The excellent food that the kitchen staff had prepared would have been, perhaps in their opinion should have been, a prominent topic of conversation. Instead the topics covered more, the rather eventful Hatching, the peculiar dragonet, the diplomats from Igen, and as it should be the Impressed Candidates - now weyrlings. Cup after cup of drink, plate upon plate of food, the hall filled up with people, dragonets, and firelizards. Occasionally a happy shout, as loved ones found their new weyrling, admired a dragonet at their side. Some were barely awake on their feet, others curled up against the wall napping, some nosing their way into places the kitchen workers would rather they not be. And for all the chaos of the party, it was a celebration nonetheless, whose disorganization came from a place of joy. So the Weyr welcomed in a new group of weyrlings, welcomed a new era of peace.
It had certainly been an eventful hatching. No one was disputing that. For V’lan though, it was merely the prelude to the real work. The hatching feast was the real show. New hope was the feeling he hoped to convey. The new riders would be able to enjoy some fine food, and with any luck, the words of all the leadership together could make head way into creating a peace.
Now as he was about to enter the feast with Rilora he collected himself. The events of the hatching had been out of his control. These next steps were. He was determined to do his best for everyone’s sakes, but most of all, the woman next to him. He held out his arm for her.
“Shall we?” V’lan’s expression was soft as he looked at her. It would be a delight to work together with her on what they had planned for so long. Didn’t mean there weren’t a few nerves though.
It was finally over. Dragonets to their Riders, Archith as soothed as she was going to get for the foreseeable future, anticipation, excitement, dread now all rushing into the past. In their place a new set of challenges to navigate. Plenty of delicate matters to navigate.
And yet... looking at V'lan before they stepped into the feast, for a moment those things defocused in favor of the clear image of the man before her. He looked quite sharp, dressed for the occasion. She herself had on a spotless white dress (save a stray grain of sand here and there...and a few more theres), sleeveless, hair parted to one side and holding its lightly waved style better than it should have in the heat. Together, a strong pair. She smiled, one of those real and connecting smiles. She wanted this. "We shall," she agreed, took the offered arm and ventured forth, handsome man at her side.
Post by dr3amwe4ver on Aug 11, 2018 19:41:40 GMT -8
"I am a Weyrling," Aislin told her reflection in the mirror of the Weyrling barracks. She repeated the words to herself slowly, letting them sink in, tasting them on her tongue. And it tasted finer than any wine.
As for her dragonet, Xylinath swung her head from side to side, eying her reflection. Mine, mine! That dragon is looking at me, mine! It's copying me!
"It's you, sweet one," she said patiently.
Xylinath snorted. No it's not, silly. I'm right here! Smiling fondly at her dragonet, Aislin held the wet snout against her chest and stroked her eyeridges. Xylinath purred and nudged her, leaning into the touch. Aislin couldn't get enough of her Cloud. She'd lied when she'd said the mutation was the most beautiful dragon she'd ever seen; Xylinath was. The shades of pale blue and grey in her white hide made her look like the sky on a stormy day. The play of colors was enchanting, and Aisli couldn't stop staring.
But she had to. There was a hatching feast to attend. Her first hatching feast as a Weyrling. Aislin had dressed suitably for the occasion; she wore her most proper gown, a wine red color that hugged her torso and flared around her waist. It had been stitched with gold thread, and she'd woven a net of rosegold into her coronet to complete the ensemble. Admiring her reflection one last time and making sure there wasn't a hair out of place, Aislin deemed herself ready and left the Weyrling barracks.
The scents of delicious roasted food, heady wine, and delectable sweets wafted over her as she stepped into the dining room. Xylinath warbled in delight at all the new thing to explore, tripping over her large wings in her attempt to take it all in. Catching sight of her parents, Aislin waved. But before they could reach her, Xylinath noticed Tungurahuath and waddled right over to her. Hello, clutch sister! What are you?
"Xylinath!" Aislin rushed after her and placed a hand on her neck, cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "You're being rude." She turned to R'thal and dropped into her most elegant curtsy. "I'm terribly sorry for Xylinath's behavior. Forgive her, she's just curious."
