Consummation

'The World of Pern(tm)' and 'The Dragonriders of Pern(r)' are copyright to Anne McCaffrey (c) l967, 2000. This is a recorded online session, by permission of the author but generated on SouCon MUSH for the benefit of people unable to attend.
Consummation!
February 3 2000, Logged by Telinda

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M'ton laughs and nods. "At least not a dance that doesn't involve oil, sand or firestone sacks."

Niare walks onto the beach looking a little confused and unsure of herself. She just stops a few steps onto the sand and looks around.

Sarai chuckles, tossing her head back. "This is true, too true. But for now, she's off curled up in her own little nest."

Tris takes her plate and edges around the worst of the crowds, all but bumping into Niare as she fails to look where she's going, only at what she's avoiding. She startles back, holding her plate quickly to her chest to dribble rib gravy on her own skirt rather than the other woman's. "I'm sorry!" she apologizes hastily.

"Neither is life, K'tor," Dyani replies with a sigh of both frustration and exasperation. "If it was, I would have found my lifemate at Southern Weyr. No, dearest, that doesn't mean I don't love you." The last is obviously intended for the green that's curled up around the little circle she shares with the Southern Weyrsecond.

Telinda returns from the official business she'd been talking to the Monaco Weyrleaders with, and heads over to Joslyn, looking casually around, "How's it going?" she asks.

M'ton nods. "Esvorth's over near the weyrhall, taking the opportunity to nap as well. The temptation of Harper music wasn't enough to sway him from joining in the festivities, I'm afraid."

"Nothing's wrong," Jelisa says quickly, pushing her hair back a bit more. "I just am tired from dancing and the excitement." And Sylaith's a firelizard. Jelisa's doing an admirable job of hiding whatever it is, though.

Demitiri looks at the fork Joslyn has given him, furrows his brow, and, shrugging, uses the handle to eat with. What an odd eating utensil...

Joslyn, seated with Jelisa, F'loran, and Demitiri, looks up as the Weyrwoman approaches again and gives her a quick smile. "Not bad, not bad. We're eating - use th'fork, Demi." Then she tosses her chin a little to indicate the counsel of K'tor and Dyani, which she's been watching from afar this whole while. To the other goldrider, she adds, "Yes. Look how much I believe you, Jelisa."

Niare's eyes go wide as the gravy dribbles down Tris' skirt, "Oh, no! I'm so sorry." Her eyes go wider as she notes the other woman's knot.

F'loran, in an effort to at least help Joslyn out in /some/ way, decides to help with Demitiri's training. He reaches out, grabs the young man's fork, turns it around, and hands it back to him. "The little prongs go into the food," he remarks with a smile. "Try it.."

A flash of something crosses Telinda's face, and she leans down to ask her junior something.

Jelisa clears her throat, looking at Telinda like the weyrwoman is her salvation from an uncomfortable situation. Which she is. "I'm excited about graduating," she offers, mostly looking the part.

Tris catches the plate before she spills too much, "I didn't splash you, did I?" A crease furrows her worried brow as she hastily inspects the aparent lack of damage on Niare's clothing. "So sorry. My mama always said I should look where I'm going and I still never remember to." she chides herself.

K'tor sighs faintly at Dyani. "Whatever it's worth, I'm sorry." He rises then, and offers, I'll be back and forth, seeing Tolinar. Maybe we can talk more then. but you sould at least enjoy tonight."

F'loran raises an eyebrow as he sees Kinoa approaching..and he grins. "Why're /you/ looking so smug? Drag one of the graduates off, or sometihng?"

Demitiri ohs, watching the fork reappear right-side-up in his hand. He stabs experimentally at a piece of squishy fruit, and remarks excitedly as it connects. "Hey, it works!" he grins goofily at the brownrider, holding the speared fruit up for display.

Tris, who had been focusing on her inadvertant victim, hastily looks back to Anja, "What? Oh! Depends on how full I am, I think." she dimples.

Joslyn replies to Telinda in equally low tones, keeping her voice inaudible as she speaks to the senior. A bite is taken, chewed and swallowed, one hand absently reaching to pat Demitiri on the head for a job well done. "Come now, Jelisa. Tell us - helps lots to air your troubles." Now lets hope K'tor is nowhere around to call her the hypocrite she is.

Niare relaxes a little, as she shakes her head quickly, "No." Her hands brush across the fabric of her skirt, "My skirt's clean."

Joslyn whispers "Dyani about had a fit over K'tor. Now she's over there giving him a guilt trip, I assume. She's turned into a DREADFUL girl."

B'gron sways a bit to the subtle tunes with Aeliana in his arms, "You look tired," he says after a moment, "are you planning on returning to Cove tonight, or are you going to stay here?"

Steila heads over towards K'tor, weaving her way through people and dragons, most of whom are unfamiliar to her.

Tiarnath> Albanth senses that Tiarnath sounds troubled << My rider asks if you need help? >>

Jelisa peers at Joslyn for a moment, almost suspiciously. Then her gaze travels about the crowd again. "You...uh...haven't seen D'fit about lately, have you?"' she asks slowly. As if she actually needs to talk to the bronzerider or something.

Dyani looks up at the bronzerider, extreme disappointment mixing with bitterness on her face. "That's it, go running back to your weyrwomen. I'm so glad I meant so much to you, Kat."

"Oh yeah," Demi begins scarfing his dinner. Some of it becomes smeared on his face, more gets slathered on his already dirty shirt. He glances up at Joslyn's pat, grins at her, and continues eating.

Telinda nods at Joslyn's explanation, flashing a smile at Jelisa, and then worried glance goes back over to K'tor and Dyani.

Tris looks thoroughly relieved and tells Niare with a bit of a grin, "It's too early in the evening to mess up clothing when there's a night full of dancing left. If that's your sort of thing." she adds hastily, oblivious to her own damage.

Kinoa actually gives Dyani a sympathetic look. For what it's worth. Then she heads over to the rest of the people, staying well away from K'tor.

Aeliana's brow furrows, but only slightly, at the thought of going somewhere other than here. After a short moment, she replies, "I hadn't thought on it, really. I was thinking to offer those from Cove a ride home, but...." and she lets the words trail off into a silly grin complete with a small shrug. "You?"

