A Night of Masquerade [Tags all Fort Weyr]

Emerene

It was a good thing then, that a gentleman was not required of him to be; though dragonriderly chivalry was no where near lost on Emerene. In fact, his actions all made her blush. She had to bite her lip to hide the embarrassed little smile there. 

It was in those first few seconds, that Emerene realized this man was likely very much a ladies man -so she wouldn't be surprised to find out that he'd bedded many women. However, his words did not sound unnatural, as though he were trying too hard to gain her attention. So was his intention to impress her? Or perhaps he was simply being polite, given the formality of the event?

The man drew even more curiosity and attention, as he ordered refills of the drinks to the Empyrean Wing's table, instead of having her carry them. Who was this man? So polite. 

She must have been looking a bit dumbfounded then, as she'd stared through the mask, the flush in her cheeks finally deciding to lessen in intensity. 

A mystery woman? Unlikely. 


"Mystery woman? I do believe I am not the only one who showed up to the party with a mask on." She said smartly, without giving herself time to think of saying anything else.

"I.. was just trying to escape someone." Emerene finished the words with a soft but coy smile, a similar mischief sparked within her own eyes. Though, the girl certainly could not have matched his own roguish perfection, as inexperienced as she was in comparison.

"Ooh, thank you for having the drinks sent. I guess I need to go clean up." Glancing down to where the wine had spilled down her already deeply red dress, she almost cringed to think about the possibility of the wine stain not coming out. Having to replace the dress would be a terrible upset. 

Turning set the goblets back down on the counter, Emerene glanced at his own suit, wondering if it too, would need special cleaning. "Again, I'm so sorry. Let me have the suit cleaned for you, if it's too much trouble." Pausing then, her eyes came back to meet him, and with a slight cant of her head, thought curiously out loud, "You're not from Halcyon Wing, are you?" 

Likely everyone at Fort Weyr knew the reputation of those in the Halcyon Wing..and for some reason she seemed to think that he might fit in with such a group. Anyway, there was a 1 in 6 chance that  she was right; unless he happened to be a Weyrcrafter she didn't know. ..But chances were much higher of her running into a handsome dragonrider, here. They just so happened to be far greater in number. Lucky for her.






Nova

Even if the Bluerider didn't like her in the way that he did, a dance between friends was a good way to get the dancing started. 

Already, several couples had taken to the dance floor, and the weyr harpers had begun playing upbeat music to get everyone on their feet. So, Nova reached to take Raelestriata's hand, taking it as a good sign that she'd ask him at all. Though... he was assuming she wasn't asking him for the same reasons as he was accepting.

Smiling, the Bluerider went with his friend to the floor, speaking to the nosey Ilmattoth as he went, She asked me to dance, Toth! I'll let you know how this turns out.

The young Blue's approving tone entered into Nova's mind just as he and Rae scoped out a spot on the dance square. 

You should tell her your feelings tonight. It's a special occasion. Wouldn't she like that?

I'll think about it Was the best answer Nova could manage. It was the only one he usually managed. He always put off telling Rae how deep his feelings truly ran, with regard for her. He didn't want to ruin the friendship that they had -he just wanted their friendship to become even more. And in his defense, he'd 'hinted' a number of times. She just didn't notice, or didn't seem to take him seriously.


In any case, Nova was just glad to be dancing with her at the Masquerade for now. He moved with the beat of the music rather skillfully, and even though he didn't know all the steps of the dance, he made it fun for Rae by simply keeping them moving, guiding her hand through the various motions so that no matter what, they could just keep going.

((OOC: I can edit, Kate, if he should have noticed more! ))

Vinnie swallowed his drink of juice hard at Q'rijn's suggestion.  Coming from the usually quiet brownrider, it was a little strange.  Not that he hadn't wondered a few times if the other young man might have a crush on T'veli-- it wasn't obvious, but there had been a few times V'nius thought he caught Q'rijn watching their classmate like he, himself, watched Sh'nar.  Still, other times, he seemed to be watching the girls in their class more and Vinnie thought he'd imagined anything else.

