Jenylle apprentices at the Smithcraft, and Jenna takes her there to say goodbye for a while. Then, like any good fostermom, she stops in at Telgar to ask Kindre to keep an eye on Jeny when she's at the Hall. While there, she meets some of Igen's weyrlings, out on their first trip.

jenna - Monday, August 12, 2002, 8:27 AM
----------------------------------------

Your location's current time: 8:37 on day 6, month 5, Turn 41, of the Tenth Pass. It is a spring morning.

Jenna waves down. "You ready to go, Jeny?"

@>> The two sacks slung across Jeny's shoulder's drop slightly as the girl looks up to the great gold before her. "Mornin' Niyath!" she says with sing-songy cheerfulness. "Yup, I better be!" is her reply for Jenna.

Jenna reaches down to grab the sacks and secure them to the straps before offering her hand. "Come on then, let's get you to the Hall."

@>> "Ok!" Jenylle says, with the smallest touch of anxiety in her voice. She smiles despite this though, appreciative of the leg up and secruing her baggage.

Jenylle climbs up onto Niyath's proffered foreleg and with Jenna's help, makes it high atop the queen and settles between her neckridges.
Jenylle has arrived.

@>> Niyath twists her head to watch this, crooning quietly. Jenna chuckles. "Bit of a long way up, but. Need any help strapping in?"

"Erf!" is Jenylle's grunt as she manages finally to get into the seat. "Umm, lemme see," she replies and begins to fumble with the straps. She manages to get all except one, grinning up at Jenna shepishly. "I guess I'm a bit nervous," she explains.

Jenna twists about, as Niyath shifts, unfurling wings. "Almost. Lemme get this one. This isn't your first time adragonback, is it?" She reaches to fasten the last strap over the thighs.

"Naw, I've gone a few times. Not often though, Zinnia actually prefers the travel wagons," Jenylle reports. A relieved smile crosses her face as Jenna finishes off the last strap for her. She takes in a heavy breath as if it were her last of Fortian air she'd breathe. The breath is expelled after being held a moment. "Ok!" she says with overexuberant cheer and renewed confidence. A smile to the goldrider is assurance she is indeed, ready.

@>> Niyath seems vaguely amused as she crouches and then with one huge, rocking *leap*, goes airborne, even as Jenna belatedly says, "Hang on!"

You launch into the air.
You climb farther up into the sky over Fort Weyr.
Sky Above Fort Weyr
On a clear day, from this height, you can see for miles. Below you, Fort Weyr is spread out in the bowl of the ancient volcano, the jagged "Tooth Crag" dominating the northeast rim. At the end of the southwest corner, you can see where an ancient landslide has upset the Bowl's natural symmetry.
Far below you are the Center of the Bowl, the opening to the Lower Caverns, and the Weyrling Barracks. Down to the northeast are the Weyrleader's complex, the Junior Queen's Weyrs, and the Hatching Grounds. To the southwest are the grassy plain of the Feeding Grounds and the shimmer of Fort Weyr's lake.

Jenna twists back as Niyath gains altitude. "Ready?" She manages to angle herself so that the question can actually be heard.

Jenylle smiles, projecting her voice over the wind. "Yup, before I change my mind," she says jovially.

Jenna grins and says aloud for Jeny's benefit, "Niyath, love? Take us to the Smithcraft hall."

@>> Niyath disappears into Between.

Between
You gasp as the icy black nothingness of Between surrounds you! You hear nothing, see nothing, and feel nothing. The trip takes five heartbeats...
Black...
Blacker...
Blackest!
You suddenly emerge...

Sky above Smithcraft Hall
This high in the mountains, the view is breathtaking. The green-blue sky seems endless, tacked to the sky by the many peaks and spires of the Telgar mountain range. Below you, nestled in the meadows of one mountain, several large buildings ring the green, divided up with tracks of dusty brown. Well, when snow doesn't cover everything, that is. Just behind the largest building, to the south, the mighty Telgar river rushes through its narrow bed, powering three waterwheels on the building. The ground below is a blaze of green, and dots of color. While the air is still a little cool, its not nearly so much as winter time. Moving pieces dressed in work clothes or the latest fashion buzz in and out with the swing and clatter of doors being thrown open and swinging shut again. Nearby, a flock of wherries announce the return of warmer days.
There are two likely places to land in this complex. One is the lower meadow to the west, where the watch dragon can be seen at its post. Or, a large area directly below you between the bigger buildings looks to be able to accommodate several dragons.

@>> Niyath emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!

Jenylle's eyes pop open again as they appear over the foreign (well to her) skies.

@>> Niyath circles the complex for a few moments and then, instead of heading for the western meadow and the Telgari watchdragon, she descends towards the main meadow. Jenna's laugh is almost missed in the wind of the descent. She twists around to check on Jeny, eyebrows arched.

You spiral down to a landing on the meadow between the various buildings.

Main Meadow(#700RJ)
The meadow ends here in a cluster of buildings dominated by the huge grey slate edifice to your south. This two-story building serves as the work hall for the smithcraft; if the stream of crafters rushing in and out of its double doors weren't enough to indicate its use, the almost constant sounds of craftwork from the hall would be. Winter is slowly thawing into spring, heralding the change with a bright array of lush greenery. While not of tropical nature, the stately trees seem all the more friendly sporting new foliage, and the grass underfoot waves with new blades. Here and there, a timid flower shows its face. The new burst of life seems to be reflected everywhere in everything as people scatter about their business.
Glancing around, you note a few other buildings - the Dining Hall, partially connected to the Business Hall, to the east; the Apprentice Hall conveniently close to the Dining Hall, in the northeast; the smaller Journeyman's Hall directly to the north; and the Resident's Hall, to the northwest.

Jenylle giggles at Jenna and Niyath as curious heads turn upward to the queen, rider and passenger. "Umm, well, Niyath's certainly attracted some admirers already," she notes. She slicks back some loose, windblown tendrils of hair as she looks about. "SO this is it!" she announces for Jenna's benefit.

@>> Carissa emerges from the Journeyman Hall.

Jenna nods, looking around and strating to unloop the carrysacks from Niyath's straps. "I've never actually been here before. I'm sure we'll get familiar with it." She grins, and then offers a waved salute to the figure emerging. "Fort's duties to the Smithcraft!"

