2/18/2003
01:48
AM
Logfile
from Briny.
Main
Beach - Monaco Weyr(#1298RFJMa$)
This long black sand beach extends as far
as the eye can see in the west, but is broken to the east by the mouth of
Monaco River. The sand sprawls in different formations; flat here near the Weyr
buildings, with a slight fordune and then a broken basalt flat leading back up
to the buildings. Wavy, rolling dunes rise across the river farther east.
Occasional gusts of wind laden with sharp salt and mustier river scents riffle
lighter sand over the flat beach, and from the quay at the western bank of the
rivermouth comes the faint ring of clapper against bell.
Contents:
Tristan
V'mar
Bella(#2726PJOXce$)
K'tell
El'ric
Heridyn
K'dir
Lya(#2842PJce)
Ashelyn
Aristan
T'nar(#3145PJXcesw)
L'in(#1457PJXc$)
G'briel
Osasune
S'vilen
Yvexa
C'val
Talian
T'ren(#2922PAJXce$)
Arlyn
J'van
Eliwys
Lyriana(#3409PJc)
Food
Table
Obvious
exits:
OCean Quay
River Western Landing Field Terrace
J'van
then continues, this time speaking directly to the Weyrlings. "Each one of
you has fulfilled our expectations of you and, in doing so, have earned the
right to pass from this phase of your lives into the next. We welcome each of
you and your lifemates as you join the ranks of Monaco Weyr as full-fledged
riders, who give their lives in service to the people of Pern." He pauses
again, letting his words sink in.
K'tell
nods as he listens to the speach, he does glance over his shoulder 'very'
quick-like before looking ahead again.
J'van
finishes up the speech without ado, a smile for the weyrlings, although there
is still that hint of solemnity in his expression. "Know that with the
loss of your weyrling knot and the reception of your new one, you show yourself
willing to accept the responsibility that the past few Turns have prepared you
for. It is an honor to achieve the rank of rider, and we expect that each of
you will prove yourself worthy of your new position and your new wings."
He smiles. "And now, let's begin the ceremony. First, El'ric has some
items for you." He steps back, indicating with a hand for the
weyrlingmaster to come forth.
T'nar
listens and watches the ceremony closely, nodding at the grim implications to
J'van's words. Now is a time for respect. /Later/ is the time for fun.
T'ren
listens in silence along with the children. There are a few quiet whispers to
T'ren from Tristevan and a couple whispered answers back.
Arlyn
realizing the singing part is over, returns to his normal self. Again not wanting
to be here...but indeed he is so he must make the best of it, with a slight
scowl on his face.
K'dir
says softly to Heridyn, "They always give gifts! It's better than a
Turnday!"
Aristan
listens to J'van speak to the weyrlings, his soft brown eyes travelling over
each one of them thoughtfully. He looks to Ashelyn, and yes, even Lya, before
returning his attention to the weyrlings, curious as to El'ric's gifts.
K'dir
quickly slaps G'briel's chest with the back of his hand.
El'ric
nods an acknowledgement to J'van and turns to face the Weyrlings, clearing his
throat he calls out in a strong voice. "To help you on your way from
weyrlinghood, your weyrlingmaster staff have prepared some gifts for you."
He moves to one side of the platform and picks up a basket, checking the name
on it he calls out. "Weyrling K'tell rider of green Avath, please step
forward."
V'mar
licks his dry lips nervously and shuffles his feet back and forth. His silent
attention flickers from J'van to El'ric and remains there.
G'briel
just grins, trying to catch K'dir's hand as it hits him, a smug look on his
face as he continues to pay most of his attention to the ceremony.
K'tell
gulps lightly and steps forward as he his called.
Heridyn
looks at K'dir with a grin. "Really? Heh, lucky.." he trials off as
K'tell moves forward.
Lyriana
smiles at K'tell as he approaches and watches him almost..proudly.
Bella
listens to the speech and shifts a bit nervously. She gives K'tell and
encouraging wink as his name his called and chuckles at his nervousness, hoping
her own's is not that apparant.
T'nar
grins as K'tell steps forward, and quickly peers over at G'briel.
Osasune
listens and watches attentively. Almost. That bug's still zipping about. She
doesn't swat it, only clasping her hands tighter. It lands on the back of the
man in front of her's head and her eyes narrow.
Briny
was truly here this entire time. Honest, she was. But, the girl stands and
fidgets, fingers tugging at her shirt before coming up to coil one finger about
a bit of hair. She smiles after J'van, and then perks at the mention of
presents. She turns her head to watch after K'tell.
Eliwys
grins as K'tell becomes the first to get called up by El'ric. She watches his
approach with some curiousity.
Aristan
lifts from his seat just a bit as K'tell walks to the Weyrlingmaster, to accept
his gift. A grin soon plays on the teen's lips as he watches the graduating
weyrling with pride and elation.
J'van
stands next to Eliwys, awaiting the delivery of the weyrling baskets - or are
those rider baskets? Curiosity is in his expression as he watches, standing
close to the weyrwoman. He'd put his arm around her, but she'd likely slap him.
Heridyn
eyes the two men sitting next to him for a moment, then looks back forward to
grin at K'tell.
El'ric
holds out the basket to K'tell, "Here you go K'tell I hope the gifts fair
you well." he says quietly handing the basket over, "return to your
position please." before turning and picking up the next basket. He calls
out a few more names and hands out baskets before getting to and calling out,
"Weyrling Bella, rider of green Lyranth."
K'tell
nods as he gingerly takes the basket, beaming at El'ric..then moves back to his
position.
K'dir
says "There!" pointing to Bella as he talks to Heridyn. "She's
Tristevan and Orella's mother. She's very nice."
V'mar
leans over to see if he can see what's in the basket for K'tel but he's soon
grinning at Bella, sneaking a moment to rub his shoulder, itching there gingerly.
T'nar
grins at the departing greenrider, his eyes moving now to Bella, as his grin
continues. There are advantages to being tall, in a crowd.
Heridyn
blinks, and glances at K'dir "Is she? I hope to be able to meet her
then!"
Aristan
drops back down to his seat only to lift up again as the Monacoan
Weyrlingmaster calls out Bella's name. And yet again, a grin blooms and Aristan
watches the graduating weyrling accept her own basket.
Bella
watches as K'tell comes back and she stretches her neck to try and see what's
in his basket. She hears her name and then takes a deep breath before stepping
forward. She stands tall in front of the weyrleaders and takes a calming
breath.
T'ren
stands up and doesn't hold back. He appluads loudly for Bella as does Orella
and Tristevan. T'ren has a very proud smile on his face for Bella. "Yah
Mama!" Tristevan shouts out and T'ren doesn't even think to shush him.
K'dir
chuckles as he watches T'ren and Bella's children, applauding himself.
K'tell
flashes T'nar a quick grin from his spot, then watches as Bella steps forward.
El'ric
hands the basket over to Bella with a smile, "Here you go Bella, you'll
enjoy it's contents." He motions for her to rejoin the group as he reaches
for the next basket, calling out clearly, "Weyrling Briny, rider of blue
Belynth."
T'ren
sits back down and gets Tristevan and Orella to sit back down to watch the rest
of the ceremony.
Eliwys
lowers her voice, though some may still hear, "What's in those baskets? Do
you know?" she asks of J'van.
Heridyn
nods while listening to K'dir speek and watches with a grin on his face.
"She must be a very nice person then, I'm glad I came to see K'tell so I
could have a chance to hear about and maybe meet her. K'tell is my brother..have
I told you that yet?"
K'tell
grins as he watches Briny get called up next.
Osasune
finally gives in and waves her hand at the bug on the man's neck. It flies off,
but the man turns about in his seat to give Osa a funny look. She smiles a big,
big smile until he turns around again. Then she slumps back in her seat and
tries to direct her attention to what's going on up front.
Briny
nearly startles as her name is spoken. With something of a blush, the girl
pushes back her hair to come forward and meet El'ric. A broad smile is offered
up to him as first she looks up to meet his eyes, and then at these baskets.
K'dir
's eyes go wide. "No, I didn't know you had a brother who was a rider. So
mine isn't the only family with multiple riders!" he smiles at Heridyn.
"Congratulations to you and your family, then."
T'nar
nods approvingly at Briny, watching as she accepts her basket.
Bella
takes her basket and nods as she moves out of the way. She can't resist peeking
intot he basket before she even resumes her place back in the weyrling line. A
grins spreads across her face and she peeks back to El'ric with a chuckle. She
hears cheering and glances over to T'ren and the littles with a grin.
Heridyn
laughs at K'dir's words "My family only has 'one' rider so far, but
thanks! You have more than one rider in your family?" he glances at
G'briel for a moment, then back at K'dir.
K'dir
says softly, "Gad...half my cousins are riders."
V'mar
grins from one ear to the other as Briny comes back with her basket And he
rocks back and forth on his feet a little.
L'in
wobbles to the side, trying to see over the heads in front of him. Finally, he
gives up, excusing himself from his seat to stand near the back. "Much
better." he whispers to himself as he applauds as each weyrling receives a
basket.
El'ric,
still smiling passes the basket over to Briny "Briny, something to help
give a bit of colour to that cottage of yours." He quickly moves to pick
up the next basket and after several more weyrlings are called for and
presented with their baskets, he gets onto "Weyrling V'mar, rider of brown
Idranth."
Briny
flashes El'ric another broad grin as the basket is given and the girl is
hurrying back to join the others so she can peek into it.
This
basket is rather large and woven in shades of black, silvery grey and blue.
Inside it is lined with a white and blue checked cloth, and has been filled
with several rather plain looking sticks, a piece of hide with instructions on
how to plant the sticks, a small potted aloe plant, a small, well-stitched
pillow that smells sweetly of herbs and a fully packed box of dried herbal
teas.
T'nar
hopes to manage to catch V'mar's eye as the man steps up to accept his own
basket - See! The brownie's wearing those great thread your father made for
him!
Heridyn
gives K'dir a wide-eyed look before turnning to watch the gift-giving.
V'mar
pushes forward with light steps and strides forward to stand before El'ric. But
not before giving Briny a wink as he turns his head just so.
El'ric
passes over the basket to the brownrider, "There's something in there to
help with that shoulder of yours V'mar." He smiles again before turning to
grab yet more baskets. He goes through more weyrlings until finally the last
one heads back to join the assembled wing of weyrlings.
Bella
smiles at the other weyrlings as they are called up to get their baskets. She
still remains quiet and settles the basket on the sand by her feet.
V'mar
flashes a quick grin at El'ric, 'More numbweed?" He asks in a soft voice
and then turns and strides back to his place, holding his basket possesively
until he can see what it holds.
L'in
passes a few riders chatting in the back, excusing himself once again as he
works his way to the field. Seems his lifemate needs tending to, judging from
the look in his eyes and the way his lips are silently moving.
L'in
walks off southwards to the green expanse of the western landing field, passing
through the basalt flats.
Stepping
forward to stand in front of the weyrlings, El'ric coughs a little, calling for
silence before he speaks again in a loud voice. "Well weyrlings, you've
come a long way since I first helped escort some of you off of the hatching
sands, for some it will have been easier than others but in the end you've all
made it this far, it's been a pleasure seeing you through weyrlinghood, but for
now it is time for this bit to come to an end." He pauses to let the words
sink in before continuing, "It is time for me to pass you over to the care
of the Weyr as full riders." With that he salutes to the weyrlings.
"Weyrlings of Sunrise wing you are dismissed." He turns sharply to
the platform and salutes to Eliwys and J'van, "They're all yours."
C'val
waits patiently. "Gifts," He muses quietly, "That's a new one on
me. Maybe next cycle they'll have the Weyrlings sing a song to the
harpers." With that he chuckles to himself at the thought of a dozen tone
deaf weyrlings singing to the pain of harpers being forced to listen.
Osasune
cheerfully applauds as the Weyrlings are... unweyrlinged. Her grin's a wide
one, likely in part due to a short jaunt down memory lane.
Eliwys
steps forward, and smiles, "Well, my speech is a little less rehearsed,
I'm not very good at them, so let's just say that I'm very proud of all of you.
You pass this day from Weyrling to rider, and with all that it entails.
Remember yourself, and what you've been taught, and don't get cocky, because
that *will* get you killed." Nose wrinkles, a pause like she's about to
say something else then she grins, shaking that mood, "I have gifts from
the Weyr for you. If you'd like to step up when I call out your name. Bella?
You first."
Osasune's
grin fades. She quickly stops clapping, face turning red. Oops.
K'dir's
face shines with prode...partly from memories of his own graduation.
T'ren
smiles at the speach from El'ric and as he hears Bella's name called again he
is right up on his feet clapping for her. Tristevan hops up along with Orella.
"Yah Mama! Yah!" The littles cheer.
Briny
looks down at her basket, smiling rather happily of the contents before she is
looking back up to watch the others. She shoots a glance askance to V'mar, then
back to the others to watch Eliwys.
Bella
listens to El'ric and glances around to the other weyrlings. Shifting her feet
a bit, her attention goes to Eliwys and she can't help but run her fingers over
her arm at the cocky comment. When her name is called, she steps forward a bit
shyly and clears her throat as she nods to Eliwys.
Eliwys
delves into a velvet pouch, bringing out a ring, and holding it out for Bella,
and perhaps some near the front to see.
V'mar's
mouth drops open at the idea of another gift. He stands a little straighter and
tries again to peek into the basket and figure out just what he got.
K'tell
blinks and his eyes widen. More gifts? He watches Bella move forward again,
another grin on his face.
T'nar
smiles at the gift of rings, absently carressing his own as his eyes unfocus
for a few moments.
Bella
arches her brow as Eliwys holds out a ring. Looking up towards the leaders
curiously, she takes the offered ring "Thank you Weyrwoman Eliwys,
Weyrleader J'van."
T'ren
continues to clap loudly for Bella as do the children.
Osasune
is still blushing rather a lot, not daring to applaud. She chews her bottom
lip, smiling a touch at the gift of the gift despite her apparent discomfort.
Sasha
ambles in from the western landing field, through the basalt flats.
Eliwys
smiles to Bella, "You're welcome. Briny, would you step up here?"
Sasha
comes in a little bit late, and finds a chair near the back.
Briny
is being called forward again. Oh my. She sets down the basket, smooths a hand
over her shirt once more before walking up to stand before Eliwys. If she can make
it there without tripping, all will be good.
Bella
steps back out of the way, still looking at the pretty ring. She grins and
shifts to the side of the platform til she is dismissed.
Rhymith
wings in from the open sky above the western half of the weyr.
