Post by Trith on Oct 13, 2010 20:55:06 GMT -5
Where: Hatching Sands
When: Late afternoon
Who: Trith and everyone else!!!!
Warnings: Angry Trith SMASH!
The sevendays had passed in a blur of remembering and regret. The bronze had not appeared again, and good riddance was the thought of nearly every person in the Weyr, especially those who had participated in the Flight firsthand. No one would easily be able to forget what had happened, least of all the one hurt the most.
Or rather the two. It was a full sevenday before Samhara left her personal weyr, shunning most male companionship. Her heart ached for Trith, who once treated for her injuries, had been all too gently placed on her own weyrledge by her faithful and worried males. The gentle gold was silent, too silent even, and her gentleness was washed away in a simmering that lay just beneath the surface. Samhara could feel it like a sickness in the gold, growing deeper and uncontrollable. Something wild, and something scary. For the first time in their entire relationship, Samhara couldn’t predict what the gold would do, and as much as she tried to hide it, she was frightened.
All it would take is something small to tip Trith over the edge into something violent and unpredictable, and that something might just involve her clutching, a time when typically golds were more volatile to begin with. Trith was egg heavy now, and had spent the past two days rounding the hatching sands, shuffling about in her land-bound state. Given enough time, her chances were good that she’d make a full recovery, including her flight. For now however, she needed assistance to move, and the pair were under constant supervision from many of the bronze and brownriders, not to mention the healers.
Even now, as Samhara watched the sullen gold shuffle about, her wing tips partially dragging the ground, a whole cadre of riders and healers were trying to surreptitiously watch the pair. It was making her sick with annoyance, and that was not only transferred to but doubled upon by Trith, who also felt almost trapped by all the.. male attention she was receiving. Much as the goldrider loved hatchings, she would secretly be glad when this one was over. She tried to not think of all the problems arising due to their lack of a Weyrleader. K’roi had stepped in for the most part, but he was in the process of creating a counsel of sorts to watch over the Weyr until Trith rose again, a process that everyone knew would be at least a Turn in coming. They didn’t even contemplate what might happen if the rider of that bronze stepped forward. The general, if unspoken consensus was that any rider belonging to such a bronze would be just as twisted and just as likely to abuse his power.
Trith growled low in her throat as Samhara felt something change in the huge dragon. It was familiar enough by now that she could tell. Clutching time. Unsure whether to be happy or worried, she settled for anxious as she watched Trith find the best space on the sands, a place she’d already prepared by sweeping it into a gentle depression with her broad tail. Reds began whirling in the disgruntled gold’s eyes as she hackled, daring any to move closer to her and her precious clutch as she began to lay. Even though it was a tangible, obvious reminder of him it was still a clutch of her children. She would see them all protected, no matter the consequences.
The Tasseography Clutch
Apple-Cinnamon Egg: One of the larger eggs of the clutch, this egg is a simple, variegated pattern of bright reds, yellows, and greens. These three colors are evenly distributed across the entirety of the smooth surface, and this egg has a much more rounded shape than some others. Situated right near the center, this egg seems comfortable with its clutchmates in general, and even leans companionably against more than one. Sprinkled – almost like a last minute thought – across the top facing curve, reddish speckles are bunched here and there, dark against the brighter colors. A vague spiral shape forms out of the speckles on the very top, just distinguishable among the other bunches of reddish color. Along the bottom of the egg, triangles of a darker green form a ringed pattern that goes all the way around, periodically having one that looks more like the acorn of a tree amidst them. This egg feels very gentle, and its aura makes plain the fact that the dragonet within is a very kindred soul.
Aureum Tea Egg: Large and fiery, this egg vibrates in a space of its own – aloof yet within the confines of its clutch. It is based in a deep, molten red – darkened as if in constant shadow – that swirls slightly with a dark cream tone in paper-thin bands near the bottom. The bands meld together at certain points, and if one uses a bit of imagination it almost looks as if the broken segments of a sword lay amongst them. It has a rather elegant shape, neither too fat nor too thin, too tall nor too short. Curved about the topmost piece – seeming at first to be a trick of the light – are tiny flecks of golden color, glittering brightly against the near blood-red. If viewed from above, the flecks almost seem to form the shape of an hourglass spread over the top of the egg, the grains of sand scattered within. Bits of a near black seem to float under the surface of the red on the egg like roiling clouds, and the warm tones overlaid make it reminiscent of a dark fire. There is a definable aura of strength wrapped around this one - though it is the strength of high, barricading walls rather than dogged perseverance.
Black Tea Egg: Quite large in size, this egg seems robust both in color and quality, though its thick shell promises a difficult hatching. Its bright red color catches the eye more-so than most of its siblings, and while most of the shell is that lovely crimson color, a few darker slashes of brown-black create some swirling, smoke-like contrast. One swirl in particular has formed an interesting image, that of a nearly perfect set of scales. They are balanced evenly with an odd pear-shape in each dish, though the image seems precarious, as if the scales might tip at any time – and viewing it from a different angle might indeed make it seem as if they had. Rising up from the bottom on the side nearest Trith, several angular spires conglomerate to the effect of an odd castle – bright and strong rather than dark and imposing. The most striking image floats just above the castle, clearer than most others: a rampant dragon, poised and composed. Even just passing near this egg, one will feel an intense scrutiny pass over them – as if weighing their hearts and minds.
Chai Egg: This medium-sized egg is practically aswirl with several different shades of brown: mocha, dark chocolate, cream, and ochre – among others. They all swirl together in a marbling effect that travels over the slight bumpy shell in rivulets and currents, almost as if looking long enough would reveal that the browns are sluggishly moving around the shell. Among them seems to be the tiny images of ivy, twining along the divides. Despite this interesting illusion of perpetual movement, this rather matte egg tends to fade into the crowd behind larger and brighter eggs. The swirls along the bottom form a very contrasting set of hash marks, nearly opposite the rest of the egg in form. A series of squares is formed by these hashes, round-edged and somehow not at all detracting from the smooth glide of the overall egg. Small and almost unnoticeable, three canines play among the small gaps between color-rivulets; a dark chocolate colored one lounges very near the top, while a cream one and mocha one play-fight near the bottom-most part of the egg. A kindness encompasses this egg, to the point where one might not even think it silly to give it a hug or lean against it to cry out their sorrows – everything will be alright, after all.
