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Post by Shikai on Aug 12, 2008 16:51:43 GMT -5
“Strange?” Alana repeated, brown eyes looking skyward as she considered Kitari’s words. Well, he had been very friendly, perhaps too friendly, and certainly was more talkative than was normal for him. He had put his arms around both of them and offered to treat them to food, and of course, there was the comment about dancing with a pretty partner. Come to think of it, that was strangely out of character for the Weyrlingmaster! So why hadn’t she noticed it, Alana thought. No…it couldn’t be because she had been too happy that he was being so friendly toward her to notice that such behavior simply wasn’t normal for the man?
Ack, that was a distressing thought! She pushed it away, but it refused to be put from her mind. Well, if that was the reason, she certainly wasn’t about to share it with Kitari! So she left that detail out of her reply, and tried not to let a scowl cross her face.
“Now that you mention it, he is much…friendlier…than normal. Nothing loosens a man’s tongue like wine, if you ask me! I thought I smelled some on his breath.” Alana responded dryly.
Yes, wine was surely the reason. Alana felt a twinge of disappointment at the realization, although she couldn’t quite place her finger on why. Pah, there was no use in trying to lie to herself. She liked the Weyrlingmaster, and had enjoyed the attention he gave her. She agreed with Kitari that seeing him drunk was most distressing. He was the Weyrlingmaster, after all! But being the great bronzerider that he was, surely he must have a reason for seeking so much wine! Surely B’kay wasn’t guzzling alcohol for no reason…
“Do you think there’s something wrong?” She commented. “A reason he’d drink so much?”
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Post by B'kay on Aug 12, 2008 17:22:15 GMT -5
B'kay had it made. A beautiful queen rider under each arm -- wouldn't M'kel just eat stone if he saw that! He'd show HIM for tossing him out of his weyr ... although at the moment he hadn't a clue why buying Kitari and Alana a meal would "show" M'kel....
Somewhere in the back of his mind, as they wound their way toward the food stalls, the fact that "no food yet today" and "a skin of wine" was probably not a good combination was trying to make its way through.
And then Chaos arrived. Or, whatever that little flitter's name was, anyway ....
The owner appeared to be that ... unique looking ... candidate, though B'kay couldn't recall his name at the moment (B'kay is lucky to be able to recall his OWN name at the moment, Syth interjected disapprovingly), and the firelizard appeared to have taken a shine to Alana. Or at least to her hair.
Syth, the rider said, his vision fogging slightly as he tried to follow the blur of activity that had drawn both goldriders out of his embrace, Could you perhaps call that little fellow off?
He is not OUR little cousin, OUR little cousin is here behaving himself. Besides, the young woman rides a Queen ... if any dragon should intervene, it should be her own, and she apparently has not yet seen the need....
Why must you always argue the point?
Because right now you're not thinking straight. That would be interfering--
Yes, but ... However, the "but" refused to come, for B'kay, in his state, simply couldn't out-think his dragon on this one. And as he stood there, growing more confused by the moment, Alana and ...
HAUZE, yes, that was it! How could he have forgotten!?
... Hauze appeared to get the situation in hand.
The Weyrlingmaster, shaken from his brain-fog, was about to step up to the girls and ask if they'd like to continue, when they, instead, moved further away from him.
Normally, B'kay would not have reacted to such things. In fact, normally, B'kay wouldn't have found himself in this situation at all. However, today....
The wine in his veins created explanations, it wove stories, it magnified emotions, and it convinced B'kay that he had, in fact, done something to offend the two goldriders. Their quiet talk and shadowed expressions, after all....
(Unfortunately, he was right, but of course he didn't know that.... )
He sighed, and his momentary elation deflated miserably. Thrown from his weyr, sleepless, sore, he had thought to have a brief respite from his troubles when he'd run into Kitari and Alana. But somehow, he had even managed to foul that up.
"I-- I--" he stuttered, starting to take a step toward them, but deciding it better to stay where he was. "I'm afraid I may have intruded upon your Gather day," he said quietly, and tottered slightly as he turned to look for the shortest path back to the dragon heights. Syth had been perched near the dancing square ... hadn't he? "I apologize, I-- " he remembered something suddenly, and began to fish though his money pouch, coming up with a handful of small marks. "I'd still like to treat you to a meal, it would be ungemtlenamly, ungemp, rude of me to reneg on my word." He scowled down at the marks, wondering why on earth his tongue felt so thick.
"I mean, if you don't mind...." Suddenly feeling very claustrophobic, the Weyrlingmaster's dark eyes began to seek a path through the crowds, and the sight of a quiet spot to retreat to.
