Sunday, January 6th, 2002
Training Grounds
This large field is devoid of any plant life and even though bleak terrain does not seem to be the place to hear laughter; it can be heard echoing across the bowl as dragonets are oiled by their lifemates and other pairs are being drilled by their weyrlingmasters. There are burn marks in one area from flaming practice and in another, a pile of firestone that always seems to have weyrlings around it shoveling the rocks into sacks for practices. The barracks entrance is a simple stone entrance with dragons etched into the stone by some creative weyrling or weyrlings from a past clutch.
It is a clear, crisp evening Belior is three-quarters full and Timor is slightly more than half full. It is a fall night.
The following dragons are here: Qariuth, Lereth, Seniith, Ailaeth, and
Kahlendroth
From here you can go:
Central Bowl Western Curve
Barracks
Feeding Grounds Lake
Shore
Sk'lar slides from Kahlendroth's tilted shoulder, bounces over the bulge of the dragon's foreleg, and then lands upon the ground with a *thump*.
Saoirth prowls, lengthy tail trailing her, in from Lake Shore.
El'ana slips from her seat at Saoirth's neck, utilising a riding strap to drop lightly to the ground, cat-like.
Sk'lar gives Kahlen a farewell pat, turning to the side to note Saoirth and El'ana's entrance. "Ahhh, what brings your around these parts?" He follows it up with a teasing wink.
Opening eyes, Ailaeth shakes, sending flowers petals all over. <
From Sky Above the Training Grounds, Pirsath arrows down from above and billows his wings outwards to steady himself into a lazy glide.
E'ur dismounts from Pirsath.
Tarlin seems to glide, with a gentle bounce in her step, in from Center of the Bowl.
K'yen has arrived.
Meracath sways with an unsubtle swing of curvacious hips in from Lake Shore.
Cardixa has arrived.
From Sky Above the Training Grounds, Olexath arrows down from above and billows his wings outwards to steady himself into a lazy glide.
Re'a has arrived.
Assisted by a massive, deep crystal blue forlimb, Halis slips down from the icy expanse that is Olexath.
Tarlin marches out into the training grounds with an army of drudges and fellow cooks behind her: some carry tables, some carry drinks, while others carry food. The cook herself, it appears, has been trusted with several skins of wine, the young woman burdened down with them. She gestures to the wall alongside the training grounds. "Okay, guys! We're gonna set up over there!" she calls out. Glancing, over her shoulder, she notices the dragons and people arriving and groans. "So soon?"
Hotaru hops energetically in from Outside the Feeding Pens.
Re'a is frowning, even on this beautiful day when her weyrlings graduate. Maybe that's the reason for her displeasure. It wouldn't have anything to do with the green who's softly glowing over in the distance. Pointing to the chairs that several drudges are setting up, she beings to oversee how their spaced and put up. "I need a few more up here near this table please! I can't have the weyrwoman uncomfortable, now can I?"
Sk'lar's grin grows for a moment as he casts an amused eye to the bronze. He gives the dragon a pat on his shoulder before moving over to El'ana, "Its about time now, isn't it?"
E'ur dismounts Pirsath and offers a good pat, "Good job 'sath." He smiles proudly adjusting his riding leathers, made especially shiny for this moment. A look over toward the people, lots of them. They all came to watch E'ur graduate, a little misty eyed... no wait there was just something in his eye.
Halis sits back as Olexath lands. Once the blue's got all limbs on the ground more or less she unstraps herself and slips down with a thud and a smile, "Not too late am I?" She's asking no one in particular as she shoos Olexath to the side out of the way and leans up against his hide. Those she knows are given a wave, those she doesn't aren't really noticed, unless they're a graduating 'ling of course. Sniff, memories.
Cardixa slowly loses focus, fading into daydreams for a moment of bliss.
Hotaru makes her way towards the group, her arms free of her children. Seems Ceayrth's children are finally graduation. /Wonderful/. Tarlin is spotted and she lifts a hand in greeting, along with a waggle of eyebrows. Seems that she's just in time.
From Sky Above the Training Grounds, Liuth arrows down from above and billows her wings outwards to steady herself into a lazy glide.
Liuth spirals down from above and neatly furls her wings.
Sk'lar has apparently some herding colors in his wingleader knot. So, his gaze flickers over to E'ur, chin jerking at an angle to beckon the brownrider over. He'd isn't about to bellow over all the the organized chaos occuring right now. The arriving Ri gets a wave as well.
Ri heads to Sk'.. he is the weyrling leader after all.. And this is his last official act, may as well just do it and get over it. A nervous tug to her new jacket.. and a quick reasurraning comment from Liuth is all she needs..
Tarlin stands back to oversee the tables being set up, making sure they're all on stable ground: wouldn't want spilled goodies on the ground. She waves quickly to Hotaru, grinning brightly at the weyrwoman before turning back to the business at hand. She points out where each dish should be placed as the army of drudges cycles back and forth between the living caverns. It appears that the cooks spared no expense for this occasion: roast herdbeast, barbeque wherry, pan-fried fish, rolls, rice, various fruits, several kinds of juices, the best wines... and the pies... oh, the pies...
El'ana slips from Saoirth's neckridges to land agiley, blue-grey eyes taking in the growing crowd of people. Giving her green (who is preening herself and taking not a jot of notice of anyone else) a fond pat she turns with raised brows to the Weyrling Wingleader himself. "In a bit, I suppose," she replies, inclining her head Tarlin-and-co-wise. She's not one to get sentimental, but.. "Gosh, it seems like yesterday we were out on the sands, don't you think?" the youngster muses.
E'ur shrugs, might as well deal politely with Sk'lar for the last time anyway. A stout walk over to the wingleader, attempting to keep his harsh feelings from the bronzerider. Eu is no longer pink and Pirsath only has a hint of green within his hide, something that they have been working on for a while.
Re'a fusses with the chairs, ignoring the other arrivals as she gets them just the way she likes them. Finally, everything is in order, or as in order as she's going to get them that afternoon and the drudges are allowed to go help Tarlin as she sets up the tables for the food. Taking a deep breath, she heads towards the goldrider, offering Hotaru a respectful nod of her head before smiling. "Weyrwoman Hotaru, can I escort you to your chair up front? " Surely she knows that on this day, she gets to help Re'a hand out the new knots to the weyrlings, seeing as that the Sr. Weyrwoman is busy elsewhere in the weyr.