Chamomile Egg: This egg is neither large nor small, and sits nestled in the center of its brethren as if sheltering itself there. A pale golden hue curls with richly deep amber, surprisingly even-toned despite the dichotomy. A few hints of yellows, browns, and whites line the divides between the two colors, creating a softer transition that has a life of its own. Flourishing along one side, the curls form the shape of a pretty little shrub, and almost hidden just underneath it is a small canine reminiscent of the old Earth jackals, mouth open in laughter. Around the top is ringed a series of lumpy images that – after a few moments study – look vaguely like three- and four-leaf clovers. There is a sleepy serenity blanketing this egg, almost too calming and soothing to stand near for long lest one drift off.
Darjeeling Egg: This egg is smallish, and exceptionally pretty. A pale yellow base is accented with tan and green leafy shadows that cover the whole egg, and deepens in color to an aged gold close to the bottom and lightens to a soft cream towards the top. Slightly longer and thinner than usual, this strange egg certainly stands out despite its muted appearance. Oddly enough, it seems almost identical to the Lemongrass Egg, save for a few small shadows formed by the leafy tans and greens. A small arc drifts between two shadows, like a connecting bridge, and above it is a pretty little crescent shape. Rising from the sand-line, the leafy shadows look a bit more like fronds coming off of an intermittent rod. Tiny, blue-purple shapes blossom like flowers here and there, lovely in color and deepening towards more purple in the center of each. Smaller bud shapes in pale blue seem to grow from the leafy shadows like flowers yet to bloom, and among them one can see curved, fluttering wings reminiscent of the prettier pollinators that flit to and fro. Interestingly, this egg seems perfectly happy in its current location and position: laying completely on its side in the central back of the clutch, tapered end pointing out toward the others and completely ignoring the Lemongrass Egg that leans against it. Happiness bounces off of this egg, mixed with a modicum of impatience, like it just can’t wait to be free to socialize. For now, though, it welcomes all near it with a clingy friendliness like it won’t let you run off without a visit.
Earl Grey Egg: Strangely lumpy, this egg is layered with a mixture of orange and chocolate splotches. Quite round as opposed to oblong in shape, there are a number of places where the shell either bulges or sinks in unexpectedly. Though not lacking in hardness, this slightly misshapen shell still seems a little thinner than is typical. It means well for the hatchling within, guaranteeing an easy hatching. The colors are haphazardly spread, a messy morass of orange and brown in a very prominent dual-toned look. All along the bottom, the dyadic colors seem to lick at the shell like flames, while rising from these are a multitude of smoky clouds. Out of the chaos, a shape or two can be made out like picking out shapes in a cloud-scudded sky, including a single straight-lined image, eerily resembling a coffin. Two sets of perpendicular slashes stand out on this egg, one standing on its slightly-longer vertical arm and the other tipped at a precarious angle, equal-armed but with two oval rings along the tips on one side. One of the sunken-in, smoky splotches twists into the uncanny visage of one of the hooting, nighttime avians. An uneasiness cloaks this egg, swirled with an off-putting confusion.
Fireside Egg: On the small end, and rather lazily tipped against one or two of its clutch, this egg is soothing to look upon. Deep browns and reds dance across the backdrop, where flecks of brighter orange, red, and black dart. Sparks of a warm amber float near its base, with a curl here and there extending as if to trap a passing shadow on the egg. Among these curls is the curious form of a toad, distended as if mid-croak, limned against the darkness. The dark tones carry throughout this egg with few deviations, aside from tiny bits of blue that are few and far between, like the hottest sparks of flame. Several sparks seem to almost have a tail, as if bursting away from something – and upon very close inspection, one might just make out the shape of an old-tech pistol. Rising up from the ashy bottom, a twisting spire of black forms an odd steeple along each side, neatly dividing the egg in half. There is a dark, sultry feel to this egg, taunting and tempting, alarming and welcoming at once.
Five Fairy Flower Egg: Middling-size, this egg seems to twist about constantly to touch its brethren, happily ensconced near the middle of the clutch. A multitude of colors ply over the surface of this egg, based in a rich, light honey-amber tone. Flecks of lavenders, greens, whites, and yellows dart over the shell like confetti, with heavier pieces seeming to shift about under the honeyed hue. Slightly longer and thinner, this egg has several distinctive markings blended amongst the plethora of what almost seem to be flower petals raining throughout. Almost hidden just underneath the surface colors, kaleidoscopic figures of a chiropteran and a scavenger avian float spectrally. Twisted figures play across the surface as well, dancing between the ‘petals’ all over. There is an unmatched sweetness rolling off this egg, blending with an equally unmatched – though shy – curiosity.
Ginseng Egg: Pale, almost mint green in color, this smallish egg seems to enjoy the presence of all its siblings in its location near the center of the clutch. On top of and nearly overwhelming the paler color, brilliant bursts of red and purple dazzle their way across the smooth shell, almost like fireworks or soft downy flower seeds on the wind. One of the burst is a bit rounder in shape, with rod-like shapes radiating through it like spokes. In addition, small clusters of a much darker red dot here and there – almost hidden amongst the larger, stronger bursts. Coalescing from these are two tiny forms: a hare frozen mid-sprint up one side and a feline stretching languorously along the bottom. In an odd clear spot, the dots seem to outline the shape of a small dagger, point down. Where the mixture of loud and demure would seem almost too contradictory at most times, it seems to harmonize upon this egg. Furthering this is the odd feel of coy sweetness, quietly inviting most near.