J'van
steps forward to hand Bella a shiny new knot in Monaco's blue, white, and black
"Here you go, Rider Bella - you don't want to leave without this, I don't
think ...unless you wish to stay a weyrling?" he teases.
Belle
slides off of her lifemate's neck, landing lightly on the ground.
T'ren
sits down as Bella goes back to the side of the platform. Tristevan sits on his
father's lap as does Orella.
V'mar
leans to one side and then the other to see what the other candidates are
getting. His mouth forms a little pursed knot as he blows out a breath and then
shifts again, looking edgy.
Bella
smiles up to J'van and chuckles "Well of coarse not Vanman." she
gives a wink at the nickname and takes the knot. "Thank you sir."
Eliwys
again dips her fingers into that velvet pouch, squinting a little and the
movements suggesting one is dropped in favor of another, before she hands it
over, "For you, Briny. Congratulations."
The
ring: Silver has been worked into a delicate filigree of turbulent waves,
undulating and melding into each other to form the complex band of this ring.
Leaping from the water, half in, half out, are two shipfish, one curls around
the top of the indigo blue stone, another beneath, cradling the iolite in
place. The blue iolite has been cut in an oval shape, the faceting on it giving
the impression of a sparkling pool for the shipfish to swim around.
Eliwys
narrows her eyes slightly at the use of the nickname, but for now says nothing,
waiting for Briny's reaction to her gift.
Briny
blinks for a moment at Eilwys, holding her hands out to accept what is given.
He blinks at the ring, smiles softly, and then bobs her head to Eliwys in
thanks before returning to join the others.
Bella
nods and moves down off the platform to take her spot next to the rest of her
class and claps for each as they are called up.
E
l'ric
stands to the side of the platform watching his weyrlings become riders with
more than a hint of pride.
J'van
smirks a little bit - he knows Eliwys hates that nickname Verali gave him. He
waggles a knot at Briny as she turns to head back to the other weyrlings
"Ah, ah....don't you think V'mar would appreciate it if you remembered
this, Rider Briny?" he says, still teasingly - seems he's in a good mood,
full of pride and approval for the new riders.
Eliwys
looks out over the crowd of Weyrlings, calling a few more, and then comes
across another in the bag, "K'tell? Mind stepping up here please?"
she asks.
Belle
pours herself a glass of red wine as the werylings settle into the graduation
party. She surveys the area expectantly.
V'mar
clears his throat rather loudly and tries to point Briny back up to get her
knot. It's all he can muster to keep from laughing aloud.
K'tell
places his basket by his feet, and then moves forward again, this time with a
slightly less nervous smile, he shifts from one foot to the other the smile
widening into a grin.
Eliwys
grins, "Here you are, K'tell" she says, offering him one of the
rings.
Briny
squeaks in mid-step, blushes rather brightly and then moves back over to take
her knot. "Oh dear." Yes, speaking in a stage whisper. "I
totally forgot." She'll just light up the area with her red face now,
don't mind her. "Sorry."
K'tell
takes the ring gingerly from Eliwys and beems at her. "Thank you." he
says quietly still grinning.
J'van
just chuckles, handing the knot over to the new rider "I'm sure V'mar
won't" he winks, letting her head back to her classmates as he waits for
K'tell to gain his gift, a knot in hand for the greenrider, which he hands over
once he's gotten his ring. "And for you, Rider K'tell - did you ever think
you'd make it?" is asked with a smile.
Eliwys
quickly hands out a few more rings, then comes to the last, holding it up
between thumb and forefinger, "V'mar, I believe this one is yours. Would
you step up here please?"
Belle
wanders over to where many of her wingmates are seated and with a pleasant nod
to them, finds an empty chair and seats herself. She settles her harpbag at her
feet where the instrument won't be jostled before taking a sip of her wine.
Briny
purses her lips as she hurrily rejoins the others to sort of meld in with them.
But, of course, the girl is peeping at her knot, examining the wing with bright
eyes. At V'mar's name, she is looking up to follow his progress.
K'tell
moves to accept his knot from the Weyrleader, he grins at the mans words as he
does so. "I wondered about that from time to time! Thank you very, very,
much Vanman."
V'mar
winks at Briny, color in his cheeks as well. He heads for Eliwys with all the
dignaty he can muster and stands up very straight and tall as he comes to a
stop before the Weyrwoman.
Lyriana
shifts the large drum from the place she's tucked it and slides it nearly
silently forwards.
Viranali
is here, really. Sliding over towards her fellow Candidates, she grins -
slipping into the mix. "Don't worry," she says, winking - obviously
in one of her better moods, "I left the spinners back home. They would
have frozen in between." Shivering, she giggles and looks around.
"Exciting, isn't it?"
J'van
hands out knots as fast as Eliwys does rings after a grin for K'tell's response
- until he has just one knot left to turn over. He watches V'mar move forward,
then waits.
Eliwys
profers the ring to V'mar, "Sorry you had to be the last" she notes,
"But you know how it goes."
Osasune
sits quietly, blush finally beginning to fade. The bug - well, a bug, since
it's hard to tell one bug from another - buzzes by. Her expression turns forlorn.
Not again.
Yvexa
walks off southeastwards to the wide expanse of the weyrhall terrace.
T'nar
slowly moves to his feet, anticipating the surge of folks and the cheering and
applause to come. He practically tiptoes away from the main throng of people,
not wanting to be caught up in the crowd.
Sisala
ambles in from the western landing field, through the basalt flats.
V'mar
shakes his head, "I don't mind being last. Someone has to do it." He
seems in good spirits as he takes his ring, "Thank you so much. This is
more than I expected." He turns towards J'van with a grin, almost smirking
at the man who teased Briny for him. "Sir."
K'dir
taps Heridyn's arm with the back of his hand. "See? There's my cousin
Sisala now."
Viranali
sends a look over to Osasune, bug catching her eye. Motioning with a the
'one-minute' hand signal, she hops on over to the Fortian bluerider. "Want
me to get rid of the bug?" she queries, watching it buzz.
J'van
grins back at the brownrider, waggling that knot. "I can just bet you
won't be forgetting this..." He says with amusement, handing it over
"One has to wonder why we gave you two individual weyrs, too - Rider
V'mar. Congratulations." He waves the new rider away, then motions for
silence, his gaze running over the weyrlings and the crowds.
El'ric
claps as the last of the weyrlings is given their rings and rider knots. He
remains standing at the side of the platform waiting for the ceremony to end.
Heridyn
leans forward to catch a glimps of K'dir's cousin. "Oh, her? Over there? I
see." he grins "You really do have gads of cousin riders!"
Lyriana
is behind the Weyrleader and his lady, the drum nearly to her waist as she
waits. Silent.
K'dir
nods in reply. "No kidding!"
Osasune's
gaze shifts sidelong at Viranali. "Are you going to keep it?" she
whispers fearfully.
Sisala
slips into the crowd, easily moving through the people so she can get a better
view of the presentations, and the riders at the platform.
Aristan
fades into the background as the festivities start after the ceremony for the
newly graduated Riders.
Briny
is just going to keep blushing now, this time at J'van's words to V'mar once
again. "Oh for the love of little green apples..." She drags fingers
through her hair as she watches V'mar finally get his knot, bouncing to her
toes in excitement.
J'van
smiles over those gathered "And now, Harper Lyriana has a tribute to the
graduating weyrlings, if you will again bear with us. I then just have a short
announcement to make, and then it will be time for us to celebrate our new
riders with food and drink, music and dancing." he steps aside, indicating
Lyriana can begin when she is ready.
Viranali
watches it fly around. "If you don't want me to, I can catch it and set it
free elsewhere before we leave." It's not a spinner, so it's somewhat less
important to her.
A drum
beat is started, like a pulse. A heartbeat. The words are not
The
beat picks up and becomes the thundering of rushing dragon wings,
the
feel of the heart of the dragon beneath the rider, the
pulse-quickening,
foot stomping sound as Lyri's hands keep pounding the drum and her voice rises
over it.
~We
raise our eyes, to the sky
Journey
on with
hope held high
Carry
on, carry on
Brave
riders you'll fly
against
Thread
So Ride
on, ride on
Ride on
with hope held high
Dragons
and
Riders, of Monaco Weyr
Your
day has come, fly on, fly on!
The
last
ends in
a shout as the drum suddenly stops, as silent as the breath of
Between.
V'mar
takes the knot politely, eyes twinkling. "Oh, I won't be forgetting this.
And I think you gave Briny that weyr because you just knew that I'd be painting
it for her." But he says this mostly under his breath and then draws back,
heading for his spot in line with a skip to his step.
K'tell
fingers his knot, still grinning (Yup he's been doing alot of that lately!)
The
beat picks up and becomes the thundering of rushing dragon wings,
the
feel of the heart of the dragon beneath the rider, the pulse-quickening, foot
stomping sound as Lyri's hands keep pounding the
drum
and her voice rises over it.
~We
raise our eyes, to the sky
Journey
on with
hope held high
Carry
on, carry on
Brave
riders you'll fly
against
Thread
So Ride
on, ride on
Ride on
with hope held high
Dragons
and
Riders, of Monaco Weyr
Your
day has come, fly on, fly on!
The
last ends in a shout as the drum suddenly stops, as silent as the breath of
Between.
Aristan
walks off southeastwards to the wide expanse of the weyrhall terrace.
J'van
listens, standing next to Eliwys - as the song comes to an end, he claps in
approval, sending Lyriana a smile of appreciation and a quietly mouthed thank
you. He then waits for the applause to die down again to make his announcement.
Bella
turns her attention back to the platform then to Lyriana as she stikes up
another song.
Eliwys
follows J'van's suite, clapping loudly at the song's finish, and nodding with a
bright smile for Lyriana. That done, she goes quiet, and waits for the last of
the evening's announcements.
Osasune
nods to Viranali. "Please," she murmurs. "It's been around me
all evening. It's been horrible, the buzzing, and... umn. Thank you."
T'ren
stands up and applauses loudly although most of it is for Bella. The children
clap along with T'ren after the song is done and shout out a couple more,
"Yah Mama."
Lyriana
grins at the two Weyrleaders and drags the drum back quietly, out of the way.
NOW she can go relax!
C'val
applauds the song and the new riders, after a moment quieting down so J'van can
say his piece and the true festivities can get underway.
T'nar
applauds loudly, raucously, for the new riders of Monaco Weyr.
V'mar
lets out a soft breath as the song ends and applauds along with the rest,
looking pleased.
Sisala
smiles as she watches the singing,a nd she applauds happily for the new riders,
her eyes flickering over the newest class, to see how they are doing.
K'dir
stands and applauds for Bella, and all of the Monaco Weyrlings-now-Riders!
"Oh,
you're welcome," Viranali answers happily, hopping around the bluerider -
attempting to catch this dreaded bug. "Fast little fella," she
comments through gritted teeth.
Arlyn
bahs out loud. Why the hell should he care? But the song...the beautiful
song... he thinks. Completely prone to the melody, Arlyn has no choice but to
clap, and clap he does, as hard as he could.
J'van
smiles "Alright - I'll make this short. First off, we have a gift for our
Weyrlingmasters, for all the time and effort they have put into making the
weyrlings into the riders they have become." A helper begins to distribute
baskets to each weyrlingmaster, the last one taken by J'van to hand to El'ric
"As well, we have a changing of the guard, so to speak - Elfarran, after
Turns of turning out riders to be proud of, is retiring. We'd like to have you
join us in congratulating El'ric, who will be taking her place starting with
our very next set of weyrlings. To El'ric, our new Weyrlingmaster!" He
smiles at the bluerider, handing over not only one of the gift baskets but a
new knot as well.
What is
handed to each weyrlingmaster....
An
intricately woven basket of dried reeds has been dyed the colors of Monaco
Weyr, vibrant blue, black and white that coalesce into a distinct pattern - on
one side, the Monaco Weyr emblem and the other that of Sunrise, the Weyrling
Wing. Within the slightly oblong container rests two bottles of wine on a bed
of soft aquamarine sisal, one red and one white. Each carries the label of a
Southern vintage pressing, on which someone has carefully inscribed: "In
sincere thanks for work done well and in honor of 'surviving' the Weyrling
Class of the 18th Turn of the 10th Pass. - Monaco's Weyrleaders.
Belle
nods in approval as the song ends and continues to sip her wine. Briefly, one
of the other blueriders from her wing leans over to speak to her. She laughs at
the comment and nods in agreement.
T'nar
cocks a slightly surprised brow at this announcement, and then applauds not
just the WLM staff, but El'ric most especially!
V'mar
cheers for El'ric, lifting his hands over his head to clap for the
weyrlingmaster.
K'tell
claps loudly at the announcement and, yup you guessed it, grins!
Osasune
carefully applauds for El'ric, glancing about as she does so.
Sisala
claps at J'van's announcement, and her attention immediately moves towards
El'ric, to see his reaction to the new knot. She moves a little closer, to see
him a little better.
Bella
grins around towards the rest of the new riders and listens to J'van at his
last announcement. She claps loudly for the new weyrlingmaster and grins
broadly. She let's her gaze pass around those on the beach and wiggles her
fingers towards a small trio.
El'ric
stops clapping and listens, only to hear his name being called. With a slight
chuckle he steps up to accept the basket from J'van, "Well thank you very
much," He grins cheekily. "I'll make sure the next lot turn out as
goos as this bunch."
Viranali
claps along with the group, finally managing to get the bug.. and well,
squishing it mid-clap. "Oops," she says, face contorting to worry.
"It's not BAD that I killed it, right?" she asks Osasune, biting her
lip.
T'ren
claps loudly for the new weyrlingmaster and smiles at he can see the finger
wiggle from Bella. Tristevan grins and looks up at T'ren, "Can we go up
and see her papa?" Orella chimes in, "Please papa." T'ren smiles
and nods, "In a moment. I promise."
J'van
grins at El'ric "Don't forget the knot, weyrlingmaster." he tells him
with a nod "Congratulations" He turns back to the crowds "Let's
hear it for our weyrling class, folks, one last time!" And then it's
paaaarty time!
K'dir
stands up and cheers, applauding wildly!
Lyriana
beats on the drum in her applause, adding the thundering sound to the handclapping.
C'val
stands and applauds loudly as he can giving a few hoots and hollers as well.
T'nar
keeps up his brazen whooping and clapping - clearly pleased with tonight's
events.
Sisala
applauds again, still grinning as she remembers the exhilaration of graduating
and becoming a 'real' rider.
