Above the World [Turnover in Melisong!]

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

T’vax hesitated. It wasn’t that he didn’t feel like talking — in fact, as Davquil had once observed, he almost never “didn’t feel like talking” — it was more just the necessity of choosing where to begin, and where and how much to leave out.

“My story? Well, it all starts with running away from home to Impress a dragon. After that, well, I got caught up in the whole argument between Weyr and Hold up north, fortunately for me, I was away from the Weyr when the eggs got smashed…” T’vax’s voice trailed off slightly. “Not all that much to tell, really. What about you?” Dimly, he was aware of Slinesteth talking with another dragon, but it didn’t stand out much above the — currently being ignored — background chatter of draconic voices.

Slinesteth’s attempt to blend in was, of course, doomed to failure. Chrome was not, after all, a common color. Indeed, not long after he had finally found what might be the best possible hiding spot available, in almost the exact center of the dragons present, someone decided to strike up a conversation with him.

You there, Chrome. Why do you linger in the crowd when you could join me over here? Come. Sit. Be sociable. Do you sing?

Slinesteth started, then turned his head. There, past the edge of the group, was a Pink sitting curled up. He silently debated options for a little while, weighing the increased chance of being noticed against the decreased likelihood of the Pink broadcasting for all to hear, then slipped over to join the Pink.

No, I have never sung before. I am Slinesteth. The Chrome smoothly settled down next to the Pink, waiting for her return introduction.

[Moo]

Alineshith purred a quiet note as she watched the Chrome turn and answer her summons, and her gaze never left his side as he walked over and took a seat beside her. His color truly was a marvel to look at; brilliant, rusted steel. Goodness, what a nice Clutch he could sire.

No, I have never sung before. I am Slinesteth.

She dipped her head in acknowledgement.

Slinesteth...nice name. Your voice is equally as nice, from what I can hear. I'd bet you would be a great baritone, if you tried. But no matter...I am Alineshith. So, you are from the North, she said as a matter-of-fact, and took a moment to consider the next step of their conversation.

Ordinarily, she would have loved to talk on and on about songs and the Northern skalds (with what instruments did they practice? how did the extreme cold affect their performances? how were the old ballads taught up there?), but tonight...tonight she felt a bit different. Warmer. Sleeker. Wanting to talk about other things, and not talk at all. It wasn't a feeling she recognized, but it wasn't too strange, and so she continued with her next question.

Her eyes whirled a deep, calculating green.

It was a very good strategy of yours, you know -- visiting here to get out of the cold, as I'm sure it is in those dark, Northern lands you call home. Does it bother you much, the cold? I wouldn't know, myself, as I've never been to your Weyr. Say, if you don't mind my asking, that is...How are things faring in your Weyr?

Any other day, Alineshith would have been bored out of her mind listening to politics. However, that was what a Chrome was good at, and this one did have such a nice voice and a richly-colored hide...

An observant Chrome such as yourself, I'm sure you're always in the know. And I just thought...as things here in the South aren't going very well at all...I would ask and see how the North fared? A trip up there might be just what me and my Rider need. These fires are not to our liking, nor the added security in the Weyr itself.

[Shoki]

Kashpa arched one of her eyebrows. ‘Not much to tell’? Yeah right, and she was a shy wallflower. Perhaps it was more complicated, more rough then he was saying, but she had to say, that was one great story to introduce oneself with. Of course, she would have to repay with hers. As she felt was right.

“Well, Zaran is where I’m from, but ever since I’ve walked the tables, I have been moving from place to place. Melisong is where I landed first, and it looks like they haven’t lost the ability to party in the meantime.” She smiled then added, “I stayed in Cliffside for a bit, now I’m helping with the efforts at Rainbow Mists. Who knows where too next, but it should be interesting at the very least.” There was a bit of a spark in her eyes, indicator she was someone looking for an adventure.

“Who knows, maybe I’ll find myself in the north eventually. Give me enough time, I will head anywhere that needs a harper.” She continued to dance, the song was a good one. Shame she didn’t have a good voice for songs. She was good at catching the beat though.