Green Tea Egg: An even olive green over its entirety, this medium-large egg is practically hidden in the back behind much larger and more showy eggs. It seems content though, and unconcerned with its placement. Large, tan colored spots dot along the shell, oblong in shape like large pieces of rice. It almost serves to camouflage the egg, but the green color stands out against the white of the Hatching Sands. Small bumps run along each tan spot, giving them a tactile as well as visual difference to the rest of the shell. If viewed from above, the tan shapes angle and curve into the shape of a stylized fleur-de-lis; while along the sides they form the boundaries of a racing canine and a large jug. Nigh-absolute contentment radiates from this egg, tinted only by a very small bit of annoyance.
Jasmine Egg: Quite large, this egg is a mixture of various golden colors. Pale amber-gold sweeps the majority of the surface with even color, while brighter flashes of yellow-gold blossom over the surface here and there. At the center of each yellow-gold coruscation, a burst of pure white catches the eye. Playing down one side of the egg, one of the bright bursts stretches down, leaving the white near the top to for a rather abstract scepter. Between each yellowed section, red-gold flecks scatter like a multitude of tiny freckles, bringing the amber color up to a much warmer reddish hue. Some of the red flecks gather to both sides in vaguely circular symbols – one with a single large dot in the center, the other with lines intersecting it like spokes. Near the sand-line, one of the smaller draybeasts is outlined in the amber-gold by the edges of the brighter flashes, pulled back as if fighting a rein. The whole vicinity of this egg has the feel of gentle sweetness, but also the peculiar, fear-like feeling one gets when walking along a very steep edge.
Lemongrass Egg: This egg is smallish, and exceptionally pretty. A pale yellow base is accented with tan and green leafy shadows that cover the whole egg, and deepens in color to an aged gold close to the bottom and lightens to a soft cream towards the top. Slightly longer and thinner than usual, this strange egg certainly stands out despite its muted appearance. Oddly enough, it seems almost identical to the Darjeeling Egg, save for a few small shadows formed by the leafy tans and greens. A minute crown drifts in the shadows near the top, and a grasshopper seems caught mid-spring along the very bottom. Tiny, blue-purple shapes blossom like flowers here and there, lovely in color and deepening towards more purple in the center of each. Several even seem gathered at one point to form a lovely bouquet. Smaller bud shapes in pale blue seem to grow from the leafy shadows like flowers yet to bloom, and among them one can see a falcon-avian, diving through the proverbial sky. Sitting in the central back of the clutch, this egg tilts forward to just barely rest against the prone Darjeeling Egg, bordering between aloof and friendly to its clutchmate. To the rest of the world, it is both welcoming and reserved. A wry humor dances around it, as if laughing at you and waiting for you to figure out the joke.
Maté Egg: This egg is a bit on the smallish side, and sits off to the side of its siblings near the front. A cloudy camouflage green is the base of its coloring, lightening and darkening ever so slightly here and there. Thick, dull silver wisps sweep around it here and there, laced through with evergreen threads. These wisps and threads seem to make odd patterns against their cloudy background, and if one were to look at them askance they might see a wild canine along the top, its head tipped back in a howl. A little further down and a third of the way around the egg, the form of a stretching tunnelcat – dainty in its features – can just be made out. Another third of the way around the egg is a likeness of a large rodent, skittering frantically away. Around the bottom are twistine, segmented forms, reminiscent of earthworms. There is a very chill aura around this egg, the picture of utter relaxation. One might feel they could just curl up around it and take a lazy nap, or perhaps for the high-strung they might feel calmed enough to use their energy toward something effective.
Mint Egg: Easily the largest egg in the clutch barring none, a solid half of this egg is a bright yellow color splashed with lighter and darker golds. Brushes of a deep forest green color sweep through here and there, giving it some shadows. On the other half, a luscious green color takes precedence, rich with splashes of both lighter and darker greens. Brushes of a golden yellow color sweep through here and there, giving it some glitter. More oblong than many other eggs in the clutch, a single line of the viridian color sweeps around the egg, joined half way by a similar gold line to cut the egg nearly in half. The gold-green color has a slight pattern to it, much like the links of a delicate chain, holding the bright, happy egg together. It leans only slightly to the side, able to stay straight on its own but it doesn't shun its siblings. Along the top, an upward jutting portion of green seems to form the shape of an angular tree, perhaps pine, with other straight slashes that seem inconsistent with the rest of the morass. Along the bottom, the line that cut the middle is dragged down by a very distinct anchor image, while vaguely shadowed are images of a frog and a porcine. They seem to fade into the bottom colors, very indistinct.
Oolong Egg: Moderately sized, this egg is rather animated amidst the clutch, despite the obvious immobility of the egg. It's clear this egg wants to be the center of attention, especially given its placement. Near the center, it is hard at first to tell what the egg is, given the stout, somewhat fluid seeming shape. This is an egg which is mostly an even, soft yellow-green of grass at summer’s end. Milky-yellow and darker green swirls curl at the bottom and top respectively in thin strands, underneath flecks of soft green, dark black, warm brown, and pale gray which float about the sides. Almost as an afterthought, and of course entirely of the egg's own design, some feathery monstrosity of a hat seems emblazoned on its side in slashing pink and purple lines. So brash a symbol has nothing else to temper its audacious zest, and is clearly delineated against the much softer hues.
Orange Zest Egg: Bright and happy, this middling-large egg dominates its area, cheerfully leaning against a sibling here or another there depending on the day. A heavy – and heady – mix of bright autumnal colors mark this egg, all shades of a glorious orange-red to orange-yellow. The tones swirl together over the expanse of the surface in a quixotic and somewhat dizzying manner, flecked with shards of bright vivid yellow, dashing pure orange, and tiny little hints of green. Those speckles almost seem to form images at times against their backdrop, though it could just be the egg teasing you. Among these images are those of a comet and an umbrella, as well as the odd form of a woman’s torso ended in a dolphin’s tail. Amidst the swirls is also the vague formation of small links of chain, broken from each other here and there. Approaching this egg, a heady feeling of bright happiness will wash over a person, giving an excitement for all things to come.