K'yen fastens a set of freshly oiled riding straps around Meracath.
Sk'lar cants a generous glance to El'ana, touched with disbelief, "For you maybe..." He has been waiting for this day for ages. "But I think that it is long past due that this day has come." He peeps over Ri's shoulder... he could have swore he saw... K'yen's presence is noted, and yet another wave is cast to call the greenrider over. "Is this about everyone...." he murmurs, glancing around to make sure all of the weyrlings are here. "Anyone seen Brit'ni?" She is prolly still in her weyr, fixing her hair or somesuch.
Hotaru smiles and nods, "Sure." Little weyrwoman follows the weyrlingmaster, saying, "This is a grand day for the weyrlings. Makes me remember when /I/ graduated. " Ahh.. such memories.
Sk'lar
Toria walks in from Center of the Bowl.
K'yen was here all the time. Really, he was. He's just slinking around to Sk'lar because .. it's fun to slink in like you're late. "Pssst. Sk'lar." Peer. "Has it started yet?"
Re'a laughs as she nods to the Weywoman, "Aye.. it was a fine day too, so unlike my own graduation that was rained out practically." As the two talk, they head towards the chairs set up in front near a table that holds several things - new knots, and something else in a pile. "I thank you for helping me today Hotaru." Is that a bit of tears showing up in her eyes already? Naaahhh... but her weyrlings /are/ graduating!
Toria strides across the bowl with a purposeful extended step, bringing her to the training grounds, and silently up behind Re'a, at an amazing, yet smooth, pace.
E'ur watches Sk'lar and just shrugs. "Brit'ni'll prolly be late. I suspect." Of course she will. A peek over toward Re'a and then over toward Toria. Back to the group he seems almost relieved. After this comes the real work.
Tarlin gets everything set up to her satisfaction and applauds her assistants with delight before sending them off to grab blankets for themselves and friends. "Don't be too long, or you might miss out on the ceremonies!" she calls after the hurrying helpers. She eyes the spread of food and practically bounces with glee. Her pies are the crowning achievement of course. She spies Sk'lar in the group, but doesn't address him, assuming him busy. Finding an empty spot on a juncture between blanket and fur, she flops down with a thankful smile for the current occupants.
Ri says, "Frankie was here at daybreak, i believe.." Casting an eye toward the named rider and her blue. Steinith and Liuth are busy gossiping and Frankie, hearing her name grins.. "yup, you know me..better early then late.""
The brownrider M'ud stands off to the side, and as the Weyrlingmaster walks towards the front with the young goldrider, gives a signal to the Weyrling Wingleader to ready his group for as soon as the leader types are settled, the ceremony shall begin.
"A tear jerking event graduations are." Hotaru winks and then gratefully sinks into a seat, huffing slightly. Eyes close as she speaks with her lifemate, making sure her little ones are still sleeping. Having just fed, they should sleep for a while. Toria is spotted, but the as yet ungrounded weyrgirl doesn't say much, though she silently thanks Faranth that Rosalth is /not/ here.
El'ana would usually glower at the mention of the insipid Brit'ni, but even she can't force an expression of displeasure today. Graduation! A slightly snide remark rolls easily off her tongue, though; "Oh, I daresay Weyrlingmaster Re'a told her not to bother to -come-, no one will have her in their wing.." That said, she eyes K'yen as he sneaks up, conspiratorial-like; "And you take nearly as long getting reading as Brit'ni does, K'yen!"
Sk'lar shakes his head to K'yen, "Not yet. But soon... as soon as we find Bri-" That specific greenrider will more than likely be 'fashionably' late. He casts a glance to Kahlen, so a prodding message is related to Brit'ni's lifemate. M'ud's signal is noted, and the young man glances to the others, "Soon now." Finally, a shadow eclipses the light over them as Brit'ni makes her dramatic entrance. Figures.
Toria carefully clutches a plain leather bag, made lumpy by it's contents. As she reaches Re'a, the Weyrwoman places it at the Weyrlingmaster's feet, giving the other woman a squeeze on the arm as she steps back into place at the back of the crowd.
Ri glares at her fellow-greenrider.. "El' that's not fair! She has worked just as hard as the rest of us. It's not her fault that.. well,, " Anyway, poo abused bubble-headed rider. "Anyway, it's not nice.
K'yen sidles back to El'ana, a sour expression on his face. "It's not my fault! I couldn't find my new leathers." Wail. Are those tears in his eyes? "They were so lovely, too." Fidgit. Fidgit. "Oh, there's the ditz now."
E'ur watches Sk'lar carefully. He's silent and almost in his plotted eeevil way. An appearance of a bronze firelizard as it lies on Pirsath, the eeevil firelizard.
Re'a looks up and offers her aunt a wide smile, thanking her quietly as Toria lays the bag down near her feet. Quiet words are exchanged before she finally stands to face the growing crowds. "Weyrwomen, Weyrleaders, riders, crafters, and residents - good afternoon! " She pauses, her voice gaining the attention of all, harper trained voice easily heard by most. "Today is a day for celebration, for our Weyrlings graduate!" It is then that she gives a nod to Sk'lar to lead his group forward to their respected chairs at the front of the crowd.
Tarlin runs her fingers over the red ribbon another cook insisted she wear in her hair, pulling the golden spikes back from her face and ears. She shifts in her seat, uncomfortable in the dress someone else had insisted she drag out of hiding, tucking her boots beneath the hem. She never did get slippers to match. Her head snaps up at Re'a's announcements, her cheeks glowing with pride.
Sk'lar shoots quite the venom-filled glance to Brit'ni. He nearly growls, "How nice of you to join us." Head turns back about, and they are being urged forward? *blink* Posture straightens, as he glances over his shoulder to the others, "Look smart, team." Wishful thinking. And so, he leads them forward, lips quirking to the side.
Oarotu has arrived.
Halis randomly thinks this is a tad bit more organized than her graduation was .. then again, she's not part of it this time. Quietly she slips over to sit next to Tarlin, giving the bow a slight tweak from behind before she sits down and whispers, "Exciting isn't it?"
