There is a gather at the Harper Hall. Weyrlings get to go, though Jenna has to be escorted, because of her relationship with Rodric. Much chaos ensues, as N'ren, an Igen brownrider, steals her out from under her escort and J'nas, and L'nan embarasses the heck out of her in the process.

jenna - Sunday, June 09, 2002, 4:40 PM
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Gather Grounds(#2231RJL)
This broad meadow has been used for Gathers and other festivities as long as memory and Harper stories can recall. The level area is a perfect backdrop for colorful crafter tents, stalls selling food or drink, and game booths, as well as holding the carefully delineated dancing square and stage in a perfectly crafted setting. During the rest of the turn, the gather grounds provide a relaxing place for apprentices to congregate and engage in outdoor games, or walk along the tree lined banks of the stream in quiet contemplation. A small pathway meanders through the grounds, taking you on a lovely walk that eventually ends in the herb garden of Healer Hall.
The mountains that house Fort Weyr bulk protectively in the distance, while the main road leads south towards Harper Hall.
Contents:
SmithCraft Tent (#15345Jem$)
Zephyr
Dellan
Cloretta
Fendes
Toy Drum Making Tool-Kit(#17505OV$)
J'nas
Guess-The-Vintage Booth
Sampling Table
BakerCraft Tent
Gather Schedule
HarperCraft Tent

Jenna comes down the road with B'tal, one of the wingleaders at Fort. She looks utterly bored out of her mind, but is nodding politely to what the older bronzerider is saying.

While Zephyr is glancing around, she does notice a fellow Weyrling. "Jenna!" she calls out waving a hand and smiling brightly.

Desh comes up from the trail.
Desh has arrived.

Desh trots down the road, bearing a box in his arms. He heads for the Smithcraft tent.

K'gen steps out from the HarperCraft tent
K'gen has arrived.

K'gen meanders down the trail slowly, drifting in and out of sight in the distance before disappearing from view.
K'gen has left.

J'nas waves to Jenna after saluting B'tal. "Good evening to you both!" He grins at Zephyr, "You'd better make a lot of room on your dance card. You'll be attracting a lot of attention tonight."

Dellan politely moves on, leaving the Masterharper to her friends and coversation. He goes around the gather grounds, deciding to take some time to see what other crafts have brought to show before he joins up with those Harpers providing entertaiment.

Desh heads into the SmithCraft Tent.
Desh has left.

Dellan heads into the SmithCraft Tent.
Dellan has left.

Zephyr smiles at J'nas happily and winks. "That was the idea." She remembers to salute to B'tal after J'nas does, and she looks back to the other weyrling. "You look particularly dashing yourself J'nas."

Jenna brightens, not quite slipping away from her escort and going to join her clutchmates. "Hey! You two having fun? I've been shown most of the Hall. B'tal was an apprentice here turns ago."

Zephyr:
 At 16 Turns, 0 months, and 6 days old, there is nothing subtle about her. She has long, straight, sheeny hair which is naturally a vibrant red. Hazel eyes lighten her face, accented by arching brows and full lips. Her skin is fairly tanned and without a single freckle. Zephyr is about 5'6" tall and of a thin frame. 
 She is wearing an elegent dress, long and sleek. It is honey hued with subtle patches of white and amber fading into the slightly crunched texture of the dress' material. Its color brings out the gold in her hazel eyes. Delicate, thin straps hold up the deep scooping collar, and on the reverse side, cross her bare back in X stitching. One shapely leg is exposed by a long slit which reaches all the way up the side of her thigh. She is wearing a thin gold band around her exposed thigh, with red beads to match her hair. Dainty sandals are also worn on her feet. 
You may or may not notice Zephyr is a Fortian Greenrider Weyrling.

J'nas:
 The first thing that catches an observer's attention is his eyes, emerald green pools that reflect the friendliness that pervades his entirety. J'nas' fine light brown hair hangs to his shoulders with only the faintest sign of waves. He is armed with a crooked smile that is extremely contagious and guaranteed to almost always befriend anyone. His tenor voice is as soothing as waves lapping at the beach and sounds almost as if he were Harper trained. From time to time a faint Igen accent can be heard. J'nas is only slightly taller than average. While he is not exceptionally big, his muscled are well defined. 
 He wears an open, harper blue vest over a deep green tunic that appears to be well cared for. His dark brown trousers are equally neat and are tucked into mid-calf wherhide boots. He is wearing a brown and black weyrlings knot of Fort Weyr. The brown thread that weaves through his knot represents the color of his lifemate, Hanreth. 
 J'nas is 21 Turns, 0 months, and 28 days old.

Mirrari steps out from the HarperCraft tent
Mirrari has arrived.

Zephyr smiles and brushes her hair away from her eyes. "I gotta say Jenna, that is a gorgeous dress!"

J'nas' gaze shifts back and forth between his clutchmates, "I suddenly feel underdressed. He steps up beside B'tal. "Do you suppose that Leah would accept me as a proper escort? I /am/ the Masterharper's son, after all. I think I know a thing or two about decorum."

B'tal is staring at the back of Zephyr's dress, and clearly lamenting the baby-sitting duty he's gotten into. Jenna shakes her head slightly, "You look great, Zephyr. Me, I'm just trying to look presentable, remember?" She quirks a bit of a smile and then winces slightly at J'nas' words. They do snap the older bronzer out of his daze and then he shakes his head at J'nas. "Sorry, lad. M'sure you do, but I've my orders."

Mirrari emerges from the Harpers tent, toy drum still in hand and re-orients herself on the crowded gather.

J'nas shrugs his shoulders, "Can't fault me for trying. Hey Mir, I'm trying to fill my night with dancing. Save one for me?"

Zephyr smiles happily at Jenna and hardly pays any notice to B'tal's observations. "I'm wearing your color today Jenna." she says cheerfuly. Then she folds her arms together as J'nas' tactic dosn't work on the older rider.

Mirrari chuckles and nods, "Sure thing J'nas.." she says with a grin and makes her way to the baker tent.

Niyath> Niyath shifts, blinking open eyes from her nap in the sun. She takes time to notice that the spot next to her is free now, and the unfamiliar brown. She croons a quiet, sleepy greeting to him.

A group of apprentices led by a journeyman make there way to the platform that has been set up for the performers. They take their seats and set hides on music stands. The tuning of instruments is enough to attract the attention of many Gatherers.

Jenufa emerges from the SmithCraft Tent.
Jenufa has arrived.
Korynn steps out from the HarperCraft tent
Korynn has arrived.

Jenna clears her throat, "So how's everyone enjoyed the gather so far?"

Dellan emerges from the SmithCraft Tent.
Dellan has arrived.

Jenufa steps up onto the platform, raising her voice to stage-projection level and beaming broadly. She fumbles with something in her pocket. "Excuse me....if I could have your attention for just a moment..." she calls to the crowd.
The tuning band ceases respectfully for the MasterHarper.

Zephyr says "Oh its been great fun!" Then she leans to the side so that the older rider can't see what shes whispering. "Want me to distract him?" she says in a whisper to Jenna, using lots of hand signals to get the point across. Then she stands straight again and smiles to the escort. Afterwards, her attention is turned to the Master Jenufa."

Dellan steps out of the SmithCraft tent close on the MasterHarper's heels, listening to her and keeping far enough away so as to not be underfoot. Not tough, since it'd take a dragon to get a foot higher than his head. He listens, his sharp eyes moving to the object Jenufa is taking from her pocket.

Jenna is clearly tempted by Zephyr's offer, but shakes her head slightly, looking to the Masterharper instead.

Jenufa waves Korynn forward toward the stage. "Junior Apprentice Korynn, please join me...." As she waits for him to follow her instructions, she announces to the assembled, "Thank you all for coming, first of all. It is so wonderful to see so many familiar and unfamiliar faces here at the Hall, and I hope you will stay all sevenday enjoying our hospitality! There is one young man who has contributed more than any other to the success of this event. Korynn?"

Zephyr glances over at Jenna and lips mutely, "Are you sure?"

Korynn:
A young lad at 16 Turns, 3 months, and 28 days, Korynn stands at approximately five and a half feet tall and has an average build for a boy his age. His arms and face are tanned and freckled from long work in the fields. He wears his brown hair past his collar, where it ends in tight curls no wider than a finger's breadth. One's attention is drawn to Korynn's face by his green eyes that appear deep due to his thick, dark lashes, which shine with curiosity for the world around him. His winsome smile belies the mischievousness covered by his innocent demeanor. 
 The unadorned, creme colored tunic he wears is loosely tied at the neck by a leather string and it's bloused sleeves are rolled halfway up his forearms. The shoulders are obviously padded to serve as a perch for bronze Perris. It is not tucked and is cinched around his waist by a wide leather belt from which a belt pouch and simple bodhrain hang by leather straps. Korynn wears his dark brown trousers loosely and tucks them into his boots. His mid-calf, wherhide boots are spice-colored and show signs of recent cleaning. Unfortunately, faded stains from the rich Telgar soil can still be seen. The newest addition to his ensemble is the knot on his shoulder signifying his apprenticeship to the Harper Hall.

Jenufa places a hand on Korynn's shoulder. "Because of your extraordinary efforts in the organization of this gather, Junior Apprentice Korynn, I hereby promote you from Junior to Full Harper Apprentice, with all the privileges and duties thereof."

Mirrari claps for the harper lad happily, her drum set on a nearby table. She'd cheer but there's a mouthfull of roll in her mouth.

Jenna applauds the apprentice politely, even as she shakes her head again to Zephyr. B'tal, now eyeing Zephyr a trifle suspiciously, claps as well, before returning his attention to the Masterharper.

Korynn blushes furiously at the unexpected promotion. "Th-thank you Master Jenufa." For a harper student, he doesn't seem to eloquent at the moment.

Jerowen steps out from the HarperCraft tent
Jerowen has arrived.

Jenufa removes Korynn's Junior Apprentice knot and replaces it with a larger one, that of a Full Apprentice. "Further, though it is traditional for only senior apprentices to be eligible for pinning as a Masterharper's Special Apprentice, I believe your efforts warrant extra recognition. Therefore, I am giving you this pin as my Special, if you care to accept."

Riane steps out from the HarperCraft tent
Riane has arrived.

Niyath> Taisoth senses that Niyath says politely, << Please tell your rider that she says that she may not break the rules. Jinieth's rider would be watching for something like that. And she must eat with her later. >>

Korynn's grown wide at the offer. "It would be my honor to accept, Master Jenufa."

Jerowen smiles, standing just inside the Harpercraft tent's entrance. She applauds Korynn's promotion cheerfully.

Zephyr looks dissapointedly at Jenna and B'tal. She refocuses her attention at the Harper ceremony and applauds.

Riane heads into the SmithCraft Tent.
Riane has left.

Dellan lets out a cheer for Korynn, then an even more happy one as the additional annoucement is made, "Contratulations, Korynn! You deserve it!" He does an impromptu sailor's jig to celebrate.

Dragon> Niyath senses that Taisoth sourly accepts the message.

Jenufa beams, clasping Korynn for a moment before turning back toward the audience. "Thank you for your attention! Now, please - enjoy yourselves! There's more wine in the Vintners' Tent!"

J'nas stands to offer his applause to the promotion and special recognition.

Niyath> Above, Saneth descends from higher in the sky above the valley.
Niyath> Above, Saneth circles lazily for a moment before descending to the Courtyard of the Harper Hall.

F'niah comes up from the trail.
F'niah has arrived.

Mirrari whistles happily, having actually managed to swallow the roll she was eating, "Congrats Korynn!" gleaning his name from the crowd.

Jenufa waves to F'niah before diving back into the crowd.

Blushing with a smile a dragonlength wide, Korynn bumbles back toward the table where he was entertaining a group of children. He acknowledges each and every congratulation as he passes through the crowd.

Dellan passes a wide, beaming grin to Korynn as he walks past, then returns to the Smithcraft tent to return to the business he was doing.

Dellan meanders down the trail slowly, drifting in and out of sight in the distance before disappearing from view.
Dellan has left.

Zephyr claps her hands and cheers as enthusiasticly as she would for someone she actually did know.

Dellan wanders up the trail from the west.
Dellan has arrived.
Dellan heads into the SmithCraft Tent.
Dellan has left.
K'gen comes up from the trail.
K'gen has arrived.

Jenna grins at Korynn as he passes by offering, "You look far less harried than you did this morning, apprentice. Congratulations." B'tal likewise offers his, before a group of Istan riders come up and claim his attention for a few moments.

Niyath> Above, Gyreventh emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!

The journeyman who is leading the apprentice band waves to Korynn. "Why don't you come up and take the first turn for the dance?" The newly promoted apprentice turns around, again, and heads for the platform.