K'tor says quietly to the new greenrider, "We didn't have much of a chance to figure out what we meant to each other, did we, Dy." He pauses, and then looks down at Steila as she arrives. "Have you met my little sister?"

Dragon> Albanth bespoke Tiarnath with << He is unhappy. He says that He was curious about how well the healerwomanwiththegreen flew a long time ago. But has not been since she came here. >>

B'gron offers a gentle squeeze to Aeli's trim waist, nuzzling up against her cheek, "I would prefer to spend the rest of the evening with you, anywhere."

Steila waves to Dyani, "Hi." she considers the greenrider, "Did Kato say something stupid again?"

Joslyn shakes her head at Jelisa, likewise glancing through the crowd as if she might find the Weyrleader in question. "Not in a while, nope. Why?" she asks, a look going to Telinda and then following over to the green/bronze pair. "She was a real brat t'me," she adds as explanation - then snaps to Kinoa without even realizing it, "No, he doesn't!"

Jelisa shakes her head quickly, murmuring, "No reason," before allowing her gaze to be drawn over to the exchange that has caught everyone else's attention.

Tiarnath> I bespoke Albanth with << Curious is good. I'm curious about lots of things. >>

Aeliana's words are muffled, but the smile on her face is obvious, a certain merriment slipping into her bright eyes. "And I with you...." a pause and, in this moment of inspiration, she says, "I believe we have left a few things unfinished in the willows glade..." she offers.

"And I guess we won't get that chance, will we?" Dyani replies harshly before turning her attention to Steila. "Actually, we have. At the Games." The corner of her mouth twitches in a very bad, and completely unsuccessful, attempt at a smile. "No, I did a few Turns ago. I told him I cared for him." She doesn't look at the Weyrsecond as she says this.

Anja laughs, "Well, there's plenty of room in my weyr Tris if you need a place to stay."

Well, F'loran really doesn't need to respond to that, Kinoa - Joslyn's done it for him already. So, he just shrugs instead, and munches on some of his food.

Niare smiles a little, "Dancing? I do love to do that." She straightens, adding more formally, "I'm Niare. Southern Hold's Duties to Cove Hold."

K'tor sighs and backs away, managing not to trip over Aelberyth's tail, and quite well aware of the spectacle he's making of himself.

Tris smiles at Anja, "It's a kind offer and I may well end up taking up on it. There /is/ plenty of food." she admits rapidly to Anja before turning back to the unoffended Southerner.

Sarai stops, after the last whirling dance, slightly out of breath. "I think it's about time for that drop of wine," she says, fanning cool air onto her cheeks, flushed by dancing and the proximity to the brownrider. "Join me?"

Kinoa grins lazily at F'loran. "I can't decide which of you I like better," she says, presumably including the absent L'mir in the comparison.

Steila half glances back at K'tor before nodding sympathetically to Dyani, "He's not very good with girlfriends, but he's still nice, course I kinda have to say that cause he /is/ my big brother."

Telinda nods to Joslyn, once more, then picks up her skirts and wanders over to the Dyani, Steila and K'tor. She flashes a warm smile at Dyani, winks at Steila, "Congratulations, Greenrider, I was very proud of you up there!" she adds, and then flickers a look at K'tor, "Monaco's Weyrleaders said something I'd like to talk with you about, do you have a moment?"

M'ton nods, trying his best to disguise the fact that he's just as much winded as Sarai is. "Certainly," he says with confidence. "I'd love to."

Tris pulls herself up to her own height properly and smiles at Niare. "Well met, Niare. Cove's duties to Southern." she nods, "How is the Lord Warder?" she queries. "I've not heard from him recently."

B'gron raises his brows and a shock of hair falls across his forehead, a blush residing in his cheeks beneath, "Well, now that you mention it, that does sound enticing. I will need to return here sometime tomorrow, however, to see about where they will be placing me...which wing..." he drawls off and brushes against your cheek, "No sense in talking business now, I have the evening and early morning free."

F'loran laughs softly at Kinoa, and shrugs. "Well, I can't really help you there.. You can have him if you want 'im, though. Though you might have t'steal him from the rest of his hareem."

Joslyn quips up promptly: "L'mir. You like L'mir better. L'mir's better." She doesn't really meant that the way that it came out, as evidenced by the very possessive, he's-mine look she sends F'loran's way. Oh, no, she's not at all jealous. "Did you try th'cookies?" she adds to Demitiri.

K'tor nods to Telinda. "Of course. Just remind me which one of them is which again? It's always hard for me to tell." His tone is forcedly jesting and he looks to Dyani. "Congratulations," he says again softly.

Sarai grabs M'ton's hand, leading him to the far side of the wine table, out of the way of the majority of the crowd.

Kinoa shrugs. "I'm used to harems," is all she says to that. "I think it's about time I got one of my own." Then she grins at Joslyn. "I'm leaning that way. At least he has some spunk." Or really, his own will, but she's being nice.

Dyani winces visibly as Steila says 'girlfriend*s*, but nods her agreement before turning to Telinda. "Thank you, Weyrwoman. It was a pleasure seeing you in the crowd." She doesn't even look at K'tor as he offers his congratulations again.

Crumbs of said cookies litter Demi's cheeks. "Mmm, where good," he bobs his head s'more. He glances at his empty plate, sorrowfully. His shoulders slump.

Aeliana's smile does not diminish nor fade in the slightest. She simply nods, brushing the shock of hair from B'gron's forehead and leans slightly in and up on her tiptoes to caress his cheek with the gentlest of kisses before leaning down again. "Shall we leave now, then?"

Telinda slips her arm through K'tor's and guides him over towards the other Weyrleaders, "You mean you're not sure which is the man and which the woman? Kat, I'm shocked!" she teases before lowering her voice and saying something else.

Niare's left hand moves through the air, accompanying her words, "Well met, Lady Tris. The Lord Warder is well, if working hard."sw

You sense K'tor is a trifle pale but nods. "I'm fine. I just didn't think she was still carrying a torch after these turns." He grimaces, "I hate hurting people."

Steila winces a bare heartbeat after Dyani, "I dont mean girlfriends like all at once, I mean like girlfriends he had back at home before he left and stuff like that." the young girl tries to minimize her damage.

M'ton follows Sarai and says, "I don't suppose I could convince you to share a glass of Tillek? I'm quite partial to the white.."