"Look smart?" K'yen puzzles over this. "But what if we're not? I mean, /I/ am, of course, but Brit'ni might have a problem." Sneer. Oh, yes, moving forward. He trundles after El'ana. Follow-follow-follow.
Look smart? How do you do that? E'ur just moves with the rest of the line. Focusing less on the crowd that is watching them and more on attempting not to trip and make a fool of himself. He's still proud and gets a few comments from his lifemate. Stand up tall, no slouching.
From Sky Above the Training Grounds, Rionth has arrived.
Hotaru smiles, sitting back and watching the weyrlings move toward their respective chairs.
Ri straightens up from her chatter with Frankie and with a last nervous grin to the bluerider, follows the leader to her place in the graduating group.. And never even tripped.. how about that? Diminutive rider holds herself to her full height, not that that's s aying much in this group.
Oarotu slips into the grounds, and looks around, before he spots where the spectators are, and he heads over in that direction, and finds a seat./
Rionth snorts softly, and settles on the field to watch the weyrlings.
Tarlin beams at Halis, nodding emphatic reply. "Absolutely," she whispers back, not wanting to ruin the mood of the moment. Her eyes slip to the food, the ever wary cook worried that someone might sneak something before the ceremony is over.
Re'a sniffs lightly, for her weyrlings are graduating! Someone cue the tears! Smiling nonetheless, she nods ehr head as the weyrlings take their places. "Today marks the point where training is finished, and where once Weyrlings stood, Riders take their place. Each has performed admirablely, their lessons completed." Turning towards the weyrleaders, she gives a bow, "There is not anything more I or the rest of the Weyrlingmaster staff can teach them. They are ready to move on." Motioning towards Hotaru, she asks if the goldrider would help her hand out the new knots as each weyrling is called forth.
Hotaru nods her head, standing with Re'a. "I would be honored to, Weyrlingmaster," she chirps with a grin to the weyrlings.
E'ur watches Re'a with a little solemn nod. Well, they taught them everything but... y'know. Lift of eyebrow from his seat as he watches the weyrwoman and the weyrlingmaster do their thang. No emotion sadly enough, not sad, angry, or happy.
Toria simply remains quiet and unobtrusive in the background, smiling as Re'a speaks in her direction, and nodding when she is finished.
K'yen plops himself where appointed and fidgits. Excessively. And mutters things to El'ana, while watching Re'a. "Oooh. Good speech." Applause, applause.
Ri sits in her appointed chair.. Good, Frankie is beside her as well. The girl has been a gift amongst this group, someone who she can really relate to and appreciates her opinions on certain others about her.
El'ana looks smart without having to be told! Look, she has pretty new leathers! Or maybe Sk'lar meant 'look sharp'. Either way, the youngest of the soon-to-be-riders tags after the wingleader, taking her chair without any sign of nervousness or teariness. Now seated she grins at Ri, "It was only a joke.. have a sense of humour. But really, if -I- were a wingleader.." Which she isn't. Yet.
Re'a smiles thankfully at Hotaru as she turns to the group, calling forth they youngest greenrider. "Weyrling El'ana, please step forward?"
Sk'lar gets good an comfortable, as he glances askance to El'ana. A wry grin is cast to her, eyes following her movements to the forefront.
"Why El'ana, first?" K'yen wonders randomly. And he stares. Whisper-whisper: "Faaaaster, El'."
Ri is sitting, holding her back straight.. actually she is being held rigid with nerves. After almost two tunrs, who would guess greenling woiuld still be uncomfortable in crowds like this?
Tarlin fidgets in her seat, but remains silent.
E'ur is just sitting here calm. A polite nod as he watches El'ana. He's waiting for his moment to shine, remember back straight and smile. Elbow elbow, wrist wrist, wipe a tear, blow a kiss... wait.
El'ana perks as her name is called, but she doesn't stumble as she gets to her feet or trip up as she makes her way over to the weyrlingmaster and the weyrwoman at the front. She doesn't even give K'yen a sour look as he gives her the hurry-up; "S'by age order, of course," she calls back before reaching Re'a and Hotaru. She salutes jauntily, unsure whether that was, er, called for, seeing as she's verynearlyalmost a rider now.
Re'a gives the nervous greenrider a smile as she steps forward. Reaching up, she unfastens the old weyrling knot, then steps out of the way for the goldrider. "Congratulations...Rider El'ana." While Hotaru does her thing, she steps back and takes out something from within the bag that was handed to her earlier, handing El'ana a wrapped package tied with Telgar's black and white.
Toria nods her head and smiles with satisfaction as El'ana shows proper respect to the Weyrlingmaster, who has worked so hard for months for them, and the Junior Weyrwoman, who by default (Even if Rosalth wouldn't agree) deserves respect.
Halis is idly having a slight argument with Olexath while she watches, attention diverted. At least it keeps her from talking.
Hotaru smiles encouragingly at El'ana, while waiting for Re'a to take off the girl's knot. Slender, pale hands then deftly attaching the new knot to her shoulder, "Welcome, wingrider. Clear skies!" She pats the new rider on the shoulder and grins.
"Yaaaaaaaaaaay El'ana!" K'yen cheers. Clapclapclap.
Ri applauds for the former wingsecond to the 'lings.. "Well done, El'.."
El'ana grins broadly back at all the beaming women, eyebrows arching characteristically as she accept the package. "And what's this?" she inquires smilingly, "Or do I have to wait and see?" As soon as the new knot is affixed and she's praised sufficiently (beam), she steps down, striding back to her seat with a trace of swagger, Sk'lar-stylee.
"Yay, El!" Tarlin nearly echoes the greenrider as she cheers for her friend from the kitchens. She leans over to the nearest person and notes, "She used to work with me in the kitchens." Yeah.. she knew them before they were riders. Muahahaha!
E'ur politely applauds. Well then. Back to watching quietly.
Re'a sniffs back a couple of tears as she calls the next name - that of the smallest greenrider. "Weyrling Ri, would you please step forward?"
K'yen scuffs dirt E'ur-ways amidst applauding. "Say nice things, E'ur." It's your once-in-a-lifetime chance! "Oooh, Ri."