@>> Carissa bursts out of the Journeyman Hall hauling a boy by the arm. "Of all the-!" There's a.. gold dragon in the center of the meadow? Huh. She seems to forget about the apprentice she caught snooping to offer hasty greetings, "Weyrwoman, Smithcraft's to Fort and her queens. Could I be of any help?"

Jenylle follows Jenna's lead and waves to the journeyman. "Hiya!" she calls off cheerfully. As the bundles are untied she helps to gather them. "This one's got my rocks in it," she informs, slinging the bag over her shoulder.

@>> Niyath seems completely unaware of the stares, turning her head back around to rumble softly at her rider and passenger, as Jenna tugs on a particularly tight knot on the second one. "Just dropping off. You smiths've stolen my Jeny." Her tone is jovial and she gives the girl a fond smile as the knot lets loose. "Careful sliding down, Jeny. - Is *that* what it is?"

Jenylle is given a hand down by Jenna, as Niyath crouches and raises her forelimb to aid her in dismounting.
Jenylle has left.

You slide recklessly down Niyath's side. She turns her head and gives you an admonishing rumble.

Carissa's face seems to melt into a smile, "You'd be the new apprentice, then? Its nice to meet you, I'm Craftsecond Carissa.. "

Jenna hangs back to let Jeny go on forward on her own. The rider's expression is undeniably proud. She nods to Carissa, but waits for Jeny to make the introductions.

Jenylle rests her arm against Niyath a moment, whispering something for only the dragons benefit. She giggles as she finishes her statement, then reaches her arms out to retrieve her bags. "Yes ma'am," Jenylle replies. "Jenylle, from Fort Weyr. And this is Jenna, weyrwoman there and Niyath her lifemate." She gesturees towards each as she introduces. A cheerful smile is offered as a follow-up.

Carissa smiles and then tightens her grip on the boy next to her, "I hope you like it here, Jenylle." She smiles towards the weyrwoman, "Thank you for bringing her, ma'am. We'll take good care of her, I promise. You're always welcome to visit, and we'll try not to keep her locked away too long so she can come back now and then."

Niyath tilts her head at Jeny, eyes whirling with more speed and showing a hint of green in them. Then as she is introduced, her gaze comes placidly on Carissa. Indeed the only thing that shows any spark about her is the tailtip, moving restlessly, though she tries to keep it curled close to her side. Jenna chuckles softly, "She says you're welcome, of course, Jeny. And well met, Craftsecond. And I'll take you up on that. I'm going to miss her something awful. And it's just Jenna, please. Someone says ma'am, and I look around for Leah or Vivian."

Carissa grins her nod of understanding, "The only one who lets anyone call her 'ma'am' around her is our Apprentice Master, Wen." She nods, "Well, shall we get you set up, Jenylle?"

Jenylle looks pleased, relieved and hopeful about Carissa response all at once, if the soft sigh of air and smile can give all that away at once. Noticing the boy now she glances at him through curious eyes, but as she's addressed again she snaps her attention back onto Carissa. "Yes ma'am," Jenylle replies respectfully and brightly at once.

Jenna asks, "Mind if I tag along?" Once a foster mum, always a foster mum. "I've got just a bit before I have to be back..."

Carissa:
A small girl of 27 Turns, 11 months, and 24 days, and about 4'11", her brownish blonde hairs curls at just above her elbows. Her sparkling almond shaped emerald eyes sparkle under thick eyelashes. Her face is strong boned, and tanned from sun and the heat of a forge. Her shapely form is covered by a green blouse that brings out her eyes, the first few buttons left undone to leave some skin revealed, and the slightest curve of the top of her breasts. Her wherhide pants are cut to sit on her hips, and an inch of flat stomache, and a navel ring is revealed between her shirt hem and belt. On the belt itself hang numorous pouches. One contains her precious charcoals that she makes for the sketch pad tucked between her forearm and left hip. Another holds delicate glass roses wrapped well in paper and fur lining. The last contains the snacks for the bronze flit on her shoulder and the blue watching suspiciously from her head. The belt hangs loosly, clasped by a belt clip she made long ago during her Jr. Apprentice days while she still tinkered with metal etching. What would Risa VanMeler be without one piece from Turns back? Her walk contains the slightest sway and more than a bit of grace as her long legs carry her across the floor. She still has the glimmer of a Tillek accent, though it seems to have faded with her years in the Telgar area with the SmithCraft, which is proudly proclaimed with a red and cream Journeyman knot. On her other shoulder is a knot of a High Reaches Weyr resident. Her full lips grin, showing off white teeth, as she catches you looking her way, and if you stare too long, she just might blush.
Carrying:
Sketch Pad
Arrow
Harp

Carissa grins, looking at the gold and shaking her head before nodding, "Don't mind at all, actually. Hm, first off, that over there is the Journeyman's Hall. Offlimit to apprentices unless you're accompanied by one, and have a very _very_ good reason for being in there.. besides wanting to see the decor. Trust me, there is none. On that side is the residents hall, and the other side is the apprentice hall, where you'll be staying. Ahead of us is the dining hall. You'll report there at the 6th hour for breakfast, and again at the 11th hour for lunch. Dinner is served at the seventeenth candlemark. That is the business hall. Any free time you're given can be spent wherever you wish, but the lounge in there is beautiful, and the snacks are a nice treat. I should warn you about the Klah, though.. " She winces, "They make it strong here.."

Jenna clears her throat at the word 'klah', but holds her tongue on the issue, shooting a glance at Jeny. "Jeny mentioned that she'd be having up to eleven classes a sevenday? What's the schedule like for a new apprentice?"

Carissa taps her finger on her lower lip, "I don't deal much with any of that. I teach advanced glasscraft, but that's only for senior apprentices and junior journeymen. I'm afraid I don't deal much with the youngers, but I know the first period of the morning each day is for them, and then they have another class, depending on what day and what period it is. That's.. 14. We try to focus on giving our younger apprentices basic skills, like the ability to read and write for those who don't know."

Jenna with the typical attitude of a mom, immediately says, "Oh, Jeny should be one of the best pupils then. She's already well advanced in mathematics and was even learning some chemistry. I never got past ledger toting myself. And chemistry - whew! Agenothree comes naturally in containers, right?" She grins a bit.

