Gather Day: Moping Around

[Shikai]

((Calling B'rec!))

Aclaryn lay flat on his back on the grass near the lake, staring up at the clouds drifting lazily across the sky. There weren't too many too look at, for it was undeniably a beautiful day for Araelen Weyr. There was a perfect breeze, just cool enough to offset the heat of the Southern Continent, without being too strong to be pesky for those with longer hair. Rukbat gleamed with irrepressible cheerfulness as it climbed higher in the sky, still hanging relatively low, as it was morning. In other words, it was a perfect Gather Day! Yet all these conditions were lost upon Aclaryn, who fought the urge to scowl at the sun for what he perceived as mocking him with its overly blissful appearance.

Excited wasn't quite a strong enough word to describe his emotion when he heard that there would be a Gather coming up. Finally! He had always had a fondness for Gathers, and the promise of food, dancing, and enticing wares to browse that they brought. Plus, he had a knack for finding good company, even if he didn't know anyone at the Gather to begin with. A Gather was just what he needed, something to reconnect him to his old life, a means to get away from the confusion of trying to adapt to the weyr. Yet when he had gone to the kitchen just a few days before the eagerly awaited day, the worst sight imaginable had met his eyes - his own name, right at the top of the list of candidates who were not permitted to go to the Gather.

So there he was, with nothing to do while the other candidates cheerfully prepared to board the ferry. He sighed. He had been making such an effort to adapt to weyrlife, too! Had all his hard work gone so unnoticed? Surely this was all Treylis's fault. Yes, Treylis had made no secret of how he loathed being there! He had even attempted to escape! No wonder they were both on the list. In truth, Aclaryn would have been on it anyway simply due to the nature of his Searching, and his concious nagged at him that this was likely the case, but he ignored it. He was miserable, and it brought him some satisfaction to blame his brother for his problems at the moment.

There was the notice at the bottom of the list informing the candidates unfortunate enough to be named that they could still attend the Gather, provided they find a rider to watch over them. However, Aclaryn found it to be little more than an attempt to assuage hostility toward the Weyrleadership. Ah, then it became the candidate's fault if he could not attend, because he or she had simply failed to find a willing rider to transport them! Well, it wasn't fooling Aclaryn! He knew no riders, and he very much doubted that any would be willing to saddle themselves with a candidate known to be troublesome, who they would have to keep an eye on for the entire day instead of enjoying the Gather! Aclaryn had met a couple Weyrlings, but he couldn't just ask them, could he? The gentleman in him refused to burden Ravyna or Journye with his caretaking for the day. Besides, if they were constantly walking around with him in tow, it would likely eliminate their chances of meeting any other lads at the Gather! As Aclaryn often used Gathers as an opportunity to meet those of the opposite gender, he couldn't burden them so. No, they deserved to enjoy the Gather, so he would simply have to stay behind, and spend the day at the Weyr. Alone.

As though aware of this thought, Valera chirped beside him, burying her soft green head in his hair, fighting her way through the black strands to nuzzle his cheek. Aclaryn smiled sadly over at his companion. "Ah, Valera, my heart! You're right, I'm sorry. You've been a very good friend to me, my dear little one..." He said, reaching over to stroke her head softly. "What do I need to go to a Gather for, really? What other girl do I need, I've got you of course, my beautiful little lady!" He continued, turning his head to look at her, and she crooned happily in response to his barrage of compliments. Aclaryn smiled, knowing how his firelizard enjoyed being talked to so, ridiculous as it might seem. He didn't mind, it wasn't as though there was anyone around to hear him anyway. And he didn't particularly care if anyone did hear him. At least he had Valera, and with her, maybe the day wouldn't be so bad. Anything to take his mind off of the fact that the majority of the weyr would be away at a Gather while he was left behind.

[Kitari]

Come on, B'rec! Accompanied by a nudge to his behind, this was a very effective means of increasing the young man's pace, as the Sr. Weyrling jumped in surprise and quickened his stride, glancing over his shoulder at the blue dragon he now needed to look up at. Dagonth lumbered along behind him, eyes whirling green with excitement and curiousity, and extended his neck to nudge his rider onwards once again. The young man was ready for him this time and jumped forward to prevent the contact, that would be highly embarrassing if anyone was watching, glaring with a touch of amusement at the blue.