Ri slowly stands, wiping hands against new trous and steps neatly forward. A reassuring touch in the back of her mind, yup, Liuth is with her now. As she approaches she salutes to Weyrlingmaster and weyrwoman, last ones.. *sniff* "Good day Re'a, Hotaru."
E'ur would groan, but that'd probably not be appropriate so his cool sea-cyan eyes watch the greenling as she goes. A peer over toward K'yen as he just shakes his head, "Oh, yay. Ri." Solemn, monotonous tone as he turns back to watching.
Sk'lar casts a grin over to El'ana, dark eyebrows arched up at her movements. A wink is awarded to her before his attention is sent to Ri as she is the next one in line to be graduated.
Re'a smiles once more as she steps forward, and as last time, removes the old weyrling knot, then steps back to allow the goldrider to step forward as she takes yet another package from the sack.
El'ana takes her seat again, wriggling with the sheer excitement of it all. She elbows K'yen none-too-gently as she turns over the package, "What'd'you think's in here then, hmmm?" And as the greenrider is called up, "Well done, Ri!" A smirk.. she is a rider sitting amongst weyrlings. Feel the power.
"Yay, Ri!" Tarlin calls out again. She presses a hand to her stomach, suddenly feeling a little woozy.
"Stuff?" K'yen hazards, slanting a look at E'ur. "Better. Be nice."
Hotaru adroitly secures the girl's new knot and smiles again, "Welcome Greenrider! Clear skies!" Since she's never done this before, her responses may seem a bit canned, but she knows its appropriate and her meaning is sincere.
Halis is clapping when she should, as well as cheering if she knows the person. Tarlin gets a brow raised at her but nothing's said as the sparklie one returns her attention to the graduation.
Toria once again smiles, directing it toward the newest rider of Telgar Weyr.
Re'a steps foward and hands over a similiar package tied with Telgar's black and white to the greenrider, "Congratulations, Rider Ri."
E'ur nods along at K'yen. Whatever. Now back to watching. Come'on say E'ur... you know you wanna Re'a.
"Yaaaaaaaay, Ri!" Lalala. K'yen cheers, he claps, he does the salsa! Or something like that.
Ri grins.. and sniffs as new knot is afixed and old is.. gone... "Thank you.." A rider.. finally! As she receives a gift as well, she blinks and heads slowly back to her seat, one last salute for old times sake.
Re'a lifts her head and calls out the brightest of the greenriders. "Weyrling K'yen, please step forward." That isn't a peskyy tear rolling down her chee either. Something in her eye, really.
Ri yehaws as K'yen is called.. Fellow greenrider cheered as his turn arrives.
Sk'lar applauds once more, this time as Ri is given her new knot, graduated. His smile warms for her. A glance is cast askance to E'ur, but no commentary. As K'yen's name is called, the weyrling slouches back in his chair. His will prolly be the last name called. Ayep, he can see it happening, easily.
E'ur claps for K'yen, then whistles at the new greenrider. A smirk on the brownrider's once solemn before. Now he's back to solemness. What's with all the others giving him that glance... ugh.
Tsst-ah! You know you want this. K'yen hops out of his chair with a smirk, winks at Ri and E'ur, and struts to Re'a. Beam. "Something in your eye, m'am?" Ah-hah.
Ri returns the smile, a bit startled, but pleased at the genuine warmth lack of smarminess noted."
Re'a rolls her eyes just a little as K'yen mentions the shiney eyes, muttering something to him as she reaches for the old weyrling knot, then steps out of the way to dig in the sack. He wasn't supposed to mention the tears - she's really not boohooing... nope..
Lumanevolth spirals down from above and neatly furls his wings.
J'ak slips from Lumanevolth's neck with a bit of a 'tada'. Fashionably late. And everyone thought it was going to be Brit'ni.
Toria absently tugs a handkerchief-type cloth from a pocket and reaches forth to slip it into Re'a's, saying not a word in the process, and averting her dark eyes.
Hotaru slants a grin at R'ea and then turns to fasten the new knot onto K'yen's shoulder. "There you go! Welcome wingrider!"
E'ur cheers up slightly and just chuckles at K'yen. Silly greenrider now. But then a ponder but naaah.
Tarlin giggles giddily as she cheers on K'yen. "Yay, K'yen!" Her eyes drift to Sk'lar's form, lingering there for a moment, until the late one shows up. She wrinkles her nose. Show off.
K'yen beams toothily at Hotaru. "Thank you, m'ams." That would be adressed in general; he's not seeing double. Really. Gaze slinks to J'ak, squints, and then he snickers. Quietly, of course.
Re'a makes use of the handkerchief, a flash of a smile given to Toria as she hands over the wrapped package, "Congratulations, Rider K'yen." A pause, then, "And, it's just something in the air."
El'ana catcalls appropriately as Mr. Peacock K'yen receives his rider's knot, adopting an innocent expression as several pairs of eyes turn on her. The attention is shifted to J'ak as he arrives with Lumanevolth, however; El' grins maliciously at Brit'ni, who looks slightly put out.
Ri giggles at el' and adds her voice to the air. "You /go/ K'yen" hey someone has to be the peacock, right? And it's not her. Eyes flash to J'ak, finally someone worthy of a bronze has arrived, late or no. Frankie pokes Ri as she notices the greenrider's gaze.
J'ak grins at Brit'ni and chucks her under the chin with a wink before jaunting into place, his leathers squicking with each movement.
Sk'lar applauds once more, this time for K'yen. One of those pairs of eyes that look to El' are Sky's, complete with arched eyebrows again. A clearing of his throat, a very obvious throat-clearing at that, as J'ak is noticed. *grumble* He shoots the other bronzer a rather unamused glance, before a finger points at an empty chair. Ohhh, the woes.
Re'a waits for the catcalls to die down before calling out the next vic..er... person. "Weyrling E'ur, please come forward." A delicate eyebrow is raised at the brownling, having caught several of his looks and comments.
Tarlin remembers E'ur. He was the unpleasant one. However, she still has a cheer for him, the sound of it ringing in her ears as her eyes flick to Sk'lar's form once again. Breathe, Tarlin. Breathe.
E'ur is a victim... oh yes. His ears turn a flash red though as his name is called out. A meander up toward Re'a as he gives a stiff, polite salute to the weyrlingmaster. The eeevil one has graduated.
