Cushions, Feeding and Dress-Up

Zak and Sidanna surprise Jenna with a gift, Sidanna feeds Niyath, weyrlings play, and a visitor from the Reaches ticks Niyath off.

Jenna - Thursday, May 02, 2002, 9:47 AM
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Your location's current time: 10:12 on day 21, month 2, Turn 40, of the Tenth Pass. It is a winter morning.

Fort Weyr Bowl, by the lake
This long stretch of the bowl lies to the southeast of the feeding grounds. At its western end, near the wall, the ground dips down slightly to where a lake has formed. Dragons are often washed there by their riders, and both riders and their dragons often swim in the cool waters.
The fenced off portion of the bowl for the Weyr's herds is to the northwest. To the north, a small structure built against the feeding ground pens serves as the Weyr's stables. Waves gently lap the shore to the west, and the rest of the bowl lies to the northeast.
Contents:
Niyath(#999Oep)

Zalkin walks out along the lake shore.
Zalkin has arrived.

Jenna is looking doubtfully at the lake. "It's awful cold, Niyath, even just for wading. And you can't go deeper without one of the older dragons here - well, to haul you out in case you get tired." Niyath snorts indignantly.

Zalkin wanders around, a bit bouncier than he's been these last days. Well, he's still running without any scarf or anythnig, but at least he looks happy, his cheeks are red and his eyes bright. He stops suddenly thuogh as soon as he spots Jenna and slowly walks toward her then, idly trying to arrange his messy hair.

Niyath turns her head slightly, catching sight of the boy, and immediately nudges her lifemate. Jenna asks, as she's turning around, "What do you mean he doesn't have a warm sk - oh. A coat. Zak, dear, you forgot your coat again." She pulls off her scarf and comes forward.

Zalkin rolls his eyes and lifts both his hands as he keeps walking. "I'm okay Jen, didn't catch a cold, and I'm not even feeling cold," he says in a curious voice -- mind you he sounds almost serious today. He turns to Niyath and bows very low. "G'morning Niyath! I hope you're well!" Then to Jenna again, "And I hope you are, too."

Niyath lopes along beside Jenna, flowing across the ground with wings half spread. Jenna drapes the scarf around the boy's neck, though doesn't got the unforgivable step of trying to muffle him up in it. "We're both well, and Niyath thanks you and asks how you are." She pauses and explains in an aside with a little grin, "She's trying to learn how humans be polite."

Zalkin giggles and tugs a bit on the scarf, sighing deeply. "Well, I'm fine. Better I think. Been thinkin' a lot, talkin' with people and stuff," he vaguely answers. "She's growing so -fast-!" he says, looking Niyath up and down.

Jenna nods, her expression a trifle proud. "She's already nearly the sixe of a full grown green. It's a lot to keep oiled and washed. I'll be glad when she reaches her full growth and I have to do it only a couple of times a sevenday instead of twice a day. Takes about an hour, hour and a half now to get her really coated." Niyath drops down on her haunches and spreads her wings, slowly exercising them, as Jenna cautions, "Just don't let Jinieth see you doing that. You're not supposed to yet. -- Have you talked to Kate and Lu yet, Zak?"

Zalkin shakes his head and scritches his nose. "Nah. Haven't been seeing much people, you know. Tarya brought me back home for a few days. Why? Have I done somethin'?" He looks up at the goldrider, living picture of boyish innocence.

Jenna grins. "Well, likely, but this is good news. Rey and I talked to them both about looking after you, since we went and impressed on you." Niyath croons quietly, apparently approving of the whole process. Wings come forward gently, sweeping cold air over both figures.

Zalkin is pushing back a black strand of hair as the news register and he stops in mid-motion. "You both... talked to Lu and Kate 'bout -what-?!"

Jenna grins. "About you. I'd mentioned to Kate before the hatching, and she was more than willing to look after you. She wants to teach you to shoot her crossbow. And Lu wants to look after you too, so you can have a man in your life full time. And I talked to the Weyrwoman before the hatching too, I just hadn't had a chance to tell you. She says you won't be sent home - she thinks you're good for P'ter."

Zalkin keeps blinking furiously and shakes his head. "Good for P'ter?" he asks, half gaping. Then he straightens a bit and just rushes, without any warning, in the former runner's arms, hugging toght but without any further comment, for he's apparently softly sobbing. Boys...

Niyath gives a little trumpet of alarm, and Jenna shushes both her and Zak. "It's all right - you thought I'd forgotten you, didn't you? Rey and I both agree." She hugs him tightly. "There's no way we'd forget about you. And I talked to Dani about keeping up with your training." Jenna looks to Niyath and smiles gently, "She's asking 'Boy, why are you crying?' - It really will be all right, I promise."

Zalkin sniffes loudly as he look up from Jenna's tunic where his face was buried a moment ago. He wipes his eyes and is broadly smiling. "I'd -never- think you forgot me... just you were too busy." He flashes Niyath a brighter smile. "I'm cryin' 'cos I'm happy. I've been told some boys tend t'do that. But it'll be alright, trust Jen!"

Above the center of the bowl, Siraeth glides down to a gentle landing in front of the Weyrling barracks.

