Hatching Feast (all are invited)

[hrsegrl]

The feast was ready. All of the drudges had worked hard to create the amount of food necessary to feed the Weyr a feast of feasts. The Harpers had been waiting for a celebration such as this to play their music and have some fun. There wasn't a person in the Weyr who could say it wasn't a night worth celebrating.

Elske entered, as one of the first riders to arrive that night, she wanted to choose a table with plenty of room, for all of her friends. She looked forward to seeing one man in particular. She really did hope he would come sit by her. She tried not to think about it but it seemed he was on her mind more and more. Isleith thought Elske was being very silly.

Of course the Hatching feast would be a good place for Elske to be admired, but she really wasn't in the mood for all the banter of the blue and brown riders. Green eyes, looking at the doorway, Elske noted the next man to come in. No doubt he rode Bronze with a walk that arrogant. My but he was something nice to look at.

F'dan never noticed anyone lest he was interested in them. Lyrai wasn't there yet, he noted. He really hoped the Weyrwoman would spend all her dances on him... she ought to, he was the best dancer. The cocky Bronzerider was not humble at all. He truly believed he was the best.

There were a few attractive women in the Hall already and a great number of riders had already begun to enter, it seemed F'dan was just the first of a great storm of riders to enter the Hall. He took a seat with Beta Wing, where he belonged. Even if he didn't get a chance to dance with Lyrai, he would manage to keep himself busy. This was a celebration and he was going to have fun.

H'var was waiting at the entrance of the great hall to make sure the Weyrlings all knew where they were to sit, especially the new ones. He would be sitting with them of course. Had to make sure the youngsters didn't get into too much trouble. Kestrel had taken residence on his head once again. That sharding firelizard, he was a menace, truly.

[Dragon Heart]

A'rik came in, heading to the Alpha wing. He was glad this hatching had proven good. Ponaa needed more greens and blues. He was hungry, and would definitely eat his fill. He liked music, and would probably sing along, although he could not hit a tune to save his life. He sat down, looked for a wineskin, and surveyed the incoming crowd as well. He noticed that the first to impress was now entering the room. He then continued looking for a wineskin.

Toya walked in, going strait for the Weyrling table. She was starved. Toya would eat first and talk and dance later. Toya had decided to look for Panna and Rael as soon as she ate. She had finally gotten her priorities strait. Food, friends, fun, and food in that order.

[Memorie]

Tujal had high-tailed it over to the feast as soon as the hatching was over. With Amenth being fully mature, she often found herself more hungry than she had been. I eat more now, as well, Amenth mentioned. Tujal nodded.

Apparently, we're growing, she said, smiling. The young goldrider headed up to the Head Table where she belonged. Taking a slow seat, she smiled graciously to those that noticed her. "Good to see you as well, Sir," she said, addressing a higher-ranking individual who had greeted her. A drudge served her a red wine, as was her favorite, and she smiled at her. "Thanks," she said.

Tujal sat quietly, smiling and nodding at passers-by, and waiting for some company.

[LyricalBlue]

As she strode into the hall, the Weyrwoman decided she approved greatly of her new dress. Somehow the Weaver had gotten almost the exact shade of Zhariath’s dark gold hide. The gold however, thought her hide was still a better color, and she really was right. But the smooth lines of the dress and the color had successfully won Lyrai over thoroughly. She hoped the effect would carry to certain others. Her dark hair was plaited up and her neck felt strangely bare. Hopefully the night’s revelries would be worth all the trouble that she’d put into it.

Lyrai stopped at the entrance to the huge cavern, surveying the growing crowd. Everything seemed well in order, but then she’d of flayed the Headwoman if things went otherwise. By Zhariath’s own egg, there was no way she’d let a Hatching Feast of Ruet’s go off with any problems. Of course, she had half driven the staff mad with preparations; but Lyrai thought that sacrifice well worth the result. Drapes in the Weyr’s colors of sea green and gold lined the arching walls; the tables all had fresh bouquets and were too swathed in cloths of the Weyr’s colors. From the smells emanating from the kitchens, the meal itself seemed to be going off without a hitch and wine produced from Ponaa’s own mountainside was in such abundance that the Weyrwoman swore that they could swim in it.

