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Post by M'kel on Aug 12, 2008 12:05:00 GMT -5
Despite his hazy blissfulness, M'kel's hazel eyes caught the tensing of Crown's form. A moment later, he dismissed the strangeness of this, for she was a drudge and likely thought herself in trouble or about to be sent on an errand. Why else would the Weyrleader approach her when he was supposed to be absorbed in revelry? Her pleading look and push at his hand merely affirmed this. She was practically begging for him to allow her to have just a bit of fun. How could he deny that puppydogg gaze?
Once she realized that he did intend for her to have fun, although she seemed oblivious to the fact that he was saving her from these churlish oafs, M'kel beamed at her acceptance of his invitation and reached for the hand she began to raise. A moment later, however, that hand was pushed down, and Crown disappeared from sight altogether. For a moment, the Weyrleader stared, dumbfounded, as two identical lads stared back. Or wait...was it only one lad? M'kel didn't think that he'd had that much wine, but he was obviously seeing double.
In spite of this worrisome though, the bronzerider bristled at the challenge in the lad's voice. Could the fool not see his Weyrleader knots? The girl was just a drudge, why should he back off? "Excuse me," he began, voice nearly a snarl. "How dare you, you impertinent boy, don't you know that..." And right then, Crown reappeared. Much to his relief, there was only one of her, but he still saw two images of the same lad on either side of her. "Ah, there you are!"
Just then, another voice called his name, and the bronzerider swiveled, looking out over the crowd. He was a very popular fellow, so it was not at all a surprise that another young lady, as he could tell by the voice, was needing his assistance. And yet, he saw no one looking his direction. M'kel was truly beginning to worry now...was he hearing things as well?
The lad responded, however, and moved over to someone...sitting on the ground! Oh! It was Skye! M'kel was relieved once again and turned back to Crown, ready to escape with her while the lad was distracted (he'd find Skye later and apologize, first he needed to save the drudge from this insolent boy!) only to find himself facing the lad again. But that was impossible!
A realization slowly dawned on the normally quickwitted M'kel, and he began to laugh. It was quite a funny sight, actually, as the bronzerider had suddenly gone from an offended superior to chuckling like a weyrbrat. They were twins! He knew he couldn't have been that drunk, yet. Before he could share this enlightenment with the world, however, Crown grabbed his still proffered hand and dragged him off through the crowd. Smart girl!
"You will find that I am quite a skilled partner," he began, ready to share just how lucky the girl was to be dancing with such a suave character as himself. The rest of the words died on his tongue as Crown suddenly rounded on him and snapped. M'kel's face took on a look of innocent hurt, "But I thought...you really shouldn't...it could be fun..." A moment later, the hurt vanished, and he smiled benignly. She was worried about dancing badly! After all, how many chances did a drudge have to practice dancing?
"Don't be embarrassed!" he cried, perhaps a bit too loudly. "Just follow my lead." He placed a hand on her waist and held the other lightly in his palm, then spun her away from him suddenly before pulling her back, up close. "Come on, enjoy yourself a little, hm!"
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Post by Skye on Aug 12, 2008 13:07:06 GMT -5
Skye blinked as the younger man moved to her side and she smiled brightly, accepting his help up. She felt her cheeks flush slightly at his charming words and her smile remained in place. "Thank you so much kind sir," she said, her words still a bit lisped, but she was only tipsy. She glanced at M'kel as he seemed to be in the middle of an argument. She sniffed and turned her nose up at him. He had wanted to dance with her after all and now he was dancing with this....this girl who was probably to young for him.
She shook her head and and quietly watched the little argument. She arched an eyebrow slightly as the girl dragged M'kel off to the dance floor. She shook her head and turned her attention back to the young man that helped her to her feet, smiling brightly up at him.
"Would you dance with me, Miss? A beautiful woman should never be without a partner, and though I am sure you have many suitors, I am due back at my post soon."
At his question, Skye laughed softly and held her hand out to him, looking him over slowly. He was a handsome young man and a harper by the knots on his shoulder. He would definitely be more company then M'kel.
"I would love to dance with such a nice, handsome young man," she said, her words not as slurred as they had been moments before. Lucky in his little sling chirped a soft greeting to Deverel. Skye smiled and glanced between the two brothers, a brow arching slightly.
She had seen twins before, but rarely ones that looked so identical. She smiled to Kanamar, but turned her attention back to Deverel. "My name is Skye, rider of Green Calith," she said politely, still smiling up at him. She could care less about what M'kel was doing now and he was woefully mistaken if he thought he'd win her forgiveness so easily this time.
