[E] Cold Can't Stop Us (Turnover Gather)

[SlasherV]

((tag: Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)))

His gaze followed the direction she had waved her hand, glancing over the pair greeting the Weyrwoman. They were a far enough distance that he couldn't really tell if they had shoulder knots, or what sort of people they might be, not that it mattered. He almost wondered if he would let his young daughter(if he had one) wander unwatched. Then the appearance of the Firelizard explained how parents might allow their child to be unsupervised at an event as potentially chaotic as a Gather.

With a light smile, he glanced at one of the nearby tables, and open seats, "I've always wanted a Firelizard. They seem useful. Want to sit and eat with me? My name's Deret, by the way." He grinned down at her, then took the few steps to the table, sitting down with his meatroll. The little girl didn't have to sit, but he wouldn't mind the company either. Settling, he tore an even bite out of the roll, making an audible 'mmm' sound as he chewed, lips closed.

[Shoki]

((Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)))

“Sure!” Enthusiasm was the Bluerider’s middle name. She led the way to a group of cozy blankets and furs, and the harper that looked over them. She gave a brief, ‘Hello!’ before touching the blanket on the ground. Soft. “What are we supposed to do?” She looked aback up at the harper, who chuckled.

“Well, I’ve got a story if you guys want to sit and listen. You can use the blankets to stay warm, or just use them to sit on. Very informal, sit, lay, whatever.” He looked amused, as Cyan sat down and cozied up.

“So you just tell stories?”

“Or I could sing a little something if you don’t like stories. Whatever you like.”

“What do you think Kel?” She looked up from the blankets, already pulling them up over her knees.

[Shoki]

((Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)))

Hedara was sipping on her Halk, having to converse with various people. This really wasn’t her kind of party, but then again, her kind of party wasn’t a party at all so she lived with it. Ivy floated around her, enjoying the place greatly. So many people! And everyone looked happy. Ivy was very happy indeed. Soon enough Hedara was greeted by the Holder of Rolling Hills Hold and his wife, so she had to be formal. She inclined her head to them both and spoke smoothly.

“Greetings Lord Munokhoki, Lady Enetta. I pray that this day finds you well, and that our climate has not caused you much distress.” Her eyes didn’t so much as flicker over to the Crimson as it appeared. Ivy, on the other hand was quite happy for a friend. The Green chirped out a greeting, looking far more pleased then she could accurately vocalize. Ivy hovered in place, close enough to Hedara that it was clear to who she belonged, but never touching.

[Cait]

“Well we can’t have that, now can we? Temperanth is supposed to tell stories!” The fact that she had somehow managed to keep her zest for life after the ordeal they had gone through was something of a miracle. Of course that didn’t mean there weren’t times when she was overwhelmed by rather morose thoughts, but she did her best to keep them to a minimum as they had a rather extreme effect on Niekolgoth. The Purple-Grey did not handle angst or depression very well at all. When T’vax agreed, Dav grinned and nodded. “I think red would look very handsome.”

Yes, I think I would like a red ribbon. We will find one at the gather?[/b]

“I’m sure we can find someone who knows where to get one.” In truth they’d probably just have to use a very long length of red fabric. She followed after T’vax towards the dragons, reaching out a hand to run over Slin’s hide as she passed near him. It would never cease to amaze her how a dragon so large was able to hide himself so completely behind her smaller Nieko. But the Purple-Grey was more than accommodating of his companions needs and obliged the Chrome’s need to hide almost instinctually now.

Dav was checking the straps on her dragon’s specialized saddle—they’d had a basket affixed to the back of it for Ribbon and Blizzard. She was just turning to help the pups into the basket when Tiv’s head snapped up abruptly and he gained that far off look he got when he was focused on things she couldn’t hear. She became very still as her dark eyes fixed on his features, oblivious to Ribbon as she stared eagerly up at her. Dark brows furrowed briefly as she watched him and when he’d finished listening to whatever it was he’d heard, she raised a brow in question before turning back to the pups; they only need a boost to the dragons haunches and then they were both in the wide basket, eager and barking. Go figure that a couple of sled dogs liked to fly.

