Ilare - Wednesday, January 10, 2001, 11:25 AM --------------------------------------------------------------------- Living Caverns The rough-hewn majesty of this cavern far outpaces any delight in the multitudes of curves that form its enclosure. The glabrous grey granite is shot through with translucent obsidian, lending subtly-veined sparkle to the walls and the foot-trodden smoothness of the floor that shows centuries-old placements of the scarred trestle tables; carven hollows give homes for the glow baskets and the coat-pegs that line the walls. No mosaics, no painting, no tiles: just a few well-done tapestries mark the pathway that lead to the kitchen to the north and the inner caverns to the west, and frame the nighthearth's stew and snacks, while a heavier strip of oiled canvas shields the unwary from the wind in the bowl. Scattered about in various perches and niches are twenty-three firelizards. === Ilare A bright smile filled with warmth shines out from creamy-tan skin, framed by red-gold curls that fall in waves to the middle of her back. Locks once always in total disarray, obscuring amber eyes light enough to be considered golden, have finally become tame and controllable. Tanned skin is clean with a row of freckles scattered across her nose and cheekbones, the final hints of childhood pudginess fading to the faintest hint. Not willowy, she'll never be that, but strongly built and sturdy, as agile on her feet as a dragon midair. Having reached 5'6, she gives the impression of being taller through sheer smiliness and an insatiable friendliness. Alert and cheerful, her eyes seem to sparkle more since her Impression of Chanticoth, glowing almost bright gold when they're together. Deep royal blue, crisp and bright, colours the silken fabric of Ilare's shirt. Darkest midnight buttons hold the practical fabric in place at the neckline, with long sleeves tapering to small wrists, ending in a cuff that keeps them safely out of the way when working with her life mate or allows them to be shoved up to her elbows when the work becomes messy. The hemline is tucked neatly into trousers made of sturdy strong wher-hide, hued to darkest black of a midnight starless sky. A belt of matching black is fastened 'round her waist, while knee high black boots, lined with soft down, fit her feet comfortably, barely noticeable as their black fades into the rest of the ensemble. Nestled in Ilare's hair like a crown is Kairo. Perched on Ilare's shoulder is Sethe. Curled snuggly about Ilare's neck is Jolinar. A double twisted cord, one strand the shade of royalty's blue and the other blackest midnight, have been braided as one and coiled into a single loop. A ribbon the color of butter brandy, chestnuts roasting on a fire and deepest, richest brown, is bright in contrast - the colour of her lifemate, Chanticoth. She is awake and looks alert. You notice Ilare looking at you. Ilare is 18 Turns, 9 months, and 8 days old. Kerina arrives from deeper in the Weyr. Kerina A slim young woman nearly six feet in height. Light brown eyes gaze out from under slightly arched brows that hint at some inner joke. Her hair is a brownish-bronze color that falls in curling ringlets to her shoulders. Only a cresent birthmark on her left lower arm marrs her body. Straight teeth smile brightly from pinkish-red lips, adding more to the aspect of a joyful person. Her legs attract the most attention of all. Muscular from walking, running, and climbing, show her desire to explore life. A tunic of forest green that seems to be a little big. Small holes along the seam and other worn spots adorn the tunic. Earth brown trousers hide the stains from falling onto the ground. On her feet, a pair of almost new black boots that reach up her calfs. Like most boots in colder climates, fluffs of fur can be seen jutting out of the tops. The only jewlry she wears is a silver necklace that was given to her on her sixteenth birthing day. A jacket of nondescript color lined with fur is carried with her to be doned in cold weather. A matching pair of gloves on her hands protect them from frostbite. She is awake and looks alert. Kerina is 16 Turns and 5 months old. === A slow moving figure moves through the cavern. By the gait of the walk, one can tell she just awoke. *BUMP* "Owww. Stupid table." is muttered. Looking around her for any other late night wanders like herself, she see someone. "Hello...Sorry if I disturbed you." The