Post by Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro) on Aug 7, 2012 10:31:09 GMT -8
[Kaya edit: I declare thee Turnover party, an Event!] Turnover’s Eve, 3073
The music filled the hall; the sound of the horns and the pipes ricocheted off the walls and back down into the crowd, a cycle endlessly repeated as the music continued. The large drums were just starting up, though the sound was, at that moment, more felt than heard. That, T’kar knew well, would change quickly. He could see the drummers leaning forward, their sticks striking the heads faster and harder as the song sped up. Looking down, T’kar smiled. He was tapping the side of his wine glass in time with the increasing pace of the music.
The drum roll erupted into a thunderous roar, a wave whose crest was marked by the sudden crash of cymbals. For an instant, there was silence, and then the music started again, this time beginning with a steady drumbeat that even the most inexperienced of dancers could recognize. T’kar tossed his head back and drained the last two swallows from the glass, grinning. This was life, and the advantage to having LifeWing Riders around at a party, they knew some of the most amazing dances. Speaking of dancing, the dancing was already starting.
T’kar joined the press of people making for the vast cleared space in the middle of the hall, for one evening determined to be nothing more than yet another young rider. What paperwork he had left undone could wait for the morning’s sun.
“Come on people, find your places!” One of the Harpers called out.
“The dancing won’t wait!” Another added.
T’kar joined several other in laughing. Music, people, laughter, dancing, small amounts of wine, what more could one possibly want? Tonight was, as far as he was concerned, going to be one long string of fun!
But Mine, why would you go to dance? It is just moving your body.
"Oh, shush and get some sleep." Evaine ran a hand through her hair, settling the short strands into place before flashing a smile at her Black. "I'm going to have fun."
Before Chatorth had a chance to reply again, Evaine was out the door and skipping merrily into the hall. Large drums echoed throughout the chamber; the smell of food wafted through the air, mixing with the smell of sweaty bodies in a way that Evaine could only describe as life.
She didn't normally dance. But it had been so long since she had been to a social gathering of some point -- between work before the Weyr and work and Chatorth at it, there wasn't any time!
But she could be there tonight, and it was time to dance. She'd need a partner, though...
Without thinking about it too hard, she shimmied up to a Rider she vaguely recognized from around the Weyr. "You. Me. Dance?"
Post by Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro) on Aug 7, 2012 17:28:56 GMT -8
T’kar didn’t think he’d met the Weyrling before but, hey, why not, a party is a party after all. He smiled, the expression stretching into a grin as he stepped forward of the pack slightly.
“I’d love to,” he answered, bowing in a somewhat exaggerated fashion.
The dance wasn’t quite ready to start, but it would be soon, and T’kar had no intention of getting buried on the sidelines. He stepped slightly to his left, indicating the center of the floor with a sweeping motion of his hand.
“Shall we stake a claim on good dancing space before it’s all taken?” he inquired. There was just a hint of urgency to the question, for the pipes and horns were getting ready, and soon the dance would start in earnest.
R'le was ready for a party. He had his hair combed out and he had a nice pair of dark gray pants and a navy blue shirt. He hadn't gotten around to a hair cut yet, so his hair was still long, so that his bangs could get into his eyes with ease. The rest of his hair danced above his shoulder, but not as far as before. R'le was ready to get to dancing. After all, having fun, dancing with pretty girls, that was where he was going to have his fun tonight.
As he came into the room the music hit him instantly. It was a good song for dancing to, and the drummers were right on time. He took a moment to enjoy his surroundings and soak up the music before looking around for a dance partner. Or if not, he would be fine with talking all night. He wouldn't mind getting to know some new friends or catching up with old ones if he had to.