Last Edit: Aug 11, 2018 19:42:20 GMT -8 by dr3amwe4ver
V’lan’s smile grew at Rilora’s words and they strode forward together. He took a look as they entered, searching for those who were around. It appeared as though some of his friends were going to be fashionably late, though he knew they would not be missing this. He spied the Ice Stone Weyrwoman with the rider from her weyr, near a table with food. He had little idea the particulars as to why Hedara had not brought her Weyrleader, though he hazarded it was because she couldn’t be spared. The two far northerners were talking, but he could not guess the subject. However Hedara’s gaze shifted over to V’lan and Rilora. She said something to the man next to her but did not do anything other than follow it up with a sip of wine. He tried not to think about it too much and merely went with Rilora to get some wine.
“Here, I got this to put Fi’man in a good mood, but I think you will like it too.” He picked up a filled glass and carefully handed it to Rilora. Her dress fit her perfectly, and he didn’t want to spill on it. A subtle movement caught his attention and his eyes shifted. “Speaking of which, here he comes now.”
---
“Did you come with me only to get your fill of sweets today?” Hedara wasn’t smirking, but the comment was certainly closer to teasing then she would normally allow. She had gotten some wine to sip on, but declines other food yet. She knew she was going to get roped into the politics of it all. Wine was required, food usually got in the way. She scanned the room to see Rilora and V’lan enter. Together.
“I think I will have to ‘go to work’ soon.” She took a sip of wine. If it was just the two of them she could wait. Once more were gathered she would have to appear. She’d rather worry about other work. Speaking of.
“By the way, if you have any inspirations for food while you are here, let me know. I am sure I can speak with Rilora.”
---
Lan had found a chair and a plate of food. He was tired as all get out, but his hunger had trumped that. Ethilask was safely in her den, but he had not been able to get any food between the hatching and now. Well good thing there was a feast on. He wasn’t dressed as nice as others, but he wasn’t a fancy diplomat, weyrwoman, or even the focus. He was a guard that was off duty. So he would eat. And then probably fall asleep in his chair. He hoped not but one never knew.
He took another bite of meat pie as he looked around. Saddyris would hopefully be here. He had been in the stands to watch her cousin jump the barricade. It wasn’t stopped, but then again, Dyranor had impressed the dragonet down below, so no one had really complained. Lan wondered what they were calling him now. He looked around for a Black dragonet, but nothing yet. If they came he would ask. It was rather hard to know if they didn’t have some stuff to talk about rather than come. He knew they were from the Vrishna Clan so there were probably somethings needing straightening out. Lan wasn’t from any blood, other than half-crazy farmers. And proud of it.
"Thank you," Rilora grinned, leaning in to take the glass. She left a kiss on his cheek and stole away the wine glass, bringing it up for a sip. She smirked over the top, directing her view in line with V'lan's. She had met Igen's Weyrleader at a few recent meetings, mostly tense, and so reveled in the opportunity to see him in another element. As good as the wine was, it would be worth her while to see Fi'man had a generous share of it. "Ah, Weyrleader," she greeted him, giving the wine a swirl. "I'm told this is your favorite so I must drink all of it." Perhaps too casual, but isn't that what this party aimed for: to put them all at ease with one another at last? Two Weyrs united again by dragon whims in a clutch. "In any case, welcome!" she leaned back on formalities just to be safe.
Thud. A strong mug plopped down onto the table, a mess of blonde hair and a cunning smile above it. "You're missing this," Lithena announced to the weary looking man. She leaned into the table and sized him up better. Food and a drink might be sufficient. She'd seen this one around before, vaguely, though she'd have as good a guess at Lan's name as any of the other names she'd spent no effort in remembering. He had a handsome face and an expression that didn't look set on staying at the celebration. And if not him, well, this particular black dress and its green accents had yet to fail her.
