P'ter's Welcome Dinner

Fort hosts a dinner for the new Weyrleader.

Jenna - Thursday, November 29, 2001, 2:58 PM
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Your location's current time: 17:12 on day 21, month 4, Turn 38, of the Tenth Pass. It is a spring afternoon.

Fort LC> Rodric comes in from the bowl.
Fort LC> Rodric has arrived.

Fort LC> Rodric strides into the cavern, looking bright-eyed and chipper. An intricately decorated glass bottle is tucked into the crook of his arm and is filled with a very dark liquid. "Harpers Duties!" he calls out.

Fort LC> Leah says to Daliti, "Why don't you get the children settled and then come back for the festivities?" Suddenly a distraction appears in the form or Master Rodric, "Masterharper! Fort's duties to the Hall. So good of you to come!"

Fort LC> P'ter strides in, tugging down on the front hem of his best shirt till it sits right over his shoulders. He smiles as he sees Leah and moves over in her direction.

Fort LC> Rodric smiles and approaches, bowing. "Greetings Weyrwoman -- I wouldn't miss it for the world," he says gaily. His bow is a little bit stiff owing to the highly formal clothing he's adopted for the occasion.

Fort LC> Daliti nods and then the little girl sent to the kitchens returns. Daliti takes her three and disappears out nodding a quick greeting to Rodric.

Fort LC> Daliti walks down the eastern stairs to the Inner Caverns.
Fort LC> Daliti has left.

Fort LC> Leah holds out an arm towards P'ter as she spies him, "Ah, there's the guest of honor. Come join us, won't you?" A smile is given to the Masterharper, "Master Rodric, your presence is always a joy to us here at Fort. You've met our Weyrleader, haven't you?" She loops an arm through P'ter's as he arrives.

Fort LC> Rodric smiles warmly at P'ter. "Yes, yes we've met, Harper's Duties, Weyrleader," he says and then holds out the bottle he's carrying. "I come bearing gifts," he quips, eyes twinkling a little as the very dark liquid within sloshes around a little.

Fort LC> P'ter smiles broadly, "Ah, Master Rodric, good to see you again." He nods his head in what would almost amount to be a bow. "Sorry if I'm a little late sir, Leah." Then to Leah, "He and I had a most interesting discussion on the wines of Pern a number of days back. Most interesting indeed." The bottle is eyed with an appreciative glance, the Weyrleader's free hand going out to cradle it. "Might I ask what this might be?"

Fort LC> K'tel comes in from the bowl.
Fort LC> K'tel has arrived.

Fort LC> K'tel comes in, pausing by the entrance to peer around.

Fort LC> Leah grins at Rodric, "Something to add to the Weyrleader's new collection? MasterVintner Amara sent us twenty four bottles of her finest Benden red just a sevenday ago... along with a lovely new Journeywoman who is posted here by the name of Baleera." She gives P'ter's arm a squeeze, "Looks like you're becoming a conaisseur, eh?"

Fort LC> Baleera comes up the steps from the Inner Caverns.
Fort LC> Baleera has arrived.

Fort LC> Rodric hands over the bottle carefully. "Ahhh but this isn't -just- wine ..." he notes, holding up one finger. "This isn't a table wine, nor even a dinner wine ... perhaps it could be consumed with ... or after dessert ... but this is the sort of thing you sit and savor," he explains to the Weyrleader.

Fort LC> Baleera comes in and gives a grand wave to the Cavern. "Hello, all! I say, what's on the menu for tonight? Remind me to kiss the cook, the vittles are simply the best here."

Fort LC> phoenix walks out of the tunnel along the southeastern wall.
Fort LC> phoenix has arrived.

Fort LC> P'ter has the decency to blush, "So long as it never interfere's with my duties, I do suppose I am yes." He chuckles, turning to look around and finally spotting K'tel. "K'tel!" He bellows, waving the fellow over, "Good to see you!" He turns back to Leah and Rodric, "Now here is the man to which I owe a great deal of my knowledge. K'tel of Igen Weyr."