---
Dancing! Mau could hardly resist it. Quimyenth was pouting a little bit, since she could hardly dance inside with the other people. Still, she had elected to come along and find out if there was a dragon willing to dance outside the hall. If she was lucky, Korith would be about. He'd danced with her before, and it had been fun! So the dragon and rider parted ways as Mau went into the hall and enjoy the beat. Her hair was tied back so that it was off her neck, and she had a serviceable skirt on. She was ready to jump onto the dance floor. As she looked around she didn't see anyone to dance with so she merely shrugged and went out to dance anyway. The music was about to change, so she merely stepped out to get ready. When she danced by herself with others about, she had to take care to be in a spot she wouldn't disturb others by knocking into them. So she found a nice spot and stretched her arms out. She couldn't move her feet too much, since she couldn't look everywhere at once. So arms had to be stretched. She waited until the song began to start to dance.
"Excellent." She grinned, bowing right back to him - screw curtsying; she wasn't wearing a skirt. Her eyes lit up as he gestured towards the floor and she grabbed his extended hand, attempting to drag him out onto the floor.
Evaine was strong, but she was still strong; if he wanted to resist, he easily could.
But it seemed like he did want to dance.
"I'm Evaine. Rider of Black Chatorth. And you are?"
Post by Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro) on Aug 7, 2012 18:26:34 GMT -8
“T’kar, of RR Flame Ancalanath,” T’kar answered. A small part of his mind marveled that the words, which had once been a dreadful mouthful and had prompted the 14 Turn old version of himself to try and convince Ancalanath to accept a shortened name for introductions, now flowed so smoothly off his tongue.
He put up no more resistance then a joking half-pull backward as Evaine dragged him out into the middle of the floor. Dancing was something he had long considered a favorite activity, and he was not going to miss a second of it.
They got to the floor not a second too soon, for the first dance was just beginning when they found a good spot.
—— Turnover at the Weyr. K’tar was looking around in amazement. Yes, Stormy Plains had had parties for Turnover, but nothing on this scale. It seemed like everyone was here. He hadn’t managed to grab a partner in time for the first dance set, but… Wait a minute, was that Evaine, dancing with one of the Wingleaders? K’tar stared, then started laughing. The night was infectious. He knew he’d regret staying up this late when tomorrow rolled around, but really, who cared? There was fun to be had and life to be lived! Edging forward, so that he stood a better chance of a partner next round, he joined those who were clapping along to the beat.
"Try it!" an excited Lithena insisted, offering Rilora some strange food she hadn't seen before. "One of the cooks from far away made it special for Turnover."
"Have you any idea what it is?" Rilora asked cautiously, hesitant to take the proffered food item. She couldn't discern what it was, perhaps beyond that it contained a breadish coating.
"Nope!" Lithena crowed and took a large bite out of the one she was holding. "Tawstes good doh..." she added, mouth full, manners lacking.
Rilora smiled with a sigh and gave in. She took the item and had a bite. It was surprisingly sweet. "It's alright," she commented, scanning the crowd. She was trying to enjoy the party, really. It had been a month since... don't think about it. She kept looking about the room. Lithena kept calling her attention, so she was only able to see the people in short looks. "Yes, your skirt is lovely, it's not too dark, it looks like Hrith a bit, yes," Rilora replied absently to her sister. She got so excited about the smallest things.
Rilora, I know your nature. Tonight, everything shall be fine. With my strength I promise you this. Now go have fun, Archith prompted, feeling her Rider's declining mood.
Rilora picked up her shoulders, took in a deep breath, and sighed. Alright. "Go on, Lithena, you missed the first dance," Rilora prompted, pushing her sister forward. Lithena skipped off to find someone to dance with for the next song. Rilora took off in the opposite way around the dance floor in the middle of the dining hall. Everything had either been relocated or moved to the side of the room. Weyr parties. At least she wasn't the one who had to clean them. "Grand night for a party, hm, R'le?" she asked casually as she moved by the Cloud Rider.
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, T'kar of RR Flame Ancalanth." Evaine repeated his name as if memorizing it - and if that's what she was doing, she didn't let on as she began absentmindedly to rock with the music. "Where are you from pre-Weyr?"
It is, Chatorth admonished quietly from where he sat, rude to pry into people's lives. Or so you always tell me. That is because you're nosy. And obnoxious. I'm just asking questions. Sure.
