[E] Warm up for Winter (ISW Celebration)

[Shoki]

Early Evening
75.10.26

ISW was bustling. A party was being thrown, and everyone wanted a little excitement. Warm drinks, warm food, and a bit of drink that would bring color to the checks. Even some dancing, since the weather was turning cold and it would be good to get together and enjoy company before the truly cold stuff came in and chased people inside and well away from the cold night. Even the most reclusive of folks could do with coming in to enjoy the warm and the food. Hedara had felt like the whole affair was actually a pretty good idea. For a rough place, there had to be some breaks in the day and a little time to rest.

What she could do without was that meddling Pinkrider.

“Almine!” Hedara was, in vain, trying to get the older rider to quit her fussing. The woman hardly noticed. She just tried tying another scarf around Hedara’s neck and looking at the result. The Ice rider hissed quietly, seething. Dressing up? Fine, being presentable could be handled. What she hated was the sharding dresses that she got forced into. How was she supposed to move in this thing? The long dress would do absolutely nothing to keep her warm. The fur accents were merely decorative, what was with fashion like this anyway? Hedara had little time growing up for dresses. She had owned one. It was for funerals and weddings. Now the Almine was speaking in a foreign language, all color and complexion and style and ugh. Eventually she stepped back and apparently was released to go. Hair curled and half up, green dress with fur on the edges, long sleeves and long hem, but pulled up on one side of the hem that showed off nice shoes. And Hedara hated every bit of it.

“Shoo, I have to get ready now, but you look great!” The pleased Pinkrider went to get herself something pretty, her Brown flitter on her shoulder. Hedara ducked out while she had the chance.

Hedara arrived where the party had just begun, a well decorated space with food to one side and a space in the forefront where music was playing and people could dance. The true cold was coming up, best get warm while you could. As if summoned by good feelings, Ivy appeared, floating above it all, pleased for the music and fun. Hedara motioned, ever so slightly. Ivy glided over and landed on her shoulder. Green and green. Seemed silly to match with one’s firelizard but whatever. She took a glass of wine and greeted a few riders who were about. Today, though she was tempted to do otherwise, she was going to focus on making sure the Weyr had a good time away from more morbid thoughts. Every one needed a break, and food and fun was a good way to manage it.

[summerrain]

Yuki had been feeling uneasy about R'niaan and his assistant ever since he'd returned. He knew that Yuki and Korvalia didn't get along, and yet he continued showing such open affection to the girl... She had dressed in the same dress she'd worn at the Turnday Eve party back at Rainbow Mists, when she had finally told D'gan that she was expecting Yura... Oh, just look at how well that had gone...

Ayleneth waited with her straps on. She knew Yuki hadn't been feeling right since the CrimsonRider had returned. She had insisted that her straps remain in place, knowing that Hers would probably need an escape soon. However, she would not be prepared for the evening to follow.

Yuki's dress was one that was surprisingly close to the color of Ayleneth's hide, pale blue and pink and white swirls. It hugged her frame, as well as the slight bulge in her belly. It was known that she and R'niaan were a couple, however... Yuki was beginning to doubt it. She sat at a table with a glass of wine in her hand, as Grace rested on her shoulder, simply watching the festivities. Yuki wondered again if R'niaan was the one for her. Of course, as a child she'd always dreamed of being Handfasted to the man she loved, but... She could no longer figure out who that man was. D'gan at least hadn't been a flirtatious, clueless man... R'niaan was her age, but he hadn't followed her the day he returned... Hadn't noticed how upset she'd been when he had embraced Korvalia... He was unobservant. She sighed again. Would she ever find someone who would look at her, only her, with eyes of acceptance, of pure love. She wanted someone who would not care about her age, or her past, and who wouldn't flirt with other women.

But that was just too much to hope for, wasn't it?

[shapeshifter]

R'niaan strolled into the Dining Hall, dressed in a crimson button up, black breeches (with the shirt tucked in neatly), a thick black belt, his feet sporting his black riding boots. He looked about, seeing people begin to fill the Dining Hall. He found himself scanning the crowd for Yuki...and even Korvalia. Wait, why was he looking for his assistant? He grinned as his eyes landed upon Hedara. He approached her, taking her hand and bowing slightly, "Looking just as beautiful as ever, my Weyrwoman." He kissed her hand lightly, as respect before asking, "So what brought this idea of yours around?"


