May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.  - Edward Abbey

*Rajanigandha! Raja! Rajani! We just adore you to little tiny bits, and were so happy you wanted to stay and play with us that we couldnt let you go!  So here is your Celvynath, who we love almost as much as we love you, and we hope you love her too!*

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Clutching message:

Another brief break is over, and Chayath settles herself into laying more eggs. First, reluctantly, comes a yellowish-bright egg, but the next egg - all white with bright patterns - appears in a rush that leaves the gold dragon turning towards her rider with a pained rumble. But this little batch isn't done - and Chayath crouches again: the result is luridly, vividly, revoltingly bright green.

Don't Wanna Grow Up Egg:

A shade more yellow than 'normal' would dictate, this tawny egg is covered in uneven blotches of light brown. Each brown splotch is rimmed with black, outlined clearly. Towards the bottom of this ovoid, the pattern fades to a creamy white. For all of it's nondescription, there -is- one rather lopsided mark: a bright red star, settled smack in the middle of one side, further marrs the otherwise pretty pattern. It almost looks to be a backwards-facing 'R'. From the diminutive size, it sure doesn't seem to want to grow up at all.

Hatching Message:

Don't Wanna Grow Up Egg gives a final heave and succumbs to the inevitability of life as a series of small fractures appear gradually along the yellow and brown surface.  Each crack widens ever-so-slowly until the shell simply falls away to reveal the willowy woodland creature within.

A Road Diverged Green Dragonet:

Curls of pale mint wind their way across this dragon's willowy frame, delineating her slight limbs with a delicate filigree that rambles down her tapered tail.  Ivy climbs the trellis of her elegant wings, with darker smudges shading spars and sails in sylvan green, while sprigs of sage tickle her svelte spine and haunches.  Woodsy greens fade into earthy browns as they reach her curved belly, hiding rich tones of autumn gold among the chestnut of fallen leaves.  Those dainty facial features are outlined exquisitely with lines of spearmint, continuing back to softly tip every headknob and neckridge. From forests' shadows to spring's newest green, this dragon runs the spectrum, with nature's beauty imprinted upon a canvas and brought to life.

Public Impression Pose:

A Road Diverged Green Dragonet has reached the end of the line, and hasn't shown any amazing interest in any of the candidates. So she turns, and starts back down the line again. Still slow and steady, she seems to be examining each candidate with great detail. She looks a little conflicted, swerving her head to peer over at mama and offers a pitiful chirp. She can't choose! And then. Then she sees her. The Right Choice. And she was here all along! She barrels past Axle, and plants her muzzle in Rajanigandha's stomach. Hi.

Private Impression Message:

Sudden. That's the word: with a startling abruptness, the noise of the Caverns is drowned out by total silence. Half a heartbeat, and you're enveloped by a sudden burst of exotic sounds, foreign feelings. A gentle trickle of a freshwater stream cools the back of your mind, while the chirrups of unnamed birds echo throughout your consciousness. Soft solar heat seeps into your heart and warms your very soul. And above it, the wind-blown rustle of a soft whisper: << Rajani. Celvynath. >>

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Theme inspiration:

The Road Not Taken

Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Desc Inspiration:

Celvynath's description is based on common ivy; the kind that takes over buildings and grows at a freakishly fast rate. Ivy leaves are dark-green colored, with those pretty mint stripes along the edges, which is where Celvynath got her coloring. Her build is based on ivy as well.  Ivy is a vine, so Celvynath is willowy, with long limbs and graceful lines.

All the other bits of Celvynaths desc came from forest elements. Moss, honeysuckle, holly berries. Shes a dragon that just wandered down a mountain and into our hearts.

Physicalities:

Do not be deceived by the delicacy of her form nor the willowy look of her limbs- there is something ultimately stable and immoveable about Celvynath. Her sense of self is perceptible in the quietly assertive and confident way she carries herself. Each of her footsteps is firm and well-planted, each wingstroke efficient and powerful. In the face of any obstacles she may face- steep hills, rocky slopes, rough winds, unpredictable drafts- she holds her ground. Her strength is a distinctly feminine one, full of grace and subtlety. Though unwavering, she is extremely flexible. Like ivy, she can bend her lithe body into whatever position she finds necessary. Her tail is especially prehensile- she twines it curiously around random objects as a habit when she is nervous, contemplative, or otherwise distracted.