Oriental Spice Egg: Sitting at the very front of the clutch, this large egg seems almost to shield the smaller eggs around it from either view or harm. It certainly looks powerful and intimidating enough to do so, and by the way it’s canted it does appear to shadow over one or two of the others. Nearly solid black in color, only tiny spots of red and orange seem to float across the egg in the barest moment of whimsy. Otherwise, the ebony hue of this shell is steadfast and almost menacing. A touch the shell however, would belie this initial visual reaction. The egg seems to seek merely the protection of others, and shows other signs of friendship in the way it leans back towards many of its clutchsiblings. Like the most indistinct shadow against the black, an almost silvery color outlines a shield that covers nearly the entire back half of the egg, that which faces the clutch. As if hunching is own shoulders up, a vulture sits in silhouette on the shield image, while to the fore, a tiny harp in incised near the top third of the egg in the same silvery color.
Pekoe Egg: A rich, dark reddish-brown, this larger egg sits to one side of the clutch, listing away from the other eggs beside it and towards the walls. The base of the colors, which on closer appearance are several similar shades instead of a whole, is a light yellow-red tone, seen only in a few spots. A deep, brownish-red amber swirls lazily over the whole, curling about slowly as if there is all the time in the world to meld. A few swirl in a manner that forms the shape of one of the sanctuary buildings scattered around on one side, and on the other there is the vague shape of a spade. Long thin bits of darker greens and brown-black float about haphazardly, as if they, too, care less what occurs in the world. Outlined by these bits are two slightly misshapen forms – one looking much like the draybeasts sometimes called asses, the other looking like an oddly long-necked runner with two bumps raised off its back. The aura of this egg is an odd one, for while it seems completely apathetic to the presence of anyone near it, it also curls in around and seems to cling as if to keep one close.
Pheonix Pearls Egg: Delicate greens and yellows dance over this slightly smaller than middling egg, settled mostly near the bottom of it in tight little balls that bulge just barely from the smoothness of the shell. The lighter golden-green backdrop is covered in these, as well as lazily drifting dashes and hatches in a darker gray-green-white tone at the top. Tendrils from the ‘pearls’ of darker greens turn yellow as they sway gently up the sides of this stout-seeming egg, as if they are breaking free of a prison and reaching for the heavens themselves. Among the dashes there seems to almost be the outline of a knife, point down, and the tendrils swirl into the form of a rudimentary saw. Near the base, curled amongst the balls of color are all manner of serpentine forms. Over it all lays a somber green-gray that, while trapping, is protective to those stems and leaves – hinting at the freedom just below its surface.
Rooibos Egg: In a word, dark would best describe this egg's hue. Dark red – like the color of old blood – with slashes of a lighter brown here and there, cover the slightly bumpy shell. Towards both ends of this large egg an even darker ebony hue seems to gather in swirls and eddies, as if touched by the wind. Just barely visibly, several of the swirls seem to form into small jointed figures, like birds seen flying at a distance. They pepper the shell in a lighter red hue, scattered mostly over the top third. Among them is a small, slightly diamond-shaped blotch with two lines coming from it – one straight and curling around the egg to disappear beneath the sand-line, the other shorter and kinked with small knots. On the side facing Trith’s couch, a few swirls that rather abstractly resemble a crown circle around pair of perpendicular slashes, seeming to rest on the horizontal bar. Right near the bottom, easily missed, is an eerie extension of the ebony hue that curls up in a jointed hook, seeming almost like a gallows. The egg leans only slightly to the side, towards the empty space of the rest of the Sands. An energy practically pours off of this egg – a playfulness that rather makes one unsure if they should grin…or flee.
Yellow Tea Egg: Of middling size, this egg seems to be almost a mix of the coloration of the Green Tea and White Tea Eggs – though nowhere near as vibrant. In fact, this rather drab egg would be easily overlooked if not for the sheer presence rolling off of it. A dull olive tone is frosted over by a patchy, lighter green, making it seem like pale moss had started to grow on the egg. These patches have a series of tiny raised bumps in them, adding to the effect. Several shapes appear half-hidden in those patches, the most discernable of which is a rounder blob with a loop on one side and extension on the other – like an odd kettle – near the top. Along the bottom of one side is a series of tall, almost-rectangular shapes, like the buildings of a city skyline. The foggy patches coalesce into several more shapes around the rest of the egg, the forms of various beasts prowling. The most prominent of the creature-shapes resembles a massive grabber with its front limbs tucked away, and for those savvy enough of old Earth-creatures they’d see the resemblance to a shark. Despite not being much to look at, this egg has a thick presence around it that practically demands that one pay attention, almost seeming to vibrate with the force of it. The direct center of its siblings, it has the added effect of drawing the eye to the clutch as a whole.
White Tea Egg: While this egg is on the smaller side of the spectrum, it certainly creates a presence for itself in its luster. A bright, polished silver in color, one could almost swear they saw reflections in its surface, though that isn’t actually possible. A very light green swirls over the surface in rollicking patterns, and upon inspection one can almost see the faint lines coalescing into a few figures when looked at on a certain angle. Outlines of an axe and a hammer ring the top of the egg, and a cart seems to float along a multitude of wavy lines. Another set of twists somewhat resembles a coiled tunnelsnake. Right near the base, just above the sand-line, there seems to almost be the tiny image of a runner, but with a strange protrusion from its forehead. The egg sits close to Trith, but near the tail-end of her couch, tilted toward her as if showing a broader face to the rest of the world. Nearing this egg, one feels a great warmth and acceptance, along with a strange, unfathomable curiosity.
