Dinner & Dancing: Hatching Feast [Attn: Open, especially newly Impressed Poetry of the Air Weyrlings!]

Unlike many of the other newly Impressed weyrlings, Emberlynn had hardly slept a wink since the Hatching took place.  There were too many thoughts running through her head as it started to sink in that not only had she been chosen by a dragon, she'd been chosen by a gold of all colors.

Why Nymeriath had claimed her out of all the girls Standing, she had yet to figure out.  But the little queen insisted she had chosen correctly.

Whether she had was yet to be seen-- Ember had certainly never really envisioned herself as a goldrider prior to arriving at the Weyr, focused as she was on trying to eek out a living and find her siblings.  But now that the role had dropped into her lap, she only hoped she could live up to whatever expectations the other riders would have for her.

Maybe now that she'd Impressed, they'd overlook the fact that she had been born Holdless, and had hidden that fact from them since she'd arrived.

Of course, she had plenty of time to worry about such things in the coming days, if not longer.  She'd only just Impressed a few hours ago, along with Bladen-- no, that wouldn't be his name now, would it?--, Teylarrin, Iraellium-- I'llium, she supposed?--, Emerene, and all the others.  Nymeriath's hide was barely dry.  Her things weren't even completely unpacked in their new quarters.  And they had yet to truly start weyrling training.

Indeed, there would be plenty of time for worrying come tomorrow.

For now, she was supposed to be joining the other weyrlings at the Hatching Feast, where they would all be celebrated as the guests of honor.  Food and drink, dancing and revelry were theirs to be had for the night… at least until exhaustion claimed them.  And she had no doubt it eventually would, after the events of the day.

As she finish dressing, Ember just hoped sleep would come calling sooner rather than later-- baby dragons, they'd been told, were early risers, especially when they were hungry.

---------------------

Not long later, Emberlynn found herself entering a brightly lit Dining Cavern full of excitement and laughter.  The smell of freshly cooked meat and bread reminded her that the snack she'd had earlier hadn't really been enough to keep her full for long.  But she was torn between filling her stomach and finding the other new weyrlings.

Food wouldn't necessarily be a bad idea, given that most of them had family members to greet and receive congratulations from.  The fact that she had no one, though, was exactly why she wanted to search them out.  They were in the same boat she was-- their lives had changed today, for better or worse, and that common thread bound them together.  In essence, they would be a new extended family.  And she was looking forward to getting to know each and every one of them.

That thought in mind, the former barmaid smiled and nodded her thanks to any congratulatory remarks sent her way as she wove through the sea of revelers, keeping an eye out for her new classmates as she went.

Keket




”Shush, love. Nothing will get you. I will stay until you sleep, and you’ll feel me in your dreams. I’ll always keep you safe.” Keket and Passerith had settled into their assigned weyr after the Green gorged herself to the point where she looked more like a black-clawed balloon dragon than a hatchling dragonet. The pair had waddled to their area, following along the train of fresh weyrlings. The new Weyrling had guided Her’s to the hollow that was designed to house the luscious green until she was bigger. They shared the area with the other greens, but right now, Passerith was Keket’s entire world.


”You get to sleep, that’s much better than having to take congratulations from everyone and their mother. Besides, there will be lots and lots of people, and you deserve rest.”  
Keket leaned down, nestling her dragon into the hollow, tucking the Green’s tail in, making sure her wings were folded comfortably. The young woman half lay down beside the green, touching, skin contact as Passerith fidgeted and fought her own anxieties, even as sleep tried to drag at her. It was exhausting pushing the egg, and then terrifying to find Her Keket, and then the delicious bloody meat, her full belly. Finally, slowly, sluggishly, Keket could feel Passerith’s mind still, slow, and finally fade. Not gone, forever together, but it was obvious the dragonet was asleep.

The girl slowly extricated herself from the Green, then on a whim pulled the blanket off her bed and flung it over the Green. She was almost covered by the cloth, but not quite, and she could only imagine that soon the blanket would barely cover a wing. With that thought, Keket changed out of the blood-stained clothes, ran a brush and re-braided her hair, then headed for the bustling Dining Hall.

Entering the room, she scanned it, then decided the safest bet would be to go and get food first, she supposed. People kept offering her congratulations, and she kept just trying to worm her way to the food tables, nodding and murmuring her thanks. As she caught a whiff of the food, she realized she was as ravenous as Passerith had been. Perhaps a side effect of Impression? Either  way. She got a plate, and eagerly helped herself. A hefty meatroll, a piece of juicy and to-die-for smelling roast wherry, some steamed greens, a few slices of fruit. One quick glance, and she saw a few of the other Weyrlings clustering at a few of the tables. She went to one, and sat down at the end, not near anyone in particular. She had only been there a few days, and had not had a chance to really meet anyone. Meanwhile, her plate wouldn’t eat itself.

Veyani woke from in between her dragonets clawed feet and kissed the sleeping one’s hide gently. Sonadorath was not troubled in the least. She was still slumbering peacefully when the blonde walked away to change for the feast. She couldn’t go in her Candidate robes. Sonadorath was worth dressing up and going to a feast for, even if she would rather stay there with her sweet little green.

It didn’t take her long to get ready, in all honesty. Mostly because she wasn’t exactly trying to impress anyone. In fact, she wanted to be about as noticeable as a bee in a beehive. Despite trying to blend, she knew that there were bound to be people looking to congratulate her. She was still reeling from the recent realization that she could touch her dragonets mind no matter where she was. She was a dragonrider! Veyani could almost shout it to everyone she saw that she was a dragonrider and that Sonadorath was amazing. She barely knew her new life mate but there was no doubt at all the green was the best thing that ever happened to her.

When she arrived at the Feast, she quickly found a place among her new classmates. Seeing Teylarrin starting in on the food, she sat down across from the other girl. “Hey, Teylarrin.” She took some food from the table for herself and began to eat as well. “What is your green’s name?” She asked excitedly. Veyani hoped they would all be getting along. At least most of the people in their group seemed friendly.



Bl’en was a Guard for so long that he wasn’t quite as prone as some of the others to feel tired. When he had finally finished oiling Vaqueroth and the Bronze had agreed to nap, he felt relieved because the dragon’s state of near exhaustion had been affecting him as well. Now he had time to clean up after the mess they made before getting ready for the feast.

There were things he was still sorting out in his head but the one he wanted to think about the most was the one he shouldn’t be thinking about at all. It wasn’t as if he didn’t have feelings before he Impressed. Ember was well aware of his infatuation and had rejected him. However, he found it hard not to think their Impressing a Gold and a Bronze by chance at the first Hatching they’d ever attended having just come from Fort Sea Hold a little bit more than coincidence.

The new Bronzerider was actually still coming to terms with the idea that he was one of the few riders to claim a Bronze as a partner. He was also wondering how the Bronze would get along with S’dric’s brown and Lancelle’s green. They were family and he didn’t want his dragon to come between them. Normally he would look for his cousin and sister and eat with them but he did want to make sure Ember was okay first.

Blue eyes scanned the crowd, quickly falling on the most beautiful woman there. She might have disagreed but to Bl’en, she always stood out. So, smiling, he walked up next to her as she meandered through the crowd, “Congratulations.” He said as smoothly as he could manage. “How does it feel Goldrider?”

Galadrieth was taking a well deserved nap after the Hatching and back in her own weyr which tended to ease Karene’s mind a great deal. Whenever a clutch was on the Sands it made their lives more difficult. From now until next time, they would both be much more at ease. As such it wasn’t too hard for the Weyrwoman to put aside thoughts of the Hurricane and focus on the positives.

She had a couple of very important people to congratulate. One was her son, K’vik who was now a Bronzerider. Then her daughter, now a Goldrider and a second young woman whom was new to the Weyr and the other new Goldrider. Those three needed specific congratulations. While the rest would be equally welcome to the Weyr, those were the ones she needed to spend a little extra time with.