Niyath> Above, Gyreventh flies over the outer buildings lining the outer quadrangle of Fort Hold before landing in the courtyard.

F'niah heads down from the Halls, his hair and clothes mussed. He pauses in between a pair of tents, Master Jenufa getting an absent wave that's hastily turned into a salute... and disappates into a blush as she disappears. Amazing entrance baffled, he resorts to sticking close to those same tents, tugging his tunic back into place and watching the crowd.

Niyath> Above, Gyreventh lauches off the Road and rises with a quick down-sweep of his wings.
Niyath> Above, Gyreventh circles lazily for a moment before descending to the Courtyard of the Harper Hall.

Jerowen ducks back into the Harpercraft Tent.
Jerowen steps into the HarperCraft tent.
Jerowen has left.
Mirrari enters the BakerCraft Gather Tent.
Mirrari has left.

F'niah:
All knobby elbows and bony angles, F'niah stretches six feet tall or a knuckle-length more. Tousled bronze-brown hair brushes the tops of sticking-out ears, tickles very tops of scrawny shoulders, but has been cut just at the level of unremarkable eyebrows. Muted green eyes appraise the world from over an unexpectedly aquiline nose that drops past sharp cheekbones to a decidedly jutting chin. He carries with him an air of near-constant surprise that combines with his current gangly state into a combination dangerous for breakables.
He wears a dark blue, heavy tunic over a lighter-weight, long-sleeved shirt of ecru. Both are embroidered with a matching leaf pattern at the cuff and the armholes, though that embroidery is faded, now, with age. Dark grey trousers, suitable for working outside, and well-worn brown boots complete his outfit. On his hip he bears a battered-looking meld of Fort's brown and black, a single thread of blue signaling his position as Saneth's weyrling. All told, you might guess him to have 17 or 18 Turns.

Sh'yar comes up from the trail.
Sh'yar has arrived.

J'nas looks about at his fellow Fortians, "Sounds like they're getting ready to start the dancing. Who's first?" His emerald eyes gleam with a touch of mishief.

Dellan emerges from the SmithCraft Tent.
Dellan has arrived.

Korynn gets his harp and sits on a stool. As he tunes it, he looks thoughtful and says, more to himself than anyone listening, "The first person I met was a harper, and now I wear Harper blue....." Catching himself he looks up and smiles. "This song is called "Song for the Blues", it can be about either dragons, or firelizards, depends on your preference." As he finishes tuning the harp he looks down, plucking out a bright, airy melody, and sings.....

Sh'yar says "Someone say dancing?"

Jenna glances at B'tal, and then J'nas, her expression decidedly uncertain. She remains silent. At least her baby-sitter is still occupied with the Istans.

Mirrari steps out of the BakerCraft Gather Tent.
Mirrari has arrived.

Zephyr smiles at J'nas and Jenna and says. "Whoever you ask." As she is glancing through the crowd, she spots F'niah. She jumps up and calls out, "Hey Sef!" One hand waving wildly to attract his attention. Not the most lady-like move, but whos keeping score?

Dellan exits the Smithcraft tent again almost as soon as he'd gone back in, close on the heels of another apprentices. The group of them goes over to where Korynn is starting to sing, taking their place nearby for their own turn as it comes

J'nas stands and holds a hand out to Zephyr. "You were the first to speak, so you are the first to dance."

Mirrari emerges from the bakercraft tent a square of baklava in hand. She takes a seat at a table and glances over the crowd as she nibbles daintilly on her dessert.


They dip, they dive, they soar through the skies.
Beware these beauties won't fall for your lies.
They come in all sizes, from great unto small.
They go ::between:: with little effort at all.

They're Bronze and Brown.
They're highly profound.
They're Gold and Green.
Their eyes, how they gleam!

F'niah's eye is caught - as are the eyes of several other people - but it's the blue weyrling who hurries over to join her, his expression relieved. "H'lo, Zephyr. J'nas," he adds with a nod, "Jenna. Oh, um.. they're dancing?" Too true, and as the boy looks around, J'nas is stealing away his partner. Which leaves him with... Jenna. He grimaces faintly, but extends a hand to the gold 'ling. "Join me for a dance, Jenna?"

F'niah mutters to Jenna, "... you..."
F'niah whispers "Where'd you find that dress?"

Melinda comes up from the trail.
Melinda has arrived.

Sh'yar sneaks up behind Cloretta and places his hands over her eyes, "Guess who?"

Zephyr says "Glad to see you here Sef." She smiles at J'nas and says teasingly, "Thats /if/ I accept..."

Jenna's smile seems somewhat frozen in place. She gives a polite nod to F'niah, accepting his hand after a moment of glazed eyes. "Thank you, F'niah." B'tal seems to be keeping an eye on Jenna, though he doesn't move to interfere. Jenna casts a glance at Zephyr and J'nas, before saying something lowly to F'niah.

K'gen heads down the path towards the hall.
K'gen has left.

You whisper "The weavers, thank you for asking. One of the masters made it. It's not as nice as Zephyr's." to F'niah.

Korynn bows. "I wouldn't be hurt if you chose Sef over me. Blues are more lively than browns." He winks to F'niah.

F'niah swallows hard and draws Jenna toward the dance floor. "You both look... wow." He tosses a look - and ogle - over his shoulder at Zephyr before returning his attention to his partner. "I feel like I might as well be naked around the pair of you. Or like I've just rolled in the muck pit."

Melinda steps into the HarperCraft tent.
Melinda has left.

Zephyr smiles playfully and takes J'nas' hand. "I didn't say I wouldn't accept either, now did I?"

N'ren emerges from the SmithCraft Tent.
N'ren has arrived.

J'nas grins and leads Zephyr to the dance square and waits for her signal that she's ready.

Melinda steps out from the HarperCraft tent
Melinda has arrived.

Jenna offers to F'niah, "Well, at least you don't smell like you did?" Helpful, that's Jenna. She waits for him to begin, placing her free hand lightly on his shoulder.

Melinda heads into the SmithCraft Tent.
Melinda has left.

Cloretta wanders up behind Sh'yar, "Fancy seeing you here.." she murmurs over the music.


The music becomes quiet, secret-like, as does his voice. In an exaggerated whisper he continues.

A secret I'll tell, between me and you,
My absolute favorite would have to be Blue!
Sure he's daintier than most the rest,
But don't worry, his agilitiy will pass any test.

Sh'yar turns around, smiles, and smoochies Cloretta on her forehead, "Hey there 'Retta!"

Zephyr nods politely to J'nas and begins to sway to the music, but allows him to lead of course. "So ex-Harper, are you going to be singing any songs tonight?"

F'niah waits for a break in the circling dancers, then swirls out onto the floor. "That's something, I guess. Does, um, Leah know you're here?" He nods up toward the bulk of the Halls as he spins around to face them.

Cloretta looks surprised and blushes, "Hello, Sh'yar.. Don't let Banran see you doing that.." she chuckles a little and shakes her head, "What brings you to Fort?"

Sh'yar smiles, "Wine, women and song. What else is there?"

J'nas shakes his head as he leads his partner into a lively step. "I won't intrude on their Craft on their night." His eyes remain locked on Zephyr's as they spin around the floor.

Cloretta shakes her head, "Good to know where your loyalties lie, sir.."

Aeriste comes up from the trail.
Aeriste has arrived.

Sh'yar smiles and with a polite bow offers his hand, "Shall we then?"

Mirrari taps her foot to the music as she nibbles on her pastry, watching the dancers with a smile from where she sits near the Bakers tents..

Zephyr keeps up in perfect pace and step in the dance and smiles brightly at J'nas. Its obvious shes having a good time. "What a shame.. I've never heard you sing at the Weyr before."

Jenna glances back to her baby sitter, B'tal. She pointedly doesn't answer F'niah's question. Instead she asks, "So, enjoying the gather?"

Dellan watches the dancers, but mostly he listens to Korynn's voice. His turn will come before too long and he wants to pick up as many pointers as he can, even if it's just from listening to his fellows at their chosen craft.

Cloretta blushes, "If you'd like, Sh'yar.. But you'll give Ghianath ideas.."

Sh'yar smiles and leads the blushing rider onto the dance square, "Ghianath likes to dance?"

N'ren steps out of the SmithCraft tent, and then to one side to get out of the way of people going in and out. He starts to look around for someone, but apparently doesn't find whoever it is he's looking for. He does spot someone else, though, and slowly begins to make his way in the direction of the BakerCraft Tent.

F'niah says "Just got here," as he spins them in place to avoid colliding with a pair of Healer apprentices galloping past. "All I've had time to see is you and Zephyr." Which also is avoiding the question. "How long've you been here?"

Jenna says quietly to F'niah, "P'ter and I came over early this morning, as they were setting up to pay our respects to Master Jenufa before things got crazy."


The music brightens. Airy once again as Korynn sings the final verse.

His deep Blue hide is oiled with care.
The look in his eyes is gentle and fair.
I can't believe I've fallen in love so effortlessly.
That's only because he's the one for me!

The music ends with a light airy scale that ends suddenly, like a firelizard or dragon taking off and dissappearing ::between::. Korynn stands and bows to his audience, smiling to lifemates or pets of blues.

Aeriste makes his way through the crowd, avoiding the dancing as he sidles towards those he knows- and seeing them - shard it! - dancing, he waits at the sidelines.

Banran has arrived.

Cloretta shakes her head, "Ghianath is proddy.." She sighs and laughs, "Too late, music's over.."

Niyath> Above, Ghianath descends from higher in the sky above the valley.
Niyath> Above, Ghianath circles lazily for a moment before descending to the Courtyard of the Harper Hall.

Sh'yar chuckles, "Well I don't think Gyreventh's minds terribly. Oh I hope they start up another one right away."

Cloretta shakes her head, brushing a strand of hair from her face, "So eager to prove what a good dancer you are?"

Although the music ends abruptly, J'nas refuses to bring his dance to a sudden halt. He leads Zephyr in a few more turns around the dance floor before coming to a slow stop. He smiles at this dance partner, "You dance, well. I may have to take you again, later."

Banran finally makes his way to the gather, better late than never, right. Hearing the music just ending, and seeing the gathering of people there he works his way over in its direction.

Sh'yar smiles, "Prove nothing, I like to show off." 

Mirrari grins as the song ends and claps for Korynn after finishing her baklava.

Zephyr smiles at her partner and agrees. "Yes, you may. Thank you for the dance J'nas." she says and bows ever so slightly, as anyone with manners might do. The funny thing is, she usually dosn't have any manners.

J'nas returns Zephyr's bow and follows her to the table. "Aeriste, you made it!"

Dellan smiles to Korynn as he finishes and hands over the songbook. He shares a nervous look with the more senior apprentice that brought him over. The senior apprentice takes a flute out of a case at her side readies it. Dellan takes a seat at the stool vacated by Korynn and gathers himself.

F'niah draws Jenna closer, then away just as the music ends. Ta-da! He casts a quick glance up toward the stage before offering stiltedly, "Would you like to sit this one out?"

Cloretta snorts, "Sure, sure.." she pats the brownrider's cheek and looks around for a few minutes.

Korynn pats Dellan on the back, "You'll do great. Just remember to breathe."

Sh'yar chuckles, "Well there was the song, I have the woman, now if we could only find some wine..."

Zephyr returns to the table with J'nas and smiles at Aeriste. She dosn't forget to applaud after Korynn's song and does so, if slightly belated. "That was fun." she says happily.

Cloretta shakes her head, "That's the last thing you need, and you don't have 'the woman'. Weyrmated, remember Sh'yar? You're just borrowing."

Dellan nods to Korynn and closes his eyes to steady himself. He selects a song from the book and shows it to his partner who nods and waves over a third to join them. They confer for a moment the new addition brings over another stool to sit on. "I'll do my best, Korynn." He looks to his new partner, "Shall we?"

Aeriste rests his hands on the back of a chair at J'nas' table, but doesn't sit down quite yet. "Yes. I couldn't reschedule my shift earlier."

Jenna nods to F'niah. "As you wish." She turns for the sides of the dancing square, "I'd not want to deny you the opportunity to see the rest of the gather." She heads back towards the table where the other Fortian weyrlings are and offers quietly to Aeriste, "Glad you could make it."

Banran stops at the edge of the dance area. He stops and looks onto the floor, scanning the crowd and looking a bit bemused at something he sees.

Sh'yar laughs, "'have' as in 'presently within my company'."

N'ren finally steps up to a table near the BakerCraft Tent. He taps a certain young lady on the shoulder, and leans down to murmer something to her. He mutters to Mirrari, "May... dance?" 

Aeriste shrugs at Jenna. "It's better than listening to old aunties gripe about their bunions and could I _please_ make sure the healers make the salve more minty next time? Like I can do _that_."