As far as coloring goes, Celvynath will be a darker green, with shades of lighter mint highlighting 'ridges and 'knobs. An autumnal array of earthy browns and reds will add variety to her hue in the area of her chest and belly. What you will have to look out for,  Raja, are the darker mossy-colored smudges along and near her wings- these will require more oiling than the rest, a fact that the self-aware Celvynath will be sure to point out during the dry season. As a whole, however, she will have a healthy and notably lustrous hide, one that requires far less maintenance than most her age in Celvynath's youth, one which will continue to shine just as brightly far into the later years of your partnership.

Name / Name inspiration:

Celvynath comes from two root woods. Celare which means to hide, and the obvious ivy.  We also liked that the first half sounds like sylvan, which is wooded or forested.  The deciding factor, though, was that it started with Cel, which we knew you liked.  We pronounce it Sell-vin-ath, but you can pronounce it any way you wish. So, while it isnt Selenath which you asked for (sadly taken), we hope you like it! 

Personality:

Belief? What do I believe in? I believe in sun. In rock. In the dogma of the sun and the doctrine of the rock. I believe in blood, fire, woman, rivers, eagles, storm, drums, flutes, banjos, and broom-tailed horses...
-- Edward Abbey

Like the traveler at the beginning of the poem, Celvynath is indecisive; she cant pick just /one/ road, when they both look so lovely! The poor dear would likely have sat at the fork in the road forever if you, her darling trailblazer, had not come along and led her down the less-trodden path. You, Rajani, are Celvynaths guide. You pick a way, and off youll go, paw in hand, skipping merrily along the lesser-walked path while Celvynath quietly points out the little clump of pretty aconite flowers by the side of the path, but dont touch them love theyre poisonous.

Celvynath is full of information like that, in fact, and no matter how you pry youll never be able to figure out where it comes from.

Celvynath, how in Faranths name did you know that meadowsweet has both blue and white flowers?

<< Well they do. >>

Yes but how did you /know/?

<< Because they do. >>

Infuriating, perhaps, but also quite handy when Celvynath drags you out for one of your many hikes.  On these hikes, though, Celvynath will defer to you for direction. You are her guide. This is a reflection of your relationship as a whole. For all she knows about plants, animals and nature, Celvynath is slightly lost in this big wide world of Pern, and she has chosen you to be her park ranger. You find her, and help her find her way in turn. Shell come to you whenever she needs to make a major decision, and dislikes being far from you for extended periods of time.  Her favorite part of the day is the time she spends one on one with you, either curled up in your weyr or out exploring the jungles of Southern.

There is nothing like walking to get the feel of a country.  A fine landscape is like a piece of music; it must be taken at the right tempo.  Even a bicycle goes too fast.  -Paul Scott Mowrer

While on the topic of hikes, most dragons dislike walking, preferring to fly, and some refuse to walk anywhere at all. Celvynath, though, oh she loves to walk. You cant experience the beauty of a mountain path from the air, you see, you have to /be/ there, on the ground, taking your time. Its not just in the woods, though, that she likes to walk. Shell likely encourage you to walk just about everywhere.

<< Rajani, dear, the volcanic pools arent very far, lets just walk there, >> shell insist.

And unlike most dragons, she doesnt even look particularly odd while walking. Instead of the shuffling-waddle many dragons have, Celvynaths long limbs enable her to glide along as easily on the ground as in the air.

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. - John Muir

Even when she flies, Celvynath will do it slowly and with grace. Shes not one to rush /anything/, for any reason. Even during Threadfall, while Esryth is bounding from one clump to another with what seems like unending energy, Celvynath will be plodding along slow and steady. This will make her particularly good at spotting the smaller clumps that everyone else seems to have missed, falling through the cracks. Shell see them, and gracefully swoop down to flame them away before they reach the Gold Wing. She may in fact end up with admirers from within Esprit, because while the busier chromatics may not notice her efforts, the golds and their riders will be appreciative.

He who seldom speaks, and with one calm well-timed word can strike dumb the loquacious, is a genius or a hero. -- Lavater.