OOC: Completely open, the post leads them to a dragonriding female either in her teens or 20s, but I am open to anyone at all replying to any of their conversation or movements. The girl can be a complete NPC that ignores them or a PC. You are welcome to skip a few minutes into the future, assuming Faibol is in line and Gaidahan is on his way to find a seat somewhere, or to come in as they still still there. Anyway you like!
"Ah, there she is." The short, 64-turn man nodded to some random stranger, a female dragonrider who looked young enough. "You can ask her then, boy."
"Oh, you didn't say---" the young teenager at his side flushed, then shrugged. This time his hesitation had barely flickered. Good, an improvement. "So, what's her name?"
Her name? Ah, these incessant questions! "Ah, her name. It was---Rilora, if I remember correctly. It was a time ago."
"Master Gaidahan, that's the Weyrwoman's name. You don't know her at all, do you?"
The moment the name had been out of his mouth, Gaidahan had indeed known whose name he'd picked. He'd only hoped the boy was too enthralled with his surroundings to remember. Afterall, Faibol didn't seem able to much walk in a straight line these days. What was a name? He sighed. "Yes, of course you're right. Well, you'd be amazed at how well you'd get along with someone pretending to be their best friend without ever knowing their name. Something you knew two turns ago. Go along now and ask her. She'd know." He pointed to the woman's shoulder and her riding cord.
"Master Gaidahan, please!" Faibol quickly put a hand up to push Gaidahan's down. He immediately flushed and pulled back at his employer's shocked face. He'd never done that before. He was never embarrassed by his employer before, but always enthralled with his easy ways. "I mean, forgive me, I don't mean to--It's just that---well, ahm--pointing is rude?"
"Spit it out, boy, or don't say it at all! Was that a lecture?"
"N-no, sir!"
"A question, then? Then the answer is no. Pointing is not rude. Especially when you are a guest. Oooh, look at that. And that. Look over there. Ah, she's a fine one! Nono, look at that. I'm going for some of that."
He had not just pointed back at the same girl -- a dragonrider -- and said he was going for her, had he? Certainly not. He was playing a game, messing with Faibol's mind, testing his observation skills. He had to have been, right? He was going to check the foods she was moving to stand in line for, or the decor. Anything other than the young lady herself.
Retired vintner master Gaidahan, as of now still the owner of his large vineyard and press estate, had received his invitation to the hatching with no small amount of glee. He'd soaked in all of everything going on at the Weyr, arriving early with gifts of specialty wines and intentions of getting to know the right people. The hatching, with all its high emotions, surprising events, and especially Faibol's excited, childish bouncing and unending questions was immediately one of the most favorable memories of his 64-turns of life. He hadn't very many answers for the boy, and was ready to turn him loose from his duties onto the first pretty dragonriding girl he saw. Clearly it was going to take more finagling than simply pointing her out.
"A very good hour to you, and the very best of wishes and hopes for your new comrades on dragons. I don't suppose you could help an old man out? It appears my young friend hasn't enough arms to carry both my coat, our drinks, and our food." Faibol only had Gaidahan's coat in his arm, but the man had expertly pulled two glasses of water and two glasses of wine as he walked, and now pushed these at Faibol while simultaneously looking at the food buffet. "We tried claiming a seat, but were quickly booted out." The man went on to explain as Faibol managed to weave his fingers to hold all four glasses. "I'm afraid we have no idea of what's going on."
"You-you could just sit and I'll get your plate." Faibol suggested. This had to be the most transparent method he'd ever seen Gaidahan use to try to gain extra company. He greatly wished that he didn't feel so very obvious standing there with the coat, the glasses, and a red face that reflected mockingly back up at him through the water. Since that didn't seem to be likely, finding a diplomatic way to be rid of his current source of embarrassment while fixing the imaginary problem seemed to be the best course of action.
"Or I could take all that off your person and sit so you could get some food." Gaidahan readily agreed. The boy would be precisely where he liked: in line next to the girl hopefully drowning her in questions instead of him. And he could go find a place next to some interesting traders or journeymen or masters or even dragonriders to share tales of silly apprentices with.