N’mos appeared behind her and took up her arm. With a glance at the Weyrleader she noticed he was at least appropriately dressed and for once looked his part. The touch however, was icy and strictly formal. The Weyrleaders must always maintain a united front in public. Lyrai wanted to scream, the man had been driving her even more insane than usual. His protestations of the Queen’s wing flying, was really just too much for her.

The Weyrwoman’s dark eyes flashed with the memory of their most recent fight, but the fire of her temper was buried the next second. This was not the time for such thoughts; it was a Hatching Feast, in honor of Ruet and Sharieth’s latest clutch. For a moment, the Weyrwoman reached out to her gold’s twin. Their voices really did sound so alike, though Zhariath’s contained a more dangerously silken tone.

You did so well dear, the both of you. What a wonderful clutch.
Amusment from Zhariath filtered back at her rider speaking to her twin, it was always like that for Lyrai, she couldn’t talk to one without the other. Perhaps it was her attachment to her Gold, or maybe the result of her birth. Many times Lyrai could never figure out which one had spoken; and the twins in their humor, never saw it necessary to make the difference known.

She allowed N’mos to lead her up to the High Table and sat as he pulled the chair out for her. At least he had remembered that much of the lessons on manners she had tried time and again to drill through his thick skull. He too then sat without sparing her another glance. Shards… it was going to be an interesting evening.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was awhile before I’slen actually got to the Hall, all the new Weyrlings needing to be fed, oiled and settled in their beds. The Weyrlingmaster ushered the rest of the newly Impressed youngsters to bathe then dress and head back to the Hall. And he couldn’t stay here long, there was too much work to be done with a new class of Weyrlings.

But for a little while he would stay. He wanted at least one dance with his lovely Tujal, that and dinner. The smells that filled the Hall nearly caused the bronzerider to run straight for the kitchen. But, displaying a high level of self control he went and took his place with Alpha Wing. The children could find him if they needed and he found it was best to be out of their hair and allow them some measure of freedom on this occasion. There would be enough work later.

[hrsegrl]

Sharieth hear Lyrai's comment and responded as she normally would, We had a very good flight hence a good Hatching.Sharieth was all logic as usual. Ruet was still getting ready, trying on different gowns but all in all too frustrated to choose anything. K'leren might as well choose for her at this point. Sharieth butted in then. I like the red one. Thus Ruet wore the red gown. Her curls were up nicely coiled and out of her way.

Her two firlizards were squaking about something. "Cut it out. Both of you. You are staying here and thats final." She sent them both an image of Sharieth flaming them should they disobey Ruet. The little gold flew up and nuzzled her. The brown flitted over to her shoulder and curled up there. Annoying little helions.

Where was that man? She couldn't go to the Hatching without her escort it would be unseemly especially as it was her Hatching. She had already made them late, what could he possibly be doing?

-------

F'dan saw her enter instantly. Lyrai was well dressed even the color of her gown seemed to go with the occassion, as it was very close in hue to her own dragon. N'mos was acting the escort but F'dan could point out his mistakes already. The man was entirely too hidebound.

After she sat down, F'dan began to scheme. How could he sneak her away and insult N'mos at the same time. Oh and he reallty wanted to make the man jealous. For all that F'dan was a simple wingrider and N'mos a Weyrleader, he knew who was the better man. Lyrai would know soon enough too. She did owe him a dance.

He stood up and walked over to High Table. F'dan bowed appropriately to the Weyrleader and the WEyrwoman and then spoke only to Lyrai. "My Lady, when you are free I do believe you owe me a dance." His eyes were dangerously flirtatious. He wanted her to know he wasn't afraid to play her game.

[brimstone81]

((::rubs hands together:: I have plenty of entrances to make...))
G'del walked in, wearing his finest tunic of blue, slightly darker than harper blue, hemmed and trimmed with darker blue. He wore a brown belt, with brown boots over nice dark blue trousers. He felt that he was very well dressed, and well matched to say the least. His hair had been a little bit longer, and recently cut it, as well as shaved. Though he opted to keep a little bit of his side burns. His eyes scanned the area, he saw the queenriders almost immediately, it seemed as if it would very hard for another woman to beat their style. Very elegant, the lot of them. Lyrai's dress was exquisite, the coloring was a amazing shade of gold. It was a good hatching this time, but still my blood boils.