So once the Queenrider was finished dressing herself properly, she waited for D’nier to escort her to the Weyrhall where the Feast had been prepared. If she seemed a little less herself than usual, then it was probably lost on most people. Smiling out towards anyone who looked at her, she knew that she had once again mastered the art of pretending. She wasn’t unhappy but she was not as ecstatic as perhaps she should be. Maybe things were changing for her more quickly than she thought. When had her children become old enough to be Gold and Bronzeriders?

She had a lot of things on her mind. Squeezing the Weyrleader’s hand for support, “Shall we let everyone settle in first?” Then they could make a congratulatory speech. After which, she would be able to congratulate her own children.



The fun-loving Bronzerider loved feasts. Especially Hatchings and the like. Everyone was in a good mood, there was food everywhere and plenty of easy going young women to get himself involved with. He did think it would be remiss of him though, if he didn’t congratulate Emerene personally at some point. For now though, he would wander around, saying hello to his wingmates and friends and have some food and wine.

He could almost laugh about his situation though. There were guys like Sh’nar, spending all their time looking to get with Queenriders in order to advance themselves and he went and seduced the poor things before they were even riders. Orandoth would be most disappointed if this decreased his chances later.

The Bronzerider walked around with a familiar smirk on his face and mischievous twinkle in his dark eyes.



S’jiro had carried her to the Infirmary, even after she insisted she could walk once the Hatching was over.. Indylari had spent a good candlemark in the infirmary after being injured on the Sands. Nothing too serious, her leg was well bandaged and cleaned and she could walk on it. A fact which she repeated to her fiance because she wanted to be able to go to the Feast and not look like an invalid. Honestly her pride was in much more pain than her leg at this point.

When she back at her rooms, she made sure to dress like the best of them. Her gown, like any number that she owned, showed off her figure using expensive fabrics. The dress she wore was black and off her shoulders, ankle length and of a thick fabric that clung nicely to her curves. She wore jewelry to compliment the dress and her hair was up in an intricate style which she managed to create on her own.

After another candlemark or so, she waited for her fiance to come and escort her to the Feast. Nothing he did necessarily offended her but neither was she excited at his coming. She wasn’t out to impress him. Despite either of them trying, there was no spark between them. He had eyes for someone he couldn’t have just as she had now but there was nothing either of them could do about it now. And Indylari could see this being an opportunity for both of them to try to be as interested in eachother as possible.

That was until she thought about Z’rim. She knew she was much more weak than she wanted to believe. If he wanted her, she didn’t know if she could resist for long. It was probably for the best then that he had shown no interest in her as anything but his friend’s fiance.

When she opened her door, expecting S’jiro to be dressed nicely enough to show her off, she put on a smile and acted as lady-like as possible. “Ready?” She asked, grabbing her shawl to put around her shoulders.

Anuleesa had only just finished helping unpack the burdened bronze dragon who had escorted her back to her home at the Hold. Lesera was happily organizing her new home with the weyrlings and had insisted that her mother go ahead to the feast. Roaming the ways of the Weyr was like learning to ride a runner - one never forgot the way to the food. The thought made the woman chuckle as she entered the the brightly decorated and happy celebration that was the Hatching Feast. Her eyes grazed every face as she took in the scene. There in the back was her son, now a brownrider, with a couple others. She didn't notice his dragon with him and was secretly glad.

Twitching her shawl around her shoulders more snugly, Leesa's eyes fell on Karene as she entered with the Weyrleader and seemed to have a quiet conversation. Waiting a moment she decided to see if the woman would hold a speech, and noting that she seemed to want to settle in instead, made her way carefully through the exuberant crowd of weyrfolk. She, of course, had never resented the woman for impressing the gold she had stood for, nor the fact that she had impressed when Anuleesa hadn't. The love of her husband was more than enough to placate that loss.

Anuleesa cleared her throat quietly, trying to get the woman's attention without being rude. Deciding that some familiarity was warranted, she reached her down and whispered in the woman's ear, "Silly Candidate, that's not how you clean properly. Let me show you." It was the first thing she had said to Karene when the woman had come to the Weyr. Granted they hadn't had long before the Hatching, but perhaps the goldrider would remember the friend she had made so long ago. Leesa grinned widely as she waited for Karene's reaction and tried not to look as if she was a threat. She really wasn't, not without her bow, but even one person could assume something was off.

M'ket



His own stomach gurgled as he sat on the floor, still gowned for the ritualistic hatching. Though certainly feeling as hungry as his new lifemate had felt before his first feeding, M'ket had discipline and self-control beyond what most people could imagine. Having lived a life of servitude as a drudge in his own family's house, he was no strange to the denial of his own needs and desires, though in more recent turns, he'd begun to explore how to attain those things. But that said, hunger could hardly control him. So, he waited until the beautiful green Prysniath was ready to doze off to sleep to worry about himself.

The man's hand pet gently upon the crown of the dragon's head where she'd laid herself down in front of his own bed. Just looking on her, M'ket felt the swell of love and adoration in his heart, knowing that she was the most perfect creature to ever walk the face of Pern. Her hide was the most glorious green, like a watercolor of soft liquid emerald. There was none more regal than her, in his mind, and even in all his turns of servitude, he'd never felt this same, deepening sense of loving devotion which she sparked in him. It was magnificent.

No. She was magnificent.

Doting thoughts on her, the Green was crooning in pleasure, M'ket not yet realizing that she could fully sense them.  

You haven't eaten, but you're hungry. And I'm sleepy.

"When you are sleeping, I promise to eat something, so that I won't worry you anymore. But really, worry is unnecessary."

Drifting in and and out of that haze of sleep, Prysniath shared with him a sense of contentment with that answer, though she didn't want to be apart from him. At the same time though, she was too tired to move herself from that spot, and before long, was deep in slumber.

As soon as she'd fallen to sleep, M'ket rose and cast off his blood stained garment, reaching for the things he'd brought to the barracks with him. There was at least one suit fine enough for a gather there, and he would need it for the hatching feast. The time for that event was soon, and there would be some expectation for his presence, given it was in celebration of the new weyrling pairs.

Cleaning himself up as best he could with what he had there in his room, M'ket put on a grey suit of silken threads and formal white shirt, buttoned up and tucked in. Though he wore a nicely matched vest and a dark tie with abstract gunmetal patterns worked subtly across the fabric, he wore no coat with it.

After most had already left for the banquet, the sole of patent leather shoes echoed through the empty barrack a she made his way from it. Once out of the vicinity of the barracks however, M'ket learned that he was not the only person just to arrive. There were many Riders and even the Weyrleader and Weyrwoman ahead of him, who seemed to have only just come.

Skirting the crowds so as not to draw attention to himself, the weyrling greenrider made his way to the drink table to inspect the Weyr's selection of wines before leaving empty handed for the buffet style tables of food set out. He would come back for wine later, when he wanted to mingle. For now, the meal was top priority.

Though M'ket felt as though he'd taken more than he could eat, he'd probably taken smaller portions than most riders and weyrlings. He was accustomed to eating rich food with relative frequency, but not in overabundance. Usually he was last to eat, and meals were taken in his room alone, so it was a bit of an uncomfortable thing for him still, being allowed to sit amoungst others freely.

Once his plate was piled with those things that appealed to him, he made his way to the table seating the newly impressed Weyrlings.

All the way there, M'ket eyed the table's occupants, analyzing how they'd seated themselves, those that had already done so. There was always a hierarchy amoungst every group and he usually fell at the bottom of it. He was out of the way then, not a threat to anyone, so he naturally sought a place that seemed to suit him best. To his surprise, toward one end of the table, left relatively unoccupied as of yet, there was a young lady that he had remembered seeing in candidate classes during those couple of sevendays before the hatching, when he'd been sent to the Weyr.