“So what’s your dragon like? I only really know about my brother’s dragon, personally.” Talking and dancing to wonderful music. It was a nice break.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

Slinesteth hummed a little. It wouldn’t be a bad thing, to have friends in the South as well. Particularly if Tiberax’s plans spread, or, worst case, if they had to retreat, it would give them somewhere to go.

It was a very good strategy of yours, you know -- visiting here to get out of the cold, as I'm sure it is in those dark, Northern lands you call home. Does it bother you much, the cold? I wouldn't know, myself, as I've never been to your Weyr. Say, if you don't mind my asking, that is...How are things faring in your Weyr?

Slinesteth arched his neck. Alineshith was right, it had been a good idea to warm up some. The cold, not so much, it is not nearly so cold as between. It can actually be very refreshing, depending upon one’s mood and the situation. As to how things fare, I believe you inquire about the politics?

Slinesteth curved his neck, so that he was looking at the Pink through both blue-green eyes.

An observant Chrome such as yourself, I'm sure you're always in the know. And I just thought...as things here in the South aren't going very well at all...I would ask and see how the North fared? A trip up there might be just what me and my Rider need. These fires are not to our liking, nor the added security in the Weyr itself.

I try to stay abreast of what is happening, Slinesteth stated. Absently, he noted that Alineshith really looked quite striking against the night sky.

There are no fires up North, but the security has been increased. When leaving the Weyr, you are expected to inform others of how long you will be gone, and approximately where you are going. Travel in small groups is… not advised. However, riders and dragons have dealt with the least additional security. Mostly, the security is aimed at Icy Caverns, especially after the attack on the eggs. There are men in the North who are trying to play the Weyr off against the Hold. Unfortunately, the Hold seems unaware of this, and has yet to repair relations with the Weyr. Those men have pulled back and reined in their activities for the present, following the twice discovery of their leader’s hiding spots. Slinesteth paused, then continued: It really is a good place though. The Northern Lights are amazing.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

T’vax could tell from the arched eyebrow that Kashpa didn’t take the brevity of his tale at face-value, and he mentally sighed with relief when she declined to push for further information. If there was one topic that he did not intend to discuss at a party, it was his father. The further they stayed from that topic, the better.

“Slinesteth? He’s really kind of shy, actually. Doesn’t do a lot of talking.” It was nice, just being able to talk and dance, one of many. “What was it like in Zaran?” he asked, when next there was time in the dance. “The North would certainly be, interesting.”

[Shoki]

Kashpa had a wry smile on her face. “Is that so? Well, I hope he’s having fun at the party. It would be a shame if he wasn’t.” The music picked up a bit, and she found that balancing speaking and footwork got more difficult. More difficult, and more fun. The next topic was Zaran though, which she could chat about as easy as breathing.

“Oh, hot, muggy and humid enough that you wish for gills.” A little breathless laugher escaped her. “But it’s always fun, people always sailing in or out and even if it rains for days on end its still warm.” Going to Melisong had been a real shock to her, but the weather concerns hadn’t been too bad. It was, however, easy to see why she had gotten attached to Cliffside, it smacked much more of Zaran then Melisong had. Of course, speaking of much different…

“Interesting just? There must be something you like better there then here.” She looked mischievous, but not so much that she was flirting. Although, it was hard to tell sometimes. She tended toward teasing an the like.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

“Well, it’s more a case of not liking the constant heat,” T’vax answered, grinning. “Although, what’s going on now could definitely be the stuff for stories…” T’vax perforce paused for a few beats, the dance requiring a mutual spin before returning to a slightly slower beat. He settled into the slower beat with a toss of his head, removing his ice-blond hair from his face. Even without fires to heat the night, the difference in temperature between the far North in the winter and the South in the summer was enough that T’vax would have felt warm even holding still.

“I heard that Rainbow Mists was having some trouble with possible attacks a few months ago. Was the Weyrwoman really in danger, do you know?” T’vax fully intended to search out some information regarding whether RMW would be willing or able to help ISW out with its Noixay problem.