I know Ridermine. You are not alone. At least appear happy, Mine. Solarith said solomnly, it was a happy event, but the pair could not forget insults easily. More pleasantly to the parent dragons, It was a nice clutch Sharieth and Nemenath.
----
D'lon wore his best clothes in tans and browns. He was all smiles, it would be an opportunity to drink with his mates, and have a grand old time. It was gluttony all around! The young man would dance and flirt and eat and drink, who wouldn't be happy and joyous. Yes there was the queen egg fiasco, and yes it was horrible, but they did have three queens and Ista had none. Not that Tam would ever fly a queen, so he wasn't too worried. D'lon only hoped he wouldn't have a run in with Venaru. All would be well. He saw a friend of his, "Ah there you are, you rascal!"
-----
Today Shaylin decided to dress very feminine. She wanted to show off her curves. She had been cold and alone for far to long, and she enjoyed the attentions of other people emmensly. She had the leisure not having to worry about her reputation like some rankers had to, and she would take that advantage. She wore a clingy dress of sea green trimmed with yellow, in honor of Ponaa Weyr. It was time to show her pride, and for once, she was beaming, almost glowing with happiness rather than her rigid gestures and cold frowns. Maybe it was because she had some wine before she came down, or maybe it was just because the spirit of the Hatching Feast got into her. Either way, it was a good thing. Now where was that charming Weyrsinger?
-----
Panthea came in wearing a long flowy gown of goldenrod. It had been one of her mother's treasured things. It had been a gift from P'non, and while Panthea often changed her opinion of the man who fathered her, it was a beautiful gown so why not wear it? Panthea felt that greens or blues brought out her eyes better, but this dress didn't clash too terribly with her skin tone. It was a little low cut at the bust, and Panthea wasn't sure how she'd like that, but maybe it would get her a dance or two. Her blue eyes scanned for Toya and Rael. She felt that not standing and Impressing made her and Rael even closer, and was thankful for her as a friend, and was glad that they were not rivals.

Her mind shifted a bit and she thought of R'dir. Maybe the brazen bronzerider would be here tonight. She secretly hoped he would be. Recently she scolded herself for crushing on a bronzerider unlikely to return her feelings, but he was so sharding alluring to her that she couldn't help it. It seemed like she found herself thinking about him more and more. She scolded herself for that too. Why was she so weak all of a sudden?

[FireThorne]

((Me too, Brim, lol.))

T’ryus was, naturally, one of the first riders to arrive in the weyrhall, holding his favorite lute in a case and two drudges carrying more of his instruments in tow. His violin, his harp, his flute–the greenrider checked them all before dismissing the two with a wave of his hand. Pulling his lute from it’s case, the man ran his fingers lovingly over the wood, his black eyes inspecting every inch of the instrument. Plucking each of the strings experimentally to check their tune, the Weyrharper was satisfied with what he heard and settled himself in a chair near the stage. The man wore his traditional boots and leggings, but had traded his usual simple cotton shirt for a deep blue tunic embroidered with silver along the edges. It looked good on him, but then again most things did. He began a very low song, the melody slow and soft, and T’ryus sang quietly, his head bowed. Yes, the lute was in tune. Now, to test the violin. Reaching for the other instrument, the man glanced up and grinned at a certain female in particular. "Why, my dear Shaylin." He said, striding up to her with violin in hand, "I was just about to start practicing, my lovely lady, but I have to say my muse has been swept away by your beauty." He bowed before her, a rougish smirk upon his features.

H’seo strode into the weyrhall with his usual long-legged gate, his stormy grey eyes sweeping the already growing crowd for a certain female in particular. He wore polished wherhide boots and black breeches, and a sleeveless grey tunic over a white shirt. He might not have been the best looking man there, but the bluerider had obviously taken care in how he had dressed for the evening, and it showed. He was looking pretty good himself. ‘Aww, shards, now where is she....?’ He thought, walking slowly through his fellow riders and returning a few greetings he received. Looking about at the tables, his grey gaze finally rested on the lady he had been seeking. Grinning, the wingrider strode up to the woman, meeting her green eyes. “Greetings, m’lady. Would you happen to have an escort for the evening?” He drawled, wondering if she would catch his referral back to the first time they had met at the lake. It was the very same thing he had spoken to her by way of introduction then.

