First Gather: Dancing Square

[Shikai]

Alana fumed silently as she waited in vendor line, which was, as B’kay suspected, horribly long. It was the most inopportune time to be sent to buy food, as it seemed that half the Gather-goers had become hungry all at once, and flocked to the lines. Shards, what terrible luck she had! She should have refused to buy the food outright; Kitari had no right to order her off like that. But it wouldn’t be fair to B’kay to return without it, so she had little choice. For him, although certainly not Kitari, she would have to endure it for now.

The vendor looked quite apprehensive of the angry goldrider as she thrust the necessary marks at him, grabbed the tray, and moved back into the Gather, searching for Kitari and B’kay. Her brown eyes scanned the crowd, her expression still one of annoyance, and to her relief, fell upon the pair at a table near the dancing square. She walked toward them, and her face darkened as she drew closer, noticing the way the two were sitting close, deep in conversation.

She tried to put on a neutral expression as she rejoined them, not wanting to bother B’kay. It wasn’t his fault, after all, it was Kitari Alana was mad at. Depositing the tray unceremoniously on the table, she sat down before anyone could object. “Shards, the food lines were terrible! It seems we got hungry right when everyone else did.”

[B'kay]

Aug 26, 2008 23:57:42 GMT -5 Kitari said:

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.

Ravyna felt a wave of relief wash over her as Treylis reached for her hand, for the proximity of the two brothers put her in quite a quandary. While she'd gotten to know Treylis better, thanks to Igrainth's encouragement of their friendship, there was still something about that Aclaryn....

Happy that the decision was made easier for her, for Treylis had, after all, accompanied her to the Gather, she smiled and took the elder brother's hand.

"Thank you, kind sir," she said, as the musicians shifted to a slower tempo, and the frenzied energies of the dance square settled into something less chaotic. "I'd be honored." She turned to Aclaryn, "And thank you, as well, Aclaryn. Please don't go far, I'd be happy to accompany you in a dance ... in a little while ... as well."

Ravyna was, after all, delighted to be able to get away from the Weyr for a fun day, and a chance for dancing always brought her happiness. To have two such handsome gentlemen wanting to partner her certainly added to the allure of the occasion!

[B'kay]

Aug 28, 2008 19:32:48 GMT -5 Shikai said:

She tried to put on a neutral expression as she rejoined them, not wanting to bother B’kay. It wasn’t his fault, after all, it was Kitari Alana was mad at. Depositing the tray unceremoniously on the table, she sat down before anyone could object. “Shards, the food lines were terrible! It seems we got hungry right when everyone else did.”

When B'kay saw Alana and the food coming toward them, he tried hard to hide the intensity of emotion that surely must be showing on his face. His mind was foggy, and for a moment he was uncertain of how much he'd just said aloud, and how much he'd only thought about saying.

Food, however, was a good distraction.

He nodded politely to Alana, "Thank you so much, my dear, I think I need something in my stomach more than even I realized."

He pretended to be absolutely fascinated by what was on the tray as he reached for a still warm slice of bread. Probably best to start with something bland, that would soak up some of the alcohol.

He took a few bites, gingerly, willing his stomach to accept the food. Once he was certain it would stay where he put it, B'kay sighed, and raised his eyes to meet Alana's and then Kitaris. The wine and the emotions still him him in their grip, but he couldn't let that fact keep him from being a gentleman.

"I ... I want to thank you both. You've been most kind."

[Shikai]

Aclaryn’s expression changed little, although perhaps his smile faded slightly, as Ravyna neither declined his offer outright nor accepted it. Instead, she was left fumbling for a response, her eyes darting to Treylis, clearly waiting for him to indicate whether it was alright with him. Well, Aclaryn knew how he would respond. Even so, Treylis’s possessiveness and immediate gentlemanly invitation was a surprise. If Aclaryn didn’t know better, he would wonder if his brother’s reaction went beyond pure obstinacy to prevent Aclaryn from attaining his goals and dancing with Ravyna. They may have left the hold, but their competition lived on, manifesting itself in whatever was convenient.

