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Post by Kitari on Aug 24, 2008 19:20:46 GMT -5
Brinne may not have grown up around dragons or even in a world they existed in, but she certainly knew how to take care of them. Although other candidates may have spent their lessons daydreaming or bored, the girl had applied herself with surprising fervour to learning everything she could. She had also learned quite a bit from caring for Duke, the haughty and cool blue who was now perched on her shoulder. Thus, her first act after satisfying herself that Elinth's belly was as full as it could comfortably be, was to guide her darling green to the Barracks and give her a good oiling down with the oil she always kept on hand in case Duke felt an itch.
The blue sniffed slightly as if unappreciative of her sudden diversion in attention, but even he couldn't begrudge the sweet green. He was not a flitter easily won over, but her immediate affection towards him upon learning that he, too, was bonded to hers, had done much to gain his favour. Brinne was kneeling on the floor, daintily applying oil to every inch of Elinth's mossy hide, while her green gazed at her with amusement in her light blue, whirling eyes.
I don't itch yet, mine. I barely Hatched, Elinth informed her gently, nuzzling Brinne's hand as it stroked over her nose.
I know that, but this...this is important, Brinne replied, choking back a sudden threat of tears. Elinth remained quiet, understanding without explanation, and returning her rider's attentions by putting her head on Brinne's shoulder and exhaling lightly on the girl's neck. The new Weyrling was determined that her Elinth outshine every dragonet in that Hatching Feast, but for once her motive was not vanity. She felt that she needed to prove to everyone that she loved her green more than anything. No one must doubt that, especially those who had heard her prior proclamations...
I don't doubt it, Brinne-mine. Elinth's sweet tone, so full of love, wiped away a small bit more of that lasting guilt.
I know that...and I am being terribly selfish. That should be enough. But it wasn't. She had to make up to Elinth for her past foolishness.
Only when the new dragonet's hide gleamed like a jewel did the girl lean back, brushing back a stray strand of red hair and admiring her handiwork. You are absolutely beautiful! she remarked, standing to wipe her oil-soaked hands on a cloth.
And it's time for you to be, as well! Elinth nodded fervently, moving over to Brinne's old bed and prodding the elaborate silver dress awaiting her there.
"No," Brinne replied firmly, narrowing her eyes at it. Instead, she approached her wardrobe and selected a plainly cut green dress that complemented Elinth's hide very well. She had planned to wear that silver one to complement a gold...but it now displeased her greatly, for it was gaudy and unnecessary.
The girl dressed quickly then made her proudly down the corridor, glancing down fondly at Elinth from time to time. She entered the Caverns and approached the buffet, loading down a plate with tubers and meats, before standing and glancing around, wondering where she ought to sit.
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Post by B'kay on Aug 24, 2008 22:21:42 GMT -5
B'kay wandered in to the Hatching Feast late, for he had gone from the Hatching Grounds to his office. He had an important task, one which, on the one hand, he was proud and pleased to be able to do ... but on the other.... He looked around the dining caverns, seeking out the faces of his Senior Weyrlings. They each had their strengths and weaknesses, but all in all, they had turned out to be a good group. Yes, a very good group. Most had turned in their lessons, most paid attention during demonstrations, and all had, eventually, mastered the arts and skills it took to become.... He unrolled the scroll, written in his neat, precise hand, and tacked it to the notice board inside the main entrance to the hall. It read: NOTICE TO ALL SENIOR WEYRLINGS
As of dawn of the day following the hatching of the Weather Systems/Natural Disasters Clutch, you are all hereby promoted to Full Rider Status.
Please stop by my office for your certificates at your convenience.
Remember, this status does not automatically make you perfect. You are required to continue to practice your skills daily. Although no one will be keeping score on you, there are suggested exercise schedules posted on the notice board outside my office door for your benefit. Remember that your dragons, though growing and maturing, are not yet fully grown, and you must do your best to help them develop to their full potential. My office is always open if you need assistance or advice.
In addition, please report to your Wingleaders to join official threadfall practice as of two days following the Hatching (since many of you will be too hung-over after the Feast to bother with tomorrow).
