches time, it's a little draining. Not to mention going between.."

From the sands, Fluria nods to Zynassa and tucks the piece back into her satchel as she turns back to the eggs. This time she moves forward a bit to get a better view of the newest one. "It's lovely lovey." She says to Qirith.

Alaida nods and wrinkles her nose. "Ewww. Sounds like what we are forced to do. Then again, with all the trouble of someone pulling pranks at the hall, the masters aren't all too happy. " SHe grins. "Someone decorate Master Leara's office to look like a stall, then the other day, someone painted some of the runners with red and yellow dots. It washed off though but it was still funny. "

Pulyn gives Brielle a suprised look, then settles back in his chair, obviously comfortable and happy.

Chaia nods back to Zynassa, confirming her guess, and turns back to watch the clutching.

Brielle leans her headagainst Pulyn's shoulder and watches the clutching.

Pulyn turns slightly and gives her a little kiss, and leans his head on hers, very lightly.

Alaida knaws on the end of her jerky and tilts her head to look at Pulyn. She wrinkles her nose before going back to watch the eggs. "How long will it take for her to lay all of her eggs? "

From the sands, As her tail curls around another depression made in the sand, she turns to watch the galleries. With a repeated `EEeeeeEEEE!' of sound she moves away to reveal the 14th egg. This she, too, fusses over for awhile.

Tricks of Gray Egg
At first glance, a seemingly plain egg of an almost uniform gray color. But something in the composite of the shell or a trick of the light casts shadows in a darker gray color evocative of dragon hide, a concrete bit of foreshadowing. Is that the eye of a dragonet winking at you? The tip of a tail curling around the curve of the shell? A bit like cloud watching, the viewer may see his or her own shapes.
From the sands, Qirith rolls the Tricks of Gray Egg in the black sand after allowing it several minutes of drying in the hot air, and then carefully packs it in the hot black grains. She settles back down to doze.

Zynassa grimaces at Qirith's vocalizations, digging one knuckle into her ear.

From the sands, The gold and bronze exchange an affectionate nuzzle before the queen moves out to the sands. Once more her tail curves and yet again an egg falls to the sands. This one she rolls a little bit before gently piling sand about it.

Flash of Lightning Egg
Standing a little by itself in the front of the clutch lies and egg that brings to mind some of the tropical storms that occasionally pass by the Weyr. With a base color of a stormy night sky, a large tear, not unlike a strong flash of lightning mars its surface, leaving a much whiter color across it, separating the darkness.
From the sands, Qirith rolls the Flash of Lightning Egg in the black sand after allowing it several minutes of drying in the hot air, and then carefully packs it in the hot black grains. She settles back down to doze.

From the sands, With a bit of a shuffle and dig Qirith lays the next egg. Taking a bit of time to roll it gently about before mounting sand on either side.

Summer Evening Egg
Indigo stretches around this largish egg, murmuring of cool breezes, night sounds, and warm scents of the evening. Light shades of blue and lighter shades of violet mix to form thin lined spreading out across the surface, obscuring the view of small, white stars. These far-away suns sparkle in the distance. Darkness covers the edges, hiding any more stars that might have been seen. This egg holds all the heavens and more in its depths, colors on top of colors, stars on top of stars, worlds on top of worlds. Who knows what it might reveal?
From the sands, Qirith rolls the Summer Evening Egg in the black sand after allowing it several minutes of drying in the hot air, and then carefully packs it in the hot black grains. She settles back down to doze.

From the sands, Fluria stretches a little bit and settles down on the steps leading up to the Galleries. From here she watches the egg laying in a lazy sort of way. "The heat really makes you sleepy." She observes to no one in particular.

Kaimi climbs up some stairs into the seats.
Kaimi has arrived.

Alaida nods at Fluria's comment yawns herself. "I'm starving also. I think I'm going to get something to eat then come back. I think this is the perfect hiding spot from Journeyman Ruger. "

Pulyn spots Kaimi from the corner of his eye, gets his head up off Brielle's, and waves. "Hey Kaimi!"

Mirielle stands andwaves to people, walking out and down off the stands.

Mirielle walks down the stairs towards the entrance.
Mirielle has left.

Kaimi smiles and waves back to Pulyn and comes over to join them, "Hi there."

T'mren climbs up some stairs into the seats.
T'mren has arrived.

T'mren wanders up into the gallery, "Hey, how many eggs so far?" he blurts out.

From the sands, The next egg to grace the sands seems to take a bit of time. Or rather Qirith moves to the rear of the sands where she begins to make a slight mound. After she seems content with that she turns, tail bending, and deposits the next egg. A flash of gold is revealed as she turns about to observe her handiwork. In fact she croons with pleasure as Tuoth rumbles with pride.

Liquid Lightning Egg
Warmth emanates from this rounded form. Deep umber melts into dark amber like ever changing clouds on a windy day. Yet not all is such darkness for above the swirling mixture of the deep gem tones spirals and spins brilliant arcs of gold. They twist and twine across the surface in a seductive dance. With the illuminating hue they bring the undertones of the eggs color fully to bare. Like an overfull klah mug amber striations erupt and spill forth more showers of the glinting metallic lightning. No bit of the surface is at least lightly spattered with the brighter coloration that makes this egg stand out among all the others. Of course the fact that it sits on a mound all its own away from the other eggs doesn't help to single it out.