Cloretta shrugs, "If you say so.." She starts to move off the floor and spots the someone she's talking about. "Banny!"

F'niah stalks stiff-legged after Jenna, grimacing again as he usually does while in her company. "You, uh, you're a good dancer," he tells her with a scowl, though his tone is pleasant enough. "Lo, Aeriste. Shells, now I /really/ feel underdressed."

Banran grins as he is called to and waves from his spot off the floor. "I told you I'd make it eventually."

Zephyr shudders after Aeriste's words. "Stop talking like that. Its bringing back tormenting memories I've been trying to forget." she smiles lightly and winks at the lad. She dosn't sound like she was entirely joking.

N'ren:
        Even when silent this man draws attention, the vast experience in his regard and the watchfulness to his often weary and sometimes mischievous blue eyes adding to the subtle aura of influence he holds. Standing at a lanky 6'6, this rider stands head and shoulders over most others, his frame startlingly lean but with an obvious wirey strength. Curly dark red curls top his narrow face, the unruly twists peppered liberally through by streaks of grey and white. Short shorn at the back and sides, the occassional willful lock often falls before those rugged features, angular cheeks weathered from Turns of riding. Despite the beanpole look to him, N'ren moves with a fluid grace, an easy and relaxed stride. He looks to be in his early sixties.
        As distinctive as all this may be, it is still not what attracts most people's startled gaze. A long, twisted scar snakes down the right side of his face, evidence of a horrible Threadscore injury. Obscuring his right eye, obliterating part of his eyebrow and furrowing angrily down his cheek, the twisted flesh mercifully tapers off at his neck where his flight jacket would have protected him.

Aeriste flashes Zephyr a brilliant smile. "But I was just getting started."

Dragon> Saneth bespoke Niyath with << Can you see F'niah from where you are? I cannot. >> He sounds faintly fretful about the fact, no surprise. << What was that? What is -dancing-? Why did she stop? >>

Aeriste:
Of average height and very slender, he looks no older than fourteen. Chin-length, slightly tousled golden-blond hair often partially obscures his lavender-blue-gray gaze, frames his delicately sharp features, and complements the pallor of his skin. 
He's clad in a white tunic embroidered in violet at the collar, sleeves and hem, over black trousers, and his feet are shod in soft-soled black boots. On his shoulder is the knot of a Fort Weyr resident.

Sh'yar chuckles, "Well I'd still like some wine or ale anyway. Save a dance for me later then?"

Mirrari looks up at the brownriderand blinks a moment, "Me? Please, I'd like that very much." she says with a smile, gathering her skirts with one hand, and extending her other to N'ren.

Cloretta grins, "I will, Sh'yar.." she grins at her weyrmate, "I'm glad you did. What took you?"

Niyath> Saneth senses that Niyath offers, << The fireheights are warm and there is a good view. Dancing is something that is like duty. Rarely pleasant and often done with politeness. >>

Dellan gets three stools and sits them near each other. He takes the middle seat as two other harpers join him. The harper on his right has a violin, on his left, a set of pipes. "In this song the violin represents the longing and sadness of the present. The pipes symbolize the memories of the past, feelings of contentment and happiness." The violin begins with a sad, haunting melody. After a few moments the pipes joins in with a merrier yet oddly harmonious counter-melody. In a lilting voice Dellan takes the both melodies and blends them into one and sings.

Zephyr shakes her head, flinging red hair from side to side. "No, no, please. I was enjoying myself so much." She looks up at F'niah and waves at him to come sit down. "Oh stop worrying, you look fine Sef."

Banran shrugs helplessly. "Oh, some bluerider from Telgar stopped by, and I caught a ride. I forgot her name. How have you been?"

N'ren takes Mirrari's hand, and steps aside to let her clear the table before heading for the dancing square. The song is not quite a toss-dance, and so calls for closer dancing, but the brownrider doesn't seem to have any difficulty with that. What, him object to holding an attractive young lady in his arms? If you think that, you don't know him very well.

F'niah flings himself into a seat near Zephyr. "Look like I got dressed from the slop bucket. Hey, is that Mirrari?"

Cloretta grins, "You saw me this morning, but just as good."

Jenna nods to F'niah, "You're rather light on your feet yourself. Thank you for the dance." B'tal, still keeping a wary eye on Jenna seems to nod slightly. The weyrling watches the harpers for a moment, and then says to Aeriste, "Well, it could be worse, I suppose. Don't ask me, how, but it could be."

Cloretta's eyes burn like embers with silver flecks inside a thin, almost-tanned face, framed in black eyelashes above a tiny nose that's surprisingly becoming to her oval face. Her lips are just right for her, not too thin, not too pouty above what could be considered a chin, with just a hint of a dimple when she smiles. Her appearance is, almost 99.99 of the time, spotless and neat, as orderly as everything else around her. On her shoulder is the knot of a Fortweyr Dawngaurd wingrider, threaded through with a single knot of green to represent her lifemate. She appears to be perhaps 25 Turns, 4 months, and 9 days.
         
Cloretta:
 A flowing dress of rose cotton hugs her body. The body fits snuggly to the waist, and then flares into the skirt, which sways as she moves, making her seem even more graceful that before. Her feet are barely visible below the skirt which falls just barely inches from the floor in rose colored dress slippers. The sleeves are long, hugging her arms, and end in a point at her middle finger. The collor falls low to expose a bit of cleavage, but only enough to be flattering. 
 Her long hair is fixed up in an elegant half-bun, and the remaining hair cascades in ringlets around her face and down her back, occasionally giving a glimpse of the bare skin there.

J'nas eyes B'tal warily before approaching Jenna. "Would you do me the honor?"

Banran chuckles and gestures off in the direction of the Reaches rider. "I don't know, looks like you had some company."

Aeriste drawls blandly to Jenna, "First the dancing, then the kissing."

Dragon> Niyath senses that Saneth wonders wistfully, << Is there room for me? I did not know dancing was duty. It looked like fun. F'niah said he was having fun. Is duty fun? >>

Zephyr purses her lips at Sef and says, "No matter what you wear Sef, you always look good." She could be playing around, but its always hard to tell with her. "And yeah, thats Mirrari."

Cloretta smiles, "Sh'yar? He's an old friend. I'll introduce you two, later.."

Niyath> I bespoke Saneth with << There is more than enough room. The ridge is wide. And duty is sometimes fun. It is good your rider was having fun. Mine has not all day. >>

Banran ahs and nods to her. "That might not be a bad idea. So, what all have you been up to here?" He takes a moment to really glance about now.

Jenna nods to J'nas, "Of course." She says quietly, "It's a lovely little melody."

Niyath> Above, Saneth soars up from the courtyard of Harper Hall.
Niyath> Above, Saneth maneuvers through a slight crosswind before he lands on Fort Hold's fireheights.
Niyath> Saneth maneuvers through a slight crosswind before he lands on the fireheights.
Niyath> Saneth has arrived.

Cloretta smiles, "Being a little bored, honestly. "I just needed a reason to show off my new dress.."

Mirrari smiles as she's lead into the dance and grins at the brownrider, "Are you enjoying the Gather, N'ren sir?" she asks. She may no play music well, but she does like to dance and she does it well.

Niyath> Niyath rumbles a greeting to the arriving blue, lifting her head to watch the gather square for a long moment.

Banran gives her a the greenrider a faintly disbelieving look. "Of course you did.." He then shakes his head. "I know you came to have fun."

Dragon> Saneth bespoke Niyath with << Oooh, I see him! >> /Such/ a relief. << That smash of people? That is dancing? Why has your *Jenna* not had fun? She needs to dance more. Oooh, is that *J'nas* she goes to dance with? >>

J'nas offers his arm to Jenna, taking in her Gather gown as she joins him. "Did Leah help you pick that out? I know how much you hate these things."

Niyath> Saneth fair flings himself up from the Hall courtyard, settling onto the fairly empty fireheights with a glad sigh.

Jenna shoots a look at Aeriste as she's led off and says mildly, "Behave yourself. Or give a go out it, will you? You're as bad as Zak." She nods to J'nas. "She and the weavers. I just stood on a stool and held my arms out and tried not to get stuck with pins."

Mirrari:
You see a young woman standing about 5'7" in height. Her eyes are a swirl of colors, green, gold, brown, and blue - a true hazel color framed by pale lashes with thin pale brows gracing her forehead; her hair on the other hand is a silvery white color, which is normally braided down to her waist and tied in a blue ribbon. Her nose is on the small side and her lips are full without being overly large. As tall, or as short, as she is, she has a slight build with long agile fingers and long legs, ended with slender ankles, medium sized feet, and long toes. Her skin is moderately tanned from spending most of her time outdoors, an obvious sign of her love of fishing, and her neglect to wear hats. There are faint small scars across her hands, the emblem of her occupation as a seamstress. 
 Mirrari is dressed in gather finery, a dress that from the embroidery she made by her own hands. The dress is a long affair, the tips on her black slippers only visable when she walks. The dress itself is panne velvet, burgundy-a richly wine colored piece that were it actually wine, it'd be a glass Robinton would have approved of. It has a square neckline, fairly modest in cut, with a black embroidered brocade front panel with burgundy sleeve linings. Wrapped around her waist is a black sisal sash with a small metal perfume container dangling from the end. 
 She wears the knot of Telgar Weyr with its black and white one loop under the arm, string with two knots. 
 She looks to be 19 Turns, 3 months, and 9 days old.

Cloretta grins, "Its only fun when you know people.. I don't suppose you're going to ask me to dance tonight?" she asks teasingly.

F'niah jerks his chin after J'nas and Jenna. "Not with you two around, I don't. Everyone looks like they've just commissioned the Masterharper 'cept me." He folds his arms defensively, tucking the worn embroidery out of sight. "You look... Better not let Valry see that dress, or Faranth only -knows- what she'd do."

"Just N'ren," N'ren responds. "I'm just a Wingrider these days, so I work for a living." He moves around the floor with an alacrity that his tall fram wouldn't normally seem to indicate. "I am enjoying the gather, yes. I've just ordered for myself a nice item in the SmithCraft tent, and now I have a lovely young lady in my arms. Though, I do admit that I had an ulterior motive in asking you out here."

Banran hmms softly, making sure not to look Cloretta in the face. "I may, and I may not.."

Sh'yar wanders over to the winecraft booth and purchases a large mug of frosty ale.

Cloretta snorts and grins, "Alright.. " she winks, "I can always dance with Sh'yar.."

Dellan seems to take confidence in the response to the song he's just finished singing. Watching people dance while his partners for this turn are playing the slow, melodious instrumentals that make up most of the piece, he decides that he can probably manage another song later. He doesn't move from his stool, however, but actually manages to do a second run-through of the vocal portion, but just humming it in-tune, letting the instrumentalists have their time in the public eye.

Banran turns to look at her and winks. "Says who? Maybe I'll just cart you off or something."

Zephyr rests an elbow on the table and puts her fingers over her face as she giggles lightly. "I think Valry should wear a dress like this. We'd see the changes right away. Anyway, we don't have a dress code as weyrlings do we?"

Cloretta laughs, "You can try, but I've got a proddy green thing on my side, remember?"

Banran grins. "Maybe she'll help me out this time, eh? So, I take it you want to dance?"

J'nas takes Jenna in hand and follows the tempo set by the musicians. "Don't let him get to you," he murmurs. He locks eyes with her and smiles. "Are you enjoying yourself this evening?"

Cloretta grins, "Didn't come to the gather to drink. I can do that in private."

F'niah says "We'd see a lot more of Valry, that's for sure." He eyes B'tal, who's watching Jenna and J'nas, then shrugs. "Guess you can wear whatever you want, now. You look smashing. Did I say that already? Both of you do." Though he's probably not speaking of Aeriste. Snubbed! "You two wanna go see what's in the Craft tents?"

Banran offers the greenrider his hand. "Alright then, let's dance. But I warn you, you know I'm not very good."

Naomi comes up from the trail.
Naomi has arrived.

Mirrari blushes faintly, "You commissioned something?" she asks, dancing with the tall brownrider, her burgundy dress swishing, "And what pray tell would that motive be, N'ren?" she asks curiously.

Jenna follows J'nas' lead, moving lightly with the steps. "Oh, yes. A wonderful time, thank you. Have you been here long? Niyath mentioned that you two'd been cleared for between?"

Rejes comes up from the trail.
Rejes has arrived.

Aeriste looks sidelong at F'niah. "Hnh."

Cloretta snorts, "Waiting for music helps the lack of rhythm.." She says teasingly.

Melinda emerges from the SmithCraft Tent.
Melinda has arrived.

J'nas senses "Jenna's smile is fair pasted on. She's having a positively miserable time and doing her best to hide it."