Ri coughs, eyes back away from the good bronzer and watches the brown rider as he approaches Weyrwoman and Weyrlingmaster. "Congrats K'yen, E'ur." He is a rider after all.
K'yen hip-swishes to his seat, and immediately woots. "Yew-uuuuuuur!" He'll take some liberties with the name, there. Cue the catcall. "Ow-ow!"
Remorth spirals down from above and neatly furls his wings.
J'ak flashes his most brilliant, unassuming grin at Sk'lar, saluting the weyrling wingleader jauntily. His hands are then dropped behind his back as he rocks on his heels in anticipation. You can't help but love him. Really.
Re'a steps forth to remove the old weyrling knot, head given a shake or two as she rolls her eyes a bit. A step back to make room for Hotaru as she pulls out a package from within the sack. Can she breathe easy now knowing that E'ur passes from her hands to some unlucky wingleader?
Sk'lar is buffing his nails. Yes, that's right. He is buffing them on the lapel of his riding jacket, before looking down to inspect. Every now and then he peeks up as one weyrling after another graduates, hands coming together to give voice in congratulations. And then he resumes his buffing, or waiting. Waiting. Still waiting. In other words, that indolent buffing is just a suave way to fidget.
Hotaru's quick fingers easily attach the new knot, "Welcome! Clear skies!"
E'ur attempts not to blush from K'yen's noises as just bows politely toward Hotaru as he smiles. Past candidate. A little bit of rememberance from the past turns. No misty eyes though, hold 'dem back.
Re'a steps forward again after the new knot is afixed on the brownrider's jacket, the wrapped package handed over to him. "Congratulations, Rider E'ur." Another weyrlings is called forth, the ditzy blond greenrider making her way to the front to get her new knot and gift.
Tarlin fidgets as well, dire plots afoot in her mind for anyone who plans to keep her away from her man when all is said and done. Even evil weyrlingmasters aren't safe.
El'ana sends an arch glance riiight back at Sk'lar. He's supposed to be the token jack-the-lad weyrling, not.. not another -E'ur-. She dutifully cheers for the browner as he returns though before grinning K'yen-wards.
Ri applauds politely for E'ur and eyes Brit'ni as she sashays to Re'a. "Congratulations, brownrider." There, she was polie.
Re'a waits for the bubblely blond to skip back to her seat before calling the next weyrling forward. "Weyrling J'ak, please step forward."
E'ur has graduated... uh-oh. Just a recieve at the present as he plops down in his comfortable seat, almost a beam surrounding his body.
K'yen grunts as Brit'ni's name is called, and leans in towards El'ana. "Psst. El'. Did I make him blush?" And: "--J'ak!"
Betha enters the training grounds. So many turns before, she was a trainer of weyrlings, so many turns before she to was a weyrling. A tear comes to an eye as she watches the procedings from afar.
Ri Yay J'ak.." A grin crosses her face and she settles abck again.. hee, before Sk' she notes." Congratulations Brit'ni.
Sk'lar casts a glance back to the graduating proceedings, just catching sight of the look he gets from El'. Head turns to her, and a grin follows. Sure, it isn't that wolfish grin, or the smarmy grin. Or even the rapacious one. Its just one of those knowing grins. A bit of a shrug, and gaze seems to find itself wandering hither and yon.
"Yes!" J'ak hops to and then decorously makes his way to the Weyrlingmaster's side.
E'ur leans back as he watches the rest of the proceedings. Pirsath seems to be commenting about how great a job the two did.
Re'a chuckles lightly as the bronzer hops forward, for this one has surely been an interesting to have in the group. Reaching up, she removes the old knot, then turns to pull the package from the sack as the goldrider does her job.
Hotaru steps forward, looking a bit wan, and attaches the knot. "Welcome, wingrider!" Turning the crowd and to the Weyrlingmaster, she says, "As that's the last weyrling to graduate, I would like to commend Re'a on her duties as a Weyrlingmaster." She gives a sugary-sweet smile to the proddy greenrider and then takes her seat.
J'ak winks at the proddy one as his new knot is being pinned on and then poses so that everyone can admire it for a moment, before moving back to his place in line. Blame the weirdness on his excitement, if you will.
Ri applauds quite loudly for Rider J'ak.. And looks about.. No knot for Sk'?
Sk'lar was still looking up to the rim of the weyr, idly watching the play of the clouds up there. Doesn't that one sort of look like a broomwood, just upside down. And if you look at the one over there, it looks to- Wait. A frown creases his brow as attention slams back to the ceremonies, gaze locked on Hotaru. Say that again?
E'ur folds his hands together as he looks over toward Sk'lar. Oooh, heh-heh. A stare at the Hottie. Attempt not to giggle, attempt not to giggle *mwha*
Toria nods to Re'a, and then Hotaru, saying low, "Well, that's that. Good job you two." Brushing her hands on her leather trous, she turns toward the crowd and the food that is displayed.
Tarlin holds her breath as Hotaru commends the weyrlingmaster on her duties. Her eyes flash to Sk'lar and then back again. Breathe, Tarlin. Breathe.
K'yen snickers loudly. "So much for those voluptuous kitchen-girl curves, Sk'lar." Greenrider mimes sorrow.
Re'a hands over the package to J'ak before he leaves, then blushes as the goldrider compliments her. "Thank you Weyrwoman Hotaru." Innocently, she turns back to the crowd, a smile growing on her face as she begins to thank those gathered for coming to the graduation, a hand dipping into her pocket and touching something there. Blinking, she looks down, then lets loose with a loud, "Oh!" Hmm... oops?
Ri chokes, but who can say exactly what she is thinking. She /really/ didn't want Sk' to not graduate, really!
E'ur hmms as he watches then begins to pout. Why does she have to say oh? Why?
J'ak laughs and pats Sk'lar on the shoulder. "Too bad, man."
Hotaru stays in her seat, not well enough to do a bunch of hopping about. "Great ceremony, Re'a." She nods her head back to the senior weyrwoman, adding a too-sweet-for-comfort smile.
Bu.. bu.. bu.. bu... Tarlin finds herself on her feet, though she doesn't quite remember how she got there, her head aswim. "Aren't you guys forgetting someone?" she squeaks.