She stepped closer to Deverel and slipped her arm through his, leading him to the dance floor. "Just a quick dance, I don't want to get you in trouble for not being back to your post on time," she said cheerfully.
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Post by B'kay on Aug 23, 2008 9:55:45 GMT -5
Igrainth hovered just beyond the dance square, waiting for another dragon to clear the nearest landing space to the music. Ravyna, clean and pressed once again, her braid redone (and scalp still stinging from all the hair she'd hurriedly yanked out trying to detangle it), could feel her heart racing. It must be the music, she told herself, it had been so long since she danced, and not the extremely close proximity of the handsome young man who was pressed up behind her, clinging to the riding straps.
Nuisance was asleep, blessedly and blissfully stuffed silly with bits of meatroll she'd snagged from the kitchens before picking up Treylis. She'd grabbed an old travel bag that fastened shut, stuck the glutted flitter into it with a bed of old rags, and secured the opening. Leaving Nuisance alone in her weyr would be courting disaster, but ... she prayed ... he would be safe (and relatively harmless) in the nest-bag if she kept it close to her. The leather sack slung around her shoulders didn't exactly match her outfit, but that was the price she had to pay.
Igrainth finally touched lightly down, and Ravyna dismounted quickly, in case others wanted to land near the music. She was glad to see that many of the food stalls ringed the dancing area, for she would be loathe to leave the sprightly sounds while gathering a meal. A quick reel was playing now, and she couldn't help chuckling aloud at the few early dancers attempting the complicated steps.
She smiled at Treylis, her eyes flashing with excitement. "I hope you like to dance, my friend! Because it's been a very long time since I had the chance to step out!"
I will be right over there, Igrainth said as she lifted off and winged toward a nearby ledge, Where I can watch you play dancing!
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Post by B'kay on Aug 23, 2008 15:38:04 GMT -5
[[calling Kitari and Alana]]
B'kay was surprised when Kitari, instead of being glad to get rid of him (as he'd half expected) took his arm and began to lead him away. Her words to Alana as she'd dropped the marks in the other goldrider's hand registered slowly, and by the time B'kay turned to wave his gratitude to Alana, the crowd had closed behind them. He frowned and stumbled slightly, caught himself quickly, and hoped he wasn't blushing.
"I, I'm sorry, I ... appear to be unusually clumsy today," he watched his step as the volume of the music grew, and they wove through groups of people toward the dancing square. B'kay was glad when he saw where they were headed, for the crowds on that end had thinned, and the music would keep prying ears from overhearing his words.
For suddenly, B'kay wanted to talk. The fact that it was unlike him to feel that way occurred to him, but right now, having a friendly ear seemed more important than anything. The music flowed in a soft rhythm, and the few dancers who had taken to the floor were laughing and oblivious to his troubles as he sat. He watched them for a moment, wishing for such carefree days.
Then he turned to Kitari, a pained expression on his face. "I am so sorry, and embarrassed.... I know this is -- not exactly my style. But I haven't slept in days, and.... "
He trailed off, suddenly realizing that revealing such personal feelings might make the young woman uncomfortable, and instead, feebly shifted gears, "-- the musicians are very good, aren't they?" he whispered, his mind not at all on his words.
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Post by Kitari on Aug 24, 2008 15:16:09 GMT -5
This was so much better than his first experience on dragonback. The air was cool as it whipped around him, running its fingers through his short, dark hair, the short trip between was more thrilling than terrifying, the colours of the Gather below were mesmerizing, and the slender figure before him, who seemed to fit so perfectly against him, well, that was a fantastic addition to the entire experience.
His first journey on dragonwings had been after his 'Search', of course, and Treylis had been a little less than conscious, with the bruise already forming around his left eye and angry curses still shouted in his ear. That had been a nightmare trip, with an uncertain and bleak future ahead. This seemed entirely the opposite. The prospects for today were bright indeed, although the Lordling couldn't help but feel nervous. He wasn't suave, he certainly wasn't charismatic...and yet today, perhaps, might be a day he surprised himself.
As Igrainth selected a landing spot and winged in neatly, he smiled proudly at the grace of his friend. Treylis made an awkard dismount, for it was surprisingly different from hopping off a runner's back. For one, the drop was much larger. He didn't stumble too much on the landing, though, and immediately turned to pat Igrainth in thanks, before leaping backwards as she took off. Ravyna's eyes seemed riveted on the Dancing Square, though, so the young man fervently hoped she hadn't noticed his momentary discomfiture.