Jenylle's head darts about as she tries to absorb all the landmarks and info from Carissa, giggling a bit about the decor in the Journeyman's Hall. There's a bit of a sheepish grin as Jenna puts in her foster mum plug.

Carissa chuckles a little and rubs the back of her neck, "Allory handles the chemistry. I don't touch chemicals with a skybroom tree except to color my glass. "Ah, hm, what else? Oh yes! Speaking of classes. Over there is the work hall. The forges as well as the chemistry lab are located in there. You will be assigned a work space for your classes and you are responsible for keeping it cleaned. If this is inspected by your teacher and found unsatisfactory, you will end up spending a rest day scrubbing it and the rest of the classroom spotless.." she makes a face, and grins, "Not that I think you're untidy."

Jenna wisely keeps her opinions to herself on that one. She's looking around as avidly as Jeny is.

Jenylle grins back, "Ok, understood on that. I don't think you'll have to worry about that," Jenylle replies. She looks up to Jenna, beaming a smile up at her. Her eyes are inquisitive though, and hopeful, searching for approval.

Jenna beams at Jeny. "Not in the least. So, should we get you settled in, Jeny? It's getting on towards that time, and I was going to stop by Telgar to see Kindre before I went home."

"Who's that?" Jenylle wonders. Still she nods her head affirmatively. "Yeah, I should put my clothes in my new press and check out my cot."

You say "Herath's rider. I figured since I was up here, I'd stop in." And maybe ask them to keep a closer eye on the girl. "Come on. I'll help you and then take off. You're gonna be fine here."

Jenylle grins brightly, "Ok, I'd appreciate the help." With that she hefts her bags full of clothing, rocks, tunnelsnake skins, pressed flowers, and firelizard supplies to her shoulders.

[Later...]

You gain altitude, winging your way up above the massive buildings of the Smith Hall complex to the quieter skies above it.

@>> Niyath disappears into Between.
Between
You gasp as the icy black nothingness of Between surrounds you! You hear nothing, see nothing, and feel nothing. The trip takes five heartbeats...
Black...
Blacker...
Blackest!
You suddenly emerge...

Air Above Telgar Weyr
You are flying in the skies directly above Telgar Weyr. The Weyr itself is a huge caldera directly below you, formed in an irregular hourglass shape. Its size is impressive; a small Hold could easily fit within its bowl, with room left over. Stretching roughly to the north and south is the mountain range of which the Weyr is part, rugged peaks of bare rock and stone. The Telgar territory covers the expanse both east and west.
From here, there are exits to the 'Southern Bowl' or 'Central Bowl', or dragons may land 'Outside Telgar Weyr', near the Weyr's Entrance Tunnel.
The afternoon is clear and the sun shines brightly. There seems to be a light breeze and the spring air is warm enough, with only a slight chill.

@>> Niyath emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!

@>> From the South, From the Telgar Star Stones, Requa's pale green Ninnenth rears on hind legs and bugles a greeting to gold Niyath and her rider, Jenna of Fort Weyr.

@>> Niyath rumbles back to the watchrider and spirals down to land.

You fly downwards towards the southern end of the bowl.

You fly downwards towards the bowl.
Southern Bowl(#396RDJ$)
Towering above, the bowl wall rises in a curving three-pointed arc as it shelters this southernmost point of Telgar Weyr's great caldera. Sloping down to the north to a slight degree, the floor of the bowl has been channeled so that runoff might drain down to the lake beyond. There are several strategically placed evergreens that serve to baffle the biting mountain winds away from the southern entrance into the Living Caverns. The first few spring flowers are blooming in pots, and what weeds there are have a renewed, clean color. The smell of spring comes in on the west wind. Northward, the center of the bowl spreads hugely, leading to the feeding pens, hatching grounds, weyrling barracks, the Telgar Weyr lake. The ground-level weyrs of the queenriders dot the mountain to the northwest. Use '+view queenriders' to view them. The murmur of voices and the clatter of pots and chairs drifts from the Living Cavern, where lunch is being served.
The afternoon is clear, and the sun shines with a few small clouds floating past. There seems to be a light breeze and the spring air is warm enough, with only a slight chill.
Contents:
Keturath(#9254JMVabelpqst$)
You backwing for a landing.

Contents:
FL: Trophe
DRAGONS: Ranth Decarath (Ularrith) Kheveth Jazeth Kismith Keturath Niyath
OTHER: Lord'n'Lady Tillek Ice Sculpture

@>> Niyath rumbles quiet greetings to the others as she backwings to a landing some distance off. Jenna glances around, brow furrowing slightly as she unclips. Her expression is distracted, and she slides down after an affectionate thump for her 'mate.

You slide recklessly down Niyath's side. She turns her head and gives you an admonishing rumble.

Decarath rumbles a minimal greeting to Niyath.

Kheveth crooons a greeting to Niyath and her rider.

Jenna threads her way through the dragons, pulling off gloves, though Kheveth gets a bit of an arched eyebrow as she heads towards the living cavern, mumbling, "Faranth's teeth. Didn't realize Igen's last were so old already."

You walk past the lintel and into the wide living cavern.
Telgar Weyr's Living Cavern(#750RDJM$)
This huge cavern is sufficiently roomy to hold a large portion of the Weyr's population without feeling cramped. There's always a bustle of activity here. Fragrant dishes are constantly in prepartion for mealtimes: currently for the mid-day meal. Drudges are always present, either cleaning under Pierron's watchful eye, or helping fetch and carry. A myriad of glowbaskets and many ever-lit hearths make the cavern warm and inviting despite its size. The scents of cooking meats, baking breads and pastries, and the pungent aroma of spices hang mouthwateringly in the air. It is little wonder that those seeking to relax nearly always find their way here to do it. The tables are decorated with a multitude of bright spring flowers.
A short tunnel jaunts northward out to the bowl and the merry sounds of cooking, chores, and laughter echo from the kitchen at the southeast end of the cavern near the easterly passage to the rest of the lower caverns. Within the lower caverns is an entrance to the infirmary weyr to care for injured dragons and riders.

Contents:
FL:
PLAYERS: Teria Yashira Siara K'ran Pierron Chayil Jenna Kindre U'yn S'dar
OTHER: Large Gold Dragon Plushie, Menu!, Telgar Serving Tables

U'yn scowls, now, flustered. He whispers back to Teria, a hand on her shoulder for a fleeting instant, and then, there you goes, super bronzerider, ever in motion, back to Yashira.