But now… Q'rijn was asking if he wanted to dance?  

Well, maybe the brownrider was just offering because neither of them had anyone else at the moment.  But if he went out there… Would Sh'nar be on the dance floor?

Inwardly shaking off the thought-- he was determined to not let it ruin his night if the bronzerider still failed to notice him-- Vinnie bit his lip and eyed the space where several couples were twirling.  "I, ah, a fast dance, or a slow one?"  A fast dance would probably be okay, right?  There would be so many people out there, no one would notice.  Right?

>>>>>>>>>

N'kyr was too much the Lord Holder's son to roll his eyes, though he found himself wanting to do so often in J'ace's company.  It wasn't any of the other bronzerider's business what had gone on with the flight and the rider whose green Ramirath had caught. Nor was it any matter he should concern himself with just how N'kyr felt about it afterwards.  Though he did hope the other bronzerider wouldn't notice the faintest flush to his cheeks-- and just for that, N'kyr thought the mask might actually serve a purpose if he put it on.

"If they know I'll be coming with you, how does it serve the purpose of adding mystery to occasion at all?  It won't surprise anyone."  Of course, he couldn't slide it into place without complaining, no matter his own reasons for doing so.

If anyone noticed when they arrived, N'kyr was completely oblivious to the reactions.  He eyed the crowd of party goers with faint disdain-- hidden by the mask, unless anyone was looking close.  He supposed he should mingle-- greet the Weyrleaders at least.  It would only be proper.

Though J'ace's question might have been said for himself, the bronzerider quipped in response, "Are there enough to keep you occupied for the night?"  He certainly hoped so-- maybe J'ace wouldn't throw any at him if there weren't enough to go around.

Left to his own devices a few moments later, though, N'kyr was at a loss as to keeping himself occupied.  Of course he could just leave, but Ramirath was threatening to come block the entrance to the Dining Cavern before he could get back outside if he tried.  Knowing his bronze would do just that-- or find another dragon who would if he couldn't actually get there on time-- N'kyr went in search of a drink and a table where he'd be less noticeable.

>>>>>>>>>

"A pleasure to meet you," Tashamoretta grinned at her friend's brother.  She'd heard some about him from Lance, and so wasn't entirely surprised when the young man kept quiet.  Tasha was fine with that, anyway, she easily kept the chatter going (even if it was more one-sided) as they headed for the Hall.

"Goodness, your family certainly got its share of good genes," Tasha murmured lowly to Lance as she smiled in greeting at S'dric and Mayheul.  Still, her interest was mainly in S'dric's reaction to her dress, which in turn disappointed her.  He'd stared a little overly long, but then gave nothing but a small smile.

Maybe it really had been the flight talking when he'd seemed to want her attention?  Shaking off the thought and determined to have fun no matter what, Tasha just smiled in response to his question about drinks.  "Something light and fruity for me, please," she told the brownrider, not wanting to overdo it right off the bat.  Of course, by the end of the night, she might want something stronger, depending on how things went.

Having been a bit oblivious to Lance and Bladen, Tasha finally noticed that the other greenrider wasn't yet sitting down.  "Where's he going?" she asked her friend, watching the former guard's trip across the crowded Hall with interest.

>>>>>>>>>

Ember glanced up at her name, the easy smile she'd offered the older men she'd been conversing with still in place.  Her blue-gray eyes widened slightly in surprise at seeing Bladen, though the rest of her expression didn't falter.

"Sir Bladen.  A pleasure to see you again."  Even if it threw her slightly.  Not that she'd taken enjoyment in leaving him behind-- she'd simply known there was no future in starting anything with a nice young man like him, not when she was Holdless, and not when her own future was so uncertain.

She did have to wonder that there was no censure in his voice-- yet, anyway-- for her having left Fort Sea Hold without even saying good bye.  She'd been too excited to be on her way to find her siblings since she'd had a solid lead, and had barely thought of anyone but the tavern's owner and the other workers whom she'd spent the past couple of turns with, and who would be taking over her duties.