“Anything interesting?” She asked casually as with a mental prod, her trio of flits descended upon Niekolgoth and settled in their usual spots. All were clearly eager to go join the fun.

[Shoki]

Temperanth watched as an audience collected around her, and let herself enjoy the attention. She liked an audience, because, like many of her color before her, she liked the ability to be heard. Hedara called her a harper, and it wasn’t exactly a false comparison. She loved stories. And for that reason, her rider was ignoring her at the moment. It was humorous, but she focused back on the subject at hand. She had a tale to tell. She closed her eyes for a moment, calling the story to her mind, before opening them once again and letting her voice touch the minds of her audience.

[smear:33CCFF]A long, long time ago, Ice Stone Weyr was at war.[/smear:3366FF] The Ice let sentence speak for itself for a moment before continuing in a lighter tone. [smear:33CCFF]In earlier times it would have been said that Ice Stone was always at war, but we are fortunate to know otherwise. However, it was a time before peace, before humans returned, and even before they had left us. A time that we can only just barely remember.[/smear:3366FF] The words called back the memory of Ice dragons previous, all having added their little touches from mother to daughter over the turns. [smear:33CCFF]There was hatched an Ice King. He impressed one that was like him, courageous and worthy of respect. They grew into fine warriors, valiantly defending Ice Stone for many turns. Soon enough he proved himself to the Queen of Ice Stone, and won her heart. However, while she was still heavy with eggs the Deathwings attacked.[/smear:3366FF]

[smear:33CCFF]The battle was fierce, and every dragon capable of flight defended their home and their Queen. The Ice King fought alongside his rider, protecting those they loved valiantly. The Deathwings assault was massive, and many fell. The pair continued to fight, determined to defend even as their forces scattered around them. It was then that tragedy struck. His rider was pulled from him, taken by Deathwing. He pursued, desperate, biting and clawing to get his own back. With a terrible shriek, he suddenly felt the great hollowness of being alone, and knew that his rider had perished. [/smear:3366FF]

[smear:33CCFF]In any other case, this would be the end of his story. But it was not. His Queen called to him, and it was said that he declared that he would still keep her safe. He called the other dragons to him, and lead a charge like none seen before by the Deathwings or the humans alike. For it was led by a dragon alone. The battle continued, but this new event was such that the enemy did not understand it, and the unknown was working on the side of the dragons. It was too much for them. They broke, and fled, to return another day. At the first cry of victory, the Ice King vanished. His reward, knowing that his Queen and her clutch would be safe for the time being.[/smear:3366FF]

[smear:33CCFF]But that is not really the end. His battle, could have gone very differently. The clutch that followed produced a Queen, and it has been said that every dragon that lived during the times without humans was related to him because of that. His sacrifice, his incredible act led the way to others being even more daring. Though we do not even so much remember his name, we remember his act, for it has brought Ice Stone to where it is today. To much happier times.[/smear:3366FF] Temperanth let the contentment fill her eyes. There were many other stories that brought them to where they were now, but they were no longer in an eternal war, and that made everything better. [smear:33CCFF]That is how it happened.[/smear:3366FF] With that one line, the story was concluded. Though perhaps there would be another later on.

[Moo]

Cerrodalth appreciated a good yarn as much as the next dragon, but he found himself pleasantly surprised at the Ice Queen's choice of subject. He loved tales of battle and strategy most of all, if only to consider how he would have approached the situation. It was a rare choice for something as cheery as a Gather, and a choice he admired even more because of it. Such stories were like whetstones for his mind, and he liked to revisit them on cold, rainy days that kept him indoors.

Once the story had well and truly ended, Cerrodalth carefully stood up and moved off to the side of the gathering. Once out of the way, he flared his wings and stretched his cold muscles, feeling a slight twinge of envy toward his Rider, who was no doubt enjoying being in the warmth of a fire. But he had to admit, if only to himself, that he had found himself so focused on the story that he hadn't minded the cold. At least, minded it too much. It was a good distraction.

He tried to not let that last thought linger in his mind as he settled down once more in the snow, and then reached his mind out to Temperanth's. He didn't often speak to other dragons, but in the case of this wonderful tale, he knew an exception should be made. Perhaps she would elucidate more in private conversation, if so prompted.