No other domineering male presences and a young lady (Keket) who'd seemed nice enough from a distance, M'ket decided to make his move in that direction. It was always easiest for him to deal with women anyway, so that seemed the best choice.

"Begging your pardon, Keket. If its not too imposing, could I dine with you?"

Hoping that his memory had served him well, and that was indeed her name, M'ket didn't seem to bear any question in mind as to whether or not that was her identity. He'd heard almost all of their names being called out in candidate classes, and was generally good with remembering. Especially when it was that of a lady. Women were flattered by such attention.





Z'ren



Though Draugarth had seemed bound and determined to get up off his little dragon couch and pursue his fiendish desires, Z'ren felt relieved that there was no amount of enthusiasm that could have kept him awake after eating so much. Eat, sleep, eat sleep. Wasn't that what baby dragons were supposed to do? Z'ren might be glad of it. He already felt as though the ornery Brown was going to be a handful -to say the least.

Already, Z'ren felt as though his lifemate was challenging him, his very willpower and even the definition of his own personal ethics. But Z'ren was only beginning to realize that, and hadn't yet chalked it up to a serious issue since their deep bond readily swayed his heart in favour of the hatchling. He would do anything for Draugarth, to love and protect him. To appease him?

In any case, Z'ren wasn't willing to worry about that now. His young mind turned to the exciting event of the hatching banquet; he'd never been to one. Not just a hatching banquet, but he'd never been to any real banquet.

Nice clothes were in order, and a clean appearance, which he was okay with -the appearance part anyway. But likewise, Z'ren had never dressed in finer clothes than the day to day clothes for Weyrling Training that the Weyr's Headwoman had given him since he had come with pretty much what was on his back. And what was on his back had pretty much been in tatters.

It seemed though, that no one had anticipated that he'd impress, or perhaps no one had thought far enough ahead to the hatching feast, because nothing more formal had come in the 'welcome package'. As he stood over his bed where a fresh change of clothes were lain out, he figured he probably would have been uncomfortable in nice clothes anyway. Either way, it didn't bother him.

So, with Draugarth too drowsy to lift himself, soon falling fast asleep, the weyrling Brownrider was free to change clothes and make himself presentable. At least he knew how to do that.

Once dressed, though likely severely underdressed for the occasion, Z'ren grabbed his short sword and belted it to his waist as though with ceremonial purpose. Though he wasn't sure how appropriate it was to carry the blade with him, he was accustomed to having it in his reach; it was a part of him still. He felt naked almost, without it, and likewise, having it was a comfort to him.


When he arrived at the banquet hall, Z'ren didn't notice if anyone took second looks at his attire. Honestly he'd no real expectations of what was appropriate for these kinds of affairs since he'd no experience with them, so none of it bothered him. His eyes though, were alert and readily took everything in. It was almost overwhelming.

Perhaps for too long, he lingered at the door, indecisive about what direction to go in first, though... perhaps he should have looked for Lessera. Maybe his new friend would know more about what all was going on and be able to offer some guidance.


[posting the others in a second post. probably tomorrow]

Keket

She had heartily dug into her food. Not in a vicious, un-mannered fashion, but she was obviously focusing on filling her belly. The rest of the room could come and go, but during those first few bites, the residual hunger from Passerith felt like no matter how much she ate, she would never be full. Raw feelings shared between two bodies. This would take getting used to. It was when she paused, forcing herself to stop a moment that she realized those vicious hunger pangs had already faded, probably within the first few bites. With relief, she took another bite, the only eagerness to eat within her belonging to her own stomach, not the wonderful Green’s. The food was delicious, as it usually was at the Weyr, but with the Hatching, it was obvious that the kitchen had gone all out.

And then a voice pushed through her focus. It sounded a little familiar, and brown eyes raised to rest on her fellow Candid- er, Weyrling. It took Keket a moment to place the young man. She hadn’t gotten to know any of her fellow Candidate’s very well in the few days she had been there before the Hatching, but she remembered seeing him in a couple of the last Candidate lessons. His name though…N-something? No, M-something. She set her fork down and nodded up at him.

”Yes, of course. It’s a free table, afterall…” She scooted her plate closer to her, making sure the young man had room. As he sat, she eyed him briefly.

”Mirket, yes? Though I suppose it’s shortened now…You also Impressed a Green, didn’t you?” She smiled lightly, and the thought of the boy’s Impression merely caused her to think of her own, and a thread of love drifted through her mind, brushing against the sleeping Passerith’s. A quick, soft mental touch. To be honest, once Passerith was Hatched, and Keket Impressed, she had paid zero attention to anything else going on with the Hatching.

M'ket

The young man's gentle expression revealed a whit of surprise he felt on realization that she too, had a memory for names. And that of many, she had in turn, remembered his.

"That is correct. It is now M'ket."

His plate set upon the table, he was nodding agreeably as she made a statement about his also impressing a Green.

"I did Impress a lovely Green, as well." Smile persisting as he thought of his lifemate, desiring to be close to her once more, M'ket's tongue echoed the thought, "Prysniath. That is her name."

Reminded then that he had a promise to keep, M'ket didn't hesitate to dig into his own food. Somehow, he found it attractive though, to see Keket enjoy her own meal with such fervor. He almost wished that he could do the same; so, for a moment, his eyes fell to his plate between bites, considering what food was before him. He wasn't sure how to find any of it as appealing as she made it seem, but he knew she didn't just eat with glutton. He was sure he'd watched enough well to do folk dine with such disgusting appetites that he could recognize it by now.

Taking another bite of his food, M'ket took his thoughts off the faces that he'd come to despise and focused on what should be lighter topic of conversation. Something 'normal' to discuss on a first meeting.

"Miss Keket, I don't know much about you, or anyone else here. I would enjoy hearing about where you come from. We do already have two things in common." Both their similar names and the that they'd both impressed Green dragons, "What a coincidence it would be to find out we have more in common than that, already."

Keket

”M’ket it is then.” She nodded, almost as if to herself and shifted slightly on the bench. A quick glance down revealed her plate half gone already. The sight was slightly startling, as she didn’t quite realize she had been hungry enough, even on her own, to devour that much food that swiftly. Granted, her plate hadn’t been overflowing or anything, but it had been a decent size meal. Gluttony was not normally something she catered to.

Glancing back up towards M’ket, she nodded, ”Prysniath is a lovely name.” As the young man started eating, she felt a little compelled to take a few more bites, and let the silence stretch a little. But it wasn’t awkward, not at that moment. They were eating, after all. It would be rude to talk while chewing. As he spoke more though, her head tilted. One hand raised, brushing reddish strands behind an ear as she considered.

Two things in common? Well, the two most obvious. Their names were definitely similar, especially now that he had his shortened. And of course, their glorious Greens. ”Indeed, I’m very glad I got Passerith…” But where she came from? She blinked, her brow furrowing the slightest bit. What else would they have in common? It was already a little funny the things they had going so far.

”I grew up here at Fort Weyr, actually. My Aunt Hylee raised me, she works in the Kitchens. Then I went to the Harper Hall when I was about ten turns or so. It was from there that I was Searched. What about you?” Another idle push of hair behind her ear, even though it had not quite escaped its previous taming yet.

M'ket


Finishing a bite, M'ket thought to himself. Yes, it would be very coincidental if they should have both been born in Telgar. Though he only assumed that she had not been, given how she identified with being raised here at the Weyr.

She would certainly be a knowledgeable acquaintance to have around then; especially given his newness to Weyr life when there was no turning back now to how things had been. Memories of the recent past stole his focus momentarily as he joined her in thoughtful silence while they both went on eating.