Jenna wipes away the last traces of tears, beaming a bit herself. "Zak, I love you like you were my own, you know that. You and Jeny both. I *am* busy, but Niyath likes you. And when she gets a bit bigger, you can definately help out when your harper lessons and training are done. That's going to be a lot of hide to wash and oil." Niyath croons agreement. She's not terribly standoffish it seems. She loswers her large head and lightly nudges Zalkin, eyes wheeling brightly.

Zalkin lightly pats the large snout with a tiny -- well tiny compared to a gold dragon's head -- hand. "You know, when she's grown up, I'd really like to bring you to our hold. Our parents'd be happy to meet you," he says quickly, as if to be sure he won't forget. "And I'll help you, I'll spend all the time I can with Rey and you... Well, if I'm allowed to, of course. Wouldn't like to upset your 'masters..."

Jenna nods. "You're allowed, just not in the barracks. I imagine he'd love the help with Randoth, just as I would with Niyath. She's just so much bigger than the others. Even the bronzes." Niyath croons lightly to Zak and Jenna laughs. "She said she'd be happy to meet your dam and sire. And that's part of what all we have to learn anyway, all the holds and cotholds in the Fort area. It'll be really important after the pass is over too."

Sidanna walks out along the lake shore.
Sidanna has arrived.

Sidanna walks along the beach carrying a cloth bag, which seems rather full and quite ornate. As she sees the group in the distance she approaches, not intruding too much.

Zalkin sharply nods, still stroking Niyath and smiling dumbly. "You're right. Well, I'm going to see Kate as soon as possible then." He pauses long enough and spots somebody walking and lightens, muttering something with many 'yay'. "Hey, HEY! Sidannaaaaaaaaa!" he calls out loud.

Niyath folds her wings to her back, settling back on her haunches as Zak yells. Jenna bites her lower lip to stifle a giggle, and shakes her head slightly at her 'mate before waving to Sidanna. "Morning, Sidanna."

Sidanna approaches, staring to the gold with a little awe, as she's never been this close to a baby dragon before "Hello, Jenna. Zak." she bobs at the dragonet "Ma'am."

Niyath's eyes wheel with interest, and she dips her head to investigate Sidanna a bit more closely, bringing one large eye down to the girl's level. Baby, yes, small, not so much, already over half the size of a full grown green. Jenna laughs, "She says she's very pleased to meet you - she's still learning how humans are polite to each other." A pause and she looks at Niyath, saying patiently, "She's Solant's daughter. The steward? No, you haven't quite met him yet. I talked to him the other day when - yes. Right. The Weyrwoman said - right."

Sidanna blinks and smiles nervously at the golden lady "Hmm. Yes. I am happy to see you too." She looks at Jenna and fidgets "I am very pleased you got gold. You really deserve that."

Zalkin steps away from the gold, slowly, drifting toward the young girl and finally standing at her side. He mutters to Sidanna, "... you... I..." Then he chuckles at himself and starts bouncing a little.

Sidanna nods to Zalkin slightly

Jenna grins a bit at Sidanna, "I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing," she teases lightly. "Sef said that we're perfect for each other because I'm bossy." Niyath croons lightly at Sidanna, and pulls her head back, perhaps sensing the girl's unease. "I was hoping for a little blue, or maybe a brown. Niyath's been a constant surprise."

Sidanna hmms "She's lovely!" And then she lifts the bag in her hand "Er...this is for you?"

Zalkin widely grins and nods at Jenna as Sidanna offers the bag. "Yeah, we thought it'd be a good idea... We worked on it before the Hatching, and since then..." He shrugs. "You've not been very available 'til now."

Jenna blinks a bit, and then her expression alters to a pleased smile. "You two didn't have to do that - but I'm awfully glad you did. Thank you!" She reaches to take the bag, gently setting it down and opening it. Niyath can't stand to be left out, and her big head comes right in the way, preventing Jenna from seeing, as she protests laughing, "Niya! I'll show you in a minute." Niyath pouts faintly, grumbling as she moves back out of the way.

Sidanna pages to Jenna and Zalkin: it is a large, very thick and plush cushion, made of the sort of tigerskin only found on the large southern felines. hand stitched, too

Sidanna grins more at ease now "I think it's the best way of saying thankyou and all. And of saying well done. It's amazing to think you're a GOLDRIDER now."

Zalkin scratches the back of his neck, looking between Sidanna and Jenna, still smiling. He even winks at Niyath -- though she probably won't see it.

Jenna draws out the cushion and is utterly silent, her eyes tearing up. Niyath croons worriedly, nudging her 'mate with her head, not quite understanding what's going on. Finally Jenna manages, "Oh!" A hand comes up to wipe at her eyes, "I'm fine, love, I'm fine. I just - oh, thank you both *so* much!" Still holding the cushion, she reaches to draw both in for a hug. Still sniffing, she says, "I *love* it!"

Sidanna hugs back, rather surprised at the act, and mumbling into the body she is pressed against "'s alrigh! We wan' do it!"

Zalkin hmpfs as well and quickly hugs back, beaming and giggling. "Glad y'like it!"

Jenna lets the poor kids breathe, releasing them to stroke the cushion. "I really do!" She sniffs and laughs a little, saying, "See, Niyath, it's not just boys." Niyath, for her part, sits back on her haunches, spreading her wings and giving vent to a delighted bugle! "Thank you both so much. I absolutely love it."

Zalkin discreetly nudges his friend, toothily grinning. He mutters to Sidanna, "You... that... to... a..."