Jelisa raises an eyebrow at the exchanges between the Southerners and clears her throat lightly. "I shuold go find my father and foster-mother. They'll want a bit of family time." Grinning at the others, she gathers her presents in her arms. "It was good seeing all of you."

Telinda nods slowly, looking up at the Weyrsecond, "I have tried warning you. Here, let's get a drink before we join them, and then perhaps I can persuade you to dance with me!"

Dyani watches the Southern Weyrwoman walk away with K'tor, a bitter expression on her face. She suddenly turns back to Steila and nods. "I know. He told me about that a long time ago. When I thought there was something between us."

Tris nods seriously to Niare, "It's good to hear that. I know he's busy organizing the Conclave that's coming up, and there's the hold on top of it all." she confides, then asks of a sudden, "Have you had enough to eat yet?"

Leaning back a hair, B'gron eyes Aeliana, "My, my, aren't we a little eager to continue the evening in a more quiet recluse. Just what surprises am I in for," he muses, his eyes telling all as he presses his lips to her forehead and squeezes the bluerider tight.

Niare's eyes flick to the laden food table, then back to Tris, and she shakes her head, "No, actually. I just arrived."

Kinoa gets up finally, heading back to Luiseth. "I'm full, and I'm going home. Maybe it's stopped raining, by now." She pauses by Steila and Dyani on her way and says, "Don't worry. He's only a bronzerider. In the long run, they're not very important." And then she's off.

K'tor nods to Telinda. "I did promise, didn't I?" He smiles at her, and then says, "All right, let's go. I'll nod and smile where appropriate."

Tris smiles, "Then I shouldn't keep you from it. The clamrolls were really good." she recommands. And admits, "Actually, I'm still fairly hungry myself."

Telinda beckons the wine waiter over, taking a glass, and offering K'tor the other one, and then introduces him to Monaco's Weyrleaders. Faint strains of the conversation can be heard, but nothing overly life threatening, just boring old threadfall charts and weather conversions.

"Was that her name?" Dyani asks, not really interested but trying to make conversation. "He didn't say, but he did tell me about the troubles he got into back home." She glances over her shoulder as Kinoa gives her two mark's worth and frowns. "Maybe not to you," the greenrider murmurs as the Southern Wingleader walks away.

Anja makes her way over to the food once more, filling her glass from the cask of Amber Ale and looks over at the deserts.

With a hint of shock, Aeli stares up at B'gron and stammers out, "No... I... um, it's just that this is such a large gathering and..." and she'd better stop before she puts her foot in her mouth. She takes a *deep* breath and composes herself, smiling and able to say, "I just wanted some time without having to worry about Weyrlingmasters and 'ling status... and such. So, shall we?" She asks again.

Joslyn, who has pretty much finished eating, gets up all at once and says, "I'm going home." She looks at F'loran then, in a meaningful-kinda-way that nobody should see but him. Read: Come with me?

"Shells," F'loran comments softly. "My Weyr's gonna be flooded again.. At least my bed's far enough off the ground to still be dry, hmm?" This said to no one, really. Then, Joslyn gets a nod and a smile and a, "Sounds like a plan, weyrwoman. I think I'll go with you." Pause. "Uhh.. To Southern, I mean.." Not to Josy's weyr. Maybe.

K'tor takes the wine glass, and slugs back half of it before bracing Monacoans. He does indeed nod and smile appropriately.

"But of course," replies Sarai, not really caring about the vintage, just the company. "I'll let you choose, sicne you seem to know more about these things than I."

The harper's music continues, interrupted now and then as they switch songs or take breaks.

M'ton laughs. "I just know what I'm used to, and that's about all we drank at home. It's hard to get a few skins all the way down here, though, unless Esvorth and I arrange a trade or two."

Dyani returns the hug firmly, surprising even herself. "No more sorry than I am," she replies, shaking her head. "All this time, waiting and hoping..." The greenrider sighs and looks at her lifemate, who raises her head to croon to her rider. "But at least I still have Aelberyth. She cares about me."

"Use th'fork," Joslyn reminds Demitiri, and then nodsnods at the brownrider. "Yes. To Southern." Yes, Josy and F'loran are thick as thieves these days. "So I'll - uhm - see you there?"

Tris glances at Anja again, "They all look good, don't they." she says wistfully as she loads up on her main course.

Kiara spots Alianne, giving her a slightly non-sober wave, before refilling her own glass yet again.

Anja laughs and nods, "They do." snagging a cookie and munching, "I'm sure you'll be having some of each."

"Uhhh," Fol responds to the Goldrider with a nod, "Sure. Yeah. Where's Jeuneth at? Kesath's," parked, "righ tover there... We can..meet back at Southern.." Or something. How obvious can they be, hmm?

Niare eyes the food again, "I'll have to try the clamrolls. Thank you for the recommendation." She takes a plate and looks over the table.

Demitiri glances up again at the reminder. "T'anks, Joslyn," he smiles shyly, noting her impending departure. "T'anks for everything.."

Alianne steps lightly onto the sands, quirking an eyebrow at Kiara's..condition. A silent greeting is sent to everyone else, the girl shuffling around, eyes darting from person to person in curiousity.

Tris dimples as piles of wherry slices eclipse the sugared tuber slices and the bread and the corn and so on. The result is another confection delicately balanced on both her hands. She generously offers, "If you need a place to sit, there's room at my table." to Niare before wending her way back to join Anja.

Joslyn COULD be more obvious, but it would take serious effort. "Yeah. Back at Southern." She smiles down at the rather dirty kid and adds, "Any time. Come visit us at Southern sometime. We have GOOD cookies." That said, she waves collectively and makes tracks off where Jeuneth is no doubt slumbering.

B'gron beams and bows to Aeliana before taking her hand and gracing it with a kiss, "As you wish." He then guides her over to their waiting dragons offering his genuine gratitude to those in attendance.

Tris hastily leaves her piled plate on the table before waving to.... Aeliana and B'gron's backs. Oh well.

Sarai fetches a plate while M'ton monopolizes the glass of wine. Filling it with several savoury treats, she returns to his side. "I didn't realise it before, but I am a little hungry," she admits. "I got some for you as well."

Aelberyth turns from her rider to regard Steila, eyes whirling a gentle blue-green only vaguely tinged with orange from her worry over Dyani. The new rider manages a smile as she, too, looks at her lifemate. "Don't say that too loud," Dyani admonishes Steila. "She already knows how good she looks, and never hesitates to tell me."