At length, he offered a still pleasant smile, "Passerith. Maybe the two will get along." He'd seen couple of the clutchmates snipping at one another, though it shouldn't surprise him, knowing his own background, that being family was no promise of a warm home and enduring love. Between their Greens however, perhaps he could place a hope...

"Ah. I envy you your time at the Harper Hall." M'ket's eyes shone with genuine interest. "You'll have to indulge me with stories about your time there in the near future. If you please."

M'ket paused there, but wondered if his request might seem strange to her, though he himself would highly enjoy it. So, he offered some kind of explanation, "Forgive me. I was born in Telgar, at Balan Hold. My grandparents raised me, and while caring for the family, never had the opportunity to leave the Hold to pursue a craft. It was something I always wanted to do, when I heard others talk about their experiences, so I guess I've kind of lived vicariously, listening to the stories of others."

It was true. But the way he worded himself made it seem as though his grandparents were elderly and needed geriatric care. And that was really not the case. It was an explanation nevertheless.

Teylarrin took in the crowd as she gnawed on her bread roll. So many of them were dressed up. They were trying to look all fancy. In her opinion they only came off as pretentious. This was a Weyr not some Hold Gather or royal wedding. Fancy dress was about as out of place as one could get. There was such an overabundance of ego that it was bordering between absurd and humourous.

Then the Weyrwoman strolled in to the chamber. Teylarrin quickly averted her eyes. She was still very uncomfortable with lady. It was silly to think that if she were not looking at her then Karene would not be able to see her. But she took what little chance there was and embraced it.

She was still keeping her eyes firmly on the roll when Veyani plopped down before her. She looked up when her Weyrling Sister spoke. It was enough to pull her mind from her attempts to vanish from sight. “Thuh-Baise,” she answered the question of her Dragon’s name. “Add lease thuds wud sheeze uhlwez talen meh. ‘Ahm thuh baise, Ahm thuh baise.’”

Teylarrin leaned forward, pressing her chest against the table’s edge. She stretched arms out in front of her. They were too short to reach all of the way across. “Cane ya buhlive thud Dragguh axly trud tuh flah?” she asked, exasperation coloring her voice. She glanced off to the side as she replayed the memory in her mind’s eye. When it finished, she refocused on Veyani. “Whale, sheh DEED flah, bud ohluh fur uh sehcun cuz sheh heard’er sev.”

It occurred to her that she was beginning to ramble on about her new Hatchling. She ought not to hog the conversation. She had to be a better friend. “Heywuz yerz, V’ni?”

Spoiler:

OOC: Where does the whole Candlemark thing come from? I don’t recall it ever being used the books.

Zelenyth blinked sleepily at her rider as Lesera looked at the piles of things around her and settled them all into their new places in her weyrling weyr. Why can't I come with you? she asked plaintively, her voice tinged with tiredness as she fought the sleep that her rider was insisting that she get.

"The feast is for the new riders, Zel. You have to sleep and grow. And when you wake up, we get to go to class and learn how to take care of you." Lesera explained patiently, as she folded her clothing and put it on the shelves in neat, orderly piles. Taking care of people and things was not new to her, the difference here was that she was taking care of herself and her dragon instead of the Hold and its inhabitants. The thought of it made her smile. For once she could wake up and take care of what she wanted to do, instead of be at the beck and call of the people she was made to serve.

Now she would be at the beck and call of her dragon. But I could be good. I wouldn't get in the way, I'm little. Lesera thought about it. But they had said that dragons weren't supposed to go to the Feast. The new riders weren't supposed to get drunk or stay up all night either. Reaching up to place her clothing on the shelves again, Lesera noticed that she was still wearing Z'ren's jacket he had loaned her. A blush crept up her cheeks as she fingered the oversized fabric on the sleeve. Her face was red with shyness as she wondered how she would go about giving it back to him. Or if he would even take it. There was really no reason for her not to give it to him once she changed clothes.

The young woman took off the jacket and lay it on the single bed while she contemplated what she wanted to wear to the Feast. Lesera settle on a pair of dark slacks with a flowy top, something that would breathe in the heat of the feast, and put Z'ren's jacket back on. When she looked in her reflecting glass, the whole outfit came together well - including the jacket. She smiled. "Zel, I can feel how tired you are." she stopped and looked over at the tiny green, who was curled in a small ball at the head of her bed and eyeing her, "You need to sleep and grow. I'll be back in no time. I promise."

The tiny green blinked her eyes slowly at her new lifemate, contemplating another way to attack the situation. But soon the whirling blues and greens closed and Lesera felt the dragonet's mind calm with sleep. The young woman leaned over and kissed Zelenyth on the snout, smiling as she tried to let the sleepy dragon know that she was leaving but wouldn't be far. As a last minute thought, Lesera threw her hair up into a thick, messy ponytail and let it fall over her back. Now she was ready for the Feast and Z'ren. With that, she headed out. The rest of her unpacking could be done in the morning.

It didn't take long for Lesera to make it to the Dining Hall, they had after all been given good directions, and she was pleased to see that Z'ren was at the entrance. He looked about as comfortable as a wherry facing a hungry dragon. Stepping up behind him, Lesera tapped him on the shoulder and tried to hide the blush she felt. Her clothing, which was unusually nice for her, showed off her girly side and she wasn't sure what the brown weyrlingrider would think of her wearing his coat still. "I take it you haven't been to many feasts, Z'ren?"

Syra and Rasenth had made their way to the infirmary. There was one more thing to take care of before she was allowed to relax at the Feast and watch her charges take part in the frivolity. The girl whose legs had been crushed was only barely awake when Syra made her way to her bedside. Taking the girl's hand in hers, the bluerider turned the girl's face to look at her. "I'm Syra, do you remember me?" when the young woman nodded, pain in her eyes, the woman continued. "Do you remember what happened? Your legs and lower abdomen were crushed during the Hatching." Again, a nod. "You know that your legs will never work the same again. You will never walk. Your life will be a hard one from now on. Do you know why I'm here?" The girl shook her head. "The other girl, she died instantly. You were brought here until you regained consciousness. I'm here to offer to take you between if that's your wish. You could have a rider's honor. You deserve it., if you want it."

The Weyrlingmaster squeezed the young woman's hand comfortingly. In the other's position, Syra would have wanted the offer instead of the pain of recovery that she could not possibly live through with her internal bleeding. Her death would be long, drawn out and horrible if she didn't choose to suicide with Syra's help. The bluerider watched the bevy of emotions cross the young woman's face, as she realized what the older woman had said. "Take me between please..." she finally asked, trying to sit up and get out of bed and remembering that she couldn't move.

One of the infirmary attendants heard the exchange, a man with more muscle than brain as Syra remembered, and helped the Weyrlingmaster bring the young woman to Rasenth, who cradled her gently in his forelegs. The young woman leaned against Rasenth's chest with a small smile on her face as Syra mounted the blue and urged him into the air. As they rose into the night sky, the sounds of the Feast accompanied them. Rasenth opened himself to the young woman, letting her speak through him to Syra, "Thank you, Weyrlingmaster. A long life to you." And with that, the trio went into the darkness.

When they emerged in the skies above the Hold, Rasenth was no longer holding the injured girl and the pair were alone once more. Syra gave her dragon the coordinates to the Weyr and they returned, an air of sadness around them. Rasenth keened quietly to honor the girl, but didn't attempt to set off the other dragons. With a pat on the neck, Syra sent him to his weyr and she made her way to the dining hall, trying to show a mask of happiness for the Hatching and the new riders.

Emerene



Still glowing with an overflow of giddiness that put an added bounce in her step, Emerene had had a difficult time bidding her glorious little queen farewell -but the promise of all the congratulations and envious stares was just too much to pass up. Of course she'd make time to make her presence at the Hatching Feast. 