Sidanna clasps her hands and solemnly winks at Zalkin, before saying "I knew it was what you wanted. I thought it'd be the right thing."

Jenna nods emphatically. "It's *perfect*. In all the confusion, I'd utterly forgotten about it. I really do love it."

Sidanna grins "You need something at the moment. I expect you're kept very busy?"

Zalkin rubs his hands and solemny nods himself. "Yeah, now that Sidanna says it, maybe you were about to do something?"

Jenna nods, hugging the cushion to her. "If I'm not chopping or oiling or bathing, I'm shoveling. Though not as much now that Niyath's clever enough to go outside - she doesn't always make it to just the right spot, though. And then there's lessons and all on top of it." She pauses, eyeing her mate. "Well, I should feed her again, it's just about time. I could haul it out in front of the barracks though, if you two want to join me? Or, if you two would like to run off, I wouldn't be offended. It can get kinda messy..." And that's the closest she'll likely come to saying: I like that the two of you play together.

"Feed a dragon?" Sidanna starts "I'd love to help do that, of course. That is, if she doesn't mind? I'd not get in her way if she didn't want me around!"

Zalkin looks all boyishly excited again and even noticeably quivers. "Oh yeah, I'm sure we can help both!" For some reason, that sudden change in Jenna's opinion of the Zak/Sidanna pair apparently didn't remain unnoticed.

Niyath turns, already heading in the direction of the barracks. Her wings are still half outstretched, and the awkward hop-skip of landbound dragons seems more like flying along the ground, with her tail lashing the way it does. Jenna grins and tucks the cushion carefully away. "Let's go then."

You leave the feeding grounds and head north towards the weyrling barracks.
Fort Weyr Bowl, by the weyrling barracks
The Bowl of Fort Weyr, a large, nearly featureless plain surrounded by steep mountain cliffs, stretches out before you. It is vaguely oval in shape, long from the southwest to the northeast; you are standing near the wall northwest of its center. To the west is a cavern, carved into the cliffside, where newly-Impressed dragonriders live with their young dragons before they have been fully trained. When they join a regular fighting Wing, the young riders are ready to inhabit weyrs of their own.
To the south is the fenced off area where the Weyr's herds are kept. Along the north rim of the bowl, to the east of here, are the junior queens and weyrleaders weyrs, and the entrance to the Hatching ground. The center of the bowl, off which is the entrance to the large living caverns, stretches out to the southeast.
Contents:
Niyath(#999Oep)
Makai
Taisoth(#2323JOVaps$)
Zephyr

From the Feeding Grounds, Sidanna comes in from the lake shore.
From the Feeding Grounds, Sidanna leaves the feeding grounds and heads north towards the weyrling barracks.
Sidanna has arrived.

Sidanna steps in after Jenna and her lifemate "How much can she eat, jenna?"

Zephyr holds her hand out and waves it at Makai's offer to let her borrow the jacket. "I'll be cold whether I wear your jacket or not." She looks over at Taisoth, who is now scampering around in circles after her tail. "No you can't eat it.... yes, it is a beautiful tail."

Niyath comes in, flapping wings ever so slightly, the awkward hop-skipping gate of a landbound dragon seeming more like flying across the ground with her tail lashing the way it is. She rumbles a greeting to Taisoth, and then skids to a stop, looking back at her mate expectantly. Jenna is carrying a bag that has something that looks like a feline print sticking out of the top of it. She says to Sidanna, "Well, she's up to about five pailfuls of meat. Let's see if she'll eat from you, while I chop? I'll just put this on my cot where it won't get messy, and be right back with everything." She ducks into the barracks for a moment.

Makai frowns. "Okay, but this jacket is pretty warm, 8 seasons of trading through hot, cold, damp, rain, wet...Its fur lined and waterproof leather, but...." he smiles. "Your choice, I'm just worried you'll get sick...Gawd! I MUST be a healer of some sort to worry this constantly!!" he laughs at himself, blushes, and smiles. "Do you need any help with anything?"

R'yat steps out of the Weyrling barracks.
R'yat has arrived.
Randoth steps out of the Weyrling barracks.
Randoth has arrived.

Zephyr smiles brightly and waves to Jenna and Sidanna. She looks back at Makai with a light giggle and says, "You must be. And don't worry about me. I'm just fine." Though she is still shivering. Taisoth is now occupied with shadowing Niyath, following directly behind her and mimicing her movements.

Sidanna very tentatively starts to help feeding Niyath, saying to the gold "Please, just remember to bite the meat and not me. Sebring don't taste good, really. We're all bitter." She steps back as she holds the meat pail out. "Is this the way, Jenna?"

R'yat emerges, wiping his hands in a not-so-white-anymore towel. Not far behind him, Randoth lumbers quietly, for once, eyeing that towel curiously. "Morning all." He calls, smiling.

Jenna staggers out in a moment, awkwardly balancing pails and cleaver and meat. One pail seems to have been chopped already and this is turned over to Sidanna. Jenna grins, as she starts chopping things off the bone, "She can't quite get her muzzle in it anymore, Sidanna. You have to feed her by hand. And she'd never bite a person, promise." Niyath's abandoned her play with Taisoth - food calls! She eyes Sidanna doubtfully for a few minutes, clearly not so sure about this. "It's all right, love, she'll give it to you while I make more. Just open your mouth and she'll put it in." This, Niyath can do, and she opens her maw wide, keeping an eye on Sidanna.