And, with that, F'loran wanders off toward Kesath. About halfway there, he laughs at something. "Yes, Kesath, I know she's glowing.." Pause, and another laugh. "Yes, Kesath.. She's very pretty." A second pause, and a third laugh. "Yes already! Yes, we'll come back tomorrow. Don't get so anxious." And then he mounts up...

F'loran hauls himself up onto Kesath with the help of a proffered foreleg and the straps, settling himself between the Brown's neckridges.

Aeliana pauses to look back on the gathering, offering a smile to all the 'lings whether they see her or not, actually *catching* Tris's wave... and grinning sillily. *Then* she leaves...

M'ton hands a glass of the white Tillek wine to Sarai and picks off a piece of food from Sarai's plate. "Oh, thank you."

Demi's plate is abruptly taken by a cleaning drudge. The lad looks after the drudge, eyes on fire with anger. "She took my plate!" he scowls, pointing at her to anyone who cares to listen. "Hmph!" he crosses his arms, gets up from the table, notes his messy appearance, and goes in search of a water barrel to freshen up with .

Steila giggles softly, "I never thought of dragons as vain before." she considers Aelberyth, "You have to be nice to her." she tells the green, indicating Dyani with her head, "Because my brother's silly."

Niare looks at Tris with a startled smile, "Thank you, Ma'am. I will." She fills her plate with just a small portion of nearly everything there. She does, however, avoid everything with cheese in it. Carrying the plate carefully, eyes darting around to make sure she doesn't bump anyone, she makes her way over to Tris' table and takes a seat.

Tris watches Anja vacate the table as she herself returns to it with a grin, espying the direction of her fostersib's movement. She glances briefly at the overly efficient drudge, eyes darting after Demitiri adn then smiling up at Niare as she makes her way to the table. She pushes Anja's abandoned mug out of the way to make room.

Angela grins at Anja, and gives her a deep mock-bow, "It would be my please, my fair lady." She holds out her hand to take Anja's, still in the bow, looking up at Anja with a giddy gleam in her eye, and a smile on her lips.

K'tor finally begs off from the Monaco Weyrleaders, claiming, "Certainly, I'll drop those by in the morrow. But now, I'm going to take this lovely lady dancing." He sidesteps rather deftly from the conversation, to swing Telinda out onto the dance floor.

Anja laughs softly, slipping her hand into Angela's and moves out among the other couples.

Aelberyth warbles curiously at the girl, bobbing her head in what appears to be draconic agreement. This gesture from her lifemate draws a real chuckle from Dyani. "She says that your brother's lifemate is silly too, so it's no wonder they found each other." The greenrider rolls her eyes in amusement.

Telinda giggles, throwing an apologetic glance at the Monaco Weyrleaders, as she's tossed into the ring of dancers, her hand caught in K'tors as they follow the other dancers.

Steila adds confidentially to Aelberyth, "And he snores too, but he wont admit it." she grins, pleased at Dyani's smile.

Sarai takes the opportunity to retriev the wineglass. After all, M'ton can't maintain his grip with the distraction of food, right?

Demitiri reappears from behind a water barrel, hair slicked damply back, shirt wet but none the worse for wear. Looking slightly cleaner, he stands not far from the harper band, watching the dancers and drying off in the meantime.

R'zar climbs up and settles himself comfortable on Mallarth's neck. His loving pat is greeted with a quiet rumbling from Mallarth.

Niare begins with the herdbeast, cutting it neatly and taking a small bite. Her eyes light up and she chews with relish. Swallowing, she turns to Tris, asking courteously, "How is Cove Hold."

K'tor seems rather glad of the excuse to dance with the Weyrwoman, leading her through the gentle steps of a waltz. He keeps her just close enough to talk while dancing, lisghtly clasping her and trying not to be distracted by that gown. Or anything else.

Telinda slips her hand's into all the right -- the correct, dancing -- places, and smiles a little at K'tor, nodding as he talks, and then murmering back, "Don't tell, but so was I!"

Anja slides her arms around Angela's waist and moves to the music, smiling, "So you happy to graduate?"

Dyani's eyes go distant for a heartbeat, but she comes back to herself and the conversation quickly. "Snoring is what J'mel's lifemate did in the barracks, Ael. You know, that funny noise?" The green warbles quietly, prompting a sort of half-smile from her rider. "She thinks it's a good thing that Kat and I aren't together then. She says his lifemate probably snores too."

Tris is more than happy to tell Niare how Cove is. "Quite well at the moment." she says between eager bites, "Harvest is going well and the harper hall is being rebuilt at a reasonable pace - you know how hard it can be to get enough stonemasons, and the young watchwhers are growing up, which doesn't improve their temper any, only it was going to happen eventually, and there's a new artist just moved in, which makes a fair horde of them, but the hold is looking lovely because of it I'd say..." and before she's properly done with the sentence compulsively fill her mouth with food again.

Sarai does, a little too close for comfort, maybe. But it is her graduation night... she's allowed a few liberties, right?

K'tor leads Telinda about the dancing square, steps intentionally light, and apparently making light conversation with her as he does so.

Anja laughs, "I know that feeling, its nice to have someplace you can call your own. You'll have to show me your weyr sometime."

K'tor whispers "I hope I can remember the steps. That gown of yours is... utterly distracting."

Steila nods emphatically, "He doesnt admit it either, although Kato only snores when he's been drinking."

Niare nods, swallowing her last bite rather hastily, "I see. Young watchwhers, you say, Ma'am? I don't think I've ever seen one! How many are there?" She stops someone carrying a tray of drinks and selects a glass of juice, thanking the man before he continues his rounds.

Angela smiles wryly, waggling her eyebrows, "You bet I will," she says in a jocular fashion.

M'ton takes a sip of his wine and asks Sarai, "Have you and Sluith moved into your new weyr yet?"

Telinda's feet follow the intricate steps, never loosing time despite what K'tor's talking to her about.

Dyani glances out towards the party after Steila's comment, but her view is still blocked by her lifemate. "Does Kat drink often?" she queries the girl softly. Even though she and the Southern Weyrsecond didn't exactly hit it off tonight, it's very evident she's still concerned about him.