Fort LC> Leah waves at Baleera, "Just in time for the festivities!" She releases P'ter to greet the Vintner, "Seems Master Rodric's brought an after dinner treat to go along with the dessert."

Fort LC> K'tel jumps at P'ter's bellow and grins. He obediently heads over, smiling at the Weyrwoman and Masterharper, "Igen's duties to Fort and Harper."

Fort LC> phoenix startles at the bellow just as she steps into the room, then giggles softly at herself, continuing on into the gathering.

Fort LC> Leah smiles at K'tel, "And our duty to Igen and her queens. Welcome, bronzerider."

Fort LC> Rodric turns slightly and nods politely to K'tel. "Harper's Duties to Igen Weyr and her queens," he says clearly. "Another lover of the produce of the Vintners eh?" his smile remains broad.

Fort LC> K'tel says "Thank you, Weyrwoman." He grins broadly at P'ter, offering his hand, "Weyrleader." He eyes P'ter, shaking his head slightly, "This is a welcome change.""

Fort LC> Baleera glances over at the man the Weyrwoman is indicating and splits her face into a broad grin. "Not -the- MasterHarper Rodric. Well, there's someone I am absolutely *positive* has a good tale or two to tell over a glass. Well, it seems that Fort Weyr is just abuzz with very important personages. Sorry I don't have the first batch of Baleera's Fort Ale done yet, but I've just arrived m'self and it takes a bit for the alcohol to ferment."

Fort LC> P'ter grins at Rodric, "You sir, are trying to get me drunk I fear." He watches the liquid move in the neck of the bottle. "Its either a fortified wine of a spirit of a different ilk. Its certainly not wine at that." As K'tel arrives he smiles, saying, "Fort's duties to Igen and her Queens K'tel." He does the introductions, "You probably all know K'tel?" He can't seem to accept that the reverse could be true. "K'tel, this is Leah, the wonderful Weyrwoman of Fort, and Masterharper Rodric."

You head into the Living Caverns.
Fort Weyr Living Cavern(#199RJa$)
Approaching half the size of the Hatching Grounds, this cavern echoes with voices during the day, and the soft patter of feet during the night. Dozens of tables are spaced throughout, each with open space around to provide small amounts of privacy for the discussions carried on at each. The night hearth, with a cluster of pots of stew and klah, is situated near the large entrance to the Bowl. Several other hearths are spaced around the huge chamber, lending light and some heat to the room.
Broad marble steps to the southwest lead up to the impressive Fort Weyr kitchen. To the east, a short flight of stairs leads to the hallway to the inner caverns. A stout door to the north has a healer's emblem on it, marking the Infirmary. To the south is a wide tunnel, leading out of the weyr, and a wide opening to the west leads to the weyr bowl.
Contents:
phoenix(#2845PJOce$)
Baleera
K'tel
Rodric
Leah
P'ter
Meg and Peg
Fort Weyr Firelizard Perch

K'tel nods greetings at the introductions, "Well met. More are coming." He smiles at P'ter, "We wouldn't miss this!"

Jenna comes up out of the caverns, hesitating and slipping to one side as the stream of residents behind her push on into the living cavern. Hands absently and nervously smooth the ice blue of her skirts, lower lip worried lightly between her teeth.

Rodric bows again, this time to the Vintner journeywoman. "Well met, Journeywoman," he says formally. "I shall endeavor to do my best to keep all entertained. He straightens, and takes note of phoenix. "Good evening Lady phoenix," he adds and bows again. "Harper's duties," he chooses the formal greeting again, and stands, with hands loosely clasped behind his back.

L'nan comes up the steps from the Inner Caverns.
L'nan has arrived.

P'ter places his bottle on the table, glancing at it with anticipation in his eyes. Then he spots Baleera and waves, "Ah, Journeywoman Baleera, I trust you are settling in comfortable? I've not had time to chat since you arrived."