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Post by .K.aci on Aug 18, 2008 23:24:49 GMT -5
No, he hadn't missed the teasing in her voice, he had just ignored it. Of course, that was his story. Kal was sensitive, and together with a propensity for extreme likes and dislikes, this made him easily hurt, quick to detect insult or injury to himself. But it didn't seem to bother him that she was teasing him, oddly. His is fortunate in that his strong reasoning powers are tempered with imagination and intuition, and these gifts, together with critical perception and analytical capacity, can enable him to penetrate to profundities beyond the average. But charismatically, he can easily sink into the extremes of depravity if he takes the wrong path, and the intensity of his nature exaggerates his harmful tendencies into vices far greater than the normal. Indeed, he was not the nicest of people, often resorting to violence. But with her, it seemed he had found a friend to relax with, someone that he need not bother impressing or bullying into fear. She was such a firebrand and able to stand her own against him...
'I think they're horrid.'
His face was masked horror.
"Oh...."
That was terribly depressing. She hated them? How could she hate them? Girls liked shiney big things... Or at least all the girls he knew. Perhaps, and this was just a thought, Cilnah was not like other girls. A smart boy, at times he showed a surprising amount of stupidity. Apologizing to the stall holder, who looked slightly hurt, he hurried after her.
'It's magnificent.'
Surprisingly, Kal was one for more simple things himself. He held up expensive things as a show of how talented you were, and thusly, on his finger flashed a finely crafted silver ring with a purple-blue stone set deep. It was larger than it had to be, but it showed that he was not a pauper, and the slightly bigger stone showed several things. Kal could be too demanding, too unforgiving of faults in others, perhaps because he is too aware of the shortcomings within himself. Thusly is the reason he extravagantly expresses his self-disgust in unreasonable resentment against his fellows. Not to say he doesn't make an excellent friend - he does. Only, however, provided that his companions do nothing to impugn the honor of which is very jealous of. That honor is part of the reason he wears things that are big and gaudy. Of course, it showed as a negative side of his nature that he would most likely not be wearing this ring a few sevendays later. It was symbolism of his nature that he tended to treat his friends the same way, discarding them once they cease to be useful.
But now, all his energy and time was focused on Cilnah, and he saw the admiration and want that filled her eyes. An excellent judge of people at times despite his shortcomings, he knew she would never waste marks on such a fine thing...
"Twelve marks for the necklace of such beauty."
He boldly stated, an excellent haggler in his own right. Indeed, the crafter's eyes widened as he stated, 'Aye, good sir, tis such a low price for such a finely crafted piece! `Tis at least a thirty marks, I warrant?'
Kal seemed to hesitate, than shook his head.
"Not quite thirty, Trader. Perhaps I will raise it to fifteen, however. A finely made piece, it is."
The Trader shook his head firmly.
'No, not at all sir. Twenty-five pieces, at least.'
Kal only fixed him with a cool stare, his famous half-grin lingering on his face.
"I think not, sir. Twenty, less, perhaps.
The man hesitated for a split second, and Kal took his chance there.
"Twenty-one and a half marks, sir."
The man hesitated for a moment longer, than nodded.
"Alright, fair enough. For the Lady?"
A elegant hands scooped up the prize after handing him his Marks.
"Madam? I believe this is yours."
The full, sweeter grin on his face, Kal offer the treasure to Cilnah, meeting her eyes and proud of himself for doing something right.
[[ooc]awww, he's being sweet....]
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Post by Cilnah on Aug 20, 2008 2:55:29 GMT -5
Almost an exact opposite of her companion, Cilnah had no desire to show off. She cared little if she was thought a pauper, or a Holder's daughter. While position may hold sway with some people, it had no bearing for her. She would treat a pauper as a rich person, or a rich person as a pauper, if that is how they acted. But there was one thing that both Kal and Cilnah agreed on. She would never waste marks on such a frivolous thing as the necklace, even if it was a beautiful piece of craftsmanship, even if she had them to trade. So, as it was, she gave the vendor an apologetic smile and turned to move on. She'd only gotten a few steps however, when Kal's voice stop her cold.
"Twelve marks for the necklace of such beauty."
At first, she was sure she'd misheard. Why in the world would he be buying a necklace? It was suck a feminine thing. Turning, she looked at him curiously, watching the haggling with muted interest as her mind wandered. Perhaps he had some girl hidden away, who would like the trinket? That brought a frown to tug at her lips, but she pushed the thought away, giving a mental wave of her hand. It was none of her concern, really.