Quickly, he straightened the navy blue tunic he had chosen for the occasion (the cut was far more plain than he was used to, but he obviously hadn't had the chance to pack clothing when whisked away to the Weyr and was relying quite begrudgingly on the Lower Caverns' stores), before stepping beside Ravyna to find out what was holding her attention. Treylis couldn't help but cast sidelong glances at her, though, noting how easily she had arranged her hair so exquisitely once again, as well as how the folds of her dress fell in so complimentary a manner on her form.
Thus, he was caught off guard as she turned suddenly to smile at him. Hastily, the candidate returned a weak smile that vanished altogether at her words. Dancing? Treylis? His throat suddenly felt incredibly constricted. He must be having some kind of allergic reaction, or maybe the air was ridiculously thick with humidity. He glanced hopefully at her, but she didn't seemed to be struggling with breathing at all. Shard it...it was just him.
"I, um, ah," he replied, lacking entirely his typically smooth speech. As a Lord Holder's son, he had of course been expected to learn dancing, for it was only proper to compliment a fellow Lord Holder by asking his lady for a gentlemanly dance. The faster-paced ones engaged in by young couples, however, had not been included in their instruction. Aclaryn had learned them on his own quite easily, as there never seemed to be an end to willing partners for him, but Treylis had avoided such frivolity. Gathers were times for business, not fun...
"Is your throat feeling rather parched?" Treylis hastily covered his anxiety, glancing eagerly towards the Food Stalls. "Perhaps I could fetch us some wine and food, if you like." More like, perhaps he could find a moment to slip away. The Lord Holders would be convening soon for dinner...even if his Father wasn't here, he might be able to find an ally to pass word to him. It might be best, he thought bleakly, if he not bother trying to win Ravyna over at all...not only would he likely fail, but also might he be leaving the Weyr sooner than expected.
"Certainly afterwards, if you...well, if you still want to..." he stopped, realizing that he was floundering. Maybe she would find another dancing partner by then, and he wouldn't have to worry about it at all. Strange that the thought made him feel rather ill.
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Post by Kitari on Aug 24, 2008 15:42:01 GMT -5
The manner with which she had addressed Alana didn't even register as potentially rude in Kitari's mind. The young woman had been thinking only of how to address B'kay's obvious hurt. She was used to doing everything on her own, so she hadn't considered that Alana might, too, be able to help with assuaging his emotional turmoil. It seemed only logical that one of them fetch food while the other try to find out what was bothering him...perhaps once Alana joined them again, the pair of them would be able to resolve the Weyrlingmaster's pain together, but Kitari was quite prepared to get started on her own. She and B'kay had a bit of a history with opening up to each other, after all. The girl felt rather responsible for him now.
Although quite a bit smaller than the tall Weyrlingmaster, Kitari was far from weak, and she did her best to support him as his feet didn't always place themselves correctly or a passerby accidentally bumped the unsteady man. She couldn't help but grin at the intensity with which he watched his feet, though she was careful not to let him see her amusement. At his woeful apology, the goldrider merely patted his arm reassuringly. "I hardly noticed," she fibbed, not wanting him to feel even worse than he already did. "We all have off days, hm?"
As the music grew louder and the revelry of the crowd increased, the Sr. Weyrling nodded curtly at her decision of seating area. This would do quite well, for no one would notice another drunk man swinging from sudden high's to low's. Kitari helped him to sit at a table facing the Square, before seating herself beside him and tucking her skirts in neatly. She, too, watched the first dancers floundering through a fast-paced dance, smiling at their efforts.
A moment later, however, B'kay turned to her, and Kitari quickly returned his gaze. She was troubled to see that his typically dark eyes seemed even more shadowed than usual and leaned in unconsciousy as he spoke in hushed tones. He apologized once again, to which she began to shake her head, but then stopped as he mentioned his sleeping troubles. So there was something seriously bothering the Weyrlingmaster! Kitari could feel Lefayeth perk up, wherever she was resting at the outskirts of the Gather area, for the young gold was as curious as her rider about their Weyrlingmaster's plight.
Her mouth opened as she began to respond, then closed again as he suddenly changed the subject, commenting on the musicians. A quizzical brow rose in surprise, and her dark curls bounced slightly as she turned quickly to look at the Square, wondering if something there had caught his attention. But no, there was nothing immediately obvious, and she turned back to him, eyes narrowing slightly with accusation. Trying to change the subject, was he? Well, that simply would not work with Kitari!
"Yes, this is a lovely tune," she commented airily, before pinning him down with an intense blue-eyed gaze. "B'kay," she began, forgetting his honorific title, caught up as she was in getting through to him, "You know that you can tell me anything you want to, right? If you just need someone to sit here and listen to you, I can do that. If you want to talk about it, I can do that, too." She placed a hand lightly on his arm, hoping to show him that he could relax, that they didn't have to be teacher and pupil at the moment. "Everybody needs a friend sometimes, even the most self-reliant of dragonriders."