Congratulations! Weyrlingmaster B'kay and Syth
Stepping back to survey his handiwork, he nodded and turned to look over the crowd again. Spotting a person he had on his list to seek out, he strolled across the room to where C'train and Aylana were sitting. Since the girl with C'train had not been among the candidates he'd met, and had a blue dragon at her side, he assumed she was the other person he was looking for. "Beastmaster, congratulations on Impressing," he said to C'train, and turned to Aylana, "And you must be Aylana, congratulations as well." He then nodded respectfully to the two young dragons before continuing. "As I'm sure you've realized, you'll be moving to the Weyrling Barracks with your dragons as of tonight. I've instructed the staff to prepare room for you. When you arrive at the barracks tonight ... and don't keep these young dragons up too late, now ... you'll find that your name is on a scrap of hide pinned to the trunk at the foot of your bed. As your things were not in the candidates barracks, I'm afraid you'll have to collect a few necessities yourselves. Sorry about that. Feeding tables are set up for your dragons in the barracks common area, be sure they don't go to bed hungry. Enjoy the feast now." B'kay nodded to the two, turned, and headed for the food tables, glad for a chance to finally fill his stomach.
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Post by D'gellin on Aug 24, 2008 23:10:00 GMT -5
Having piled his plate up with steaming tubers, some meat that made his mouth water, and just about anything else that looked good (which was basically everything), Fallen seated himself at an empty table. He was by no means feeling amicable toward the weyrfolk today. In fact he was quite fed up with everything. Having run in emotional overdrive for much of the day, Fallen found himself growing weary with caring. And once he stuck the first bite of that glorious food in his mouth, he didn't even mind that this had probably been a tithe by some poor hold. He'd already been here too long to repay the holds for every resource he used in the weyr. He'd simply have to make it up to them some other way. In the mean time, Vicroth was right, Fallen was starving.
I told you. Vicroth said smugly, sticking his large head over the counter to see the food Fallen was all but shoveling into his mouth. He tilted his head. Do you plan on suffocating yourself with food, Fallen? Please at least pretend that you are breathing. It is making me nervous. Fallen paused with a hunk of meat half way to his mouth, contemplating his already half finished plate. Perhaps something to drink then. He mused to himself. That is an idea. Fallen looked over the growing crowd for the drinks, spotting the table on the far side of the hall. "I could use a good wine..." Please refrain from drowning in that as well!
Taking his plate with him (he didn't want any kitchenfolk running off with it as soon as he stood up), Fallen headed for the drinks, Vicroth trotting along ahead of him. The young man got the feeling this Vicroth going first thing would become a routine. He smiled faintly, first amused then nostalgic at the thought. It would be a long time before he could travel freely once more. The idea made his heart ache. Fallen had thought for sure that once the Hatching was over he could get back to his life. But now...
I am sorry, Fallen. I did not mean to upset you... "What?" The ache became more pronounced. Fallen hastened to explain. "No, no, Vicroth. When I said you've done nothing wrong, I meant it." He said soberly as he picked up a glass of wine and then, thinking better of it, picked up another in the same hand. It was awkward to hold but it would suffice. "This is just...going to take some adjusting..." A lot of adjusting. "But I don't mind." much. "I have you, right?" He added a little softer with just the merest hint of an apologetic smile. Though he still didn't understand where the feelings had come from, and he had a funny way of showing it (or rather not showing it) he did care about Vicroth. And to have the dragon beating himself up because of Fallen's hardheaded ways was not acceptable. This seemed to placate Vicroth, for the young dragon turned to nuzzle Fallen's stomach gratefully, rumbling deep in his throat. Yes. We have each other, Fallenmine. And I promise we will figure this out. And you will be happy. I will make sure of it.