J'van
claps too, moving back towards Eliwys to take her hand, his smile full of his
good mood "Come on, love - I plan to dance with you at least once tonight,
as soon as we have something to eat. I'm starving!" Which seems to be
indication that the time to party has begun.
Osasune
blinks at Viranali, then smiles. "Of course not. He was very irritating.
Abnormally so, I think. You've done Pern a good turn."
V'mar
hoots loudly and throws his arms into the air. Then he strides through the
group, heading for a particular weyrling.
Eliwys
wrinkles her nose, "Dance, I hate dancing, but I suppose I can manage
one" she says, taking the hand offered in return. "But yes, something
to eat would be wonderful."
Softer music floats on the breeze as
the visiting journeywoman Jerinna plays a duet with Karelie, her harp
accompanying the weyrharper's flute. The harp's arpeggios and the liquid tones
of the flute combine to suggest running water, perhaps a cool stream that flows
between dark rocks, catching the light that filters through tall trees.
El'ric
smiles as he takes the knot as well with a slightly teasing, "I guess I'd
better take it then, otherwise this lot might lynch me." with that he
salutes crisply and turns away with a smile as he moves to get off the
platform.
T'ren
claps and then puts the tips of his first two fingers in his mouth. He lets out
a loud whistle and then claps again. Tristevan and Orella are applauding too
and as soon they can they rush towards Bella. "Hey wait up you two."
T'ren quickly follows after them.
Lya
applauds loudly, standing with the other to peer through the crowd, wondering
what happens next.
Viranali
nods slowly, staring at the bug parts on her hands. "Oh dear.."
Osasune is given a nervous smile as she quickly rushes to wash her hands off in
the first available place.
Arlynis
completely under the spell of the song again....staring into blank space with a
blanked out look on his face. Clapping aimlessly for the song, and loudly he
does.
Briny
is finally released? She bounces on the balls of her feet, and then is
instantly coming out of nowhere to fairly pounce V'mar with... yes, a squeak.
She bounces towards him to fairly tackle the brownrider with arms wrapping
about his neck. Oh yeah, and the smooch.
S'vilen
stands a little stiffly as he joins the applause, perhaps using it as an excuse
to stretch his legs, or maybe he think the ceremony deserves the standing
ovation.
Ashelyn
stands and applauds with everyone else, then quickly moves out to mingle,
enjoying the warmth and the escape from Fort.
Ashelyn
walks off southwards to the green expanse of the western landing field, passing
through the basalt flats.
J'van
laughs at El'ric's parting comment as he begins to lead Eliwys down the stairs,
sliding her hand through his arm as he does so "You owe me a Turnday
present anyway, Eli mine" He teases the goldrider. "I turned 30, and
no one even noticed. One dance shouldn't be too strenuous, surely?"
Bella
claps until the music starts up and she reaches down to take up her basket. She
mingles through the crowd and grins when she spots two little figures weaving
towardss her. Crouching down she scoops them up in a hug and plants a smooch on
each cheek.
K'tell
wanders off into the mass of people seeking out one or two of the farmilar
faces.
V'mar
umphs at the impact and lifts Briny up off her feet and whirls around with her.
His hands go around her, lifting her up off the ground as he gives her the
lip-lock to end all lip-locks. Well, it's been turns now, who can blame him.
Several people nearby either avert t heir eyes or let out a round of cheers at
/that/ kiss.
The musicians are still playing:
snatches of the tune of a popular ballad can be heard in breaks in the
conversation, and the sound of the flute is light and cheerful. The
ginger-haired child with the shaker is accenting the off-beats, so that the
music seems to bounce along.
"Perhaps
not" Eliwys notes to J'van, "But some people may have noticed the
passing of the turns."
Lyriana
slips up next to T'nar, finally. "Hey there.." she offers, voice
dropping low.
T'ren
smiles at Bella as he comes up behind the littles. The children hug and return
Bella's kisses. They have missed Bella alot as has T'ren. He kneels down hug
Bella as well with the children in between them. T'ren has shaved off the beard
that Belle detested.
El'ric
moves off the platform with his basket and scans the crowd for familiar faces,
other than the weyrlings who are probably sick of the sight of him by now.
Arlyn
takes some more sips of his wine, obviously trying to stall so he dosen't have
to go around and mingle with the rest of the crowd. After all, all he needs are
the wonderful songs playing, and his delicious wines to make him happy at the
moment.
T'nar
nods down at Lyriana, smiling softly. "That was a wonderful performance.
Very moving. And now for that dance?"
J'van
watches some of the weyrlings express their observation of passing time, and
nods "It would seem so - why /did/ we give those two their own weyrs,
anyway? I doubt one will do anything but get terribly dusty." He watches
Briny and V'mar complacently as he and Eliwys move towards the food tables,
also spotting Bella in her reuinon with her family. "Seems we've made some
people fairly happy" He indicates the couple and the family, and then
looks over the rest of the weyrlings and crowd "A good day, in all."
Osasune
smiles at Viranali as the girls goes; she stands up, surrepticiously plucking
the fabric of her dress from her butt, convinced as she is that sweat has made
it stick to her in an unbecoming fashion. That done, she opts to get herself
something cold to drink, heading for the refreshments.
Briny
whimpers slightly as she hugs her arms tight around V'mar, keeping him very
close. Eventually though, she does pull back to smooth her hands over his
cheeks, smile soft, and then she asks. "Are you hungry? 'Cause I am."
She is gonna need her energy. Ayep.
Lyriana
rests her hand on T'nar's arm and murmurs softly to him, smiling brightly.
Lya
rubs her eyebrow and peers around, heading over to lean against one of the
serving tables. Ashelyn and Aristan are lost somewhere in the crowd and
T'nar...well, the brownrider seems to be having no trouble finding himself
company, already making his way over to dance with that blonde Harper. Harpess.
Whatever. Pouring a mug of klah, Lya sips quietly, watching the party in near
silence.
G'briel
stands up and stretches as the ceremony comes to an end. He smiles at all the
cheering, adding his own at the last. Then he looks around for someone to play
with.
Sisala
moves through the crowd, until she gets to El'ric. Her hand catches his, and
she murmurs, "Congratulations, love. More work for you.." She lifts
her chin, sos he can look into his eyes, and she offers lightly, "At least
some of your work is done, eh?"
C
'val
decides it must be time for a good drink and thus heads towards the nearest
table holding wine on it.
Karelie and Jerinna pause for a
rapid change of instruments; now the WeyrHarper's flute and Jerinna's fiddle
seem to engage in a conversation as they play a romantic air, alternating
phrases like question and answer, plea and promise. Softly plucked gitars provide
support.
Bella
grins and winks up to T'ren "I see someone helped get that thing off your
face." She chuckles a bit and plants a kiss on T'ren before Tri and Ore
get her attention again "My, you two have prouted like saplings."
V'mar
blink-blinks with wild eyes for a moment as he sets Briny back down on her
feet. He needed that kiss but now he's head's a little fuzzy.
"oh...food....sure..."
K'dir
looks up at G'briel and says, "I need to go congradulate Bella!"
T'ren
kisses Bella back gently. "I shaved it off all by myself just for you this
morning just for you." He smiles as Tristevan puffs out his chest, "I
am learning from the Harper." Orella smiles, "Mama Trillian is
teaching me how to make cookies." The little tell Bella all the missed in
half a breath.
Viranali
comes back from getting the bug off her face and goes to mingle with her
Candidates, disappearing into the crowd.
T'nar
leads Lyriana over to the dance, espying G'briel and K'dir in the merry throng.
A huge wave for the two greenriders.
G'briel
looks down at K'dir with a smile "Sure...go on ahead. I think I'll check
out the...food." He murmurs, leaning down to murmur something to the
greenrider.
K'dir
winks up at G'briel. "Ri-i-i-ight. You do that. You know where to find me,
if need be."
The sounds of a stately march fill
the air, a slow pace accented by deep drumbeats, with a melody that suggests
ponderous motion. Suddenly, there's a change to a faster tempo and the music
bounds joyfully as if taking to the air, freed at last from the constraints of
the ground.
G'briel
grins, nodding to K'dir "Surely, I can always find you, pretty one."
He murmurs wickedly.
Osasune
collects a glass of chilled wine for herself. Stepping away from the table, she
scans the revelers as if searching for someone.
J'van
moves with Eliwys to the food tables and fills plates for them both - they sit
off to the side out of the way to eat and regain strength - it's a lot of work
being a Weyrleader at an occasion such as this!
Lyriana
smiles at T'nar, feet tapping, her new dress just perfect to be dancing in.
"Oh, it's a fast one, T'nar!" She spins and laughs brightly, reaching
for his hand. "Can you keep up, old man?"
El'ric
catches Sisala up in his arms, "Heya darling, you caught that announcement
then." He smiles broadly as he gives her a quick kiss. "I'll have a
bit of spare time now, till this next batch of Leyriths hatch out."
Arlyn
know's he can't keep it up for longer, but he decides to pour himself another
glass of wine. He can always just listen to the beats...alone.
K'dir
makes his way over to Bella and her family. "Congratulations, Rider
Bella!"
Sisala
laughs at that, and kisses him back, her arm wrapping around him. "Then
you'll be even busier, eh?" She leans against El'ric and asks, "So..
how do you feel?" She smiles, proudly. "BEing weyrlingmaster will be
a lot of work, though."
T'nar
laughs, and whirls Lyriana round into the fast-paced dance. "Never
challenge a Hunter lightly!"
Briny
twines an arm through V'mar's as she leads him over to where the others are
with their wine and such, flashing a rather happy wave to this person and that
one. Beam. Beam. Beam.
Bella
grins at T'ren and then listens to Tristevan, "Oh. A harper huh? I bet you
will be a great harper pne day." To Orella she grins "I bet your
cookies are very tasty." She looks up at her name and gives a warm smile
for K'dir "Thank you K'dir." Her eyes flicker to T'ren briefly before
she clears her throat and looks back to K'dir "How have you been doing
lately? Hope you've not been in the infirmary since I left Fort."
K'dir
grins and shakes his head. "No, no!" he chuckles. "I've been
doing very well, thank you. You look...wonderful, Bella! It's good to see you
again!"
Arlyn
sighing, gets up and decides to get some food for himself and bring it back to
the table. Walking over to the table, he gathers up a plate and a cup, and
begins to pour himself more wine, and assorted foods that could appease his
hunger.
Lyriana
leans close in the fast dance, eyes bright, smile glowing as she spins with
him, murmuring something in his ear.
The musicians strike up a tune that
involves the entire group. Two gitars underpin the whole with a regular pattern
on the bass strings, while a third plays a melody made up of warm, sweeping
phrases that suggest the lazy waves of a calm sea. Tenor pipes provide smooth
harmony while a higher pipe plays a pattern of extended broken chords, so that
the piece is a mixture of many elements that blend in a seamless whole. Over
this serene sound-picture, one of the two young boys plays short trills on a
lilting slide-whistle. It sounds like the happy call of a fire-lizard circling
above the water.
V'mar
smiles at everyone he passes, puasing now and then when Briny does, smelling
her hair in a manner that would have gotten him chores for a sevenday only
moments before. "SO, you want to dance after we get food and drink
love?" He murmurs at the bluerider, lifting a hand to wave to a group of
Fort riders.
Osasune
glances over at Arlyn, watching him curiously for a few moments. She begins to
look indecisive.
G'briel
saunters towards the food tables, selecting a tidbit or two and chewing them as
he peruses the crowds. Spotting T'nar with the pretty harper on the dance
floor, he moves closer to observe them before his eyes spot C'val. Hmmm. He
moves in that rider's direction, perhaps to strike up a conversation
"Evening..." He says when he reaches him "Nice do, hmm?"
T'ren
gives a smile to K'dir, "Hello K'dir." He looks over at Bella and
gives her another hug that squishes the two little causing them to squeal in
delight and hug both T'ren and Bella. T'ren is still kneeling on the beach and
Tristevan smiles at Bella, "Can we meet your green mama? Please?"
Orella nods, "Please mama."
T'nar
smirks slightly at his dancing partner, and murmurs something back to her as
they gallavant across the set up floor.
El'ric
nods to Sisala as he holds her, "No more work than i've been doing
already, a little more in the scheduling side of things but thats about
it," He hugs her tight still smiling, "Anyways enough of work, lets
grab something to drink then I want a dance."
C'val
mingles for a bit with some of the older riders before G'briel comes up on him,
"Good evening, nice little ceremony wouldn't you say?"
Arlyn
is spooning various food onto his plate, practically drooling over the tasy
treats, then innocently moves his head over to look at Osasune. He blinks for a
second, and smiles slightly.
The visiting harpers drop out now, leaving the Monaco contingent
to play one of their local songs on gitars and pipes. What sort of song it is
couldn't be guessed from the slow, three-beat rhythm and the long, lyrical
phrases, but someone in the crowd is heard to murmur, "Isn't that the
lullaby that Auril sings to her kid? It's got words about this beach!"
J'van
watches the dancers and rejoicers alike as he murmurs something to Eliwys, who
nods back as he stands, leaving her to finish her meal. He heads towards
S'vilen, obviously intent on having a few words with the Fortian Weyrleader.
Osasune
smiles back at Arlyn, hesitantly, then heads over toward him. "Not really,
um, fond of gatherings like this? Not the graduation, though that was pretty
b--beautiful. I mean the dancing and chatting part. Now."
Sisala
grins at that, "I'd love to dance, Ric." Her eyes twinkle, and she
murmurs, "I'm glad I was able to make it.. I worried that with my sweep
schedule I'd miss most of it, but I figured that if I got here before it was
over, that'd be good enough." She lets El'ric guide her towards the
drinks, "I'm just glad to see you again."
Bright
laughter from the Harper as Lyri is spun around and around, the music's shift
having her pat T'nar's arm. "I need a drink, T'nar...all that
singing."
Briny
is reaching over to pop some little fruit or another into her mouth, chewing
away... that is until V'mar mentions dancing. "Oh" Another little
fruit is offered to him before she is dragging him back out to dance near where
the instruments are being played.
G'briel
chuckles "It was indeed - not even long enough to bore one, either...nice
scenery as well." His gaze flicks over C'val briefly before he smiles.
"I don't think we've met before, have we? I'm G'briel - used to live here,
now I'm based at Fort, though I still stay here quite a bit. Llawenth's rider.
You can call me Gabe if you like.." Did he mention his green is on the
verge of proddiness?
There seems to be a ripple of
excitement amongst the musicians as another piece of music is put on music
stands. It seems that they're all to join in, including the youngsters, though
they've abandoned their drums and shakers for pipes. Karelie gives the beat,
setting a quick pace, and it's the red-haired lad who starts off the cheerful,
tune on his high pitched pipe, with lots of short runs and staccato notes to
give the opening bars some bounce.