To see Bladen here, at the Weyr, was certainly unexpected.  Though she supposed it shouldn't entirely be, given he did have family members who were riders here at Fort.  He must have managed to get some time off to come visit, then, for this particular occasion.  "I would be honored to join you, good sir," she finally responded, standing and excusing herself to the gentlemen who'd been entertaining her.

"I see you finally decided to allow yourself some time off from work?" she asked the young guardsman as she laid her hand on his arm and started walking with him back to his family.

Q'rijn

"I don't know. What are you comfortable with?" Because Q'rijn wasn't sure what he was comfortable with now. He was never a big dancer, it wasn't like he was a holder, Crafters had celebrations but he wasn't expected to dance and since he wasn't particularly interested in women, he sort of avoided it. Not that he couldn't dance at all, he simply did not feel he would be much good at it. He also had never danced with another man.

"Confession, I've never danced with another guy before." He said softly, so that no one could overhear them. "And I was hoping you'd kind of help me out cause I'd like to ask T'veli later but I don't want to look like an idiot..."


Lancelle

She shrugged, "Must be lucky." Trying not to laugh though she did watch S'dric's reaction to Tasha and found it less than satisfactory. Oh for Faranth's sake...he could at least say something. And next thing she knew her brother was off. "Yeah, the looks but no manners, apparently."

Lance looked around and finally caught sight of R'quiv but he looked like he was busy with another young woman. Ugh. Of course. Well what did she expect? He had no idea she liked him and she had no desire to tell him. It was better this way, she could be bitter on occasions like tonight but she would only be able to blame herself. And she wouldn't be scaring the brownrider off.

"I don't know about you, but I need a drink." She said, about to stalk off to the wine table.

Bladen

He certainly hoped she meant it. Bladen knew how he felt seeing her again. "The pleasure is all mine." He assured her. He wasn't going to allow any handsy riders to come near her when she seemed so out of place. She would be fine with his cousins.

Nodding to the men he was whisking her away from, he said, "Maybe you'll honor me with a dance too?" He asked, eyes dancing with happiness. He wasn't saying they should be together but surely this wasn't simply coincidence. They were meant to be together. She might see that eventually, even if not right now.

"Oh, I'm not on leave." He answered quickly. "I was Searched." He turned the conversation around on the lovely maid, "I had been wondering why you left without a word to anyone though... was it to come to the Weyr?"
After he told her he could get them to the Weyr any time. Then she might not have wanted favors from him after she rejected him.

J'ace

"Maybe not but I still have no idea who you are and I have a pretty good idea who most everyone else is. People move differently..." He watched her look him over. Whoever she was, he was very interested in getting to know her a little better. "Whoever is bother you, I can help you avoid." And he would so long as she wanted him to. Of course he would be seeing to it that she wanted him to help her with some other things as well.

When she mentioned the dress he used it as an opportunity to look her over. The small lovely curves of her body were certainly enticing and when he caught the glint of mischief in her eyes, he couldn't help but think he should find a way to keep her around him for the rest of the evening, at the very least.

"You really shouldn't go alone when there is someone after you. May I escort you?" He laughed gently. "No sweet lady, I'll see to it my own suit is cleaned. You needn't worry another moment about it. I'm more concerned with getting you into another dress so that I might perchance have a shot at dancing with you."

He wasn't being too smooth, alright maybe he was laying it on a little thick but he had pre-gamed before heading to the Masquerade. "If I am or not, I'd like to keep a mystery for now. It will make it more fun to guess who we are later."

Raelestriata

When Nova took her hand, she tugged him up from his seat. She was excited and in being excited was likely to be a little more pushy. However she had thought he would be silly not to accept. They were best friends after all and what better way to start the evening than to dance with someone she trusted and cared for so much.

Solieth's comment caught her off guard though, Are you certain that he is only a friend? How would you feel if he was here with someone else?

She was sure, she was so completely sure...that she would tear that bitch's hair out. You're welcome. The green said with a yawn, while making a comment to her blue friend, Ilmattoth, They are hopeless.