With Vicroth's happiness running through his veins, making the future seem a little less daunting, Fallen seated himself at one of the tables. "Are you sure you're not hungry?" No, Fallen. That is still your hunger. I am full. With Fallen distracted by food once more, Vicroth set to scanning the party-goers. If talking to Vicroth made Fallen feel better then maybe talking to another person would make Fallen feel even greater! And he had to be sure that his Fallen was happy...But in his scanning Vicroth's eyes fell on Elinth, who was looking very pretty with her shiny necklace markings. And conveniently enough, Elinth's was still standing, he noticed, and looking undecided. A glow went off in his head. Elinth, clutch-sister! Vicroth called cheerily. Do you not have a place for yours to eat? You and yours are welcome to join Fallen and I. Your company would be greatly welcomed.[/color] He offered, quite the gentlemen. As an aside to his rider he added Fallen, would you like some company? Fallen took a sip, well more of a gulp, of his wine, brows pulling together at the question. "Not particularly. Why?" Oh, no reason.
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Post by **Auria (etc)** on Aug 25, 2008 10:34:27 GMT -5
The Queen rider and her dragon were stuffed. Penna had watched the comings and goings of the weyrfolk at the feast, sipping at wine continually, and was feeling very, very sleepy. Bed was calling, even though she was certain it was barely dark. She could feel Plianth, full to the teeth, dozing outside the dining cavern Bowl entrance. She stood, grabbing the wine flask (for the drudges had long since given up bringing her a glass at a time) from the table, and holding on to the back of her chair till she was sure her legs would support her.
It was with this method, occasionally grabbing a shoulder when it didn't register that certain chairs weren't empty, that she slowly made her way to the exit corridor, and out into the stifling heat of a scorching Southern dusk. She wobbled to her dragon, who opened one lid and yawned lazily as Penna's weight fell against her neck.
I am very sleepy, my Love, Penna said to Plianth, who groaned and rumbled in agreement. Let's turn in early ... no one wanted to sit with me, anyway.
It is only because they are intimidated by the fact that your dragon has produced such a marvelous clutch for this Weyr, Plianth comforted her, and stretched her neck, trying to work out the kinks.
It took several tries, despite the fact that Plianth lay flat and did all she could to aid her, for Penna to climb between the huge dragon's neck ridges. Of all things to be thinking about, the woman managed to distract herself trying to remember if she'd slipped that requested recipe for redberry pie under M'kel's door on the way to the feast. She chuckled, giddy with the alcohol, and took another long swig of wine once she finally had lodged herself into place.
"I'm so silly..." she muttered aloud, and Plianth dragon-laughed, amused at her rider's state. The Queen belched loudy as she stood, wobbling on lazy legs.
The dragon looked at the high, high entrance of their weyr, so far across the bowl, with dismay. Penna, picking up the thought, patted the golden neck.
"Oh, just go Between to your couch, Sweeting," she said aloud.
Plianth gathered herself, and Penna looked around their new home, relishing the recent past. They had, through Plianth's wonderful clutch, earned respect here, if not friendship. Not like Ista, where everyone looked down on them. Not like Ista, where the Weyrleaders were always chiding Penna for overindulgence. Not like Ista, where they always seemed to remain at the bottom of the heap. Not like Ista--
Plianth leapt, just barely clearing the surface of the Bowl, and went Between--
"I swear, I only saw her a moment ago, and she was just fine!" the brownrider said to the healer, who was bending over a chubby queen rider. The woman was muttering incoherently, covered in ice, frostbite turning her toes and fingers black, and her dragon hovered over her, eyes spinning wildly with distress....
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Post by Skye on Aug 25, 2008 14:11:29 GMT -5
Kimber glanced around the Feast, looking for her twin, but couldn't see her. She shrugged and looked down at Ferth, smiling brightly at the little brown. She was still surprised she had impressed a Brown, but she wouldn't want it any other way.
Ferth was watching everything quietly, his eyes whirling slowly as he took everything in. Kimber was content to stand with him despite her Harper training telling her to mingle and listen. If her brown wanted to sit quietly and watch tonight, then she was more then happy to oblige.
Kimber reached down and gently scratched Ferth's eye ridges, smiling at the brown's contented sound. If you want to go walk among the others mine that is fine[/color] he told his rider.
Kimber smiled and shook her head. "No, Ferth I'm fine right here with you. I'm as full as you are and we can see everything from here," she said, glancing about once more for her twin.