Teria plants her hands on her hips, clearly annoyed as U'yn *whooshes* off again. Some people!

Your location's current time: 14:44 on day 6, month 5, Turn 41, of the Tenth Pass. It is a spring afternoon.

Yashira coughs a little, seated at her table, her huge belly looming out in front of her. "I look puffy," she tells U'yn.

Kindre shakes her head. "No. I didn't start doing watchduty until after Herath and I retired, to be true," she says. "You'll be pretty busy with learning to upkeep the records and assisting Weyrwoman Sarai, I'd gather. Wing formations...lots to keep you very busy," is remarked as she smiles. "Wow. I wasn't an apprentice even when I was Searched. Was that terribly hard? Getting used to all over again?" Pierron's turning head to eye the latest visitor gets Kindre's attention again. She smiles wide before calling, "Telgar's duties to Fort and her queens! Good to see you, Jenna," loud enough to be heard.

Jenna is stuffing her gloves in her pockets as she enters, and offers mildly, "Fort's duties to Telgar and Igen and their queens. And, to anyone else I might've missed." She looks tired, though brightens on hearing Kindre, "I was looking for you," she admits. "I need a favor." Her smile is a trifle crooked as she heads in that direction.

"That," K'ran laughs to Siara, good-natured, "would be telling. These walls have ears, you know, and it just wouldn't do to give them *hints*..." And then he's glancing up from that conversation to flash a quick smile toward the newest arrival.

U'yn could spend all day whooshing back and forth! But he restrains himself. "You look pregnant," he tells Yashira. "I wanted to thank you..." he adds, "For the buckle! It was bronze, and a dragon!" Then he looks sheepish. "I was wearing it, it was big, and on my belt, but Teria was going to help me try and put it on Kismith's straps, and then it got off my belt, and now it's in the barracks. But thanks!"

Chayil admits that it was, indeed, that hard. "It was strange. As a little kid, apprentices were my role models. Then I got to be one, a junior, and the normals and seniors were my role models. Then I was searched, and /everybody/ was my superior. Then I went back, and journeymen were my role models, because I got promoted when I got back. And then, just when I finished all my journeyman projects and was just waiting to begin the last part of senior apprenticeship, defending my theses and doing my proficiency examinations, I got searched again. And I just accepted, both times, because I didn't want to spend my whole life doing only one thing, without ever having done anything else. I didn't want to get too hidebound."

Teria notes quietly, "It was pulling his pants down."

Chayil stops her long stream of chatter as Jenna approaches herself and Kindre, and quickly salutes to offer, "Duties from Igen to Fort and all her myriad dragons." Myriad must be her word of the day.

"Oh, the buckle!" Yashira beams, radiant. "I'm glad you liked it. I saw it, saw it was a dragon, saw it was a bronze, and I thought to myself - 'U'yn MUST have it'!"

Kindre's head inclines a few times slowly as she listens to Chayil. "Wow. That's a lot harder than I had it for certain," she freely admits before smiling as Jenna approaches. "I gladly grant favors," she replies quickly and gives the Fort rider a glancing over. "You look like you've seen brighter mornings. Everything alright," is wondered with concern.

"Telgar's Duties," Yashira calls out in Jenna's direction. "Good to see you again."

Chayil steps back a tad, not wanting to appear to eavesdrop, and takes a look about for other folks to listen in on.

Jenna gives a smile to K'ran as she passes and offers, "Heard Indrath's going to be a dad - congratulations!" The Igen weyrlings and Yashira are also nodded to pleasantly, though the rider clearly has something on her mind and a destination she's bound for. "You too, Yashira. Hope everything's well with you?" She she reaches Chayil and Kindre she nods, "Oh, everything's fine. Just tired. Don't let me interrupt?"

Once more color floods into K'ran's cheeks, but he dips his chin in a gracious nod to Jenna and answers her with a modest, "Thanks; though he's only half responsible -- or half to blame?"

"I don't think you are, Jenna," Kindre says before turning to Igen goldrider. "Chayil?"

Chayil quickly shakes her head and gestures from Jenna to Kindre. "Not at all, goldrider. Don't think a thing of it. I'm only schmoozing; you've got something important to discuss. Please! Business takes precedence over schmoozing." She's all smiles, and has apparently decided to remain after all, listening to what 'grownup' goldriders do and say. Never hurts to learn from anyone, whether a part of one's own Weyr or not. Maybe even /especially/ if they're not.

Kindre grins wide at Chayil. "Schmoozing? And here I thought we were having some nice rider heart-to-heart talk," she says and winks. "I'm enjoying our talk, truly," is added before her attention focuses back on Jenna. "Do you want to sit? Can I get you anything," she wonders as that concern filters back into her voice.

U'yn pats the chair beside him. "Teria, come talk to Yashira with me?" he asks, giving her the canine-puppy eyes. Then tells Yashira, "Well, thanks. I'm glad you thought of me."

"Fine, pregnant, gonna pop soon," Yashira says quickly to Jenna, grinning a bit before turning back to U'yn. She nods. "Do come sit, Teria?"

Jenna grins lopsidedly at both K'ran and Yashira and then wrinkles her nose at Chayil's words. "It's not exactly business. More personal." She darts a glance at Kindre and says, "No, no, I'm fine, really. Just was up late last night with that records cleanup we've got going. And I was kinda in the area, so." She pauses and asks, "I don't remember if you've met one of my fosters - Jenylle? - she's been accepted as an apprentice to the smithcraft." Her tone is a trifle proud.

Chayil steps towards the meal table as if to get them things, but casts a glance at Siara...no, Natasya...no, U'yn, silently requesting etiquette guidance. To serve as a weyrling, or to keep her nose out of it as a guest? That is the question.

Teria semi-melts, despite herself, and moves over to take the offerd chair. With just a grumble or two, for the sake of appearances.

Kindre taps at the center of her lips with her index finger for a moment. "Jenylle. Jenylle. The name does sound familiar, but I don't believe I've met her directly," she says after some thought. "Congratulations on that, though! I may be biased as we cover Smithcraft, but I believe that's a wonderful Hall to be an apprentice in."

