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"They called us down here, in the rain, for nothing," one of the other girls commented dryly as the candidates shifted uneasily on the Sands. The eggs were barely rocking and even the cranky Ela was beginning to voice her doubts that the eggs would really Hatch today.
Finally, the first egg cracked, spilling a large black out into the world. But Salael paid it no attention, she was watching only the gold egg that lay a little bit apart from the others.
For Salael, the hatching was a blur, though it seemed to drag on forever. Finally, there only remained two eggs unhatched: a large, bronze-sized egg and the queen egg. The two shattered at the exact same moment. The bronze, however, was cheated of whatever entrance he had been planning by the gold.
She was a prim-looking young gold, good sized and sharp eyed as she took in and, evidently, found fault with her surroundings. Salael sent feelings of love and welcoming the little queen's way, her heart beating so fast and hard it felt like the wings of a trapped dragon beating on her ribcage.
The other three Queen Candidates were equally strained, but the gold enjoyed the attention she commanded as she gazed at each girl presented to her. Finally, with an air of dignity about her Salael recognized from Holder's wives, strutted forward.
Salael felt as though she were in a dream. She watched the gold coming towards her, but couldn't believe it was truly happening. And yet there was the gold, taking sure steps in her direction without another glance for the other three.
Oh stop acting so awed, Mnaeth scolded gently. There was no other choice, rider mine.
Salael knelt to meet her dragon and reached out to scratch a glittering eyeridge. You can't blame a girl for worrying a bit.
Mnaeth considered this for a moment. I did put on quite the show, didn't I?
The best, Salael agreed.
Mnaeth puffed out her chest proudly. Only the best for Mnaeth. But aren't you forgetting something?
Salael stopped scratching. What?
You forgot to tell the Weyr the name of the most beautiful queen ever Hatched on Pern, Mnaeth scoffed.
Salael reluctantly broke her gaze from her queen and turned it to the watching crowd. "Her name is Mnaeth!" she announced triumphantly.
I think the whole world knows it now, Salael, Mnaeth chuckled lightly and nuzzled her rider's hand.
As they should, my dear.
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