Arlyn
says rather reluctantly, "Yes...I'm not very good...at meeting new people.
I've always been a loner, ever since I was born. I guess i'm not one for
formals...but the graduation...that was something else" he says, smirking.
S'vilen
seems to have aquired a plate with some finger-foods on it, though from where
might be a bit of a mystery. He even seems a little startled by it.
Nonetheless, he picks up one of the items of food just as he notices J'van
coming towards him. He straightens and... waits.
Osasune
nods, smiling a little more. "Neither am I. I get a drink and I sip it and
watch people and then when I get incredibly bored I go home!" She glances
toward the area in front of the seats, then back th Arlyn. "It was
different from mine. We had funny hats."
Bella
chuckles and nods to K'dir "Thank you again K'dir. You are looking well
too." She looks down to the littles and gives her head a little shake
"She is sleeping right now deary. But when she wakes up you can. "
she looks to T'ren "Let's get us all something to eat. I was only able to
get a snack earlier." Not to mention this wey..er rider is looking forward
to a glass of wine.
T'nar
nods to the Harper, and sweeps them off the dance floor - towards the serving
tables. He pours Lyriana some cooling juice, and hands the glass to her.
C'val
smiles "I'm sure we've run across each other before, you do look familiar.
C'val, Zhirith's rider. And yes very nice ceremony, not painfully long at
all." Picking up on the tone of the riders voice he keeps the conversation
friendly.
V'mar
gets to nibble fruit from Briny's fingers as she lures him forward. Then, when
he's close enough, he wraps his arms around the smaller rider and pulls her in
close and dances with her. "So, do you think many people will
expect.....us?" he asks, clearly knowing the answer to that. "I
thought we'd been behaving VERY well. And still people assume."
As the pipe continues to play, Vesa
enters on her gitar, starting the melody again from the beginning. After the
same interval, the fiddle comes in, then the erstwhile drummer on a treble
pipe. Next, it's G'rat on his gitar, and then Karelie's flute. Bentellan
follows on the harp, and an elderly man with a tenor pipe brings up the rear.
The music consists of lively phrases interspersed with bars of longer notes, so
that the piece seems full of movement as one part after another reaches the
high points.
J'van
smiles at S'vilen as he comes up to the bronzerider "No need to tense up,
Siv" he says with a smile. "I just bring Monaco's duties to Fort and
her queens...I didn't get a chance earlier, you might have noticed." He
pauses, his gaze going over the crowds "I hope things are going well for
you? And that Jalis is well?"
Arlyn
for the first time in hours, gives off what seems like a chuckle. "The
same goes along with me. But this is my first..graduation I have ever been to
before. It was quite....nice for a change."
Lyriana
sips the juice and murmurs low to T'nar before scanning the crowd. "Think
the music went over alright? I was focusing so."
T'ren
smiles as he stands up and nods, "Well you take the little to the table
and I will get food for everyone." He winks at Bella, "And some wine
for us." Tristevan aws and nods as he and Orella cling to Bella as they
don't want to let her go, "Okay mama." Orella nods and kisses Bella's
cheek, "I missed you mama." "Me too!" Tristevan chimes in.
Osasune's
head bobs. "Really? I guess you're not from the Weyr originally,
then?"
K'dir
asks Bella and T"ren. "Mind if I come along with? Or is this not a
good time?"
T'nar
nods, and takes a sip from Lyri's glass, instead of what he really wanted to
do. "It's not nice for us to tease the Candidates, you know. ANd yes, it
was very good. I don't give out complements lightly."
Belle
finishes her conversation with the riders and then rises up with one of them.
Together, she and the blue rider head off toward the main weyr together.
Lya
nods slowly as sh watches most of the crowd pair off, whether to dance or talk.
Sipping at her klah, she shoots T'nar a tiny wave and a tinier smile if he
happens to notice, and fades back into the crowd, presumably to watch the
festivities from a bench somewhere.
G'briel
nods to C'val "Well, if you were ever down Ista way, we might have - I was
a rider there until just recently - transferred to Monaco, then to Fort."
He indicates, studying the brownrider "I can't tell if you look familiar
or not." is added with a smile "I think it's the beard....are you
hiding behind that hair?" he teases.
Arlyn
shakes his head."No....I'm from...another hold. I have recently moved here
as an Entertainer with a troope I...joined."
Belle
walks off southeastwards to the wide expanse of the weyrhall terrace.
El'ric
is still smiling a lot as he tucks an arm around Sisala and heads towards the
serving area to claim a few glasses of wine for them. "Well your here now,
you saved me from having to keep my promotion a secret until I could tell you
and yeah." He locates wine and quickly dientangles his arm to procure the
glasses handing one over, "And your here." He grins again.
Osasune
sips her chilled wine, pausing a moment before swallowing. "Oh, this is
tasty. A troupe of entertainers. What entertaining things do you d... that
sounded bad."
Lyriana
grins slowly at T'nar. "Teasing? Is /that/ what we're doing?" She
catches the wave and looks up at T'nar with a question.
Bella
gives a shake of her head to K'dir "Not at all. You can tell me all about
how things are at Fort." She smiles and leads the littles off to a table
"Have you two been behaving yourself?" This the littles.
C'val
chuckles as he tugs on his beard, "Ahh this, well it was good while I was
in the ice, but I suppose since I'm back here now I really should shave it
off."
The musicians bring their canon to a
close, ending on a thrilling chord in eight-part harmony. Concentration over,
they all relax visibly, with even the elderly piper grinning broadly. Karelie
spreads her arms, flute still held in one hand, and murmurs "Well done,
everyone! I know that was a lot of work to learn, but you all got it in the
end!" She directs a special grin at for the two children. "And now I
think we deserve a break before the dancing. Everyone get something to eat and
drink and be back here as soon as you can." Setting her instrument safely
on a chair, she heads off to suit action to words.
Arlyn
gives off another chuckle, this time louder than the last one. "Oh no,
it's quite alright. I'm good at kniveplay. The troope specifically selected me
because they said I was so skilled..."
Briny
blinks over to V'mar for a long moment, looking for all the world lost at what
he has to say. Okay, so she can't pull off that vacant look for very long.
Instead, she grins, tightening her arms around him. "Us.. what? Us hooking
up afterwards now? Come now. That's /obvious/." Or does he mean the other
thing. *wink*
Osasune
grins. "Oh, that must be nice! To be specially chosen! Because of
knives!" She blinks twice. "What do you do with the knives?"
"Well,
K'dir replies to Bella, "We miss you here. But I'm sure you've had a
lovely summer here while we were having one of the longest, coldest winters I
ever remember!"
Sisala
laughs at that, taking the glass and sipping the wine, "What.. J'van would
have minded if you told me?" Her eyes twinkle mischeviously,
"ALthough, honestly, I wouldn't have asked you about it, so.." She
smiles and stays close to the bluerider.
"Fort's
duties to Monaco," S'vilen responds to J'van. "Jalis is well, Ceristh
is getting bigger. Jalis predicts about another month before she lays," he
says. "I understand Leyrith already did? 30 eggs?"
G'briel's
eyes gleam as he nods "I think that's a good plan - it's hard to see you
with all that." He agrees. "I'll look forward to it. You haven't been
back at Monaco long, then?"
V'mar
utters a rough snort to Briny--though he's nice enough not to do so at her--he
turns his head away slightly. "I thought people didn't know. I mean, I've
been avoiding you for months." oups, perhaps not the best thing to admit.
He sneaks a grin at Briny, "I had to--Id was asking too many questions."
Arlyn
shrugs. "Nothing much....juggling, tricks, the works..." I don't hurt
people with them...", he quickly adds.
C'val
grins, "Over two turns, the beard just became a habit I suppose. I haven't
been over to Ista even to visit in ages, I've been here mostly."
Osasune
confirms, "No pitching them at people. Okay! Lovely! So your troupe's
staying here? For how long?"
J'van
looks fairly proud "Yes, 30 - a nice round number. No gold egg, it seems,
but.." He shrugs "we are hoping for quite a few bronzes. I think we
have a fair chance of it. I'm glad to hear you are doing well. I've heard
rumors that you and Andariel are no more, however?" He looks curious.
T'ren
gets a tray of food of all different kinds with three glasses of wine and two
mugs of juice. He hands the mugs to the children and they both nods to Bella,
"Yes mama. We have been very good for Mama Trillian." T'ren hears
K'dir's comment and nods, "Yes it was cold. Very very cold." He
smiles as he hands a glass to Bella and then holds one out to K'dir as he sips
his, "Well the children won't have to worry about the cold any more."
T'nar
/did/ notice that small wave from Lya, and sends a wave back to her, and a
small smile. A tiny sigh. "That's Lya, Candidate, and my girlfriend, until
recently."
The musicians seem to have gathered
again: there are tentative notes as tuning is checked, and someone is having a
final practice of a lively dance-beat, fingers tapping so lightly against the
drum-skin that the sound is hardly heard.
Lyriana
grins at T'nar and shrugs, leaning up to whisper to him, then takes her juice
and saunters away.
Briny
blinks at V'mar for a long moment before smiling softly. "I wouldn't worry
about it now, V'mar." She rolls her eyes before wrapping him up in a hug in
the midst of their dancing. "Well, if you avoid me any more, I might just
have to pout."
K'dir
chuckles at the kids. "Mama Trillian!" He echoes. "That's
cute!"
K'dir
takes a glass from T"ren. "Thank you!" He sips at it.
Arlyn
thinks..."Hmm...they said it really depends on the buisness we get here.
If it's good, were likely to stay here for a while. If it isn't..we'll most
likely leave quickly. But so far it's been doing well, thankfully....I'd never
want to go back..." He trails off.
Lyriana
walks off southeastwards to the wide expanse of the weyrhall terrace.
G'briel
chuckles "Two turns is a long time, admittedly - but I imagine once you
shave it off, you'll wonder why you ever grew it."
V'mar
swings Briny into a step of their dance and kisses her lips softly as she warns
him, "Aawww, and if you pout I'll just have to fix you but good." He
counters and smiles down at her. "So, what color do you want that weyr of
ours?" No use hiding it.
Bella
smiles and takes the offered glass of wine. After taking a long sip from it,
she sighs happily "Well I admit tht I have goten a bit spoiled with the
weather here. If you ignore the ground shaking under ya and the ocean coming up
ontot he shore to try and force you to take a swim whenever it feels like
it." Bella chuckles a bit and pulls Orella up into her lap as she takes
anotehr sip and looks between T'ren and K'dir thoughtfully.
T'nar
bobs his head, and sweeps a bow to the departing Harper. He spins about,
pouring himself his own drink, and does his 'duty' of mingling with the crowd.
Osasune
blinks curiously at Arlyn. "Go back? To the road, travelling, or, um, your
Hold? I'm being very nosy. I should stop! I'll drink more wine."
The musicians strike up the first
dance, playing the first few bars through as introduction as a signal for
dancers to take the floor before beginning in earnest. It's a well-known tune
and goes at a brisk pace, with points where the dancers have to stamp and clap.
Stamping isn't too effective on sand, but those who try seem to be enjoying it.
C'val
grins and winks at G'briel, "I'm sure you're right. I suppose I should do
that just so more people remember me, I don't think I have that bad of a
reputation after all."
Arlyn
smirks and gives off a little laugh. "It's...alright...I've met people who
are nosier than you...I'm used to it..." "It's my Hold, I would never
return there..." he says, slightly above a mumble.
El'ric
grins, "Well these things have a habit of slipping out." He almost
tips the glass back in one go. "I should probably slow down a bit
here." He murmurs, "It may be a long night of celebration."
Osasune
makes a face. "I can sympathize. I'd go back to my Hold, but not the, um,
not the Hold itself. The beaches, really. I'm from Boll."
K'dir
looks at Bella, his eyes wide. "Groundshakes?! No one ever mentioned
groundshakes to me. Isn't that, well...dangerous?"
Nicole
ambles in from the mouth of the Monaco river, through the tidal flats.
G'briel
grins back "You really should, just because /I/ think you'd look even more
handsome that way." it's almost purred, the words as he looks C'val over
again before watching a pretty little resident waltz by. "So...are you
taken, then?" is asked boldly, eyes gleaming.
Arlyn
nods. "Nothing can make me go back to my Hold...ever." "But I
thank you....for understanding."
T'ren
goes to sit by Bella and Tristevan gets into T'ren's lap. Tristevan looks at
T'ren, "Why won't we have to worry about the cold any more?" T'ren
ums, "Well Tristevan. You're mother and I have talked about it and we have
decided that you and Orella are going to come live at Monaco with her."
Tristevan blinks, "Really?" T'ren nods, "All right!"
Tristevan smiles at Orella, "Hear that Orella we are going to come here to
live at mama." Orella yahs and hugs Bella. T'ren blinks,
"Groundshakes? When did that happen?" Tristevan looks at Bella,
"Was it scary mama?" Orella looks up at Bella, "What's a
groundshake?"
T'nar
slinks over towards C'val and G'briel, toasting the two riders with his glass
of red wine. "Greetings Gabe, an d hello to you, good sir."
S'vilen
glances across the milling people for a moment, and then back to J'van.
"No. Not really since Llianth rose. On again, off again," he says
with a shrug.
Sisala
smiles at that, and she tilts her head, "I've not got drill until midday
tomorrow..." She lets her voice trail off, "So I can stay as long as
you want to celebrate." SHe winks at the bluerider, and sets her own
wineglass down. "Now, you said something about dancing, love?"
Nicole
wanders the fringes of the celebration, making a stop by the food to see if
there might be something fruity and sweet to pilfer. what ist hte good of
coming to Monaco, after all, if one can not pilfer something good to eat?
Briny chuckles
softly, "Anything but all of that red. I see that color in my dreams now.
Granted, I like red... but /not/ that much. Maybe we could keep the table that
color, or even the trim, but not the completely cottage."
Osasune
shifts her feet a bit, smiling a little again. "Umn. Well, I try. I'm
Osasune, by the way. Blue Caledoth's rider, from Fort Weyr." She makes a
vague gesture.
C'val
manages to merely blink a few times and grin, "Well if 'you' think I'd
look more handsome perhaps I should." He turns and nods a greeting to
T'nar as he arrives, "Hello sir." He seems to catch someone out of
the corner of his eye and turns waving a hand and calling out, "Nicole!
Nicole over here!"