Yet the way Treylis was acting, was it possible that…no, Treylis didn’t like people! For anyone else, it could be the case, but not for him! But wouldn’t that just be Aclaryn’s luck. The girl he liked at the weyr (there was no denying it, there was something about Ravyna. Multiple somethings, really) was also the first person he had seen his brother take an interest in, if that was indeed the case. Shards, he’d complained for turns that his brother needed to find a girl (he doubted in there was a more uptight young man in all of Pern) but why now? Why Ravyna?

He cut his mental lamentations short for the time being as Ravyna told him that she would like to dance with him later, but accepted Treylis’s invitation first. To his dismay, she didn’t seem at all unhappy about dancing with Treylis – far from it! There was not a bit of hesitation in her voice as she agreed to dance with Treylis, although Aclaryn had asked first, albeit indirectly. Well, he hadn’t wanted to be rude! Letting none of the anger at his brother show in his expression or mannerisms, he inclined his head in a slight bow to Ravyna. “I would be honored, Ravyna. Perhaps later then. I won’t be far.” He flashed her a grin as he turned away from the two, waiting until he was off the dancing square and out of sight and hearing distance of the pair before letting the scowl he had been fighting back creep onto his face.

Faranth, he just wanted to hit something. And that wasn’t like Aclaryn at all. What was it about Treylis that turned him into someone he couldn’t stand? His brother’s every action provoked his annoyance and irritation at least, filling him with anger and spite at worst. And now, he was positively fuming. How, by the First sharding Egg, had Treylis ever managed to find his way to the Gather with a girl, with Ravyna? At least he could take vindictive satisfaction in the knowledge that while the music at the moment catered toward the slow, elegant dances Treylis knew nearly as well as Aclaryn, the faster reels were bound to start up again soon, and Aclaryn wouldn’t mind seeing that! Had Treylis ever danced with a girl of his own accord, out of anything but furthering the hold’s relations? Not to Aclaryn’s knowledge, at any rate!

He found a vacant table nearby and sat down, with nothing better to do in the meantime than wait for an appropriate time to approach Ravyna. Well, he could attempt to find another dancing partner, which probably wouldn’t be too challenging for the lad, but he really didn’t feel like it at the moment. No, he needed to cool down. Suddenly, he realized that B’rec was still with him, and his face instantly took on a look of guilt. “B’rec! I’m so sorry…I didn’t mean to get you involved in this, I’m sure that was more awkward for you than it was for me…” His eyes slipped to the ground, unable to meet the weyrling’s. Gathers ought to be fun, and he had so wanted B’rec to enjoy himself today. But he’d gone and messed that up as well. “I’m sorry. It’s just…Faranth, I hate him.” His eyes narrowed in bitterness as his voice took on a tone of undisguised loathing. It was all Treylis’s fault! That’s what he wanted to think, but the nagging voices at the back of his mind told him otherwise.

[Kitari]

It seemed that she had gotten through to him, for B'kay did not withhold his emotions any longer. In fact, Kitari was amazed at the flood that she had somehow set loose. The look in his eyes as they met her own, his mournful speech, the hand placed upon her own... All in all, it was the most unguarded she had ever seen the Weyrlingmaster, and, despite the influence of alcohol, likely the most genuine. What that meant about his touch, she didn't want to think about too deeply, but it was easy to write it off as a return of her own attempt at connection in a time when he needed it most. Yes, that made perfect sense!

As difficult as it was to focus on his words with the sensation of his hand against her own, the feel of his fingers brushing against hers and tightening their hold as the intensity of his speech increased, Kitari pulled it off in a reasonably collected manner. She managed to keep her eyes, mostly, on his own, though she couldn't help glancing occasionally downward, marveling that his hand was still not leaving. It became easier to focus on his story as the description became more vivid.