Don't worry your pretty little head, Glittrath. You keep on resting and I'll be back before you know it. Maybe before you open  your eyes again, so all you'll see is your pleasant dreaming; and I'll always be with you in your dreams as well. I can't imagine wanting to be with anyone else but you. Nothing could separate us. 

Emerene had already gotten dressed for the party in one of her favourite satin dresses. It was almost like a sheathe dress, closely hugging her young feminine figure in a glove of shimmering crimson fabric that covered her cleavage but the back had a large cutout that left much of the soft curve of her back bare, with a few long rows of pearls and delicate chain draped there. 


Before she left, she kissed Glittrath's head. The gold was already crooning with pleasure and contentment, even if Emerene could sense her slight apprehension at being separated for even this short time. But it wasn't for fear of Emerene's not coming back. It was because there was so much love for her new lifemate, she couldn't bear the separation. With another few words of reassurance and affection however, the girl was able to make her leave and make her way to the great gather hall. 

When she'd reached the banquet hall, Emerene waited until others ahead of her had cleared out of the door before stepping into it; though she didn't go into the hall just yet. In order to give everyone the time to notice her arrival, Emerene lingered in the door frame, standing almost to her tip toes, peering out over the heads of those before her, as though she were looking for someone -a date perhaps? Well, she hadn't that kind of luck, though she wouldn't mind flirting with that Bronzerider J'ace again. Anyway, ten seconds, that's all it took. Ten seconds was long enough to allow most people (at least nearby) to notice her come in. And that was the important part -getting noticed. Of course, if they wanted to think that she had someone waiting on her to arrive, that was okay, too. 





D'nier



Dressed in his usual gather-fine attire, it wasn't anything new, but the threads were glossy and the suit well pressed, bearing his knots of rank and cords about his shoulder. Not that the large eye patch over the side of his face didn't make him clearly recognizable,... but he would argue that it was his dashing looks that gave him away.

After having met with Karene to escort here to the Banquet, D'nier entered the hall, acknowledging the few people who did likewise around them as they entered. He was quiet otherwise, not yet taking the time to mingle. THey'd have a chance to do their rounds for social favors later. 

Karene's squeeze on his hand was not lost on him; and he thought it a little out of place considering it wasn't like her necessarily to do such a thing. Thinking back on the hatching though, she had shown signs of needing a little extra support and the entire ordeal of her son's injury and then the impression of two of her other children ...it must all be rather a lot to take in in one night. Not subconsciously, the Weyrleader gently tightened his hold on her hand so that she could feel him there for her when she needed him. 

"A wonderful idea, my dearest Weyrlady. We should give everyone a few more minutes to arrive and get food on their plates."





N'kai



The Bluerider always felt himself swell with pride when he saw that even one of the candidates that he was responsible for bringing home to the Weyr Impressed during a hatching. Thus was the case now that the Searchrider arrived with Jezefine on his arm, searching faces in the crowd for those new weyrlings that he himself had assisted in searching.

Collecting drinks first, the pair headed to their seats along with other weavers who were recognizably part of their eclectic crafting group, seeing as how each of them were dressed rather ostentatiously. And N'kai was no exception to that rule. Though always fashionably, give his father's profession not to mention his own unique passions, the Bluerider's clothes were generally bold. Usually with a shirt that was brightly colored. This time, it was red. 

Taking time to get their seats, the pair left their drinks at the table before going to stand in line at the buffet so that they could fill their plates like everyone else. There were enough people here tonight -with weyrling families and all- that if they waited too long, they'd be stuck nibbling the bare bones of the succulent wherries that had been roasted. It would be after they ate that time would be given for all of them to intermingle. That was when he could seek out some of his searched candidates who'd impressed and meet their families again, assuring them that they'd be well taken care of. A few nice words tended to go a long way with those who were unsure of the future for those they were parting from. 

Though, it did seem as though some of them had no family to visit at all. 




S'jiro



Finely decked as any holder's son should be, S'jiro didn't put his suit to shame either. He wore his Bronzerider cords at his shoulder as a matter of pride for all to see, and was ready to add a beautiful woman to that arm. Others would be expecting them to arrive together, though with Indylari's leg being injured, even if it was minor, he was sure they could get out of having to attend. Certainly no one would criticize if Indy didn't feel up to going. Though, S'jiro might wonder if it was more because of him than personal injury. He was becoming more and more aware of the young lady's lack of preference for him.

Knocking at the door, S'jiro was greeted by his fiance in short order. 

Indylari looked ravishing. There was no doubt in his mind that she was very attractive, and the look in his eyes marked his recognition of the fact as soon as she opened the door. 

"You look lovely." The Bronzerider paused, not sure what more to say, though even as she wrapped her shawl about her to leave, he made sure to ask, "Is your leg still sore? We could stay here, instead. It could just be us two."

Unsure what had prompted him to speak the words, S'jiro figured he was simply growing more accustomed to the idea that the two of them would soon be married, and they needed to start acting like a couple. There was no reason to treat eachother with animosity or dislike. Neither had done anything that was outside of the expected conduct they had always lived by -though S'jiro wondered if his freedoms with Veyani may have upset Indylari more than she let on. 





Z'rim



Z'rim hadn't come with a date; he didn't really feel the need for one, even though the event may have normally called for it. Sure, the banquet was 'formal' in a sense, but a hatching feast held no high expectations of protocol for himself or any of the other riders outside those who'd just impressed. Eyes would be on the new weyrlings tonight, not him, so there was no pressure there. 

He knew that his friends however, would likely be arriving with their dates. At least S'jiro would be. Sh'nar had seemed a little broodier than usual because of Belisse's transfer to Ista Weyr, so he probably had no one to bring with him, either. At least Z'rim wasn't alone in that -which was all kind of ironic to him considering things... they were the tall, dark, handsome bronzeriders that every girl dreamed of being with. Surely they could have come up with some sort of dates for the night. 

Well... Whatever the case, Z'rim didn't feel like it. Ever since he'd had the chance to escort Indylari to Ista that day, he hadn't been able to get his mind off of her. Every time he thought of her, he thought about the way that she and S'jiro had been acting around one another. Neither of them looked happy. He couldn't help but think she'd be better off with him. And that was a dangerous thought.

Anyway, he grabbed a drink to sip on at leisure, and after, went to the usual spot set for the Bronzeriders, or rather, the Bronze foursome, waiting for the rest of his usual party to arrive.




Z'ren


Turning around at the time Lesera's voice reached his ear, the weyrling Brownrider must have still appeared like a 'wherry facing a hungry dragon', because his new friend hit the nail right on the head when she called him out on it. 

The boy's voice came hesitantly at first, as though perhaps too shy to admit it, but he didn't lie.

"I haven't been to any."

Z'ren's eyes were not incredibly furtive in their gaze as they dropped to take in her attire. Though he had no idea if this kind of dress was usual for Lesera or not, these clothes suited her better than a candidate's gown. And for some reason he felt embarrassed that she still wore his jacket. Strangely enough, he found her attractive in it. Maybe because it was his; only, he probably didn't realize that yet. 

"Have you attended this kind of thing before? I don't really know what we're supposed to be doing, here. Though it seems like a lot of those who Impressed have families here." 

Seeing as though Lesera had a fresh change of clothes, Z'ren guessed, "Your mom returned with your things, then? Is your family still here?" If they were, it might be nice to meet them.

Karene

The Weyrwoman appreciated the support of D’nier more than he would probably ever know. Not for the first time she was glad that Galadrieth and Taroth were happy together. There were qualities about D’nier she actually liked which coming from Karene was saying something. Since he was in agreement with her and she saw no reason not to give everyone time to filter in, her eyes were scanning for her eldest child, Emerene. K’vik, she had gotten a glimpse of earlier, grinning from ear to ear but his copper hair was hard not to see in a crowd.