The music that's playing is
moderately paced, warm and encouraging in tone. This is a dance that's easy to
join in. Though there is no vocalist, the melody is song-like, moving through
phrases that seem to tell a story - but what it's about is left to the
imagination.
M'ial
ambles in from the western landing field, through the basalt flats.
V'mar
smiles at Briny as he dacnes with her slowly. "I like the red I have to
admit." He murmurs, "passion, fire, stength. All those things."
He winks and kisses her, "but i'd be happy with any color. Just have to
get the paint and we can start it."
Arlyn
usually feels uncomfortable giving away info about his past, but for some
reason, he dosen't mind. "...The name's Arlyn. Just Arlyn." "It
is...uhm...nice to meet you, Osasune."
J'van
smiles faintly, nodding to the Fortian Weyrleader. "I've been there,
believe me" is noted dryly. "I won't keep you, Siv. I just wanted you
to know...no hard feelings? I don't think we got a chance to talk since
everything happened as it did. I'm happy here, and - well, congratulations. You
were truly the man for the job." He holds out his hand to the other
bronzerider, indicative of his goodwill.
Nicole
slects a pastry, possibly at random and turns at hearing her name called. She
winks at the wbrownrider and icks her way through the crowd to join him.
Osasune
says, "It's nice meeting you, too, Arlyn. I don't often find someone to
talk to during these things. Umn. Well... someone who's not busy with other
stuff." She glances away for a moment, scanning the crowd, then looks at
him again. "Schmoozing."
Briny
grins softly as the song comes to a close. She finishes it with another smooch
to his lips, takes his hand firmly in hers and then drags him back to where the
others are as well for some food and drink. "Yeah, but too much hurts the
eyes."
G'briel
continues to smile "Oh, I know all about these things." He tells the
brownrider, before nodding at T'nar's arrival "Well hello there, handsome
- I saw your new...friend. She looks delectable."
M'ial
enters the throng of people on the beach, joining others as he nods at those he
knows and smiles at those that he doesn't, seeming to enjoy his time.
Bella
chuckles "Well actually it was during one of our first classes on the
beach. Using the flane throwers. I'm lucky I didn't singe my braids off when I
landed on my back." The new rider teases, sorta. "Well the ground
shakes have sorta stopped now. But it was a bit shakey for a little while when
I first came to Monoco." She gives a little shrugs and digs into her food,
laughing at the littles reaction at moving. She peeks up to K'dir. "I'll
have to thank you mother when I can go visit Fort." Her gaze slips over to
T'ren "How is Kindroth doing?"
"Wonderful,
so you can stay the night then?" El'ric finishes his glass and places it
onto the table before wrapping an arm round Sisala again and leading her
towards the dancing area, "I certainly did wish a dance, I've not had an
opportunity to ask since the last herper dance." He winks cheekily,
"And you left me standing there that time."
Arlyn
nods at the other people in the crowd, also scanning them intently.
"Yes...Thank you for talking to me. I normally can't stand these...formal
affairs." He continues looking at the other crowd, with faint disgust.
"I don't normally like talking so openly" he murmurs.
Sisala
sticks out her tongue at you, "That wasn't my fault.." She grins as
she's lead to the dancefloor. "As long as I don't sleep all day, I'll be
fine." She winks, "We've got a midday drill, and I just finished my
sweeps tonight before I came.. so I'm all yours tonight." She gives El'ric
a quick hug.
The dance music continues, one tune
blending smoothly into the next, though this one has a slightly faster tempo.
The melody passes from gitar to treble pipe, then back to the gitar. The pipe
plays a descant over the melody, while the young drummer underpins all with a
simple beat.
K'dir
says "Wow....I'm glad you're all all right."
V'mar
teases briny as he's drawn away from the dancing, "close your eyes."
Like you can do that and work? He looks to see where Briny is takeing him,
"how about blue? blue is easy on the eyes."
S'vilen
shrugs a bit, though he does take the hand and shake it. "Thanks, J'van. I
think," he pauses and smiles, "things worked out well."
T'nar
half-smiles to the other brownrider. "T'nar, brown Baedanth's, of
Fort." The half-smile changes into a full one at Gabe's words. "Thank
you, and I consider it a complement you noticed... she /is/ delectable. And
talented." The Fortian brownie sounds as langorous of tone as the
greenrider does.
Osasune
giggles faintly. "I don't blame you. Um. Some people aren't... fun. With
the talking openly. When you can see their eyes glaze over. I hate that
feeling."
C'val
wraps his arm around Nicole's waste possesively as soon as she is close enough
and plants a kiss on her cheek, "Hello sweets."
T'ren
smiles, "Kindroth is doing good." He picks up a meatroll and breaks
it in half to share the other half with Tristevan. The boy ohs and nods,
"I am glad you are okay too mama." T'ren smiles as he gazes into her
eyes, "Me too." Orella grabs for some sliced up fruit to eat. T'ren
swallows a bite of the meatroll, "How is Lyranth doing? Ready to be doing
sweeps and drills full time?"
Nicole
turns slightly to look at C'val and holds her pastry aloft. A tinge of
possessive dances in her eyes as replies, "Sweets? Oh no, sir. Get your
own pastry. This one's mine."
M'ial
notices T'nar amist the crowds, moving to join the other brownrider, "Hey,
T'nar. Good to see you here. How're ya doin?" he queries ad he bites into
a redfruit, half-grinning, nodding to the others with T'nar.
Arlyn
nods, sympathizing with you. "I understand that feeling....many times.
Most people are very uncontented to talk with me, also....It get's lonely, with
no one to talk to....sometimes" he continues above a whisper.
K'dir
sips at his wine, looks around to see what others are doing....maybe notices
whom they're with, then looks back at Orella and Tristevan, smiling.
Osasune
frowns, expression turning glum. "Yeah. Do you have any friends here, or
in the troupe?"
The sound of music drifts over the
beach as more couples join in the dancing. As the cheerful tune repeats, the
gitars emphasise the rhythm, and when they reach the part where the dancers
have to spin, the bright phrases are played in rapid succession, first by one
pipe, then by the other, like children playing chase.
C'val
grins, "I'm not going to steal your pastry silly. I've missed you is
all." He turns to the other riders, "Nicole this is G'briel, and..
well I haven't gotten the other names yet."
El'ric
grins, "I know that was our meddling siblings but we got over it." He
lets his foot tap out a few beats in time to the music before taking Sisala's
hands and leading her into the fast beat.
Bella
smiles at the inquiry of her lifemate "Lyranth is doing great. She insist
that i won't be hurt next time. She is eager to join in the wings. Though we
probably will still be on supply duty for a little while yet." After taking
another sip she glances to K'dir "So how is that sweet green of yours
doing?" She peeks around at all the dancers enjoying themselves and takes
another bite.
Arlyn
shifts his position umcomfortably. "None...whatsoever...I am still a
loner. To tell you the truth" he continues uncomfortably and his voice
just a mere murmur"...I have never had...friends." he says sadly,
almost regrettingly.
Sisala
dances, staying light on her toes as she follows El'ric's lead. Her eyes
twinkle and she murmurs, "Thank Faranth for meddling siblings.. or who
knows when we'd have met." She grins impishly, and suggests,
"Although I think they've been rather decent about not meddling with us as
much as we meddle with them..."
G'briel
looks amused at the interaction between the goldrider and C'val, though he nods
to T'nar first "Yes, talented as well," He agrees, before smiling at
the Monacan brownrider "Will you introduce me to this lovely lady of
yours?" he requests, giving his attention to Nicole "I was just
telling C'val that he would look better without his beard...what do you
think?"
Osasune
has a slow sip of wine, venturing, "Well, things can change. I'd know. You
just sort of have to... be yourself, and stick with the people who like you
when you're being yourself?"
J'van
grins, shaking S'vilen's hand firmly and then letting it go "It did,
indeed - I have my Eliwys and I'm warm, and you have the frozen north. I think
I got the better deal" He teases lightly, waving to M'ial as he spots the
brownrider amongst the crowd.
T'ren
smiles at Bella as he notices that Bella is looking at the dancer. He sets
Tristevan on the seat as he stands up and he moves over to bow to Bella,
"Excuse me m'Lady. Will you do this humble brownrider the dance of your
wonderful company on the dance floor?" He smiles at Bella and bats his
lashes at her.
Briny
sighs. "If I close my eyes, you'll have to lead me to the tables,"
she notes to V'mar. But, her eyes close and she is muttering. "Blue is
good. I like blue. So does Belly. Its an all around good color. To go with the
red."
K'dir
says "I can watch the kids."
S'vilen
grins, glancing over to where the Monacoan Weyrwoman sits and nods. "Mm,
perhaps you're right," he says, though tiwth a distinctive jesting note to
his comment.
V'mar
draws Briny right behind him, his body close to hers as they make for a table.
He grins around at the other riders nearby and smiles at them in turn.
"now here we are Briny. What do you fancy to eat? I'm sharding
starving."
T'nar
grins as Mati makes his entrance, and he pounds his fellow brownie once on the
back in greetings. "Matiaal, I see you've come to your senses." His
free hand tweaks lightly at M'ial's shiny knew Monacoan knot. A nod to Gabe and
C'val, and then he sweeps a bow to the goldrider. "Hello, weyrwoman
Nicole. Getting away from a too cold summer, like I am?"
Arlyn
nods, agreeing. "I guess your right...but that time has, and possibly
never will come...." Out of an odd nervousness, he begins fiddling with
his plate. "Unless...Oh, nevermind." he says quickly.
Nicole
returns C'val's grin with a wary glance. She just /knows/ that despite his
disclaimer to the country, he's really out to steal her pastry. Nevertheless,
certain forms must be observed. A tilt of her head greets the greenrider.
"Well met, G'briel..." At his inquiry, she reaches up to C'val's chin
and runs her hand over said beard. "Well, I will no doubt concede that it
is prone to be somewhat scratchy."
Osasune
sticks her tongue out at Arlyn. "It will. Just keep an open mind about
it?" She smiles, hopefully in a reassuring manner.
C'val
smiles and releases Nicole for at least the moment, "May I have the
privilige of introducing you to Nicole, rider of Golden Rhiannoth, of Fort
Weyr."
El'ric
chuckles lightly as the couple continue to spin in time to the music,
"Well I only meddled the once and that was an attempt to make them
announce it, I got a bruised shin from Andi for that one." He keeps the
fast pace up they dance on. Theres a wry smile as he adds, "Although it
seems that it's over between them now."
M'ial
notices J'van's waving as his eyes scan the crowd briefly, returning it with a
grin, blinking at T'nar's pounding, "Guess I'm not interrupting anything,
am I?" with a laugh, returning the pounding with his free hand, "Mm,
well, i hate having cold feet in the morning. It's quite nice having nice, warm
feet that doesn't tingle once you get out of bed." he comments.
Arlyn
can't help it but smile wide. "You are right, Osasune. Thank you for the
reassurence." he says, content.
G'briel
smiles at Nicole "Well met, Rhiannoth's rider - Nicole." He says
smoothly "I can't believe I've been at Fort for so many sevendays without
seeing your beauty before this." he adds smoothly, before sending a sly
glance C'val's way "But I do agree - another very good reason to remove it
- to scratch that lovely skin of yours, goldrider, would be a shame."
M'ial, as he comes up to them, gets an inspecting glance and a smile too.
Bella
looks up in surprise at T'ren and chuckles "You know that you are most
likely going to have to go to the infirmary for broken toes if I dance. But if
you insist." She smirks a bit and slides Orella ontot he seat after giving
each another hug "Thank you K'dir. Perhaps you'll dance next?"
K'dir
grins and nods his head eagerly!
Sisala
nods in agreement, twisting and turning as El'ric guides her across the floor.
"I meddled more than once." She gives him a wry smile, "But SIv
puts up with me beacuse he loves me." She gasps, "Shards, its a lot
warmer here than I'm used to.."
Osasune
nods firmly, adopting a mock-solemn look. "Of course. I stuck my tongue
out for it, I must be right."
T'ren
nods to K'dir, "Thank you K'dir." He smiles at Bella, "We have
danced before Bella. I know how well you dance." He escorts Bella out to
the dance floor and holds her close as they start to dance.
C'val
gives Nicole a slightly wounded look, "You said you like the beard."
At this and feeling suddenly very petulent he does snag a piece off the pastry
and pop it into his mouth.
Arlyn
chuckles and lightens up a bit. "Yes, yes. You are right." "I
hope..." he adds, trying to sound like your wrong.
Nicole's
foot comes dangerously close to the toe of C'val's boot as she redistributes
her weight when her leaning post moves. All the same, she's flashing a grin to
T'nar's greeting. "If nothing else, Monaco does have pleasant weather
going for it," she concedes. Well, perhaps one other thing, but she's not
going to admit that to him. At least, not right now. "And how fairs
Baedanth in this climate?"
K'dir
looks at Tristevan and Orella. "You two want to dance, too? I can show you
how."
As a few jaunty bars on the gitars
introduce another dance, Harper Bendellan steps forward to sing. The lyrics are
merry and unsophisticated, a love song of sorts. Dancing with my sweetheart in
the evening light; Dancing with my lover when the stars are bright; Then I know
that everything will be all right; The whole wide world is ours tonight...
J'van
looks Eliwys' way and smiles "Oh, I know I'm right - the woman I love, all
this lovely sunshine and warmth...what more could a man want? Rasnauth seems
well content with Leyrith, too, strangely enough." Amazingly enough,
actually "They used to loathe each other, or so I thought. So...I hear you
already have eggs on Fort's sands, Siv - and a good batch of candidates? I know
you stole at least one from us. We want him back if he doesn't impress."
He's joking...isn't he?
Briny
chuckles softly, giving V'mar something of a nudge as they arrive at the table.
She grins after Bella and T'ren as now they move out to dance, before looking
to the food. "Anything edible. I could eat anything."
T'nar
bobs his head at Mati, though his eyes say he knows other reasons. The older
rider manages to save most of the wine in his glass from Mati's pounding.
"Hsst!" he hisses at the new Monocoan rider, "You'll make me
spill more if you pound any harder." A small smirk. "I didn't know
you had a weyrmate, Nicole - and one who is a pastry thief, too." A grin,
and then he sips at the red. An appraising look at G'briel.
V'mar's
eyes follow Briny and T'ren, "do you think they'll end up having T'ren
transfer?" He asks quietly, "not fair I'd think." He heals
against the table with a frown, watching the dance floor for a long while,
forgetting food.
Tristevan
nods and gets up. He goes over Orella and copies his papa, "Orella will
you give this humble boy the honor of your wonderful company." Orella
giggles and nods, "Okay." She hops down so her and Tristevan can
dance.