Post by thelifeweaver on Aug 15, 2018 14:42:03 GMT -8
Lingering in the most isolated spot he could possibly find R’thal had taken to unpacking the event or at least he had been trying. His faithful dragonet had other plans and quickly took to nuzzling him whenever his mind dared to slip into such musings. Her presence seemed as if it wrapped almost entirely around his own, intertwining in impossible ways. It made his life prior seem pointlessly dull.
To bond with a dragon awoke an entirely new sense, as if looking upon the world for the first time. R’thal had no doubt that other riders had used this analogy but it was the best fit for something that was almost entirely indescribable otherwise. He felt Tun’s amusement being
[smear:#fffa00]Please stop brooding mine, you can do that later and by that I mean never. [/smear:#ff3c00:0] Tungurahuath stated rather boldly, nabbing a piece of food that hadn’t completed its pilgrimage fast enough for her liking. R’thal huffed as he took another mouthful shortly after, albeit with additional prompting from his draconic half.
Yet it R’thal couldn’t help his wayward mind as he switched to pondering the sheer magnitude of his decision and bonding. His old life was almost certainly over, that was a fact and even though Weyr typically ran scouting missions they would most certainly pale in comparison to his old life. [smear:#fffa00]We’ll make them make time! [/smear:#ff3c00:0] The little dragonet stated bodly, lifting her head upwards and extending her wings. R’thal just smiled and gentle rubbed the side of her muzzle.
When the other Dragonet - a cloud - approached and voiced her question Tungurahuath seemed entirely unphased. Her appearance was on of the few things that she could change and so worrying over it held no purpose. [smear:#fffa00] Does that really matter?[/smear:#ff3c00:0] She remarked rhetorically before turning to nab another bite from R’thal.
The boy likewise shared a similar reaction to Aislin’s apology, one that was unfazed by the information Tun relayed. An apology should be given for something significant, not a slight or abrupt surge of curiosity. “‘Nothin to apologise for.” He grumbled, remembering the unfortunate incident where he’d been force to bow in apology.
When he managed to shoot his old archery trainer in the ass.
Last Edit: Aug 15, 2018 14:45:09 GMT -8 by thelifeweaver
The young lady that Gaidahan found himself in front of was in her early twenties, dark in hair and eyes and with an olive complexion. Today she had a dress on, mostly cream with some blue trim. It was not a particularly fancy thing, but she certainly liked it. Besides, it matched her Blue rider knots. It was sleeveless, which meant that it didn’t cover up even one of the scars on her arms. She listened to him talk, her hands remained clasped in front of her, and as was her custom, she smiled.
If Cyan didn’t smile, then one could tell something was wrong.
“Thank you sir. I would be happy to help.” Her beaming face was full of innocent delight at the prospect of helping others. “Too bad my brother isn’t here, I’m sure I could have found you a seat. It’s quite busy here with all the Igen riders isn’t it?” He would have helped, though mostly by his nature of keeping others at bay.
Her face betrayed no indication she had any idea the conversation was anything other than a request for aid. She was happy to help, and never let it be said she wasn’t willing to share the latest news. She looked at the young man with him, and looked, slightly concerned at all he was carrying. There was a quick back and forth and Cyan remained quiet for a moment.
“So… Did you need help carrying food or…?” She seemed very patient, and earnest in her offer to help even as she waited.
Lan looked up from his food when the mug was placed in front of him. A blonde woman in black and green leaned on the table. He tried to remember having seen her. He was sure he had. In fact he felt he knew of her. Why would he know of her…? He brushed the thought aside for a moment and gathered himself to speak correctly to her.
“Thank you. Not eating?” Lan didn’t see here with anything, though he appreciated her getting him something to drink. He wracked his brain, but it suddenly came to him. Oh…
“Your name is Lithena, right?” Dragon rider, Black and Green dragon. More importantly, someone that was known if you were a guard. The night watch tended to remember people who were up on their shifts. For whatever reason.