Since she was distracted it took her a good moment to realize the words being directed at her by a nearby woman. A younger her would have simply snapped at the person who dared talk to her in that way but Karene had been working on her temper for Turns. It might even surprise people who knew her as a young woman and new Goldrider how much she had calmed down and matured. Karene was respected more so than feared although it seemed there was quite a few who feared her as well. That wasn’t really her fault...not entirely.

Trying to remember where she had heard the words before, her usually sharp wit came to her aide. She tilted her head in thought, “Anuleesa?” Her light blue eyes, looked over at the woman. She almost said something completely absurd but she truly didn’t know what to say. Anuleesa had left Fort Weyr many turns ago to be with her husband.

“I had no idea you were at the Weyr. When did you arrive? Is your husband here too?” She assumed that Anuleesa would have children since she was married and hold wives had children but she didn’t know for sure. The only person she knew of in Anuleesa’s life was the man she had left the Weyr to be with.

“I apologize for my manners. You did take me by surprise. Weyrleader D’nier, this is Anuleesa, someone who had to deal with me when I first came to the Weyr.” No doubt, like everyone else who came to Fort, the rumors of who was Weyrleader and for how long were likely already spoken. She didn’t see the point in making a big deal out of how long a person was Weyrleader. That was his title for however long she felt like keeping him around. Rumors be damned.



Veyani



Though they were both from places considered to be rural and out of the way, even Veyani sometimes had trouble understanding Teylarrin. However, she ended up getting the gist of what the other Weyrling was saying. “The best?” She laughed, “That is really cute.” What did any of them know? Maybe the green was the best? Veya didn’t think it made the green more special to her than her own though. Sonadorath seemed to be the sort to get along well with anyone. Even if the other dragon had an ego. “I bet she and Sonadorath will be good friends.” Veya replied, feeling a bit day-dreamy since her Impression of her new life mate.

“Sounds like you have your hands full. Although I think it is kind of adorable that she already tried to fly. She must really want to do that. When they are little, I think it is harder to explain the way things work. Is she recovering alright?” She hoped there hadn’t been any real damage done to the little one. If there had been she doubted Teylarrin would be here, she’d be at the dragon infirmary or the Barracks with her green. She did feel somewhat sorry for Teylarrin as it seemed Astraiath already had a mind of her own.

How could she describe her feelings? Sonadorath was without a doubt the best thing that ever happened to her and she was absolutely perfect. “Sonadorath is funny too. She was rolling around in her shell at the Hatching. So far though, she mostly eats and sleeps but I guess that is how all baby dragons are. I’m just worried she’ll wake up while we are here. I want to be there when she does. I don’t want to miss anything.” There was a tinge of excitement in her voice. Her world had been opened up by Sonadorath and the future was looking better every second of the day.



J’ace

He had not quite gotten around to looking for someone to spend the evening with as he roamed the crowded Hall. At first he saw Emerene waiting to enter and thought about escorting her himself but that might be just a little bit awkward, and besides she would look that much better if she entered all on her own. J’ace, laughing at a joke one of his wingmates had told, caught a glimpse of Syra as she walked in. The Weyrlingmaster had to do some things that he would rather not be responsible for. On that train of thought, he could see the blue rider was a little troubled.

Walking over to the beautiful woman, “Good evening Syra. Want some company?” He held out his arm formally but as per his usual, there was nothing completely serious about him. His eyes almost twinkled with mischief and his smile was more of a cocky smirk than anything. Still it could be said, he was a lot of fun to be around if one were in the mood for some frivolity. It was always hard to tell whether life was a game to him or if he simply acted like it was because it made reality easier to deal with.

“I hear the wine is excellent.” As if he had yet to sample any himself.


Indylari
Since the trip to Ista she had been determined to try to make things more right between her and S’jiro. She wanted things to be good between them but she felt like maybe it was too little too late. And it wasn’t like they were ever really interested in one another. So when they tried to act like they had things to do, things in common to talk about, it all just felt so flat. He didn’t excite her and she didn’t excite him, not the way they should. Even if it killed her though, she was going to try to focus on him tonight and not be distracted by the hard facts that she had just not Impressed to two Golds and had gotten injured in the process.

Meanwhile she was going to be dealing with waiting for a new Headwoman to be appointed here since the other left with Weyrwoman Belisse for Ista. Thinking of Ista only had her thinking of someone who was not S’jiro. Maybe she could imagine that S’jiro was the one who had made her feel something? Z’rim would be at the Feast, she knew he would be and she didn’t know how well she could hide her growing crush on the other Bronzerider.

“It doesn’t hurt that much. I’d really like to go to the Feast.” She loved showing off at Feasts. He should know that by now. “Besides, it is only right to go and pay our respects to the new Goldriders.” She didn’t mention anything about Veyani Impressing. Although it would probably have given her an excuse to be rude to him later. She didn’t hate that he had been with someone else. She hated that he was in love with the pretty blonde still and that she should mind, but didn’t. She hated that she was falling for someone she would never be able to kiss the way S’jiro had been able to with Veyani. He had at least been able to be with the person he loved for a short time before relegating himself to a life with her. Arranged marriages were not what she expected. She wanted to escape her fate. There was nothing wrong with S’jiro. There was nothing wrong with her. They simply had experienced a feeling with someone else that they would never experience with one another. It was in short, depressing, to think about.

Leaning up, she kissed his cheek, “Come, aren’t Sh’nar, L’mar and Z’rim expecting you there anyway?” He usually liked being around his friends and showing her off. “Then you can show me off in my fine clothes and jewelry and I can get all the attention I desire.” She didn’t deny her own vanity. Surely she had convinced him by now how much better it would be to go?

Emberlynn

A glass of mostly-juice laced with a little wine in hand-- Emberlynn knew how much alcohol she could handle, and was hoping the small amount would help her to sleep, since the Weyrlingmaster had said they could have a little-- the former barmaid turned towards Bl'en as he spoke.  Her own lips curved in response to his open expression.  "It still hasn't quite sunk in yet.  I think it's going to take a while to get used to that particular title."

She wasn't even really dressed the part, having pulled out some of her own clothes for the occasion.  They were the best she had, though the skirt, blouse, and lace up waistcoat clearly suggested 'tavern wench', not any sort of weyrwoman.  She was by no means worried about her appearance, though-- she was who she was, the product of the circumstances of her birth, and how she'd chosen to live her life, and a fine set of clothing wouldn't change that.  The clothes didn't make the man-- or woman--, after all-- his or her actions spoke for him or her.

Gesturing towards Bl'en, she raised a brow and turned the question back on the newly Impressed bronzerider.  "And you?  Your bronze was a handsome fellow.  And brave, to come between two golds-- I'm not sure Nymeriath is quite ready to forgive him yet."  Truth be told, the little queen hadn't given him much thought once she'd settled happily into her meal, and then to napping in their quarters.  "I hope he'll continue to be up for the job, and not drag you into it."  She didn't know Emerene all that well yet, and hoped she and the other new goldrider would get along, even if their dragons didn't always see eye to eye.

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

I'llium

I'llium couldn't help but mentally check on Borsailoth every few moments.  He'd done a lot of simply staring at the blue once his dragon had dozed off, the thought that he had Impressed still a bit surreal.

Not that he was unhappy-- far from it.  Because Impressing meant a new chapter in his life.  A new job, new tasks to focus on.  New skills he needed to learn.  A new way to funnel the anger and hurt into something constructive.  A new way to protect the people of Pern, especially a certain young woman at Crom…

And hopefully, eventually, a way he could visit the Hold, a way to see her again…

Sighing for the umpteenth time, the bluerider ran a hand through his hair and pushed himself up from his cot.  Watching his blue sleep wasn't exactly productive, and he was supposed to be making an appearance at the Feast being held in the Dining Cavern.  If nothing else, he needed to get something to eat, and there was no reason he couldn't do it without his new… weyrlinghood-mates?  Squad-mates?  Class-mates?  He wasn't exactly sure what to call them, but still, it would be better if he got to know them all a little more, to see what sort of personalities he'd be dealing with during training.  See what he could gather about their dragons.

