Second Gather: Craft Stalls

[M'kel]

Representatives from every Crafthall in the Southern Continent have come to display their wares. Bargaining is a necessity, for Crafters are apt to price items above their market value (due to their pride in the workmanship, of course). Hired strongmen are positioned at every other stall to dissuade thievery. The Tannercraft, especially, are present in abundance, for they know that dragonriders will be present and are eager to profit from the Weyr's need for wherhide.

Purchases will require the use of Marks earned through Member activity. Please see the thread titled 'Price Listing of Gather Items' to determine item costs.

[Kitari]

The air was warm and tinged with the salty flavour of the sea, providing amiable conditions for a stroll along the coastline. Dagonth had landed the required distance from the Hold and settled into a pleasantly sandy hollow, while his rider struck out alone for the evening's Gather. Although B'rec might have preferred to avoid the event in its entirety, especially with the warning against dragonriders attending, he was in need of new wherhide gear. Besides, last Turn's Gather had nay been a total disaster, and he might enjoy himself at this one…a little.

Or so Dagonth assured him.

No matter, B'rec was nigh upon the Gather Grounds now, and the strenuous march had given him a mite of a thirst. Thus, the young bluerider procured himself a cooled fruit juice before proceeding to the Craft Stalls. He was wearing a simple silver masque, in accordance with the Gather's requirements, that sat upon the bridge of his nose and tied off at the back of his head. There was a certain pleasing anonymity about it that gave the young man more confidence as he strode through the crowd. Ladies and gentlemen all around him were similarly masked, and he found he could glide through unnoticed. As for the rest of his get-up, B'rec's tunic was a rich navy blue, while his breeches were a simple white stock.

It didn't take him long to find the Tannerhall's booth, and B'rec began to peruse the leathers at random. He didn't want the other customers to notice the special attention he paid to items particular to the dragonriding profession, though he doubted the patrons would much mind. After all, dragonriders were a significant source of income; each needed a variety of wherhide articles to protect them during flight and Threadfall. These Crafters were no doubt some of the few Pernese hoping that dragonriders neglected the rule and came anyways.

"How fare thee this day, good sir?"

B'rec looked up sharply, staring into an acid green mask over the face of a robust man, who was standing protectively over his wares.

"What think thee of the jacket?"

The bluerider turned an eye on the flashy beaded jacket, no good for hard labour at all, and reached out to feel the wherhide material of a tougher, far more practical one.

"The day finds me well, I thank thee. And how many Marks would you see fit for this? I could hardly afford such a pretty item as that other." And the bargaining began.

[D'gellin]

"I find this attire quite ludicrous. Even you cannot disagree that mine articles are unnecessary." Fallen gestured at his masquerade outfit as he observed himself in a mirror, mouth pulled thin.

Quite the contrary! Thou art quite handsome, Fallen. And thy clothing is dashing. If thou must complain I would suggest thou find other means to do so. Vicroth reprimanded his, eyes glittering from their new dragonledge.

Fallen tugged at the black vest, resembling something akin to a sleeveless Teran tuxedo. The wrists of the long sleeve white tunic underneath it were too frilly for Fallen's taste, though he supposed the black breeches and shoes were acceptable. He hadn't even touched the white mask that covered half his face, 'Phantom of the Opera' style. "Where did thee procure such articles?" He asked over his shoulder, where Jaylee stood with her back to him for privacy. She was quite preoccupied with her Cassanth, caressing and expressing every bit of love she could. This would be the longest the two were separated since Impression...At Fallen's inquiry, she only turned her head to give him a look. 'If you don't like it, you don't have to wear it...' she seemed to say. "However, thou would prefer if I did choose to make use of the clothing." Fallen gleamed aloud, adjusting the sleeves with a small grimace. It seemed a small favor in comparison to his virtual abandonment of his cousin a few turns back...

Jaylee shrugged with a helpless little half grin. It was up to him then, but Fallen couldn't say no now. If mine were ugly, I would not permit him leave of thy weyr.[/i] Vicroth rumbled cheekily. Fallen couldn't help the 'oh you didn't just say that' grin as he glanced at his dragon. When he returned his attention to Jaylee, he found his smile wasn't forced. He enjoyed Gathers, after all. It was simply a matter of getting over the fancy dressing. "How soon shall thee be ready?" He asked, perhaps hoping to leave before he caught a glance of himself in the mirror again. Vicroth and Jaylee, fortunately, had a better grasp of fashion however, for Fallen didn't look nearly as silly as he seemed to think.