When: Late afternoon
Who: Trith and everyone else!!!!
Warnings: Angry Trith SMASH!
The sevendays had passed in a blur of remembering and regret. The bronze had not appeared again, and good riddance was the thought of nearly every person in the Weyr, especially those who had participated in the Flight firsthand. No one would easily be able to forget what had happened, least of all the one hurt the most.
Or rather the two. It was a full sevenday before Samhara left her personal weyr, shunning most male companionship. Her heart ached for Trith, who once treated for her injuries, had been all too gently placed on her own weyrledge by her faithful and worried males. The gentle gold was silent, too silent even, and her gentleness was washed away in a simmering that lay just beneath the surface. Samhara could feel it like a sickness in the gold, growing deeper and uncontrollable. Something wild, and something scary. For the first time in their entire relationship, Samhara couldn’t predict what the gold would do, and as much as she tried to hide it, she was frightened.
All it would take is something small to tip Trith over the edge into something violent and unpredictable, and that something might just involve her clutching, a time when typically golds were more volatile to begin with. Trith was egg heavy now, and had spent the past two days rounding the hatching sands, shuffling about in her land-bound state. Given enough time, her chances were good that she’d make a full recovery, including her flight. For now however, she needed assistance to move, and the pair were under constant supervision from many of the bronze and brownriders, not to mention the healers.
Even now, as Samhara watched the sullen gold shuffle about, her wing tips partially dragging the ground, a whole cadre of riders and healers were trying to surreptitiously watch the pair. It was making her sick with annoyance, and that was not only transferred to but doubled upon by Trith, who also felt almost trapped by all the.. male attention she was receiving. Much as the goldrider loved hatchings, she would secretly be glad when this one was over. She tried to not think of all the problems arising due to their lack of a Weyrleader. K’roi had stepped in for the most part, but he was in the process of creating a counsel of sorts to watch over the Weyr until Trith rose again, a process that everyone knew would be at least a Turn in coming. They didn’t even contemplate what might happen if the rider of that bronze stepped forward. The general, if unspoken consensus was that any rider belonging to such a bronze would be just as twisted and just as likely to abuse his power.
Trith growled low in her throat as Samhara felt something change in the huge dragon. It was familiar enough by now that she could tell. Clutching time. Unsure whether to be happy or worried, she settled for anxious as she watched Trith find the best space on the sands, a place she’d already prepared by sweeping it into a gentle depression with her broad tail. Reds began whirling in the disgruntled gold’s eyes as she hackled, daring any to move closer to her and her precious clutch as she began to lay. Even though it was a tangible, obvious reminder of him it was still a clutch of her children. She would see them all protected, no matter the consequences.
The Tasseography Clutch
Apple-Cinnamon Egg: One of the larger eggs of the clutch, this egg is a simple, variegated pattern of bright reds, yellows, and greens. These three colors are evenly distributed across the entirety of the smooth surface, and this egg has a much more rounded shape than some others. Situated right near the center, this egg seems comfortable with its clutchmates in general, and even leans companionably against more than one. Sprinkled – almost like a last minute thought – across the top facing curve, reddish speckles are bunched here and there, dark against the brighter colors. A vague spiral shape forms out of the speckles on the very top, just distinguishable among the other bunches of reddish color. Along the bottom of the egg, triangles of a darker green form a ringed pattern that goes all the way around, periodically having one that looks more like the acorn of a tree amidst them. This egg feels very gentle, and its aura makes plain the fact that the dragonet within is a very kindred soul.
Aureum Tea Egg: Large and fiery, this egg vibrates in a space of its own – aloof yet within the confines of its clutch. It is based in a deep, molten red – darkened as if in constant shadow – that swirls slightly with a dark cream tone in paper-thin bands near the bottom. The bands meld together at certain points, and if one uses a bit of imagination it almost looks as if the broken segments of a sword lay amongst them. It has a rather elegant shape, neither too fat nor too thin, too tall nor too short. Curved about the topmost piece – seeming at first to be a trick of the light – are tiny flecks of golden color, glittering brightly against the near blood-red. If viewed from above, the flecks almost seem to form the shape of an hourglass spread over the top of the egg, the grains of sand scattered within. Bits of a near black seem to float under the surface of the red on the egg like roiling clouds, and the warm tones overlaid make it reminiscent of a dark fire. There is a definable aura of strength wrapped around this one - though it is the strength of high, barricading walls rather than dogged perseverance.
Black Tea Egg: Quite large in size, this egg seems robust both in color and quality, though its thick shell promises a difficult hatching. Its bright red color catches the eye more-so than most of its siblings, and while most of the shell is that lovely crimson color, a few darker slashes of brown-black create some swirling, smoke-like contrast. One swirl in particular has formed an interesting image, that of a nearly perfect set of scales. They are balanced evenly with an odd pear-shape in each dish, though the image seems precarious, as if the scales might tip at any time – and viewing it from a different angle might indeed make it seem as if they had. Rising up from the bottom on the side nearest Trith, several angular spires conglomerate to the effect of an odd castle – bright and strong rather than dark and imposing. The most striking image floats just above the castle, clearer than most others: a rampant dragon, poised and composed. Even just passing near this egg, one will feel an intense scrutiny pass over them – as if weighing their hearts and minds.
Chai Egg: This medium-sized egg is practically aswirl with several different shades of brown: mocha, dark chocolate, cream, and ochre – among others. They all swirl together in a marbling effect that travels over the slight bumpy shell in rivulets and currents, almost as if looking long enough would reveal that the browns are sluggishly moving around the shell. Among them seems to be the tiny images of ivy, twining along the divides. Despite this interesting illusion of perpetual movement, this rather matte egg tends to fade into the crowd behind larger and brighter eggs. The swirls along the bottom form a very contrasting set of hash marks, nearly opposite the rest of the egg in form. A series of squares is formed by these hashes, round-edged and somehow not at all detracting from the smooth glide of the overall egg. Small and almost unnoticeable, three canines play among the small gaps between color-rivulets; a dark chocolate colored one lounges very near the top, while a cream one and mocha one play-fight near the bottom-most part of the egg. A kindness encompasses this egg, to the point where one might not even think it silly to give it a hug or lean against it to cry out their sorrows – everything will be alright, after all.