crackling fire place sends rich yellow-orange colours out into the cavern, the crackling pop of logs burning even at this late hour holding the attention of the brownling, until a loud "Ow!" attracts her attention. Amber orbs refocus and drift to look upon Kerina, and a hint of a smile appears. "Hello... and you haven't. No worries." A sip of juice is taken, and she looks back down at the hide in front of her. Can't sleep, so she might as well study. Walking closer the the brown weyrling, Kerina smiled warmly "Mind if I join you?" she asked. Noting the hide, she adds "If your not too busy?" Ilare glances up again, head shaking in reply. "No, I don't mind at all. Please," she gestures to any and all of the free seats about the table. "Just refreshing my memory of formations." she taps the hide, not bothering to explain further. Sitting back, she smiles vaguely. "I see I'm not the only nightwherry today?" Kinecha slowly wanders in from the Central Bowl. You notice Kinecha looking at you. Kerina laughs and sits in a seat close to the fire. "Don't you mean 'tonight'"she retorts. Rubbing the last of the sleep from her eyes, Kerina seems to perks up. "Who is you brown?" she asks politly. Kinecha Reaching a hight of almost 6 feet, this woman is taller than most. Her features are somewhat like those of a man, with hardened arm and leg muscels. Her blond hair, which is almost a stark white, has been cropped short and close to the scalp. Long brows arc over wide grayish green eyes with dark lashes. Her face and chin are angular and her nose is long and narrow with only a little bend at the middle, where it once was broken. On her right cheek is a 5-centimetre scar which runs just below her cheekbone. Her hands, with strong, long fingers, are callused and scarred. All in all, this woman is very masculine. Kinecha wears a thick-clothed darkblue shirt over a thinner sleeveless gray shirt. When outside she wears a heavy leather jacket, old and soft from many Turns of use. Covering her legs are black trousers, wellworn and in need of patching in several places. Her leatherboots reaching halfway up her calfs, are lined with soft fur. Necha's Pack hangs heavily from Kinecha's shoulder. Perched on Kinecha's shoulder is Erzulie. On her shoulder is a single loop, double corded knot in black and blue assigning her as a High Reaches Guard recruit. She is awake and looks alert. Carrying: Necha's Beltknife Erzulie Necha's Pack Kinecha is 20 Turns, 6 months, and 23 days old. Kinecha takes of her jacket as she comes into the cavern. Hanging it across a chairback as she passes it, she continues toward the hearth to get some klah. "Hello," she mumbles, recognizing only Ilare of the two already here. Ilare blinks at the question a moment, before remembering that there IS a very good reason she wears a brown rbbon in her knot.. "His name is Chanticoth," she smiles, eyes gleaming faintly golden as she thinks about her beloved lifemate. Blinking, she shakes of the spell - it'd be rude to wake her sleeping dragon or to ignore this girl - and Kinecha is waved to idly. "And I guess I should say night - but I tend to consider when I sleep night and when I'm awake day.2 Weyrling logic? Most probably. A smile streaks across her face, showing mirth and some understanding. "I guess its like having a baby. They have their days and night confused." Shaking her head at some memory, Kerina suddenly remembers the new arrival. "Hi." she says in the direction of the woman. "If you want, join us by the fire. It's a little warmer here aleast." Kinecha nods, with a smile on her face, "can't stay long though," she says pouring klah into a mug. "I'm just taking a short break from my watch... I'm Kinecha, by the way." Well, he's eight months old now. And bigger than some of the full grown greens! Hardly what one might call a baby.. but.. "Well, sort of. He tends to be ruled by his stomach, when he was little, that is. But since he's learned to fly.." A chuckle escapes Ilare, and she flicks her long locks over one shoulder. "It's hard to make him remember he needs rest." Kinecha is motioned over cheerfully with one hand as the other raises a glass of fruit juce to her lips. Feeling a little silly, Kerina nods her head. "I'm Kerina, sometimes called weyrbrat." Turning a little red, she explains "Only when I get caught at something. Then I have to peel tuber." Leaning back, putting her feet on the table, Kerina enjoys the warmth