[Moo]

Despite the fact that they were decidedly not talking about music or singing of any sort, Alineshith sat and listened with rapt attention. The conversation was surprisingly refreshing, although that might have been more-than-partially due to the Chrome at her side, and not from talk of cold winds and far-off, snowy lands. Her eyes spun a pleased, purple-blue color. He seemed to notice her attentive gaze just as much she had noticed his. Her tail swished lightly around her feet.

Yes, politics, she rumbled softly, and continued to listen to Slinesteth's explanation of life in the ice Weyr. So...it appeared things were growing increasingly similar to their own predicament at home. An unsettled group of people causing trouble in the Weyr? Check. Trouble with Holds? Double check. But attacking eggs...hatchlings about to be born...

A shudder rippled her pink hide at the thought, and Alineshith dipped her head uncomfortably. She knew, without question, that she would Rise soon and have a clutch of eggs all to herself. (Orabel was not so certain of this fact, but she knew she couldn't blame her Rider for being distracted by all that had happened as of late.) Imagining someone coming in and harming her hatchlings...it was an unthinkable deed. The North must be mad to have allowed that sort of thing to happen.

And yet...one of their own weyrlings had been kidnapped, plucked from their Weyr. Hatchlings or young Riders...was it really so different after all?

But at Slinesteth's mention of the northern lights, Alineshith lifted her gaze back to the Chrome.

I...have heard of your northern lights, she replied, grateful for the change in conversation matter. It had taken a turn she hadn't anticipated. If they are anything as pretty as they are on the Auroras I have seen here, then they must be quite the marvel in your dark skies. I would like to see them one day.

Just like that, she felt herself slip back into a realm of thought that was entirely comfortable and much more lighthearted. Perhaps I'll see them with you, when I come to visit your Weyr. Would that be alright?

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

Indeed, they are a marvel. I can think of nothing better. Certainly, I would be glad for your company.

Slinesteth hesitated, his normal skill at reading other dragons seemed to have deserted him, then shifted slightly closer to Alineshith, raising his head and stretching his neck out to the side, cautiously, cautiously, to drape his neck around her. They were in a fairly out of the way area here, moving now would attract the attention of the rest of the dragons. Therefore, he might as well be comfortable. What do you like the most here?

[Kaya]

It was time to return an insult.

Of course Lithena had later partying the night away on the itinerary. But she sought one T'kar who had embarrassed and humiliated her sister in front of the entire Weyr. She had been waiting for this day. It was a public event. Populations from at least three Holds and two Weyrs should be here. The perfect moment for payback. And oh, would she see he got his just. Rilora wouldn't do it. She would.

In the enormous crush of people she danced, sliding past them with familiar ease. It took her several rounds but she finally spotted him. 'Weyrleader' T'kar. She couldn't wait for Archith to replace him. All the sadness and hurt inflicted on her sister, how much Rilora had needed her and pushed her away. She would let him know what pain he had caused with his flippant actions and hollow words.

"Weyrleader T'kar," she purred. She would wait until more were watching. She had one shot. It had to be flawless.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

T’kar had thrown himself into the party with all the passionate energy he possessed. It was nothing, in the big scheme of things, and he needed the release. Needed it, for the tension under which he operated at the Weyr prevented anything of the sort. He hadn’t stopped dancing for hours, dancing with anyone and everyone that was willing to do so.

He had avoided Rilora all night. Actually, he didn’t even know if she was here. He tried to tell himself it wasn’t important, but, somehow, break-ups were harder, much harder, when things ended so abruptly, no tapering, no gradual change…

Shaking his head, he threw himself back into the dancing, only to be brought up short by his name.

Turning, he saw Lithena standing nearby. “Lithena,” he said, smiling. That she sought him out, perhaps it was good, maybe Rilora was willing to talk again. “What’s up? Would you care for the next dance?”

[Kaya]

He wanted to dance? Oh, excellent. If she could be flashy enough that would be sufficient to gain the eyes of all nearby by the end of the number. And then their voices would repeat what they saw. They would make his disgrace known. Oh, yes.