Jaylee gave Cassanth one last hug, assuring the green that Vicroth would return shortly to keep her company, just as soon as Jaylee and Fallen had been deposited a little ways outside the Gather. Dragonriders weren't permitted, and although Jaylee had at first resolved not to go at all, Fallen had assured her that without their knots no one would be the wiser. Reluctantly, and with an excited feeling in her stomach for her audacity, the quiet girl had agreed. She certainly could use some time away from the, at times, suffocating Weyr, and Fallen generally knew best...Jaylee had also been ready long before presenting Fallen with his costume. The girl herself wore the same dress she had at the Dragon Tournament, a simple white dress with light green hemming. In her hand was a white mask that would cover only her eyes, feathers dyed the same green as her dress rimmed the top of the mask. She stood and nodded, hands clasped anxiously but smile excited.

"Brilliant. Then let us be o-"

One moment, Fallen! Vicroth suddenly said, fidgeting uncomfortably. The Bronzerider gave his dragon a look, knowing very well that guilty twinge in the bronze's actions. "Might I inquire as to what thou hast gotten thyself into this time?" He raised his brows, arms crossed, waiting... Vicroth sucked in a breath, glancing around as though hoping not to be heard, before letting out a huge exhale. I ask that thee wait one moment, for I have invited mine friend to join us in our voyage. She was without means of travel, thou must understand, and I could not in good conscience leave her behind...

...

"...You what"[/font]

[M'kel]

It was far too early to be waking. Just look outside! Rukbat was still up! Amika was most certainly grumbling, as she donned her Gather gear and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. This night life of the Wherhandlers was an inconvenience at best. Today, it was proving downright hazardous, as the girl stumbled into a nightstand on the way out of her quarters and let loose a curse or two. Instantly, Amika froze, looking to her golden-brown Amisk to see if he had waken. She didn't know how the wher would take to being left alone for so long. Luckily, however, he merely twitched in his sleep.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Amika stole quietly from the Wherhandlers' Caves, entering the main corridors of the Weyr and passing quickly to her destination. It was growing easier by the moment, this being awake when she ought to be sleeping thing, and the girl's excitement began to wash the last dregs of weariness from her limbs.

She was going to a Gather, after all!

Leopold, her dark bronze flitter, was fighting to stay awake himself. His head kept drooping into her hair, as he clung loosely to her shoulder and swayed with her passage. Not yet full-grown, he was one of the highlights in Amika's life. Impressing Leopold was almost a form of redemption, after being cursed to the life of a Wherhandler. It was just that little yet important bit of proof that she wasn't entirely worthless in this world...

Thus, it was in high spirits that Amika arrived at Vicroth and Fallen's weyr. She raced in, eager to see her bronze friend again and introduce her own little mini-Vicroth, and stopped abruptly upon catching sight of Fallen. It was a Masquerade Gather, with a little more pomp and flair expected than a regular old Gather, but she hadn't expected Fallen to play along with the theme enough to dress up.

And he certainly had!

Amika was frozen in place. She simply stood there and stared at him, taking in his tuxedo-style outfit with slightly widened eyes. The poofy sleeves seemed fitting, the style suited him quite well, and overall he was...rather handsome, she had to admit. Unconsciously, Amika's fingers closed about her skirts, gripping them for reassurance. She was wearing a simple yet sleek pale blue dress, and her hair was tied up at the back and held in place with beaded pins, though a shock still trailed down her neck. Her mask was held loosely in one hand for now, an azure piece with a flare out to the left side, a pair of white feathers, and some white beadwork at the edges.

"Good day, Fallen," she spoke tentatively, still motionless. "Thou art...excited for the Gather?"

It was then, unable to maintain such a confident air by continuing to meet his eyes, that Amika took in the rest of the weyr. First Vicroth, who brought a pleased smile to her face, and then...a girl. And the smile disappeared instantly.

"And good day to thee," she added slowly, turning her reassuring grip on her skirts into a shallow curtsy. "Art thou accompanying Fallen to the festivities?" Of course she was, silly girl. But Amika couldn't help asking regardless. It was now that the girl cast a desperate look in Vicroth's direction. Was she intruding on an occasion of courtship without even realizing it? Amika suddenly felt very out of place. She was beginning to long for those shadows she had just abandoned, to slip away and become faceless once more.