It seemed, as she had been lost in her own mind, the deal had been struck, and a sudden motion in front of her caught the girl's attention, so that her eyes focused on the pendant as a ray of light caught it, and flashed off. The gaze shifted from the jewelery to the person holding it, and as she studied that happy grin, a myriad of emotions passed over her face. Confusion, as to why he was offering the trinket to her. Glee, that he was offering it to her. Anger, that he thought she could be bought with such a thing. Guilt, for thinking that he was trying to buy her. Suspicion, as to just what he was up to. Confusion again, as to why she cared. All of this in the fraction of a second it took to take a breath. Then finally, it settled into a look of simple pleasure, and she gave Kal a grin. "Thank you, Kal. I will keep it always." And that, at least, was true. Once she found something that she liked so fully, she would keep it with her. It was quite possible that if you came across her in a turn or two, she would still be wearing this same pendant.
Instead of reaching out to take it, though, she twisted slightly, pulling her hair over her shoulder so that the back of her neck was revealed. "Would you mind?" she asked, glancing back at him with a half-way inviting grin, her eyes dancing.
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Post by Kitari on Aug 23, 2008 0:02:17 GMT -5
Alana's murmured speech quickly confirmed Kitari's suspicion. So the other goldrider had also noticed the smell on B'kay's breath...well, at least she wasn't going crazy, then! It was still quite a revelation that the respectable Weyrlingmaster would let himself slip so in public, but the girl was slowly allowing herself to become more comfortable with it. He was human, just like the rest of them, and maybe B'kay was secretly a really relaxed, fun guy who only loosened up on special occasions like Gathers. The thought made her laugh inwardly, cheering her slightly, until Alana's next comment.
The thought hadn't occurred to her that B'kay's drinking might have been a result of depression rather than festivity. Certainly he didn't seem depressed; why, she'd never seen him more outgoing and engaging! Still, it was something to consider. After all, even for a festive Gather-goer, he seemed quite deep in for so early in the day. Or was it early anymore? Kitari peered about her at Rukbat's position, noting that it was fast becoming evening. Hm. When did that happen?
"I can't think of anything offhand," she replied absently, pondering the issue. "You know how they say some dragonriders can be, though, after witnessing Threadfall. And he has seen a lot..." Kitari suddenly snapped her mouth shut, feeling ashamed. She wondered guiltily if she was sharing too many personal details, information he had told her in confidence that he didn't want anyone else to know.
His voice drew her all of a sudden, and Kitari turned abruptly, wondering if he had overheard and was upset. The expression on his face definitely seemed to suggest this. He spoke so quietly that she found herself leaning forward to better catch his words, but they weren't accusing in the slighest. Instead, he appeared to have gone from blissfully joyful to miserable in a flash. Instantly, all thoughts of his strange behaviour and his position of seniority vanished: here was a man clearly troubled, and how could Kitari ignore that?
She stepped towards him with a glance at Alana, hastily hiding a smile behind a cough as he stumbled over the word 'ungentlemanly'. His downturned gaze was too much, as he stared forlornly at the Marks in his hand, and the goldrider found herself reaching out to take his arm. Something was wrong with B'kay, and Kitari was never one to sit by while a friend was hurting. Is what what B'kay had become now, a friend? Perhaps, she thought, but then again she was very used to the camaraderie of fishing vessels. A Weyr was not so different.
"Oh no, Weyrlingmaster, I think you have completely misunderstood us. Alana and I would be delighted to dine with you this evening. However, you've been very busy at the Weyr lately, and I think you should have some time to relax. How about you and I go find a spot to sit?" she smiled warmly up at him, patting his arm gently.
"Alana, would you mind grabbing us something to eat?" she added in an offhand tone, taking the proffered Marks and holding them out to the other Sr. Weyrling. Not really waiting for a reply, for Kitari was already quite focused on her subject, she began to guide B'kay to where the tables by the Food Stalls rimmed the Dancing Square. The onlookers in that area would likely be too giddy to notice the strange behaviour of a Sr. dragonrider.
((Maybe Shikai post again here, and B'kay can move it over to the Dancing Square? Or whatever y'all prefer! Sorry about my late post...))
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Post by Shikai on Aug 23, 2008 13:32:11 GMT -5
Alana’s tilted her head thoughtfully as she considered Kitari’s explanation, not noticing that the other goldrider’s words trailed off as she thought better of sharing them. Well, that was a possibility, of course. Being a dragonrider might seem like all fun and games in the beginning, but once they graduated from weyrling status and were thrust into the reality of threadfall, well…it certainly couldn’t be easy seeing one’s comrades go up to fight, and never come down. Of course it would quickly begin to wear on anyone.