Sarai shakes her head. "We've picked it out, though. I just haven't had a moment to pack up my things yet. You could come see it, if you like. And maybe take an armful of my stuff up with you." She winks, to show she is only teasing.

Tris responds to Niare's question, "Three eggs hatched successfully, which is really good, since we only had two last time. Most watchwher eggs don't make it to hatching. They can be such sickly creatures, but then again they manage to live so long despite it, it's true." She looks thoughtfully at the bite of herdbeast on her fork. "There's not really room for very many at a time either, so it really is a good thing."

K'tor senses "Telinda chuckles, "Well, don't look too far down, or you might get distracted further, and I can't lead!""

K'tor nearly trips over his own feet at a return comment, laughing. He manages to recover enough to sweep the Weyrwoman dizzily through a turn, before he speaks again.

Suddenly, a pair of smithcraft girls appear from the dancing crowd, right in front of Demitiri. Tittering, each girl grabs one of his arms, and he is yanked out to the dance floor and fairly tossed about by the enthusiastic dancers.

M'ton nods largely. "Oh, I see how things go. Dance with a brownrider and maybe he'll help you move some things?" His tone indicates that he, too, is teasing.

You sense K'tor murmurs, "When that's an invitation, please let me know, hm? I'm being *very* good, though it's awful flaming hard." Just let that comment stand for the many meanings in it.

The fabric of Telinda's new dress fans out around her mid calf as she's spun through the turn, stepping back into line at K'tor leads her, and then flushing bright red at his next comment.

Sarai gives M'ton a coy look over the rim of the wineglass. "Hey," she says playfully, "Whatever works."

K'tor senses "Telinda trembles a little, but only enough for you to detect, "Not here, now, in front of all these people, Kat, especially not all your other conquests!""

Steila thinks about Dyani's question, "Only really badly around the gold flight, not much other than that, at least the bruises are fading."

Niare nods slowly, moving her attention to the vegetables on her plate, "I see. Well, no wonder I've never seen one. Ours at Big Lagoon," she pauses and adds, "I'm from there, originally," then goes on, "never laid any eggs. It might have been a male, I suppose." She spears a green and raises the fork to her mouth as she finishes speaking.

K'tor placidly sweeps Telinda through another series of intricate turns, the motion of the dance pulling him closer to her as he apparently whispers something in her ear.

Dyani closes her eyes at Steila's answer, biting her lower lip. "I'd noticed that," the greenrider finally says. "Dare I ask how it happened?"

M'ton mms and says, after another sip of wine and a nibble of bread, "Well, if you do need a hand, I'll be glad to lend one. It's the least I could do."

K'tor whispers "I've never had conquests. Never. Nor did I ever even touch Dyani. And you have no idea how much I want to..." He stops then, as the motion of the turn is completed, and his mouth drawn away from her ear."

Tris points out between rapid bites, "Of course, even it was female, if you only had one it couldn't have bred, and even if it could've, they don't always survive the experience or successfully lay the eggs so..." she interupts herself again with food. After swallowing rapidly, she asks, "What inspired you to move?" all curiously.

Telinda steps through and under K'tor's arm, following the other couples that also do so, each foot in time with the music. As they are thrust together once more, it's her turn to murmur something to him.

Steila shrugs, "He got in a fight, apparently with the weyrleader, but I dont really ask him much, he changes the subject pretty quick." she grins, "I do get to tease him though."

Angela growls with a smile, "I'm leading." She spins Anja around, the pair swirling around the dance floor.

K'tor senses "Telinda frowns, just a small pulling down of her brows, "So, what were they? And am I just another one of whatever they are?" Not that she sounds particularly worried right now about it, but the question's still there."

Demitiri escapes his dueling dance partners, and races off for the sidelines again, gasping for breath.

Niare gestures with her, fortunately empty, fork, "Oh...I was just tired of the small Hold feel. I expected I'd go back, but Southern was so welcoming, and Lord Warder Garant convinced me to stay." Once she's done waving it in the air, she fills her fork again with mushrooms.

Dyani listens to Steila's answer, nodding slowly. "That sounds like Kat," she agrees, trying unsuccessfully to look towards the party again. "As long as I've known him, he's always had a temper. Must be that red hair." The greenrider's expression becomes a touch wistful at this point.

Sarai stands up, setting her plate on the table. "Well, if you really -don't- mind..." she trails off expectantly.

K'tor guides Telinda through the pattern, silent for a long few minutes. Then as another one of those turns approaches, he apparently speaks again to his partner.

Tris grins, "Southern's a good place. I'll be glad to have that conclave over and done with. There aren't normally this many eligible people for the holdership!" She scrapes the last bits of edible things off of her plate, making extra sure she's gotten it all.

You sense K'tor's gray eyes are intent. "You could never be *just another* anything, Telinda. I'll swear to you on that one."

M'ton laughs a little bit. "Now?" He grins. "That anxious to get out of the barracks, hmm?"

Steila nods emphaticaly, "He and Dad used to argue /really/ good, I was supposed to be in bed, but they're both loud."

Telinda oversteps on one of the turns, but covers it quickly, letting K'tor lead her into the next one, and the next, and then coming back to face him for the next few steps.

Niare nods agreement with Tris, then sips at her juice. "I imagine not. I'm sure Lord Garant will be happy to have it over with." She stops to fill her mouth and swallow, "How much longer until the Conclave?"

Dyani is silent for a long while, perhaps mulling all this over. Finally she looks back to Steila. "Has Kat ever mentioned anything to you about me?" Her voice is very quiet as she asks this, as if she's partly dreading the answer.

Tris wrinkles her brow and thinks, then gives up with a shake of her head. "A couple of sevendays?" she hazards a guess in response to Niare's question. She admits sheepishly, "My Steward will remind me in plenty of time I hope."

K'tor seems rather content to dance with the Weyrwoman all night, though he modifies the next turn to twist her slightly, keeping her close as the next figures approach.

Steila answers Dyani honestly, "I havent talked to Kato in like two turns, I dont really know much of what he's up to, and he doesnt talk to me about anything personal, I'm too young I guess, or something."

You sense K'tor reminds you, "I told you I wouldn't push. But if you want to know, ask me when we're not dancing. It'll take a while to tell." His arms are rather strong, obviously wanting to block out the rest of the world again.