You look for your clutch sister. She is over there with my sibling,[/color] the little brown said before walking toward Kimber's twin and her green. Kimber smiled and followed Ferth.
Emberlyn glanced up from her plate as she heard her sister approach. She smiled up to Kimber, standing to hug her sister tightly. "I have to admit you were right Kimber, it was a good thing we were searched," she said, looking down to Emmith with as much love as Kimber looked at Ferth with.
Kimber laughed and nodded. "Told you so Ember," she said with teasing love to her twin.
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Post by Kitari on Aug 26, 2008 16:10:42 GMT -5
The plate was beginning to burn her fingertips as Brinne continued to stand, peering about the Cavern. It was rather surprising to her, now that she looked around at all of the Weyrfolk, how few she knew beyond mere acquaintance. So intent had she been on achieving her numerous goals before the Hatching that she had taken little time to establish friendships. The few she did know seemed nowhere in sight, for this evening was more about the new Weyrlings than other dragonriders. But where was Farallen? The girl's lips pursed slightly. She had expected her friend, of all people, to be the first to congratulate her on Impressing Elinth.
The green dragonet moved closer to Brinne, her touch comforting, until her head suddenly swiveled away. The Weyrling was immediately curious, following the dragonet's gaze. "What is it?" she asked, picking up a wine glass while she waited and wincing as her plate nearly tipped.
Your Elinth has found a place for you to sit! her green responded enthusiastically, beginning to weave nimbly through the crowd.
Her rider remained unmoving for a moment before attempting to follow. It was much more of an attempt than a success, as Brinne was most displeased to find that, although people were quite willing to part for the passage of a young dragon, they cared little for just another partygoer making her way to a table. The wine sloshed dangerously in its glass, and a small tuber fell off her plate to roll away. Brinne glared at the sharding thing as it disappeared, turning her nose away. A drudge would have to clean that up later! She was a dragonrider now.
Despite the grumbling complaints broadcasting loudly to her through their connection, Elinth knew that Brinne didn't actually need her at this moment, so she stopped only once she had reached Vicroth. Good evening, Vicroth, she greeted, nosing him gently with her mossy snout. Brinne-mine and I greatly appreciate your offer of company and a place to sit. I don't think Mine is adept at standing for long times. Another tuber plopped to the ground five yards back, followed by a hiss of displeasure. Or walking, for that matter, Elinth added thoughtfully, turning to follow the remainder of her rider's struggle.
"Really now, Elinth, did you have to choose a spot all the way across the room?" came Brinne's exasperated query as she nearly pushed the last human barrier in her path aside. "Why ever..." The words died on her tongue as the girl looked from her pleased green to a bronze dragonet right beside her. A bronze! Why, then he must belong to one of the lads she had been a candidate with, a new bronzerider who was potentially quite fresh for the taking. Her green eyes rose eagerly to find the new rider, noting with an inner squirm of delight that his features, though fixed in a look that was nearly a scowl, were quite attractive.
Yes, yes, she knew she was a Weyrling now and that certain ridiculous rules existed...but there could no harm in flirting, now could there? "Hello!" she cried, a smile breaking through her frown, which had lingered since the loss of two tubers on her harrowing journey. Brinne narrowed her eyes for a moment. She had been introduced to all of the candidates, and this one was... "Fallen, isn't it? Or I suppose F'len now. Congratulations on Impressing such a handsome bronze. What is his name?"
Vicroth! Elinth supplied. Brinne smiled down at her green in thanks but waited nonetheless, seating herself and thankfully depositing the burning plate on the table. She folded her green dress neatly about her then looked up expectantly.
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Post by Shikai on Aug 28, 2008 1:46:21 GMT -5
F’rallen began to feel awkward, standing so long when most were quickly getting their food and finding a place to sit. What was taking Brinne so long? Every moment that passed seemed to make him more anxious. But he was determined to wait for her, because there was no one he wanted to see greater at the moment.