Raelwyn had lost Panthea in the teeming crowds entering the weyrhall, and now the candidate stood a bit to the side of the entrance, waiting for her fellow Fort-born. She would have already seated herself, but most of her friends had already Impressed and candidates could not sit with the weyrlings. Well, after the feast had begun and the toasts given, she could seek out Toya and Zaref—Z’fan and congratulate them. Naturally, Tydus had taken up his usual residence in the curve of her neck, his tail twined through her hair and his head resting in the gentle dip above her collarbone. For now, the jealous bronze was content, but she rather thought that would change when she sought out Z’fan. Tonight, since it was a special occasion, the girl had chosen her gather finest, and she would have worn the green gem G’mir gave her...had the chain been repaired. That aside, she still looked rather lovely in a light, flowing dress that hugged her in all the right places and was tailored to curve like a woman. It cut square above her breasts, held by two thin straps, and only slightly scooped at her back so she did not show a lot of skin. Instead of her favored green, this dress was a deep blue that made her emerald eyes seem all the darker. At a soft croon from her firelizard, the girl ran a hand down the bronze’s back, her eyes still watching the entrance for a sign of Panthea. Of course, her mind also went to a certain bronzerider, and she would not have minded to see him enter, either, if for no other reason but to be able to greet him. Finally finding her dear friend, Rael trotted over to her. “Panna!” The girl said grinning, looking over the other gold-hopeful with an approving eye. “Wow, you look good, girl. I’m feeling jealous!” She said playfully.

Kheron joined the others in entering the weyrhall, his amber eyes taking in the enormous cavern with awe. He had never seen such a revel in so small a place before, but the riders obviously spared no expense when it came to their hatching feasts. The boy did not know any of his fellow candidates, so he inquired as to which table those of his rank were assigned to and seated himself. He wore his only real decent tunic, a deep red, though it was sleeveless and collared. Waiting patiently for someone to either join him or for the feast to begin, the wrangler took the current opportunity to get a good look at the Weyrleaders at their high table. He also studied the dragonriders around him, noting things about them. As a former beastcrafter apprentice, he had an eye for detail, and a sharp mind. He usually noticed everything about a person upon a short inspection.

[Dragon Heart]

Toya could not wait for the toast. She wanted to eat. She looked out to the entrance, looking for her friends. She spotted them, and smiled. She wanted to jump up and greet them, but knew that she had better wait. She couldn't help but to let her mind flicker toward Chresayth, who was still asleep. Toya would have to take her friends to admire her. Toya just knew that Rael, and Panthea would love the little one. How could they not? Toya waited impaitently for the toast, so she could eat.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A'rik finally got his wine, and sat drinking contentally. He decided that he might dance, but only if the girl came to him. He noted that his new friend H'seo was now seated with a lady. A'rik would have to go talk to him later.

[brimstone81]

Shaylin chuckled, and said in mock disdain, still grinning to the greenrider, "Oh, you flattering scoundrel!" She would have loved to dance with him, but knew that he would have to be the entertainment. The greenrider wouldn't mind it terribly if she had to sit out a bit. But for now she had him in her clutches, before he had to play for the other joyous and dance giddy guests. A hand found it's way making sure that her hair was still swept up on top of her head. She wanted to look nice and feminine for at least a night. Shay eyed him up a bit, grinning, "Why, you're looking as fine as ever, dear Weyrsinger. You're muse, however must be blind as a bat."

Panthea turned around, seeing Rael and smiling. Panthea's hair had been pinned into place to create a more elegant look to go with her more elegant, womanly dress. Panthea had never worn anything so fine in her life, and knew that her mother hadn't really worn it more than twice since she was at Ponaa. Amazingly it was still in good condition with a tear here and there at the bottom hem, probably from being stepped on. Panna looked at Rael's dress, it was such a pretty vibrant color for her friend.

She flushed a little at Rael's compliment, and then smiled and nodded to the Weyrwoman, "My thanks, but it does not look nearly as nice as Queenrider Lyrai's dress. I wonder what tricks the weavers used to get such a color. I think every girl in the whole place could be envious of the Weyrwoman tonight. But you are looking fine as well. Hoping to catch the eye of any on in particular?" Panna teased, and then giggled. Panthea herself hoped to at least catch one glance from a particular man, but one never knew. Maybe she would find some one else this eve if he didn't notice her.