Chamomile Egg: This egg is neither large nor small, and sits nestled in the center of its brethren as if sheltering itself there. A pale golden hue curls with richly deep amber, surprisingly even-toned despite the dichotomy. A few hints of yellows, browns, and whites line the divides between the two colors, creating a softer transition that has a life of its own. Flourishing along one side, the curls form the shape of a pretty little shrub, and almost hidden just underneath it is a small canine reminiscent of the old Earth jackals, mouth open in laughter. Around the top is ringed a series of lumpy images that – after a few moments study – look vaguely like three- and four-leaf clovers. There is a sleepy serenity blanketing this egg, almost too calming and soothing to stand near for long lest one drift off.
Darjeeling Egg: This egg is smallish, and exceptionally pretty. A pale yellow base is accented with tan and green leafy shadows that cover the whole egg, and deepens in color to an aged gold close to the bottom and lightens to a soft cream towards the top. Slightly longer and thinner than usual, this strange egg certainly stands out despite its muted appearance. Oddly enough, it seems almost identical to the Lemongrass Egg, save for a few small shadows formed by the leafy tans and greens. A small arc drifts between two shadows, like a connecting bridge, and above it is a pretty little crescent shape. Rising from the sand-line, the leafy shadows look a bit more like fronds coming off of an intermittent rod. Tiny, blue-purple shapes blossom like flowers here and there, lovely in color and deepening towards more purple in the center of each. Smaller bud shapes in pale blue seem to grow from the leafy shadows like flowers yet to bloom, and among them one can see curved, fluttering wings reminiscent of the prettier pollinators that flit to and fro. Interestingly, this egg seems perfectly happy in its current location and position: laying completely on its side in the central back of the clutch, tapered end pointing out toward the others and completely ignoring the Lemongrass Egg that leans against it. Happiness bounces off of this egg, mixed with a modicum of impatience, like it just can’t wait to be free to socialize. For now, though, it welcomes all near it with a clingy friendliness like it won’t let you run off without a visit.
Earl Grey Egg: Strangely lumpy, this egg is layered with a mixture of orange and chocolate splotches. Quite round as opposed to oblong in shape, there are a number of places where the shell either bulges or sinks in unexpectedly. Though not lacking in hardness, this slightly misshapen shell still seems a little thinner than is typical. It means well for the hatchling within, guaranteeing an easy hatching. The colors are haphazardly spread, a messy morass of orange and brown in a very prominent dual-toned look. All along the bottom, the dyadic colors seem to lick at the shell like flames, while rising from these are a multitude of smoky clouds. Out of the chaos, a shape or two can be made out like picking out shapes in a cloud-scudded sky, including a single straight-lined image, eerily resembling a coffin. Two sets of perpendicular slashes stand out on this egg, one standing on its slightly-longer vertical arm and the other tipped at a precarious angle, equal-armed but with two oval rings along the tips on one side. One of the sunken-in, smoky splotches twists into the uncanny visage of one of the hooting, nighttime avians. An uneasiness cloaks this egg, swirled with an off-putting confusion.
Fireside Egg: On the small end, and rather lazily tipped against one or two of its clutch, this egg is soothing to look upon. Deep browns and reds dance across the backdrop, where flecks of brighter orange, red, and black dart. Sparks of a warm amber float near its base, with a curl here and there extending as if to trap a passing shadow on the egg. Among these curls is the curious form of a toad, distended as if mid-croak, limned against the darkness. The dark tones carry throughout this egg with few deviations, aside from tiny bits of blue that are few and far between, like the hottest sparks of flame. Several sparks seem to almost have a tail, as if bursting away from something – and upon very close inspection, one might just make out the shape of an old-tech pistol. Rising up from the ashy bottom, a twisting spire of black forms an odd steeple along each side, neatly dividing the egg in half. There is a dark, sultry feel to this egg, taunting and tempting, alarming and welcoming at once.
Five Fairy Flower Egg: Middling-size, this egg seems to twist about constantly to touch its brethren, happily ensconced near the middle of the clutch. A multitude of colors ply over the surface of this egg, based in a rich, light honey-amber tone. Flecks of lavenders, greens, whites, and yellows dart over the shell like confetti, with heavier pieces seeming to shift about under the honeyed hue. Slightly longer and thinner, this egg has several distinctive markings blended amongst the plethora of what almost seem to be flower petals raining throughout. Almost hidden just underneath the surface colors, kaleidoscopic figures of a chiropteran and a scavenger avian float spectrally. Twisted figures play across the surface as well, dancing between the ‘petals’ all over. There is an unmatched sweetness rolling off this egg, blending with an equally unmatched – though shy – curiosity.
Ginseng Egg: Pale, almost mint green in color, this smallish egg seems to enjoy the presence of all its siblings in its location near the center of the clutch. On top of and nearly overwhelming the paler color, brilliant bursts of red and purple dazzle their way across the smooth shell, almost like fireworks or soft downy flower seeds on the wind. One of the burst is a bit rounder in shape, with rod-like shapes radiating through it like spokes. In addition, small clusters of a much darker red dot here and there – almost hidden amongst the larger, stronger bursts. Coalescing from these are two tiny forms: a hare frozen mid-sprint up one side and a feline stretching languorously along the bottom. In an odd clear spot, the dots seem to outline the shape of a small dagger, point down. Where the mixture of loud and demure would seem almost too contradictory at most times, it seems to harmonize upon this egg. Furthering this is the odd feel of coy sweetness, quietly inviting most near.