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Post by B'kay on Aug 24, 2008 21:43:07 GMT -5
Kitari's pretty face moved in and out of focus as B'kay tried to fix his eyes on her. The music was loud, and the wine coursing through his veins even louder, but the kindness in her voice held his attention. The word that stood out most in his mind, however, and pierced through the foggy thoughts most clearly, was "friend".
Thus B'kay did something he most certainly would not have done without the ... influences ... affecting him. When Kitari rested her hand on his arm, he covered it with his own.
Taking a deep breath, he leaned closer toward her. "I'm no soft-hide, you know that, right?" he said, lowering his voice despite the loud music. His dark eyes shifted back and forth, as if anyone could overhear a private conversation through the noise. "But it's just not right, just not ... I mean, it was bad enough that Sitareh and M'kel sent Syth and I to an unfinished weyr to start with, but we got used to it. We made it comfortable, we made it home. I never minded that there were no back stairs....
"... I mean, except when I fell off the ledge that time."
He frowned at the memory, and the slight wine-flush on his cheeks turned pinker. "But to throw us out? To give our weyr to Penna? Sure, she's a queenrider, and Plianth is so ... uh, robust.... But there must have been other places, I mean...."
His thoughts drifted off, and for a moment he lost their trail. A young woman in flouncy skirts was spun by them by her dancer partner, and her laughter caught his attention. As the skirts spun by, his head spun as well ... blast it all, he should have eaten something before he started on the wine.
He looked around the crowd for a glimpse of Alana with the food, although it probably was too late for his system at this point.
His gaze fell on Kitari's face again, and he sighed, remembering what he'd been talking about. "Did you know they put us in a weyr that isn't even a weyr? It's just a hole in the side of the Bowl. We have running water, but only cold, and poor Syth has been chewing firestone to help me heat my baths," he sighed again, more deeply this time, and exhaled with a shudder. "Poor Syth, poor old Syth. The couch isn't smoothed, and only big enough for a large blue ... and there's no finished wall blocking the draft that comes in off the lake."
He was on a roll now, his eyes unfocused, almost as if he were talking to himself.
"The weyr only has one small alcove between the necessary niche and the dragon couch, it just fits the little travel cot I hauled up there for a bed, and the wind blows on me all night long. It would be warmer if I were to curl up with Syth, but there's no room on his couch for his ... own ... ::sigh:: ... rider...."
Suddenly, B'kay realized he'd been rambling, and that his hand had gripped Kitari's more tightly. He twitched and let go, glancing around as if looking for something to change his focus to.
"Gee, uh, I'm hungry, are you hungry, where's Alana with that food, anyway? The vendor lines must be especially long...."
Dark, deep, haunted eyes fixed on Kitari's, speaking apologies, for somewhere below the wine, B'kay realized that he was behaving most inappropriately.
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Post by Shikai on Aug 25, 2008 14:16:12 GMT -5
Aclaryn had been enjoying the Gather so far, despite spending it rather differently than he was accustomed to. It was good to be back in a more familiar atmosphere, where, even if he wasn’t recognized as a Lord Holder’s son, he didn’t feel like a lowly candidate. After purchasing B’rec’s leathers (the lad hadn’t been kidding when he said he couldn’t barter!) their wanderings had brought them near the dancing square, evident by the sound of music in the air.
Aclaryn perked up at the welcome sound, peering through the throngs of people as he searched for the source. “Good music today!” He remarked to B’rec, and his eyes lit up as he saw the dancing square, and began walking toward it. “You like dancing, B’rec?” He commented, somewhat offhandedly, but quickly corrected his temporary distance by flashing a smile at his friend. “Who knows, maybe there’ll be some willing girls around? Although I probably shouldn’t, since I am a candidate, but it’s been a long time since I’ve had a few good dances.” He said as he walked, in the way of making conversation.
However, as he turned a corner, brining the whole dancing square into view, his pleasant smile vanished and his words ceased, his jade green eyes narrowing as his face took on an expression of undisguised, outright dislike. “Treylis?” He spat, as though he found the very sound of the name offensive. “Shards, what is he doing here?” And with Ravyna, no less, Aclaryn noticed, startled. Now that was not at all like his brother, arriving at a Gather in the company of a girl. And hanging around the dancing square, no less! Aclaryn had never seen Treylis dance with someone of his own accord, for any reason other than bolstering hold relations. He couldn’t possibly be at the Gather to enjoy himself, not Treylis.