Especially the other former guardsmen.  They'd Impressed to different colors, after all, so was that possibly saying something about them?  I'llium wasn't sure, but he figured the differences would make themselves fairly apparent in the coming sevendays.

Freshly dressed a few moments later in the one Gather-worthy ensemble he'd brought from home, the young bluerider took one last look at his slumbering dragon and headed for the Dining Cavern.  Following behind a couple of the other boys who'd also Impressed earlier in the day, I'llium's steps were far more steady and controlled-- the younger ones ahead of him were almost running in their excitement.  He felt no need to hurry-- the food and revelry would be there when he got there, after all.

In fact, the Dining Cavern was a veritable font of color and laughter when he arrived, the noise almost overwhelming.  His instincts were to hone in on the nearest exits, look for signs of trouble.  His fingers almost instinctively reached for the sword that he no longer carried at his side.

But, he reminded himself, he wasn't supposed to need it here, was he?  He was supposed to be a guest tonight, relaxing and enjoying his last night of… freedom, maybe, before training truly began.  Surely no harm would befall anyone at a Hatching Feast… would it?

A deep indrawn breath, and I'llium headed into the spacious room, keeping an eye out for his fellow weyrlings, and the food he could already smell.  His stomach growled rather loudly, as if it needed to make itself known above the din surrounding him.  Decision apparently made, the young bluerider headed for the elaborate array of foodstuffs and began to fill a plate.

Keket

Get along? Their Greens? It depended on the Green, really. Some were snappy, some were not. She knew her Passerith would fall into the ‘were not’ category. Either way, she was sure it would be better than some of the others. It wouldn’t be hard for a more aggressive dragon to take advantage of Passerith’s sweetness. A wave of protectiveness washed over her as she ate, and it was an alien feeling. Not bad, merely new. Different. And envied? Another alien feeling, she supposed. As far as she knew, no one had ever envied her. Shifting a little on the bench, she nodded at the young man.

”Of course. Though to be honest, there is not much to tell. Between the Weyr and the Hall, the main differences, at least to me, was that the Hall had far, far less in the way of dragons.” She hadn’t been thrown by his interest, in fact her own was piqued because of it. She loved her craft, and had no issues talking about her time there. Granted, there truly wasn’t much to tell. She had never made any close friends, always focused on her studies.

As he spoke though, she nodded, taking the opportunity to take another neat bite as he spoke. Finally, she considered as she looked at him a bit curiously, ”It’s unfortunate you never had the opportunity, but I’m sure you’re grandparents are proud none the less. Afterall, you’re a dragonrider now! What other crafts are you interested in, other than Harpering?” An innocent question, making conversation as a subtle tendril of affection periodically laced through her mind. Whether her own affection towards her new Green, or whether it was the sleeping Passerith’s, she didn’t know. And it didn’t matter either. They were one.

((tag: @Eloaene ))

"Don't worry," she grinned at him, "I haven't ever participated in ones that I wasn't serving food and drink at. I guess, there was one when a minor holder lord was married, but I was still working. This is my first Gather too." Her blush deepened as she caught him looking at her outfit. She had been dressed nicely for the Hatching to support her brother, but the usual outfit for Candidates had never been in her wardrobe. She hadn't even been expecting to Impress! Shifting her position, she moved to take off the jacket she had borrowed. Ducking her head, she briefly hoped that Z'ren wouldn't think badly of her for being a serving girl as she had been. She had only been a single step up from drudgery.

Not meeting his eyes, Lesera slid an arm out of the sleeve, "I ahh… I guess I should give your jacket back?" she asked it in the form of a question, silently hoping he would tell her to keep wearing it. The scent of 'male' was intoxicating and she was sure that Z'ren had become her first crush. As if that wasn't mortifying enough,  she had no experience with guys and how to handle them. I really should ask Tori, she thought, he would tell me.

"As far as I know, we celebrate, let people congratulate us, don't drink and then we go back to our new rooms with our dragonets and sleep because they will be up early." at the question, Lesera stopped trying to take off the jacket, peeking her head into the huge room and looking around, "My brother is with a few people in the back corner, and my mom… she's up with the Weyrwoman." her sentence ended breathlessly as Lesera took in her shock at seeing her mother socialize with one of the most influential women on Pern. And she seemed to know her too! Lesera hadn't even been introduced to the woman yet.

Pulling back from her peek into the Dining Hall, Lesera's wide eyes and surprise were evident as she thumped against the outside rock wall and leaned there for support. Her mother had been much too familiar with that woman, and Lesera had only seen her that close to someone when it was her father or a close friend. Had her mother been to the Weyr before? What was going on? Weakly she looked to Z'ren for support, trembling slightly. "Do… would you.. Would you like to meet my family?"

Z'ren


Canting his head in slight, the newly Impressed boy regarded Lesera with a bit of curiosity as she admitted to having been a serving girl. She was young so it was understandable that she'd been put to menial tasks during an apprenticeship if she'd had one, but being a serving girl was generally associated more with the kitchens and drudgery.

Still, Z'ren had known the daughter of the Captain at his camp growing up and she often helped her mother with chores around the compound, which included serving the boys their meals -for which he was always grateful for, so he had never looked down on the girl. And in his mind he tended to see most people as equals. Because all people were equal in death -and essentially, dealing death was what he'd spent his life up to that point training in. Though, any Guard could say the same, he supposed.


Watching as she started to remove the jacket but hesitated, as soon as her eyes averted, going on about what they were supposed to be doing, Z'ren put his hands on her shoulders, drawing the jacket back about her to indicate that she needn't take it off if she was still chilly. Whether he became nervous or not upon doing so was not apparent; perhaps he was just more skilled than some at hiding such expression. Anyway, that was his answer to her first question.

Taking a step back, he glanced across the room to where the girl's mother and the Weyrwoman stood together. He had no idea whether or not the two had already known one another, or if the Weyrwoman's speaking to Anuleesa happened to be a rare thing. However, Z'ren still knew as well as anyone, that a Weyrwoman was someone of great influence and power. Now that they were at the Weyr though, would their relationship with that person change? Either way, looking back at Lesera, the boy didn't miss the stunned expression that crossed over his friend's face, so he had to wonder if there was something amiss. Perhaps she was nervous about going to her mother when the Weyrwoman was there with her. He supposed he should be, too.


Again noting the girl's increasing anxiety about the situation, the weyrling Brownrider hesitated, "We can meet with your family later, if you want." Then out of consideration for her, he tried to make up an excuse for her, "Your mom seems busy right now, so maybe it would be better to wait."


@Suri, #Lesera

D'nier


Not surprised to see a new face considering all of the family of newly impressed weyrlings presently enjoying the Weyr's hospitality, D'nier was surprised however, to realize that this was someone Karene had known previously. That is, when it came to his Weyrwoman's momentarily belated introductions.

The Weyrleader, as glad as ever to make a new acquaintance, was smiling and inclined his head toward Anuleesa then.

"It is wonderful to make your acquaintance, Anuleesa. I take it you have graced us with your presence due to there being someone you know having stood on the sands today?"




S'jiro


Indylari was right. They needed to at least pay their respects; and yes, Z'rim, L'mar and Sh'nar would surely be waiting for them. S'jiro however, didn't have the same interest in implicitly impressing Goldriders like his best friend Sh'nar did. He was less interested in Weyrleadership, or the role of Weyrsecond still at this point, and had enough to think about with their recent betrothal.