Makai waves to R'yat, giggling at Sidanna's comment, and walks over to the man. "Hello!" he says excitedly. "How are you today?"

Zephyr suddenly stops shivering and wiggles her fingers at the bronze pair. She smiles sweetly and says, "Hiya Rey." She pulls her hair to one side neatly, but is practicly bowled over by Taisoth who goes barreling for Randoth as soon as she sees that Niyath is occupied. This little green never seems to run out of energy.

Sidanna swallows deeply and then, eyes closed, lays a large hunk of meat into the cavernous mouth. "There we go, Niyath. Please enjoy it." She steps back before she loses a limb inadvertantly

R'yat finishes to dry his hands and now keeps the oily towel in his right one. "Hello, Makai. We are well, thank you. What about you?" He grins and adds a wink for Zephyr. Randoth welcomes Taisoth with lots of odds high pitched sounds. Croon. Warble.

Niyath is clearly being careful, and waits until Sidanna has backed away. She then starts to chew, quickly swallowing the lump and whuffling the girl, before opening her mouth for more. Jenna beams and asks the other weyrlings, "Can you imagine Saneth letting anyone feed him but Sef? How're you guys today?" She's rapidly sawing meat off the bone.

Sidanna places more meat in the mouth, before saying "There we go. You do eat very politely."

J'nas steps out of the Weyrling barracks.
J'nas has arrived.
Hanreth steps out of the Weyrling barracks.
Hanreth has arrived.

Makai smiles and waves to all the new arrivals. Is brimming with energy at this point.

Taisoth closes her eyes and practices a croon to Randoth. The sweet sound dosen't last long however, and it shreiks upward an octive as she opens her eyes and makes a mad dash for Hanreth!

Niyath chews, quickly making work of the meat. She blows a warm, faintly meaty smelling breath over the girl, before opening her mouth again. She cocks her head slightly, as if saying, 'More. Please? Now?' Tail flicks at the other weyrlings. Check this trick out. Jenna is clearly fit to burst she's so proud of her 'mate. It's the little things. "Believe me, Sidanna, she and I both appreciate it. Dump a bit more in there so she can occupy herself a bit with the chewing?" Another pail is filled and nudged over to the girl, as Jenna continues to chop.

Hanreth braces himself as Taisoth rushes him. At the last moment, he jumps to the side and sends snow flying at the green with his tail. He warbles happily at his own cleverness.

Zephyr just watches Taisoth and her antics and shakes her head. She suddenly looks very tired, and slouches slightly muttering to herself, "so active..." Taking in a deep breath she smiles at Sidanna and then J'nas. "Hiya! How are you two doing today?"

Sidanna starts to fill the dragon as fast as she can go, losing her nervousness when it becomes clear that she is not going to get chewed on by accident "She is very sweet, Jenna."

"I finally succeeded in explaining Rand that towels or blankets are not made for young dragons to play with." R'yat chuckles. Out of his lifemate's sight, Randoth is still eyeing that towel.

J'nas smiles and waves to his fellow weyrlings, "We're doing just great. I actually got a decent night's sleep last night."

Niyath chews much longer this time, eyeing the others as they come out of the barracks. Jenna says easily to Sidanna, "I think so, but then, I'm rather biased - Did you, J'nas? I'm even learning to tune out Rey's snores." She shoots a playful look at the weyrling in question, even as she keeps chopping. "This is *so* much easier with a second person, thanks a bunch, Sidanna."

Randoth's attention is now caught by Hanreth antics. He tilts his head and croons, slowly lumbering that way.

Zephyr smiles at R'yat and giggles lightly, adding, "Tai decided she didn't like my pillow and shreded it a few days ago. On top of all of the chores, I had to go find a new one." She giggles again at Jenna's comment and says for effect, "Rey snores?"

Sidanna works hard, almost keeping pace with the dragon, but not having much time to chat "Hush now!" she says "Can't you chew slower?"

Makai looks around happily at all the dragonet's and riders-to-be and laughs a little cheekily. "My, aren't we all active today!!!" he smiles at and winks at them.

R'yat blushes at that. He coughs several times then finally says. "But I thought it was lowering these days...No?"

Taisoth gets slushed in the face by the snow, and snorts. She burries her nose in the white stuff and flings her head upward, tossing snow back at Hanreth with her muzzel.

Zephyr smiles at Rey and says, "These days, I don't have time to hear you snore."

R'yat scratches the back of his neck, nervously. "Well, at least, Randoth doesn't snore." He quickly sticks his tongue out at his own comment.

Niyath evidently doesn't know what slow means. At least when it comes to food. She's chewing, but that's about all. The first pail is emptied quickly, as Jenna nudges a third one towards Sidanna. "I'll be so glad when they're flying and she can hunt for herself. I think Taisoth's already practicing. -- And honestly, Rey, I'm so tired when I get to sleep these days, I don't notice anymore." She grins at Zephyr, nodding in agreement, chopping for the fourth pail.

Hanreth shakes his head as the 'fluffy water' lands on him. With a shrill bugle, he jumps toward Taisoth with a flap of his wings. The quick gust scatters some of the more powdery snow. J'nas grins at R'yat, "/Someone's/ dragon snores. I just haven't figured out which one it is yet."

Zephyr giggles at R'yat's expense and says, "You two will make quite the pair if he ever starts."