The more details he divulged about his new abode, the more shocked she became. It was baffling that the Weyrleaders would house Araelen's own Weyrlingmaster under such deplorable conditions. It was becoming quite clear that B'kay had somehow gotten himself on the bad side of at least one of the Weyrleaders, and the punishment was far worse than menial labour or grueling shifts. That Syth was also suffering in the pursuit of this 'vengeance' was even more disconcerting. It was one thing to take things out on a rider, but to punish the dragon?

Kitari found herself lost in his haunted gaze, riveted by his words. Thus, it came as quite a shock when he suddenly looked away and released her hand, without warning. He began rambling awkwardly about food before turning to her again, and she looked down in turn, feeling the shame he seemed to be echoing. She was glad that he was opening up to her but worried at the same time that he would wake up to regret it, and she didn't want to be the source of any more of his pain.

Hm, Lefayeth's voice suddenly entered her thoughts, its tone deliberate and focused. I may have an idea...

What? her rider replied, confused. She had forgotten that the gold was listening in, as intrigued by B'kay's account as Kitari had been. The Weyrling had no clue what her dragon thought might help in this situation, however, for she was baffled.

"B'kay, I--," she began, forgetting (or choosing not) to remove her own hand, when the abrupt rattling of a tray broke her concentration, and she swiveled to view the intruder: Alana. Kitari was surprised at the wash of resentment she felt; she had just been getting through to the bronzerider, and the appearance of another was likely to close him right up again. Immediately, she withdrew her hand, fiddling with her skirts while glancing disinterestedly at the food the other goldrider had brought. What an inopportune moment for her friend to reappear!

Trying not to allow her disgruntlement over the interruption to show, Kitari smiled graciously and reached for a piece of bread. "Thanks, Alana. That's terrible how long you had to wait. I see you managed to scrounge up a good selection, though! Oh, did you forget the wine?" she glanced up at her friend meaningfully, wondering if she might be able to regain B'kay's candidness if the other girl departed again. All she needed was another moment, the Weyrling was sure, and she could help the Weyrlingmaster resolve his misery!

Before hearing the other's response, however, Kitari turned at B'kay's quiet thanks. It made her feel amazingly torn up inside to hear it, for the sincerity was undeniable, and it was obvious that he had really needed them that day, and might still require support. "As I said, B'kay, if you ever need someone, I'll be glad to help," she replied, smiling softly.

I think there is no need to wait. We can help now! Lefayeth informed her rider, smugness in her tone. Before Kitari could begin to inquire as to the meaning of this statement, the gold then addressed Syth, sharing her thoughts with her rider at the same time. If your present weyr is too small for your rider and you, why don't you come and share ours? It is extremely large, and I daresay I don't fill the couch. This was accompanied by a snort, for Lefayeth had never grown to the size of most queens, though she hardly let it bother her. And I don't believe that Kitari-mine comes near to filling her bed. She is quite small, and it is very large. The dragon was completely matter-of-fact throughout this exchange, completely unaware of the implications her rider easily detected. She was convinced, after all, that she had come up with an ingenious solution to a nuisancy problem.

Kitari, on the other hand, was all too aware. She had gone rigid at Lefayeth's first words, and the conclusion of the offer had drained all of the colour from her face. Her hands gripped the table in a manner that was almost painful, and she dared not to look at the Weyrlingmaster, instead imagining horrifying images of his expressions as Syth relayed the message to his rider. Oh, what had Lefayeth done?

Calm down, mine, they will not be offended because we are still Weyrlings, Lefayeth assured her, uncomprehending.

[B'kay]

The first clue B'kay had was Syth's cryptic reply ....

That is very kind of you! the bronze dragon said to Lefayeth, the obvious relief filling his thought-voice to overflowing. The rock I sleep on is so uncomfortable, it cannot even be called a couch. I hang off the sides, and my ribs ache something terrible. It will be so lovely to be comfortable again, and I know my rider is very tired of the wet wind blowing across him all night long. It's been so long since we've had a good night's sleep ... I have been cranky enough, but B'kay-mine has been much worse!