Like with taking her time in everything, Celvynath doesnt like to rush when she speaks. There will be many thoughtful pauses while she turns over just what to say and finds the right turn of phrase. This leads to a very diplomatic ability on her part, to sooth quarrels between clutchmates, or the wounded pride of a blue shes friends with when he loses a flight.  Thus, Celvynaths not very chatty, like Maiioth is, but only speaks when she feels she will improve the silence. Likewise, she may frequently encourage you to talk less and listen more.

<< Shh, Rajani, >> she tell you while youre talking happily to her on one of your many hikes. << We dont need to talk, just listen. The birds are talking for us. >>

A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he gets to know something.

-- Wilson Mizner

She picks up a lot of gossip this way, by listening. She doesnt eavesdrop, per say, just listens to everything around her; and some dragons talk really loud. While she doesnt condemn gossip, its uncommon that shell participate or share this information, considering her views on talking in general. But if youre ever to need specific information on something, ask her direct question and shell likely be a fountain of information on the topic.

Celvynath will frequently complain to you that so many dragons in the Weyr talk too much.  Its likely that, while shell certainly have some female friends, shell find more in common with some of the laid back males of the Weyr. She doesnt have anything against the other greens, exactly, but she just seems to find more to talk about - or not talk about, as the case may be - with the blues, browns and bronzes. << There are a lot of silly greens, >> she may confide to you once in a while. << All they do is gossip. >> Though, when she does find a green who she finds agreeable, shell delight in the relationship and quickly become quite attached. 

To see a World in a grain of sand, and Heaven in a wild flower, hold Infinity in the palm of your hand, and Eternity in an hour.

--William Blake

Like Ayla from Clan of the Cave Bear, Celvynaths something of a dabbler in healing.  Her diplomatic skills will eventually become known around the Weyr, and heartsick blues or greens in a fight with their lifemate will start to quietly show up on your ledge for a quick chat.  Celvynath will be quite good at helping these dragons, and will quickly send them on their way feeling much better. You may in fact, from time to time, find little gifts of pretty shells or a choice bit of wherryflesh awaiting you on your ledge when you return from sweeps, a thoughtful thank you for Celvynaths trouble.

Celvynath will likewise be able to guide you in helping your friends in turn. Shell be in the back of your mind as you talk with them, providing you with whatever phrase or bit of advice turns out to be just the right thing to say. While youll never be quite as good at is as your darling lifemate, the simple ability to listen well and say the right thing will give you a reputation of your own for being quite helpful.

Celvynaths interest in healing extends beyond mental well-being, however. Her woodsy interests and freakish knowledge of flora and fauna will lead to her having a decent grasp on herbal remedies. Like Wyn, Celvynath will instruct you to prescribe people with willowsalic for colds and headaches, or chamomile for a stressed out friend. And again, when you wonder where this information came from, Celvynath will be elusive.

How do you remember all of this? Where did you /learn/ it?

<<I just remember because thats what it does,>> shell explain time and time again, logically but infuriatingly. 

This pre-disposition will give Celvynath an understandable interest in the Dragonhealers, and will occasionally stick her snout in on a lesson, if only out of curiosity. Should Rajani choose to pursue this course herself, Celvynath will be overjoyed and will take to it like a duck to water, learning everything even more quickly than you. However, if Rajani doesnt, Celvynath will be just as content to run her personal advice clinic out of your weyr.

The best things in life are nearest: Breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you. Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life's plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life. --Robert Louis Stevenson

Taking from Ayla again, Celvynath is very sensitive to body language, which makes it quite hard for you especially to lie to her. Shell notice the slump of your shoulders, or the fakeness of your smile, or the little twich you get when you lie that only /she/ would ever notice.

<< Are you feeling alright, dear? >>

Yes, Im fine.

<< No you arent. Youre walking slower than normal. Plus, your lip did that little quiver you get when youre lying to me. Now come, well discuss it and make it better. >>

And then you will. You may slowly learn over time that its useless to lie to her, or perhaps youll simply keep up the back in forth until youre both ancient and wrinkly.

<< Are you feeling alright? >>

Yes you nosey beast.

<< Youre lying again, and you know I know it. Come talk. >>

The back and forth youre so used to may grow to be comforting in and of itself.  Celvynath will also note other peoples - or dragons! - body language as well. Shell quietly note this to you, if she feels it will be of use, or just keep it to herself if she doesnt.