Siara looks back at Chayil, a little distractedly, and then gets up and goes over to her.

K'ran nods, here, for all that his eavesdropping might be unwelcome. "Smithcraft put together a wonderful, wonderful fireworks display for us, for the winter festival."

Siara mutters to Chayil, "I'm sorry..."

U'yn isn't tugged in two directions, now, as Teria lands in the chair. He does see Chayil's glance, but has no clue why she's looking at that, and just looks right back at her with a quick shrug. "How soon?" he asks Yashira. "Is my mom gonna help?"

Chayil's swaying from foot to foot indecisively, looking perplexed. She mutters to Siara, "... I'm... which... snacks, or... I'm... which case... should... but keep... paws... I can't... weyrling... when..."

Jenna flashes a quick, wry look at Chayil, apparently commiserating with her predicament. "No need to stand on ceremony with me, honest." She nods as Siara approaches, and then grins at Kindre, "I'm *so* proud. And I'm going to try not to be that foster mother everyone hates, dropping in every five minutes to check on her baby, y'know? Since we're so busy at Fort with all the hides and stuff, I was wondering if, when you happened to stop by the Hall, you might ask after her? It's her first time away from home and all..."

"Your mother, and M'silne's brother," Yashira replies, nodding. "And a few weeks - that's all. I'm halfway through my last month."

Kindre chuckles a bit as she listens and then finally bobs her head quickly several times. "Of course, of course," she replies quickly and smiles wide. "I draw Watchrider duty for the Hall on occasion and can keep an even closer eye...er...see how she's doing more easily," is remarked as she grins. "Herath to Niyath an acceptable form of relay, I hope?"

Teria leans forward, chin on one hand. Gazing at the Belly. "This happened right out of Weyrlinghood?"

K'ran retreats from that conversation 'tween Kindre and Jenna, instead turning interest over toward Teria and U'yn and Yashira. "You should've seen them," he tells Teria. "Her and M'silne. Like crazed felines, the two of them. It was chilling."

"Fairly soon after," Yashira says, shrugging a little and shaking her head. "Once we graduated, we were a little... enthusiastic?" She pauses, coughing a little. "Not /that/ bad, K'ran, thank you. And in private." A faint snort. "I didn't think I'd ever keep any child, but... I just wanted something in case something happened to either of us. And he was so happy when I went to talk to him about it..."

U'yn just looks at K'ran. "Crazed... Felines..." he echoes. A little stunned.

S'dar is sitting near the group, drinking a glass of redfruit juice, listening but not injecting anything into the conversation. By his glazed look, it appears that he really isn't listening that closely, simply catching words here and there.

Jenna brightens immediately, relaxing as Kindre gets to the root of the issue. "Oh more than. I really appreciate it. I know she's going to do well, and she's growing up and all, but it's hard. And now maybe I won't look so overprotctive, you know?" No, not at all. Just having other riders check up on the poor girl when she can't. Not over protective one whit. She then smiles at Chayil and Siara, "So, is this one of your first trips out of the weyr? They do grow fast, don't they?"

K'ran shakes his head slightly, affecting the air of the Purveyor Of Truth for Teria and U'yn. "Don't believe a word of that. After Fall, one time? She walked right up to poor M'silne, grabbed him by the collar, and stuck her tongue down his throat. Would have scandalized the faint of heart, I tell you." And there, there he checks left, checks right; no crossbows withing Yashira's easy reach, fortunately. "Fortunately I've a higher threshold for such antics. And, well. I was proud of my mentee, to have landed a catch like Yashira."

U'yn looks at Yashira, too, after echoing the words. Listens to her answer. But is still considering that phrase, and his friend. Speechless. K'ran speaks again, and U'yn's eyes widen. "I missed witnessing all this..." he says, at length.

Teria blinks a few times. "Aaaaah, that's interesting." She Does Not Look at U'yn. "Truly."

Yashira's eyebrows lower in a scowl at K'ran. "I /never/ stuck my tongue down his throat after a Fall." Heartbeat. "In public." Her face flushes, though it's more an irritated flush than embarassment. She considers some nearby utensils. Ooh, a knife.

Kindre bobs her head yet again. "We've," she pauses, glances to S'dar and smiles, "our own little one growing faster than we can stand, so I can certainly see why it'd be hard," she says. "I'd be very happy to do such a favor, truly."

Chayil, in the midst of the discussion on etiquette with her weyrlingmaster, nevertheless abruptly cuts off her questioning to answer Jenna. "Yes, ma'am. Our first trip to an inhabited place outside our own Weyr environs or sweep area. The class members who were cleared for it took a vote, and we voted to come here."

K'ran's eyes settle on that knife too, and perhaps wisely, he refrains from further comment. "Seems there's always at least one couple to come out of weyrling classes, though," he does mention, and stops there. Watches U'yn for a few moments. Watches Teria for another few moments.

Teria says brightly, "Livia and P'can seem to like each other, so I think you are right, sir."

U'yn is totally Not Looking at Teria, either. Except one glance. And he's Not Blushing. That faint glow of pink is from his trip between. A delayed flush from the cold. He attempts a casual, conversational tone. "Weyrlinghood is two turns long. I understand... people get enthusiastic, after, to make up for lost time."

Teria says "Plus candidacy, before that. Another span of months."

Yashira gives K'ran a warning look, then rises ponderously. "I ought to get going, I think. The necessary calls again. I'm sure you all wanted to know that. Good seeing you Igen Weyrlings again." She smiles a little, and nods to Teria and U'yn. "Come back soon. Or I'll come visit soon, I think. In a few sevendays or so."

Kindre, upon Chayil mentioning the Weyrlings vote was for Telgar Weyr, smiles brightly. "Truly? Hopefully I'm not the first to say how honored I'm sure everyone here from Telgar is about that," is remarked quite seriously. "Hopefully we can come visit soon ourselves. It's been quite an age since I've been to Igen. I heard through the grapevine that Terri is expecting again...?"

K'ran darts a furtive look toward Siara and Chayil, now, and once he's confident their attention's elsewhere, urges Teria in a hoarse whisper, "No 'sir', hm? Just K'ran." Then, louder, "Livia and P'can some of your classmates who couldn't be here, today?" That warning look of Yashira's isn't lost on him; he watches to ensure that the knife doesn't find its way into her hand, and from there into his cranium. "Are either of you feeling at all enthusiastic?"