Now what was she supposed to do? Oh what if he did like someone else? She'd never really thought about her feelings at all. Solieth had been a baby and they weren't supposed to so she and Nova had been so good at being friends. But if he didn't like her then what? Tonight was definitely not the time to find out.

Raelestriata made one comment though because she really couldn't help herself, "I'm so glad you are here dancing with me."

V'nius bit his lip, not quite sure how to answer.  He wasn't sure which he'd be more comfortable with, honestly-- on the one hand, a slow dance would look strange.  And on the other, a fast one might look less strange but would possibly be harder to figure out who should lead when they were both male.

The embarrassment and nervousness at not being able to give a straight answer was soon overridden by a healthy dose of sympathy.  Because he apparently hadn't been imagining the looks Q'rijn and been giving T'veli when he thought no one was watching.  Or at least it seemed that way-- why else would the brownrider want to dance with their classmate?

"I, ah, haven't either," the greenrider murmured back, equally as quiet.  And while he knew it would be awkward, helping Q'rijn out was more important than worrying about the way he, himself, would look out there on the dance floor.  "Okay.  We'll try it, then."  They could stay close to the edge, out of the limelight and hopefully no one would really notice.

Rubbing his sweaty palms off in the skirts of his vest, V'nius nodded decisively.  "Okay.  Do you know this one?" he asked Q'rijn of the song the harpers had just started to play.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Tasha laughed at Lance's clear irritation at her brother.  She nodded towards S'dric, though, at the other greenrider's mention of a drink.  "Didn't you hear?  S'dric's offered to get us something, if you want to put your order in."  She did have to wonder at the shift in her friend's mood, though-- perhaps it was just Bladen's having run off.  Or maybe she was just that uncomfortable in the dress she was wearing.  Something seemed wrong, though.  "Or would you rather we go get them ourselves?"

Tasha certainly wasn't going to object.  Especially when S'dric seemed determined to keep her at arm's length.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

"Hmm," Ember mused, noting Bladen's apparently relaxed mood compared to some of the other times she'd seen him, "I will definitely consider it.  Though I hope you don't mind trampled toes."  Of course, she was lying about stepping on his feet.  He probably knew it, too-- or would, if he'd seen her entertaining patrons at the Wild Green with more than just drinks.

Well, well, surprise, surprise.  "Searched?"  Not that dragonriding didn't seem to run in his family.  "I should have known it would take something much more important to pull you away from your duties in the guard.  Congratulations, Candidate."

Turning her face away under the guise of grabbing a glass of something off a passing server's tray, Emberlynn considered her words.  "I am sorry about that.  I didn't deliberately leave without saying anything-- I was in a bit of a hurry and had no real time to do more than speak to the manager of the tavern."  The apology in her gaze was genuine, even as she attempted to tell him only partial truth.  "My family… travels, you see, and I received word to come find them near Telgar.  There was no guarantee they'd still be there if I waited too long, though, so I left with the next caravan."  Taking a drink from her glass, she then smiled at him in clear amusement.  "The wagon train just happened to be stopping here on the way, and I, too, found myself Searched."  Almost as soon as she'd set foot on the Weyr grounds, in fact.

Emerene


Though the girl may have taken the Bronzerider's words as considerate of the fact that she was still wet and needed to have the dress cleaned soon, to keep the fabric from staining, she couldn't help but wonder if what he really meant to say was I'm more interested in getting you out of that dress. Maybe it was the way he looked at her so hungrily...

Either way, disappearing from her brother for a while, sounded like a more than agreeable plan; his being so nosy lately only made her want to avoid him more. Thus, she allowed the masked man to continue assuming that she was being trailed by deplorable company, and accepted his invitation.

"I wouldn't mind an escort at all." Emerene couldn't keep the suddenly shy blush and smile from her face, seeing as they were going to allow their identities to remain a secret for a while longer. How could she resist a sneaky game like this? The prospects seemed all too fun -even if the only goal was avoiding her brother for the time being.