of the fire. Kinecha sits in a chair near the fire. It's good to get some warmth into the body after those long hours outside. "Nice to meet you, Kerina," she says looking the girl over. Looking a bit to old for a brat, though. Ilare gives a slight nod, amusement twinkling in her eyes. Kerina /does/ look a little old for a brat - probably exbrat such as herself. "Well, no worries. I was a weyrbrat once upon a turn. Back at Ista," and oh! how she misses Ista. Even if she does enjoy the snow.. "Well met." Is she forgetting something? Oh, yes! Silly brownling. "I'm Ilare." Kerina drops her feet to the ground, causing her chair to rock foward. Putting her arms on the table and bracing her chin on her hands, she asks of Kinecha "Where are you from... I've not seen you around before." Thinking back through all her pranks, Kerina does not remember pulling one on this person. Kinecha shrugs, her eye twinkling, "well, I've been here almost a Turn now... Before that I used to travelled all over Pern with my father." Etowaru walks in from the Central Bowl. Etowaru walks in, a ready smile on her face, which she flashes sincerely at the familar faces in the caverns. "Hey all!" Ilare smiles as she listens to the others talk, before she gives Etowaru a wave. "Hey you, long time no see!" Which is hardly surprising - weyrlinghood is BUSY. Sipping her juice, she folds her hide and places it to one side. Gotta keep it safe. Perking up, exitment twinkles in her eyes. "You got to go all over Pern? I've only been around High Reaches." Noting the arrival of Etowaru, Kerina waves and greets her. "Hello." turning back to Kinecha "As I said before I was a weyrbrat..." Etowaru nods to them as she walks over to a table for some orangefruit juice. "How've you been?" she grins at Ilare. "You're right, it /has/ been a long time... Mind if I join you?" Wink. Kinecha grins, "it's really not all that interesting, Kerina. I like it much better here." Ilare smiles, gesturing to the chair beside her. "How's life in the stables?" Can't be that much different from last they spoke, but *heh* it's a conversation topic. "When he's awake, I'll have to introduce you to Chanticoth." Beam. She's so in love with her dragon. *coughgaycough* Shuddup. Grining with Kinecha, Kerina points out "Everything is better here. No yellow snow." Laughing some, Kerina looks at the new arrival. "Anyone hungry or thirsty?" Etowaru shrugs. "The stables are great, as usual," she smiles without further elaboration. Don't think it's needed... "Chanticoth? Your dragon? Neat!" This time her tone is more enthusiastic, her dark eyes lighting up even more, if that's possible... To Kerina, she shakes her head. "I'm covered, thanks." Kinecha looks into her mug, still half-full, "no thanks, Kerina. But thanks for asking," she says, leaning back in her chair, relaxing before she has to go out again. Shaking her head, Ilare politely refuses the drink and food offer, before giggling a little. "Yup," she nods. Snagging her hide, she tucks it in a pocket, before gazing about. "When werylinghood's over, you might even get the chance to ride hime with me.." Her tone is teasing, with a wink added. She IS serious. Maybe. Etowaru laughs, taking a sip of her juice. "I /might/, huh?" she grins teasingly. "How big /is/ he, now? Must be a good size compared to hatching, that's for sure..." Well, that's for sure. "Bigger. He's about the same size as some of the full grown greens." *beam* And he's bigger than Akilth, too. Not that Ilare's dragon's clutchmate isn't a fine brown, mind. He's just not.. well Chanticoth. ANYwaaayy.. "And he won't finish growwing till he's about 18 or so month's old!" Ten months to go.. Oi.. Relaxing back into her chair, manners having been remembered. She listens to the conversations around her. Adding a bit of comentary, "I bet he will be the biggest brown of the clutch." Etowaru nods along, an amused smile on her lips. "Right," she manages to get in with a grin. "Who does Akilth look to, anyway?" So she forgot. She does that lotsa times... He might be.. He and Backstreeth are the same size, though, so it's not saying much really. "Akilth? He looks to Sraine." Ilare's fellow brownling. "All our dragons from Ysbryth's clutch are getting so big.." Even V'tor's Recounth. *shiver* Etowaru agrees with that. Another sip of juice, and another grin. "Who's the biggest, though? There must have been a bronze or two at least, right?" Umm, yeah, whatever. Ilare