S'vilen
spreads his hands. "We've got a couple. But it'll be up to them where they
go if they don't Impress," he replies amiably.
M'ial
dips his head at G'briel, "Allow me to introduce myself, I'm M'ial, rider
of brown Xinth. Call me Mati, if you will." to those around him, merely
biting into the redfruit again at T'nar, smirking lightly, "Mustn't waste
a droplet of that wine, T'nar."
K'dir
laughs at the two kids and watches them to see if they know what to do.
The rhythm of Bendellan's song is infectious, and it has
plenty of verses to dance to. Dancing with my sweetheart 'til the morning sun;
Dancing with my lover 'til the music's done; From tonight she's going to be the
only one; A life of love has just begun!
Nicole
beams at the greenrider's compliment. "Why thank you, G'briel. How kind of
you to say so." It's possible the sincerity of her response is marred by
her efforts to kick a certain pastry-theiving brownrider in the shin while
she's speaking. "I suppose beards have some advantages in the colder
weather, but it really is too bad they're so rough." She's patently
refusing to give him this one. That's what you get for swiping pastries that
don't belong to you.
Tristevan
and Orella look to K'dir, they don't know how to dance so they want for him to
show them how. "Come on Uncle Keedir. Teach us." Orella asks K'dir
and Tristevan nods. "Please."
G'briel
watches Nicole and C'val play and laughs, before a brow raises at that glance
from T'nar. He smiles at M'ial introduces himself, nodding "Well met,
M'ial- How do you like it at Monaco so far? Myself, I envy you being
permanently in such warmth. I find Fort way too cold for my blood." he
shivers just thinking about it.
Osasune
eyes him sternly. "Don't make me stick my tongue out again, young
man."
El'ric
smiles at Sisala as he slows the pace down as the next song starts up, "I
meddled and got kicked a lot and when you did it nothing happened, hmmm."
he grins a little more though. "We can take a break if you want?" he
murmurs, "Grab another drink while you cool off a bit."
Briny's
lips purse into a fine line at V'mar's words, shrugging her shoulders.
"One or the other. I can't imagine having a relationship like that -even
if one does have a dragon to make it that much shorter." She sets some
food onto a plate, grabs a glass that might be filled with wine as well.
C'val
grins like a fool as he quickly moves his shin out of harms way in what is
quite obviously an often practiced manuaver. "Forgive me for a moment
gentleman," And he turns to Nicole, all sweetness now, "My dear could
I entreat you to a dance?"
Sisala
smiles, as the music slows down, "This is a little easier.. but after the
song is over, let's get a drink, alright?" She smiles, "Siv doesn't
usually kick me. Sounds like I've got the more... civil of the siblings,
eh?" She gives you an impish look.
Arlyn
bahs. "Alright alright...no more provocation for the tongue sticking out
thing....For some reason that did not come together correctly...."
V'mar
gets himself a glass of wine and is certainly not shy with the with meats and
cheeses or crackers he puts onto the plate. "I have to agree with you, but
I'm not in those boots right now." He scoots his chair clsoer to Briny and
kisses her cheek. "I'm happy with the way things are."
Osasune
smiles cheerfully. "There we go. Did you want to sit down with that plate
and, um, eat?"
T'nar
cocks an eyebrow at Gabe, lips curling into a small smile - as if in subtle
taunt. "How is Llawenth, Gabe - and how's Xinth, Mati?"
J'van
chuckles, giving S'vilen's shoulder a light slap "It is, indeed." He
agrees - he obviously was joking. "Well, I wish you luck. Eliwys and will
be there as soon as those eggs start cracking, of course...enjoy yourself at
the party, Weyrleader, and thank you for coming. Give my regards to
Jalis." He makes to move off, not wishign to take up anymore of the
Fortian's time.
K'dir
reaches down and takes the kids hands. "All right...It's easy! Just do
what I do...All right...first take you left foot...this foot..." He picks
up his left foot and wiggles it around, "and you set it out to the side
like thise...got it? Good! Then you takne your other foot, and move it so it's
a little behind you,,,like this..."
Arlyn nods
nods. "Sure do! Would you care to..uh..sit down with me? Perhaps we can
chat some more? If you'd like, that is..."
A pair of shakers ornament the
simple beat of drum and gitars as the harper's song goes on... and on... The
tune's a real foot-tapper. Shame about the lyrics. Swinging with my sweetheart
as we cross the floor, Swinging with my lover, who could ask for more? She's
the girl for me, you'd better know the score: Yes, she's the one my heart beats
for.
Nicole
finds herself forced to consume the remainder of the pastry in a haste that
borders upon unladylike. But then, she's gone and worn riding leathers to a
party, which would amount to the epitomy of unladylike in a hold. A far cry
from the Holder's daughter who stood on the sands those many years ago. "A
dance," she ponders aloud once she finishes off the treat. "I suppose
that might have certain possiblities." The audience should perhaps ask
themselves... for /what/?
G'briel
inclines his head to Nicole as she thanks him for the compliment, which was
meant sincerely. He watches C'val and the goldrider head to the dance floor,
turning his attention on the two brownriders left with him. He smiles at T'nar
"Llawenth is almost...glowing." He says obliquely, before turning his
attention on M'ial, awaiting his reply.
Osasune
smiles, nodding to Arlyn. "Of course! I've stood long enough that I've
forgotten sitting on my rear for so long and sitting has become appealing once
more." She heads over to a nearby table, asking, "This one okay?"
Tristevan
and Orella watch K'dir and begin to copy his move. They pick up their left foot
and waggle it around before they set it off to the side then they move their
other foot behind them.
M'ial
chuckles, "I've been enjoying Monaco immensely, it's just terrific here.
If I stay in the sun any longer, I'll be as brown as Xinth is. I enjoyed the
cold of Fort for awhile, but I like to have feeling in my itty bitty toes,
y'know?" A grin, "Xinth's doing just great, T'nar. Always curled up
and basking. And how's Bae?"
K'dir
goes on to explain to the kids, "And then yo take your first foot and move
it back next to your right foot...Like that...You got it, Tris!...Watch my feet
again, Orella, that's a girl!"
C'val
is polite enough to not completely drag Nicole into the dance but he does set
off with a jaunty pace.
Arlyn
grins and nods. "Of course...any table is fine with me." He takes up
the closest seat and begins digging into his food, having not eaten for many
hours.
The visiting harper finally brings
his song to a close after singing the whole thing through twice, then pauses to
take a quick drink before picking up his pipe for the next dance. Behind him,
Karelie and Jerinna lock eyes, and Jerinna gives a resigned shake of the head.
T'nar
rolls his eyes as he overhears the current song's lyrics. "Awful," he
grimaces. A nod to Gabe, and a small show of interest at his words.
"Really? I wonder why Bae isn't sidling up to her right now?"
Probably because the hard-working brown is being lazy, for once.
Orella
smiles as she holds Tristevan and K'dir's hands for suppose. Tristevan looks
down at his feet. "This is easy." He says with a smile.
Osasune
settles into a seat across from Arlyn, putting her wine glass on the table.
"Oof. Great. These sandals were starting to hurt my feet. Don't really
wear sandals at Fort."
K'dir
says "Very good...now you start with your right foot and do the same
steps...like this..." The Greenrider demonstrates. "Right to the
side, left foot back, then feet together."
T'nar
adds to Mati, "Bae is well. He's stayed out of the last month of various
greenflights, so i'm pretty happy with him. I needed a break."
G'briel
smiles "More to the point - why isn't Llawenth out there flirting with
everything male?" he notes "It's mainly because there are too many
greens about. She feels she can't compete, even on the verge of glowing."
He shrugs, leaning closer to say quietly "She has a complex about her dark
color, you see." Gabe has no such complex - he'll flirt with anyone that
he finds attractive, regardless of who is around. Competition? what's that?
S'vilen
waves after J'van. "Will do!" he calls after the other Weyrleader.
Then, turning, he notices C'val and Nicole together. He watches them for a few moments,
then ambles over towards Osasune and drops into a seat next to her, putting
down his plate. Nodding towards the pair he'd just been watching, he tells her,
"Those two ride Perymith's parents."
Briny
scooches right up next to V'mar, not at all shy herself... considering
proximity and such to him. This new knot definitely has its uses. Nearly cooing
in happiness, almost cloying though, she pops this and that into her mouth,
shifting glances now and again to that brownrider.
El'ric
continues to smile as he dances with Sisala, "Andi just got used to having
to fight back at an early age, I was a tremendous bully apparently."
Staying at the more sedate pace he continues to lead the way.
Nicole
trails along behind C'val's rapid steps, before she allows irritation to
overcome her training. One hand reaches up to the middle of his back and clasps
firmly on his shirt. "Slow down, C'val," she says, empasizing her
request by tugging on the back of the shirt.
Sisala
laughs at that, and she murmurs, "Carrying on that tradition with the
weyrlings, are you?" Her eyes twinkle, "I think that's part of the
job of being weyrlingmaster."
The
littles nod as they follow K'dir's step even the foot wiggle in between putting
the right to the side and the left foot back. Orella giggles, "Do we have
to do the foot wiggle?"
Arlyn
says with a mouth full of food, "I never really wear sandles...moreso I
just wear my good ole' boots. Protect me from anything the ground may throw my
way." Continueing to chow down on his little buffet.
[Monitor]
Sariya has disconnected.
K'dir
giggles at the smalls. "Noooo, you don't have to wiggle your feet! That's
just so you know which foot I'm talking about. You both know right from
left?"
The musicians are playing a slow,
romantic ballad, the sort of
dance where couples linger in each
other's arms. The fiddle takes
the lead, pouring out its richest
tones as measure follows measure,
phrase follows phrase.
M'ial
grins at T'nar, "Yeah, greenflights can be tiring. I know that all too
well." Then he raises a brow at G'briel, finishing off his redfruit,
"Makes sense. Complex?"
Tristevan
nods, "Yes Mama Trillian taught us left from right." Orella nods,
"Yep." They continue to dance in the steps that K'dir taught them,
"Is that all?" Tristevan asks.
V'mar
eats quickly, having learned over the turn to eat between lessons he wastse not
time with it. "You know it's going to take some retraiing for things to
get back to normal." He sighs and glances at Briny and then blushes hotly.
C'val
smiles and does slow down sing the tune has changed, but most likely only since
the tune has changed, "Don't give me that you were keeping up just fine
sweets."
Osasune
freezes for a moment as S'vilen sits, then turns her head to peer in C'val and
Nicole's direction. "Oh, really? I'd point out Caledoth's parents, but I
think you already know them." That last is said in a stage whisper before
she smiles. "S'vilen, this is Arlyn. He's part of an entertainment troupe
staying here at Monaco. He's good with knives! Arlyn, this is S'vilen, bronze
Perymith's rider and, um... Fort's Weyrleader." Cough.
T'nar
shakes his head at the thought of a proddy green who won't bask in the
limelight. "That's too bad, G'briel. Baedanth has no predilictions about
shading. Actually, he has very few at all when it comes to females." A
snort, and then more wine.
Arlyn
,still stuffing his face, mumbles a hello. "Nice to meet you, S'vilen. I
am Arlyn..."
K'dir
nods. "That's basically it. Just three steps. First you do it with your
left foot first, then again with your right foot first. But then you can move
around the dance floor, and add spins, and make it really fancy! So you need to
proactice. But it you learn this dance, Tristevan, you can dance any girl off
the dance floor! And Orella, this is the dance that all the fine Lady Holders
can do. And I think you are very much a fine lady."
Nicole
catches slips of other conversations as they float past her, while she's slid
across the floor by her dance partner. "Greenflights are tiring, try
goldflights..." she calls to M'ial. She makes a face at C'val for teasing
her, but lets the opportunity for a sharp comment pass in favor of enjoying a
slower dance.
El'ric
laughs softly "Well they need to learn to be tough, but i'm not being
cruel to them." He winks, "Although they may say different of
course." He pulls Sisala to him as the music slows right down into the
ballad as he murmurs, "I don't think I'll let you escape just yet."
G'briel
chuckles "Ah, but T'nar - it isn't the males she worries about. It's the
females." He explains, nodding to M'ial "Yes. You see, Llawenth is
rather dark for a green - her hide. Somewhat sooty, really. And she's very
self-conscious about it." And you thought dragons weren't vain, right?
Briny
is lifting a meatroll to her mouth, and then V'mar says /that/. She blinks for
a moment, mouth still agape, before staring over to him. She laughs though,
sets the meatroll down, and squeezes his hand. "I doubt that, but..."
She glances up to the others around, before looking to him. "That is...
unless you want to sneak out now."
The music is definitely following a
romantic vein at the moment. Someone's singing - one of the women this time.
"Let me be your friend for ever, Let me understand your heart" The
pace is slow, the rhythm a gentle lilt.
J'van
moves back towards Eliwys and brings her some fresh fruit - cherries, of
course. He settles down next to her and watches the celebrations.
Bella
smiles and glances over her shoulder at K'dir and the littles dancing as she
steps on t'ren's toes more than once during the dance. She nods towards Briny
and V'mar when she spots them nearby at the food tables then glances down
towards her feet trying not to stomp all over T'ren's feet too badly.
Sisala
smiles at El'ric's words, and she slips her arms around him, as the rest of the
world seems to disappear. She smiles at the ballad's words, and she rests her
head against El'ric's shoulder, and murmurs softly, "I'm not going anywhere."
Orella
smiles and blushes a little as she is in a frilly blue dress that makes her
look very cute. "Really?" The shy girl asks. Tristevan grins,
"Any woman? Even like a Weyrwoman?"
M'ial
shrugs at T'nar, "Xin'll just be happy to give his attention to a female
that'll welcome it. Says all of them are pretty in one way or another." He
leans back onto one leg, grinning at Nicole's comment, "Ah, I'll agree to
that, but they're not as frequent." he points out, nodding at G'briel, "Ah,
now I understand."
K'dir
nods. "Yes. To both of you! Lets try it again." He leads them through
the steps again, slowly, so that they can each follow.
C'val
grunts, "More tiring and leading to turns of anguish afterwards if you
win." Though it is said with a grin. As one song comes to an end he stops,
"Let's see about getting you another pastry and me a glass of wine
sweets."
T'ren
smiles at Bella and gives no hint that she is stepping on his toes. He is more
to used to it. T'ren is quick to move his feet to avoid Bella and he smiles at
her, "Just take a breath and relax." He gently rubs her back.
V'mar's
eyes sparkle and he smiles at Briny, "I think I can wait a little longer.