"Look there! Ah-ha! Can you believe that man is here, Faibol?" Gaidahan motioned vaguely to a crowded far side of the room, for all appearances suddenly eager. He took his coat from Faibol, who managed with apparent experience not to spill any of the contents of the glasses. "You know, the old one who likes to talk the history of crop growths and--How did you put it? Evaporating vinegars. Ah, my dear new friend, my apologies, it seems this old man no longer needs assistance. Faibol, however, might could use some help." He took the two glasses of water as he spoke now, "He has a flask of something nicer than that," he nodded at the wine still in Faibol's hand, "For the love of all that's good, sip and taste it. If you want a good reenactment of the most hilarious childhood gaffs, make sure Faibol gets another glass of something brewed."
With that swift-spoken monologue, Gaidahan offered the young teenager a wink somewhere between teasing mentor and camaraderie before turning around.
As Gaidahan pretended to try to find this friend in the crowd again, Faibol offered Cyan an apologetic smile and shrug. It was gone almost as swiftly as his employer's wink. He was none too keen on being caught with the expression still there. For the moment, he was able to smooth his expression into just confused as opposed to overwhelmed.
"You're probably busy, since it's pretty busy here. That-that was all really some show. Was it like that when---I mean, I'm keeping you from getting your breakfast."
Gaidahan made a huffing sound that could have been mistaken for finally finding his friend, especially as he started to move away. Faibol knew better than that. Just maybe, after the dragonrider was done laughing at the idea she'd hang out with nonriders, especially ones who couldn't form coherent sentences, he should go find a corner to contemplate what on Pern he'd done to cause Gaidahan to abandon him like this.
When Rilora kissed him, V’lan reached with his other hand to her hand on his arm and gave it a little squeeze with a smile. He was happy to see her relaxed. He was very tempted to steal her away for a bit, but as he had commented, Fi’man was here.
Fi’man inclined his head as he grabbed a glass of wine. “Thank you Weyrwoman. I assure you it is a fine one.” The man smiled, and took a sip. “I assume I have you to thank for this, Weyrleader.” Fi’man carefully emphasized the word, and V’lan chuckled. Fi’man seemed to barely avoid a chuckle as well. They were very used to working together in a different capacity, so they found it a bit amusing.
“Perhaps.” V’lan allowed, but didn’t add anything else. He knew that he didn’t have to, in this case. He had the advantage of knowing most of the Igenese very well, and so he knew how they would act. So he knew Fi’man would be happy to talk. The man was very adaptable in social situations. You just had to avoid making him mad somehow.
“You have had quite the lively hatching Weyrwoman, I congratulate you on it.” He raised his glass slightly and added, “May they all become fine riders.”
Cyan watched the older man talk and like a storm left everything just a little more chaotic in his wake. She managed to wave a little at his departure, though she herself let it pass like a wave. Interesting guy. She had no idea who he was. It left her with the younger one, who was Faibol if she heard right. He started talking, and it seemed like he was a bit shy? Or something. She merely smiled.
“Oh no. I’m not busy. You are right though, it was quite the show.” Was the older man an old harper? He seemed rather theatrical. She let it pass and turned back. “Your name is Faibol? I’m Cyan of blue Zigbrieth. It’s nice to meet you.” She titled her head and leaned a little closer. “’Was it like that when’, what?” She was curious.
Zigbrieth huffed. His rider went along with almost everything. Even if she really shouldn’t. IT was a party though, he supposed he could let it go.
At her name Lithena's closed smile widened. She had brushed off his comment for her lack of a plate and a cup. "I am, and I may have found company worth enjoying," she trailed off, pressing a hand onto his leg. She eyed the mug she had just set in front of him, leaned in further to press against his back and retrieved it to take a sip. Decent stuff but there was better here, a regrettable choice if it were hers but she had ample opportunity to get one better.
Thought of a good glass of wine in the forefront she strayed from her initial goal, weaved with skill through the crowd until she found a suitable glass and returned back to Lan's table. "That's better," she said to herself, sliding onto the bench.