B'kay, who had emboldened himself to move from the fresh bread (which had stayed solidly in his stomach and made him feel somewhat better) to a piece of fruit paused with the slice halfway to his mouth. At first, the amazing relief of his dragon washed over him, filling him with the same peace and gratitude that Syth was feeling. After all, the fact that M'kel had it out for B'kay certainly shouldn't have been something that had plagued Syth so dearly. The poor fellow would have been black and blue if such things could show on a dragon's hide.

But then, the possible implications of Syth's words began to filter through the relief. B'kay stared at the slice of redfruit, his brow furrowed, as the juice dripped slowly down his hand, wrist, and up his sleeve.

Glancing up, he caught Kitari's ... could it be called "horrified?" ... expression. His dark eyes shifted to Alana briefly, before he whispered, barely audible, in Kitari's direction....

"What exactly did she offer?"

[Kitari]

There were people. Everywhere. Everywhere he looked, there were people. They were behind him, beside him, bumping into him, crowding against him... His already dark eyes appeared almost black, his pupils were so dilated. And his breathing...well, it was becoming an increasing miracle that B'rec was still alive. Short gasps were covered by a pained smile whenever Aclaryn glanced his way, and his pallid complexion had begun to fade to gray.

Buying the leathers hadn't been so bad...he had just closed his eyes after inspecting the quality of the material, allowing Aclaryn to handle the bargaining. But now they were on the move again...and, somehow, the crowd seemed to be growing thicker. The sound of music barely registered for the Weyrling, as he could hear nothing but the overwhelming buzz of voices all around. His fingers were entwined in the leathers, although he reminded himself not to mutilate them in a pained grip.

So intent was he on just making it through the crowd alive that B'rec nearly ran into Aclaryn when the candidate suddenly stopped. He glanced uncomfortably at the two Gather-goers Aclaryn was addressing, more upset that he was stuck in the middle of the swirling crowd than that he was being ignored. When Aclaryn asked the young lady to dance, B'rec felt a spasm of fear. Aclaryn wasn't going to leave him alone with all of these people, was he?! Luckily for the bluerider, the other man stepped in, and Aclaryn was soon storming off through the crowd.

It took all of B'rec's resolve to struggle through after the young man, although relief immediately consumed his features at the sight of tables. He seated himself with great haste, closing his eyes and sitting still for a moment. It was so glorious simply to be out of that chaos of movement.

When Aclaryn addressed him, the Weyrling glanced up, not bothering to hide the mixture of nausea and fear in his eyes. "It's...okay," he muttered, trying not to tremble. B'rec closed his eyes, focusing on the conversation. "But why...why do you hate your own brother?" The family resemblance had been inescapable, and Aclaryn had mentioned that name in the past.

[Kitari]

The hope that had blossomed in the depths of his hard eyes found affirmation in her gaze. Treylis tried not to let show the shiver that ran down his spine when she placed her hand in his, merely nodding in response to her acceptance. He thought he detected a happiness in her smile beyond the prospect of a dance, but it was probably simply a fanciful imagining, brought on by his own happiness. It was becoming far more difficult to deny it to himself...this was developing into something much greater than a desire to compete with his brother over a prize. Ravyna was not to be won, but if such an enchanting spirit chose to grace him with any affection...

Foolish, weak thoughts, though they were, they made the Lordling feel surprisingly warm inside. He hardly even noticed Aclaryn's malevolent glare, something he usually would have picked up on and returned. Instead, he was aware only of the graceful creature he was now guiding onto the dance floor. Her dark hair and eyes alike had ensnared him, and the smile that had melted his typically cold features embodied all of Treylis's bliss in the moment. Forgotten were the plans to escape, forgotten was the pending Hatching and the turmoil he would face there. At this moment, there was nothing but the music, and the dance.