Zephyr smiles brightly at F'niah and thanks him for the compliment. "I'd love to, but I have one condition.." she smiles and glances at Aeriste and back to Sef.

Banran pokes his friend lightly in the ribs. "I realize that.. I meant when the next song starts, you know that."

J'nas takes Jenna on a gentle turn 'round the floor. "We took our first trip this morning. We flew straight here, though. Wanted to get a good aerial view."

J'nas whispers "What's wrong?"

N'ren smiles down at Mirrari, "I had a suggestion for a place that you might be interested in, is all. And not commissioned, no. Just bought. A set of glass dishes and wine glasses."

J'nas senses "Jenna gives a slight shrug. "Nothing. Just tired is all. You have a nice gather so far?""

Cloretta jumps slightly and grabs at his hand, "Mm-hm, if you say so.."

Riane emerges from the SmithCraft Tent.
Riane has arrived.

Banran nods in response to her. "I do say so."

Beca comes up from the trail.
Beca has arrived.

Beca pushes aside the low hanging tent flap and steps inside the Starsmiths' Tent.
Beca has left.

Jenna says, a bit louder to J'nas, "It was a good day for it. It's been a lovely day in general for a Gather. I hope it won't be terrifically hot tonight so everyone can enjoy the dancing."

Riane meanders down the trail slowly, drifting in and out of sight in the distance before disappearing from view.
Riane has left.

F'niah eyes the boisterous Zephyr warily. "Oh yeah? What's that?"

Aeriste eyes Zephyr. "Yeah?"

J'nas nods his agreement. "I think the night will be perfect for late night dancing."

Mirrari is really curious now, "Oh I see, dishes are nice, what place would that be?" she asks, looking up at N'ren. One could almost get a kink in ones neck from that.

Zephyr smiles, amused by F'niah's wary expression. "Well, walking alone dosn't suit this dress. Might I have an arm?"

Naomi makes her way, arm in arm with Captain Rejes, a bright smile on her face. She turns her head smiling, "Looking forward to gathering?"

The violin and pipes music fades away after going through 'Old Loves' the second time, with Dellan's hummed accompaniment, and after an instrument-only piece to give the dancers time to enjoy the more relaxed pace. When the music has ended, Dellan smiles to his two fellow apprentices and the three of them move off the platform to let the next Harpers take their turns.

N'ren is familiar with that happening, though. It happens quite a bit when he dances with someone. He mutters to Mirrari, "I was... to... the... at... waits.... as the... the... It's..." 

Melinda heads down the small road toward the farmlands, quickly lost to sight behind a stand of young trees.
Melinda has left.

F'niah eyes Zephyr for a moment. "Don't you mean /two/ arms?" He unfolds one of his arms enough for Zephyr to stick her hand through the crook in his elbow, plainly expecting Aeriste to do the same on the other side.

Cloretta smiles, "There's the music.."

J'nas bows formally to Jenna when the music fades out. With a hand at the small of her back, he holds the other out to indicate she should precede him to their table.

Rejes, dressed in the uniform befit a Captain, turns to Lady Naomi, bright eyed, saying only "Aye, I am at that.. " and lets a playful grin corss his face.

Banran mutters something softly as he finally tries to lead Cloretta out onto the floor. "Here we go then.."

Aeriste blinks at Zephyr. "...What, me too? I'm just an innocent bystander."

Zephyr rises from her seat and smiles at F'niah, looping one arm with his and then she glances at Aeriste. "Not anymore. Two are all the better."

Jaeleka comes up from the trail.
Jaeleka has arrived.

Jenna curtseys almost automatically in response to the bow by the brownrider, and begins to make her way through the crowd. "Thank you for the dance, J'nas." She seems rather subdued. Maybe it's B'tal the babysitter, still keeping an eye on her and getting more than his fair bit of teasing from the riders around him for it.

Aeriste does the arm thing for Zephyr, but he rolls his eyes while he does it. "Fine. You'd better buy me something, though. I'm not a cheap date."

Korynn steps into the HarperCraft tent.
Korynn has left.

F'niah stands, undoubtely towing Zephyr and Aeriste up with him. "J'nas! You two want these seats? We saved 'em for you." Sort of. "So where are we going, Zephyr?"

Cloretta smiles, "So, what do I owe you for the dance?" she asks teasingly.

Mirrari nibbles at her bottom lip, what a proposition. She smiles at N'ren, "Would we have to go just yet?" she asks arching her eyebrows.

Banran winks in reply to her. "I'm sure you will think of a suitable price, won't you?"

Melinda comes into view along the small farmland road, emerging from the cover of a small stand of trees.
Melinda has arrived.

Zephyr giggles at Aeriste and then looks over at Sef on her other arm. "Umm... I don't have much of a preference. Do either of you?"

Cloretta pinches Banran's side lightly and grins impishly, "I'd imagine its you who'll name it."

Rejes laughs, facinated by all the dancing about, saying to Naomi, "AH now that's something I've missed, indeed!"

N'ren shakes his head, "Not at all. In fact, there's no hurry. Sun's been setting every evening for Turns!" He winks his good eye.

J'nas takes B'tal into consideration. "If you want to go to the vintner's tent, I'll keep Jenna company. I swear on Hanreth's shell that we won't go /anywhere/. We'll stay right here." He points to the very spot he is standing. 

Banran pretends to whince at the pinch. "That wasn't very nice.. and I suppose I might."

Aeriste shrugs at Zephyr and F'niah. "Don't ask me, woman." Nevermind that she's only two turns older than him. "I'm just the helpless victim of circumstance, here."

Zephyr says "Alright, whatever you say victim. What about you Sef?"

F'niah sighs, but nods toward the Baker's tent. "How about there? Maybe there'll be something to eat, or something." He takes a step forward before remembering that he's supposed to be escorting Zephyr, stops, rocks backwards, then forwards again. "Um."

B'tal eyes J'nas. "Thank you, weyrling, but no." This produces more snickers from the bronzer's mates - he's well past old enough to be Jenna's father. Jenna clears her throat and says lightly, "Maybe some juice? And if I'm keeping you, J'nas, please don't feel like you've got to keep me company. I'm fine just listening to the music. And the Weyrleader said he'd be back in a bit."

Jaeleka meanders the crowd, nodding to folk from time to time. She's looking a little pale and drawn. Must have been a long day.

Fairuzah comes up from the trail.
Fairuzah has arrived.

 "Okay then." Mirrari says with a smile and a nod, making her way back to the table where she was sitting.

Naomi smiles softly to her companion, remaining silent as her eyes wander about. "You know..." She says after a long moment, "This is my first gather as Lady Keroon."

J'nas shakes his head. "You're not keeping me from anything. Jenufa has already retired for the evening."

Melinda saunters out of one of the booths, eyeing the crowd with a frown. She picks her way around crowds, elbowing several people out of her way until she finds what she thinks of as a prime spot to sit and watch the dancing, cup of wine in one hand, meatroll in the other.

Liana comes up from the trail.
Liana has arrived.

Accompanied only a brief moment by a passing dragonrider, a young, graceful and plumply pretty lass in shimmering grey velvet hovers near the edge of the Gather, like a stormcloud on the sea's horizon. Fairuzah looks rather exasperated and a touch panicked when her escort merrily leaves her to join in the Winecraft's tent; large stormy eyes search the crowds for the slim chance of a familiar face.

Rejes raises an eyebrow to Lady Naomi, "Well it's a first for both of us then,.. " looking down at his uniform as if it were out of place, "I'm usually not one t'show up so early, and certainly not in such as this.. I dont' knwo how I'll dance in it!"

Jenna softens a bit and asks, "Did she have a nice first gather as Masterharper, J'nas? P'ter and I paid our respects early this morning before it got too crowded."

Aeriste steps forward, too. "This is more like a chain-dance-thing than a date."

Korynn steps out from the HarperCraft tent
Korynn has arrived.

Zephyr gets pulled forward by Sef and giggles, towing Aeriste. "Yes, lets go there. Onward lads!" she says with a cheer.

J'nas nods, "She was enjoying every bit of it. Some old friends of her's put in an appearance from Igen."

Four senior apprentices take the stage and begin to set up, the first young man carries in a violin case. He takes it out and begins to tune and set up. He is followed by a young woman carrying a viola, she also takes her instrument of choice out and sets up. Next she is followed by another young woman carrying a cello. She sets down in a chair and begins to tune. Last an older man comes out and goes to the string bass in the back of the group and begins to get set up. Finally Korynn, and a young male apprentice come on stage, dressed in their concert best. They take center stage and Korynn steps forward.
"This song was a collabration between Alria and Journeyman Milligan. It is about a MasterHarper." He smiles kindly and steps back.

F'niah finally gets himself, if not the others straightened out, and heads doggedly for the BakerCraft Tent. If he's towing the others behind, so be it. He is Hungry.

Zephyr enters the BakerCraft Gather Tent.
Zephyr has left.
F'niah enters the BakerCraft Gather Tent.
F'niah has left.

Banran glances towards the stage and then to Cloretta. "Well finally, music." He grins at her. "I guess this means we have to dance now, right?"

Cloretta grins, "We don't have to.." She notes, looking down.

N'ren smiles after Mirrari, then looks around a bit. He spots someone, smiles evilly, and moves up towards where the Harpers are playing, trying to figure out who has the next Turn. The announcement catches him by surprise, but he waves to Korynn, gesturing that he needs to ask him a question.

Dellan pours himself a cup of wine from the table behind the platform where the Harpers gather to await their turns at playing and singing. He takes a long moment to compose himself again, trying to convince the tiny firelizards flying around inside his stomach to settle down and go somewhere else. He's still a little unnerved from his first ever public singing.

Banran snorts once. "Perhaps, but you want to, which means we do." Once the music starts, he leads her into the dance.

Fairuzah winces as she glumly inspects her dancing slippers. As if she will be doing any dancing at all, so many merry couples swirling about the Gather like streams of bright color ... and not a single soul from the old Tillekian keep available to her recognition. But wait - is that? ... The lass in the shimmering grey velvet perches on tip-toe to seek out a flash of familiarity. Why so it is .. Rejes, with a woman garbed like a glittering emerald. Must be the Lady Keroon herself. He will be much too busy to keep her, Fairuzah, from getting lost.

Niyath> Above, Valenth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!

Aeriste enters the BakerCraft Gather Tent.
Aeriste has left.

Dragon> Hanreth bespoke Niyath with << Your rider does not like this place? >>

Korynn nods to N'ren to acknowledge that he has been noticed. He holds up a hand as a signal to wait for the song to end.

Cloretta shifts, "You know you don't have to.." she murmurs, letting her fingers wrap around Banran's arm.

Jenna nods to J'nas. "I'm glad she was having a lovely time then." She flicks a glance at B'tal and then sighs faintly. "Maybe some juice. Want anything, J'nas?"

J'nas frowns at B'tal, but smiles when he looks back at Jenna. "Juice would be nice, Jenna."

Riane comes up from the trail.
Riane has arrived.

Banran shakes his head and places a hand upon the greenrider's back. "Nonsense. You wanted to dance, so we will." At which point he does his best to lead her about the floor.

A little forlorn, and taken aback by the hustle and bustle she is unaccustomed to, hold-bred Fairuzah makes her way past stalls and hawkers' wares, jovial clusters of merry-makers and Harpers -everywhere-. She has never seen so much of the trademark blue in her life. But what sounds! What chords and harmonies! They even seem to -speak- with the eloquence of a fine-tuned instrument. Or perhaps it is simply a silly holder lass entertaining herself with flights of fancy. Her shimmering grey velvet is a subtle understatement to the riot of color that blooms across the Gather-grounds.

Melinda listens to the music, humming slightly along until the music ends. In between songs, she sips at her wine while continuing to eye the crowd. The tiny green on her lap chitters noisily until Melinda finally starts feeding it bits and pieces of her meatroll.

Cloretta smiles and lets herself be led out, "Alright.."


The music begins with a fanfare, a joyus, and even a bit flirtatious, with the viola. It mellows out abit and the other instruments take up the joyus melody at hurried pace. Korynn steps forward and begins the song.

Hurry hurry, Master Master.
Must keep up now, faster, faster!
First he's here. Now he's there.
    Trying to keep up with him's a
     true nightmare!

N'ren nods and waits, apparently.

Niyath> Above, Valenth flies over the outer buildings lining the outer quadrangle of Fort Hold before landing in the courtyard.

N'ren grins as the song begins and turns away. He disappears into the crowd.

Naomi giggles softly, reaching up a delicate hand to hide it. "Well, won't that be an adventure then." Her eyes dart off to one of the tents, "Rejes, could we go in to the SmithCraft tent, do you think?"

Jaeleka pushes aside the low hanging tent flap and steps inside the Starsmiths' Tent.
Jaeleka has left.

