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Post by **Auria (etc)** on Aug 9, 2008 17:11:22 GMT -5
The first really clear sensation to register on Penna's heat-hazed mind was something icy cold pressing to the back of her neck. It felt soooooo gooooooodddddd......
She sighed deeply, and her vision cleared some. It was L'kas, rider of her beloved's mate, and now her true hero. "Oh, thank you," she whispered, her voice croaking hoarsely.
Then, the Healer's words registered as well, and she realized a skin of icy cold water had been placed into her hands. Small sips, slowly, yes ... she did as she was told, and reached to place a hand on his cheek. "Thank you, too, so much," she said. "This isn't the first time you've rescued me, is it, C'lyn?" The water went down like ambrosia, and she began to feel a bit better. "I thought for a moment there ... oh, but the heat, the heat is so terrible, and the steam. We have more of these towels? The poor candidates.... "
Perhaps it was that her own dear dragon was the mother of the clutch, perhaps it was that these dragonets were the finest and most amazing she'd ever seen in all her turns, or perhaps it was just that she felt like Araelen Weyr was finally home, and nothing else compared to it, but for the first time in her life, Penna felt real, true, loving concern for someone besides herself and her dragon. These young men and women would, after all, ride Plianth's offspring.
The steam continued to rise, blocking out the view, so that she couldn't really see the candidates that well ... but she was sure they were suffering as badly, if not worse, as she did. The dragons seemed unphased, at least. The eggs still rocked and rattled, and the sound of cracking shells could still be heard.
They would get through this. They must!
They shall, Plianth said calmly, and Penna looked up to see her standing tall on her hind legs. She had stepped away from Seath and her wings were outstretched. She began to wave them slowly, back and forth, creating a breeze. It wasn't much of one, and it barely reached where the candidates stood, but Penna thought that it might, just might, be helping the fog to thin just a bit.
Plianth looked over to Seath, inviting him to join her as she fanned the future riders of their young.
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Post by C'lyn on Aug 9, 2008 17:46:42 GMT -5
C'lyn smiled up at the woman and patted her hand gently. "It's alright Penna, I am just doing my job," he said. C'lyn was a very modest man and really did the best he could for everyone under his care. At her words he nodded. "I'll have my Greylith bespeak Lucaith, Journye's blue and get her to get some towels ready for the candidates and weyrlings," he assured her. Greylith already sending out the request to Lucaith.
C'lyn glanced up as the Queen began fanning her wings and nodded, a great idea. He had spotted Alabanth earlier and worried for Gaylen, this heat would not be good for her, but he knew that Alabanth would let him know the moment Gaylen needed him.
~~
L'kas smiled gently to Penna, rubbing the cool cloth against the back of her neck. He might not be interested in a relationship with her, but he was willing to be her friend. He was truly concerned about the woman. In his mind all women deserved respect and to be cared for.
Seath rumbled softly to Plianth A brilliant idea my Queen![/color] he said as he lifted himself to his hind legs, beginning to fan his wings gently. He wanted to move the fog, but not cause the sand to blow about too much.
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Post by Journye on Aug 9, 2008 18:02:56 GMT -5
Lucaith paused in his flight to the Hatching Cavern and actually change direction before telling his rider. Journye arched an eyebrow as her blue changed direction, she wanted to see the hatching. Greylith says that hers wants you to get cold towels for the candidates and the weyrlings. Hers has already healed the Queen's rider with too much heat.[/color] he informed his rider as he landed near the infirmary.
Journye chewed on her bottom lip lightly as she slid to the ground. Of course, the heat out here was bad enough, but get inside the Cavern with the hot sands and the heat outside and you would get heat stroke. Instead of going into the infirmary right away she jogged to the lower caverns, into the kitchens.
She glanced around until she caught someone's attention. She grabbed the woman's arm, a bold action for her usual shy and quiet nature, but people's well beings were in the balance. She was in "Healer" mode as she referred to it.
"We need as much ice water as you have, skins full of it. I need every towel you have soaked in it, just put them in buckets of ice water and take them to the Hatching Cavern. The candidates and weyrlings can easily over heat on a day like this and on the hot sands," she said, her voice clear and strong enough to carry through the noisy kitchen.