Andromedae had spent most of the day prepping herself for the event, curled black hair, with an icy blue dress to match her eyes. She had found herself growing paler with being indoors as much as she had at Ice Stone, and it seemed to complement her very well. Her dress started at the off the shoulder neckline, fading from icy blue to a white at the hem, the long sleeves matching the dress accordingly. She had not spent much time around the other Candidates, not since that Lord Holder's son had Impressed. She had not seen him around, most likely due to his training. She walked amongst the corridors and hallways, finally reaching her destination without having to emerge outside into the cold. Once in the Dining Hall, she scanned the crowd to hopefully find someone she knew.

[Shoki]

Hedara was watching the harpers set up. Her interest was largely from a planning viewpoint, she wasn’t much for music or for dancing. Of course she had to be bonded to the most harper interested dragon short of a Pink. Temperanth loved every bit of harper performances, which usually lead to debates with Hedara later. However, Hedara was satisfied for the time being, they seemed to be on time and people would start to have the option of dancing. Very good.

She was about to consider her next move when R’niaan appeared and greeted her. Well, for some value of greeting. Hedara had schooled herself in not looking annoyed when this sort of thing happened. She had to be able to accept flattery and false flattery all in kind. She just rather that she didn’t have to. So she looked pretty much as usual, merely accepting his greeting and bow with a slight nod. When he asked her about how she came up with the idea for a party, she raised one eyebrow. However it wasn’t V’quin she was talking to so she didn’t make a quip. She merely spoke smoothly.

“Everyone needs a break from time to time. Now is a fair time, before the days grow any shorter than they already are.” She considered the Crimsonrider next to her and spoke again. “Surely you do not require my encouragement to enjoy a party?” Especially hard to think that R’niaan would avoid one. Who knew? She didn’t really know anyone as well as she thought she did. At least that was what he paranoia told her. Ivy crooned and made herself more comfortable on Hedara’s shoulder. Well, there were some who she could trust. Shame none of them were human.

[summerrain]

She saw him looking around, but not for her. R'niaan went straight to the Junior Weyrwoman, though Yuki hadn't seen Sanshe once since her return here. She watched him quietly, watched their conversation... At least she wans't letting his flirtations get to her, the way some women did. Yuki sighed. He still didn't understand, did he? But he would. She was thinking of returning to Rainbow Mists soon, and whether he noticed her leave or didn't even notice until she'd been gone for days, he would notice. And he wouldn't be able to stop her, either. Not unless he explained himself. She sighed and finished her glass of wine, setting it on the table once it was empty. She needed a break from all men, in general. Maybe she should just fly home for a few days, and bring her brother with her. But there was the issue of the Hold's distrust of the Weyr... Maybe they'd just walk to Icy Caverns.

But there was the issue of camping out on the roadside... You never knew what was going to happen when you did that. Bandits could steal your things, or wild animals could attack... So many dangers, and yet, both she and her brother had made the journey, back when relations were still good between Icy Caverns and Ice Stone. But the roads were more dangerous as of late.

As these thoughts were running through her head, piercing green eyes followed R'niaan. She longed to be the sole recipient of his attention, but he didn't see her that way... Did he? He was such a womanizer, maybe it was best to... No, she wouldn't think like that. She hadn't abandoned Yura when D'gan didn't want her, and she would not abandon this baby either.

[Kaya]

Eira was in attendance, she had been granted the shift off. She was hesitant about going to a party, but Wivish was first and last to assure her that such an event was just what she needed. Her father wasn't in attendance so she didn't have out her finest or best, but the tern had made sure she didn't show up drab either. She had a dress of multiple hues of blue, layered in the skirt section from light to dark. A belt of shining coppery metal hugged her waistline and a similar neck decoration graced the neckline along the grey-blue top. Her hair was up but not in its elaborate Hold style but rather a more relaxed Aerie bun that had become popular over the summer. She had a section of one of Wivish's grey feathers on the clip in her hair.

She spotted the Weyrwoman, stone cold as ever even after her promotion to senior. To be fair, Eira hadn't spent any time with the woman. Perhaps she wasn't one for crowds, or Kingly flatterings. Eira chuckled to herself. She had been blissfully at peace since she had shook off that bothersome peeping smith.

I hear you laughing! Good! Will you perhaps meet some new people? You've been here for so long and you don't have half as many friends or acquaintances as I do.