Niyath> Above, Valenth soars up from the Main Courtyard.
Niyath> Above, Valenth circles lazily for a moment before descending to the Courtyard of the Harper Hall.

Kirana has arrived.

Riane walks back in at a moderately fast pace, unaware of the dance occuring. As she catches sound and sight, though, she slinks back into the shadows - none for her, thanks.

Rani has arrived.

Jaeleka sashays out of the Starsmiths' Tent looking more enlightened.
Jaeleka has arrived.

Banran frowns lightly as he realizes how quick the pace is, but he endeavours to keep up, for Cloretta's sake if nothing else.

Jenna nods and slips away from J'nas, heading to the nearest refreshments stall. She is gone a moment or two, and then comes back with a pair of mugs and a kebob of grilled meat. "Here. These smelled so good, I had to try one." She offers the mugs out to J'nas, "Hold mine for a second until we find seats?" The goldrider cranes her neck to see over the crowd.

Liana pushes aside the low hanging tent flap and steps inside the Starsmiths' Tent.
Liana has left.

Rejes chuckles back to Naomi, "I've got to get this thing fit again,.." and come to speak of it, a tear by his left shoudler seems all to hastily fixed, he naswers Naomi, "Of course.."

Jaeleka heads into the SmithCraft Tent.
Jaeleka has left.

B'tal shifts, apparently losing track of Jenna during her run for refreshments. As she comes back into view again, he relaxes, and gives her a narrow eyed look.

Liana sashays out of the Starsmiths' Tent looking more enlightened.
Liana has arrived.

Once he's finished his small cup of wine to soothe away the remains of his stagefright, Dellan makes his way back amongst the Gather crowds. Passing amongst the almost mind-numbingly huge number of people, he gradually makes his way towards the food tables to get something to give his stomach thoughts other than nervousness.

J'nas takes both mugs and looks around the area as well. "How close to the square do you want to get?"

Cloretta eyes Banran and looks down guiltily, "We don't have to dance.." She murmurs once more.

Naomi smiles and leads the way into the tent.

Naomi heads into the SmithCraft Tent.
Naomi has left.
Rejes heads into the SmithCraft Tent.
Rejes has left.

Rani makes sure her young brown is firmly atop her shoulder before hovering uncertainly around the Baker territories. She looks around for anybody of higher rank.

Banran shakes his head again to her. "Don't think of it any more. Its ruining your fun."

Cloretta nods, "If you say so.." She lays her head on Banran's shoulder for a moment and then goes back to dancing.

Dellan enters the BakerCraft Gather Tent.
Dellan has left.



Flurry, flurry, Master Master.
Gives his orders, faster, faster!
    Now he's stopped, please beware.
     Don't expect him to stay long in
     his old chair!



Now the instruments take on a more seriously paternal tone. The instruments sharing the main fanfare that has come to be the MasterHarper's theme. It is mostly shared by the string bass and cello. Korynn steps back and the young Apprentice, Ren, takes the stage, beginning the next verses in his warm tenor voice.

Mirrari has retrieved another baklava square from the bakers tent and resumes her seat at her table, tapping her foot in time with the music.

Kirana hands over an eighth mark piece to the bakers and in return, gets a mug of klah, a small wedge of cheese, and a piece of flatbread.

Rani enters the BakerCraft Gather Tent.
Rani has left.
Liana enters the BakerCraft Gather Tent.
Liana has left.

Fairuzah sighs and errantly tucks a long tendril of curling hair back into the delicate arrangement of her coiffure. So many people! It is almost overwhelming ... her soft, wandering steps presently take her closer to the great laden tables filled with a delectable banquet. Ooh, so many tempting treats ... what to have? She smiles to herself, a dreamy expression quite common to her features, and weaves her way about; her long shimmering grey velvet trailing like the morning mist across the waves.

Banran does his best to keep up with the quick pace, as he leads Cloretta about the area, he allows his eyes to roam about, finally noticing everyone present.

J'cot comes up from the trail.
J'cot has arrived.


Worry, worry, Father figure.
Most paternal, don't you figure?
   May be stern, always fair,
   and patient with a 'Prentice,
    I shall swear!


Blurry, blurry in the morning,
until breakfast heed this warning:
   Don't disturb, for a dare,
   without klah he's a bear
    I do declare!



Now the quartet becomes wise sounding. The MasterHarper's theme is spread between the instruments fairly. And in turn, the violin starting the theme, after it finishes the cello takes over. They continue the volley with the viola and string bass with a countermelody, that seems to be trying to mimic the violin and cello's melody. Eventually the viola and the bass perfect the melody and join in, the viola with the violin and the bass with the cello. Korynn joins Ren for the final verse.

Jenna considers J'nas. "Well, we're practically on the edges of it now. Um... Just over there."

Cloretta sighs, "What should we do after this?"

Banran hmms once. "Hope for a slower song perhaps?"

Kirana sits and nibbles, enjoying herself, but her hands twitch restlessly, as though looking for something to do. Seeing the fine clothing others are wearing, she self consciously attempts to brush off the worst of the soil and loam that clings to her attire.

J'nas looks in the direction Jenna indicates. "Is that to your liking B'tal?"

J'cot looks around as he enters the crowd of the gather, taking in each of the sighs.


Query, query, best of talkers,
show us how you deal with balkers.
   Please show how, with your flair,
   to effect persuasion with great
    savoir faire!

'The singers' voices die slowly on the last note while the quartet continue with variations on the MasterHarper's theme. They, one by one starting with viola, to cello, to violin, to bass, begin the original statement of the original MasterHarper's theme and quickly cut off. All of the performers stand and bow to the audience in tribute to the MasterHarpers of Pern.

An arm snakes out from between two other high-speed dancers, the hand at the end of it catching the Fort Goldrider Weyrling's hand and tugging her between them. The kebob is dropped in surprise, and then a delighted laugh rings out, sure to turn B'tal's head. Almost immediately, Jenna is swallowed up by the crowd.

Cloretta giggles just a little, "Alright.."

Jaeleka stops wandering the tents and pauses to watch the stage, smiling to herself. She remembers those days.

B'tal eyes J'nas. "Look, weyrling, I'm just the messenger. Don't get irritated with me, lad. She doesn't need my approval to move, y'know. The Weyrwoman just asked me - and others, I might add - to keep an eye on her is all." And, while he was talking to J'nas, she was whisked away. One might think that this was planned. When the bronzer turns to apologize to Jenna, his jaw drops. "Where'd she go?"

Riane brings up her hands to clap lightly.

Banran grins at Cloretta and pulls her a bit closer. "Good.." He then turns and bows to the performers.

Niyath> Hanreth senses that Niyath brightens. << She is having more fun now! She does not like Dannoth's rider that much. He is boring, and she hates being watched. >>

J'nas practically spills the juice he is holding when he and the bronzer both realize that Jenna has gone missing. He exchanges a blank look with B'tal. "That isn't like her." He climbs up on a table to try and spot her from a higher vantage point.

Dragon> Hanreth bespoke Niyath with << She is well? J'nas is alarmed. >>

	You sense N'ren twirls you once, twice, a third time, and then tugs you 'round behind one of the booths, and says, "Sorry for just jumping you like that. It looked like you needed a bit of a rescue."

	N'ren senses "Jenna is still laughing. "I *so* did. B'tal's a wonderful wingleader, and just the person to teach me Gather etiquette, but he's such a stick in the mud. I'm Jenna, by the way. Fort's duties, and thank you for the rescue.""

J'cot meanders through the crowds until he happens upon Jaeleka. He smiles and sneaks up behind her, slipping his arm around her. "Hey there. I found you."

Jaeleka upturns a cheek to J'cot, offering him a pleased, if wan smile. "You did, didn't you? Have you just arrived at the Gather?"

Cloretta smiles and begins to pull Banran off the floor, "Come meet Sh'yar."

	You sense N'ren affects something of a bow in greeting, but he way way overdoes it. Purposefully. "I live to serve," he begins. "N'ren, rider of brown Kheveth, out of Igen."

Banran laughs softly. "Dragging me off to meet your other dance partner then?"

Cloretta shrugs, "I'm trying to make things awkward for you, remmeber? Its my job.."

	N'ren senses "Jenna says impishly, "I hope that's not all you live for. Well met." She risks a glance back over her shoulder. "Has he spotted us yet? The man has the eyes of a weyrlingmaster.""

Banran ahs softly and nods to her. "Right, I keep forgetting that. Thanks for reminding me."

B'tal asks J'nas, "See her yet? Niyath's not pitching a fit - maybe she just ducked into one of the stalls or something."

Cloretta giggles and then looks down, "I'm sorry, Banran. I know you hate things like this.."

Banran smiles and shakes his head to her. "Don't worry about it."

J'cot smiles at Jaeleka and nods. "I'm afraid so. Got held up back at the Weyr longer than I expected."

J'nas nods slowly, "That must be it. She won't get far without Niyath. Still, we'd better find her for your sake."

Jaeleka nods understandingly. She mutters to J'cot, "Its... long... been feeling... best so... managed... miss... have..." 

Cloretta nods and wanders over to where Sh'yar sits nursing his wine.

	You sense N'ren places his hand behind his back and, ever so complacently leans backwards for a good ten seconds or so. "I don't think so. Too many people on the dance floor. Though if he seeks out his dragon, he'll spot us from the air in no time. As for that being all I live for, well, I do have to admit the concept of attractive young ladies being held in my arms - even for so brief a time - is a part of it. There's also that little flying Threadfall thing too, come to think of it, though."

Sh'yar sips at a glass with a group of other mixed weyr riders talking about their last threadfalls.

Banran follows after Cloretta, glancing around for the man they are heading towards.

J'cot ahhs softly and nods to Jaeleka as he holds her close. He mutters to Jaeleka, "Poor... haven't been... while... have you?" 

Cloretta reaches out to flick Sh'yar's ear, "This is what happens when I leave you alone? You might as well talk about weather, Sh'yar.."

Sh'yar ouchies and musses up 'Retta's hair, "What you don't like hearing about by feats of daring do 'Retta?"

Jaeleka gives a slight shake of head. "No, not terribly so. I doubt its terminal, though." Her following smile is wan. "At least I'm reasonably certain."
Jaeleka says that to J'cot, of course.

Banran looks to Cloretta and laughs. "I thought only I could muss your hair?"

	N'ren senses "Jenna's eyes glaze faintly. Then she says promptly, "Niyath's telling him I'm fine and not to worry. Though if Leah finds out, I'm deader than a stuck porcine. We've not been able to fly resupply in Fall yet. Just at the between stage of training now. Have you met my little brother, Merrin? He's standing for the clutch at Igen.""

J'cot chuckles at Jaeleka and nods. "I surely hope not, dear."

Niyath> Hanreth senses that Niyath bespeaks you and Dannoth, << She says that she is fine and not to worry. She speaks with Kheveth's rider. >> Which is sure to draw a gasp of horror from Dannoth's rider, considering the man's reputation.

Cloretta snorts, and tries to resmooth her hair, "Not really. I do those too. Besides, the only daring thing you ever did was throw me off the diving cliff.."

Jaeleka mutters to J'cot, "Would you... corner... sit,... of the..."

Korynn steps into the HarperCraft tent.
Korynn has left.

J'cot smiles at Jaeleka. "How about some wine and somethign to eat?"

J'nas' eyes get that distant look for a moment. He steps slowly from the table and claps B'tal on the shoulder.

Sh'yar chuckles, "Don't tempt me."

Jaeleka mms, "Sounds okay, though I'm not so certain about the wine, J'cot. I'll let you lead through the crowd."

Cloretta snorts, "You couldn't.. Ah, right then.." She blushes, "Banny, this is Sh'yar.. Sh'yar, this is my Weyrmate-" she says the word with a hint of warning to the rider, "Banran."

Banran nods politely once to Sh'yar. "Greetings. Fort's duties."

J'cot hmms thoughtfully and nods. "You lead, Jae. You're probably more familiar with what's available here.."

Sh'yar smiles and offers his hand, "Pleased to meet you."

Mirrari nibbles on her square of baklava and surveys the revalry and the throng of people curiously.

	You sense N'ren frowns slightly, apparently trying to think if he knows anyone named Merrin. After several seconds, he shakes his head. "Not by name, I don't think, though if you have Niyath give Kheveth his image, I might remember. You also might have her let Hanreth know you're all right if you already haven't. Wouldn't want him hating me more than he already does. I wouldn't worry about Leah. I promise, I won't tell if you won't." He winks his good eye. "How far along is your Between training? That is, how far are you ranging?" Glancing towards the tent nearby, he also suggests, "Perhaps we should go into the tent, so as to have... plausible deniability?" He gestures towards the StarSmith's tent.