She only waited long enough to make sure action was being taken before she jogged back to the infirmary. She ducked inside and gathered up bandages and ointments for burns. She knew the sands were hot with those sandals on and the ointment cooled to the touch. She thought that the ointment put on the feet of the candidates after they impressed would help them cool off as would the water and towels.
Journye grabbed up the pouch and ran back outside to scambled into her straps for the short glide to the Hatching Cavern. She was pleased to see her orders carried out, nodding her thanks to the drudges that had brought the water and towels.
She made sure to have each drudge take a drink of water, smiling and speaking her thanks, before sending them back to their kitchen duties. She took a drink herself after rushing about in the heat, her cheeks were flushed from the heat and she could only imagine what those poor candidates must be feeling.
She looked at the candidates that had already impressed and waved to them, since the drudges had set the water skins and buckets with the cold towels up near the food. "Here is cold water and cold towels to help cool you off. Remember drink the water slowly and in small sips of you'll get sick," she called out to them.
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Post by D'gellin on Aug 10, 2008 20:32:23 GMT -5
If she was so happy, why did she feel so sick? Trilia shifted uncomfortably on the Sands, the movement making heat flare on her already flushed face. Frowning, Trilia purposefully returned her attention to the dragonets and eggs. But even that was ineffective; attempting to focus on the foggy images only disorientated her more. Vague colors shifted through the mist like shapeless shadows. Every now and then she caught sight of a blue tail, a brown wing, or the whirling reflection of a dragon eye. Twice she found the ground trying to tilt toward her but she righted herself. This was miserable. Trilia whimpered, putting her hands on the sides of her neck to try and cool herself. This wouldn't be so bad if the heat wasn't so stubborn. It just never let up! If only..."Oh!" Trilia gasped as a short blast of cool air erupted at her side; her firelizard popping out from between. Ronin chittered unhappily, sending distressed images of the fog from above. "You couldn't find me?" Trilia murmured with a smile, reaching up to her little brown thankfully. The cold had felt so good! Although it didn't last long, it at least woke her up. And she didn't protest as Ronin flitted about her, moving the stagnant air with his wingbeats. It was only a little while after that a sudden gust of wind pushed at the fog. Trilia closed her eyes gratefully and Ronin darted to her shoulder with a squeak. The fog began to move with each gentle...Trilia squinted in the direction the breeze was coming from. It was still difficult to make out but she caught the distinct shape and color of Plianth as well as a bronze. They were beating the air with their wings! It didn't dispel the heat entirely but now she could see clearer, and the growing heat headache wasn't quite as bad. Trilia grinned as she saw the eggs shaking on the Sands with much more clarity. But the grin lost its luster as she mentally shifted through the eggs that were still intact. About half the clutch had already hatched and Impressed...Without willing it, her heart fluttered nervously in her chest. How much of the Hatching had she missed? It had all passed in a daze. Did any of the hatchlings consider her? Was hers even out there? The odds of her Impressing were falling fast... ________ Fallen's sharp, dark eyes followed every slinking shadow that passed by in the fog, alert to the sounds of shuffling in the sands and the murmurs of newly Impressed weyrlings. As he shifted occasionally, the bottoms of his pant legs began to unroll, slipping back to his ankles. But he didn't bother to roll them up again; he was too fixated on making sure nothing barreled from the fog at him. A few times he was startled by a dragonet walking by to find Theirs, the glittering, whirling facets glancing up without satisfaction at him. And each time, though he scolded himself for it repetitively, the dragonets sent a thrill through his system. His heart raced in anxiety. But, to Fallen's distress, he couldn't figure out if it was fear that he'd be chosen or excitement that he might be. Just that fact alone, that he couldn't discern the difference, meant something. He decided long ago that he hated the Weyrs and therefore hated dragons, so then what was the appeal? Fallen scowled, ruffling his sweat-matted hair. There was no appeal. There could be no appeal. There would never be an appeal. Not if he ever wanted to get out of Araelen. And that was at the very top of his priority list. Steeling himself, Fallen returned his attention to the Hatching with cool resolve. But he quickly did a double take around the Grounds in surprise. Was the fog moving? A shuffling of the air beat away some of the heat and permitted him to see a bit more of his surroundings. What was...? Across from him he could see something big moving. A dragon? Fallen blinked in surprise and shook his head. Fanning away the fog; brilliant. ... No. Not brilliant. Anyone could think of that. Fallen ran a hand through his hair again, expression frustrated. He really had to get away from these beasts fast before their sinful charm converted him...