[FireThorne]

T’ryus arched a brow at the greenrider as he straightened, trying his utmost to keep at straight face at her reply. As dearly as he wished to smirk, he managed not to. “My dear lady, such a compliment from a woman like yourself is enough to shame even the most honeyed words of the smoothest Harper on Pern.” The glib rider replied, inclining his head to her suavely. As always, the man’s words was as silky as they were dangerous, like a knife sheathed in velvet. At her next words, the Weyrharper’s brows rose in surprise, but then he grinned, running a hand through his windswept hair. “If my Muse is blind, my lovely Shaylin, then I am deaf.” He smirked, and offered her his arm. “Shall we enjoy each other’s company before I must attend to my duties for the night?” T’ryus wiggled his brows suggestively, and hailed a drudge passing by to request a wineskin. “Ah, before I forget, my dear,” The man suddenly announced, turning back to the lady, “The other resident harpers will be playing several songs on their own tonight, and I do humbly request that I have the honor of stealing you away for a dance or two.”

Raelwyn grinned at her friend’s reply, her green eyes traveling to the Weyrwoman at Panthea’s nod. Yes, the goldrider did look rather lovely that night, but then again so did the junior gold, Tujal. “Indeed. She is quite beautiful, and the dress must be the work of a master.” The candidate could not even begin to put a price on the handsome dress Lyrai wore, and for a moment she was almost jealous. Her own dress, fetching though it was, could not compare to the amazingly gold fabric that shrouded Zharieth’s own, and there was no doubt she and Tujal would catch many an eye that night. Bronze eyes at that. Suddenly, the girl did not feel nearly so lovely as she had a candlemark before as she twirled before the glass in the girl’s dorms, and she snorted lowly to herself. Well, foolish of her, anyway. “Ah, hardly.” Rael replied dismissively at her friend’s praise of her own appearance, sweeping a few stray locks of gold from her eyes. Instead of her usual careless bun, the candidate had allowed her wavy blond hair to fall carelessly about her shoulders, which gave her a quite appealing look of smooth gold and coppery highlights. It did fall rather prettily. Although, now it was her turn to blush.

Yes, she had to admit, at least to herself, she had been thinking of a certain individual when she had dressed and meticulously checked her appearance over and over for any blemishes. The candidate’s mouth twitched, and she could not stop herself from smiling from both irony and amusement. “Perhaps.” She replied airily, arching a brow at her friend. Grinning, the candidate finally decided she did not care anymore-she was hardly shy, and she was not going to be nervous about her infatuation any longer. She would not deny herself the hope. “Well, since you mention it, Panna….I was rather looking forward to seeing G’del. And what about you? Is there a certain man to catch your eye?” Rael smiled at her friend secretively, and leaned close so her words would not be heard by anyone else. Panthea was her best friend, and she was tired of keeping her feelings….and desires….to herself. Looking about, her green eyes traveling over the ever-growing crowd, her gaze found the very man she had been looking for. G’del looked entirely too handsome in a deep blue that only served to accent his dark good looks all the more, but his eyes happened to be on a certain gold rider. “G’del...” Raelwyn said softly, but not so much so that Panna could not hear.

[brimstone81]

"Ah, then," She spoke a little louder in jest, "I shall remember to really annunciate my words so you can read my lips." He did certainly have a way of keeping her attention. Of course they had only really met the other night, but it was a good start, at least. They could work things our for a while, at least. Shaylin smirked as he wriggled his eye brow and took his arm. She said softly, "I'd love to join you. Where will you be sitting for the fest, my sweet harper? I should love to sit next to you."

At mention of dance, her eyes lit up slightly, it had been so long since she danced. She even remembered that the last time she had danced, it had been with her then-weyrmate, a brownrider named N'valan. By that time they were feuding and the dancing had not all been that great. She was sure that with T'ryus it would be better. "I'd love to dance with you, T'ryus."
-------
Panthea was no weaver but estimated that she could probably never afford a dress like that unless she was a Lady Holder. Even then, she'd better have a husband prepared to pay the commission. She looked to Ruet and Tujal, they both looked really nice as well. As they ought to. Panthea was just a queenrider wannabe. A candidate, a candidate who was eighteen turns and still not impressed. She sighed a bit, for she wouldn't be dissapointed if the conversation changed, so she had changed it by asking Rael about any infatuations.