Alaida stands, then stretches before yawning. "There are 16 so far. " she answers. "Whoops! 17. " and she giggles.

Once Kaimi has found somewhere to sit, Pulyn discreetly slips her a small piece of hide with some scribbles on it.

From the sands, Qirith rolls the Liquid Lightning Egg in the black sand after allowing it several minutes of drying in the hot air, and then carefully packs it in the hot black grains. She settles back down to doze.

Celis climbs up some stairs into the seats.
Celis has arrived.

From the sands, Fluria glances back at T'mren and smirks. "About sixteen so fa-" She trails off as she turns back to the sands and blinks. "Qirith!" She shouts, jumping up onto her feet.

T'mren grins brightly, "Good news indeed, Fluria!" He spots Chaia and Brielle, as well as Zynassa, and others, and waves, making his way to the group, "Hi folks."

Chaia's response of "That was the seventeenth" overlaps Alaida and Fluria's comments. She smiles up at the bronzerider adding, "Zynassa's taking wagers."

Kaimi smiles and descreatly tucks the hide into her apron pocket.

Alaida tilts her head at the 17th egg and blinks. "That's...is that a gold egg? "

Pulyn brushes Brielle's hair back before settling back down, obviously unconcerned with the gold egg.

T'mren chortles, "Well, I'm poor. No wagering for me."

From the sands, Qirith snorts a bit and opens one eyelid to glance at her lifemate. Then croons in a tired voice as she shifts a bit. Fluria, on the other hand, is back on the sands and coddling the queen.

Celis slowly ambles over, deep in dragon conversation, and nearly trips over the first step as she peers out at the eggs. "Hey all." she calls and flops down between two random people without looking first. "17? How many d'ya think she'll go for this time, Fluria?"

From the sands, Fluria looks up from Qirith and blinks. "Oh! Celis. What was that?" She asks, having missed the question. And of course the weyrwoman has the biggest grin on her face she can manage.

Brielle watches the eggs for a bit, looking around at the other people every now and then.

Asarene climbs up some stairs into the seats.
Asarene has arrived.

Celis just grins back at first then calls a bit loiider "How many do you think?" and then stares at the goldenish mound wih a big grin.

Asarene hurries in, running clumsily, skidding to a halt and blushing fiercely as she sees so many people.

Kaimi sits quietly and watches the sands intreagued by it all.

Alaida's stomach gives an audible growl. She giggles softly, putting a hand to her stomach. "The stomach monster needs to be fed before it eats me. " then she quickly waves to everyone. "I'll be back. " and she nimbly moves through the gallery with, "Excuse me. Pardon me. Whoops. I'm sorry. Oh shards. Sorry about that. " then she giggles and passes Asarene while she heads down the stairs finally.

From the sands, "Oh, I wager 38. And I also thought there would be a gold, which seems to be correct." Fluria says with a proud grin, one hand gesturing towards the newest egg.

T'mren chuckles, "Thirty-eight, that's quite a lot. We'll see Fluria!"

From the sands, After the last egg Qirith takes a rest. When the pangs hit her again she gives an annoyed rumble and hoists herself up and moves out across the sands. Thus with a little fuss she lays the next egg.

Pale Winter's Wonder Egg
The shell of this fragile creation shows up starkly against Ista's ebony hatching sands. Smaller than many of its clutchmates, it is wrapped in a pale, uneven zaffir. The hue darkens to deep cobalt at the very top of the curve, interspersed with watery ultramarine and white in an almost regular, six-sided pattern. The lace overlay drapes the ovoid in casual splendor - a cozy shawl of gossamer against the cool promise of the blue hull. The light tones intermingle, providing not one drop of warmth. An insubstantial diamond snowflake, brought down from the 'Reaches to please. Qirith could not hold more beauty than this small egg.
From the sands, Qirith rolls the Pale Winter's Wonder Egg in the black sand after allowing it several minutes of drying in the hot air, and then carefully packs it in the hot black grains. She settles back down to doze.

Alaida walks down the stairs towards the entrance.
Alaida has left.

Celis oohs quietly to herself. "That one is Sidrith's favourite so far."

Pulyn gives Alaida a wave goodbye, then stares out at the new arrival. His eyes sparkle slightly, and he whispers, "Wow. That one looks nice."

From the sands, Fluria turns to look at the newest egg now and she just continues to grin. "Oh that is lovely." She admits with a nod and then goes quiet, eyes unfocus and she just sort of stands on the sands. Good thing she has shoes on.

Asarene stands apart, her hands clasped up in excitement and awe, her eyes wide. She stares at the eggs quietly, occasionally gazing at the dragon as well.

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All references to worlds and characters based on Anne McCaffrey's fiction are copyright © Anne McCaffrey 1967,2000, all rights reserved, and used by permission of the author. The Dragonriders of Pern™ is registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, by Anne McCaffrey, used here with permission. Use or reproduction without a license is strictly prohibited. For more information, visit the Many thanks to Alec Johnson for his assistance with this information!