Banran takes Sh'yar's hand in his and gives him a firm shake before releasing it. "So you know Cloretta, sorry and all."

B'tal is still a trifle uneasy, "Just my luck the Weyrwoman or Milque'll come along at the wrong moment. J'nas, you go that way," he indicates the area 'round behind the stalls, "And I'll search the square." Then he blinks and nods to J'nas without the weyrling saying anything aloud. "Wh - oh shells. Yeah, lad, find her quick. No telling what that rider'll do. He's as bad as a flight addled bronzer on a good day. Even if he was Weyrleader at Ista."

Riane spots Mirrari amongst this crowd of people and starts meandering over that way. "Hey," she says quietly, sliding into a chair. "Y'know Dariyath rose?"

Sh'yar smiles, "Knew her before she found Ghianath actually."

Mirrari blinks, "Ah Riane, did she? Would you know who caught her?" she asks the new greenrider.

Cloretta pushes Banran and then realizes something, "We were all Candidates together, Sh'yar.. "

Sh'yar smiles and nods, "Yes, yes we were come to think about it."


	J'nas and N'ren sense "Jenna smiles. "Well, by the end of the sevenday, I think we'll be allowed out of the coverage area. Both J'nas and I are hoping to get to Igen before those eggs start rocking. He's got friends that are standing as well." She's nodding too, "Let's just duck in and maybe he won't see us." The pair are just emerging from behind/between the Starsmith and baker's tents."

Riane shakes her head, eyes going blurry for another moment. "Yrinth says that Agirith - one of the other greens - says she's still flying." She pauses, "But slowing down."

Banran ohs softly, not looking exactly thrilled at the news. "I guess so.."

Cloretta looks down, "Wow, I feel stupid.. Though, you were always flirting with the other girls, and old grump here hid in the Barracks.."

Mirrari chuckles and nods, "Well I hope it's Teryla that wins tonight." she says with a grin.

Sh'yar chuckles, "What you forgetting all the times I flirted with you?"

Banran grins at Cloretta. "I suppose I did."

Long distance to J'nas and N'ren: Jenna is going to duck on into the tent to make posing easier.

Starsmith's Tent(#11104JMOe)
        The interior of the tent looks fresh and new. It even has a new smell to it. Four wooden supports, arranged close to the center in a square shape keep the tent from falling on peoples heads. Against one wall of the tent is a large wooden table used for refreshments and eating. In the center, between the four posts is a nice ornate display table showing the wares of the Starsmith craft. Against the other wall, in one corner is a small wooden table with comfortable chairs, and in the other corner a circle of chairs meant for discussion and lighthearted conversation. On that wall is the circle emblem of the Starsmiths, the Red star upon a white field.
        There are both 'places' (+help places for more details) and +viewable objects here.
Pushing aside an annoying low hanging tent flap, you enter the Starsmiths' tent.

Jaeleka leads J'cot in, and grabs a table. Might not be what she was looking for, but it suffices for a moment or two to gether her wits.

N'ren ducks into the tent after Jenna, a half-guilty look, half-grin on his face. "That sounds good. Who is the current Weyrlingmaster crew there? Is Miri doing any lectures?" He obviously hasn't noticed J'nas, Jaeleka, or J'cot's entry.

J'cot sits down beside Jaedis and looks at her. "Are you okay, dear?"

Jenna shakes her head, "She hasn't no, not yet. N'sales, S'phan, and K'fen from Igen, and Cerilla from Telgar are sitting in. It's been really nice to get other perspectives on things." She glances over at Jaeleka and gives her a nod of recognition, but doesn't interrupt.

J'nas softly clears his throat. "Do you two have any idea what you're putting poor B'tal through? Honestly, sir. You're near as bad as my mother."

N'ren startles, not once, but twice. The first time is at hearing an old friend's voice - though he certainly doesn't interrupt J'cot's conversation. The second time is from J'nas, whom he didn't hear nor see enter. He turns and grins, "Only *near* as bad? You haven't seen me in best form yet then, son." He gestures Jenufa's son over to join them. "As I understand it, Jenna's Queen has told him she is all right. He'll just have to relax a bit."

Jenna turns a pleading look on J'nas, not terribly surprised to see him. "*Please* don't be cross, J'nas. I've spent the most miserable last few hours with B'tal looming over me and frightening everyone away. And I've *seen* the Hall before. I'd swear he was instructed to keep me out of sight. -- Have you met N'ren before?"

Jaeleka nods at J'cot, reaching up to tuck pale curls behind her ears. "Oh, yes, just tired. maybe a bit peckish." Evasive to say the least.

Niyath> I bespoke Hanreth with << Is your rider angry with Jenna? >>

J'nas nods and grins at the bronzer. His gaze softens noticeably, "I have met him twice before, now. Once when I was a babe and then earlier this afternoon. I trust you'll be a gentleman, sir. I must step outside and attend to another old friend of mine."

Dragon> Hanreth bespoke Niyath with << He cannot be mad with your rider. >>

J'cot nods to Jaeleka and gives her a quick hug, then looks around the tent. He grins as he spies N'ren and nods to him. "Hello stranger. Long time no see."

"I'm kind of surprised your Weyrlingmasters haven't asked Miritha in, though. They've got an excellent resource and they're not using it. Heck, she was a Weyrlingmaster when *I* was a Weyrling," N'ren says. "I am pleased to hear of Cerilla. I haven't seen her in Turns. I'll have to stop by some time." He nods at J'nas, "I understand." To Jenna, he explains, "J'nas' mother is an old friend of mine, back from when she was the Igen Weyrharper. She's the one who brought my daughter here, in fact." A beat. "Well, actually, I brought both of them, but you know what I mean."

N'ren steps aside for a moment to walk over to J'cot, "Hey. Been a while, that's for sure. I didn't want to interrupt you, but we should talk later. Catch up and such."

Jenna blinks at J'nas. "Why wouldn't - you're not turning into a worrywart, are you?" Then, as N'ren steps aside a moment to talk to the Istan rider, she hisses to J'nas, "You're not angry, are you? I'll got back out in a minute, but I just had to get away for a few moments."

Niyath> I bespoke Hanreth with << Good. >> A pause and she asks curiously, << Who does your rider need to go take care of? >>

J'cot smiles up at N'ren and nods. "Hopefully we'll find each other for a bit later tonight."

Jaeleka offers, quickly, "Oh, its okay, J'cot - would you like to speak with him now? Or maybe we could all visit?" Of course the talbe she's picked isnt' big enough, but some here are.

N'ren nods, "I should be around for a while yet. Jenufa promised me the last dance." He winks playfully, then wanders back in the direction of J'nas and Jenna.

J'nas shakes his head. "I'm not angry, but B'tal will be. I will admit that I was concerned for a moment."

Dragon> Niyath senses that Hanreth projects an image of Mirrari. << Some woman he knew from Fort before we Hatched. >>

"I'll let you two get to know each other better. I'll be outside." That being said, J'nas ducks out of the tent.

N'ren adds, as he gets back, "J'nas has every reason to worry, Jenna. I do have something of a reputation as a ladies' man with a list of lovers longer than both my arms." Which he holds up - they are pretty long. "But one thing on that thing is that I would never, ever, *ever* take advantage of someone who was not allowed, or someone who was not willing, and you are certainly at least one of those two."

J'nas walks out of the tent.
J'nas has left.

Jenna nods to J'nas. "I'll be back out in a moment? Please just tell him I'm in here, and hopefully he won't charge on in. I wouldn't want to keep you." Then, "Oh! And tell her I said hello? I didn't even recognize her in her gown." As she catches the tail end of N'ren's conversation she turns slightly, and says, "Please, don't let me keep you. And my duties to your weyr and craft."

Jenna blushes a bit at that last statement. "Yes, well, it's ah, lovely weather for a gather, isn't it?" She glances aside at Jaeleka and J'cot.

Jaeleka looks embarassed for Jenna. That or she's just not comfortable for her own reasons. "Its a beautiful day. Yes. You enjoyed yourself?" Propably not what Jenna wants - more conversation. But she can't seem to help herself.

N'ren shakes his head, "It's quite all right." He lowers his voice to say something more, but out of J'cot's earshot.

N'ren whispers "I suspect that the young lady he's speaking with is more important right now. No worries, really."

Riane pushes aside the low hanging tent flap and steps inside.
Riane has arrived.
Riane flips through a book on the table.

J'cot watches the Brown and Goldriders curiously for a few moments, still holding Jaedis with his arm around her waist. "Well, dear... Should we go find something to eat?"

Jenna nods to Jaeleka, though she doesn't expand on the subject. Instead she looks back to N'ren and says quietly, "Well, that's part of Gather etiquette that needs learning. How to handle overeager riders. B'tal wouldn't have me exposed to that sort. I think Brannoth's just about foaming at the mouth at the moment." She doesn't look terribly repentant though.

Niyath> Above, Alirath descends from higher in the sky above the valley.

Jaeleka nods to J'cot. "Just somewhere quiet. All this noice is making my head spin and I dont want to be sick again." Not ofetn you hear a Harper refer to a Gather as noise.

N'ren chuckles a little at Jenna's reaction and attempt to change the topic. "I understand it might be a little embarassing, but the fact is, I've been a rider forty turns, and Kheveth has been in well over a thousand mating flights, which results in a lot of lovers for the male's rider." He shrugs. "It's a fact of a rider's life. Besides, the only thing I've been overeager for at the moment was a few turns about the dance floor. And if you need someone to face down B'tal, feel free to send him my way. I've dealt with my share of..." And this last part he drawls teasingly, "... uptight bronzeriders." he has a hard time suppressing the grin on his face.

Niyath> Above, Alirath circles lazily for a moment before descending to the Courtyard of the Harper Hall.

Jenna lowers her voice, talking frankly with the Igen brownrider.

N'ren senses "Jenna says mildly, "I'm just glad that Niyath won't be rising that much. Though at the moment, she's rather at the stage that all males are 'icky', and she's never going to rise. Trying to talk her out of that is useless, so I'm just going to wait until it eventually hits. Makes things like gathers, where I do have to do a few turns about the floor, interesting."

Salek pushes aside the low hanging tent flap and steps inside.
Salek has arrived.
Salek flips through a book on the table.
Salek looks over the farviewer with interest.
Salek shoves a flap out of his way and darts into the tent, pausing to look around.

J'cot smiles at Jaeleka and nods. "Gathers are an awful busy time. We can just stay here and have some of the Starsmith's snacks, if you like."

N'ren nods, his face sobering, as he continues his quiet conversation with Jenna.


Jaeleka nods at J'cot with a hopeful look upon her face. "Please? I just couldn't bear to go back out right now. Something sweet if they have it?"

J'cot nods to the Harper and stands up. "Let me see what I can find..." He heads toward the refreshment table and looks over the selections.

N'ren whispers "I bet they never told you how much, well, politics is involved in just being a goldrider, or, for that matter a bronzerider. To an extent, brownriders like J'nas and myself are the truly lucky ones. We don't have any problems flying a full Fall, but we generally aren't looked to with the pressure the metallic riders are. Out of cuiousity, did you know how to dance before you Impressed?"

N'ren nods his head in J'cot's direction once as he speaks with Jenna.

Salek catches sight of one of the farviewers and hurries over to inspect it with an eager expression, his hands held carefully behind his back.

Salek:
A bright-eyed boy ever on the lookout for mischief, Salek has klah-colored eyes and his head is covered with ringlets of curly, dark-brown hair, which he makes no attempt to keep neat. His features are distinctive -- a pointed nose and firm chin which, helped along by his tendency to haughtiness, gives him a patrician air. He's been growing like a weed lately, and is tall for an ten-Turn-old. Bony knees show scrapes and bruises, and he sports the stereotypical Istan tan. 

The boy's flax outfit has been kept its natural pale color, but with bands of orange and black dyed in twin stripes around the collar and at the ends of the sleeves and legs. He's wearing a small pair of pointy-toed black boots.

Jenna nods to N'ren, her expression animated. Seems the promise to go back outside and make peace with her babysitter is quite forgotten. Salek is given a friendly smile, even as she talks quietly to the Igenite.

J'cot returns with a plate of meatrolls and cookies, placing them in front of Jaleka. "And something to drink? Not interested in wine, right?"

Jaeleka pulls a face. "No wine. Water is best - really my stomach is churning.." STill those matrolls don't look too bad. THey can't or her tummy wouldn't be gurgling in anticipation.

N'ren senses "Jenna assures, "Oh, yes. I was a runner before, so I'm no stranger to politics, to be honest. But its easier doing it without a dragon in your head getting offended at every little thing. Not that I'd trade it, but. She's just at that stage where, because she thinks boys are icky, I should too. But a couple of greens in the clutch are already proddy, so we've had *that* particular lecture.""