Toria is unaffected by Hotaru's smile, and merely nods in return. Now is not the time.
Re'a clears her voice, gaining everyone's attention before they wander too far away. "Well, there should be another graduating with the group, but..." Blue and green eyes pin the bronzer, Sk'lar to his seat as she pulls forth the last rider knot from her pocket. "But, there were a few... problems..." And well some people should know about those problems surrounding the bronzer and a newly arrived goldrider...
E'ur smirks and clasps his hands together. Please no, please no.
El'ana jabs K'yen in the ribs, "Watch it, you." she warns, "I was a kitchen girl and don't you forget it, alright?" She crows quietly as Sk'lar is so aptly forgotten, "Would you look at that.." She then blinks, smile fading to puzzlement; she's wants Sk'lar to graduate, really! Another jab at K'yen, "Oy, what's this about?" she asks in a low tone.
Sk'lar isn't amused. Comments directed to him are just sort of buzzing about in the background, not really payed attention to. Gaze flickers from Hotaru to R'ea, to Toria... and back to Re'a. That lounging pose seems to have stiffened, but only if one were to look real close. Still, he remains quite silent.
K'yen absently pats El'ana on the shoulder, still watching Re'a avidly. "It's okay, El', some day you'll be voluptuous."
Ri glances sideways toward Sk'. This really wasn't supposed to happen.. She murmurs something to Frankie.. not much is heard except.. "shame".. but in what regard?
Toria flicks a glance toward K'yen and has to work to stiffle a chuckle.
Tarlin fidgets with the skirt of her dress, her features screwed up in disappointment, then simmering annoyance. Watch out, or the cook's going to be the one flinging the pies.
Re'a strides foward, an eyebrow raised as she pauses in front of the bronzer who sits so stiffly. "Weyrling Sk'lar. We have not had the easiest of times seeing eye to eye through your weyrlinghood, have we? And your performance here lately has left a lot to be... desired." Her words are spoken crisply, her stance one of seeming annoyance.
Toria moves forward and curls her long fingers firmly about Tarlin's arm as she murmurs, "Remain as you are."
E'ur almost smiles at Sk'lar, but no don't wanna seem too happy. Just politely watch the weyrlingmaster. You go girl!
Hotaru watches Re'a and Sk'lar with a serious face, though why is anyone's guess.
Tarlin scowls at Toria, but does as she's told, the ingrained need for approval too strong for her to disobey the goldrider, at the moment. She grumbles. "What sort of game is this?"
Flick-flick-flick go K'yen's orchid eyes, settling on Tarlin before skimming back to Sk'lar and Re'a. Ooooh.
Sk'lar lets out a long and low breath as Re'a approaches. With slow deliberation, he moves to stand as she speaks. Still he holds his tongue, simply watching Re'a with simmering anger. For all intents and purposes though, he is looking quite bland, almost emotionless. "Yes..." he eases.
Halis moves over when Tarlin stands up and Toria comes over. Wouldn't do to get stepped on.
Toria frowns darkly at Tarlin, and hisses, "Hold your tongue young lady." With that she turns to regard Re'a and Sk'lar.
"Yes?" Once more the tone is severe as Re'a looks at Sk'lar, eyebrow still raised in question as if waiting for something more from the bronzer.
Ri eyes haven't left the two, 'Lingmaster and Bronzeling.. even though she knew about the altercation with the new goldrider, she didn't think it would be this bad...
E'ur seems to stoop down in his chair, either happiness is ruling over or he's just making sure he doesn't get hit by a pie.
Oarotu sits in his seat, watching the weyrlingmaster and bronzeling.
Tarlin glowers, though she bites her tongue on further retort, her lips twisted in distaste. She swallows, brows furrowing with the absolute unfairness of it all.
Sk'lar continues to peer to Re'a, the moment possessed with a pregnant pause. "Yes, I was well aware of circumstances." And he was fairly sure that his penance was acceptable. So, he stands, and waits.
Toria continues to frown, shaking her head at Tarlin's obvious disrepect. Other then the brief glances she gives the young tot, the Weyrwoman's gaze remains on the Weyrlingmaster and the errant Weyrling.
Re'a lets the silence grow after Sk'lar's comment, her eyes holding his as he lips settle into a firm line. Finally, she breaks it with a sigh, "Well, I've certainly had enough of you to last me a while... I think it's time for me to pass you on to someone else to punish whenever you forget your manners." Thus said, she reaches forward and removes the old knot and replaces it with the rider's knot from her pocket. As she stands back before him, she finally smiles, giving him a mock punch in the shoulder. "Oh, pleeeease... lighten up!" Giggling, she winks, "Gotcha!"
Hotaru's eyes widen and she breaks into a smile, "Ooh.. good one Re'a." All she knew was that she was out of knots.
E'ur almost turns misty eyed. Dang it, it was so close to not giving Sk'lar a know *pout*
Toria snatches her hand from Tarlin as if touching the girl left something of a bad taste in her mouth. She then rocks back on her heels and applauds, eyes sparkling with the jest as she calls out, "Teach you to disrespect a weyrwoman, Rider Sk'lar!" putting emphasis on 'rider'.
K'yen cackles. Softly, of course, and then shifts it to a beam. "Sk'laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar!"
Betha watches with piqued interest the change in the apparent procedings. Rider smirks just slightly, bronzers...Must be some sort of rite of passage to thoughly ruffle the wings of some gold rider. Oooh, That was a good one. Will have to remember that if this ol' rider should ever have to train weyrlings again.
Halis appears to daze out a bit with all the excitement.
Sk'lar somehow manages to conjure up a token grin to Re'a. But, somehow, it is muchly lacking in mirth. His grin twists to the side at the WeyrlingMaster, "You're very good at that, you know. Almost too good." Sweet Faranth, he is fairly sure that one moment with Annie is going to haunt him to the grave.
Tarlin whimpers as she's finally released, tears filling her eyes. She rubs at her arm where the weyrwoman held her back, shoots a hurt look at Toria--whatever did she /do/?--and runs straight for Sk'lar.
Toria's frown returns again as she notes Tarlin's demenour. Shaking her head as she turns on her heels to leave, the Weyrwoman mutters, "Kids." Striding off, she leaves as fast as she arrived.