"You do this all the time?" Sidanna seems amazed "How come your arms don't fall off?" She works as fast as she can, building up some perspiration despite the cold day

Taisoth snaps at the bits of snow that Hanreth sprays in her direction. Unable to get anything significant in her jaws, she looks down and bites into the snow on the ground instead. Burrying her muzzel into the white ground cover, she chortles a muted croon.

Jenna nods to Sidanna, "Four times a day, though I'm going to see if I can't get her to sleep through the night feeding tonight. She's outgrowing her hide by about an armlength each day at the rate she's going. That takes a lot of food." She swipes at her hair with a bloody hand, and goes back to chopping. "P'ter said Aisheth snores. But Aisheth told Niyath that /P'ter/ snores, so I don't know, really. I don't *think* Niyath snores. She sleeps with one wing over her head." Niyath snorts at her mate. As if she'd ever do something so uncouth. Then she croons to Sidanna and opens her mouth again for more meat.

Sidanna fills the endless chasm "If she grows that much she must need a lot of oiling, then. How do you find the time. She's huge as it is!"

Hanreth watches his clutchsib and decides to sample the snow as well. In an attempt to chew the snow, the poor brown ends up biting his tongue. J'nas walks over to Hanreth, "Open your mouth, dear heart." Hanreth opens his mouth and displays his tongue to his lifemate. "You're okay, Hanreth. You didn't bite through it."

R'yat's lower lip quiver a bit hearing all the comments about snoring. "I do hope Rand, doesn't snore." He goes on rubbing his chin thoughtfully but perks at Hanreth. "Is he all right, J'nas?"

Jenna nods to Sidanna and laughs, "That's morning and evening. I'm trying to just get away with a bath a day, but sometimes she insists. Takes about an hour, hour and a half to get her really coated now. The Weyrwoman said it takes her about three hours with Jinieth." As Hanreth chows down on his tongue, Jenna looks over in a bit of concern. "Did he break the skin, J'nas? P'ter wanted to see any tongue bites if they happened." She slides a fourth pail over to Sidanna as the girl finishes with the second one.

Zephyr smiles at the exchange of conversation between Sidanna and Jenna, but winces as she sees poor Hanreth bite his own tongue. Instead of asking the very same thing as R'yat, she nods and waits for the answer. Taisoth whirls her eyes greenblue and pulls her face out of the snow to observe the brown with a croon of concern.

Makai lauhgs gently to himself, at all the revelry going around, and at life in general. He is suddenly gently pulled to the side by a young man in stables garbs. They talk briefly, with various "giggles" and "blushes" coming from Makai before the newcomer leaves. Makai waves to the retreating form, then turns to watch the riders, chuckling to himself about "Firelizards, oh boy.."

J'nas grins. "He'll be fine. He just discovered that there really isn't much substance to snow. I don't see any blood, but I'll let P'ter know just in case." He scritches Hanreth's eyeridge, "Go on you brown lump, you'll live." The young brown croons his thanks and turns an impish gaze toward Niyath.

Sidanna heaves the pail closer and starts to throw the food into the gold's mouth "I have never seen anythig eat so much. I am susprised we don't run out of the meat!"

Randoth suddenly emits a warble. A pleased one it seems, as he proudly nibbles in the towel, Rey had in his hand. "Hey! Gimme that!" R'yat giggles but sighs. "Stubborn thing."

Taisoth notices Randoth doing something... having fun without her maybe? She marches over to him and stares at the towel with a little rumble and a tinge of orange in her green on green eyes. She wants the towel too.

Niyath's tail twitches at Hanreth, even as she opens her maw to Sidanna once more. Jenna keeps an eye on Hanreth for a moment, and then nods slightly at J'nas's words, filling the last pail of meat with a quick few slashes of her cleaver. "I'm not really looking forward to the dragonhealing part of training, but the Weyrleaders've said that it's got to happen. I hate the site of blood." Rubbing bloody hands on the seat of her trous, she nods to Sidanna. "You should hear her when I'm trying to chop and feed at the same time. I never get it fast enough. But we can't let 'em have the bones - they're not ready to spit them out with as fast as they're eating."

Sidanna finally gets too pooped and stops "I think I need to wash up, I'm all over blood. But this was fun. I'll see you soon, Jenna!" she cyrtsies to Niyath and heads out, grinning

Sidanna begins the half-mile trip southeast, towards the center of the bowl.
Sidanna has left.

Zephyr isn't paying much attention to Taisoth at that very moment and looks from J'nas to Jenna asking curiously, "Well, what goes into dragonhealing? Is it the same as regular healing? And I didn't know that we needed to learn it." She folds her arms together and shivers a little from the cold.

Makai smiles as he looks at the coppery brown dragonet in the snow, his soon to be-healing instincts taking over for a bit he looks over the young dragons flesh for any signs of change. He turns to J'nas with a smile. "He's pretty healthy. You must be very proud," he says with a smile. His eyes are glowing into amber-green tones as he says this and he rakes a hand over his head. "All these dragonet's look mighty healthy, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous, but in a way I'm honoured to be studying a craft that may help you in the future." He laughs a bit and blushes.

High above the bowl, Behemoth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!
High above the bowl, Behemoth spirals down lower into the bowl.