Green Tea Egg: An even olive green over its entirety, this medium-large egg is practically hidden in the back behind much larger and more showy eggs. It seems content though, and unconcerned with its placement. Large, tan colored spots dot along the shell, oblong in shape like large pieces of rice. It almost serves to camouflage the egg, but the green color stands out against the white of the Hatching Sands. Small bumps run along each tan spot, giving them a tactile as well as visual difference to the rest of the shell. If viewed from above, the tan shapes angle and curve into the shape of a stylized fleur-de-lis; while along the sides they form the boundaries of a racing canine and a large jug. Nigh-absolute contentment radiates from this egg, tinted only by a very small bit of annoyance.
Jasmine Egg: Quite large, this egg is a mixture of various golden colors. Pale amber-gold sweeps the majority of the surface with even color, while brighter flashes of yellow-gold blossom over the surface here and there. At the center of each yellow-gold coruscation, a burst of pure white catches the eye. Playing down one side of the egg, one of the bright bursts stretches down, leaving the white near the top to for a rather abstract scepter. Between each yellowed section, red-gold flecks scatter like a multitude of tiny freckles, bringing the amber color up to a much warmer reddish hue. Some of the red flecks gather to both sides in vaguely circular symbols – one with a single large dot in the center, the other with lines intersecting it like spokes. Near the sand-line, one of the smaller draybeasts is outlined in the amber-gold by the edges of the brighter flashes, pulled back as if fighting a rein. The whole vicinity of this egg has the feel of gentle sweetness, but also the peculiar, fear-like feeling one gets when walking along a very steep edge.
Lemongrass Egg: This egg is smallish, and exceptionally pretty. A pale yellow base is accented with tan and green leafy shadows that cover the whole egg, and deepens in color to an aged gold close to the bottom and lightens to a soft cream towards the top. Slightly longer and thinner than usual, this strange egg certainly stands out despite its muted appearance. Oddly enough, it seems almost identical to the Darjeeling Egg, save for a few small shadows formed by the leafy tans and greens. A minute crown drifts in the shadows near the top, and a grasshopper seems caught mid-spring along the very bottom. Tiny, blue-purple shapes blossom like flowers here and there, lovely in color and deepening towards more purple in the center of each. Several even seem gathered at one point to form a lovely bouquet. Smaller bud shapes in pale blue seem to grow from the leafy shadows like flowers yet to bloom, and among them one can see a falcon-avian, diving through the proverbial sky. Sitting in the central back of the clutch, this egg tilts forward to just barely rest against the prone Darjeeling Egg, bordering between aloof and friendly to its clutchmate. To the rest of the world, it is both welcoming and reserved. A wry humor dances around it, as if laughing at you and waiting for you to figure out the joke.
Maté Egg: This egg is a bit on the smallish side, and sits off to the side of its siblings near the front. A cloudy camouflage green is the base of its coloring, lightening and darkening ever so slightly here and there. Thick, dull silver wisps sweep around it here and there, laced through with evergreen threads. These wisps and threads seem to make odd patterns against their cloudy background, and if one were to look at them askance they might see a wild canine along the top, its head tipped back in a howl. A little further down and a third of the way around the egg, the form of a stretching tunnelcat – dainty in its features – can just be made out. Another third of the way around the egg is a likeness of a large rodent, skittering frantically away. Around the bottom are twistine, segmented forms, reminiscent of earthworms. There is a very chill aura around this egg, the picture of utter relaxation. One might feel they could just curl up around it and take a lazy nap, or perhaps for the high-strung they might feel calmed enough to use their energy toward something effective.
Mint Egg: Easily the largest egg in the clutch barring none, a solid half of this egg is a bright yellow color splashed with lighter and darker golds. Brushes of a deep forest green color sweep through here and there, giving it some shadows. On the other half, a luscious green color takes precedence, rich with splashes of both lighter and darker greens. Brushes of a golden yellow color sweep through here and there, giving it some glitter. More oblong than many other eggs in the clutch, a single line of the viridian color sweeps around the egg, joined half way by a similar gold line to cut the egg nearly in half. The gold-green color has a slight pattern to it, much like the links of a delicate chain, holding the bright, happy egg together. It leans only slightly to the side, able to stay straight on its own but it doesn't shun its siblings. Along the top, an upward jutting portion of green seems to form the shape of an angular tree, perhaps pine, with other straight slashes that seem inconsistent with the rest of the morass. Along the bottom, the line that cut the middle is dragged down by a very distinct anchor image, while vaguely shadowed are images of a frog and a porcine. They seem to fade into the bottom colors, very indistinct.
Oolong Egg: Moderately sized, this egg is rather animated amidst the clutch, despite the obvious immobility of the egg. It's clear this egg wants to be the center of attention, especially given its placement. Near the center, it is hard at first to tell what the egg is, given the stout, somewhat fluid seeming shape. This is an egg which is mostly an even, soft yellow-green of grass at summer’s end. Milky-yellow and darker green swirls curl at the bottom and top respectively in thin strands, underneath flecks of soft green, dark black, warm brown, and pale gray which float about the sides. Almost as an afterthought, and of course entirely of the egg's own design, some feathery monstrosity of a hat seems emblazoned on its side in slashing pink and purple lines. So brash a symbol has nothing else to temper its audacious zest, and is clearly delineated against the much softer hues.
Orange Zest Egg: Bright and happy, this middling-large egg dominates its area, cheerfully leaning against a sibling here or another there depending on the day. A heavy – and heady – mix of bright autumnal colors mark this egg, all shades of a glorious orange-red to orange-yellow. The tones swirl together over the expanse of the surface in a quixotic and somewhat dizzying manner, flecked with shards of bright vivid yellow, dashing pure orange, and tiny little hints of green. Those speckles almost seem to form images at times against their backdrop, though it could just be the egg teasing you. Among these images are those of a comet and an umbrella, as well as the odd form of a woman’s torso ended in a dolphin’s tail. Amidst the swirls is also the vague formation of small links of chain, broken from each other here and there. Approaching this egg, a heady feeling of bright happiness will wash over a person, giving an excitement for all things to come.