"I'm going, Dagonth!" he replied, exasperation evident in his tone. The Weyrling sighed expansively, eyeing Rukbat's position in the sky. The Gather must be in full swing by now, for it was past midday. B'rec had been fervently hoping that he could avoid the thing altogether, even daring to 'forget' his harness at the Lake after bathing Dagonth the other day. This plan had flopped miserably when the dragon proceeded to pester him all day until he had finally confessed its location. For some reason, Dagonth had it in his head that a Gather would do his rider good. Utter nonsense, if you asked B'rec.

He could envision it now. A press of people, all around him, their hot breath on the back of his neck, their raucous calls assaulting his ears, bodies pressed close, the smell of sweat and dirt... The very image caused B'rec to shiver as if a chill wind had suddenly raked his form. He had grown up in an isolated Holding, knowing no one except his parents. Adjusting to the Weyr's population had been trying enough; a Gather would hold more people than he had encountered in his entire life. Even thinking about it made his breath come in short gasps, his head began to spin, he was feeling quite faint...

Dagonth's muzzle was suddenly behind him, keeping him erect as the tall Weyrling began to swoon. A wave of comfort and love flowed through him, drowning out the fear and the panic. We do not have to go... The colours of his lifemate's tone were soft yet firm, wishing only to bring reassurance to his rider.

"No...we do," B'rec replied, voice still weak as he steadied himself on his feet. He turned, his arms drifting around Dagonth's proferred neck. "I need to buy protection for us, for when Thread falls." If nothing else could bring him out of the sanctity of his personal weyr, it was the need to protect Dagonth. That would send him to the end of Pern, if needed.

And I would like you to make some friends, if you could, mine, Dagonth rejoined, concerned. We do not have to stay long, but you should socialize at least a little... His rider said nothing to this, knowing that Dagonth thought it was best, even if he disagreed.

[Shikai]

After a long moment spent lying on the grass, absently stroking Valera, Aclaryn could feel as much as hear the sound of someone approaching. “Wonder who that is.” He said aloud, as much to himself as Valera. Probably another happy individual on their way to the Gather, he thought dismally. A glance at Rukbat’s position confirmed that the ferry had likely left already (here he had to pause and attempt to push the image of a ferry full of excited candidates from his mind) so whoever was coming was probably a weyrling or a rider. Wanting to take advantage of any distraction, however brief, and to satisfy his curiosity, he put his hands at his sides (much to Valera’s dismay) and pushed himself up to a sitting position. As he did so, his green firelizard took hold of his tunic with her claws, hopping to his shoulder as it lifted from the ground. She sat upright, balancing neatly on her hind legs, and peered around her bonded’s face to look at the arrival, her inquisitive expression an almost comedic reflection of Aclaryn’s.

Aclaryn was correct in his assumption that the individual was preparing to leave for the Gather, and in his reasoning that it was a weyrling. However, the young bluerider in question appeared far from eager. Aclaryn had to fight back a laugh (although he couldn’t suppress a grin) as the blue butted his rider forward from behind, as though encouraging him to pick up the pace. And it wasn’t just any bluerider, it was B’rec! Well, that gave Aclaryn something to occupy himself with for a few minutes, at least – he could see his friend off to the Gather.

However, he paused for a moment before getting up, watching the weyrling. His grin widened as he saw B’rec jump forward just in time to avoid another nudge from his dragon. Aclaryn wanted to talk to him, for he enjoyed B’rec’s company for reasons he couldn’t quite put his finger on. But B’rec didn’t seem to reciprocate these emotions, seeming far from enjoying his company. He acted so much more guarded with him than when he was alone – or, at least, thought he was alone – with Dagonth. But why? Aclaryn had made a practice of keeping a certain wall between himself and others, but he had set it far enough back and was skilled enough at hiding it that its presence was seldom noticed. Yet B’rec made no secret of his own fortifications. He seemed almost afraid to let anything through. Aclaryn’s existed to hide, no, to protect…something. What, his inner self? He wasn’t sure who that was anyway. But, no matter, he thought, pushing these pesky thoughts from his mind. Far more important was the issue of why B’rec endeavored so to protect himself. It made him more interesting, that was undeniable, yet Aclaryn did so wish that B’rec would drop his guard, even just a little, trust him just enough to let him glimpse what was on the other side…

Why? Came a most unwelcome question, entirely uprooting Aclaryn’s previously smoothly flowing train of thought. He sat dumbfounded for a moment, his mind scrambling for a suitable answer, and coming up with none. Why did he want B’rec to relax around him so badly? Surely this went beyond simple curiosity…No, no, curiosity had to be the explanation. Who wouldn’t be curious, really? Besides, Aclaryn knew that he was much too curious for his own good. Or, perhaps, simply too willing to act on his impulses and do what was necessary to satisfy it. At any rate, he settled upon this as a less than satisfactory answer, making a valiant effort to ignore the nagging voice at the back of his mind telling him that he had feelings for B’rec and mocked him for trying to deny the fact. Despite the unsettling thoughts the weyrling’s presence created, Aclaryn was social by nature, and was hardly going to pass up a chance to talk to his friend.