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Post by **Auria (etc)** on Aug 11, 2008 7:49:00 GMT -5
Penna turned as she felt the breeze, slight though it was, and was startled to see the two dragons fanning the Hatching Grounds. When she turned to see the young healer/senior weyrling tending to the needs of the candidates, she was much relieved.
She only had a moment to think about it, however, for a loud CRACK from right in front of her snapped her attention around to the eggs. This group was close enough to actually see, for the fog, though still hovering, was moving a bit now and shreds were clearing pathways of vision.
It seems the Scorching Sands Egg, one of the earlier ones to start to show activity, was still shaking, and had rolled into another. She squinted to see the grayish mottled egg more clearly and identified it as Earthquake. It was indeed living up to its name, for it was quaking for all it was worth and a fissure had appeared along the narrow end.
It was from another direction, however, that Penna heard the sudden cry and moan of a dragonet in distress. She leaned forward, frightened, and a patch of steam cleared around the Firestorm Egg to reveal a lovely green head sticking out of the side of the hot-colored shell. The little one appeared to be in a very awkward position, having poked her head through a hole that would have been more suited for a forelimb, and was struggling with worried determination to free herself! Penna worried that she may have hurt herself, for her complaints were growing louder by the minute.
It was an egg next to Firestorm, though, the pale Softly Falling Snow Egg, that suddenly, quietly, and determinedly split into two perfectly formed halves along the long axis. A green dragon of the most lovely shade of moss unfolded from the shell, and sat up, blinking around at the fog. Her undersides were a pale foggy green-grey, and around her neck she appeared to be wearing a silver chain. Penna scowled at the jewelry ... for of course it couldn't be. Had the steam not been clouding her vision, she would have seen the "chain" to be a pale silvery gray marking that would shine in the right light.
This green, large for her color, extended her wings momentarily as if to dry them, then folded them again, for of course nothing would dry in this humid atmosphere. She turned to the calling and crying beside her, and, tilting her head wisely, examined the Firestorm Egg and its occupant.
The moss green dragon sidled up to the little head, quite a bit smaller than her own, which protruded from the opening and, softly, began to croon encouragement to her sister. The Firestorm green took heart, and redoubled her efforts, pushing with more direction and control. If one could actually see what was happening, one would see the egg start to crumble, as the head and neck emerged farther, then the shoulders, then the forelegs, torso and folded wings.... Finally, with a scramble of her hind limbs, a brilliantly colored green dragonet emerged. She was bright emerald along her back, shading in a myriad of subtle tones that settled to a brilliant spring green on her belly. When she extended her wings, however, one received the true surprise, for the trailing edge of each wing membrane was edged in bright chartreuse!
The second green stood besides her sister, flapping her wings to keep balance. She was less focused, and more nervous, for certain, for her head darted this way and that as she searched for the one whose life she would share.
The moss green turned to toward the female candidates, now that she saw her sister was well, and the bright green followed her, hopping and flapping behind.
The Firestorm Green, however, stumbled and fell, once again letting out a cry, for the steam and fog were confusing her. Her sister, calm and caring, saw the immediate need, and sat beside the little one, crooning a comforting song. There were other important things to do, of course, but they could wait till her sibling was calm again.
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Post by Felina on Aug 11, 2008 14:42:07 GMT -5
((Fel's ultimate lazy post of ultra craptastic doom. If you don't believe me, just read it. -barfs- By the way, watching Disney Channel in Norwegian is beyond entertaining, at least when they go to the effort of dubbing it. And yes, I did come up with a really pathetic excuse for his extreme lateness, but hey. It's an excuse.))