Post by Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro) on Aug 8, 2012 8:47:52 GMT -8
“The pleasure is mine, Evaine of Black Chatorth” T’kar smiled. “You saved me from dying of boredom for want of dancing.” There was a trick to managing a conversation around a dance, so it was a couple beats before T’kar answered Evaine’s question.
“Pre this Weyr, or pre any Weyr?” he asked, grinning. Rather than wait for a response, he continued. “Pre this Weyr, I’m from Telgar. Pre any Weyr…” his voice trailed off and the smile dimmed for a second, but he brought it back quickly. “I was from everywhere.” He deliberately altered his pronunciation, so that it sounded almost like ‘every-weyr’ instead of ‘everywhere’.
Step, step, listen to answer. Step, step, listen to answer.
Step, step, comment.
"So, T'kar from every-Weyr." Step, step, dance. "Why end up here at Rainbow Mists? I mean, I biasedly love it, but most people tend to stick around their first Weyr. Unless, of course, I'm prying."
Yuki had returned just in time for the Turnover eve dance. She'd requested a new dress from the seamstress at Ice Stone, and it had turned out exactly as she'd wanted it to. It was fitted at the top, and flared just above her hips into a floor-length gown. She was only just beginning to get round, as the proof of the words of the Ista healers began to make itself known. The dress did nothing to accentuate it though, for which she was thankful. The dress was a swirling blue, to match the majority of Ayleneth's hide. It had been pricy, but worth all of it.
She had written to D'gan telling him that she would be back in time for the Turnover Eve dance. She was expecting to meet him, and knew he would recognised her immediately.
Her hair was up, with a single strand decoratively hanging just before her ear.
It was too late for Ayleneth, who was exhausted from all the flying to return home. Yuki had refused to between on the way home, just in case there really was truth to the words of the Ista healers. Ayleneth hadn't liked the idea, but once Yuki had explained, the Aurora dragoness understood completely.
Yuki waited along the wall, searching for D'gan. Two months had passed since the Flight. She had told him the words of the Ista healers in the last letter, and knew that he would want to talk about it in person. She sighed softly, waiting.
Last Edit: Aug 8, 2012 10:24:19 GMT -8 by summerrain
Post by Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro) on Aug 8, 2012 13:12:20 GMT -8
((I’m going to steal your pacing method Nicole, because it’s awesome. ))
Step, step, listen. Step, step, listen. Step, step, triple-step turn about imaginary pole between the partners.
Step, step, speak.
T’kar laughed. “You’re hardly prying,” he responded.
Step, step, speak.
“My sister moved down to Golden Flight,” step, step, allow partner to turn if desired, step, step, speak. “I visited her there,” step, step, more dancing, step, step, speak. “and decided I liked the warmth,” dance, and dance, and speak “so here I am.”
"My family raised herdbeasts outside of Melisong Hold. I was Searched and ended up here."
More steps and turns. Evaine placed her feet lightly on the floor, doing her best to avoid stepping on her partner's toes as they moved around the increasingly crowded dance-floor. A bead of sweat rolled down her back as the temperature began to go up.
"Was worried I wouldn't like it, but with Chatorth, how could I not?"
Step, step, twirl. Evaine let out a laugh, unable to help herself. "Why was your sister at Golden-ah, I'll stop asking personal questions." Step, step. "What's your favorite color?"
(OOC || Go right ahead, Ghost. I like when people think things are awesome!)
I told you I would send you another letter with the results. The Ista healers have given me surprising news. I am not ill, so do not worry. They have said that I am with child...
(There are a few lines, three of them, scratched out.)
I will return soon. I'll be back in time for the Turnover Eve dance, I promise you that.
I'm back at Ice Stone right now. Temperanth's recent Clutch just Hatched, and I'm going to visit my family. Mother and Father came to the Weyr for the Hatching, as my younger brother is a Candidate. He was left standing, but he is doing well. He wishes to be a carpenter, like Father, even if he does Impress. I will escort my parents back to Icy Caverns Hold, then head back to Rainbow Mists. I'm having a new dress made for the Turnover Eve dance. Look forward to it!