His face brightened as he suddenly caught sight of her, moving through the crowd, dressed in a green dress that wonderfully complemented the hide of the dragon that walked beside her. Perhaps it was plain, but F’rallen thought she had never looked lovelier. He began to move toward her, but a group of happy weyrfolk suddenly moved in front of him, and despite his polite, mumbled ‘excuse me’s’ as he desperately tried to get through, it took him a moment to get the girl in his sights again. Thank Faranth for her hair! She always stood out in a crowd.
Yet what he saw next stopped the weyrling in his tracks, and he withdrew, taking a step back. Brinne been neither looking for him nor finding a place to sit for him to join her. No, she was settling down beside another weyrling with a bronze at his side, to eat with him instead. F’rallen couldn’t understand why he felt so hurt, only that he did. Had she even tried to find him? No, why would she? For all she knew, he was still nothing but a dragonhealer apprentice.
He felt a sudden pang of resentment for the healers of the weyr for never promoting him, deserved as it was. F’rallen had never cared for titles, but perhaps if he was at least a journeyman, Brinne would…Brinne would what? Surely she didn’t care about such things either, did she? She was his friend; she liked him even without a prestigious title, didn’t she? But then, why would she choose to sit with the other boy, who F’rallen wondered if she even knew. He wasn’t the most observant person in the weyr, surely, but he was certain he hadn’t seen her talking to him before…F’rallen was finally a weyrling, so why did he feel like such an outsider again?
Don’t be silly, mine! What does it matter if Vicroth and his beat us there? Let us go say hello, I am sure she will be happy to see you![/color] Dacrith interjected, taking a purposeful stride toward where Brinne was sitting. No! F’rallen cried out immediately, stopping the bronze at once, surprising both of them with the force of the outcry. No…I’m sorry, Dacrith, but…let’s just go eat over here. I’m very hungry. F’rallen continued, in a much gentler tone, with poorly disguised sadness. The lad backed away quickly, hastily seating himself in a vacant area of a nearby table. He slowly put down his plate, as though it pained him to do so, since it meant accepting that he wasn’t going to enjoy the hatching feast with Brinne as expected. No, she would surely have a better time with the other lad…she wouldn’t have chosen to sit with him unless she wanted to.
F’rallen’s latter statement to his dragon turned out to be a lie, he realized as he looked down at his food. Their tantalizing aroma did nothing for him, for his appetite had vanished. Dacrith nuzzled his rider, confused by his emotions, but wanting to help nonetheless. It is alright, mine…I don’t understand why seeing Elinth’s is so important to you, but you will surely be able to talk to her eventually.[/color] F’rallen merely sighed, although he gave up on his food, placing his fork back on his plate in favor of scratching the bronze’s headknobs. At least he had Dacrith, even if Brinne didn't care to see him.
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Post by Felina on Aug 30, 2008 12:30:51 GMT -5
How long had it been? Far too long. Bastard child or not, that Iraink kid was still family. Sort of. It had taken Andy a long time to realize that, and now that the moment that he could possibly meet him again was upon him, he wondered how angry Iraink would be with him. Or, I'nk, if he had Impressed as Miladath claimed.
Of course he Impressed. See, that boy with the pretty Silvrith? He even looks kind of like you. Also, Silvrith says that they are looking for us.
It had been quite a long time. Last A'mnir had seen him, Iraink had been a small child, only five Turns old or so. He'd been sneaking around the kitchens. He was always sneaking, actually, that was just sort of the way he was. Or had been; for all A'mnir knew, things had changed in that messed-up little head of his. It wasn't likely, though. There were some things that were just so ingrained in a person's psyche that they could not change. Insanity tended to be one of them.
He was taller now. Though not as much as A'mnir had expected, even for someone who was maybe hitting puberty late. By all accounts, I'nk- for that was indeed a blue dragon beside him- was absolutely tiny. The resemblance between them remained, though, those blue eyes that were incapable of hiding anything. Well, actually, only A'mnir's couldn't hide anything. I'nk had been quite an accomplished liar, even as a young child.
A'mnir remembered what had happened only a few days before Iraink had left. Iraink had been sneaking around Andy's room, rather more suspiciously than usual, and a couple of hours later, Andy's prized carved dragon had mysteriously disappeared. He'd never had a chance to confront Iraink about it, but he got the feeling that he was the reason it had gone. He couldn't actually prove anything, but he was pretty certain. And now they were meeting again. How odd fate could be. They were on a level plain, now. A blue rider and a green, no longer a bastard child and a legitimate son.