Hanreth bounds toward Niyath, but instead of pouncing on her, he slides to stop beside her. He gazes at Jenna and opens his mouth. "Hanreth!" J'nas /nearly/ shouts, "Don't beg. That is her food and it isn't comely to beg. You're better than that!" Hanreth peers over his shoulder at J'nas with the look of a reprimanded little. He turns his attention back to his green sister.

Jenna takes over feeding Niyath, soothing eyeridges as the gold eats. "I'm not sure, Zephyr. I think we all have to learn the basics, but, well, I've been told I have to learn the whole thing, because Niyath'll be able to control the other dragons, I think. P'ter was kinda insistant about it." As Hanreth begs, she laughs, "I don't mind, J'nas." Niyath, however, does. She puts her head between Jenna and Hanreth. Evidently it's fine for others to feed her, but /not/ fine for Jenna to feed others.

Above the center of the bowl, Behemoth looms and PEERS over at the barracks

R'yat smiles to Zephyr. "I think, there will be some very special lessons." He suddenly frowns, looking at Randoth's folded wings. "They seems to be strong and fragile at the same time.."

Kallrina grins softly as she follows behind G'rad.

G'rad grins as he strides in from the bowl floor (really!) "Ho, Fort! High Reaches duties to you all, and a hearty congratulations to you all!"

R'yat stops rubbing his chin to offer a quick salute. "Fort's duties to you, Sir." Phew, he did it in time.

J'nas peers at the knot on G'rad's shoulder and salutes as well. "Forts duties to 'Reaches and her riders, Wingleader," he says cheerfully. Hanreth warbles a greeting to the new arrivals.

Kallrina smiles at all the weyrlings, "Sorry I couldn't see the hatching. Congradulations to you all."

Makai laughs and waves a "Forts duties to you sir, and to Reaches and her Queens!" he smiles happily.

Taisoth snaps at the air near Randoth when yet again her attention is swifted away by the arrival of G'rad. She sprints over to him imediately and half-spreads her wings, eyes whirling as she sizes him up with a creel. Zephyr salutes crookedly and says, "Forts duties to Reaches and her queens! -- Tai.. now why would you think that?"

R'yat frowns a little and sighs, realizing that he missed that Wingleader knot. He gives J'nas a quick glance and a smile.

G'rad waves his own salute off at the riders vaguely. His eyes are fixed on the hatchlings, which is not unusual for a rather obsessed rider, after all. "A fine looking bunch you've got here. Hah!" He grins at the charging dragonet "Now, now. You can't eat me, dear. But good day!" he bows deeply

Jenna gives her 'mate a surprised look, "Don't be rude, Niyath. He was only asking." She too pulls off a salute, and manages to keep the blood from her hands from getting on her face. "Fort's duties to the Reaches, Wingleader," she echoes with the rest, as she dumps more meat into Niyath's maw. The gold settles back, eyeing the newcomers as she chews. And Jenna is therefore forced to explain, "No, love, a wingleader, well, they lead the wings - in Fall. Where you fight thr - right." She grins at Kallrina. "Thank you, both of you," she adds belatedly to G'rad.

From Kallrina's shoulder, Belle :chrips softly.

Randoth only snorts at Taisoth. Curious as he is too, he arches his neck to look at the two newcomers.

Hanreth stares at J'nas and creels at him, his eyes whirling red. "I'm sorry I can't stay and properly introduce you to Hanreth, sir," J'nas apologizes, "But you know how they get when they're hungry."

"Err...Randoth says hello." R'yat explains, but it's quite obvious that the bronze dragonet asked again a series of questions.

J'nas gestures toward the barracks, "Lets go Hanreth. You know where the food is." He waves to everyone outside, "Clear skies!" With that, he heads into the barracks with his lifemate.

J'nas enters the weyrling barracks.
J'nas has left.
Hanreth enters the weyrling barracks.
Hanreth has left.

G'rad nods to the leavers, still amused by the fluttering green. "No need to stand too much on ceremony around me, people. I'm only here to be nosey, after all."

Zephyr says after J'nas, of her little green, "And this is Taisoth. I'm sorry if shes a bit forward, she is very over protective." she says giving her best smile to the Reaches rider.

Kallrina grins. "I jes wanted to see the new hatchlings"

Jenna offers, "If we don't stand on ceremony a bit sir, we might not be able to sit again - I wouldn't put it past the weyrlingmasters to tan our hide." Her tone is amused, "And I'm Jenna, and she's Niyath." The gold opens her maw for more food, and Jenna tips the last inside. "That's it, love. No more."

G'rad bows at that "G'rad. Rider to the bulk of bronze Behemoth who you can see out in the bowl, no doubt eyeing your feeding grounds. Niyath?" He salutes "A pleasure. And you!" he points to the green "Are just too cute for words, aren't you?"

Taisoth stares up at G'rad, tiny though she may be, as if she were as large as he. She glances him over again, seeming unsure, and takes one step closer to sniff at his clothing. Zephyr smiles at Kallrina and says, "And I'm Zephyr. -Oh Tai, thats rude you know." The young dragon dosen't seem to pay any heed to her lifemates concerns.