U'yn rises, to give Yashira another sideways hug, but briefly, since the necessary's calling, and faranth forbid he get in the way of a pregnant woman and the necessary. So doesn't hear any enthusiastic questions. Really. Between really left his cheeks red, though.

Teria rises to salute Yashira, smiling. "Clear skies, Yashira..." She chuckles at K'ran's question, simply winks. Answer enough.

Chayil confirms the gossip as true. "She's not as big as Yashira yet, but she'll get there. She carries big, if I remember rightly. There are a few more expecting as well, and our Faerysa had her baby a few months ago, too." She delivers several more bits of news -- all personal, none hugely important in the grand scheme of things, but hugely important in a handful of lives -- in singsongy tones, much of which rhyme or have a definitely discernible rhythmic pattern to them, exactly as if she were still harpering."

Yashira hugs U'yn quickly, and snaps off a salute to Teria, and then she's waddling for the privy as fast her her swollen feet can carry her. Waddle waddle waddle. Go, pregnant lady, go!

Yashira walks towards the inner cavern.
Yashira has left.

Siara seems to miss a whole chunk of the conversation as she ponders Chayil's question. "Well." she says at last. "If you're ever not sure about what's polite, the best thing to do is whatever makes the other person most comfortable." She catches something about tongues and throats and casts a suspicious glance over at Teria and U'yn.

Jenna grins and admits, "I still haven't had a chance to get over there to see her. Junni mentioned she was due any day." At the talk around Yashira, her eyebrows arch faintly, though she may just be making note of it. As Chayil mentions Faerysa she breaks in again, "That's M'val's then? I thought I heard Miritha going on about being a grandmother again. Was it a boy or a girl?"

Kindre listens to Chayil, smiling and bobbing her head as usual. "How wonderful! Happy new all around, then," she remarks and pauses to glance over the cookies left. Considering for a few moments, she apparently decides on one and snags it from the plate and then looks up as Jenna asks more about the babies of Igen Weyr.

"A boy," replies Chayil, "and she and M'val named him Rysal. He's got M'val's hair, and if you ask me, his ears too."

Siara looks after the disappearing Belly, and rubs her forehead as the talk of babies goes on. "I'll be outside with Ranth," she tells the weyrlings quietly, as she makes her way out of the crowded cavern, pausing just to thank Kindre and the others for their hospitality.

U'yn has disconnected.

"It was our honor to have such wonderful visitors," Kindre says to Siara before standing herself. "I should be getting back to the hides, reluctant as I am to leave this wonderful group."

Siara smiles at Kindre, "That's such a nice thing to say! I hope you'll come back and visit us too."

Siara walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.
Siara has left.

For that wink, K'ran's got a knowing grin that's all encouragement. "Good for you," he says to Teria. "You should enjoy yourself, when you're through, you know? As much as you can, anyway."

Teria looks after U'yn as he hurries out, shakes her head. "Too much sunburn, I expect."

Chayil offers a very formal and not at all perfunctory salute to Kindre as well as to Jenna. "As my weyrlin'master's leaving, I should probably go, too. Thank you so much for your hospitality, weyrwoman, and Jenna, please give Igen's weyrlings' greetings to your Weyr. I'm hoping we'll get to visit Fort soon as well. Ma'ams."

Teria tilts her chair back slightly, looking at K'ran thoughtfully. "Oh, I intend to..." Hearing Chayil, she rises. "Yes, I should go, too."

Niyath> Siara sits down next to Ranth, and leans against him, closing her eyes.

Jenna grins. "Rysal. Good name. - Oh, don't remind me, Kindre. I'm sure they're looking for me at the weyr. But there's only so much dust I can take in a sevenday." She nods to Chayil and Teria, "I shall, and you'd be most welcome. Any excuse to get away from that cleanup." her tone is teasing.

Chayil salutes again towards the other people of rank (meaning everybody, pretty much) and departs before she wears out her welcome.

Chayil walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.
Chayil has left.

Teria salutes, with a smile, and moves after Chayil.

"Get going," K'ran encourages, gently, though he does say, "Hope you'll come back and visit us again?" to Teria. "Clear skies, to all of you."

Teria calls back, "I shall!"

Teria walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.
Teria has left.

Kindre nods after Chayil, smiling wide. "It was truly my pleasure," she says and then turns to grin wide at Jenna. "Well, I'm leaving you in wonderful company, though I'm certain you know that already," is quipped as she chuckles briefly. "I remember the fire we had no too many turns ago in our own records cavern...what a sharding mess. I don't envy your task, Jenna dear. However, I need to check to see if Indy's awake yet." That said, she turns and gives S'dar a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll bring him out if he is. Clear skies all!"

Kindre walks towards the inner cavern.
Kindre has left.

Niyath> Siara is sitting quietly with Ranth, eyes closed. As the weyrlings approach, she asks, "Why'd you come out? I thought you were having a good time in there."

Jenna watches after Kindre for a moment, looking far more relieved than when she first got here. Then she offers to K'ran, "Looking forward to the clutching? Is it Indrath's first?"

Niyath> Teria says "I thought - I mean, I thought you were leaving, and..."

Niyath> Chayil's head bobs. "We were, but you didn't look so good, and I wasn't sure if you'd be all right to make it back if you tried going right now."

S'dar also bids those who are leaving farewell.

Niyath> Siara opens her eyes and looks at the young women neutrally. "I got tired. And anyway, I wouldn't leave without you. I've got to make sure you get back okay."

K'ran watches after the weyrlings and Kindre all, but summons himself out of that distraction to turn a smile Jenna's way. "Yeah, his very first time. I'm really pleased for him, though I feel like I've been thrown into the deep part of the lake without quite knowing how to swim. He's... odd about it, though. His reaction's a bit different than I expected it'd be."

Niyath> Teria observes thoughtfully, "The Telgar Weyrsecond has the most incredible blue eyes. Did you see them?"

Niyath> N'ren walks here from the north.
Niyath> N'ren has arrived.
Niyath> Natasya walks here from the north.
Niyath> Natasya has arrived.

Niyath> Siara shakes her head, "I didn't notice," she admits, "I kind of liked that harper."

Niyath> Chayil has the grace to look abashed. "Yes'm. You just, you know, looked a little bit wan. Can we do anything for you before we go back?"