At first Panna didn't think that Rael would confide in her and play the 'nothing's going on' game. The gold candidate looked around the room to see if she could guess. Fortunately she didn't have to, Rael spilled the tubers. Panthea smiled, "Ooh a bronzerider, and nice tastes I might add. He seems like a decent fellow. Does he share the same feelings, do you know?" Panthea thought of her own bronzerider. She sighed dreamily.

Panna flushed deeply, knowing that the question would come up. She couldn't deny it. Rael might have guessed already. Panthea was sure her emotions would play on her face-she was loosing her touch. She spoke really quietly, close to Rael's ear, "I liked a bronzerider as well. Remember the rider who took us to the beach? I like him. R'dir."

[hrsegrl]

The Hatching feast was starting to become really packed when Telaro entered. He was a mess as usual. He wore his best outfit. A dark blue shirt and black pants but still he looked like an unwashed towel. He couldn't help it if he was the scruffy sort. Looking about the hall, he took a seat with some of the other apprentices. He wasn't really sure he wanted to talk to any of the riders just yet. Telaro was simply admiring some of them. He wasn't really looking for anyone in particular, as he knew many men at the Weyr and women as well though it was the men he was interested in. The twenty turn old grinned. It would be a night for good music. He for one was glad the Hatching had turned out as well as it had.

Meanwhile, Elske saw a familiar man enter the Hall. She smiled when his gaze met hers. He looked good though she had to say he looked good in just about anything to her. "Not yet." She paused remembering her own wording. ""If your up for it, I would love to have some company..." Elske winked at him. A couple fellow wingriders patted her on the back as they passed to go sit down further along the table.

Elske hadn't known what to wear and had thrown on an old gown, she had not worn in ages. It was deep blue, with a well fitting bust and simple skirt. The neck was swooped and the sleeves rested below her shoulders. She had not done too much with her hair, just put it up and out of her way. Of all things, Elske really just wasn't one to care for clothing. She'd rather not worry about it at all.

"I see you found me alright." She grinned. "Do you dance H'seo?"

[Jennalyn]

R'daur stood uncomfortably outside the dining hall, now the site of the hatching feast, smoothing down the front of his formal tunic self-consciously. Its pale gray fabric and faint embroidery made him look pale and somewhat washed out, but he had little sense for fashion and had taken the first piece the Headwoman could find in his size. The trousers were his own, a sensible black and less worn than the others he owned. They were still new enough that he felt fine wearing them for a formal occasion. Fancier clothing always made him feel uncomfortable, whether or not it actually hung well, which it usually didn't. Formal situations were some of his least favorite.

Still, the situation was a jouous one and deserved an effort at formality for the sake of the newly-Impressed. This night would forever change their lives, hopefully for the better. The mood at his own hatching feast had been forced cheer, barely half of the clutch surviving to break their shells and find a life-partner. Not so here. He could see people laughing in earnest, eating and making merry. The sight made him smile slightly and brightened his mood.

With Lheth's encouragement, he shoved thoughts of inadequacy to the far corner of his mind and entered the hall, instinctively searching out someone he knew. There were plenty of wingmates wandering around, one of the most readily apparent being their resident Weyrsinger as he entertained a young woman. T'ryus always surrounded himself with people, so it was nothing unusual and he didn't feel especially bad about approaching. He didn't recognize the girl, but that wasn't unusual either.

"Someone else flocking to your sweetened tongue?" he asked upon approach, smiling at the pair of them in greeting. "T'ryus, it's good to see you here. For a minute I'd almost feared we would be without the pleasure of your music, though if this young lady manages to lead you off, we might still." His lips twitched, another smile proving that his words were completely in jest.

[FireThorne]

T’ryus smirked at the greenrider, his black eyes reflecting a terrible mischief as he did. The harper was at his worst when he got that look. Accepting the wineskin from the drudge when she returned, the man held Shaylin’s arm close and gave her a wicked smirk, leading her away from the stage. “Wherever you chose, my dear lady. I am afraid I will not be able to keep you company the whole night, and I would so hate for you to be unhappy.” When she accepted his offer to dance, the Weyrharper grinned and preformed a half-bow for her. “My pleasure is nothing a mere man can put into words, my lady, but you do me honor.” T’ryus was truly beginning to enjoy himself, and he started to think ahead.....to after the feast. Perhaps their time together would not have to end with the festivities. He was rather immersed in the conversation, so when the brownrider approached he was a bit surprised.