N'ren whispers "She's still fairly young if she's at that stage, though I wouldn't be surprised if she matures through it soon, what with you going through Between training and a few greens rising in your clutch. Do tell her that if she has questions and doesn't wish to ask your locals, that she is more than welcome to bespeak Kheveth." He frowns for just a moment, and then asks, "Did your Weyrlingmasters tell you - and the other female riders - that your first time with a man probably should *not* be during a mating flight?" He asks it without even flinching or anything. Sounds more curious, and, strangely enough, probably not exactly about the answer, but what it implies. "I apologize if I offend - that is certainly not the intent."

J'cot nods to Jaleka. "I think there was some water." He makes another trip to the table, returning with water in a glass for her. "There you go." He sits beside her again without getting anything for himself.

N'ren continues to talk soberly with Jenna, frowning briefly before asking what looks like a question.

Jenna blinks at N'ren, surprised, before her expression smoothes out and she responds in polite, low tones to the brownrider.

N'ren senses "Jenna's tone is studidedly neutral. "It's been mentioned, yes. The Weyrlingmasters have been quite explicit about it. I imagine it would be hard to remember if you were nervous about it the first time?" Definately runner trained - most other weyrlings would be blushing by now."

Jaeleka takes a single meatroll and nibbles. Then bites.. Well, in the end she's enjoying with gusto. "I didn't realize how hungry I was, thanks." The first is washed down with several swallows of water. "Not having any, J'cot?" Noticing for hte first time he's not eating too.

J'cot shakes his head, just watching Jaeleka eat for the moment. "Not just now, dear." Well, not quite true. He does reach out and grab one of the cookies, nibbling at it slowly.

N'ren shakes his head at something, going on with his conversation.

Jaeleka espies the cookies only after she's picked up a second meatroll. Dilemna time! Theres the sweet. But the rolls smell *sooo* good. Hoping she's not caught out, and sneaking her free hand over like a child hoping not to be caught, she snags a cookie too.

N'ren whispers "It's not so much the lack of memory but the pain. A woman's first time can be very painful, and when you add to that that the male's rider is trapped in the throes of his and his dragon's passions, it generally isn't gentle. I'm glad your Weyrlingmasters mentioned it. A woman's first time shouldn't be tempered with the fear and pain coming from a dragon's mating, but from the friendship and caring of someone they care for."

N'ren senses "Jenna frowns slightly. "Is it so frightening then? ANd painful?""

Jaeleka sneaks a nibble of cookie in.

N'ren whispers "To take a lover? It shouldn't be frightening at all. It should make you feel good. Ecstatic, even, to be able to express how you feel for this person, whoever he is. But the pain, I understand, can be quite bad. I'm male, so I don't have personal experience, but I have been more than one woman's first time, so I can understand from the outside perspective. You see, there's a strip of flesh that crosses a woman's nether regions. During the first time, this is usually punctured and torn away. You can understand where the pain might come from then. Of course, it's entirely possible that you don't have to worry about it at all, yourself."

Jenna's expression flickers. Whatever N'ren is saying to her must be good.

N'ren senses "Jenna inquires politely, "Is it hard for you, encountering a woman like that in a mating flight? What would the malerider's perspective be?" She's definately not admitting to anything one way or the other."

N'ren frowns for a moment, and his face looks a little sad.

L'nan pushes aside the low hanging tent flap and steps inside.
L'nan has arrived.
Riane walks out of the tent.
Riane has left.

L'nan walks in, tenderly patting his chest. His shirt appears to be wet, and there's a nice purple stain matching the color of the bubbly in his hand. He glances about, frowning. He coulda sworn he saw that pretty lass duck in here...


Jenna has her back to the entrance, and is talking quietly with N'ren.

N'ren whispers "It can be hard, no pun intended. When driven by the dragon's passions, I am... not quite as sensitive to the woman's needs. You could say it is the difference between sex and lovemaking. They mean the same thing, but have different connotations. In any case, with me, and especially in that particular case, when we both wake up from the aftermath, I usually try and teach her what it's really supposed to be like, and hope she doesn't get turned off on men completely." For a moment, a grin pops back onto his face. "Part of that is my own desire for additional gratification, of course, but that's besides the point. I also don't claim that that's the typical malerider's perspective. This kind of thing is intensely personal."

J'cot grins at Jaeleka as she steals the cookie. "Good aren't they?" His attention seems to be toward N'ren and Jenna mostly though, trying quite unsuccessfully to overhear their conversation without trying to look like he is.

Jaeleka blushes as she's caught out with the cookie and nods, nibbling again. First cookie, and then more meatroll. "I haven't had a sweet in - turns I'd think. Sometimes I forget they are so good."

L'nan catches sight of Jenna and happens to hear the tail end of a comment she makes. "Some maleriders prefer their Queen's riders to not get lost or avoid them," he drawls, making his way towards her. "B'tal seems to think you've vanished or are hiding, Jenna." A polite nod to N'ren, slightly apologetic for interrupting.

Jenna jumps, and then turns to look a trifle guiltily over her shoulder at L'nan. "Ah, L'nan, do you know N'ren from Igen? And, Jaeleka and ah, I'm sorry, I didn't get your name," she says politely to J'cot. When in doubt, draw attention away from yourself.

Niyath> Alirath senses that Niyath sounds amused. << Kheveth's rider has been about to make the same offer that Aisheth's rider made to all the weyrlings, I believe. She's trying hard not to laugh. >>

J'cot grins up at Jenna and nods to her. "J'cot. Bronze Valenth's, from Ista. A pleasure to meet you."

Jaeleka decides, somewhere in this exchange of names, that neither cookie nor meatroll is agreeable any longer and pushes them away from herself.

J'cot glances back at Jaeleka as he notices the motion. "Had enough, dear?"

L'nan nods to those Jenna introduces him to. "Fort's duties.. well met.. and, good N'ren," he adds, the very slightest of raised eyebrows suggesting the barest of challenges, "It's not B'tal that has a problem with you, it's me that has a problem with one of my Weyrlings hiding from her assigned escort." He shifts closer to Jenna, looks directly at her and completely ignores anyone else. "You know you're supposed to be with your escort, eh?"

Jenna is trying to appear poised and confident, though with your weyrsecond about to give you a dressing down, that's pretty much a lost cause. "Well met J'cot." A pause and she looks back to L'nan and says simply, "Yes, I do, sir."

Dragon> Niyath senses that Alirath returns subtle flavors of dusk. << And what offer is that? Mine is not pleased with your rider's companion, by the way. >> A pause. << I do not think his suggestion is anatomically possible... >>

Jaeleka's nose crinkles. "No.. well, I mean, yes, I've had enough." The remainder of her water is downed. "Sorry. You brought such a large plate, J'cot and now its going to go to waste."

Niyath> Alirath senses that Niyath's tone is airy, << Oh, to make certain that my Jenna has companionship before I rise. But I'm not going to rise, so there really is no point. >> At least she's no longer yelling about it. << Aisheth agrees with me. There are many who have offered, but few are even worthy of consideration. >>

J'cot shakes his head. "Don't worry dear. Do you have to stay much longer tonight?"

Jaeleka smiles at J'cot."Oh, no, not at all.. only.." Here she quiets again, mulling. "Well, do /you/ have to head right back?"

Dragon> Niyath senses that Alirath flares a bright blue fire. << Are they bothering her? Mine says she should leave with her and let that other one try to figure his way out of his- >> He interrupts himself, not sure a Queen should hear this sort of language. << Mine does not like what the other is offering you. I think you should tell yours to turn him down. >> Simple, see?

J'cot shakes his head slightly. "No, but I was wondering if heading home might help you feel better."

L'nan eyes N'ren calmly. After a long moment, he nods curtly. "Your opinion is duly noted. I'll give it up to our Weyrlingmaster at a later time for discussion, though it doesn't merit much. Now." He again turns to Jenna. "If you were uncomfortable with him, that's one thing. If you just wanted to get away, that's childish and hardly how a Queen should act. Sometimes there are things," eyes flicker briefly to N'ren. "That you have to put up with. Now. Since B'tal's ego has been bruised, I'll take up escort duties." Holding out an arm, he nods towards the door. "Shall we?"

Niyath> Alirath senses that Niyath is bemused. << My rider is handling herself just fine. >> A pause and, << Besides, we have a deal. If I do not order men away from her this night, she will owe me three oilings whenever I want them. >> She sounds rather smug about this. << Jinieth's rider has told her she must do her duty by the weyr tonight, and this will mean dancing with men. >>

N'ren nods, "That is perfectly reasonable. Thank you." See? He can be gracious. "However, I do need to clarify one thing: she did not run away from B'tal."

B'tal's ego isn't the only one that has been bruised. Jenna's sharp chin lifts slightly at L'nan's scolding, and she says politely to N'ren, "It was a pleasure meeting and talking with you, sir. If I'm able to attend the hatching at Igen, I shall certainly return the courtesy you've shown me here tonight. Well met too, J'cot. Fort's duties to Ista and her queens. And good night, Jaeleka." She takes a look at L'nan's arm offered and takes it distantly, laying only her hand upon it formally. "Yes sir."

Niyath> I bespoke Kheveth with << Please tell your rider that mine apologizes for Alirath's rider? >>

L'nan wilts slightly at the distance Jenna shows him, but he takes it in stride. "Oh?" he asks of N'ren. "She is still without escort, which is inappropriate at this point in her training."

Jaeleka smiles wanly at B'tal. "Good night." She turns to her own companion. "Would you walk me back to the Hall perhaps?"

Niyath> Alirath senses that Niyath offers quietly, some of the joy gone out of her tone, << Your rider was wrong to embarass her so badly. >>

Dragon> Niyath senses that Alirath considers the rebuke in Niyath's tone openly, honestly. << He knows. But he meant to put the other in his place. He was not pleased with the way the other was acting. >> A distance breeze, then, << He asks to convey to yours what angered him. He was worried about her. >>

J'cot stands with Jaeleka and offers her his arm. He smiles and nods to the Fort Riders. "Good evening."

L'nan nods politely to J'cot. "Duties to Ista," he murmurs.

Niyath> Alirath senses that Niyath conveys, and then says, << Kheveth's rider was a Weyrleader. You should tell your rider that. >>

"Yes. I pulled her onto the dance floor," N'ren says. "If there's any blame to be set, it should be set on me, and not her. Let me ask you this, L'nan. I saw J'nas earlier today. He was here without escort. Jenna doesn't strike me as a woman who *needs* an escort any more than J'nas does. To force her to have one and not him - or any of the others in that group of weyrlings - is decidedly unfair to Jenna and it looks bad for your Weyr. It looks like you don't trust her."

Jaeleka would normally bid proper adieu to all, but tonight her mood distracts.
Jaeleka walks out of the tent.

Jenna clears her throat. "N'ren, I appreciate your concern, but my Weyrsecond is correct. And I believe," she says firmly, "That this conversation has gone quite far enough." She looks between the brown and blueriders.

J'cot walks out of the tent.
J'cot has left.

L'nan mmms. "Jenna is obviously capable of taking care of herself, and I realize this," says quietly. "If I had run into another escort who had been given the slip, I would - and will - be sure to find them too. I thank you for your notice of J'nas. Fort's duties." With that, he turns, leading Jenna out of the tent.

L'nan:
Now a young man of about 20 Turns, 7 months, and 2 days, L'nan sports a pair of sparkling green eyes, which periodically turn almost grey, set in a still youthful face. Lanky at five foot eleven, he's still just the slightest bit clumsy. Short, spikey, and incredibly blonde hair are all that most remember him having (+email L'nan for pic URL). His smile usually tends to be lopsided, but that only adds to the cheeriness of the expression. 
         L'nan's arms seem a bit long for him, but he manages to keep control of them - usually. His appearance is a forced-tidy one, as if he remembers to keep clean and neat every other hour or so...for he is still rather young, and attracted greatly to dirt. His attire is almost always a muddy pair of pants and a white v-neck shirt with cutoff sleeves, showing off skinny yet muscular arms. Sometimes, a brown flit is perched on his shoulder. 
         With eyes constantly sweeping over his surroundings and taking every detail in, he seems never to stay still. A knot on his shoulder shows him to be a Bluerider at Fort Weyr, and a patch on his oversized flying jacket shows him to have once been a Wingsecond in Firefall Wing. Most recently a dark Weyrsecond knot has been carefully placed with the others. 


Jenna squares her thin shoulders slightly before stepping out of the tent.
You decide to get some fresh air and walk out of the tent.
Gather Grounds(#2231RJL)

Contents:
Raeche
J'nas
Starsmith's Tent(#11104JMOe)
Mirrari
SmithCraft Tent (#15345Jem$)
Fendes
Toy Drum Making Tool-Kit(#17505OV$)
Guess-The-Vintage Booth
Sampling Table
BakerCraft Tent
Gather Schedule
HarperCraft Tent

L'nan sashays out of the Starsmiths' Tent looking more enlightened.
L'nan has arrived.