"Oh, I would love that," she replied, extending a hand and dropping a shoulder. She was in a little black dress. That alone gained her several pairs of eyes. She had her hair up, held by a comb like Hrith's dark green shine. Her languid posture could be taken to imply several drinks, or perhaps a bit of drowsy tiredness from the constant roar of the party and dancing.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

T’kar reached out, catching Lithena’s hand and sketching a bow over it. From her posture, he thought it likely that she’d had perhaps a few too many drinks, since he didn’t think he’d ever seen Lithena tired or drowsy.

The next dance was of perhaps a medium tempo, but there was lots of room for interpretation and flourishes, both of which T’kar enjoyed. Lithena was a good dance partner, matching or exceeding every twist he could think of in a way that made the dance purely exhilarating. It was far more fun, really, to dance with someone who loved it and did it well. Resolutely, he shoved away the memory of teaching Rilora one of Telgar’s dances. That was for tomorrow, tonight was for the release of tension, not its harboring.

[Kaya]

Her head spun with the flourishes. Lithena remained determined to keep pace. She outdid each prior move, trying to draw more bold moves from T'kar and more eyes from the crowd. T'kar had been dancing before she arrived. She needed something special to get attention. An idea struck her. As the end of the song approached she maneuvered her foot where she conspired for T'kar to trip over it. The Weyrleader on his rump or his back would gain her the final pairs of eyes.

[Moo]

Alineshith's eyes widened considerably once she spied the subtle movement Slinesteth was making. Was he -- was he moving closer? She remained still (and perhaps a little too tense) as he moved closer, feeling both incredibly out of her depth and wanting more.

It would never work out, she knew already. He was from the North, he had more important things to do, and she knew her Rider didn't know his Rider. Things would be an altogether awkward affair. Why was he paying her any attention at all? Was it just friendly? Did it even matter?

But once the Chrome had rest his neck around hers, Alineshith couldn't help but relax. He was warm, and the weight of him against her hide was indescribably soothing and enticing all in one. She hummed a soft note as she considered his question. It was a good one.

I suppose...I've never thought about it before, she started, and took the opportunity of their closeness to nuzzle against his chest.

A lot of things have changed since I have hatched. Things are not what they once were. There was a time when I enjoyed roaming the jungles with my Rider. They are dark and mysterious, and there are plenty of birds to sing with. Now, however, it is a dangerous place to visit. But I find some solace among the other dragons I am friends with, and I know my Rider is happy here at this Weyr. If she's happy, then I am happy, too.

What about you? What do you like the most about your Weyr?

#

Orabel nearly dropped her glass at the surge of emotion she felt from Alineshith, which settled low and warm in her belly.

Ali, what's going on? Is everything alright? Why did--?
Oh no, never you mind. I am making friends.

Making friends. Orabel resisted the urge to roll her eyes; even though she was conversing with her dragon, acting out parts of the conversation would make her look entirely too weird to anyone watching. That didn't feel like something that was just friends, you know. Who is it?

The response came haltingly. He's, uhh...I mean, you don't know him. Yet. He's from the northern Weyr. His name is Slinesteth. A Chrome.

Despite it all, a smug smile lifted the corners of her lips. Check you out, Ali. Just don't get into any trouble, alright? She sensed a trickle of amusement from the Pink dragon.
Oh, don't you worry. I'm not going anywhere.
Not what I said, you silly thing. Have fun, though.
I shall.

With that in mind, Orabel tuned back in to the event at hand. Her cup now as empty and dry as Stormy Plains, she turned her attention toward the dancers. Evaine was there, of course -- she had considered calling her over to talk, but she seemed completely in her own world. She glanced around, and her smile lessened and turned into a mix of curiosity and amusement.

There was the Weyrleader, T'kar, dancing right alongside the Weyrwoman's sister. But Orabel, for the life of her, couldn't remember her name -- even though she had seen the woman around the Weyr plenty of times. Regardless, her dress was stunning, and the dance they were performing was more intricate than she could ever manage. So, she continued to watch the pair, as well as the other dancers, preferring the sidelines to dancing among them tonight.