He was about to get to his feet and make his presence known (as it was quite clear from B’rec’s behavior that he had not yet been noticed) when the boy did what Aclaryn could only surmise to be a swoon, nearly falling over, but managing to grab hold of his dragon for support. Aclaryn stood up at once. Was B’rec all right? Valera chirped worriedly from her perch on his shoulder, echoing her bonded’s concern. The bluerider seemed to recover, to Aclaryn’s relief, and the candidate chose this moment to finally approach his friend.

“Ah, B’rec!” He called, once he was but a few yards away. He didn’t want to startle him, as he had the last time they had spoken. Yet as skittish as B’rec was, it wouldn’t surprise him if the lad was startled anyhow. He attempted to plaster a cheerful grin on his face, which was fairly genuine as he was happy to see B’rec, but the prospect of the missed Gather had dampened his spirits enough to cause a perceptible air of melancholy to cling to him, manifesting itself in his tone and eyes especially, despite his best attempts to conceal it. “I hope you and Dagonth are well.” He ventured, a touch of concern in his voice, for he comment was half out of courtesy and half in remembrance of how B’rec had nearly fainted moments before. “Heading off to the Gather today?” He asked, unable to stop the sadness from coloring his voice nor transforming his grin into a sad smile. Valera trilled musically in greeting, ducking her head and spreading her wings in a formal gesture that had the appearance of a draconic bow.

[Kitari]

Although in most circumstances, B'rec would have leaped a foot into the air and emitted a high-pitched squeak of fear at the sudden voice behind him, especially when he was so entangled in a mixture of fear and seeking his dragon's comfort, Dagonth was kind enough to warn his rider of the approaching person. B'rec would not have seen Aclaryn approach, as he was facing Dagonth, but the dragon's whirling eyes had fixed upon the other lad as soon as he sensed movement.

When the warning was relayed, B'rec still twitched a little, but his startlement wasn't nearly as bad as it would have been. He rotated hesitantly, letting his arms drop to his sides, fearing whoever this intruder may be (as Dagonth had not included a name). He found himself surprisingly relieved to recognize Aclaryn, the candidate he had met at the Feeding Pens one day and had exchanged greetings with on a few occasions since. For some reason, that lad's relaxed and friendly nature made the Weyrling feel more comfortable around him than he did around most people. So this intrusion wasn't so bad.

As Aclaryn expressed his hope that they were well, B'rec felt a faint flush rise in his tanned cheeks, and he ducked his head. It was embarrassing to have been caught in such a moment of weakness. He dearly hoped that the candidate had not seen him nearly fall over and had only witnessed the moment between dragon and rider, but knowing B'rec's luck, it was likely he had seen both. Perhaps he could pass it off as an illness, though!

When Aclaryn mentioned the Gather, his tone revealing a strange note of sadness, B'rec wondered briefly if the candidate was as loathe to join such an overwhelming press of people as he was, yet also felt obligated by the need to make purchases. "I'm not feeling so well, actually," he decided to share, keeping his eyes fixed on the ground. "I won't be staying at the Gather long, that's for sure." Then, the Weyrling suddenly realized that the ferry of candidates had already departed, yet Aclaryn was still here. So the sadness was not caused by trepidation; Aclaryn must be one of those candidates not allowed to go.

B'rec flushed once again at this realization, for he had been foolish to assume that anyone would regard a Gather in the same manner he did. Normal people were like Aclaryn: delighted to go to a Gather, depressed if they were unable to.

The thought made him feel quite bitter, for he would gladly trade places with the other man if he could. That thought, however, sparked a new idea, and B'rec suddenly wondered if he could take Aclaryn to the Gather. He suddenly felt curious, wondering if the Gather might somehow be more enjoyable, even for him, if he had a friend of sorts there.

Yes! was Dagonth's enthusiastic and firm exclamation, and he nudged his rider in the back, causing B'rec to stumble and barely catch himself before falling into Aclaryn. The Weyrling shot a horrified glare over his shoulder at the blue, who merely lashed his tail, then reluctantly turned back to Aclaryn.