J'nas shakes his head. "Nothing wrong, just surprising." He waves over to Jenna as she exits the tent. "Hey Jenna! Look who's here."

Raeche raises her hand, waving to Jenna as well.

L'nan leans his head down to Jenna, his arm and hers lightly linked though it's not a "close" kind of thing. "I apologize," he murmurs. "I didn't mean to.. to belittle you." Head lifts as he hears and spots J'nas. He beckons with his free hand to the weyrling, a slight frown on his face.

J'nas rises from his chair, "Excuse me, ladies." He strides quickly toward L'nan and Jenna. "Is something wrong?"

Jenna's jaw is set tight as she emerges from the starcraft tent, chin held high and one hand on L'nan's arm, though her stance is decidedly formal. She merely nods coolly to L'nan, and then gives a slightly brittle smile to Raeche. "Made it down, Raeche? It's a lovely night for dancing."

Mirrari mms and nods, still looking faintly non-committal. She wiggles her finger at Jenna and smile. "Evening Jenna."

"Yes, quite," Raeche says, frowning slightly at Jenna. She looks to L'nah, arching an eyebrow and looking surprisingly sternly at him.

L'nan gives Jenna a look that is mingled annoyance and hurt. However, J'nas gets his attention and he asks mildly, "Where is your escort?" His look is anything but mild, however, and one might be able to tell that it's the same bone he picked with Jenna. Raeche's look is returned with a glance and, "Good evening, Raeche."

Jenna slips her arm from L'nan's, in order to take a step closer to the others. "Did J'nas tell you earlier, Mirrari? I didn't even recognize you in your gather gown. You look just wonderful. I've not seen Nananthia around. I don't know if she'd night duty tonight or not."

Niyath> Alirath senses that Niyath has become a trifle sulky. << We are the only ones that were assigned an escort. Jinieth's rider said. She believes it was primarily because of him. >> And an image is flashed of Rodric's face. << But she saw him only briefly, for duty. >>

Mirrari grins at the young goldrider, "Tell me what?" she asks curious and the looks around, "You're right, I've not seen Nan since I got here. Mayhaps I'll go up to the weyr to visit her before I go home."

Niyath> Above, Gyreventh disappears into Between.

J'nas stiffens. "Do you mean B'tal, sir? Last I saw, he was near the center of the grounds." The weyrling is practically standing at attention.

"L'nan," Raeche says evenly. "Come to watchwher the Weyrlings?"

L'nan nods at the mention of B'tal, then frowns. "Were you assigned an escort? It was my understanding that the Weyrlings weren't to be here without one. For the safety of their dragons," he adds, another glance, cold, given to Raeche. "But do correct me if I'm wrong."

Annik comes up from the trail.
Annik has arrived.

Raeche crosses her arms, eyeing L'nan. "He just said. You need to get some wine in you, or dance."

Jenna nods to Mirrari, "You should! We'd love to have you. And Niyath and I could give you a ride home in the morning." She flickers a glance at L'nan and murmurs a bit lower, "Assuming I'm not grounded." Then, at the Weyrsecond's words she steps back into the fray. "No sir, not all of them were."

Annik heads into the SmithCraft Tent.
Annik has left.

Dragon> Niyath senses that Alirath returns confused swirls. << Mine thought /all/ weyrlings were to have escorts, >> he admits. << Yours is certainly able to take care of herself, is she not? >> There's no trace of tease or mockery, just blatant honesty. << Mine knows this. Even with *Rodric*. >>

N'ren sashays out of the Starsmiths' Tent looking more enlightened.
N'ren has arrived.

Niyath> Niyath shifts uneasily on the ridge, craning her neck to peer down at the grounds below.

J'nas hedges a bit. "I came with Valry, sir. The Weyrleader showed up, so she went back to Fort to bring others. I suppose I'm here without an escort now, sir."

L'nan's eyebrows furrow. "Just some of the weyrlings were?" He sounds honestly confused. "J'nas, were you told you had to have an escort at all times? Jenna, were you?" He shakes his head at Raeche. "Last thing I need right now," he murmurs.

Niyath> I bespoke Alirath with << She can. They were to fly here with an escort, but they did not have to have a rider following them around. Only Jenna. To teach her about the proper way to behave at a gather. >> A pause and then, << I must say, she does not think it is going very well. >>

"My sentiments exactly," Raeche says, holding up a hand. "I'll be off getting some wine." That said, she sashays away from the little group.

J'nas shakes his head. "No sir! There were other senior riders about. I just didn't stay near any of them. Is that a problem?"

Mirrari speaks up hesitantly, "Do the escorts /have/ to be other dragon riders, L'nan?" she asks

Jenna's thin shoulders square slightly, "I was, yes sir."

Niyath> I bespoke Alirath with << She asks you to ask him if he is to yell more, if he will do it in private? She has caused enough of a scene already. >>

L'nan blinks after Raeche, then returns attention to the problem at hand. "Hm. No, J'nas, then it's not a problem. I was under the impression that all weyrlings were to stay with or near, at least in communication with, an escort." He tilts his head, as if listening to some far away noise. His scrutiny fixes on Jenna. "Tell you what. You have Niyath keep in touch with Alirath throughout the evening, and we'll call it square for now, discuss the rest later. Agreed?"

N'ren steps out of the StarSmith tent (after looking at the farviewers) to find THIS going on. His mouth settles into a thin line... until L'nan makes his most recent statement. Then his face grows thoughtfuly, his eyes go glassy.

"May I have a word with you, Weyrsecond?" J'nas asks, his voice firm.

Jenna murmurs to Mirrari, "That was kinda the idea. Ever notice how the earth never cooperates and swallows you when you want it to?" She clears her throat and then says quietly to L'nan, "Actually, sir, may I request permission to return to the weyr?"

Dragon> Niyath senses that Alirath returns quickly. << He does not plan to yell at all. And he says to tell yours that he was the one that made the scene, and that he was wrong. >> It's a bit curt, because Alirath does not like to admit fault to his rider.

Mirrari chuckles slightly, "Oh, I see..Aye, I've noticed that.." she murmers with a crooked smile.

L'nan stamps one foot on the ground, though it's a light movement and not one of temper-tantrum proportions. His eyes catch sight of N'ren and he nods vaguely in his direction, as if acknowledging something. To J'nas and Jenna, he sighs. "Look, I didn't come to whatch-wher you two. Please," and he looks at Jenna. "Don't leave on account of my behavior. You've my apologies. And yes," This to J'nas. "You may, if no one is prepared to rip out my tongue yet."

Niyath> Alirath senses that Niyath has clearly never been prouder of her rider and doesn't mind letting you in on that fact. << My rider will yell at your rider later. She is decidedly angry with him. But she does not show it. She has learned a great deal today. >>

Riane emerges from the SmithCraft Tent.
Riane has arrived.

J'nas mutters to L'nan, "... where... was when B'tal was... she's to... I should receive... same."

Desh emerges from the SmithCraft Tent.
Desh has arrived.

Desh steps out of the Smithcraft tent just behind Riane, glancing over at her quizzically. "Did you graduate very recently? You seem... younger than the other riders I have seen here."

Fairuzah steps out of the BakerCraft Gather Tent.
Fairuzah has arrived.

Raeche spends some time at the Guess-the-Vintage booth, sampling wine and flirting outrageously with the person manning it.

Mirrari begins the near futile search fot the rider that brought her to the Gather. More than likely he forgot her in all the excitement.

Riane nods, "Telgar's most recently graduated class... just a few sevendays ago. And I Impressed fairly young, too." She weaves past a person or two as they make their way to the Baker tent.

Jenna shakes her head slightly to L'nan, her expression still a trifle distant. As Mirrari starts to look around she offers again, "You're welcome to catch a ride back with us if you'd like to stay at the weyr." Blue eyes flicker past to Raeche, and that brings a ghost of a smile to her lips.

Fairuzah heads into the SmithCraft Tent.
Fairuzah has left.

Dragon> Niyath senses that Alirath is not pleased with that particular scenario. << Mine has said he's sorry once. He won't do it again. >> This seem more of the dragon's sentiment than one of L'nan's. << He was concerned and doing his job. Tells yours that even leaders make mistakes, as she has done. >> And with that, his mind recedes, echoing the surliness of his rider's last expression.

L'nan lets out a sigh, listening to J'nas. "No one is getting punished," he says firmly. "Now go do whatever it was you'd had planned earlier. Be safe. Don't go anywhere but home, either. And that's all stuff you know, so I'll let you be." He makes a slight bow in the general direction of the small group, and takes a step backwards before turning - but not before a sullen look comes over his features. Sullen, and a bit sad. He brushes past a few people and slips into the Harper Tent.

L'nan steps into the HarperCraft tent.
L'nan has left.

Desh nods, peering about the crowd. "My sincere congratulations, then, and thanks. Smithcraft hall is under the protection of Telgar Weyr, after all. My... which one is the Bakercraft tent?"

J'nas turns to face his fellow Fortians and friends. His face is devoid of any expression before he forces a smile to it. "So what do we want to do now?"

Riane smiles. "Over this way," she gestures just a little ways away to a big striped tent. "Thank you. How long've you been at the craft now?"

Mirrari grins and nods to Jenna, "THanks, I should talk to Nan, she'd be hurt if I'd been near and not seen her."

Niyath> Alirath senses that Niyath says firmly, << If he will not apologize again, then he is a fool. She is very angry and upset with him. He does not talk to her for ages, and then he embarasses her, when she had things well under control. She says to tell him that he has no reason to be jealous. Not when she hears the things she hears about him. >>

"Almost two months," Desh replies, veering toward the Bakercraft tent. "I like it very much. And you? What is the life of a rider like, if I might ask?"

Raeche suckers a little wineskin off the person manning the vintage guessing both, in exchange for a rather friendly kiss.

Jenna watches after L'nan for a moment, and then flickers an apologetic look to J'nas, before she nods to Mirrari. "Whenever you're ready to leave. Or I'm sure J'nas could bring you back? And I can give you a ride tomorrow. Valry'll take me to Telgar for the first time, I'm sure."

Mirrari smiles, "Nay nay, no worries, I can always catch a rider when I need to leave." she says, smoothing her skirts.

N'ren comments, from where he's still leaning against the StarSmith tent, "You have the option for Igen too, remember."

J'nas gazes around the Gather. "If anything exciting happens, I'll let you know Jenna. I'm not sure if I'll be staying much longer, myself. Things seem to be winding down here."

Riane doesn't have to think hard about this one. "Busy," she answers quickly. Then she elaborates. "Most of the time you're training, or riding falls, or running errands and doing chores." She stops a few paces away from the tent, inhaling the scent of the food. "Smells good, doesn't it?"

Dragon> Niyath senses that Alirath speaks from the depths where hidden bubbles come from - dark depths that aren't likely to shallow, mellow, or lighten. << Mine sees no need to beg forgiveness. He apologized as necessary. She broke a rule and just as she, and you, will have to confront rulebreakers in the future, such was he doing. >> A baleful silence. << He was more concerned than jealous. He can feel how he wants, when he wants. >> Yep. Petulant. << He says I'm not to discuss personal issues with you, because he thinks he should say them to yours in person. >> And that, it seems, is that.

Desh glances down at his stomach as it rumbles. "Yes," he says, quite earnestly. "It /does/ smell good." His lips quirk a little, and he steps forward and raises the corner of the tent flap a little. "After you?"

Niyath> Above, Valenth soars up from the courtyard of Harper Hall.
Niyath> Above, Valenth disappears into Between.

Riane smiles and ducks in.
Riane enters the BakerCraft Gather Tent.
Riane has left.

Jenna nods around. "Thank you, N'ren. And I think it's time for me to say goodnight. Mirrari, I'll look for you tomorrow morning? And J'nas, I'll see you later on tonight. I'll likely have to help with the night hearth tonight, and so I might as well get back. Clear skies and good night, everyone."

Desh enters the BakerCraft Gather Tent.
Desh has left.

Niyath> Niyath rumbles a quiet goodbye, and launches off the heights.

Mirrari smiles and nods, wiggling her fingers at Jenna in farewell, "Good Night Jenna."

You walk down the short path, glancing up at the banners flying above you.

Niyath> Alirath senses that Niyath says simply, << If he ever has the courage to do so. She has wanted to talk to him about it for a sevenday, but he has avoided her. >> The queen is clearly not pleased, deliberately blunt and honest. << We return to the weyr now. We go *between*. Do tell your rider so he will not be... concerned. >> This last is a deliberate smack. She, and her rider, are perfectly capable of taking care of themselves.