chuckles. "You missed the Hatching, huh?" There've been two, you know. Settling back, she winces, hoping none of the weyrlings who Impressed from Cadgwith's laying decide to play nightwherry and join them. A visit from Via is especially unwelcome.. "G'deon's Nylanth and R'ave's Soquilith are both growing well - and practically all of us have had the flight class. Formation flying is next.." That'll be.. fun. Yes. *cough* A soft pattering is heard as a little one comes into the room. Watching with wonder, the child walk up to her adn whispers to her. Nodding her head, Kerina speaks to the others. "Sorry, but I am needed to scare monsters out from under someone's bed." Rising out of her cosy position by the fire, Kerina takes the childs hand. By the looks of him, her is maybe three, possibly four. "Hope to see you all again." "Formation flying huh?" Toraha gives another wink... not much gets past this little tiger's eyes. Gulp of juice. "Bet you'll /really/ enjoy that," she chuckles, eyes dancing with mischief, the way only Etowaru's eyes can. Ilare gives a nod and a smile to Kerina, "Alright, see you later," she winks, before rolling her eyes at Etowaru. "Well.. It'll be an experience, to be sure." Just as explaining human pregnancy to Chanticoth was an.. experience. Etowaru nods slowly, snickering under her breath. "An experience huh? So tell me... what other... /experiences/... have you had, that you care to share with me, of course..." Grin. Kerina has disconnected. Kerina falls asleep. Kinecha finishes her klah in one gulp, then sets the mug aside. "Well, that's it for me," she says just loud enough so the others can hear her, "I have to get back to work." Etowaru nods, waving cheerily. "All right, I'll see ya around then," she grins at Kinecha. "Have fun..." Ilare raises her eyebrows and gives a snort. "I bet you'd like to know, huh." Kinecha is waved at too, and she nods. "See you later, mate." she calls, before turning back to Eto. "Well, where to begin? How about.. the Chanti-Dance?" Etowaru raises an eyebrow at Ilare. "The... Chanti-Dance?" she asks skeptically, her eyebrows furrowed as she leans forward interestedly. Kinecha waves as she heads for the exit, then puts her jacket on, and closing it up tight heads out into the cold. Kinecha exchanges the protection of stone for the bowl outside. The housekeeper arrives to cart Kerina off to bed. Ilare gives a nod. "The Chanti-Dance." Sounds ominous doesn't it? "My dragon.. likes dancing." Afraid yet? "And he started showing the other dragons how to dance, too." Fear! Etowaru's eyes widen, but she laughs heartily. "So we gotta whole weyr full of dancing dragons now, huh?" she chuckles, switching to brogue suddenly. "That do be cause fer worryin', that is sure." Ilare snickers at that, a row of dancing dragons chachacha-ing across her mind tickling her sense of humour. "Not all the weyr's dragons. Just the weyrling dragons. He was teaching Nylanth. And then the three of them - that's Chanti, Nylanth and G'deon ganged up on me anfd made me learn how to dance." Well, sort of. They didn't gang up on her, but they DID make her dance. And she doesn't HAVE to admit to having fun.. Chanticoth senses Alymath purrs huskily. << Wanna tango, big boy? >> to him. "Right. Now ye must be fer convincin' me that ye wasn't being fer enjoyin' yerself while dancin'," Etowa chuckles merrily, taking another gulp of orangefruit juice. Yum. Chanticoth thinks to you, << I bespoke Alymath with: Chanticoth didn't hear that. Because, you know, he's asleep. *snooze* to her. >> Chanticoth senses Alymath rolls her eyes. Typical males. to him. Ilare blinks, assimilating the words, before chuckling too. "It was.. different." Well, dancing about the bowl wasn't how she pictured learning to dance, but there you are. Chanticoth thinks to you, << I bespoke Alymath with: Chanticoth is only a bebe. Can't blame him for being tired after learning some more flying stuff.. to her. >> Chanticoth senses Alymath promises to learn the bebes all the right moves. In time. On graduation day. Mwaha. to him. Chanticoth thinks to you, << I bespoke Alymath with: Chanticoth wouldn't get that if he was awake. Because no one tells them anything. Except that they'll explain when 'They are Older'. But if he WERE awake, and he asked Ilare, she's probably fear graduation day. ;) to her. >> Chanticoth senses Alymath thinks << She should. She should. >> to him.