"If you need a ride," he began hesitantly, scuffing the ground in a rather child-like pose, "Dagonth and I could carry you. I don't want to stay long, though," he added in warning.

[Shikai]

Concern overtook Aclaryn’s face as B’rec admitted to feeling poorly. What bad luck! Finally, a Gather day, and B’rec was unfortunate enough to be ill that day. “That’s really too bad!” He exclaimed, emphasizing (or at least, so he thought) with his friend. Nearly as bad as not being able to go to the Gather was being able to go, but unable to enjoy it. However…given what he’d seen of B’rec, the lad seemed incredibly awkward around people, or at least, around him. Did the weyrling even enjoy Gathers? He dismissed the thought for now, although he was curious. Surely everyone enjoyed Gathers…there were a great variety of ways to entertain oneself, after all. Goods to look at, good food to buy, always people to meet and talk to, dancing at night…Aclaryn’s heart sank as he thought of these things, knowing he couldn’t partake in any of them.

He suddenly felt slightly self-conscious, as he wondered if B’rec realized that he wasn’t at the Gather because he wasn’t allowed to go. It wasn’t as though he’d done anything wrong, but how was his friend to know that? Suddenly, B’rec was shoved forward by his dragon, very nearly colliding with Aclaryn! After recovering from the initial surprise, Aclaryn’s face split into a grin and he didn’t even bother to try to suppress his laughter. The look on the bluerider’s face! It had to be the most embarrassed he had seen his friend yet! Aclaryn meant no harm, he was simply used to seeing the humor in situations, and there was much to be found in this one.

However, all his previous disappointment, worry, and amusement went out the window as B’rec suddenly offered to bring him to the Gather.

“You…you would do that?” He asked, taken aback, his surprise written in every facet of his expression. Aclaryn had been quite certain that no one would be willing to keep watch on someone, especially a blacklisted candidate, for the duration of a Gather! Granted, B’rec didn’t feel well anyhow, but the black-haired boy was nonetheless stunned, especially because the offer had come from B’rec of all people. He considered the weyrling a friend and enjoyed his company, but he had gotten the feeling that B’rec hardly enjoyed being around him. Yet here he was, inviting Aclaryn to come to the Gather with him!

“Well…thank you! I’d love to go!” Aclaryn replied, his face consumed by an expression of sheer joy. He very nearly gave his friend a hug, but stopped just in time as he realized B’rec might find it a bit awkward. Rather, he settled for flashing the weyrling a wide smile. “Oh! I’m going to need my marks…right! Ah…” Aclaryn looked frantically around him. He certainly didn’t want to hold B’rec up given the great favor his friend was doing him, but he could hardly go without any of his currency. His eyes fell upon Valera, still seated as elegantly as ever upon his shoulder, and his face lit up.

“Ah, Valera, my darling! If you would be so kind as to do me the favor of retrieving my marks from my room? I’d forever owe you my gratitude, my beautiful lady…” He crooned to the green flit, who chirped in delight and leapt from his shoulder at once, vanishing in an instant. Aclaryn smiled sheepishly at B’rec, and he chuckled. “Ah, see…she won’t do anything for me…unless I ask like that. She’s a vain little thing.” He explained, his voice tinged with affection for his firelizard.

And then, in a flash of green, she returned. Sure enough, she had Aclaryn’s sack of marks clutched in her forefeet, and she nearly fell as much as landed upon his shoulder again, having had difficulty flying carrying such weight. After all, Aclaryn had happened to have his marks with him when he was Searched, and he had no meager allowance as a Lord Holder’s son. The candidate gratefully accepted the proffered pouch, turning to B’rec to announce that he was ready to disembark.

However, Valera chirped indignantly from his shoulder, and Aclaryn sighed, casting his friend a weary, apologetic expression. “I’m sorry, dear Valera! Of course, thank you very much, my heart!” Satisfied by this, the green settled into her usual position, and Aclaryn stepped closer to B’rec and Dagonth.

“Well,” Aclaryn began, “I guess I’m ready to go! What do you want me to do?” He asked, eying Dagonth speculatively.

[Kitari]

At Aclaryn's enthusiastic outburst of appreciation, B'rec suddenly felt a pang of regret for inviting the candidate. Not because he didn't want the young man to have the opportunity to attend a Gather, but because it only emphasized how dreary a companion he would make for Aclaryn. No one wanted a deadweight dragging them down at such an exciting event. Perhaps he would tell Aclaryn to go off on his own and enjoy himself, while setting Griffin to keep an eye on him. The brown flitter was certainly more obedient than most flighty blues and greens, and with Dagonth's help, it was possible he would be able to convey the instructions effectively.