Leah snorts at P'ter's introduction, "I don't know about wonderful. Relieved to have someone to share the work load with, that's for sure. P'ter's finding his way into our hearts quite nicely around here, I admit." She grins at the Weyrleader, then says to Baleera, "I'm sure you've got plenty around for this party, though it won't be your special brew. I look forward to sipping on that at the Hatching!"

P'ter says "Hello Jenna, A very nice outfit you are wearing if you don't mind me saying so."

Baleera beams a smile up to the new Weyrleader. "Yes, sir, I am most certainly feeling welcomed here. Things are progressing well with the setup of the equipment, and I'll be producing Fort Brew in no time, sir." She winks. "You, of course, and the Weyrwoman Leah, will be needing to test the first few cups of each batch, I'm thinking."

L'nan makes his way into the caverns, hair plastered to his head. He looks squeaky clean in a new white tunic and somewhat clean and pressed pants. The only thing that mars his neat appearance is the remnants of a shiner on his left eye, which is still swollen shut. There's a grin on his face though as he takes a few steps to catch up to Jenna and poke her lightly on the side. "Evenin', all," he calls cheerfully.

K'tel smiles at Lady phoenix, then glances towards the entrance. He murmurs a polite "I'll be back in a moment." and heads that direction.

K'tel heads out the cavernous entrance to the bowl.
K'tel has left.

Rodric looks over in yet another new direction as P'ter greets the messenger and blinks once, then grins. "Well and truly, a vision of beauty this evening, Jenna," he compliments the slender runner, and his grin broadens a little as L'nan appears. "Good evening L'nan, Harper's duties."

R'till comes in from the bowl.
R'till has arrived.

phoenix drops a curtsey to the Master, a sparkle in her eyes, "Why, Master Rodric..I believe the last Harper to keep me entertained was Mykal..are you sure you are up to the challenge?"

Jenna clears her throat, starting forward towards the knot of people, "Thank you, s-erp!" She jumps lightly, as she is poked, turning scarlet and darting a look to L'nan. Still crimson, she answers, "Fort's duties to the Harpers, Master Rodric."

R'till waves a general greeting and takes a seatm next to phoenix.

Leah eyes Jenna, taking in the dress with a grin of approval, then watching for Master Rodric's reaction to the girl. She smiles at L'nan as he appears, "Weyrsecond. It's good to see you made it and that duties didn't keep you away."

P'ter blinks at L'nan's eyes, quickly and diplomatically ignores it. "Hello L'nan, good to see you." He grins, "Faranth, I've not seen you in like ... my, it must be candlemarks, totally candlemarks." He grins.

phoenix shifts a step closer to her weyrmate, stroking down an errant strand of his hair, "There you are. Everything taken care of, dear?"

Baleera gives a small bow of her head in the direction of Lady Phoenix. "And a wonderful privilege it is to be meeting a Lady Holder with such a reputation for kindness. My name is Baleera, newly posted Vintner Journeywoman for the Weyr."

Rodric laughs gaily at phoenix's challenge. "This humble Harper will certainly try his best, Lady," he says gallantly and executes a half-bow.

L'nan grins as his poke was well received and he adds, "You look real nice, Jenna," in a more polite voice than most have heard him use. "Fort's duties, Rodric, t'Harpers an' all. Weyrleader, weyrwoman," he adds, saluting in their direction. He grins at P'ter. "At /least/, sir." He smiles around to the various guests.

P'ter says "R'till, good to see you."

Jenna's one for blushes this evening. She clears her throat and offers, "I heard from Anonee that there's quite a feast awaiting. In the meantime, can I get anyone drinks or refill cups?" And maybe cool that face off in the ice bucket or something while she's at it.

R'till does general greeting to all, "Heya P'ter."

phoenix flashes a sparkling smile back to Rodric, "Now I find myself all...expectant." Baleera is given a softer smile, "A pleasure to meet you, Baleera. I have a soft spot in my heart for Vintners." Her hand gently squeezes R'till's shoulder, and she doesn't elaborate further.

