<<Philaea, you are special. You will impress gold.>>
The young woman smiled gratefully at the golden dragon. Arienth was always much more understanding than her rider.
>>I will do you proud, Arienth.<<
<<I know you will, dear.>> Philaea did not notice it then, but there had been a note of doubt in the gold dragon’s tone. Later she would reflect on it, and hate herself for not noticing it.
<<Liae!>> Philaea couldn’t help but laugh. The sire of this clutch – her father’s bronze Koreth – always insisted on using that nickname. <<Liae! Today we shall see your destiny! Today is the day!>>
>>Thank you, Koreth. I just wish I was as confident as you sound.<<
<<Do not worry my dear,>> this time it was the comfortingly maternal voice of the large gold. <<You are your own, and you shall prevail. We believe in you.>>
>>Thank you,<< Philaea repeated, words failing her. This mental connection with the dragons was more of a blessing than any gift she had ever been given, for she received so much love from them. More than she did from her parents, that was for certain.
The first egg cracked then, spilling a large, strong bronze. Philaea watched in amazement as he chose a young man from the SmithCraft. After the initial shock of witnessing impression, Liae was able to watch with less fear. The next eggs revealed greens, browns, blues, and more bronzes. Eventually, the 36 egg cluch was reduced to the final golden egg.
>>This is the moment,<< Philaea thought, mostly to herself.
<<Now we shall see,>> came the reply, a chorus of dragonic voices. Philaea was able to smile, somewhat calm. The dragons believed in her, and there was nothing she couldn’t do. At that moment, the gold egg split, revealing a large, proud gold. She waved her head around, eyes whirling in the confusion of such a sudden arrival. The watching dragons began to hum, welcoming the new queen to Pern.
Philaea gulped, and grabbed the hand of the girl next to her. They were vaguely acquainted, the other being Lariea, daughter of a greenrider at the Weyr. Lariea was only too happy to accept the hand. The young gold made her stately way down from her mound, and set to examining the candidates. At each one, she paused, and seemed to shake her head. Then she reached Lariea and Philaea, and seemed to seriously consider the two. Then the queen looked up into Philaea’s eyes.
A magnificently musical voice filled her mind. <<You are worthy, but not mine. Never give up on your dreams, Philaea. Truly, you are special.>>
The gold turned away, and her adoring gaze fell upon Lariea. “Veiryth!” The young woman cried out, dropping to her knees to throw her arms around the queen’s neck. Philaea turned away, body racked by sobs.
