Hatching Story (S'nalon and Ravenna)
	Half-awake and stumbling over their own feet,  Ravenna, Shinalon, and Niko came into the Sands, surreptitiously attempting to smooth sleep-rumpled  fur. The three stood in a small knot towards the middle of the large group of Novos, their Ar'ets perched on their shoulders.  Ravenna was watching the eggs with a serene air, hands clasped patiently in front of her. She wasn't too sure if she would Impress tonight, but that didn't matter. As long as she was with her friends, the whole world could go to blazes, and she wouldn't care. She rustled her wings slightly, stretching them. Ah, how she longed to fly. She hadn't been able to since they had been Searched- there simply hadn't been enough time. Niko shifted from foot to foot, feeling the heat of the Sands through his sandals even at this time of night. "Calm down, Niko," Shinalon muttered. "Just-" He never got to finish that statement, because the eggs started to release their occupants, almost one after another. Half of the eggs had Hatched before any of the dragonets came towards the small group. Unfortunately for Niko, the next two dragonets wanted nothing to do with him, and everything to do with his companions. Before them stood an emerald green and a brilliant blue, who were quite comfortable in each others' presence.     I am Zadkith. The blue said only to Shinalon, but Ravenna sort-of-heard him anyway. Ravenna, my name is Atryth. The green moved forward a bit more to lean against the silvery wolf.  You can fly with me. She said, her voice colored with love and strength. Ravenna started as she heard a faint voice in her mind; it was almost as if she were back on Lithros, hearing the far-off voices of the Skydancers. But then  – Oh, glorious day! A new voice, this one strong and full of love spoke only to  her.  ~Flying? Oh, Atryth, we shall do more than that!~ Ravenna exclaimed in wonder and amazement, kneeling down to caress the green. Shinalon-now S'nalon- shook his head slightly as he heard a voice in his head; was he hearing things like Ravenna did? S'nalon, you are being very silly, you know. There it was again! The Blue nudged his Bonded gently, and S'nalon seemed to connect the voice with the slightly impatient dragon in front of him. "Oh!  I'm sorry, Zadkith," he apologized, scratching Zadkith on the head tentatively. The two new Weyrlings led their dragons out of the Sands and towards their first breakfast, unconsciously leaving Niko behind. The Bluejay-Fox hybrid bit his lip slightly, watching his friends go. "What now, Kiri?" he asked his Ar'et.  /I don't know, Niko./ she replied, nipping at his fur gently.  Niko was glad for S'nalon and Ravenna, but felt left out and almost abandoned, something that hadn't happened in a long time, since before he had met the other two. He followed the crowd out, determined to be happy for his friends. After all, there were more eggs, and thus, more dragons, waiting to Hatch, weren't there? Niko caught up with S'nalon and Ravenna at the celebratory dinner afterwards, and smiled slightly as they waved at him. "Congratulations, you two." He said, his tone light.  "Thanks-and don't worry. I'm sure you'll Impress next time, Niko." Ravenna said, looking up at her friend with compassion and hope. "Sure, 'Venna." Niko replied, smiling once more. "So, what're your dragons' names?" "Well, mine is Zadkith." S'nalon said, laying a gentle hand on the blue's head. "And mine is Atryth." Ravenna said, smiling down at the green. "Once again, congratulations. Well, I'm going to bed. See you tomorrow." Niko waved goodbye, and then left the dining hall, heading back towards the dormitories where the Candidates slept. He didn't care that it was rather far;  he welcomed the walk. It would give him time to reflect on what had- and hadn't- happened.
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