He stood, somewhat shakily but he really was feeling a bit better now. "Iraink?"
It is I'nk, now,[/i] Miladath reminded him, but he didn't care. Sensing that she was being ignored, she turned her attention to Silvrith. So, are you of the opinion, as I am, that no matter what these silly people think, the weather really is quite nice today?[/size]
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Post by Flamewolf on Aug 31, 2008 20:44:55 GMT -5
((Hmm....Seems like F'rallen doesn't want any attention. So of course I'll bring Sun Yew to him xD))
"So...who should we bo-I mean, where should we sit?"
Ha! I heard that! I knew you were up to something. He comically nudged his rider's leg with his nose. Sun Yew scoffed at him and surveyed the crowd. The bronze lifted his head a little higher and spotted a pair that caught his eye. What about them? They look lonely. It was F'rallen and his own bronze.
"Sure, why not," he spoke aloud with a seemingly disinterested voice, but was smiling. Danteth groaned and the Weyrling grinned even more as they made their way over to the pair. "Hello, mind if we sit down?" he asked, and not waiting for a response, promptly sat down next to the Weyrling. He went to take a bit out of his food and glanced sideways at him. He paused. "Whats up? Looks like you've just been attacked by a Wher or something." He had been planning a very nice plan, but seeing his face and feeling the atmosphere around him had changed it. Something was really bothering him. It got to him.
Meanwhile, Danteth watched him for a lingering moment before turning to Dacrith. Hello, clutch-brother! I hope you don't mind Mine's assuming attitude, he joked easily. I'm Danteth. That was just waved off as if it wasn't even important, and he settled down into a more comfortable position. And he was talking about his rider's assuming attitude?! Ha.
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Post by D'gellin on Sept 1, 2008 21:12:01 GMT -5
Fallen had since shrugged off Vicroth's odd inquiry about company and was working on his food when Elinth appeared. The young man quirked a brow as the green nuzzled Vicroth, who was practically shining with delight in response. And a very good evening to you as well, Elinth. Vicroth replied, nosing the green gently in return. And that is a shame about Yours. I do hope she will learn to work her legs properly soon.
"Vicroth, who is this?" Fallen finally asked, unable to stifle his curiosity any longer. The bronze spoke as thought he and the green were old friends, though they were practically still fresh from their eggs. Why this is my clutch-sister, Elinth, Fallen. Vicroth responded with wide draconic eyes, as though this was obvious information. He failed to mention that he'd invited Elinth and Brinne over to join them. Shrugging, Fallen refocused on his meal, though he couldn't help feeling just a small pang of resentment towards the green for stealing Vicroth's attention. How utterly juvenille...
And then someone said his name. Fallen looked up obediently, expression wary, in search of the speaker. What he focused on was a new face, or rather a familiar face without a name. He'd payed attention enough to recognize Brinne as a candidate. No, a weyrling, considering she'd followed close behind the green. However, having never introduced himself before, her name was a completely different matter. But all of that was irrelevent, because Fallen had a fairly nasty habit of judging people before getting to know them. And Brinne had spoken the taboo word. His name was not F'len. "My name is Fallen." The new weyrling stated firmly, almost patronizingly, as he returned his gaze and attention to his food. "And this is Vicroth." He added, gesturing to his bronze with his fork.
He had planned to ignore the girl until she left but, to his slight aggitation, Brinne chose to seat herself nearby. Humor her, Fallen. You may find you like her company. A voice suggested logically. Fallen rolled his eyes with an exhale of breath that made his shoulders drop. "Do you say that because you want me to socialize or because you do?" He asked Vicroth as the bronze sat himself innocently next to Elinth. Vicroth deliberated for a moment. I suppose both would be appropriate. Fallen's mouth twitched in a brief unwilling smile which he quickly hid behind a sip of wine. "You are utterly insufferable." He told Vicroth, momentarily forgetting Brinne at the table. I am going to assume that is a compliment.
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