P'ter smiles, bending his upper body forwards in a bow to Phoenix. "Lady Holder Phoenix, a pleasure to see you."

Rodric chuckles softly. "Far be it for me to fail to meet the expectation of so renowned a person as yourself Lady phoenix," returns the Masterharper, then he sends a wink toward L'nan. "I've brought some more of my personal collection as gift to the Weyrleader, L'nan -- perhaps he'll be kind enough to let you have a taste after we've eaten," he says in a rather less formal and entirely more relaxed way than he's been speaking so far.

Leah says to P'ter as Lady phoenix is greeted, "Lady Reaches moved here to live with us in her retirement. We've been thrilled to have her as her expertise is always appreciated when it comes to working with our Holders."

Baleera smiles and withdraws graciously from the bustle. Her sense of timing is more toward the middle and end of the evening, when things are more jovial and the talk of business is replaced by merriment. She circles slowly, though, smiling all the time with a glint in her eye which makes you wonder if she's already thinking ahead to the laughter and relaxation which her craft will help supply.

L'nan's eyes take in all the people, and he sends a few smiles to specific folks. He makes his way towards Rodric, giving Jenna a wink as he murmurs her way, "Couldja get me a glass of wine?" At Rodric's information, he gets a mock-pleading expression on his face. "Y'didn't bring any for /me/?" He sniffles.

phoenix feins surprise, "Renown? Me? Perhaps you will be so kind as to share with me what you have heard, Master Rodric." Another sparkle lights her eyes. "P'ter, it is wonderful to see you standing still again," she teases.

Jenna nods slightly to L'nan, moving off a bit from the group to cool off her still pink face, fabric fluttering lightly in her wake. As she goes she offers, "Anyone else, just sing out - I'm not officially on serving duty tonight, but since I'm getting, I'd be happy to bring any others in return. Is there to be music later, Master Rodric?" The question comes as she pours not one, but two mugs of red.

K'tel comes in from the bowl.
K'tel has arrived.

P'ter chuckles at phoenix's comment. "I don't stand still very often?" he asks, a smile on his face and a look of certain amusement. "I am afraid that if I do so for any length of time I might get far to comfortable and never move again." He grins then, "Especially with such beverages as Master Rodric brings."

K'tel comes back in, amused smile on his face. He notices the wine and walks over to get a glass for himself, nodding to Jenna, "Evening."

Baleera looks over toward Jenna and sucks her teeth. "Well, I'll see to serving everyone." She comes over to the table and begins to pour out and place full glasses on a tray. With practiced ease, she carries the tray over to where the notables are gathered, and circulates, offering the tray to each who do not have a glass already, the bottle from which the best of the wine was poured in her other hand, so that the patrons can see the label, seal, and date.

Various people on serving duty begin to circulate with trays of hors d'ovres and glasses of wine. Each pauses time and again as someone takes something from their tray, and when empty they disappear towards the kitchens. Moments later, they return with trays filled to begin their rounds once more.

Jenna nods politely to K'tel, "Fort's duties to Igen. You're not here to try to steal P'ter back from us, are you?" Her tone is light, the color finally having relinquished its stranglehold on her cheeks. "I think he's finally getting used to the weather - maybe." This last said with a smile.

K'tel can't resist plucking a tasty piece of sausage from a passing tray. He pops it in his mouth, "Mmm. Those are good!" He chuckles at Jenna's words, "I doubt we could drag Aisheth back to Igen with all the queens helping. No, I'm just here to help celebrate." Glancing over at the Weyrleader, "He does look happy."

Leah laughs at Jenna's words, "Impossible! He's a Fortian now!" She snags a glass of white wine from a passing tray, sips from it, then adds, "Besides, he's not even experiences at Fort Weyr winter yet."

L'nan makes his way over to Jenna to nab one of those mugs of wine, then makes his way to one of those servers with the spiced meatrolls, grabbing himself two. "With that, he hangs back from the crowd for a moment, just taking in the various conversations and goings on.