Niare looks down as if surprised to find all the food gone, she sets the fork across the plate and sits back a little, saying to Tris in response, "That's what Stewards for, at least in part. Ours at Southern is so busy. I've hardly seem him more than a few times."

Telinda seems content to let the steps and K'tor take her where she's needed, simply flowing with the music, and letting his arms enfold her.

Dyani nods again, seemingly a bit relieved at this answer. "He's always been the private sort too, so I'm not really surprised." Again silent for a moment, the greenrider finally asks, "So what was Kat like as a child? He didn't really tell me a lot about when he was young. Just the basics, really."

K'tor senses "Telinda smiles softly, "I'd be interested to know, but you're right, not now, not dancing!""

Tris wrinkles up her nose thoughtfully and then tentatively asks, "Triaria? Trilla?" She gives up, and nods, "Brandon has his hands full, but I try to make sure he has lots of assistants. No point in having /too/ much work to do." she speaks as if this is something she probably lives by herself.

Kiara looks around, "I'm gonna go," she slurs before leaving the field, heading in the rough direction of the dorms.

Steila grins, "Kato's nine turns older than I am, he wasnt much of a child by the time I remember him." she thinks, "I remember having snowball fights with him, and he put up with having a little sister follow him around." she giggles, "Even when I finger painted his pillow for him."

K'tor crosses back over his lead, releasing his close hold on Telinda enough to bring her flaring about in a circle, before murmuring something else to her.

Telinda takes two more steps, then stops, her arms dropping from K'tor, and a single word is said from the movement of her lips.

Dyani smiles softly at Steila's reminiscences, shaking her head. "I'm glad he was such a good brother to you. Mine were always pretty nasty, except Dyaren, my younger brother."

Niare nods over the rim of her glass, "That's excellent advice. I ought to have found myself some assitants the other day. About ten of the hold boys managed to get their clothes all torn up riding runners. I had to mend them on top of all the other's I usually do." She adds after just a moment, "I'm a seamstress."

K'tor nods to Telinda, giving her a half bow before offering his arm to lead her from the dancing square and over to where their goblets have been forgotten.

Telinda returns K'tor's bow, with a curtsy of her own, skirts flaring out as her knees bend. Then her hand slips delicatly through K'tor's arm, letting him lead her off the dancing square.

Tris nods attentively to the Southern holder. "There's usually /someone/ around willing to help, as long as you ask nicely." she grins. She adds, "That's a very useful profession. Ever considered joining the weavers?" she asks in afterthought.

Dyani nods again, then glances up at the sky. "Shells. I'll probably have more drills tomorrow, even though I'm a full rider now. It's been a pleasure talking to you, Steila, and I wish you and your brother all the best. But I'd really better get up to my weyr. Perhaps I'll drop by Southern sometime so we can talk some more."

K'tor refills Telinda's cup and murmurs, "It's a long, sordid story, yoou sure you want to hear it?" Gray eyes have been fairly entranced with the Weyrwoman the entire evening and are no less so now.

Niare's face fleetingly expresses the distaste she feels for that idea, but is quickly under control, "Ah, no." About to leave it at that, she instead adds, "My mother is a weaver."

Steila hugs Dyani again, "Have fun, I want you to visit, even if Kato's still being silly."

Telinda glances down at her cup, and then smiles as she looks back at K'tor and nods, "I wouldn't have asked otherwise, would I?"

Chira scans the crowd for a particular face and beams and makes her way over to the Cove Holder.

Dyani returns the hug and nods. "I think it's been too long for me and Kat, but I'll come see you again, I promise." She stands up and pats Aelberyth on the shoulder. "Come on, dearest. Let's get back up to the weyr." The green uncoils herself and croons, both to her rider and to Steila, then offers a foreleg to assist Dyani up to her neck.

Dyani hauls herself up onto Aelberyth with the help of a proffered foreleg, settling herself between the Illuminated Elegance Green's neckridges.

Niare's face fleetingly expresses the distaste she feels for that idea, but is quickly under control, "Ah, no." About to leave it at that, she instead adds, "My mother is a weaver." <repose>

Tris nods acceptingly, and then after a moment comments, with only marginal connection, "My mama recently took the stewardship at the weaverhall."

Atop Aelberyth, Dyani gets herself strapped in, then waves to Steila before bracing for her lifemate's leap into the air.

K'tor looks around the beach, and then offers, "Shall I take you home then, m'lady Weyrwoman? No sense keeping Honshu up all night..."

Chira approaches Lady Tris and sketches something that vaguely looks like a bow ... maybe.

Niare nods interestedly, "Did she? I haven't met many of the weavers or their staff." She stops as Chira approaches.

Tris brightens as she sees Chira, "Chira! Come join us - unless you need food? Here, meet Niare, she's a seamstress at Southern Hold and Niare, this is Chira, apprentice with the harper hall." She quickly introduces, words all but tripping over each other.

Telinda chuckles, "Sure, but let's snag at least a skin of wine, eh?" she says, standing and brushing off her skirts.

Steila traipes over towards her brother, oblivious to any quiet moments between him and the Southern weyrwoman, "Kato!" she calls.

Chira smiles jauntily "Hallo, hallo. A seamstress eh? A pleasure a pleasure I'm sure."

K'tor offers out an arm to Steila. "Thank you, Squirt. You tired? The Weyrwoman and I were headed home."

Niare nods politely, "Well met, Chira." She notices that her hands still clasp the empty glass, and she sets it on the table.

Steila nods to K'tor, "I was hoping to snag a ride with you." she grins, "I like Dyani."

K'tor nods to Steila. "She's a nice lady." Though he looks at Telinda as he says it.

Telinda chuckles, smiling over at Steila, and nodding her respects to people as she wanders from the partying.

Tiarnath croons lovingly, excited at another chance to fly with you. She lowers a Champagne and Pearl Gold foreleg and you scramble up nimbly.

*> Tiarnath crouches, muscles tensing in readiness. She gracefully unfurls her Champagne and Pearl Gold wings, launching herself into the air with a powerful thrust of her hindlegs and a modicum of stirred dust.

Tiarnath> K'tor swings open the door and disappears into Telinda and K'laarn's Cottage.

Telinda steps back into the room a little, and then indicates a chair, taking one nearby, her feet tucked up under the heavy velvet skirts.

K'tor looks around for that sweetoil again. "So, where should we start? You want to know what 'the others' have meant?"