I'll wait for you there. I'll be at the dance, and I want to share it with you. Please meet me there.
Yuki.
#
“Shards! Shards, shards, shards.”
Hmmm…Something on your mind, D’gan?[/b][/color]
“Do not worry -- hah! What should I do?” He continued to pace throughout their weyr, his riding outfit comfortably warm for the night. He had decided on ignoring the dress code, despite the fact that this was the Turnover party. He wasn’t even sure if he had anything nice, save for what he rarely wore for important meetings – and more often than not, it was substituted for his riding outfit.
Not like it mattered. He wasn’t going anyway.
Mosiliath turned his head to the exit, then back to his Rider. Go and see her. You know you will have to sometime tonight.[/b][/color] He fixed him with a steely blue stare. This isn’t the first time it has happened to us.[/b][/color]
“Yes, but that was a long time ago. What if it is the last? I just…I don’t know if I can handle the thought of…” He sighed in disgust and put his hands over his face. “I just don’t think I’m ready for it.”
How much more time do you need?![/b][/color] Mosiliath asked, exasperated. His tone softened. D’gan, listen. I know you are ready for this. Would you like me to go with you?[/b][/color]
“No, because I’m not going.” He knew he was being stubborn. Wouldn’t change a thing. “I can’t handle dealing with this right now. Not with all that’s gone on recently.”
Mosiliath sat up from his bed. Isthat so?[/b][/color] His eyes glimmered.
D’gan crossed his arms. “As a matter of fact, it is.”
#
It was either go voluntarily or be carried out to the party by Mosiliath. He chose the former. Now that he was here, his stomach was in knots. The music played too loud, the people were too happy, the dancing too distracting…
He took a deep breath and stepped out from the shadows of the party. His hands were sweaty. This was it. Now or never. It didn’t take him long to spy the young, pretty blonde he had been both earnestly awaiting and dreading the arrival of at the same time. He should have asked her about the Flight when he had the chance in her weyr, those two months ago. He had forgotten then. Now it might be too late.
Perhaps he could change her mind.
Anxiously smoothing back his hair, he walked toward Yuki. It looked like she had gone all out on her outfit – a long, blue dress that, he noticed, matched the color on her dragon’s hide. He had to admit to himself, it was a nice touch. Certainly much nicer and finer than anything he had seen from the north – and what he was wearing paled in comparison.
But he was not here to compare clothing. He had a mission. And as he approached, his eyes kept darting to her stomach, both afraid and keenly interested on seeing if her pregnancy was noticeable. So far, it didn’t seem like it. It could have just been the dress. And sooner or later, more people would start to notice.
Taking another breath, D’gan moved close enough to where they could have a conversation, but not so close that they would touch. He cleared his throat and nodded in her direction, one hand slipping into the pocket where he had kept her second note. He clutched it tight.
Post by Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro) on Aug 8, 2012 18:12:42 GMT -8
K’tar looked around and spotted Mau out on the dance floor. He raised his arm to wave, but thought of a better idea and lowered it. Stepping back out of sight, he began to cast around, looking for Holt. The flashing of the glows and lanterns, which were being made to pulse with the beat on the dance floor by means of being covered and uncovered in succession (he slipped over to one and observed the Harpers involved in so doing), did not help matters, because the angle and amount of illumination in the room was constantly changing. Nor did he want to broadcast his search by shouting for Holt. Not that shouting would do any such thing, the drumbeats, talking, laughing, and horns were enough to see to that.
Finally, over there. K’tar started weaving over until he was at his friend’s side. “So, are you going to ask Mau for a dance?” he asked, trying very hard not to grin. He was seriously enjoying himself, and he rather thought Holt and Mau would make a cute couple. Besides, it was fun to do this; he’d teased Talerian about girls on an almost daily basis. It would be fair to say that K'tar considered a friend's duty.