I won't want people to talk." As though they can stop that from happening.
"How is your meal?" His by this time is gone.
Tristevan
grins and goes through the steps more slowly with Orella. They both have it,
but there is a lot of practice that is needed.
Arlyn
,after finally finishing his plate, wipes his face clean of any food remnants
and deposists the plate back. "Wow, that sure was good...I haven't had a
meal like that since god knows when." "The cooks should definently be
commended on their efforts."
S'vilen
blinks at Arlyn, perhaps taken a bit aback. "Well met," he says a little
vaguely. "Arlyn, was it?" he asks.
T'nar
nods back, draining his glass, and then moving to the table for another. As he
returns to Gabe and Mati's company, "I think Bae's only annoyance with
females is if one is exceedingly lazy. Otherwise..." and he shrugs his
shoulders, sipping from his glass. "I think Llawenth is a rather
captivating shade. But i'm not female, OR a dragon."
Osasune
shifts her legs a little, then leans over and tugs on her sandals, pulling one
off. "The, um, sandals go with the dress. I'm clueless, but I get that the
boots don't work with the breezy hot weather dress." As she leans forward,
her ring swings forward as well, and keeps swinging back and forth a little
with every movement she makes. Even the little frustrated ones as wiggles her
other foot free. "Cooks good? Haven't eaten yet - ha! Free at last!"
The second sandal is off.
Jalis
ambles in from the western landing field, through the basalt flats.
El'ric
wraps arms tightly around Sisala, holding her to him. "Thats what I like
to hear." He leads them in a gentle swaying dance as he murmurs,
"After this shall we slip off, it's the weyrlings night really."
Briny
is getting looked at, and by people other than V'mar. So, she smiles broadly,
flashes him that grin, and then finally does take a bite of that meatroll.
"Good, because it's already been about two turns as it is. Best things
come to those who wait." *wink*
Snatches of song can still be heard,
music that seems to sway as the dancers are doing. I'll be there to share your
sorrows24r I'll be there to share your dreams The two boys, not needed in this
number, exchange disdainful expressions at the sentimentality, but the dancers
seem happy enough.
Jalis
approaches the gathering silently, smiling as she does. She looks around
curiously, glancing into all the faces of those she knows, and those she
doesn't. She makes her way toward S'vilen.
Sisala
nods agreeably, "Lets let them have their night.." She murmurs
happily, "And we can get out of their way.." She smiles as she dances
with El'ric to the slow, sentimental song.
Bella
grins and nods to T'ren at the dancing advice so she does just that. she smiles
and works on the relaxing thing. The music continues and she slips peeks over
to see Tri and Ore's progress with their dancing instructor.
Arlyn
nods. "Yes...My name is Arlyn. Just Arlyn." he replies. Chuckling at
Osasune, he replies happily. "You must happy, eh? Having those sandals on
all day...." It's amazing what food can do to Arlyn. Makes him a heck of a
lot open to conversation and what not.
Nicole's
tongue teases against her lips, which press tightly shut as if she's holding
back another retort. She settles for a swift *huff* and then glances towards
the food. "I suppose another pastry would serve, since I only got about
half the last one..." She slides one arm into the crook of C'val's arm,
and heads towards the location of the prooffered pastries. On her way, she
notices the WeyrWoman and lifts her other hand in greeting. "Jalis!"
V'mar
mutters to Briny, "... not... when..."
V'mar
whispers "you'd best not laugh when I just burst when I see you
naked."
C'val
grins as he heads towards the food with Nicole. A sharp salute is given to
Jalis as they come near, "Greetings Jalis, Monaco's duty to Fort and her
Queens."
G'briel
smiles at M'ial "Exactly so - it's early days yet at any rate. Llawenth
likes to draw these things out. She thinks when she is glowing is the only time
she is truly beautiful - I tell her otherwise.." He shrugs "But she
doesn't believe me." He laughs at T'nar's comment "I can't call
Llawenth lazy - she's more energy than I do..." Well, maybe. He eyes the
brownrider thoughtfully "You should perhaps tell her that, T'nar - I've
always liked her looks - she's unique. But again.."
Jalis
slips up beside S'vilen and smiles at him, "Hello Weyrleader
S'vilen." She addresses him with teasing formality. "I hope I didn't
miss too much. Where is Weyrwoman Eliwys and her new weyrleader? I want to give
them my greeting." She hears C'val and turns her head, nodding in his
direction and giving him a smile. "Greetings C'val!"
T'ren
smiles at Bella and he looks over as they dance to K'dir and the children,
"Looks like Tristevan and Orella are going to be pretty good
dancers." He smiles at Bella and reaches up to brush her cheek.
Osasune
smiles at Arlyn. "Not all day. I changed into the dress and sandals once
I, um, got here." She wriggles her toes, looking over at Jalis as the
rider sits at the table she's sharing with S'vilen and Arlyn. "Hullo,
Weyrwoman."
M'ial
grins at T'nar, "Not a lot of lazy females, I think, so I guess that's a
good thing." Then he moves over to the other table to prepare himself a
glass of wine, soon returning to the company with a sip, "Well, I'm sure
Xinth'd be willing to inform your Llawenth of that fact. A lady should be happy
as much as she can be."
There's a change of mood in the
music now, with a dance that's almost a jig. This one requires quick footwork,
and Karelie's flute pours out a shower of rapid figures, setting a challenging
pace, while the drums emphasise the rhythmic foot-taps that occur at intervals.
T'nar
hears Nicole's greeting, and turns around to make certain... Yes, it /is/ Jalis
at Monaco. A crisp salute. "Hello, Weyrwoman." And then he turns back
to G'briel, murmuring, "I think I shall, later on. No lady should feel
insufficient - especially a dragon." More wine is quaffed, and he nods at
Mati's concurrent words.
S'vilen
looks around at Nicole's call, and finds Jalis just starting to speak to him.
He grins and stands politely. "Evening, my dear Weyrwoman," he
replies. His head turns as he scans for J'van and Eliwys, finding the latter
first. "Eliwys is over there, and J'van... there. I was to pass on their greetings,
but as you're here..." he says, inclining his head.
Bella
chuckles and nods "Looks like everyone is starting to enjoy themselves a
bit. We should go tuck the littles in somewhere so they don't see something
they should not." Bella chuckles and glances around to a few party goers
dipping into the wine "And I'm in the mood to be a bit more festuive
myself."
Briny's
eyes fly open. Wide. Very wide. Yes, it is the owl looks and she is bringing it
off rather successfully. She turns to look at V'mar and actually bites her
bottom lip hard to keep from grinning. Oh my. But, it is her eyes that show her
amusement, reaching over to give him a squeeze, "Behave."
V'mar
gives a kittenish smile to Briny and wraps his arm around her, pulling her
closer. "I am! I really am!" He pokes out his lower lip and then
turns to watch the dancing so he can restrain himself.
K'dir
and his little friends are giggling, and laughing, and having a
good
time.
Jalis
grins across at Osasune warmly, "Hello Rider Osasune." She says
respectfully, "You look very pretty this eve." She compliments her
before noting Arlyn, "Who is your young male friend here?" She
gestures toward Arlyn. Then she turns toward S'vilen a moment and nods.
"Then I'll be right over to convey my own, and my congratulations on their
new riders."
El'ric
smiles as he gently guides Sisala towards the edge of the dancefloor, staying
silent as he does so, just holding her to him as they dance waiting for the
song to end. Once the ballad is over he holds her there for a long moment
afterwards before releasing his grip. "I'll need to pick up my basket and
my new knot then we can disapear."
Arlyn
noticing this stranger known as Jalis, merely nods at her. "Uhm...Hello,
Jalis. I am Arlyn. It is uhm...nice to meet you."
Nicole
takes her time selecting her pastry this time, gently nudging C'val to go
select her a wine. "Red, remember?" she murmurs to him before turning
her attention to the tray before her.
The music is slow and dreamy, speaking
of moonlit walks by a quiet sea, warmth in the air and soft sand underfoot.
Breaking wavelets are captured in the harp's rippling chords, whispering
breezes in the low tones of a flute.
J'van
is sitting with Eliwys to one side, obviuosly content just to relax with the
weyrwoman and watch teh goings on.
C'val
notices S'vilen sitting at the table in front of where he and Nicole seems to
find themselves. "S'vilen," with no formality at all, "Zhirith
demands I ask if you're taking proper care of his brood."
Jalis
arches an eyebrow at Arlyn and grins at him, "You know, it is customary to
greet a weyrwoman as Weyrwoman Jalis." She chides him gently. Then she
chuckles. "But don't worry, I don't stand too much on formality. Well, not
too much."
Briny
leans back into V'mar as she watches the dancers as well, more than happy to
simply be like this with him for now, even if she does keep glancing towards
the path out of here. But, they must keep up appearances and all. After all,
Bella is still about.
T'ren
nods to Bella, "You right.>" he leads Bella over to the table and
smiles as the little dance, "I think it's bed time." The littles aw,
"Do we have to?" They both say at once. T'ren nods, "I am afraid
so. It's time for all little children to go to bed and dream of dragons."
Tristevan and Orella hug K'dir, "Thanks for teaching us." Orella
smiles, "Yeah." T'ren smiles at K'dir, "Thanks for watching the
children and teaching them to dance."
G'briel
smiles at both brownriders equally, with the same amount of flirtation
expression "I am sure that compliments from either you or your lifemates
will be most welcome.." whether to him or to Llawenth, he doesn't say. His
gaze moves to the Fortian Weyrwoman as her name is brought up, and his eyes
gleam. "So it is our illustrious leading lady...." He doesn't bother
to call out, admiring from afar.
Arlyn
bahs. "I say who needs formalities...I am not one for them anyway.
Precisely why I just want people to call me simply "Arlyn". But if I
must, I will..." he says, grinning.
Eliwys
leans over and whispers something to J'van, and grins as she points to some of
the former Weyrlings getting a little inebriated, "Some are going to have
awful headaches tomorrow."
Osasune
clears her throat. "Um... thank you, Weyrwoman. Dress from stores. You
look, um, I like your dress. It looks good with the hair." She waves her
hand by her head, then takes up her wine glass and has a long sip.
A short introduction sends a ripple
of anticipation through those who are watching the dancers, as they recognise
the unmistakable sound of the toss dance. Funny, the floor seems to be
emptying. Will anyone take up the challenge?
K'dir
says "Awww...We wewre having fun! And they're learining how to
dance!"
M'ial
grins at G'briel, "No matter if she's a dragon or a woman." Jalis
earns a glance with a smile sent to her if she notices him, turning his
attention back to the others soon afterwards. "Well, then, Xinth will
oblige her. It's interesting to watch how things turn out sometimes..." he
comments as he leans back to watch the proceedings.
K'dir
bends down and hugs each of his little friends.
Sisala
lets El'ric lead her off the dancefloor, and she snags a pair of wineglasses
full of red wine while she waits for El'ric to get his knot and basket. She
gives him a smile, and murmurs, "Whenever you are ready, 'Ric." Its
his weyr, his weyrlings.
Jalis
grins and nods at Arlyn, "You best remember that, because there are some
who insist on formalities all the time, Arlyn." She nods. "I know a
few old lord holders that.." She lowers her voice, "Well, they're a
little stuffy."
V'mar
rubs the back of Briny's neck softly and down her back, "i can't believe
you almost forgot your knot." He teases the bluerider.
Bella
grins at the littles and winks to K'dir "Well when we return you can dance
with me if you wish." She offers "Though your toes might wish you
don't." Bella laughs and bends down to pick up Orella before starting off
to get them settled in.
S'vilen
extends a hand to try to catch Jalis' arm before she can leave. "After you
pay your respects to Monaco's leaders, you owe me a dance," he informs her
gravely.
T'ren
picks up Tristevan and chuckles at Bella's apperasal of her dancing, "I
have some steel toed boots you can wear out there K'dir." He grins as he
starts off after Bella.
Arlyn
nods slowly. "Very well....Weyrleader Jalis...For some reason that just
dosen't seem right..." He murmurs. "Oh well...I must, if I
must."
Jalis
giggles at Arlyn and says "Weyrwoman, though I suppose Weyrleader is just
as good." She teases, "But S'vilen might get jealous." She
nudges S'vilen playfully.
El'ric
slips over to the corner of the platform and retrieves his things, returning
long enough to give Sisala a quick kiss, "Right lets get moving, this
way." He smiles cheekily and leads the way back across the weyr.
The music is fast and lively,
building up to the point where the male
dancers should toss their partner into the air, to twirl and drop and be caught
- they hope. Timing is everything, so gitarists and drummer work hard to keep
the rhythm going while the flute and fiddle take it in turns to take the lead
with the tune.
Nicole
decides to strike preemptatively against the fliching brownrider. Her plate is
loaded with not one, nor even two, but three different pasteries. She watches
S'vilien flirt with Jalis and ignore C'val's inquiry. "Siv," she
chides. "I hope you don't mean to make C'val and Zhirith think we don't
take good care of our lifemates at Fort."
T'nar
peers down into his glass, watching the wine with almost as much fascination as
he did Gabe. "Does this little chat about nothing at all suddenly stike
either of you as innane?" he pipes up, looking at M'ial and G'briel with
interest.
Sisala
follows El'ric, disappearing from the party without a backward glance, already
picking her away across the beach and towards his cottage.
K'dir
waves good night to Orella and Tristevan.
El'ric
walks off southwards to the green expanse of the western landing field, passing
through the basalt flats.
Arlyn
gets a little flushed out of embarresment. "Oh...Uhm...Ok...I guess I
could follow the /stupid/ formality rules..."
G'briel
grins at T'nar "You expected depth from me?" is said with
mock-surprise. "Did you perhaps wish to discuss drills or fall or what you
saw on sweeps." He flicks a piece of lint from a sleeve "I can't say
I would be much interested, myself." He flicks a glance K'dir-ward as he
says this, then back to the brownriders. "But it is fairly
innane...enjoyable, though."
S'vilen
looks around at Nicole and blinks at her. "What? I'm sorry?" he says,
looking from her to C'val. "I must not have heard. What was said?"
Osasune
smiles faintly, having another long sip of chilled wine that grows ever less
chilled.
Briny
is left to blush once more at V'mar's comments, rolling her eyes as she leans
against him. "I thought for sure I was going to trip and fall, forget to
say something, or do some other horror, that I wanted to just get back to the
rest of you. I'll never live that down."
Sisala
walks off southwards to the green expanse of the western landing field, passing
through the basalt flats.