J'ak goes home.
Re'a gives Tarlin a glare as the girl starts running towards the newly graduated bronzer. "Excuse me... but we're not quite finished." Clearing her throat once more, she gives each of the new riders a smile. "Congratulations to each of you. Within the next sevenday, you will be tapped into your new wings. From this point on, you are now riders of Telgar Weyr - remember that well." With one last sniff, she shoos them all off. "Now, go on... go meet your family and friends for a bit of food and fun."
Lumanevolth dozes off...
Family? Friends? K'yen? Who's Re'a kidding? The greenlet, however, /does/ scoot out of his chair with the general ex-weyrling crowd, shimmying back and forth. Woosh. Let's mill.
Tarlin doesn't care whether they're finished or not. As Re'a announces the congratulations, she throws herself at the young bronzer with a quiet sob.
Hotaru stands and makes her way down towards her weyr, offering a "Congratulations Riders!" She turns and makes her way out of the weyrling grounds, on her way home.
Sk'lar casts one final, disparaging glance to Re'a before turning away with a sigh. Its the kind of sigh that manages to loose nearly all of the tenseness that possessed his muscles. A muttered oath or two, he turns around, only nearly to get tackled to the ground as a certain cook bowls into him. "Ooof!" he gasps, wrapping arms about her, his smile amused for real this time.
Hotaru hops energetically toward Center of the Bowl.
E'ur hmms, no one mauling him or pouncing in his lap. A smile and a wave toward the Benden messenger that seems to have had himself hidden within the crowd. Now he's back off to report to the Lord. Mingle... mingle. He walks into the crowd, maybe some food too.
Annie treads in from Center of the Bowl.
Ri laughs as tarlin dives into the newest bronze rider of telgar Weyr.. Wait.. she's a rider now too! Whoa.. "Yippee to us!" is cheered as she heads to the party.
Toria walks toward Center of the Bowl.
Re'a sniffs and heads off to her office for a private moment to cry her eyes out over her weyrlings who are now riders. She'll be back out in a bit to party... M'ud spies the tears and helps the Weyrlingmaster to her office in the barracks.
Re'a walks lightly with a song and a smile toward Weyrling Barracks.
Annie arrives on the training grounds, eyes skipping around cautiously for sign of overeager young new-riders. She pulls her jacket straight, and surveys those assembled, many with new knots. Frightening.
Tarlin is fine, really she is. She just got a bit of a fright there. She beams up at Sk'lar, wiping what remains of her tears from her cheeks, and sniffles. "You made it. You really, really made it."
Oarotu goes home.
Rionth launches powerfully into the air!
E'ur smiles toward Annie, "G'day weyrwoman." She's the one that almost made Sk'lar drop dead, Eu would give a hi-five for something like that.
Annie turns, hearing her name, and moves to E'ur, offering a slight quirk of a smile. "Hello, wingrider." Slight emphasis on the new title. "How does it feel?" A sort of generic question, but the goldrider seems a bit distracted -- disturbed? -- by all the hubub around her.
Betha chuckes as she makes her way towards the food. A smile curling on her lips as she nods to one of the newly ensconced weyrlings.
E'ur smiles toward Annie. He's enjoying the title and all. "It feels good." Powerful, *grunt* then a rememberance as he holds the package in his hands. Forgot about that.
"Good, good." Annie's gaze flickers down to the package in E'ur's hands, and her brows arch in query-- always the curious one is she. "What that? Annie asks.
Sk'lar draws his arms around Tarlin, and then makes a deliberate point of tugging her away from the hubbub -and primarily prying eyes. And it is only in the shadow of Kahlen, that well... Seeing as nobody can see, there doesn't really need to be any description.
E'ur hmms and shrugs as he tears at the paper. "I don't know. Present from the 'leaders." Finally opening it to reveal a sheath with a knife. "Oooh, aaah." Sharp object. Watch out!
K'yen also rips into his package, and "ooooh"s softly as he admires the knife. "Sharp things. Mera, see? Sharp shiny scratchy things." Watch those orchid eyes gloooow.
Ri is suddenly aware of her own package weighing in her hands and pulls it open.. "oh my! It's.. stunning!" A smile wreaths her face, what more can she say? Tears, held in the entire day slide down her cheeks at the sight of the gift.
Miana walks in from Center of the Bowl.
Annie leans forward a bit, arching her brows at the former-weyrling's gift. "Ohh, that's nice," she comments, eyeing the blade almost suspiciously. Annie doesn't like sharp things. "Be careful with that." She lifts her gaze, and now scans the crowd for a moment.
Miana rushes in, still running a small comb through her hair, hurrying up the food table and standing beside it in a quite self important manner, /she/ is the server here, "Am I late?" she asks no one in particular, voice a breathless puff. The fact that no one needs serving is hardly to deterr her.
Tarlin would tell Miana, jokingly, that she's very late, but she's busy hiding behind Kahlendroth.
Some time later, the pair of Sk'lar and Tarlin return, looking a little... shall we say flushed? But don't get any ideas, he isn't that... fast. *cough* "Did I ever tell you that Re'a can be quite nasty when she puts her mind to it."
E'ur nods along as he just hmms. Now he can legally get into his wine stash that he's kept hidden away with one of the drudges. Just standing and examining the knife. Sharp objects are gooood
Tarlin wrinkles her nose. "No, but I should've figured it out." Flushed and excited as she is, however, she can't stay annoyed with the Weyrlingmaster for long. She points out the multitude of pies. "Didja see the pies, Sk'lar?"
Ri smoothly moves up Liuth's foreleg, barely needing any assist from the green
at all.
Devikath has arrived.
Betha glances aruond then shrugs her shoulders. No reason for her to be around. Blue rider walks over to her mount. Remorth looks his rider and whuffles her hair.
Chahna has just dismounted, she spots her mate and calls out, "Betha!".
Sk'lar grins over to her, "I thought I saw some. And I'm mildly surprised none were wizzing through the air a moment there." Which would also have made their graduation rather... interesting.