Alana turned at the sound of B’kay’s voice, and once felt a pang of guilt as she saw his face. How quickly he had gone from being overly cheerful to so upset! Perhaps they should have picked a different time to discuss the Weyrlingmaster, for as strange as his behavior had been, seeing him like this was worse. Her eyes softened as he stumbled over his words, a combination of his apparant desolation and the wine, no doubt. He seemed somehow pathetic, but rather than be annoyed, Alana wanted to help. She had often been the one her younger siblings turned to when they were upset, and no matter how petty their problems, she had been the one to comfort them in place of her often busy mother. While B’kay was many turns her senior, his manner at the moment was not unlike an unhappy child, although she was sure his problems were far more grievous than a stolen toy or a scraped knee.
Yet before she could open her mouth to first assuage his worries that he had upset them, and then perhaps offer to find a place to sit where they could talk (indeed, he seemed to be looking for a quiet escape himself) Kitari spoke, saying rather the same thing she had been about to. Ah, well that was good, clearly she too saw B’kay seemed to need someone to talk to at the moment. Alana made to follow Kitari, but to her surprise, the other girl turned, dropped a handful of marks in her hand, and bid her fetch them refreshments while she left with B’kay. Alana stood dumbfounded for a moment as Kitari walked away with the Weyrlingmaster, and then her expression turned to one of anger as her eyes narrowed.
Had Kitari just done what she thought she’d done? Ordered her off to get food, like a dispensable drudge, while she spoke to B’kay by herself? Alana was no one’s drudge, she was done with doing the constant bidding of those around her. She was a queenrider now, and though she never brought it up around her friend, technically outranked Kitari. At least, in Sitareh’s eyes, for the Weyrwoman made no secret of her opinion that Lefayeth was not a proper queen at all. A queen was a queen to Alana, and she had had only respect for her fellow goldrider, but clearly Kitari lacked any respect for her!
As insulting as it was to be made to get the food, Alana suspected it had an equal amount to do with getting rid of her. Clearly Kitari didn’t want her around as she spoke to B’kay, and Alana was greatly frustrated. She had great reverence for the Weyrlingmaster and had very much wanted to help him. Alana had been waiting for an excuse to get to know him better, and while perhaps this wasn’t what she’d had in mind, it would be a chance to talk to him, and if he opened up to her, well, perhaps they could be…friends? Yes, friends was it, of course, that was the extension of her feelings. Kitari, however…why was it important that Alana not be present while she talked to B’kay? Why must they be alone?
Mine, you are quite distressed! What is the matter?[/color] Gwynevith broke in, causing her rider to jump in surprise. She was still not quite used to the gold’s interruptions when she was deep in thought. Nothing, dear heart. Just…some troubling events have occurred. It’s nothing to worry about. Alana replied gently to her dragon. Yes, her dragon, for she was a dragonrider now. No longer a cotholder’s daughter to be ordered around as everyone well pleased! Well, she would get the food for now, but only because not doing so would likely distress B’kay greater, and she at least had his interests at heart, not Kitari’s questionable motives…Fuming, she stalked toward the food stalls, the marks clenched so tightly in her fist that they were beginning to leave welts in her skin. She would do this for B’kay’s sake, but later she would make it quite clear to Kitari that she was no one’s to order around!
((Sounds good to me. ^^ Off to the dancing square, then?))
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Post by Kitari on Aug 24, 2008 15:59:03 GMT -5
The Sr. Weyrling continued to gaze in horrified awe at the milling crowds ahead. He was startled out of his reverie by a whoosh of air as Dagonth swept suddenly into the sky to make room for the next incoming dragon, as well as Aclaryn suddenly clapping him on the shoulder to guide him off into the crowd at the same moment. B'rec twitched in surprise, but his feet moved forward at the urging, and he fought to keep himself erect rather than plummeting to the ground, as his fear was telling him to do.
The candidate wanted to spend the Gather with him? That was a surprise. B'rec wasn't great company, he knew, even at the best of times. Aclaryn was probably simply feeling obligated, since blacklisted candidates were supposed to stay with the dragonrider who brought them for the entire Gather. That was thoughtful of him.
At Aclaryn's comment about this probably being the dragonrider's first Gather, B'rec turned to him in surprise. Was it that obvious? He suddenly felt a wave of shame. Even this lad, who seemed uncommonly eager to be kind to him, would think him a freak if he knew about B'rec's upbringing. Living completely isolated form the rest of Pern was hardly a normal occurrence.
"Well, no, I haven't," he confessed uncomfortably, unwilling to share more than that. "And...thank you, for...helping me." B'rec didn't quite say, 'planning to have fun with me', because he was sure he was going to disappoint Aclaryn in that regard. "I don't really know how to...barter, or anything. And I do need a helmet and leathers." He followed Aclaryn's lead, not having a clue where anything was.
You're doing well! Dagonth's mind touched his softly, pride in his tone. B'rec smiled despite himself, appreciating the reassurance of his dragon, who was farther away from him than he had been since the Hatching.
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