The sweetoil is sat on a nearby table, but Telinda's feet still have shoes on, she almost seems uncaring of the mud. "That seems like a good place to start."

Telinda gestues with a hand towards a cupboard, "You *don't* need to do this, Kat. And you don't need to tell me" she replies, leaning forward a little, and in that dress..."If you're uncomfortable, don't?"

K'tor gets the towel and then returns. And yes, he looks, for a moment at least. "No, you asked. And I left shame behind a long time ago, Tel." He gestures for her to sit back as he crouches on the floor. "Here, lemme have those adorable feet of yours."

Telinda kicks off one of the shoes, wiggling her toes, "They're not adorable!" she protests.

K'tor says firmly, "Shush. I'm the one talking." He starts towelling off feet and ankles, making himself comfortable. "You know why I came to Southern. But it started all off when I was eleven. There was a journeywoman tanner. Oh, she was the prettiest thing I ever saw back then. And I was always a curious sort. One thing led to another, and I learned quite a bit, very fast. My parents were shocked, to say the least." He shrugs slightly. "I didn't care. I was completely overwhelmed. And coming from a family of all sisters, I've always loved women, Tel. Always wanted to see them comfortable and happy."

Telinda looks down at K'tor, placed at her feet -- when'd that happen? -- and nods as he speaks. "I can see how that might happen" she agrees.

K'tor nods. "Only, I was a little too... adventurous for my own good. When I was around fourteen turns, that's when they started being conquests. I didn't care who's heart I broke. I was in it for me. Just mememe." Once those feet are dry, he wipes his hands on the towel and then starts warming the sweetoil in his hands again. "And Elena came back through, on her way back to the hall. And she showed me just how wrong I was. I guess I was... seventeen? Right before I came down here, really. She utterly broke my heart, and explained afterwards how she did it." His expression turns fond for a moment, and he says, "I heard she's married, and a master now, stationed off at Keroon."

Telinda frowns a little, "She broke *your* heart?" she asks, leaning forward a little, "Kat, are you sure you want to tell me this, I don't want to cause pain!" she says, hand stretching out towards you.

K'tor smiles a bit. "Shush, I told you. And it doesn't hurt now. But oh, did it ever then." He makes a mock snap at her fingers, gently teasing, before going to soothe sweetoil into her feet, massaging firmly. "She had to do it, really, to show me just how I was treating others. And that's when Karra turned up. I always knew I wasn't the handfasting type, even after Elena showed me the error of my ways. But Karra was bound determined. So to make a long story short, I was sent down here. She *wasn't* pregnant after all, but..." He shrugs.

Telinda leans back into her seat, scooting back and relaxing, "Mmm, that feels good, keep going!" she murmers, whether to story or to massage.

K'tor obliges on both. "Despite gossip, I was only involved with Marila and Nareisa since then. Reis I just wnted to cuddle up into a warm little ball and protect. I love her, yes, but it's not something that's... well, intense. Passionate. And she'd been hurt before. By a rider at Honshu. But you can't take care of someone forever, without it starting to take a toll on you." He pauses, fingers soothing oil in gently and firmly, "Mari, on the other hand. Faranth's teeth she was cute. And just when I was getting to know her came search and impression. Afterwards, after I saw she was more than just cute, we started seeing each other. About the same time I started seeing Reis, actually." He is quiet a minute and says, "I never lied to them about settling down with them. And never tried to play one of them off the other. Nor did I ever pay court to one of them in public when the other one was around. I'm not a total cad."

Telinda's eyes, which had fluttered shut for a moment or two in the sheer ectasy of the moment open again, "And so I'm someone to love and protect? Or do I get a cute label too?" she asks levelly.

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Tiarnath warbles brightly, she's happy, everyone gets to be happy << How are you Emeleth? >>

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Luiseth isn't happy, it's still raining, but she does rumble back at the other green.

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Tinneth hmmms. To be happy, I have to play pranks. Therefore, if Tiarnath's being happy means I get to be happy...

Dragon> Emeleth bespoke Southern Weyr with << I am very well. It is warm in my couch. I am happy. I am content. My rider is content. The klah is very good tonight. >>

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Tiarnath rumbles, << It's raining alot and I've spent alot of the day splashing in puddles. I hope they'll be more. >>

K'tor smiles a bit. "Well, Tel, I'd say you're beyond cute, but I've told you that before." He pauses and says, "I was in love with Marila, though I always told her and Nareisa both that they deserved someone better than me." He pauses and then says quietly, "Telinda, I've never been in this situation before. Never." He pauses and then admits, "Well, I take that back. Once before. Ages ago, with Elena. But even then, she had *me* to herself, but I didn't have *her*." He is obviously struggling with the words, "Tel, yes, I want to love an protect you. To make you smile, and to try to heal what's hurting inside. I want to help guard your dreams at night, and I don't want anything to upset you. I..." his jaw tightens impotently, and he snorts wryly, "And I said I wouldn't push."

Telinda leans forward, this time not letting her hand be bapped away, and reaches out to stroke a finger gently down K'tor's jaw, "Say it, Kat, I'm not going to run in fright. Besides" she gestures with a nod of her head to her feet, "it's not like I can run anyway real fast, now is it?"

K'tor is quiet for a moment, though his head turns slightly to follow that finger. He then says, "I alwys promised myself, no matter what was going on: I wouldn't be with one person when I was thinking of another. Live in the now - like Albanth does." He looks up then, gray eyes a trifle stormy. "Only one small problem. For a few months, you're just about all I can think about. I don't want to be with anyone else. Not Kinoa, not Dyani." He smiles a trifle self mockingly. "I never thought I'd ever be completely enamoured of one woman. But I am. And I don't want to push her. Physically or emotionally. And I can certainly understand if she's hesitant about me, considering all this and everything else she's going through."

Telinda nods slowly, her face intent upon yours, "You promised yourself, so what changed?" she asks, "And I'm flattered, Kat, it's actually somewhat of a shock to realize that someone does like me, even if it's only a little." The hand drops, but is placed closeby, on her knee, her eyes never moving from yours.