Freeing her hands, Emerene's eyes seemed to light up playfully as she glanced back over the crowds to see if Thane, or anyone of N'kai's table was trying to keep an eye on her just then. And as soon as she felt the coast was clear, without any further warning, Emerene reached to take the masked man's hand, and took off toward the door. 

"Let's go!"




Nova


Illmatoth's jaws opened in a draconic laugh, finding the situation ever to his amusement, just as Soleith did. He liked having Soleith as a friend, and thus, wanted for his rider to be able to enjoy Raelestriata as a friend, without holding his feelings back. 

Though he felt as though he and his, were generally 'hopeless' in most cases, at least in a comical sense, it was just as amusing to see that Soleith felt about the same way at present, where her own rider was concerned. So, the Blue answered Soleith back, Aren't they, usually? Our humans always make doing what's right for them so difficult. We should be more encouraging of them.



While the dragons spoke between themselves, Nova gulped a little nervously, as their song was ending and a slower tune began to play. But, perhaps a little motivated by the feelings of his draconic counterpart just then, instead of shying from the opportunity, Nova took Rae's hand firmly in his grasp, drawing her closer to him with one hand at her waist, so that they could enjoy a slow dance.

Though the move was a smooth transition between quick and slow pace -Nova hadn't missed a beat- he still half way expected her to say something, and pull away from him.

"I'm glad, too." Honestly, Nova just didn't know what else to say, and he wasn't sure he could hold a full blown conversation while they were dancing... it was also difficult, because Illmatoth had started talking to him, too. 

Why don't you tell Raelestriata how much you like her?




S'dric/ Mahyeul


The Brownrider's response to Tasha's drink preference was acknowledged with a more enthusiastic smile. He'd caught the attention of a drudge, so that the drinks could be brought to them, relaying at least, what the two of them would like, though the drudge stuck around to take other drink orders, should there be any.

While the drudge inquired after the preference of others, S'dric spoke up to Tashamoretta, "Did you want to eat first, or dance?" Of course, that was his way of casually inviting her...



After giving the drudge his drink order, the young Guardsman set his eyes back upon Lance. While Mahyeul had little idea that S'dric and Tasha might be a 'thing', he must have subconsciously noticed the Brownriding eyeing her with some distinct interest, but Mahyeul thought to take Lancielle's attention first, figuring that it would be in his best interest to get to visit amoungst family while they were together. He'd had some time to get to know S'dric better anyway, since they were living together presently, so it certainly couldn't hurt to strike things up with Lance during the Masquerade. He thought to ask her for a dance, too. That should be appropriate, shouldn't it?

"Lance, would you like to dance once with me? Though, I am equally as eager to sit and talk with you at length, so that we can get to know one another better. I've really been looking forward to meeting with you all in person, for so long."

Q’rijn

There were so many things to consider but he thought maybe, just maybe he could be brave. That V’nius had acquiesced gave him courage. They could do this. There was nothing wrong with having a preference for the company of men. There was nothing wrong with it at all. He could convince himself of that. The brownrider smiled and took V’nius by the hand.

“We’ll see.” He said, because to be quite honest, he didn’t know any dances. He wasn’t much for dancing before he came to the weyr and since coming he’d been to a few but barely ever partook of dancing with anyone. Probably because the person he wanted to dance with seemed to be too far out of his reach and he had felt ashamed for liking a man. Dancing with a man would be a new thing. V’nius though was more like T’veli in body type so hopefully dancing with him would give him some confidence to ask T’veli.

They stayed on the outside of the dance floor, so as not to draw attention. Q’rijn placed one hand on V’nius’ waist and in his other held his hand. There was nothing to it, he convinced himself. Automatically taking the lead, he hoped he didn’t really mess up.

Bladen

He grinned, “With those tiny feet? I doubt it.” He didn’t remark that she was also quite limber and graceful. Bladen was attempting not to come on too strongly although he was very bad at it. In all honesty he couldn’t keep himself from feeling she somehow would change her mind and begin to see him as the kind of man she could be romantically involved with. He knew he hadn’t stopped smiling since he started talking to her.