Kallrina smiles softly. "Kallrina, headnanny at Reaches" she looks at the tiny dragons and smiles softly, her eyes seeming focused on a memeory for a minute"

G'rad is sniffed and doesn't mind. He addsa, to the dragon "Excuse me, I was on watch all night. I do need to bathe"

Jenna grins at G'rad, apparently appreciating the sentiment. "I'm not much better. Least I had help this mealtime. How is everyone up at the Reaches? I heard Carianna and Redus went back home?" Niyath watches Taisoth, not joining in on the investigation of the Reaches rider, though her tongue absently flicks out to clean her muzzle off.

R'yat shakes his head as if to drift Randoth's many questions away for a moment. "And I'm Rey..err..R'yat." He almost whispers.

Kallrina laughs at G'rad "I didn't notice"

For once, Taisoth seems to approve. She croons and tries to wuffle like Niyath so elegently does, but turns her head and begins to cough. Since that didn't work she makes the sound that shes best at, *creel*. With a quick turn of the head, she stares intently at Kallrina.

"That they did, goldrider weyrling." G'rad then lowers his voice "Rumor tells me that Redus finally got around to popping the big question, although I have no idea what Cari has said. But it is certainly about time." He grins at R'yat "Still sounds odd? It'll come in time. Heh." he watches the young dragons with a grin "Quite a handful you've got here. How many tounge bites have you had so far?"

Zephyr looks wistful, "Wow... High Reaches. It must be even colder there." she says and shivers, closing her arms around herself again to keep warm. Then she gasps as she hears talk of Redus and Cari, "Really?" she exclaims. "Oh! I told her! I knew he loved her!" Zeph is suddenly very excited.

Kallrina smiles softly at Taisoth "'Ello there lovely"

From the Feeding Grounds, Behemoth comes over from the east.

Taisoth slides through the snow, step by step as if she were on the prowl. Then with a flick of her tail, and a spray of snow in her wake, she bounds toward Kallrina with a playful shrill. Stopping just infront of the girl, she begins to sniff again.

R'yat places a proud hand on a warbling Randoth. "None...yet, Sir." He says, smiling. "I'm sure there will be though." At his side Randoth snorts. Attention is caught again by Zephyr and Rey echoes G'rad. "Big question?"

From the Feeding Grounds, Behemoth sends a shadow over the ground. There was a herd there but now there is just bronze BULK! And a nasty squish as a vast rump lands on the poor beasts. SQUELCH!

Jenna chuckles at Zephyr and nods. "I'm not surprised - they're a great match. Glad Redus decided to settle down. Though I'll always be his blue Jennath." She smiles a bit at the memory, and adds politely, "Just Jenna's more than fine, Wingleader. I'm just like any other weyrling until I graduate." She glances over to Rey and supplies, "Redus asked Cari to marry him." Niyath's attention is drawn over to the feeding grounds and the unfamiliar bronze, however, and she gives an indignant bugle!

Dragon> 'Niyath's voice intrudes into Behemoth's hunting. << You did not ask me if you hunt in our pens. >> And her melodic voice sounds rather put out because of it.'.

Kallrina holds still, letting the hatchling sniff her

G'rad laughs a little "It may be secret, I just heard the rumour. It's a good match if it is true." he looks at Behemoth and groans "Oh, now that is ELEGANT, you great lump!" Behemoth bugles happily and grinds his behind down, spraying herdbeast innards with a few pained mooing noises from beneath him

Dragon> Behemoth says, <<I am sorry. May I feed here? I have been on watch since before dusk last night and have great hunger, and your beasts taste so good!>>

R'yat aaahs a little. Slow and silly he seems to be, today. Randoth also catches sight of the other bronze. Turning his head quickly toward R'yat he warbles. "No. I don't think Behemoth would let you nibble, Rand. Besides, you ate just a candlemark ago..." His tone is indulgent and he gives his lifemate a tender slap.

Zephyr giggles at Jenna and asks, "Blue Jennath? Yes, I agree they are a good match. I was trying to convince her of that not long ago." she smiles and sighs wistfully. "Ahh romance. Its a beautiful thing." She winks mischeviously at R'yat, and then smiles not all so innocently at G'rad.

Makai smiles. "I knew they would get to gether!!! Happiness an joy for them forever!" he whoops delightedly and spins around, his eyes dancing from amber to puddles of joyful bronze. Obviously he is very happy for the two people he considers the first friends he ever made at Fort. He's all smiles and blushes now, and looks a little misty eyed too.

Dragon> 'Niyath's calm presence is gone for a moment, as she consults with the other queens, and then the trickling of a mountain brook is back. << You may feed. We are glad to offer the hospitality of our Weyr. >> Oddly formal words for one so young, and delivered with the dignified air of a little girl playing dress up in her mother's clothes.'.

Kallrina nods softly. "That match has been in the works fer a while.

Taisoth tries again to wuffle, but it ends in a weezy cough again. Enough of that. She croons at Kallrina and spins herself around to face the feeding grounds. Her eyes whirl in a myrad of colors as she watches Behemoth in awe and admiration. The tip of her tail flicks almost of its own volition.

R'yat shakes his head a little at Zephyr. He mutters something about 'active green' and 'like her rider' and smiles so wide that his teeth reflexes the winter sun.

Jenna is staring at her lifemate, jaw slightly open. She shakes her head a bit, closing her mouth with a snap, and looks to Zephyr, echoing in confusion, "Bue Jenn - oh! In the hatching game. I impressed Redus." Niyath is sitting rather primly, tail coiled about her, and only the tip of it in motion, much as a young lady might flick her skirts to get dust off of them.