[smear:99330d]An interesting choice of story, Ice Queen, but a good one all the same. Thank you for the tale...it was most stimulating. [/smear:99330d][smear:797777]Your Weyr certainly has a rich and noble history. It is a shame the turns have not preserved the name of that King. His strategy to remain, while Riderless, and fight for his Queen is an inspiration to us all. Even those who are, sadly, a few turns too old to fight anymore. [/smear:b2b2b2]

[Shoki]

Temperanth shifted her gaze to the Chrome dragon that spoke and let her eyes whirl into pleasant hues. [smear:33CCFF]I am glad to have entertained. It is an even greater pleasure to educate.[/smear:3366FF] She let a small rumble go through her. The other dragon has struck upon such things that she was more than happy to speak at length about. [smear:33CCFF]Yes, I have thought it a shame as well. It was, however, a time before we kept history in our minds. It is said that the Ice dragons before had no reason to remember, but once we had only ourselves, it became more important. It is more clear when you look at our lineage. We can only name our progenitors to Alinetath, and this is a tale before her time.[/smear:3366FF] Her tail kicked up a little snow about her, as she let only that small sign of frustration be displayed. [smear:33CCFF]However, if it has inspired action in the present, then, I think history has done well. Don’t you think so?[/smear:3366FF] She felt a twinge of annoyance from her rider. The eternal argument between them on the nature of stories’ worth was to be tabled for another day though. It was a gather, they both had their own role to play.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

((tag SlasherV))

Munota grinned. It was a particularly happy grin, a very genuine grin. In the fashion of the outgoing young child that she was, Munota was always willing to express genuine emotions, particularly genuine happiness. Dancer hadn’t reappeared, which she knew meant that her father didn’t object to her talking with the adult.

“Sure!” she exclaimed, in response to his question regarding sitting and eating. She bounced over to the table in his wake, and swung herself into a chair. “I’m Munota, Munota Taisteal. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Deret,” she said, before taking a bite of her food and carefully chewing it (eating quickly and allowing her mouth to open while doing so was one of the things she’d promised not to do). “How long have you been a Candidate?” she asked after a couple more bites, unable to contain the question. “What’s your favorite dragon color? I like Crimsons, they stand out so gloriously against the sky.”

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

((tag: Shoki))

Kel thought that this was a really bad idea. Unfortunately for him, Cyan was obviously determined to be wrapped up in a blanket. He didn’t have any objection to the blanket, but, well, wasn’t it a little babyish to want a story?

Looks deceive.

K’rad smiled, dropping easily down and working his way into a nice, blanket covered pile. “Story, please?” he asked, tossing his head slightly to clear his slightly longer-than-normal dark brown hair from his eyes.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

((tag: Shoki, Cait, Moo))

Slinesteth shifted slightly, ever so slightly, so that Dav’s hand was applying just a bit more pressure. He normally didn’t like being touched, but this was Dav.

“Not too much,” Tiv answered with a shrug, as the barking of eager canines filled the air. “Just a new voice.” There was almost a code in that answer; they could discuss what, if anything, that voice’s words had meant at a later time. For now, there was a party to get too. He was clambering up onto Slinesteth in the next moments, and then the he and Dav were air-born and headed to the party.

They landed just in time for the story, dragons touching down in unison. Indeed, had they arrived even a few moments earlier, Slin might well have gotten side-tracked, for there was another Chrome present among the audience. As it was, Slin was just as caught up in the story as his rider, both of them silently cheering for that poor, brave, loyal King. Tiv stood the entire time with one arm wrapped tightly around Dav, catching her eye and smiling at the beginning, the start of that long war. As he for she, so I for you, that look seemed to promise.

Coming out of the story at its end felt almost like waking from a dream. Tiv watched and listened as the other Chrome, the source of that other voice he had heard, approached Temperanth and thanked her for the story. It was with a certain amount of surprise then, that he heard the slight frustration, even annoyance, in Temperanth’s reply. Granted, he knew (as only one who could hear and sense every dragon around could) that Temperanth and Hedara didn’t see eye to eye on things like this, but it was still like the shock one could get from touching metal, not painful, just a little startling, no matter how expected it might have been. Indeed, despite himself Tiv pulled his head back slightly, a physical response to a purely mental stimulus of slight shock.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

((Tag: Shoki))

Dancer, always willing to be friendly, leaned forward slightly from his perch on Munokhoi’s shoulder and gave a complex series of trills, waving his wings slightly in a very clear (to his mind at least) invitation to play.