“Really?” He said and laughed because he highly doubted she was that sorry for leaving without saying anything to him. Maybe she missed saying goodbye to people she actually knew well though. His brow quirked just slightly. “You were Searched too.” The statement was one of incredulity. So strange that they should both be Searched now. “Congratulations to you as well then.”

He kept his thoughts to himself on the matter. If she was going to be here, at the Weyr, and he was too, he might actually be able to convince her that she should be with him. Although if she were to Impress it might mean it would be some time before they could speak of anything romantic. This might actually work in his favor though because he could take his time, earning her trust, becoming a good friend. Maybe then she would see the depth of his devotion?

As they approached, Lance had already left the small group, but he had noted the way she stalked toward the drinks. Something was bothering her and knowing her she would not want to talk about it. “Candidate Emberlynn may I introduce my cousins, Wingsecond S’dric of Brown Nicath and Guard Mahyeul. This fair lady here is a new family friend, Wingrider Tashamoretta of Green Sionnath.”

Lance

“Umm, no you stay here with these lugs, I’m just gonna go take a moment by the wine.”  Hopefully alone. “I’ll take you up on that offer later Mahyeul,  I just, I need a moment…” The greenrider looked about ready to implode.

When she saw Bladen approaching with Emberlynn she took it as an opportunity to escape for the wine table. Walking up next to N’kyr, she didn’t really notice the Bronzerider at first, rather more focused on the wine. She took one glass of whichever wine she reached for first and downed it.  

If she could just not like anyone, that would be swell. Then she wouldn’t have to worry herself over anyone but her family. She could deal with her own issues without having to be normal for someone else. Not longing for a relationship she wasn’t capable of having, that was all she wanted. It was obviously too late though. She had gotten too close to the Brownrider, had come to trust him and rely on his better judgment. Thank Faranth she had the wits to not allow his brown to win Raidenth.

Looking at the person beside her then, she flushed. “N’kyr? You hiding by the wine too?”

J’ace

Everything was going to go the way he wanted. It made him smile to know that even masked he had the desired effect on women. The playfulness in trying to avoid detection by whomever was bothering the young woman was catching. He laughed as she took his hand and ran for the door. The sooner they were out of there the better it seemed. She wouldn’t hear any complaint from J’ace on that account.

“Lead the way…” He said, still holding her hand. Her hand was soft so she was most definitely not a rider. His guess that she was a Candidate was probably spot on. He’d have to wait and see but for now, he would content himself with the knowledge he was corrupting a young beauty.

Raelestriata

Solieth gave a draconic chuckle Yes, they need encouraging. And mine almost never needs to be encouraged. The green didn’t dwell too long on that thought though it was amusing that her rider who always knew what she wanted was confused and unsure. Now maybe she would know how it felt to not know what one wanted until it was upon one.

When the slow music came, Raelestriata didn’t think Nova would continue, she expected him to stop and let her go but instead he pulled her close to dance properly.  As he did so, she felt her body grow warm and a fluttering in her stomach.  She didn’t pull away at all, moving with him as smoothly as she could despite her surprise in his decision.

But his response to her words was rather less encouraging. He was just being polite. Was there someone here he would rather be dancing with? Maybe she should let him go after this dance so he could be with whoever he wanted? What was she thinking!? Like she was just going to let him go and dance with someone else and make herself miserable all night. Unless he excused himself, she was going to do her best to keep him to herself.

Solieth was as much help as she could be, reassuring her rider that while Nova was somewhat quiet he had decided to dance with her again when the music had changed. He could easily have left to dance with someone else at that point.

Tasha frowned faintly at Lance's behavior.  Something was definitely off, but she wasn't quite sure what.  Was it the dress?  Or was it something else?  The greenrider wished she knew.  But she wasn't going to push when it was clear Lancelle wanted to be alone for a moment.