Through his sleep-hazed mind rolled a slow thought, gathering momentum and import until it knocked insistently at the back of his brain. There was a key. What key? No, no, not a key. A... a map! But that made no sense at all. It was too hot... or perhaps he was too hot and the air was cool? No, no, no. None of it was quite right. An epiphany crossed his mind for a moment before leaking out through the hole in his forehead. Now what was that doing there? Last he'd checked, his head was perfectly whole, thank you very much. Oh, bother, now he was cold. Perhaps he shouldn't have thrown those blankets on the floor only moments before; they had been so nice and warm and cozy. Rather like lovely hot sand.
Sand. Why was that word triggering urgency? He hadn't left anything in the washroom, had he? No, of course not. That would be most unlike him. He shrugged and blinked once. Such an annoying buzz in the back of his head. Why wouldn't it go away?
"Go 'way, sharding noise," he mumbled, dragging himself to the edge of the bed. Faranth, but he was stiff! Perhaps he was getting a cold or something. Perhaps he should go see a Healer. Yes, that was the plan. First he should grab some breakfast, though, in case the Healer didn't feed him. Trailing sheets, he trudged towards what would have been the kitchen, only it ended in a dead end. However, when he retraced his steps back, he found himself back at the infirmary, and there his empty bed. Had he gone there already and forgotten it?
A boy in harper blue spotted him as he headed towards the kitchens for a second attempt at breakfast. "Hey, you a Candidate? You're supposed to be there already! They wouldn't let me watch..."
A Candidate? Glancing down, Andy noticed that yes, he was indeed wearing white. But weren't they supposed to be robes rather than sheets? Ah, well, so long as he didn't let go and allow them to fall off, they should be close enough. Perhaps he was a candidate. He couldn't remember. His mind was fuzzy, so fuzzy.
The Sands suddenly stretched before him. But why were they so cold? It was of no matter. He pulled his sheets tighter about him, and stepped towards where so many eggs were already Hatched. Perhaps they'd been early. That infernal buzzing in the back of his head hadn't yet stopped, and his thoughts were sluggish. He couldn't remember what to do. Wave? Yes, that was it. Grimacing at the soreness in his arms, he raised one and waved to the golden queen, grabbing at the sheets as they fell almost to his waist on one side. Somehow, he was fairly certain that being half-nude in front of the entire weyr was bad. This was the weyr, right?
Small steps took him to the circle of candidates. One boy looked familiar. Wasn't that his brother? No, that wasn't right. His brother had been taken away too long ago. Someone who looked like him, though. Shards, but he was tired! And he was so cold... he shivered slightly, looking in confusion at the eggs and dragonets of so many colors on the Sands.
Now why was that Healer in the stands staring at him in anger?
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Post by Kitari on Aug 12, 2008 13:50:05 GMT -5
The Grounds were becoming quite hazy now, much to Brinne's concern, and she found herself straining to see each of the Hatchlings make their way over the Sands. This was merely causing the girl's heart to race faster, for what if she missed the Hatching of her lovely queen? Even worse, if her condition was deteriorating so badly in this blasted heat, what if she missed Impressing?
Weakly, the candidate reached upward and batted at the misty vision of the Sands, trying to clear it, although the problem was clearly in her head. Brinne jumped suddenly in surprise as a green dragonet loomed out of the gray haze ahead, passing down the line before her. Determinedly, the girl turned her eyes away, though she was almost beginning to think it would be best to simply Impress and be done with it. The little dragonet was lovely...but no! She must be strong, she must be patient, and she must wait for her queen.
To her relief and slight disappointment, the green continued right past her and chose another girl nearby. There was a sudden flash of blue and brown out on the Sands, and Brinne shook her head, feeling dizzy and weak from the swirling colours. Her candidates' robes were clinging to her with a sticky, hot grip, and the air was so very thick. Before she even realized what was coming, she began to sway to the side. She chided herself briefly for shaking her head, for surely that had not been a wise move while in this state, before she began to fall.
A strong hand was suddenly at her shoulder, a cool voice in her ear. Brinne leaned gratefully against her savior, closing her eyes for a moment to regain her strength. Normally she would have snapped that of course she didn't want to fall, but Brinne said nothing. She opened her eyes slowly and looked around to Farallen's smiling face. It was surprising how very happy she was to see him, although she would have been thankful to any for catching her.