Still, he did feel a certain ruefulness, for he would have very much liked to have enjoyed the Gather himself. This was as unlikely as herdbeasts learning to fly, though, and it was probably best that he not even bother.

Those are ridiculous thoughts, mine! Although the reprimand was a valid one, it still shocked B'rec enough to cause him to turn and stare into Dagonth's whirling eyes. Never had his blue criticized him in the slightest, and yet this criticism held no malevolence. It was wrapped with love and sympathy and was chiding rather than accusing. Dagonth was saddened by what he sensed: that something haunted his rider and was beyond his control. It is true, the sweet blue confirmed, but we can fix it together. And we will start by having fun at the Gather-thing.

How could he deny the wishes of a soul such as Dagonth's? Surely, B'rec could try anything if it would please his blue. He reached out to stroke the soft hide of the dragon's snout, then turned back to Aclaryn. His eyes widened slightly at the sight of the candidate cooing to his fire lizard, and he raised a quizzical brow. When the green reappeared with the bag of Marks and Aclaryn explained his strange behaviour towards her, a slow smile appeared on the dragonrider's face. What a personality, that little green had! "She's sweet," was his only comment, for he didn't wish to make the candidate feel any embarrassment for such bizarre behaviour.

When Aclaryn asked how he could help, B'rec stood for a moment, startled, before suddenly jumping forward. "Oh! I have to get the harness...that I left...by the beach..." A sudden chirp sounded above his head and leathers fell onto him, nearly entangling him. He struggled before getting it all sorted out, then held the leathers in front of him while smiling appreciatively up at the circling brown. "Thank you, Griffin!"

Why didn't you just ask him to get them all along? Dagonth asked, his tone slightly hurt.

Well I...oh, alright, I was delaying going to the Gather. But now I'm not, ok, my one?

Dagonth nodded in a very human-like manner, then raised a forelimb daintily for B'rec to begin slipping the harness on. The bluerider grinned, reminded of his lovely's blue triumph in the Allure contest, and set to work. "Ummm, how about you just...watch," he suggested to Aclaryn, not really wanting the confusion of another person trying to help. Once he had tightened all of the straps to his satisfaction (which was very exacting), he stepped aside. "Oh! Right." He climbed on, then offered an hand to pull Aclaryn up, deciding that would be the easiest way to assist the candidate.

[Shikai]

Aclaryn nodded as B’rec said that he needed to get his harness, and looked up in surprise as the leathers appeared in the air nearly before the weyrling could finish his words! They fell upon B’rec, eliciting a grin from Aclaryn as the bluerider nearly found himself entangled in the straps. “Clever firelizard you have!” He exclaimed, sending the little brown an admiring glance as he circled in the air. Valera chirped haughtily, ruffling her wings indignantly. Well, wasn’t he a show off, fetching things for his rider before he was even asked! She could do that, of course, if she felt like it! But she wasn’t some servant, and she took care to make sure Aclaryn didn’t forget it! Her services should be asked for and appreciated!

Aclaryn rolled his eyes at his firelizard, although his smile remained on his face. He reached over and scratched her eyeridges affectionately in a reconciliatory gesture. Valera slumped slightly, giving him a sullen chirp in response that indicated that she hadn’t quite forgiven him.

The candidate turned his attention back to B’rec as he spoke again. “Alright. That’s probably a good idea, since I don’t know anything about getting a harness on a dragon.” He replied, chuckling to himself. His expression turned to one of inquisitive attentiveness as he watched the weyrling sort out the jumbled mass of leather straps, somehow managing to turn it into a recognizable harness with Dagonth’s cooperation. It certainly looked complicated! B’rec took his time tightening the straps, for which Aclaryn was definitely willing to be patient. After all, they would both be relying on them to keep them secured to Dagonth’s neck. Aclaryn’s excitement rose as he realized that soon, for only the second time in his life, he would be riding a dragon! The last time, he hadn’t been able to enjoy the experience as it entailed him being dragged from his home unexpectedly, and unwillingly. This time was going to be fun!

Aclaryn watched B’rec mount his dragon, his eyes attentive, and he moved forward as B’rec held out his hand. He reached out his own to meet it, grabbing ahold gratefully as he pulled himself up in a manner somewhat like what he had seen the bluerider do, but with considerably less ease. “Like a really big runner, eh?” He muttered to his friend, grinning, as he settled himself behind B’rec.

[Kitari]

((This thread has been transferred to the First Gather: Craft Stalls thread))