Still puzzled over her friend's departure, Tasha then turned to S'dric.  His words had been easy, but she could read nothing in his eyes.  Just like with his cousin.  Trying for a light tone to match, the greenrider tilted her head to the side as if considering, even as she tried to decide if he was asking her to dance or not.  "The dance floor's a little less crowded right now than it will be later.  And it's easier to do some of the reels and toss dances on a lighter stomach.  So I'd say dance first.  Interested in joining me?"

If he said no, she supposed she'd have to ask someone else, or she'd look silly for having said she'd rather dance first.  But she was really hoping he'd say yes.  Why would he have asked otherwise?

>>>>>>>>>>

Dancing with Q'rijn would be awkward at first, though that was probably to be expected.  Vinnie was surprised at how much more relaxed the brownrider seemed, though.  The greenrider, himself, was still a bit tense, worried others would decide they were something to be laughed at.  Especially those who were classmates, whom he'd tried to hide his preferences from.  They wouldn't be so hidden now, would they?  But then again, neither would Q'rijn's, since they were on the dance floor together.

Taking a deep breath, V'nius straightened a bit, figuring they'd made it this far-- there was no turning back now.  "Okay.  I guess it's good we're both wearing boots, in case we step on each other's toes…"  The joke was a defense mechanism, though it was also the truth-- he was probably just as likely to step on Q'rijn's toes as the brownrider was to step on his.  Hopefully that wouldn't happen too often.

Having danced with his sisters, he also automatically started to take the lead, which resulted in his moving in a different direction from Q'rijn.  "Ah… sorry!" he murmured nervously, forcing himself to wait and figure out which way the brownrider was going.  Vinnie was the smaller of the two of them, so that would mean he'd have to be the 'girl' for now, right?  Or something…

Concentrating as he was on the dance itself, the greenrider at least forgot to worry about what anyone else would think of them.

>>>>>>>>>>

Emberlynn nodded her head graciously even as she could hear the surprise in Bladen's voice at the news that she was Searched as well.  It did sound a little strange, especially given the rumors that floated around about pretty young women being 'Searched' simply for their looks.  But it was still possible.

Noting how relaxed he seemed, the former barmaid had to wonder if it was the environment, or the company.  Here, he'd be able to relax, though she doubted the guardsman mentality would ever truly be gone.  Especially not if he Impressed.

Having members of his family around was surely having a positive effect, though, and she gave a friendly smile to each in turn as they were named.  "Yet another Guardsman," she commented at the introduction to Mahyeul.  "It seems like your family is destined to watch over Pern and keep us all safe."  Both from the air and on the ground.  "It's a pleasure to meet you all."

Tasha smiled in return at the newcomer, though she couldn't help but wonder if the girl was truly a Candidate.  She'd probably been picked up by one of the riders with little actual Search ability and a strong desire to find new playthings.  Not that she'd blame anyone if they had-- she just hoped the Candidate had more sense than to let herself be used that way.

"My regards to your dragons, as well," Emberlynn continued.  "I would love to meet them if ever the occasion allowed."

>>>>>>>>>>

N'kyr was still nursing the same glass he'd started with, unlike Lancelle.  But he hadn't really noticed the way she'd knocked her first back-- he'd been too busy scanning the space for a relatively remote table.  Few and far between it seemed they were, though-- it appeared that the entire Weyr and then some was in attendance for this event.

Why had he let J'ace convince him to come, again?

Ignoring Ramirath's excitement and encouragement to mingle (the bronze was almost ready to come barging into the Dining Hall himself if his rider didn't allow him to see some of the costumes through his eyes), he'd been trying to figure out just how long he truly needed to stay, now that he was here.  So it was with a bit of surprise that he looked up at a familiar voice… and immediately looked away.

He hardly noticed the greenrider's expression, trying to hide his own as he was.  Because despite the time that had lapsed since Raidenth's flight, he still felt awkward about the situation in such close proximity to Lance.  Drills were far easier to deal with, and small talk had never been his forte.  "No," he replied, taking a larger gulp of his wine than he had up to this point.  But then for some reason found the silence too oppressive.  "I just haven't found a table yet."  It was the truth, after all, even if it did sound stupid.