Dragon> Emeleth bespoke Southern Weyr with << The rain smells good. I like the rain. >>

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Breidith peeks out from under a dragon wing, << Rain is nice and its nice too when someone offers to keep you dry.. >>

K'tor shakes his head. "Nothing changed." He pauses and then says, "Or maybe, I have. Before, I could have lived in the now. I enjoy Kinoa's company as a friend, and I could have enjoyed a roll in the furs with her. But I just can't, now. Because it's not her I want - not to be with, not to be close to. It's you. And I won't do that to her. Or to me. To make love to her when I'll close my eyes and see you." He shakes his head, looking away, faintly frustrated. "It was hard enough after Saith's flight, closing my eyes and imagining you there. Albanth's desire drove me, yes, but..." He says tightly, "That's why I'll never weyrmate. He's too good at chasing. Too good at catching greens."

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Tiarnath rumbles, << If I can have your rain, Breidith, can I shelter you?"

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Breidith thinks on that... Tiarnath does have a bigger wingspan, << Alright! Fair trade >>

Dragon> Emeleth bespoke Southern Weyr with << I will sing a rain song. My rider will like it. >>

Telinda sighs, shaking her head, "You know it doesn't matter what Albanth does, don't you dear?" Umm, yes, no, she didn't say that word. "He's going to fly, no matter what, and" she shrugs, "weyrmating is no big deal, take it from one who's been there. Fidelity obviously meant nothing in or out of flights to that one" she adds bitterly, settling back in her chair, "Do what makes you happy, deal with circumstances when they come!"

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Breidith images the landingfield. << I had to move here... >>

Tiarnath> Tiarnath lifts her wing, sheltering Breidith from the rain, her face tilted upwards watching it coming out of the sky, and almost bouncing with her enthusiasm.

Tiarnath> Breidith peers out from under the golden wing. This is actually quite nice.

K'tor's hands resume rubbing, working on that delicate insole. "No. It is a big deal. A very big deal, or you wouldn't be so upset with him still." He looks back. "Albanth will fly, yes. The one time I kept him grounded, he sulked at me for sevendays. I can't cope with him being angry at me. But when I swear something like that, I should keep my word, no matter what. And, I can't." He pauses and then asks, "But does that tell you where you stand in the scheme of things?"

Telinda's brow pulls down momentarily, "No, you're making me more confused, but" she leans forward, quickly, "I will tell you this. There is no room in my heart for the Weyrleader, the only thing he left was hate. Whether that goes, I don't know, I really can't tell right now." She stops, wiggling her foot out of your grasp, "Kat, look at me? What do you see before you?"

Tiarnath> Tiarnath isn't going to keep moving that wing, so better make sure you're under it Breidith!

Tiarnath> Tiarnath looks longingly at a nearby puddle, and it fact starts to pull away, before she croons. She did promise,and she is getting Breidith's rain!

Tiarnath> Breidith warbles at the shifting. She tucks closer against her dam taking in the shelter.

Dragon> Breidith bespoke Tiarnath with << The puddle will be bigger when the rain stops. >>

K'tor looks up, seeming a trifle helpless now that he doesn't have something to do with his hands to keep his mind off exactly what he's saying. He says quietly, "I see a beautful, intelligent, strong person. And one that I want to be close to. One I want to share secrets with. And to spoil rotten because she deserves it." He smiles a bit, "Stubborn as a wild runner, and unbelievably skillful at hiding her feelings from others. But I really want to see all of her. Good and bad. Because I think she deserves it." His tone is a trifle hoarse as he finishes, though he doesn't drop his eyes.

Tiarnath> I bespoke Breidith with << Oh, that's *right*! Okie, I'll stay put, you sleep! >>

Telinda's smile this time hits her eyes, the sapphire twinkling brightly, her nose wrinkling a little, "Well, you've got close enough to see most of what I try to hide. So, you want to ask me a question?" she adds moving closer, bending down over her knees so her face is nearly level.

Those gray eyes fairly devour her face yet again. K'tor says softly, still a trifle hoarsely, "I told you I didn't want to push." Though he obviously wants to do just that.

Telinda doesn't dare glance away, just in case the moment's lost. Instead she stays still, exactly where she is except for the slight up and down of her breathing, "I'm not telling you that you're pushing, I'm asking if you want to ask me something, and I'll answer" she replies, voice at almost a whisper.

K'tor still hesitates, and then asks, "Do you know how you feel about me, Tel? You said I just confused you more earlier..." There is a hint of shadow in his eyes, almost as if he dreads the answer, sure it will be something he does not want to hear.

Telinda chuckles softly, and nods, "That's a complicated question. Let's see how I can answer it and keep you with me!" She moves back, just an insy bit, and concentrates on those grey eyes. "You're fascinating, the way you move, the way you talk, the way you just walk into a room, and" she coughs, "We'll get to that bit in a moment." A pause, swallow, and let's continue. She shuts her eyes, biting on that lower lip, and then opening them, simply says, "My heart has no room for the Weyrleader because it's fit to bursting for you!" There! Now she's in trouble!

K'tor remains where he is, though his tension is obvious in every line on his body. His tone is low, eyes still fixed on hers, "Tel, you... are you sure? You and K'laarn have children. History. I don't want to come between that." He says that, yes, though he's fairly ready to launch to embrace you, his frame thrumming with energy. "You've been through a lot, and the last thing I want to do is take advantage of that."

Telinda clasps her hands in front of her, resting them on wedgewood skirts, "I'm very sure!" Lifting her eyes, she nods, "I cannot tell what's going to happen in the future, or even tomorrow, and neither can you, what with Albanth's fix on chasing greentails, but here, now, yes, I'm sure."

K'tor reaches for those hands, stunned to silence. He simply watches her, still thrumming with that pent up energy, carefully coiled and ready to be released on a moment's notice. Finally, he murmurs, "Do you..." He pauses and then asks, eyes intent, "What do you want me to do." That he'll do anything she wants is a given, and left unspoken, though it is clear by the shadows that have fled from his eyes.

K'tor suggests quietly, "Why don't we hang up your dress and then decide?" Gray eyes don't leave her face, though his cheeks have the faintest hint of pink in them as he makes the suggestion.

Telinda looks over her shoulder, "Well, unless you have a desire to aid a poor Weyrwoman out of her buttons, I'm stuck with it on!"

K'tor gets to his feet, that leashed energy exploding out in the lithe movement. His tone is still soft, and low. "I think I can arrange that." He offers her a hand up.

Telinda takes the hand, for a moment doing nothing but staring up and devouring K'tor's face, and then she stands.