Niyath> N'ren is walking, arm-in-arm, with Natasya. "Hello, all. Finished with the visit already?"

Niyath> Siara shakes her head to Chayil, though she seems sincerely touched, "No, that's okay. Like I said, I just got tired. Too much talking about babies in there."

Jenna laughs at that, lips twisting into a lopsided smile. "I can understand that feeling. Been feeling it since Niyath hatched." She flickers a glance to S'dar as well. "But what do you mean, 'not quite what you expected'?"

S'dar smiles at K'ran. "Again, I'm very proud," he says genuinely. "I look forward to seeing his Clutch."

Niyath> Teria says "I think Liah has first claim on the harper. Well, come claim, anyway?" She smiles at Natasya and N'ren. "Oh, Tasya, your expertise is needed here,:"

S'dar also gives Jenna a friendly, "High Reaches' duties," though not so loud enough as to interrupt the conversation at hand.

Niyath> N'ren frowns, "Are you not feeling well, Siara?"

Jenna ah-has at S'dar. "And Fort's to Reaches - that's who I missed in the crush. How're your weyrlings? I stood with R'dus at Fort. Still haven't had a chance to get up to see his brown." She keeps an ear out for K'ran as well.

Niyath> Teria points toward the living caverns. "It's my opinion that the loveliest pair of blue eyes is in there, attached to the Weyrsecond here. Could you possibly go and judge if I am correct?"

"I had meant," K'ran nods to S'dar, there, "to thank you and Kindre. I feel like I need to be doling out a lot more thank-yous than I have." His explanation to Jenna is a bit more hedging. "It's hard to explain, and when I get it wrong, he gets cranky with me. He's a perfectionist, y'see, and so when he chases, and *doesn't* catch, I have to spend time reassuring him -- you did your best, Indrath, and I'm very very proud of you, kind of thing. This time, when I caught Mirrath, I half expected him to be all smug about it. But... he's not. He's happy, excited. And *doting*, of all things."

Niyath> Siara nods a little distractedly, "Well, he promised me a song. T'al wouldn't like me to take more than that anyway." She shakes her head to N'ren. "Just a little tired. I wanted to come outside, that's all."

S'dar replies with a customary smile, "the Weyrlings are doing excellently. Always a joy to see them learning to work with their lifemates and with each other. You should definitely come up to visit sometime - R'dus' lifemate is a fine one indeed." He laughs at K'ran's comment about Indrath's doting. "That's excellent to hear. He'll be a fine clutchsire I know."

S'dar says "I'm afraid I must go - it has been very nice seeing you both. Cheers, and I hope to see you again soon."

S'dar walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.
S'dar has left.

Niyath> Natasya arches an eyebrow. "Lovely blue eyes, eh? On a Weyrsecond? Well, we can't leave this question unanswered, can we?"

Niyath> N'ren frowns a bit more, "Would you like me to go get Liah to have a look at you, Siara? She's having a discussion with the Weyrharper, but, if I know her, she will come to do her duty." Seems like that's legitimate concern there.

Niyath> Chayil takes a long moment to look at Siara searchingly, ignoring all talk of gorgeous eyes, and finally nods with a look of understanding which doesn't belong on her young face. "I'm sorry, ma'am. I didn't think." Now, how to offer to guide /her/ back to Igen without causing the weyrlingmaster to lose face. "Will...you be wanting to test our visualizations on the way back?"

Niyath> S'dar notices the Weyrlings and their Weyrlingmaster still here, and stops long enough to say, "it has been very nice seeing all of you - I hope to see you all again soon. Good luck with your training! I am sure that you will all enjoy it and learn a great deal from it." He offers a wink as he continues his journey.

Niyath> Teria says "Not at all. You should hurry..."

Niyath> S'dar disappears into the records cavern.
Niyath> S'dar has left.

Jenna chuckles. "Well, they say being a father changes a man. I suppose it's true for dragons, if they remember. - Clear skies," she calls after S'dar. "Niyath's driving the males between with a new 'game' she invented. 'Watching eggs'. Likely the most boring game on the planet. She's trying to approach this so logically." She shakes her head. "We keep telling her it won't matter when she does finally rise. It's like a little girl playing 'hold', you know?"

Niyath> Siara smiles a little at N'ren. "That's really nice," she says, meaning it. "But really, I'm not sick. I promise." She considers Chayil's question. "I think we should just have a nice, easy trip home. You've all worked hard enough for today."

Natasya walks in from the bowl.
Natasya has arrived.

Niyath> Siara nods towards the living cavern, "You don't want to miss the blue eyes," she points out.

Niyath> N'ren separates from Natasya, if only to walk over to the Weyrlingmaster, "Are you sure you're all right, Siara?" Unfortunately, he missed Chayil's look of understanding, so his concern is just getting worse and worse.

Niyath> Teria says "Flowers. I have to get flowers... Tasya can take care of the blue eyes, Weyrlingmaster."

Niyath> Siara nods to Teria, "All right. Natasya will report on the blue eyes. You will select the flowers. Chayil - when he gets back, you can collect my song from the harper." She lowers her voice then to say something to N'ren.

K'ran seems about to answer S'dar as the older rider departs, but settles for a wave instead, and then turns his chair such that he's facing Jenna straight-on, rather than trying to divide his attention among several. "What does this egg-watching game of hers involve? But no surprise, there -- I guess it's a fairly common thing, that they never quite think it can happen to them, until it does?" Movement by the entryway tugs his gaze that direction, and he waves a hand to Natasya, now, too. "I think they're out in the bowl, if you're looking for them, Headwoman?" he says. "If they've gone and left you, we can get you a ride back, no trouble."

Niyath> Chayil volunteers for Siara, "I bet Livia and Teria and U'yn have really good visualization by now. /really/ good. So do I, almost as good as theirs. Maybe we could do the visualization back home, and you could see it for yourself."

Niyath> Siara mutters to N'ren, "... all.... hitting... won't... the same..."

Niyath> Teria gives Chayil a vaguely irritated look, and moves off to collect flowers.

Natasya wanders in, looking around casually. "Igen's duties to Telgar and her queens." She seems to be heading toward the tables of refreshments, but stops when she is answered by K'ran. "Thank you, but I was looking for something to quench my thirst? I was directed here... The others are still outside."