[D'gellin]

No sooner had Vicroth announced his friend's invitation than Amika burst into the weyr, decked out in Masquerade attire and breathless. Fallen turned with appropriately wide eyes for someone who'd just had a big surprise thrown at him, one hand still tugging at the opposite frilled sleeve. Should he be agitated with the girl and Vicroth for conspiring behind his back? He masked his emotions quickly enough, but it took him a moment to find words.

Vicroth, meanwhile, eagerly snuck his head farther into the Weyr at Amika's arrival, cutting off any potential immediate responses. Mine friend hath arrived! It is a delight to see thee again, my friend, I hope I find thee well? He asked merrily, though he glanced uneasily at Fallen.

Amika looked...pretty. Donned in blue that worked well with her brown eyes and pulled up hair. Was this the same girl he'd seen cowering in the shadows at night? Fallen blinked, realizing he'd been staring just as much as she had. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Jaylee smiling at his uncharacteristic reaction. Shards but he had grown so unused to dapper clothing. He straightened when Amika spoke, quick to give her the polite short bow he'd neglected to give when she first came in. "A...Amika," He faltered, almost forgetting her name, though Vicroth appeared infinitely pleased that it had been remembered. Now if only he could do the same! "I find I am admittedly excited. Gathers art certainly events worth while."

When Amika finally noticed Jaylee, the quiet girl herself rather wished she hadn't been seen at all! Jaylee hastened to return the curtsy. "And to thee." She replied with quiet politeness. Oh here, Jaylee must be in the way, mustn't she? To the inquiry, she glanced at Fallen before nodding her head, trying to smile warmly though her hand automatically found Cassanth for assurance. Had Fallen invited this girl as well? She'd never heard him speak of an Amika before, though he had mentioned a 'Vicroth's friend' in the past. She wouldn't mind spending time with Amika, but sharing Fallen was a little more difficult.

Oh do not fret, mine friend! The quiet one and Hers are quite nice, I promise thee. Vicroth consoled Amika, mistaking the panic of interrupting with that of raw fear.

Why had the room suddenly taken an air of awkwardness? "Apologies for my rudeness. Jaylee, might I introduce Amika. Amika, Jaylee." Fallen introduced the girls after a moment, expression neutral once more. "Vicroth only just announced your visit." He added to Amika, as though this excused whatever had occurred in the moments since the Wherhandler's arrival.

[Journye]

S'lem sighed as he followed his younger sister through the entry to the craft stalls. It wasn't that he didn't want to be at the gather, no he wanted to be here and enjoy himself. He had sighed because his sister was insistent that he accompany her to the craft stalls. "Calysta, doest thou truly need me here with ye. Ye are well capable to taking care of thou self," he said after a moment of watching her gush over some trivial piece of jewelry. He would prefer looking at something more practical, but it seemed that not only were dragonriders not welcome, but he hadn't seen anything in the stalls resembling anything like the protective gear they had sold the last gather.

Calysta turned to look at her brother and placed her hands on her hips, frowning at him. She looked him up and down as she had done back at her weyr. He was well dressed, she had to give him that. He had even trimmed his hair and freshly shaved so she couldn't fault him on that. "I know that I can well take care of my self brother, but can not a sister simply enjoy the company of her older sibling?" she asked, her bottom lip sticking out slightly in a pout. S'lem sighed and shook his head, he couldn't deny her anything when she gave him that look. "Very well little sister, I shall accompany ye some more," he said.

Calysta laughed, a clear, bell like sound, as she hugged her brother tightly. She tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and lead, well rather drug him closer to the jewelry stall.

S'lem was dressed simply, yet elegantly in a crisp, white under shirt with a dark blue, nearly black over tunic that was cut to emphasize his toned body underneath. He had allowed his sister to add a few softer blue colored beads to the tunic to add a bit of shimmer to it in the glow and firelight. She had done well, not adding too many, just enough to attract someone's eye. He wore black breeches tucked into his polished boots. His masque was simple as well, the same dark blue shade as his over tunic. He had trimmed his sandy blond hair, the ends of it just brushing the collar of his shirt.

Calysta was wearing a rich, emerald green, velvet dress. The dress was off of her shoulders and the sleeves were loose, bell shaped falling to just below her elbow and the flared shape falling to just at her hips when she held her arms out straight. The dress fit snugly to her chest and flat stomach, but flowed loosely over her hips and held a bell like shape as it felt to her ankles, the hem just kissing the ground as she walked. She had sewn clear and lighter green beads to the neckline and down her sleeves to attract attention as the glow and firelight sparkled from them. She wore a simple pendant of emerald on a fine silver chain, a gift from her parents after she had impressed.