Dragon> Behemoth sounds polite << I am honoured, little queen >>

From the Feeding Grounds, Behemoth leans down, and lifts a beats up with a very messy squelch. Gulp. Swallowed whole. Ah! Yummy!

G'rad grins at Zephyr slowly "Well, now. It usually is. However, the bond with a dragon is much more important than affairs of the heart. And more lasting. But it's not up to me to tell you that. Who are your weyrlingmasters?"

Zephyr nods to Jenna, "Oh, yeah. Thats right.." And then looking at G'rad she answers simply, "N'sales. And the assistants are S'phan, K'fen, J'tal and Valry."

"N'sales, K'fen, S'phan, J'tal and err..." And Rey goes on rubbing his chin again.

"Valry! That's it!" R'yat exclaims just as Zephyr said so. Okay. Silly and slow, remember?

Jenna nods, adding, "K'fen's in doing an exchange from Igen. It's kinda odd, really," she admits, "Having N'sales and S'phan - I mean, I stood with both of them a few turns ago." She quirks an odd look at R'yat, but doesn't comment.

Zephyr smiles at R'yat and makes 'tisk' sounds.

"N'sales?" G'rad grins "Ah well, best of luck. He's a fine trainer though. Seems like you're in the best of hands with all of them. I have to say, you're all mighty polite. How much is he scaring you?"

Dragon> 'Niyath's voice intrudes lightly into Randoth's mind, sweet and calm. << Is your rider quite well? My Jenna thinks he may not be feeling well today. >>'.

Zephyr giggles at G'rad and jokes, "Enough to give me nightmares, and to scare Rey out of snoring." she gestures to R'yat.

Kallrina says "K'fen is a weyrling master? Wow, time passes quickly"

Dragon> Randoth answers with a quite calm tone. << He said he is all right when I asked him. He told me something about lots of time oiling. >> There's a pause here and the bronze follows. << *Behemoth* is huge, he said. >>

R'yat sighs and sticks his tongue out at Zephyr. "You don't want me sleeping outside in that cold, Zeph, right?" He quickly looks at Jenna and winks.

Jenna grins at Zephyr, "For me, the Weyrleaders are scaring me much more, but that's because of all the things I have to learn. I'm having dreams about hides chasing me." At R'yat's comment, she can't help a laugh. "I dunno what you're talking about, Rey. You were sleepwalking. I swear." Her tone is bemused and she nods to Kallrina, "He's really nice. His green taught Niyath to croon properly." Niyath's attention is still mostly on the feeding grounds, however.

Kallrina nods softly. "I know K'fen.

Kallrina grins"can't imagiine him as a weyrling master is all"

G'rad chuckles at kallrina "TIme passes for hima dn me both?" He turns his attention on Jenna "Hides are the bane of any leader, but you were chosen for some quality the dragon spotted. If hidework isn't one of the qualities you posess, you'll soon get it."

Dragon> Niyath sniffs, clearly not pleased with the strange bronze. << He did not ask before he /invaded/ our grounds. He should have asked. It would have been polite. >> And apparently polite is important.

Kallrina winks at G'rad and nods. "Aye, myself too I suppose

From the Feeding Grounds, Behemoth Bugles and rends several beasts with huge jaws. Ah, entrails fly....what a mess!

Taisoth for once, is standing completely still, staring at Behemoth. Then slowly she walks to Zephyr's side, eyes still pinned on the hunting dragon. She unfolds her wings, holding them slightly open, and flicks them out suddenly, followed by a creel of excitement. Zephyr smiles sweetly at R'yat and shakes her head, "I'd never wish it on you Rey." Then, smack! Tai's wings hit her from behind and she lurches forward, startled, dispite the lack of pressure from the blow.

Jenna starts to G'rad, "So everyone keeps telling me - ooh! You okay, Zeph? What's she so excited about?" Niyath's tail flicks once more, and then stills, as she turns her head away from the bronze in the feeding pens. The message is clear. Showoff. She gives one of her deepchested croons to her clutchsiblings.

From the Feeding Grounds, Behemoth cares not for anything but dinner. He seems remarkably efficient at eating, too. Beast after beast meets a crunchy end.. And now and then, the mess under his rump squelches. Not a dragon with delicate sensibilities, it would seem

R'yat also perks, between tow thousand of Rand's questions. He stifles a giggle at Zeph and Taisoth.

Dragon> Niyath asks in concern, << But your rider is well? My Jenna thinks that he is rather quiet. >>

Dragon> Randoth sends warm thought. Appeasing and glowing ones. << He is indeed. He works hard answering my questions. >>

Dragon> Niyath seems satisfied. << That is always good. >> And then << Ooooh! I itch! >>

Zephyr saved herself from falling into the snow, this time. She blushes slightly and pretends it didn't happen at all. "I'm fine." she says indignantly, in a 'why wouldn't I be' manner. "She wants to know why his wings work and hers do not. And shes excited because she wants to 'play with the beasts' too." she says of Taisoth and Behemoth.

G'rad smiles "Explain as best you can. If he is making her overexcited I'll send him away. He isn;t to upset your lifemates. But he is hungry."

Niyath turns and abruptly stalks into the barracks. Jenna uh ohs softly, and says, "'Scuse me? She's got an itch..." She hurries on in, tossing back a "Clear skies, and well met! - Tell Cari and Redus I said hello?" to the visitors.