Oriental Spice Egg: Sitting at the very front of the clutch, this large egg seems almost to shield the smaller eggs around it from either view or harm. It certainly looks powerful and intimidating enough to do so, and by the way it’s canted it does appear to shadow over one or two of the others. Nearly solid black in color, only tiny spots of red and orange seem to float across the egg in the barest moment of whimsy. Otherwise, the ebony hue of this shell is steadfast and almost menacing. A touch the shell however, would belie this initial visual reaction. The egg seems to seek merely the protection of others, and shows other signs of friendship in the way it leans back towards many of its clutchsiblings. Like the most indistinct shadow against the black, an almost silvery color outlines a shield that covers nearly the entire back half of the egg, that which faces the clutch. As if hunching is own shoulders up, a vulture sits in silhouette on the shield image, while to the fore, a tiny harp in incised near the top third of the egg in the same silvery color.
Pekoe Egg: A rich, dark reddish-brown, this larger egg sits to one side of the clutch, listing away from the other eggs beside it and towards the walls. The base of the colors, which on closer appearance are several similar shades instead of a whole, is a light yellow-red tone, seen only in a few spots. A deep, brownish-red amber swirls lazily over the whole, curling about slowly as if there is all the time in the world to meld. A few swirl in a manner that forms the shape of one of the sanctuary buildings scattered around on one side, and on the other there is the vague shape of a spade. Long thin bits of darker greens and brown-black float about haphazardly, as if they, too, care less what occurs in the world. Outlined by these bits are two slightly misshapen forms – one looking much like the draybeasts sometimes called asses, the other looking like an oddly long-necked runner with two bumps raised off its back. The aura of this egg is an odd one, for while it seems completely apathetic to the presence of anyone near it, it also curls in around and seems to cling as if to keep one close.
Pheonix Pearls Egg: Delicate greens and yellows dance over this slightly smaller than middling egg, settled mostly near the bottom of it in tight little balls that bulge just barely from the smoothness of the shell. The lighter golden-green backdrop is covered in these, as well as lazily drifting dashes and hatches in a darker gray-green-white tone at the top. Tendrils from the ‘pearls’ of darker greens turn yellow as they sway gently up the sides of this stout-seeming egg, as if they are breaking free of a prison and reaching for the heavens themselves. Among the dashes there seems to almost be the outline of a knife, point down, and the tendrils swirl into the form of a rudimentary saw. Near the base, curled amongst the balls of color are all manner of serpentine forms. Over it all lays a somber green-gray that, while trapping, is protective to those stems and leaves – hinting at the freedom just below its surface.
Rooibos Egg: In a word, dark would best describe this egg's hue. Dark red – like the color of old blood – with slashes of a lighter brown here and there, cover the slightly bumpy shell. Towards both ends of this large egg an even darker ebony hue seems to gather in swirls and eddies, as if touched by the wind. Just barely visibly, several of the swirls seem to form into small jointed figures, like birds seen flying at a distance. They pepper the shell in a lighter red hue, scattered mostly over the top third. Among them is a small, slightly diamond-shaped blotch with two lines coming from it – one straight and curling around the egg to disappear beneath the sand-line, the other shorter and kinked with small knots. On the side facing Trith’s couch, a few swirls that rather abstractly resemble a crown circle around pair of perpendicular slashes, seeming to rest on the horizontal bar. Right near the bottom, easily missed, is an eerie extension of the ebony hue that curls up in a jointed hook, seeming almost like a gallows. The egg leans only slightly to the side, towards the empty space of the rest of the Sands. An energy practically pours off of this egg – a playfulness that rather makes one unsure if they should grin…or flee.
Yellow Tea Egg: Of middling size, this egg seems to be almost a mix of the coloration of the Green Tea and White Tea Eggs – though nowhere near as vibrant. In fact, this rather drab egg would be easily overlooked if not for the sheer presence rolling off of it. A dull olive tone is frosted over by a patchy, lighter green, making it seem like pale moss had started to grow on the egg. These patches have a series of tiny raised bumps in them, adding to the effect. Several shapes appear half-hidden in those patches, the most discernable of which is a rounder blob with a loop on one side and extension on the other – like an odd kettle – near the top. Along the bottom of one side is a series of tall, almost-rectangular shapes, like the buildings of a city skyline. The foggy patches coalesce into several more shapes around the rest of the egg, the forms of various beasts prowling. The most prominent of the creature-shapes resembles a massive grabber with its front limbs tucked away, and for those savvy enough of old Earth-creatures they’d see the resemblance to a shark. Despite not being much to look at, this egg has a thick presence around it that practically demands that one pay attention, almost seeming to vibrate with the force of it. The direct center of its siblings, it has the added effect of drawing the eye to the clutch as a whole.
White Tea Egg: While this egg is on the smaller side of the spectrum, it certainly creates a presence for itself in its luster. A bright, polished silver in color, one could almost swear they saw reflections in its surface, though that isn’t actually possible. A very light green swirls over the surface in rollicking patterns, and upon inspection one can almost see the faint lines coalescing into a few figures when looked at on a certain angle. Outlines of an axe and a hammer ring the top of the egg, and a cart seems to float along a multitude of wavy lines. Another set of twists somewhat resembles a coiled tunnelsnake. Right near the base, just above the sand-line, there seems to almost be the tiny image of a runner, but with a strange protrusion from its forehead. The egg sits close to Trith, but near the tail-end of her couch, tilted toward her as if showing a broader face to the rest of the world. Nearing this egg, one feels a great warmth and acceptance, along with a strange, unfathomable curiosity.