I'll...see what I can do. Eira hesitated but added a smile again at the end. At that moment she noticed Yuki and a jolt of alarm rocked Eira as she saw a wine glass. So with a new knot in her stomach the perhaps too tall to be casual in any group women tried not to march over to the Aurora Rider. Babes and their expecting mothers were her domain, she knew each and every pregnant woman at Ice Stone and any at the Hold that requested her services. "Rider, good eve," she nodded and gave a dip of respect in the Hold style. It was beyond what a person of her rank should acknowledge for a Rider, but she was trying to stay approachable in the face of her discomfort. "Tis better for babes to chose drinks with care." She tried not to wince, she knew Yuki was prone to extreme emotion. Wivish's cursory examination of her song had revealed as much. And as right as Eira believed she was, she did not want to face anger from another, especially at a party.

[shapeshifter]

R'niaan chuckled, noticing the Weyrwoman's comment to be rather knowing of his personality, "You seem to know me better than I thought, nothing can tear myself from a good gathering. I feel like we haven't even taken the time to get to know each other, after all I do teach your Weyrlings! And what proud Riders they shall be when I'm done. Hopefully none of them find themselves in a mess with the wine tonight..." He knew how sneaky and flamboyant new Weyrlings could be. Between new rank, the wine, and the company of members of the opposite gender...so many things were bound to arise. R'niaan knew all too well of these dramatic moments. He glanced at the Weyrwoman's flitter, "You know, I think I may be looking into purchasing myself a firelizard egg. Any bet of where I could come across one in these regions? I know in the south they are in abundance. They seem to be just as good company as our dragons; very useful beings."

[Shoki]

Know him better then he thought? Good, she would need such insight. After all, she was quietly recruiting… well she could attempt to feel people out if she needed to. For the time being she was focusing on her Weyrling Master. It was accurate that she felt it was prudent to know more about her Weyrling Master, but felt much less eager to be known herself. Perhaps just enough. Hedara felt the rising interest of Temperanth in her affairs, which made the Weyrwoman displeased. So she focused on R’niaan.

“I trust you will be vigilant, and have full faith you will see them properly to becoming fine riders.” This was mostly because she trusted the process that got him into that position over much else. Of course she would expect him to have difficulties; every position did, but as long as it worked out. His attention shifted, and she turned her head slightly, so that she could see Ivy. The firelizard, aware that the conversation has subtly shifted, crooned and became much more alert. Hedara though, ignored that in favor of considering his question.

“I do know there are a few who come through now and again to sell eggs, however, I would arrange with the master of the canine teams. I have heard he has a Queen who has risen recently; I do not doubt he could arrange to part with an egg or two.” For marks, obviously. He was always looking for a good opportunity to offer whatever might be required, even so far as going above and beyond in the search for some extra marks. A fair merchant he would have made.

Ivy, knowing she was being ignored by Hedara (or at least as ignored as she could be), decided to introduce herself to the Crimsonrider. She sat up, looking as pretty and presentable as she could and chittered out a greeting to the Weyrling Master. Her head craned forward and was looking, rather unsubtly, for some attention. Hedara turned again and raised an eyebrow, stopping short of a reprimand. The Green was always friendly, but she was rather forward tonight. Apparently she was, like everyone, in the mood for a party.

[shapeshifter]

R'niaan replied with curiosity throughout his voice, "Well do you know if this man may be swinging by our gathering? I know the more chittery dragons have been a buzz about this all morning."

When the flitter made herself more presentable and friendly, R'niaan reached his arm out to her, "She seems to be in the attention mood!" He chuckled and lightly scratched the flitter's head. "She is a beautiful green, the prettiest one there is!" knowing that if the flit knew what he meant, her pride would boost more.

R'niaan looked at Hedara, "Oh, and Weyrwoman...I will steal you for a dance tonight." He winked at her, "Afterall, I must dance with the woman who dances all over the men in this Weyr." his joking tone referring to her rank and how she tended to be somewhat cold. "Unfortunately, when tomorrow comes we shall have to put aside all of our joking matters and attend to business. I feel like there are more ways I can be of use to you than just your Weyrling Master..." R'niaan's tone changed, a seriousness filled his eyes. "I didn't leave all that time for nothing."

[summerrain]

Yuki turned to the young woman who spoke to her, a small smile on her face. "Is not one glass alright?" she asked, reaching for a glass of water from a passing tray. Then she saw R'niaan with Hedara's flit on his shoulder, and she just couldn't take it. He was overly oblivious, and it was just too much for her. She stood and quickly left the hall, stopping on the wall outside. Korvalia hadn't even shown up yet, and already R'niaan had basically broken her heart... Why did men have to be so complex? She saw Ayleneth glide down from her ledge, landing a short ways away. Yuki went over to her Aurora and wrapped her arms around the dragon's neck.