Annie's eyes inspect E'ur's features for a moment, and she shakes her head. Maybe it /wasn't/ a good idea to give all the ex-weyrlings pretty sharp things, eh? Sk'lar is spotted and given and disdainful sniff: he just /had/ to graduate, didn't he? But, ever the proper weyrwoman, she makes her rounds, the disappears to the bowl.
Annie treads toward Center of the Bowl.
Tarlin blushes when she realizes that, for a moment, /she'd/ actually considered sending a few flying. She frowns, momentarily, and admits, "I think I could've easily made a fool of myself if Toria hadn't stopped me." The blush deepens as she recalls the look she'd received from the Weyrwoman.
E'ur hmms as he wades through the crowd. The knife stashed in his pocket as he finds the food and manages to sneak a few extra meatrolls for his hungry hatchling. Pirsath rumbles toward his lifemate, << Now can we take over the weyr? >>
Sk'lar's grin grows, hugging her closer to him, "And that would more than likely just get you another broken arm. And that wouldn't do at all." Said arm is tweeked. Noticing E'ur by the food tables, "There happen to be any liquids of the alcoholic variety over there?"
Betha nearly atop her mount glances about to spot who's called her name. Eyeing her mate the rider slips back down and makes her way over to Chahna.
E'ur smirks toward Sk'lar... he just nods along. "From what I'm seeing, looks like there is plenty to go around. You're girlfriend sure knows when to pick the moment to bring out the alchohol." Course Eu has his own stash now in the weyr, at least when he gets to the drudge who has been storing it.
Nadira walks in from Center of the Bowl.
Tarlin eeks at the tweak, nearly cringing away from Sk'lar--nearly, but not quite. She giggles, offering the bronzerider a bit of a tickle around the midsection as she replies, "Of course there's alcohol. The Head Cook," with a little bit of prompting from someone, "wouldn't have it any other way."
Sk'lar's grin grows, "With graduation comes so many allowances. Its hard to imagine that for over two turns now, I've been denied." This is for benefit of any ears listening in. Its always good to put up a good front. "But, for some reason, it isn't exactly wine that I have a thirst for..."
Nadira goes home.
E'ur eyes Sk'lar and just shrugs as he just finds a plate and feeds a perched bronze on his shoulder.
Tarlin blushes, her mind where she hasn't allowed it to be in ever so long. "What d'you want to drink?" she asks, her mouth dry. "And don't forget the pies," she adds to the bronzer, as though they were made specifically for him. She flashes a pleased grin at E'ur.
Closing softly whirling eyes, Ailaeth tucks her head under a wing, dreaming of flowers...
Chahna smiles at the newly graduated weyrlings, it's been many turns since she graduated. She shares their joy but knows also that being a dragonrider is not just joy, it is a way of life that requires sacrifices. Quietly she takes Betha's hands in hers and squeezes them lovingly. "How was the graduation ceremony, love?".
Sk'lar looks at the food and the pies, and then looks at Tarlin. Hands take her shoulder, "Stay here. Don't move." And with that admonishment, he strides over to the spread, picking up this and that in his arms. Without further ado, he returns, coming to claim her next. No words, just action. So, he leads her towards the dragon.
Tarlin stares after Sk'lar as he grabs bits of food, continues to stare at him as he leads her towards the dragon--and then she gets it. Grinning, she scrambles up Kahlendroth's straps ahead of the bronzerider.
Sk'lar climbs onto Kahlendroth's forelimb only to have the bronze launch him into the air to land squarely bestride the bronze's neck.
Tarlin climbs onto Kahlendroth's forelimb only to have the bronze launch her into the air to land squarely bestride the bronze's neck.
Olexath wakes up from his nap.
You launch powerfully into the air!
Pirsath spirals down from above and neatly furls his wings.
Cardixa arrives.
Olexath spirals down from above and neatly furls his wings.
Re'a arrives.
With just enough of a leap to clear Liuth's side, Ri lands lightly on two feet, with barely a visible stumble.
Rukbat-gilded hair of varnished mahogany tops this lad's head while being rooted deep in a rogue's shadow. Olive-complexion attunes his round face, only furthering the character of the single dimple upon his left cheek and the blanch of a hair-thin scar that trims opposite dark eyebrow. Copper's shavings flicker in the saturated depths of his sepia-imbued eyes, lending a sparkle to an otherwise dark presence. Form is thin, still dealing with adolescent's growth with muscles ever striving to keep up with the heights this boy's body is yearning for.
Fine tailoring gleams true with the elaborate and seemingly frail weave of virgin-white sisal shirt, string-laced front and long sleeves. Top is tucked into a pair of tight-fitting wherhide pants set to shine in a depthless marine blue complete with gold piping trimming down the legs, boots are dyed an oddly roguish sable. And the icing -his riding jacket of blue and gold, the perfect covering for any debonair pirate of the skies.
Black and White twine about, dressed with a thread of shining bronze. Its a touch more complicated than the rest of the knots the other weyrlings wear, for this is the knot of a Telgar Weyr Weyrling Wingleader.
Oarotu arrives.
Rionth spirals down from above and neatly furls his wings.
J'ak dismounts from Lumanevolth.
Betha slithers down Remorth's riding straps and lands with little fanfare.
Liuth launches powerfully into the air!
Chahna slides off Devikath to the ground.
Salty shores slope into depthless seas of tarnished copper upon the dragon's wiry length, a false horizon delineating light and dark. Sun-woven bronze cloaks a broad snout and hoods deepset orbs hidden beneath slimly pronounced eyeridges and headknobs, draping tapered neck to seaworthy wingsails in cloisonne brilliancy. Russet waves lap over graceful exility, concealing the shifting sands and shadows of his taut underbody where verdigris-tainted treasure may be discovered in lucific glimpses. Gunpowdered talons fuse to slight claws, out of place on achromatized limbs that are in turn mismatched with an elongated, rapier-thin tail; but all is unified in careful camouflage of unseen vulnerability -- subterfuge ever the gambit in play.
Inky sable slips its way about the base of the dragon's neck, clutching with fleece-padded wherhide for security's intent. The leather is tooled just enough for some sense of style, albeit a geometric maze-like pattern. Buckles abound as a deep pouch is draped to the side for added carrying capacity.
Kahlendroth is 1 Turn, 10 Months, and 16 Days old.
Sk'lar is riding Kahlendroth
