Description

As the slopes of darkly forested hills seem almost black in shadow, yet give way to grassy clearings touched by the sun, so the deep pine-green outlines of this hatchling's form yield to a paler tint on her flanks and broad shoulders. With sand and shell-fragments clinging to her moist hide, she seems a creature of earth rather than air, with a series of low peaks extending along the length of her spine, higher and more rugged on her neck, then smoothing along her back and gently winding tail. Headknobs rise tall and fir-like above a wide forehead and the bony outcrops of her eye-ridges, while her muzzle is square. Sturdy wing-bones and strong muscles power verdant wingsails that seem to hold a hint of blue spruce or reflected sky when the light shines through. Talons are earth-brown, strong enough to root her to the ground and sharp enough to rend her prey.

Personality

 Beryth chose you, Raliah, because she saw your potential and your capacity for work, and because she could still see something of the child in you. She'll repay your care with a steadfast devotion. In your relationship, she'll switch between mothering you and being childlike herself, but she'll always be your best friend. 

Even as a hatchling, she'll be calmer than most, though like all weyrlings she'll pick up on your moods and may over-react to them. As an adult, she'll be unflappable and patient, and will only panic in two situations: if you do, or if you are hurt or ill. At other times, she will maintain her calm to the point of being infuriating, if you're looking for a reaction. She knows what she thinks is right, and once her mind is made up, she's as immovable as bedrock. Unfortunately, her version of reality doesn't always match yours - or that of your Weyrlingmaster or Wingleader. This may cause you difficulties during training, though she'll show no reluctance to work or to learn. 

If she disagrees with you, she'll say so, and try to win you to her point of view. She believes in hard work, and you'll hear plenty of reasons why you should squash any tendency to laziness, but she also believes in adequate rest: in her view, late nights and late rising are both to be avoided. She'll want you to turn in early and get up early to get on with the job. 

It's not all work, though. She's got a good sense of humour, and can spot ridiculous behaviour in humans or dragons at a hundred paces. A rider who gets unintentionally soaked with his clothes on, or a fellow-weyrling covered in mud, will have her rumbling with amusement. .She's quick to detect discrepancies between what others say and what they do, and if that other is a dragon, she'll tease them about it; if it's a human, she'll just tell you. She enjoys gently sniping at her clutchmate Kayvoth, whom she considers an amiable layabout, but she's quite good-natured about it. 

She believes in having fun - but her idea of fun involves good views of attractive landscapes, lying on the beach, swimming - she likes the water - and above all, flying. Her idea of what you should find fun includes all of those, but she'll allow you to enjoy yourself in any way she finds appropriate: you may find her seeming rather parent-like about what is and isn't a good way for you to spend your time.

For all she may appear heavy, she's a powerhouse in the air: once she reaches her full growth she'll have more stamina than most greens and the ability to fly farther and higher than most of her colour. She loves flying over wide open spaces, and you may find yourself encouraged to spend time in the South. Once Thread returns, she won't ever fully understand why greens can't fly a full Threadfall and will protest at being sent back to the Weyr when you're relieved. Even though she'll acknowledge when she's weary enough to need to rest, the next 'Fall, you'll probably have the same argument over again.

She'll hate Thread with a vengeance, from the first moment she's aware of its existence. It's about the only thing she does consistently hate, though anyone who threatens or opposes you won't be far behind for as long as the conflict lasts. She's calculating in her dislikes, though: she can scheme with the best, and wait for opportunity - unless she forgets first! She'll want to improve her skills, the better to fight 'Fall, and that means she wants you to practise, practise, practise - whether you want to or not.

When it comes to mating flights, what she wants to do is fly! And fly. And fly! Forget aerobatics or fancy manoeuvres: until the males close on her, her instincts will tell her to go high and far. After the flight, she'll tend to stay with her partners for a few days, and though she can't clutch, she'll show a nesting urge: she'll be particularly affectionate towards you as a substitute child - it may even get a little cloying - and she'll like to see any young dragons who are in the Weyr at this time. 

Most of the time, though, it's you she wants. Don't be fooled by her motherly attitude: you are the one who has to be in charge, and you are the one who knows best. She can and does make mistakes, and even an adult dragon is always going to be dependent on you for guidance - whether she realises it or not. But you're her reason for being, and she'll never willingly let you down.

Impression Messages

The Rugged Forest Green Hatchling is still searching. She stares at one boy for a long moment, and he takes a step towards her before she gives a creel of despair and moves on. Another lad is passed with a sideswipe from razor-sharp talons that, fortunately, fail to damage more than his robe - though he may be a little embarrassed at having the front of his garment ripped from waist to hem. The green's protests become louder as she plods onward. Finally, she stops, muzzle pointing skywards as if listening to some silent call. She turns, and now her path is straight and her direction clear, though her target is right across the Sands. Warbling with joy, she walks steadily towards the one she's chosen - and stops at the feet of a candidate with thick dark hair. A distinctly female candidate. 

 Can the breezes whisper in your mind? Can the cool of a dark forest touch your skin from head to foot, even on burning Sands? Can the fragrance of sun-warmed mountain pine seep tinge the winter air with aromatic freshness? Impossible sensations, yet there they are - you hear them, feel them, smell them. And then, she is there. A presence, wrapped in peace, that seeps into your mind, spreading calm where there was tension, certainty where there was apprehension, acceptance - everywhere. << I am Beryth. And you are mine, Raliah. We are together now. Always. >> There's a moment of stillness, then the calm is shattered by a sudden, urgent, aching need. << But I'm hungry! >>