I don't think I want to see any of them any more... she admitted silently. Grace, who had settled between two of Ayleneth's neck spikes, decided to quickly fly to R'niaan. The Silver-Gold Queen flit chirped harshly at him, eyes whirling a mix of red and grey. Red because she was angry at how this man had made Hers feel, grey because of how Yuki was feeling. But her eyes swirled even redder when she saw Ivy resting on his shoulder. She snarled at R'niaan, hissing as she flew off. If he wanted to try to get closer to other women, then it was his fault that Yuki was thinking about leaving again. And if it was his fault, then maybe it was a good thing that they were going to leave.

Yuki didn't notice Grace's absence, but did notice when the Queenling settled on her shoulder. She sighed quietly, placing a hand to her stomach. Things had gone just as bad when she'd told D'gan that she was expecting his child. But bad in a different way. D'gan hadn't wanted to keep Yura, but R'niaan didn't even seem to care... At least D'gan said he would attempt to care for Yura while Yuki was away. But... What would happen if she kept this baby, and then R'niaan acted just as he always did? She didn't want that for her child... He hadn't even noticed her leave... He probably wouldn't even notice her leaving, would he?

[Shoki]

Hedara considered this. She didn’t know exactly who was coming, and today had been spent getting things organized for the party, not checking the guest list. However it had been and open invitation so to speak and what with the nights coming on so fast that most of the daytime work got done quickly, she expected everyone of note could make it.

“I would expect so, though I have not conversed with him personally today.” Hedara watched Ivy with an unamused look on her face, merely responding to Ivy’s antics with her lips pressed tightly together and a single “Hmm.”

Ivy however, smart little creature that she was, crooned with the praise. With some lovely scratching, the Green was in a lovely mood, and trilled musically. She liked this man! She wanted him for a friend. She attempted to communicate that to Hedara, excitedly sounding her approval. However, her human made a motion, and Ivy’s voice was reduced to a soft croon. Hedara did so love when Ivy could be quiet and contain herself, and Ivy did so love Hedara. Her enthusiasm was not tempered though, and the Green’s eyes still had excitement in them, and her tail twitched merrily. Oh well, she would be friends with this human, Hedara didn’t have to be. Ivy turned back, still looking pleased, but quieter now.

Hedara, quite unable to fully block her reaction, twitched. He had said it so casually that it was out of left field. She did NOT want to dance. Self-defense, sword fighting, the art of the three-sectioned staff, these were her dances. Shuffling around a dance floor, trying to match music while men who were way too close to her was not a good time. She could hear Temperanth’s amused snorts in the back of her head. Her harper dragoness could very well say what she liked but Hedara didn’t have to like all the things that Weyrwoman had going for them. She regained composure quickly, mentally cursing the Crimsonriders in her life for giving her headaches. Soon she was back again to her natural serious nature and as he continued to speak, one eyebrow arched upward. What exactly had he been up to? She was quite curious.

However, her attention shifted, when a Queen flitter came into view, looking to be in a rage. Ivy was suddenly unhappy and her eyes displayed sadness at even being remotely connected to someone who was mad. Hedara crossed her arms and traced the Silver-Gold’s path with her eyes, observing in silence. She wanted to investigate. However first thing was first. She motioned, and Ivy alighted in her arms, pushing her head against the soft dress. The Green took comfort, being near Hedara, even though she knew the woman was not going to pet her. The Icerider turned back toward R’niaan and spoke, trying not to be so icy this time.

“I suspect you have some business to take care of right now.” An observation. It also neatly distracted from having to dance. Not that she was thinking about it at this exact moment. She would note it later though.

[shapeshifter]

R'niaan nearly jumped out of his skin when the Queen flit came zooming, chittering and cursing him all the way. He realized in that moment what was going on. As the Weyrwoman mentioned the 'business' he needed to take care of in that moment, he nodded and made a hurried bow. "Obviously I need to see what damage I've done and what I have done to cause it." He bolted for the door, running full force through the hallway and out to the WeyrBowl, the cold air stinging his throat and nose as he emerged.

Bamath had awoken by this point, standing out on his weyr ledge, gazing down at Ayleneth. Has mine upset yours, Ayleneth? What has happened? a tone of concern filling his voice, his eyes swirling with grays and purples with the utmost confusion and worry. Mine, you had best hurry yourself, they don't look very happy....

I am.... R'niaan spoke back to his beast, stopping dead tracks as he saw Yuki in front of him. Her hand was on her stomach and for a moment he couldn't move. Was she going to....? No...Yuki wouldn't...not even consider it! R'niaan thought, his level of worry rising greater and greater.