With gentle deliberation, Treylis turned to face her. He held her hand with his own, placing his other hand lightly on her waist. Again, he smothered a quiver of delight at the feel of her curving form, instead counting the beat in his head in preparation to join the music. Luckily for the candidate, it was not a fast-paced song, and he would be able to rely on the traditional dances he had been educated in. "Ready?" he asked, grin almost playful, before he stepped into the rhythm, joining the swirl of other couples on the floor.

He may not be the smoothest of dancers nor the most musically-inclined, but Treylis had expertise and a bubbling happiness to buoy his steps. It came far more naturally than the dry, political dances had always been. It was surprising...this could almost explain Aclaryn's obsession with the activity. Aclaryn. Rayna would be dancing with him, later. The thought made Treylis skip a beat. He recovered quickly, but his features had slipped. As well as he may be dancing now, all it would take was one quick jig with Aclaryn to show Ravyna who was the superior brother in this event.

"I apologize," he murmured, eyes dropping to the ground with great concentration. Treylis was not going to mess up again. "I'm not the best dancer, although you certainly appear to be quite skilled." With a great sigh, he looked off into the crowd. "Aclaryn will likely meet your tastes better, in that regard." It was a huge concession, one that shocked even Treylis. For some reason, he was doubting himself more in this than he ever had in the race for succession. The fact that he was letting it show, even speaking about it...was profound.

[Shikai]

Aclaryn somehow managed to bring himself to glance back at B’rec as the bluerider spoke, but his gaze held as he noticed his expression. The candidate’s own expression turned to one of concern, his infuriation over Treylis’s actions temporarily forgotten. He’d noticed before they departed for the Gather that B’rec didn’t seem to be feeling well, and throughout the Gather itself his friend just didn’t seem to be enjoying himself. Far from it, he looked more ill by the moment! A fresh wave of guilt washed over Aclaryn as he wondered if his dragging the weyrling all around the Gather had been quite the opposite of what B’rec wanted to do.

He froze at B’rec’s question, his eyes searching desperately for a different place to rest, falling at last upon the slightly dirty table. Why…why did he hate Treylis? “I…well…” Aclaryn found himself caught in one of the rare moments in which he was at a loss for words. Shards, when B’rec asked it like that, it sounded so terrible…how could anyone hate their brother? But he did, he couldn’t deny it. B’rec didn’t sound accusing or repulsed, at least, he was simply asking for Aclaryn’s reason. But how could he hope to explain? His mouth suddenly feeling very dry, he tried again to answer.

“I suppose we’ve never really gotten along…” Well, that was a lie. “I mean, not since we were kids. He just…shards, he’s perfect. I never stood a chance, partly because he can handle all the Lord Holder duties we were taught without hardly having to try, and partly because I managed to ruin any chance I ever did have of being chosen as my father’s successor.” Aclaryn said, with undisguised bitterness. “He never makes mistakes. He doesn’t understand anything.” It would forever be a mystery to Aclaryn how his brother kept such control over himself, easily avoiding such negative experiences as Aclaryn had found himself in. All of Aclaryn’s hope for self-control was gone for the time being, his usual suave outward demeanor discarded.

“Shards, it’s a long story, I guess.” He stated. He resented his brother for many reasons, tied up inextricably in a several events, though one in particular, and a lifetime of competition. It was a subject he tried not to think about, and certainly wasn’t easy to describe. That he had tried at all was saying something, however, for he usually endeavored to keep his more personal thoughts well, personal. He tended to be open with people…to a point, and this most definitely lay beyond what he was usually willing to disclose. Yet perhaps it was the surge of emotions brought on by the appearances of both Ravyna and Treylis, but he hadn’t been able to swat away B’rec’s query as he would normally do.

The candidate folded his arms on the table and slumped his head down upon them, caring not a bit at the moment whether or not the action got his sleeves dirty. “I’m so sorry…Gathers are supposed to be fun, and here I am ruining it.” He said, with a dejected sigh. “Not that you seemed to be it enjoying anyway. I’m sure nothing I said made any sense, did it? I know it’s terrible, but I can’t forgive him, even if he is my brother.”