Niyath> Siara looks up and says firmly to Chayil, "You've all done enough today. We are not going to take any chances. N'ren is flying with us, and Kheveth's perfectly fine to give the visualization if you think Ranth isn't up to it. Which he is anyway."

Niyath> Chayil, having overstepped herself /noticeably/, steps right back into line. "Yes, ma'am. I'm sure he is, he's a very capable dragon. I like showin' off my clutchsiblingses dragons, but I shouldn't be so pushy about it. Sorry, weyrlin'master, ma'am."

Jenna says wryly, "Watching rocks. I kid you not. The quicker your attention wanders, the worse you are at the game. I swear, I think Hanreth just does it to keep her from carping at him." She nods pleasantly to Natasya. "And Fort's to Igen. I really should get back though. Niyath was reminding me that all I was supposed to do was to drop Jeny at the Smiths. Clear skies - and good luck to you and Indrath."

Niyath> Siara's brow wrinkles and she tries one more time to explain, "It's -fine-. And you can show me the visualizations tomorrow. But your lifemates are going to be more tired than they think they are after all this betweening today. And anyway, you'll need to be pushy as Keturath gets older, so don't apologize."

Niyath> N'ren cocks his head to one side, thoughtfully, then shakes his head. He mutters to Siara, "... sometimes,... too.... the... side, the... of... on is... want..." He grins at Chayil, recognizing her concern overriding her sense of propriety. Must be from living at the same place as all those Healers.

"The 'Reaches dragons have a game kind of like that -- but I shouldn't keep you, if you have to go," says K'ran. "Thanks, Jenna; maybe we'll see you at the clutching?" And then he's rising to both direct Natasya toward the serving tables, and as a polite gesture as Jenna stands.

Jenna nods. "I hope so! And glad to know it's not jut Niyath!" With a laugh and a friendly, casual wave, she heads out towards the bowl.

You walk down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.
Southern Bowl(#396RDJ$)
Towering above, the bowl wall rises in a curving three-pointed arc as it shelters this southernmost point of Telgar Weyr's great caldera. Sloping down to the north to a slight degree, the floor of the bowl has been channeled so that runoff might drain down to the lake beyond. There are several strategically placed evergreens that serve to baffle the biting mountain winds away from the southern entrance into the Living Caverns. The first few spring flowers are blooming in pots, and what weeds there are have a renewed, clean color. The smell of spring comes in on the west wind. Northward, the center of the bowl spreads hugely, leading to the feeding pens, hatching grounds, weyrling barracks, the Telgar Weyr lake. The ground-level weyrs of the queenriders dot the mountain to the northwest. Use '+view queenriders' to view them. The murmur of voices and the clatter of pots and chairs drifts from the Living Cavern, where the evening meal is being served.
The afternoon is clear, and the sun shines with a few small clouds floating past. It is completely still, no winds blow and the spring air is warm enough, with only a slight chill.
Contents:
Keturath(#9254JMVabelpqst$)

Contents:
DRAGONS: Ranth (Decarath) (Ularrith) Kheveth Jazeth (Kismith) Keturath Niyath
PLAYERS: Teria Siara Chayil Jenna N'ren
OTHER: Lord'n'Lady Tillek Ice Sculpture

Siara nods to N'ren, a bit tensely. "I think that'd be a good idea, maybe" she says in response to his muttered remark.

N'ren is almost hovering over the Igen Weyrlingmaster, in a face that speaks of some concern. And so, he doesn't spot the arriving goldrider. At Siara's comment, he puts an arm around her shoulders, to give them a bit of a squeeze. And then lets go. Never know when T'al might show up and get jealous, after all....

Jenna comes out of the caverns, pulling gloves on, apparently on her way as well. "Clear skies to you all. Oh, hey, N'ren. Give my best to the folks at Igen? And tell Terri I *will* manage to get to see her - and K'fen too - before the new babe is a turn, I promise." Her eyes flicker around the group.

Niyath> I bespoke Kheveth and Keturath with << My Jenna wishes to know - is something wrong? Everyone seems tense to her. >>

Teria is over near the garden, bent over, but she swivel-crouches, and salutes the weyrwoman.

Siara nods and gets up. "Chayil, I'll have Ranth bespeak Keturath when it's time to leave, and they I want you to gather everyone here in the bowl and have them ready to fly. Can you do that?"

Dragon> Keturath bespoke Kheveth and Niyath with << My Chayil says it is a human-thing about babies. I do not understand. >>

Chayil quickly bobs her head, saluting smartly to inspire confidence. "Yes, ma'am. Wait for Ranth's instruction, assemble everyone, and get ready to leave.

N'ren looks around at hearing his name. "Hello, Jenna. Long time, no see. I hope you didn't get into too much trouble because of me, eh?"

Siara looks rather pleased with Chayil's professional response, and then nods to Jenna, not quite sure if the goldrider is coming or going, but it's an all purpose nod.

Jenna smiles easily at Teria and offers, "If your weyrlingmaster doesn't insist, I'd not mind in the least if you conveniently forgot to salute me, brownrider." Then as N'ren says something to her she quips, "What? You didn't hear? They're only just allowing me out of the weyr again."

N'ren snorts, "Somehow, I sincerely doubt that's the case. I can't see you - either of you - staying anywhere you don't wish to."

Niyath> Kheveth and Keturath sense that Niyath seems reassured. << She wanted to know before she left, in case any help was needed. But baby things are natural. And we must get back home. >>

Chayil turns about to salute Jenna, now that N'ren has done so.

Dragon> Kheveth bespoke Niyath and Keturath with << You know as much as I do, then. I do not usually worry myself over something unless my rider is overly worried as well. These things pass as time does. >>

Niyath rumbles, pointedly crouching and lifting a forelimb. Jenna rolls her eyes a bit, cutting off the comment she was going to make to N'ren. "Yes, yes, I'm coming. Clear skies to you all. Please do come visit Fort. I promise, we won't put you to work digging out the records room." She grins, and then heads for Niyath.

Jenna straps in and gives a waved salute, as Niyath backs a bit out of the way to avoid stirring up too much dust. A crouch and the young queen is aloft, tail snapping wildly behind her.

You spring into the air and catch the thermals rising from the bowl floor to carry you aloft.