She wore her soft, blond hair up in an intricate braid consisting of five woven strands instead of three. Woven into the braid were light green beads and small feathers. Her mask was of the same velvet of her dress, shaped much like the wings of a bird with small feathers and clear and light green beads, bringing attention to her honey brown eyes.

S'lem sighed again as Calysta held up the jade bangle that she had been admiring. "Salem, isn't this just beautiful! Mother would enjoy such a gift do you think? And of course I must have one to match!" she said, smiling up at her brother sweetly. Salem closed his eyes briefly and shook his head, fighting a smile of his own. "I will buy the one for our mother but ye must buy thou own," he said. He ignored the look she gave him as he turned his attention to the stall owner to barter for the two bangles.

After a few long minutes they finally walked away from the stall, Calysta wearing one of the jade bangles and S'lem carrying the other in his pocket to give to their mother the next time they could visit her.

Calysta stood on tiptoe to kiss her brother's cheek before dancing away from him, no doubt to catch the eye of some man. S'lem shook his head and moved on himself, thinking it would be nice to have some company other then his sister (feel free to pounce him anyone ).

(20 marks for the two bangles.)

[thewicked]

As soon as Delano had heard there was a Gather, the gears in his crooked mind began to spin. He had plotted in the darkness late at night, with his firelizards curled up in the crooks of his arms and legs. No matter what his plan was he knew he could always rely on them, they were the most loyal beings he had ever known. Now the Gather was happening throughout the day and into the evening, providing ample opportunity to transport his fares unnoticed with the flocks of people and caravans heading into the Hold. It also happened to be a masquerade themed Gather, another great way to disguise himself. He would move carry out his plan in stages and be as sly as he possibly could. Plus, who'd even notice there were a few beasts missing considering barely anyone came to visit the blasted things anyways.

Delano had bartered with a small peddler who had access to a large fishing boat and arranged with him to transport the runnerbeasts to the land. His firelizards had helped keep an eye out for any onlookers while his bronze flitt had scouted a good path through the outskirts of the jungle to take the beasts down. The plan had worked almost flawlessly. The only factor not accounted for was the overly greedy peddler who demanded another 20 percent of the earnings once they were half way across.

The trip was lengthy, but Delano was lucky the Runnerbeast Master was one of the Weyrfolk who had fallen ill, thus Delano would not be missed. His firelizards kept careful eye on anyone nearing, warning Delano a few times of oncomers, forcing him to parade the runnerbeasts into the jungle despite their nickers of protest. But he knew runnerbeasts well and handled them as best as anyone could in this situation.

Upon nearing the Gather, Delano paused and dug out a masque from his satchel. It was a blood-red masque with three slender spikes curling upwards on either side. There were three silver jewels encrusted in the nose and narrow slits for his eyes. It covered his entire face, shielding him from any recognition. Finally he was able to enter the Gather and tie the runnerbeasts up to posts he stuck in the ground. There he waited to sell the Weyr's runnerbeasts. The thought made Delano feel quite crafty and he smiled quite smugly to himself, eyeing the passing customers.

[Shikai]

Do tell me thou wilt tryeth to go about thy day without arousing nary a suspicion as to thine true identity.[/color] A’clayr – no, he supposed in accordance with the rules, he must revert to his old name of Aclaryn for the day – laughed at the weariness in Atoth’s tone, patting him affectionately on a brown foreleg before turning toward the distant Gather. Far away as it was, he could see the vibrant Gather flags billowing in the delightful sea breeze. Aclaryn inhaled it deeply, casting his dragon a cheerful grin in response to the ever grim brown’s worry.

“Oh, don’t fret thy heart, Athy! Thou canst be assured that as sure as the sun riseth up, so wilt I return to thee as soon as the fair Gather has ended. Hast thou forgotten already that I ne’er have let thee down before?”

Nay, but I knoweth well mine own rider.[/color] The brown replied with a sigh, although there was a touch of affectionate humor beneath the tone. Aclaryn chuckled, waving to the brown as he set off toward the Gather at last.

He was quite looking forward to it, and had certainly been happy to dig the finer clothes out of his chest that he rarely had the opportunity to wear. And so he was decked out in a finely decorated outfit of green, silver, and gold, and selected a fancy gold and silver mask to match. It covered only the top part of his face, leaving his mouth free, which he felt would be practical for eating or in the event that he caught the attentions of a lady, which he fully hoped he would.