"Farallen," she murmured, thinking the name had never rolled off her tongue more easily. "Please don't leave...just stay...until..." She looked out at the Sands pleadingly. Although she was feeling remotely better, Brinne didn't trust that she would be able to support herself for long if he left. She didn't wonder why Farallen was out on the sands; she was just glad that he was.
At the feel of a drop on her cheek, the candidate looked out over the Grounds once more and finally recognized the fog for what it was. As unbearable as the heat was, it was not what was clouding her vision. Brinne gazed upward in surprise at the misty formation above, wondering if it would somehow rain in the Grounds and cool the candidates down. However, the drop on her cheek was warm, and other drops around her elicited steam from the sands. She moaned at another blast of heat, straining to watch the eggs.
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Post by **Auria (etc)** on Aug 12, 2008 15:17:40 GMT -5
Once the Firestorm Green realized that she was not, in fact, injured, she sat up sheepishly and shook herself. Her moss-green sister nudged her, and then began again to move decidedly toward the line of female candidates. She kept looking back to see that her smaller sister followed, and indeed the emerald dragonet was ... somewhat jumpily ... progressing in the same direction.
Once they reached the line of girls, the Firestorm Egg occupant ranged up and down the line, peering at each face, a quizzical expression in her whirling eyes. The mist had cleared a bit, with the help of Plianth and Seath, but the dragonet still had to get quite close to make out the features on the humans standing there.
The Softly Falling Snow green appeared to be amused at her sister's most adorable efforts, and watched her for a moment, before turning to her own task ... the most important one in the world, of course.
She moved to one of the girls, who seemed to be swaying a bit, and was leaning into her friend for support.
Brinne-Mine, she said to the girl with immense gentleness and strength in her thoughts, You appear to be in distress. Your Elinth will help you off these hot Sands, where you and she can find some nice food. You need not worry, for I am here now.
As Elinth nuzzled gently against Brinne, a sound from behind distracted the smaller green for a moment. She squeaked and jumped, and looked around suddenly as the Earthquake Egg shook and rattled. Like cracks along a fault line, the fissures in the shell traveled the short axis of the egg until it had been divided unevenly in two. Then, with enormous force, the egg split and spilled a brown dragonet upon the sands.
The young fellow struggled for a moment, pushing himself along on his belly, before managing to get his legs beneath him. If the onlookers could have seen him clearly, they would have done a double-take, for of all the dragons to hatch so far, this one showed his mother's genes most clearly. He was a portly fellow, decidedly egg-shaped around the middle, but in a way that was actually cute. Some might call it baby fat. His color was just stunning. He was the most striking shade of sandy brown, with mahogany stripes running throughout in a way that made him appear to be part jungle feline. He called out as he stood, looking all around, almost as if challenging the mists. He was not afraid, however, but simply turned this way and that, taking in the scene. Yes, he reasoned, this was the Hatching Grounds, and therefore, despite the strangeness, his Own was here waiting for him. The odd steam, however ... that was simply not right!
Standing and shaking himself slightly, the Earthquake Brown moved toward the line of male candidates, certain that his fate would be found there.
The little Firestorm Green had watched what she could see of her brother's hatching, and then turned back to her own task. It didn't take her long, for she had stopped her pacing right in front of her destination without even realizing it.
Emberlyn-Mine, your Emmith is very hungry and a little ... confused. Could you take care of her, please? She then rubbed against Emberlyn like a loving feline might, trying very hard not to knock her over onto the hot sands.
The Earthquake Brown made his way through the fog toward the far side of the grounds, for that was where the male candidates stood. He looked up and down the line, knowing just what he sought, but determined to make sure he had matched just the right form with the person he already held in his heart. Finally, he moved with decision, but without haste, to Kalaessran and nudged him gently against the hand.
Your Helksinth has found you, even though this strange weather has come inside and attempted to hinder him. Your Helksinth shall always find you, Mine, and we shall do great deeds together!
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Post by D'gellin on Aug 12, 2008 17:28:41 GMT -5
A wave of warm thoughts flowed through Trilia's consciousness, filling every bit of her with a tingly sort of delight. Snapped out of her heat daze, the little girl was more readily able to focus on welcoming thoughts for any curious dragon minds. And that's exactly what she set out to do, Ronin humming merrily on her shoulder in sync. Trilia heaved a content sigh, bright blue eyes roving over the Hatching Grounds to see if this made a difference to the Hatchlings. Of course, she realized with a silly grin, she'd have to wait for more to Hatch, seeing as there were no un-Impressed ones on the Sands at the moment.