<< Hes lying to you, >> shell whisper as you confront a possible thief from the lower caverns.

Or << Be nice, love, I think hes quite upset, >> while you talk to a wingmate about their poor performance during drills.

Rough standing stones

A stream meandering

Delight without end.

-Muso Soseki

Returning to Celvynaths mountain forest basis, she delights in bringing home little mementos from your trips together. Flowers, interestingly shaped sticks, pretty colored leaves, and especially, rocks. She loves rocks. There isnt a day that goes by that she wont drag you out to a rock she likes and instruct you to bring it back to the weyr for her.  Sometimes shell manage to bring them back herself, which is a constant mystery to you.

Celvynath, how in the world do you bring these back with only your claws?

<< Did you see how this one has a little sparkle in it when you hold it in the sun? And /this/ on has a /purple/ streak through it! >>

"Rocks pray too," said Grandad.  "Pebbles and boulders
and old weathered hills.  They are still and silent, and
those are two important ways to pray."
-  Douglas Wood

Youd better choose a big weyr when you finally move out of the Weyrling barracks, because Celvynath will need a big couch. This is because a good quarter of it, one whole corner, is taken up by her rock pile. Shes like a mythical dragon with her hoard of treasure when it comes to this pile, and she guards it carefully. You, of course, are allowed to look, but you should always ask first. Anyone else, though, needs an invitation. Shell pour over her rock collection when shes bored, cleaning them, sorting them, discarding ones shes lost interest in. In fact, youll occasionally wake up in the middle of the night with a soft murmuring in the back of your head, which youll discover to be her muttering to herself as she works on her rocks.

Mindvoice:

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.
--John Muir

Usually Celvynath will speak to you in the cool draft of a whisper, her mellow, feminine voice whistling with the rustle of windblown leaves to breathe her thoughts into the nape of your neck. Her quietude in speech belies the intense depth of her; surging currents of thought are concealed beneath vowels rollicking streamlike over rocky consonants. When being serious, her speech will pause often, and her words will ring hollow-- as if resounding off the walls of mountain caves to echo in the sonorous valleys of your shared consciousness. She doesn't need grand and wordy speeches or inspirational sermons- one tenderly pronounced word will banish the darkness from your mind and warm your soul, like sunshine melting clean snow off a faraway peak

Of course, her voice will be accompanied by her scent, a distinct mixture of Mother Nature's most charming, if primitive, joys. Celvynath will always possess the delicately spicy aroma of herbs and wildflowers, the heady smell of moss, the rich tang of wet soil. Additionally, there will be a smoky, woody flavor to her: the smell of charcoal or of fires long put out.

Flights:

When it comes to males and mating flights, Celvynath is a subtle and unconscious seductress.  Shes conscious of her femininity, but doesnt recognize that shes quite attractive, and her soft and soothing ways draw males to her.  The fact that her charms are unconscious is all the more attractive to males, who enjoy her naive and modest qualities.  When she does find a male she likes that way, however, she does know how to use her assets to her best ability to demonstrate this fact. This is all the more obvious during proddiness and mating flights. While proddy she is hyper-sensitive to her own sexuality, and that of any males in the area. Her ability to read body language comes into play here, and she generally knows which males would be a waste of her time, and does her best to focus her attentions on those who are captivated by her charms.

Flights themselves she approaches as she approaches everything in life; with great attention to everything.  Blooding takes time, but then the flight itself might go rather quickly. Since shes not a speedy dragon, she may be quickly caught, but all of her movements will be very deliberate, and each decision will be carefully thought out, and frequently her planning will result with her twining tails with the dragon of her choice. For you, on the receiving end of all of Celvynaths emotions, it might seem to last an eternity as a result of all this consideration, when it in fact only takes a candlemark.

After the flight, Celvynath is unlikely to stay attached to the flight-winner. In fact, shes not likely to ever find a mate of her own, partly due to her devotion to you. She has you, and you are her partner, her soulmate, her other half, and of course her guide. It doesnt leave a lot of room for serious romantic pairings. So while she may find a brown to be flirty with from time to time, or spend a week in the wings of an attractive blue, shell never weyrmate - even if you do. She may prefer the dragon of your weyrmate to others, but you will still be her one and only when it really comes down to it.