Jalis,
seeing the expression on Arlyn's face bursts into a laugh and grins at him.
"No worries Arlyn. " She looks bemused, "So are you a
Monacoan?" She gestures around the weyr. "Or a relative of one of the
new riders, visiting for their graduation?"
The musicians are concentrating hard
as the toss dance move towards its spectacular climax: only the best dancers
can hope to survive the final leaps and spins. The music seems to spin, too, as
the patterned phrases repeat in a dizzying crescendo.
Eliwys
smiles.
Bella
smiles.
Arlyn
shakes his head. "No...I have come here from a traveling troupe as a
knifeplayer, and I have taken up residence here. Temporarily, unless we get
some good buisness here..."
M'ial
chuckles, "Yeah, pretty much. But then again, isn't that what pretty much
one talks about at events like those?" A idle hand waves about to indicate
the crowd, sipping at his wine, "I'm not big on formality."
C'val
grins at the exchange between Jalis and Arlyn. Turning his head to Nicole he
says, "I implied no such thing, Zhirith is simply very protective of his
children."
T'nar
shakes his head. "Work talk is just as innane - and no, I didn't expect
you to be anything except yourself, Gabe. Which is why I like you, I
believe." A sudden poke at Mati's shoulder. "And you, too. I know
where I stand with you. No stupid mind games." Sip.
V'mar
tickles at Briny's side, watching all the smiling, "I won't tease
you....much."
G'briel
laughs softly "Oh, I know what you want from me, T'nar." He comments
lazily, eyes gleaming with amusement "Whether you get it or not.." He
shrugs "I think we still have to deal with semantics. As for
M'ial....where does he stand with you? I'm curious."
As the toss dance comes to an end
with loud, triumphant chords, the guitarists break into delighted laughter,
full of the satisfaction of a difficult piece well played, while the two young
percussionists look round eagerly for casualties. The brats!
K'dir
sits down to enjoy the glass of wine. He watches other people who he knows, the
people he doesn't know. He listens to the music, and thinks about things that
only have mening to himself....listens to his dragon's thought on the
subject...and quietly sips at his wine.
Jalis
grins and says "Well, riders are easily entertained." She smirks at
that comment and looks around pointedly at a few riders who are a bit dimwitted
-- and them all unaware of her brief attention.
M'ial
just smirks at T'nar's poke, "Stupid mind games. Ha." More sipping of
his wine, "Am I brash, T'nar?"
Osasune
leans an elbow on the table, resting her head on her hand, fingers toying with
a lock of hair. She watches the finale of the toss dance, still smiling
faintly.
Briny
hitches at the tickling, before offering V'mar a wry grin. "Yeah... I'll
remember that. Especially later on this evening."
Nicole gently
pokes a finger against C'val's side. "I know fully well you didn't imply
that, but I wouldn't want the thought to arise because Siv didn't tell you how
his lifemate is faring..." Since C'val doesn't seem to be obliging by
reasking his question, she slips it into her response so the Fort rider can
actually reply this time.
T'nar's
eyes narrow slightly as Gabe brings up that subject - not upset, but intent. A
look over at his fellow brownie. "Oh, yes. Mati is certainly brash, and
can be quite loud, at times. And he is definitely in love with a certain pretty
/woman/ up at Fort, am I correct?" A grin for M'ial, which turns upon
Gabe.
V'mar
clears his throat and looks all innocent. "Now now, you can't talk about
what might happen this evening. "oh right -might- he says.
Eliwys
leans up against J'van's shoulder, "My headache is getting worse, people
are visiting the galleries and she's not too happy. Mind if I abandon
you?" she asks.
Arlyn
looks a bit at Osasune, and smiles at her. "So your...uhm...watching the
dance? It seems most of the dancers are quite talented.../but some are rather
pathetic.../" he says, taking a few glances at the dancers.
Bella
returns a bit later after seeing the littles tucked in. The party is still in
full swing and the greenrider grins "Okay. I'm in the mood for another
glass of wine." She pipes in as she retakes her seat.
J'van
smiles down at Eliwys, his fingers tracing her cheek "I do mind, actually
- how about I come with you?" He suggests "I can help with your headache."
He begins to stand, a hand out to pull the goldrider up.
Jalis
glances over at Arlyn curiously, "Oh I don't know. I don't think they're
all that bad." Then she grins. "Speaking of dancing, I will be sure
to dance with you before we leave tonight, S'vilen. " A pause, "If I
don't forget."
Briny
grins once more, leaning more fully against V'mar now. "Of course not, you
might just burst."
S'vilen
ahs at Nicole, turning his attention to C'val. "Perymith is doing very
well," he informs the brownrider. "And the rest of clutch as
well." Hearing Jalis, he looks over and grins. "I won't let
you."
Eliwys
puts her hand in J'van's and let's him do the work of pulling her up,
"Well, let's see if we can soothe her first" she adds, leaning
against the Weyrleader as they head towards the landing field.
Eliwys
walks off southwards to the green expanse of the western landing field, passing
through the basalt flats.
G'briel
grins at T'nar's warning "Easy, man - I've no wish to pull M'ial away from
his lady love." is said teasingly "I've enough on my plate that I
don't need to steal." He looks at M'ial regretfully, however. "If you
ever find yourself at outs with her, though...." is added suggestively.
Osasune
smiles at Arlyn, nodding. "They all look pretty good to me. I don't think
I could do it, learn the steps and remember them and not be clumsy. It's just
one of those things Osa's not good at. I guess I'd be pathetic, then." She
winks at the entertainer. "I suppose you're an expert dancer?"
J'van
walks off southwards to the green expanse of the western landing field, passing
through the basalt flats.
T'ren
comes back with Bella, arm around her waist. He leads Bella back over to the
table and smiles at K'dir, "Anything exciting happen while we were
gone?"
V'mar
looks around and then boldly pinches Briny's backside. His expression never
even changing.
Arlyn
blushes with a grimace attached. "Oh...uhm...Nope, I've never danced at
all in my life before...but why do you wish to know?" He asks, ever
curious.
K'dir
looks up and smiles. He's just sitting on the bench, casually leaning
back,sipping in his wine. Same glass. "Oh, just some exciting
dancing."
C'val
smiles and nods to S'vilen, "Glad to hear it, I of course had faith in
you, but Zhirith can be such a worrier sometimes."
M'ial
wrinkles his nose at T'nar, "I think that's an understatement, T'nar, but
I'm quite proud of it." A grin, downing the rest of his wine, setting the
empty glass on the table, "Indeed, I am. Though I'm not quite willing to
settle down with one woman just yet. However, as for your offer, you can keep
it. I'm stuck on women." to G'briel.
Nicole
allows a smirk to flash across her face. "You know," she comments to
S'vilien, "Some say that a dragon is frequently a balance to its rider's
nature. It does make you wonder if Zhirith has need to be such a
worrier..."
T'nar
nods at Mati, as the brownie answers Gabe as he knew he would. "I thought
you were more than interested in Weyrmating Ashe, Mati. Did something change on
your end - or on hers?"
Osasune
laughs lightly at Arlyn. "You just sounded like you could do it better,
the way you spoke," she informs him.
G'briel
laughs lightly at M'ial's words "I see - a shame, that, but
understandable. Best keep Xinth away from Llawenth, however." He notes,
flicking a glance at T'nar "It would seem your friend here doesn't share
your predilections, however."
Arlyn
mumbles, /I probably could if I tried...bah...I might as well try../
"Well, I could try if you wanted me to! And I probably could do it better
than them!" He says confidently. (He's a goner)
C'val
rolls his eyes at Nicole, "Please will you let the punching the Weyrleader
thing die already?" This is said with a stiffled chuckle at the end
however.
Bella
chuckles and reaches out for her glass of wine and takes a few happy sips.
"Well that means there are alot of people getting their toes stepped on
then right?" She chuckles and glances around towards those dancing.
M'ial
shakes his head at T'nar, "No. Just always been that way, though I do give
Ashelyn more of my attention than the others." A shrug, "Xinth does
what he wish. And T'nar does what he wish." he replies, "Just as I do
what I wish."
The clear notes of the harper's
voice ring out through the cool night air, and several couples cease dancing to
watch, and listen. Once he finishes, a round of spontaneous applause and cheers
rings out, only to be quieted as a drummer takes up the solo.
T'ren
ahs, "Did you get in any of it?" He asks as he picks up his and takes
a sip of his wine and mms. "Yes there is. You want to go out there and
smash some more toes?"
Briny
squeaks, nearly bouncing off the bench they were sitting upon. Okay, that is
it. He is /far/ too frisky. She reaches over to tug on his sleeve, "Sure
you don't want to go yet, pumpkin?" Yeah, she called him pumpkin.
Osasune
smiles at Arlyn. "I don't want you to try anything you wouldn't do
normally. Not that my request really holds any power, mind you." She
snickers at herself, finishing off her wine. A sidelong glance is spared in
Siv's direction.
T'nar
arches an eyebrow again at G'briel. Sip. "Let's just say I am /primarily/
attracted to the female of the species." A stout nod at Mati's words.
"I see. Does she understand that, Mati? I'm not trying to pry, but I
wouldn't want to see either of you hurt because of a misunderstanding."
Nicole
pauses sharply and eyes C'val meaningfully. Her lips purse tightly a moment and
she leans forward to whisper something in his ear. When she's done, she turns
to look at the other rider and just rolls her eyes dramatically.
V'mar's
lashes flutter and he gets to his feet. "Perhaps we should. YOu know, call
it an early evening." He pretends a big yawn and sretches one arm over his
head. "You know, being a rider is hard stuff."
Briny
rolls her eyes at his stretching. So, she takes that lifting arm and precedes
to try to pull him up with a couple of tugs. "And getting harder by the
moment. All tuckered out, dear?"
Bella
grins and holds out her empty glass to be refilled. "Perhaps after I have
another glass of wine." She chuckles "I'ld almost forgot what it
tsted like."
C'val
looks as though he's in trouble but leans and whispers something back to
Nicole.
The music blends for a few measures
of counterpoint, strings harmonizing with winds as it weaves its rhythms
beneath both instruments. Finally, the guitars rejoin in their gentle rhythmic
strumming as the rumba goes on.
Arlyn
bahs out loud like he usually does. "I am willing to try it, so just ask
me if you want me to. Really....I don't mind." he says, then converting
his speech to a whisper. "I betcha I could do better than them...."
T'ren
smiles as he finished his off and took Bella's glass, "Let me refill it with
some of Benden's best." He moves over to refill their glasses and then
moves back over to give Bella hers, "Here you go love."
K'dir
says "Oh, that's right, Bella....no wine while yo were a Weyrling.
Weyrlinghood must have been a /lot/ harder on you than it was on me,
Bella."
G'briel
just smiles at T'nar and M'ial as they begin to speak of things he doesn't know
about. He turns to watch the dancers, eyes searching out a particular
greenrider as he does so.
M'ial
nods, "She does, I've made that clear from the beginning. I have a policy
as well, never do anything with another woman in front of the one you're
currently with. I find that saves me trouble. And someone /will/ end up being
hurt, T'nar, it's just the way of life."
S'vilen
grins at C'val, though he gives Nicole a curious look. As they begin to
converse between them, he looks around to see who's left.
V'mar
snorts at Briny and wraps both arms around her tightly. "lets go
home." He answers.
Osasune
smiles at Arlyn, amused. "I'm supposed to coax you to show them up, am
I?"
Nicole
simply drops a slight kiss on C'val's cheek and glances towards the bowl and
away from the party. "I'm sure you can think of something..."
Bella
smiles and spots V'mar and Briny slipping away. Her attention slips back top
K'dir and she arches her brow "Oh. You had wine during your
weyrlinghood?"
The soft, sensual rhythms continue
their spell weaving over the gathering, instruments intertwining, guitar
providing stability, and drums providing rhythmical support as the dance goes
on.
Jalis
overhears M'ial and just widens her eyes, grinning. "Men have funny
ideas." She says bemusedly
Arlyn
puts his hand back behind his head, casually. "Bah! My services don't come
cheap ya know." he grimaces.
Briny
smiles. And Oh, what a smile it is. Bliss. Pure bliss. She glances to V'mar,
and then to the others. A wave is given to Bella along with a wink, "Talk
to you later!"
T'ren
puts his arm around Bella and hugs her to him as he takes a drink and listens,
"I know I wasn't allowed in mine and I didn't allow any for the weyrlings
I talk, but every weyr is different."
Osasune
makes a noise. "You won't get marks out of me, they all go toward buying
myself a gitar."
T'nar
nods at Mati. "Understood. I hope you're happier down here." A glance
at Gabe as the greenrider gazes at another. "Shells, what does one have to
do to keep your attention, greenrider? Strip to the waist and prance about in a
drunken revel?" A smug little grin.
C'val
suddenly is overcome with the look of child about to open turnday presents. He
turns to S'vilen and whomever else happens to be close, "I'm very sorry
something seems to have just come up that I need to attend to, please enjoy
your stay here Weyrleader. Goodnight." With that he turns to lead Nicole
out of the throng.
M'ial
tilts his head at Jalis, "Don't we all?" he replies with a raised
brow, "I am." he answers T'nar, though he blinks at the comment to
G'briel, "I'd go blind if either one of you did that."
Arlyn
shakes his head. "No, no, no...I mean you have to give me some motivation
to make me do it. Like in my troupe, my motivation is, of course, the
money."
K'dir
shakes his head. "No, M'am. I never drank. I was too young, anyhow."
V'mar
waves to the party goers as well and then follows along with Briny, his arm
around her tightly.
Osasune
gives C'val and Nicole an amused, look, then leans back in her seat and regards
Arlyn. "Ah... I see." Another sidelong glance at Siv, then back to
Arlyn.
Nicole is
somewhat taken aback by the suddenness of their impending departure, but
manages to wave cheerfully to the rest of the group as she follows him away
from the party.
Arlyn
shrugs. "Oh well...guess you don't want me to get up and dance, oh
well...." he says in a without a care in the world like tone.
T'ren
ahs, "How old were you when you impressed K'dir?"
C'val
walks off southwards to the green expanse of the western landing field, passing
through the basalt flats.
Bella
laughs softly at Briny "Much, much later if my guess is correct." She
gives a wink the couple slipping away and sips at her wine and looks back to
those around her table.
Nicole
walks off southwards to the green expanse of the western landing field, passing
through the basalt flats.
K'dir
says "Uhm....just 14 Turns."
Bella
eyes K'dir curiously before peering around "What's all this ma'am
business?"
You
amble southwards to the green expanse of the western landing field, passing
through the basalt flats.