After all, his group of weyrlings had finally been made full riders. And it was convenient indeed that there was a gather soon after. Yes, Aclaryn was looking forward to trying his luck again, after so many long months…

But first, he thought with a sigh, he’d best get business out of the way first. Perhaps Atoth was rubbing off on him. And so he passed up the lilting tunes coming from the dancing square, and made his way to the craft stalls.

Yet as he began looking over the wares, the first person to catch his eye was not a fair lady, but, a bit to his embarrassment, a finely built man in a rather dashing blue tunic. At first he found himself simply admiring the other’s choice of clothes, which there was nothing at all wrong with, but as his attentions were siphoned increasingly away from the leathers and toward the masked, mysterious individual in question, he realized he was not only thinking of how nice the clothes were but how nice the man looked in them.

Aclaryn frowned, and turned determinately on a sturdy wherhide jacket, beginning his negotiations with the man in charge. But his eyes couldn’t help but slip back to the man across the stall…he looked somehow familiar, actually, but Aclaryn was too preoccupied with his looks to try to place where he had seen him before.

[M'kel]

((lol, Delano. You're such a little sneak. XP))

As Amika stood there nervously, her palms beginning to sweat under the scrutiny of the two dragonriders, she was aware of Fallen's unblinking gaze not leaving her. He was obviously shocked by her appearance, but Amika couldn't quite fathom why he seemed so out of sorts. Surely he had been expecting her; even if he had already planned to spend the Gather with this girl, he shouldn't be so horrified by her momentary intrusion. She must have interrupted something very grave, for it wasn't as if she'd be gone as soon as they reached the Gather...

Then, Vicroth's warm voice washed through her, and Amika turned with a smile to greet the bronze properly. She stepped closer to him, reaching out a hand tentatively, and replied eagerly, "And I am glad to see you again, dear Vicroth. I have been quite well, thank you, though a bit under the weather."

Just then, Fallen spoke her name. Amika turned instantly, gazing up at him tentatively. She nodded slowly, smiling just a little, as he remarked upon the 'worthwhileness' of Gathers.

The greenrider returned her greeting then, forcing Amika to acknowledge that there was another girl in the weyr, once more. Slowly, her brown eyes moved to Jaylee, lingering almost hungrily on the green dragonet beside her. Of course, Fallen would be going to the Gather with another dragonrider. It only made sense, that dragonriders...accompany each other to such things. Though it made Amika's throat pulse with a strange sort of shame and anger, the girl swallowed her reservations and continued to smile weakly. Vicroth's assurance that the girl and dragon were very nice only caused her to feel even worse; they were a very nice pair, much better than an anti-social girl and her ugly brown wher.

Such thoughts faded, for Fallen was speaking once again, introducing the pair of them. Amika dipped her head politely, nodding in Jaylee's direction. Then she went cold.

'Vicroth only just announced your visit.'

Amika thought she was going to be sick.

"Thou...thou did not know...but he said he couldst...thou wouldst give me a ride there, sevendays ago... I was not going to go, until..." Amika snapped her mouth shut, realizing that she was sputtering nonsense. Her knees suddenly felt very weak, and she thought she might begin to sway on the spot. "I...I am terribly sorry for the intrusion..."

But really. She was just trying to go the Gather. Everyone deserved to go to a Gather, Wherhandler or not. Angry tears began to well in her eyes, and Amika turned quickly back to Vicroth, seemingly absorbed in the bronze. "I can assure thee, m'lord, that if thou granteth me passage to the Hold, thou will not see me again. I will intrude no further on thine evening." Please, please! She just wanted to get out of this Weyr, to be free for one night!

[Journye]

S'lem moved through the crowded stalls easily, weaving his way through the throngs of people gracefully, muttering polite apologies for any bumps caused by him. Now, this was something he enjoyed. He could remember helping his father prepare for gathers when his father was training him to take his place as the hold steward and the end result had always been so rewarding.

He looked over the stalls, nodding to the hawkers in a polite way, but never stepping close enough to allow them to snatch him up in their sales speeches.

Ah ha! A good leather stall at last. He smiled to himself and moved closer to the stall, looking over the offered wares, nodding to himself at the quality offered. He smiled to the man behind the stall, thankful that he wasn't one of the pusher stall owners, but rather allowed his patrons to look their fill before approaching them.

He nodded to the other patrons already there before turning his attention back to the wares offered. After a long moment he motioned for the owner as he picked up a wide leather belt.