As her eyes darted back and forth across the Sands, trying to catch the first dragonet to hatch, she just missed the green head that jutted from one egg, but certainly didn't miss the cry. Trilia turned eagerly at first but, realizing the little green's dilemma, she furrowed her brows in concern. The poor dear was stuck! She took an unconscious step forward, unwilling to watch the dragon struggle in such distress, but - with some difficulty - paused. She had to give the green a chance to get out on her own first. - But what if that was Hers! - But what if that wasn't? - But what if she got hurt! - But what if she was fine? - Trilia bit her lip, torn. But just before her resolve gave out, another green - Oh no! She missed that one's hatching! - encouraged the smaller green. And soon they were both walking safely.
But the sigh of relief Trilia was about to give got caught in her throat. Now the lovely greens were headed toward the candidates! The females! Trilia automatically straightened her posture and worked on those happy thoughts. Maybe one would choose her! Oh please, please! She watched as the greens worked their way through the girls, intelligent eyes probing into each candidate. But neither were pleased with Trilia, apparently, for they moved on without hesitation. Trilia deflated like a popped balloon, loosing the luster in her eyes as the two dragonets chose Theirs. Trilia was acutely aware of the fact that she was not either of Theirs. And despite the fact that there were still unhatched dragons, one of which just might be hers, Trilia felt a flare of injustice rise up in her chest, her throat, making her eyes water.
It was hot, she was tired, her feet felt like they were on fire, she'd been ignored a million and one times, all she wanted was a dragon, the candidates robe was itchy and uncomfortable, she was obviously defective or something, those greens didn't choose her, no dragon chose her, there were only a handful of eggs left, she had a headache, and now her throat hurt and her eyes stung.
Trilia struggled to fight back a sob of distress. Everything seemed to crash on her very suddenly, but there was one feeling that overpowered everything else. Trilia was jealous. Extremely jealous. Because all her life, all her life that she'd always gotten everything she ever wanted, she always wanted one thing above everything else.
And it was looking like she wouldn't get it.
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Post by Skye on Aug 12, 2008 18:31:29 GMT -5
Emberlyn was feeling dizzy from the heat and kept using the sleeve of her robe to wipe sweat from her eyes, well sweat and now moisture from the steam. She was panting slightly, the thick air hard to breath and weighing on her lungs. She was glad she wore clothing under her robe, otherwise the white material would be revealing her body beneath it as it clung to her.
She shook her head and tucked hair back behind her ears, out of her eyes as she tried to peer through the fog. She felt a slight breeze and could just make up the Queen and her Bronze mate fanning their wings. She smiled at that and looked back toward the eggs, noting that not that many remained.
Ember shook her head and couldn't quite place a finger on why it made her feel sad that she hadn't impressed yet, she just wanted to go home after all and not impressing meant that she could. She sighed and tilted her head, watching the two greens walk along the lines, looking at each candidates.
She could barely contain a laugh as she spotted a green looking up at Brinne, oh wouldn't that be ironic! She grinned and shook her head.
Then she felt something brush her mind, and felt a nervousness she couldn't explain. She blinked and looked down, then immediately lost herself in the rainbow whirling eyes looking up at her.
Emberlyn-Mine, your Emmith is very hungry and a little ... confused. Could you take care of her, please?[/color]
Emberlyn couldn't have stopped the smile curving her lips if she had wanted to, nor the tears that sprang to her eyes. No longer did she want to go home, no, she wanted to stay and look into to those loving eyes forever. She laughed softly as the green rubbed against her legs like a feline and reached down to pet Emmith's eyeridges.
"Of course I'll take care of you Emmith. Come lets get you some food and out of this fog thats confusing you," she said as she carefully made her way through the fog, not wanting to run into another candidate or hatchling.
She smiled her thanks to the journeywoman healer for the cool towel and water as she fed her Emmith, watching the little green lovingly, gently reminding her to chew her food.
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