“My dear R’daur,” The Weyrharper began, the tone of his voice indicating he was about to weave a very interesting situation, “I shall have you know that just because you lack my natural charm and magnetism, there is no need for insults.” The greenrider sounded ever-so important, but the grin and wicked devilry in his eyes betrayed him. Then he became a bit more serious, but not too much so. His voice still betrayed his mirth. “Aye, what kind of feast would it be without my talents to entertain? I shall practice my skill, naturally, but I have to say I would rather be led off by the young lady than sing for you tone-deaf riders. Ah, but what time I have to myself I have already dedicated.” T’ryus smirked, then looked at Shaylin, a secret in his eyes just for her.

~~~~~

H’seo grinned like an errant weyrling at the lady’s reply, immeasurably pleased that she had remembered their first meeting. Inclining his head, his grey eyes danced with mirth. “Honored to, m’lady.” He drawled, still playing out that evening at the lake. The bluerider laughed then and seated himself at her side, his gaze traveling over her figure as he did. “You look mighty lovely tonight, Elske.” The tall man said softly, smiling at her as he did. He had grown quite accustomed to her company as of late, and had also developed a deep fondness for the greenrider. The farmboy was far from an expert in the matters of love, and so his affections were rather naive. Oh, he was a man who knew what he wanted, and he knew he wanted the lady beside him, but he did not even give thought to the more wicked workings of flirtations and the like. He was a bit.....innocent, so his attentions were pure. “Oh, I’ve been known to a time or two.” H’seo replied with a shrug, winking at the woman. “I was just about to ask you the same thing, m’lady. Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”

~~~~~

Raelwyn could feel a blush on her cheeks as her fellow gold-hopeful commented on her crush, clasping her hands before her breast. “Oh, I do not know, Panna. I wish I knew how he felt about me...” The girl sighed softly, her green eyes following the tall form of the Wingleader as he moved about. She felt....something a little darker than a crush for him, really, an emotion that was dipping into her soul that was starting to grow into a woman from a mere girl. There was something a little-less-than-innocent blossoming in her, but it was hardly a pressing feeling yet. She still felt a girlish infatuation for him and a healthy amount of admiration, and she had not faced the other emotion yet. That would take time.

The girl’s attention snapped immediately back to her friend when the girl spoke, and Rael’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really?” She asked, then giggled. Well, she had seemed a little infatuated in the weyrs, and it was not as large of a shock as it could have been. “What about you, then? Do you know how he feels?”

The gold candidate was still watching G’del, and something inside of her shifted uncomfortably. She knew he was a Wingleader, and she knew that he was looking at the goldriders, particularly Lyrai, earlier, but Faranth help her, for she could not help herself. Raelwyn had always been the outgoing sort that worked for what she wanted, and the bronzerider had captured her interest and maybe something more. She could not find it in herself to stand idly by and allow the man to slip away. “Panna, I’m going to ask him to dance.” The girl announced, then took a deep breath. Tossing her best friend a smile that made her seem far more confident than she was, Rael started forward, smoothing her hands against her skirt to steady them. As usual, her nerves pulled on all of her funny strings, and she felt her usual awkwardness arise. Concentrating on the tall Wingleader, the girl focused on not making a fool of herself. She always seemed to get klutzy when she was nervous.

[Kahvi]

Almost invisibly, S'mael entered the hall making no waves. Flights, hatchings, time after time candidates move on to weyrlings. Ceremony was of congratulations for those that were picked by thier dragons. But he was jaded by the whole thing by now. His students move on. Its just a way of life. He had to accept it as such.

S'mael sat near the back of the room, sipping on a glass of water. This celebration is for the hatching. The less notice he had for keeping an extra eye where some may feel it wasnt needed. Or even the less notice he had in general would say he was doing his job well. He had enough of the forefront when he was a candidate and weyrling himself. Besides... S'mael still thought the dragons were playing favorites after all.