“Not to mention,” Munokhoi replied. “You have remarkably sturdy buildings, nice for cutting down on cold. We are doing very well. I trust you are likewise?” his tone, slight rising infection, made the latter part of the statement into a question. Lady Edetta contented herself with a smile and remained silent. She wasn’t really one for socializing formally, though she was clearly a friendly sort who was listening attentively to Hedara.

[Shoki]

((Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)))

Cyan scooted to give Kel a place to sit, cocooning herself in the warm blankets. Once he was properly settled she looked back up at the harper, who was considering both of the riders. Obviously the harper had a repertoire and was attempting to select a story for the two young folks in front of him. Soon enough he started to speak though.

It wasn’t a story about dragons. Instead it was about a farmer, who loved a woman. It followed the events as he tried to secure a marriage, finally doing so, and then saving her from wild beasts before their wedding day. It was rather mundane, but well told. Cyan seemed stuck on every word, only able to look back around when he declared the story was done. It wasn’t that long, or so she thought, but when she looked up it looked like their time to go on. She tugged at Kel’s arm, to point at the harpers. Time to go on!

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

((Tag: Shoki))

Kel’d forgotten how much fun it could be to just sit and listen to a story, but… did the man really have to? There were any number of stories, so why, in all of Pern why, had he picked one like that. He couldn’t even lose himself in the story, because, well…

The mission!

Resolutely, K’rad redirected his thoughts. The way he was sitting actually helped with that, in the sense that no one could see that he was distracting himself by literally applying a joint lock to his own wrist.

Once, he glanced over at Cyan out of the corner of his eye and caught himself smiling. She was clearly enthralled with the story. To be fair, the telling was masterful, just… seriously? Finally, the thing was done, and K’rad, after doing an amazingly credible job of pretending he’d liked it to, was tugged over towards the harpers by Cyan.

“Already?” he mouthed, startled, even as he followed her in that general direction.

[Shoki]

((Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)))
Temperanth got an inkling of something, and turned her head slightly. T’vax was about. Of course, that made sense. He seemed to be taken aback, and she grasp it was her little tension with Hedara. Her eyes whirled pleasant enough though. She reached out in a relaxing manner, touching T’vax’s mind lightly. [smear:33CCFF]Nothing to worry about. Though I am sorry if our arguments have been a little loud.[/smear:3366FF] Temepranth didn’t seem bothered at the fact her and her rider argued from time to time. Mostly it was only on this subject. They argued each other into a standstill as well. Then again, she couldn’t imagine it any other way. Hers disliked ‘stories’. But she managed with dry history. That was enough.

[smear:33CCFF]Hopefully the story was entertaining though.[/smear:3366FF] The Ice relaxed, it was her home, and she was the hostess, but no reason to be stiff. It was hilarious when one considered her rider was inside, stiff as a board, acting above it all, rather then entertaining her friends.

[Shoki]

(Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro))
Ivy cheerfully chirped back, looking down at Hedara just once. The rider moved her hand slightly, and Ivy accepted the invitation to play immediately. The Green headed above the humans, since she wasn’t supposed to get in the way. She chirped to Dancer, knowing where all the best places were to play.

Hedara noticed, but didn’t reveal that as her firelizard went to take its leave. She pondered to herself the difference between lies and pleasantry as she responded. “Quite well. The weather has been as agreeable as winter can be.” The last part was accurate, thank Faranth. The first part only true for purposes of conversation. She really needed a Jr Weyrwoman. “May I offer a beverage? We have a selection of drinks that are quite warming.” Either way you wanted to do it. Hedara hadn’t picked anything alcoholic for herself, at least not yet. Still, that didn’t mean she wasn’t considering it. It helped that she could drink, and hold her liquor very well. Which was a shame for the small group at ISW who might have been interested to see Hedara when she was drunk. Not in their lifetime. And certainly not at a gather.