Surely he had an ulterior motive. Aclaryn didn’t know what it was, but that didn’t stop him from being irritated that Treylis would use Ravyna for his no doubt selfish purposes. And why Ravyna? Yet he told himself that his frustration at seeing Ravyna with his brother was all to do with the fact that Treylis was probably using her for something, and had nothing to do with perhaps a touch of jealousy that Treylis had managed to get to the Gather with the undeniably attractive greenrider.
Not really conscious of whether B’rec was following him or not, Aclaryn strode toward the pair of new arrivals, restoring his usual suave, charismatic demeanor. Masking his annoyance quite well beneath it, only his eyes hinted at his true emotions, although one would have to be truly looking for them to notice.
“Ah, hello Ravyna!” He greeted as he approached, a genuine smile on his face, for he truly was happy to see her. “Treylis.” He added with undisguised offhandedness, nodding in his brother’s direction before returning his full attention to the greenrider. “My, but don’t you shine with Rukbat’s radiance today!” The candidate remarked, quite honest beneath his casual, charming manner, as his irritation at his brother hadn’t hampered his ability to appreciate Ravyna’s appearance in the least. “Did the two of you just arrive at the Gather? Just in time for the dancing, I think the harpers are just starting!” Aclaryn said, with a long, meaningful look at Ravyna. He needed to get her away from Treylis, to warn her about his brother, of course. Although he would be lying indeed if he said he wasn’t excited by the prospect of dancing with the young woman.
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Post by B'kay on Aug 26, 2008 19:39:20 GMT -5
There it was again. Ravyna shifted her stance to face Treylis more fully, as she saw the uncertainty flash in his eyes, and the quick, well-trained recovery. She thought he'd been eager to attend the Gather with her ... he certainly seemed to be enjoying her company. Unless it was just wishful thinking on her part....
And then, the offer of food or drink, and the apparent stalling of the inevitable dance....
Ravyna looked into his eyes, confused, but trying not to let what appeared to be avoidance bruise her feelings.
"Treylis, I know our friendship began on rather, well, unusual terms, but... uh.... " She cast about for the words that would clarify her thoughts without causing more harm than good. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, despite that start," here she glanced up to where Igrainth was sunning, and a soft smile played across her face, "... I really do enjoy your company. But you seem ... uncomfortable, I guess is the word. Is it something I-- "
But the thought was left unfinished, for through the crowd she spotted Aclaryn weaving toward them -- and was that B'rec he was with? She raised a brow in curiosity as the younger brother greeted her, and then, in a most casual way, Treylis.
"Aclaryn, why, how nice to run into you," she said with a smile and then nodded to the bluerider. "B'rec, hello! Are you gentlemen enjoying the Gather?"
She was about to respond to his compliment, but before she could, Aclaryn's mention of dancing, and the obvious invitation in his eyes, caught her by surprise.
"I, oh, ... why, thank you... however, Treylis-- well-- I--?" Ravyna's words seemed to come to a dead end, as her eyes sought out those of the companion she'd arrived with, uncertain of whether or not to accept Aclaryn's invitation.
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Post by Kitari on Aug 26, 2008 23:57:42 GMT -5
Even as he began to drift away, eyes falling to the ground at this cowardly retreat, her sudden speech caught him up short. A slight flush rose in his cheeks at her mention of his obvious discomfort, as Treylis was not pleased to find out that his emotions were so visible. The fact that she enjoyed his company only caused the flush to deepen, although it was for the opposite reason.
Before Treylis could reply, though, it seemed their party was about to grow. He turned abruptly as the greenrider's name was called, mildly curious. The person approaching them with a charming smile already plastered on his features immediately caused all thoughts of leaving to vanish.
His dark eyes narrowed, and the Lordling took a step back towards the greenrider, assuming an almost possessive stance. It was one thing to leave knowing that Ravyna would find some nameless partner to spend the evening with. But Aclaryn...his own brother. It was so rude of that boy; there was no way he hadn't seen Treylis standing with Ravyna. And yet he intended to swoop in and charm her away. That would be the day!
His mind was made up. So determined was Treylis that he didn't even hear the query in Ravyna's tone as she glanced towards him. Shooting one last glare at Aclaryn, he turned abruptly to face the greenrider once more. "My lady?" he said smoothly, holding out his hand and bowing in a practiced manner. "I fear I have been failing miserably as a companion to you this evening, so far. I would love to lead you in a dance, if you would be willing." The last was said with a hint of hopefulness, for as bold as he was being, there was a chance she would decline in favour of his ever-more-charming brother.
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