S'jiro hadn't time to reply before his fiance stood close enough to kiss his cheek. The Bronzerider's cheeks grew warm when she did so, shooting her a look that held some measure of surprise, though not off-put by the sudden -if not minor- show in affection. Though, he figured he shouldn't push his luck asking for more than that again. All previous attempts to be close to her had led to her pushing him further away. At least this was progress. Sort of.

A kiss on the cheek still didn't fix their feelings toward one another -or lack thereof.

Oddly enough, seeing as how their feelings for one another never seemed to align just right, the Bronzerider found himself agreeing with her once again as she declared the importance of making their appearance for the sake of indulging said vanities. It wasn't just hers, but his own. She should know as well as anyone the extent of his own need to be noticed by others.




@Caoimhe, #Indylari, #Karene, #Anuleesa, @Suri, @svet, #Lmar

The woman grinned broadly at her friend as she was introduced to the handsome man at her side. Clearly he was the Weyrleader, at least for now, and Anuleesa was once again reminded that the Weyr bred men to be gorgeous.  "Yes, Karene. I'm glad you remember me. We arrived today for the Hatching, my son Torianu was standing and Impressed brown today. My daughter, Lesera, is the young woman who Impressed from the stands to the lovely little green. Keritorv is with his guardsmen at the Hold still Something came up that needed his attention."

Turning her attention to the man again once Karene had remembered to introduce her, Anuleesa dipped a curtsy and greeted him, "It is good to know you, Weyrleader D'nier. And don't let her fool you. I showed her how to be a Candidate before she Impressed... though it wasn't for long." The woman winked at the goldrider, remembering that the woman had come to the Weyr just shortly before the Hatching. It had been amusing to watch the woman blunder about the chores that her delicate hands had obviously never had to do. The fact that she had ended up doing a lot of the work for the poor girl who once or twice ended up with chapped hands was not something Anuleesa felt the need to bring up in front of the man. Instead, she smiled at him and returned her attention to the Weyrwoman and her friend.

"Actually, my children being here is something I needed to speak with you about. My husband seems to have directed my son to take care of me in the wake of something happening at the Hold and I would be eternally grateful if you would allow me a place to live here at your Weyr. Keri intends to migrate here as well." Subconsciously the woman shifted her back against the scars that marred her from the mauling at the Hatching where Karene had impressed. "I admit, I don't want to part from my children, and from what I saw of the Kitchen earlier you could probably stand to replace that senile old Headwoman of yours."



The newly Impressed greenrider's skin tingled under the jacket where Z'ren pulled it back onto her. Her eyes shot up to meet his even as a blush colored her features. Blessedly the darkness outside hid the most of it, but she didn't argue with his choice to leave it on her. Her shock stilled her response though, as Z'ren made the excuse for her not to see her mother at that moment.

Instead, Lesera's eyes came to rest again on Tori and the small group of friends he had around him. They were fellow Candidates, so it wouldn't really be out of place for herself and the new brownrider to go join him. "Right, ahh... Mother can wait. But you can always meet Tori, he's the best brother ever." With a grin, she nods to Z'ren and takes his hand to dive into the fray of the feast. Side-stepping people and avoiding being run into was second nature for the young woman and she easily guided them to Tori without being stopped by too many people.

When they finally reached the man, Lesera flopped at his side in the nearest seat, leaving a spot next to her for Z'ren to sit in. "Heya Tori. Congrats on Impressing that brown. This is Z'ren." she grinned at her brother "He's like the only friend I've made here."



Being one of the first people to the Feast had its benefits as Tori strolled in, got food and settled himself in the back of the Dining Hall to watch everyone file in. A few of the Candidates he had made friends with soon joined him The foursome sat talking for awhile as the huge room filled with people.

Eventually he saw his mother come in and address the Weyrwoman at the head of the room. It was surprising to see her talking to the woman he had no idea she knew. When she dipped a curtsy to the Weyrleader, Torianu decided that she was simply doing her duty by the woman and her weyrmate and returned his attention to his group of friends. They were discussing a strip dragon poker game for after the Feast back at the Weyrling Barracks and luckily finished the conversation just as his sister Lesera perched at his side with a hug.

"Heya Tori. Congrats on Impressing that brown. This is Z'ren." she grinned, and the young man put his arm around her in a hug.

"Thanks, Lesera. I couldn't believe that you Impressed too! Zelenyth is a cutie. Hello, Z'ren. Nice to see you again and meet you." Reaching around his sister, Tori offered a hand to the young man to shake, "You Impressed the bloody looking brown, right? He was very nice looking." The other three men said their hellos, looking appreciably at Lesera to which Tori glared at them in turn.

The Weyrlingmaster had no doubt that her troubled feelings were apparent before she walked into the Dining Hall. All around her people were celebrating, eating and drinking. It wasn't until J'ace came up to her and offered her his arm that she remembered to look up and try to smile. This was, after all, a night to celebrate the Hatching and the new riders with their dragons. "Good evening Syra. Want some company?" the man asked her, a twinkle in his eye belying the formality of his offered arm.

Syra grinned at him, the smile not quite reaching her eyes as the memory of the young woman suiciding still clouded her mind. Not known to be a woman who settled for one person, the bluerider resolved to be more cheery for the evening, and at the mention of wine, the woman perked up immensely. She, after all, was not restricted in her drinking that evening. "J'ace, always nice to see you. I'd love some company -- and a drink, or two. Do you know if there is any Benden white?" Syra was known for her fondness for the white, and it came from her original home anyway.

She took his arm, curling her delicate hand around his arm and let him escort her into the Dining Hall. "We must toast to the young woman who was crushed during the hatching.... Rasenth's keening is for her. We just... gave her a rider's honor." Her tone dropped for a moment remembering, but she knew that J'ace would make sure she had fun that night, and celebrated the girl's memory as was appropriate. Then they could move on with life, and Syra could teach the new Weyrlings their place with their mates.

Life was never boring with J'ace around.

Z'ren


Z'ren thought he could see a soft blush rise to Lesera's face even under the glows, but couldn't be sure. If that was the case, he thought it was precious, and wondered if she maybe took a little bit of a liking to him, but he didn't take time to give it much more thought than that. Leseara was soon leading them in the direction of her brother, having taken his cue to leave meeting the parents for later.


Torianu looked bigger and more mature than several of the other candidates who'd stood and impressed that day, so Z'ren felt as though he should respect the other young man -if not because Torianu was also Lesera's brother, not to mention a fellow Brownrider. So, nodding his head in greeting, Z'ren continued to prove himself a somewhat shy boy of relatively few words until one got to know him.

Watching the two siblings greet one another, Z'ren stood beside the table where Lesera had sat. The two of them reminded him of being back with his friends at the Blood Moon camp, but there was no telling when he'd see them again. Though... as soon as he could, he planned on writing to alert the captain of his whereabouts. Soon enough, he would miss the company of the other boys. Maybe he could fly to meet them somewhere in the near future -once Draugarth was old enough. But he wasn't sure how long it would be until then.

Reaching past Lesera, Z'ren sook Tori's hand.

"Yeah. His name is Draugarth." Nodding his greeting to the other boys at the table, it was when he noticed their too-eager eyes on Lesera that Z'ren finally decided to take a seat beside her; as though that might have an affect on just how long they stared after the girl. Before doing so, Z'ren let his left hand fall idly to the hilt of the short sword on his hip, where he took time to smooth his thumb over the pommel of it to make sure they all had a chance to notice. Though he supposed he shouldn't care if they liked to look at her or not, all the same, he didn't like to think that any of them would think to be inappropriate with her.

Anyway, Z'ren realized now that he was probably the only weyrling or candidate present who'd chosen to carry a weapon openly, but that hardly mattered to him. It wasn't as though he'd likely be pressed to use it.

Turning his attention briefly back to Tori, Z'ren figured it would only be polite to ask, "I seen you with a sandy-looking Brown, I think, right? What is his name?"

@Suri