[B'kay]

For a moment, the expression on Aclaryn's face as Treylis had led her to the dance floor bothered Ravyna. What was up with these two, anyway? Although Ravyna had high-tailed it out of her hold as soon as she was of age to support herself, she had always gotten along, for the most part, with her siblings. Perhaps they had never exactly been friends, but they'd at least been civil. Treylis and Aclaryn, though ... it was like watching two sides of a family feud, except that they were in the same family!

It was, indeed, just a moment, however, for as soon as Treylis's hand touched her waist, and the music began, something very odd ... for Ravyna, who had always maintained the control of interactions with the opposite sex ... happened.

Everything but Treylis and the music ceased to exist.

It was obvious, somewhere in the back of the greenrider's mind, that Treylis's skill in dance was most likely structured and carefully schooled. His first few steps may even have been slightly awkward. With the next few, however, that all vanished, as the two hearts began to beat together in time to the music. Ravyna's body, with an instinct born of intense ... if unintended ... connection, began to follow Treylis's movements. The music, the man, and the woman, became one.

As if drawn by a magnet, Ravyna's eyes rose to meet those of her dance partner, and she was drawn in even further to the connection. With a tunnel vision that surprised some subconscious part of her, for her consciousness appeared to blur with the rhythm, the world around them became surreal. No longer were other dancers on the floor, only blurs of color moving in time to the sound that pulsed through her. Her feet stepped in time, following Treylis's without her mind having to guide them.

It wasn't until two things happened simultaneously that Ravyna was pulled out of the spell, and felt her cheeks turn pink and hot with blush.

Igrainth said, Oh, this is such fun! I love to dance with my Treylis-friend! I hope he Impresses a handsome blue or brown boy-dragon so we can always dance together!

And Treylis said, "I'm not the best dancer, although you certainly appear to be quite skilled. Aclaryn will likely meet your tastes better, in that regard."

Suddenly, Igrainth's response came forth, and she sounded almost ... angry: I do not want you to dance with the other one! He is nice, but I like this one best!

Ravyna's breath caught in her throat and she missed a beat of the music, stumbling against Treylis. The response had sounded so strange, like a double echo in her mind and ears ... and as Ravyna realized why, she stumbled again and sucked in her breath with surprise.

She, Ravyna, had been so unsettled by her own emotions that she had echoed, though barely whispered, Igrainth's thoughts aloud. Had Treylis heard her? Had the music drowned out the sound? They were so, so close ... he must have.... Oh, dear!

She began to tremble, for her heart was screaming to return to the rhythm, the closeness, the connection that it had so intensely enjoyed. But her mind was fighting her ... she could not afford these feelings right now, and the reason why was as disturbing as the thought itself. It was not, as it would always have been in the past, that she would have to relinquish control of the relationship if she admitted to more than a casual attraction. Her heart beat faster as the heat rose higher into her cheeks the pulse throbbed visibly in her throat. Shard it all, it hit her like Threadfall that she actually wanted these blasted emotions! That was just so not her style! The reason for her dilemma was not what it should have been ... it was ... Igrainth.

Igrainth wanted the emotions. Igrainth was an immature green dragon -- such intense feelings would be harmful to her; the young green didn't understand the implications of what she was so drawn to. Ravyna's first duty was to protect her dragon ... and yet her dragon was the one trying to, though without full understanding, encourage this relationship. Ravyna was not only losing control to Treylis ... She was losing control to Igrainth!

That was just wrong. Ravyna was always in control when it came to other people! She should be angry. She should be furious! She should shove herself away from this man and stride, proud and dominant, away from this dance square, sternly lecture her dragon, and reclaim her world.

Instead, she leaned in to Treylis, clinging tightly to his hand, wrapping her other arm more firmly around him, and, shaking like a leaf, sought his gaze. "I'm so confused...." she whispered not to herself, or even to her dragon. She whispered to him.