When he was able to move, R'niaan made the last short distance at a sprint, grabbing Yuki by the arm and spinning her around and into his arms. "What is wrong with you? Why was Grace trying to bite my head off in there?" R'niaan questioned, seeing the looks and the colors swirling in the eyes of her mines, R'niaan suddenly realized, "I haven't been showing you the attention you want...have I? I'm sorry Yuki, but you do have to understand I'm needed all over this weyr. I may do things that make you unhappy with me but you have to come and tell me! You can't expect me to know!" He sighed, pulling her into him. "I'm sorry Yuki..." He turned her loose, his face serious and dark, "But I understand if you've already set in your mind to leave me. I wouldn't be surprised if you were going back to D'gan." He grimaced at the thought.

[summerrain]

A hand grabbed her arm, then a pair of arms embraced her. She pulled away, then glared quickly at Grace. "Why she did it, probably because she's upset with you," she said quietly. He hugged her again, but this one was shorter. When he released her, she gasped at his words.

"You did not just say that!" she growled quietly. "The reason I even thought about leaving is because of you and that blasted assistant of yours! The way you flirt with her, it's as if I am simply an afterthought. Just something that happened because of a Flight! I've already been that, and I hated it! I don't want to be just someone's Flight partner, not now not ever!" As her voice rose, tears began to streak her cheeks. "I guess it really is true then. Riders do go their separate ways after a Flight, regardless of anything, it seems..." She turned away and put her face in her hands, and Grace settled on her shoulder, crooning sadly. Ayleneth narrowed her eyes at the man before turning to the Crimson.

D'gan and Mosiliath have made their opinions very clear, she told Bamath and R'niaan, her mindvoice quiet, sad. They do not want us. Yes, D'gan said he would take care of the little one, but they did not ever return our feelings for them. She quickly nuzzled Bamath's hide, then wrapped her neck softly around Yuki's shaking form.

Yuki began to walk, moving toward Ayleneth's hide. She put a hand on the straps. "It was not the lack of attention that affected me," she told R'niaan quietly, her voice surprisingly steady despite the tears running down her cheeks. "It was how unabashed you were when expressing your fondness for Korvalia." She turned to him, her bright green eyes glimmered with jealousy. "I did not ask for anything, but is it so unexpected that I would want a man who will only look at me the way he does, and not other women?"

[shapeshifter]

"Just like a woman to read too far into things! Because I speak with another woman, kiss their hand or even hug them you think I want to be with them? No. I would have been in their bed every night since my return if that was the case." He snapped, feeling anger from the distrust he was being given begin to rise.

"If you can't trust me, then why are you still here? I swore to you I'd be here when you needed me and that I would care for you. I would care for Yura and our little one." R'niaan's voice was rising, not quite yelling. "If you're going to accuse me of wanting other women, fine. I'll go chase them. But if I wanted them, I would already have them. I know what I can do, I've been down that road before. I want you to stay, I want to make things work...but if you can't trust me then why should I even try?" R'niaan's tone changed, lowering in his voice and a sadness filled his eyes. He had tried his apology, he defended himself, and even when Ayleneth's mind rang in his and Bamath's, he still believed Yuki would try to go back to D'gan. D'gan didn't seem to happy Hatching Day to see Yuki on his arm.

Mine.... Bamath crooned, his eyes beginning to swirl from sadness, I know you are trying, but she has a thing in there...would that affect her moods? If the moment hadn't been so serious, R'niaan would have found his dragon's comment humorous.

[summerrain]

"But you looked for her when you entered the dining hall, didn't you?!" Yuki snarled. "You didn't even look at me before Grace got your attention! You didn't know I was there! You never saw me!" He just wouldn't understand her view, wouldn't even try.

"You just don't understand..." she whispered. "I've seen the way you look at her... At Korvalia..." She sighed. "If you really want me gone, then I guess I have no choice but to leave..." The fight was gone from her eyes, leaving only sadness behind. "I'm sorry... I really am... I'm just not sure where I stand with you. Until I know for sure, I cannot put myself through the torture of seeing you flirt with other women." Ayeleneth pressed her belly to the ground, and Yuki put one foot in the strap. She swung her other leg over, then strapped herself in. She pulled her riding jacket out of the bag hooked to the riding straps and put it on.

"Just... Look out for my brother," she said before Ayleneth flared her wings. One of her wingtips brushed Bamath's hide, and she again gave him an apologetic glance before she took off. Yuki's eyes widened. "No Ayleneth! Don't!" Then the pair vanished between.