K'tel grins at Leah, "I'm glad I don't have to. I've heard about them."

phoenix slides into that seat next to R'till, lightly covering his hand with her own, "Are you hungry? The kitchen has smelled wonderful the entire day."

Jenna grins over at the Weyrwoman, "We might have to ask for extra blankets in tithe this winter ma'am, just to be on the safe side." Eyes skip over the small group gathered together, nodding towards L'nan as he comes over and holding out his cup to be rescued. Her tone is deadpan as she turns back to K'tel and nods asking a bit more quietly, "Had you two known each other long?"

Rodric senses "Jenna's eyes lock on your face for a moment her smile for you alone, before she turns back to make small talk."

Norri comes up the steps from the Inner Caverns.
Norri has arrived.

K'tel chuckles, "Oh, the tales I could tell..." He seems to savor the idea, "I've known P'ter since before he impressed. Just a few turns."

P'ter smiles at Jenna's words, managing to catch most of it. He chuckles at K'tel's reply. "Well, Aisheth has since found the hot springs ... I'm afraid its going to be very hard to get him away from those, he likes them almost as much as he liked the Igen lake." Then he stares at Leah, "Oh Leah please! You'll have me shivering again and I swear I just stopped doing that only three days ago."

R'till nods to phoe, "Yes dear, quite hungry."

Norri hurries in to the living cavern, "I'm so sorry to be late! We had a small problem in the lower caverns, but it's all taken care of now. Good evening! Fort Weyr's duty to you, " she exclaims to the visitors.

Leah calls out to L'nan as she notices him snagging a snack, "I made sure we had plenty of meatrolls just for you, Weyrsecond!" She grins at P'ter, "I believe there will be plenty to keep a handsome Weyrleader warm during the chilly months. Thank Faranth we're not as cold as Reaches or Telgar! I fear we'd lose P'ter if our winters were that frigid!"

P'ter points to K'tel, perhaps not the height of decorum, but he does it anyway. "This man was my Weyrleader for most of my formative turns." He smiles warmly, "And Zmeth was a very good influence over Aisheth if I might add."

P'ter shakes his head to Leah, "Not at all, if your winters were that cold I would just freeze solid and so long as you kept me a little distance from the hearths, why, I'd not be able to move, let alone leave." He grins then, "So you think I'll be warm this winter. One can only hope."

Jenna ahas at K'tel. She darts a look over to the Weyrleader. "And I'm going to be in the Igen area next month for training, learning the traces and the like. I should definately make an effort to come get to know where our good Weyrleader comes from. Though, Faranth knows, I'd *never* be interested in any gossip... runners *never* pay any creedence to interesting stories..." She gives the bronzeriders an innocent look, and takes a drink from her mug.

L'nan gives Leah a cheerful grin. "My thanks, Weyrleader!" he calls to her. At Norri's entrance, he turns her way and grins. "Evenin', Norri. Look! We haven't tracked nearly so much as we normally do..." He points to the tracks of muddy boot prints that, though not /too/ bad, are bound to drive the Headwoman to distraction.

Leah loops her arm with P'ter's again and laughs, "Well, I'm sure we can find plenty to keep you warm. We just have to start looking now, hm?" She sips from her wine glass, noticing the arrival of the Headwoman. Swallowing quickly, she lifts her glass and calls out, "Norri! We're over here!"

phoenix smiles, leaning against R'till as she eavesdrops on the other conversations.

K'tel grins at P'ter then looks back at Jenna, echoing her innocent look, "Oh, I never pass along /gossip/. You'll definitely have to find me when you're over that way." He raises a brow, "Who knows? Maybe we'll be able to convince you to enjoy the warmth for a bit."

Norri smiles at L'nan, averting her eyes from the floor, "No, not so bad as usual," she conceeds with enormous self control. "And how are you this evening? I suspect...relieved?" Then she heads over towards Leah and P'ter when Leah calls to her. "Good evening Weyrwoman, Weyrleader! And may I offer my formal congratulations," she says with grave politeness.

N'sales comes in from the bowl.
N'sales has arrived.

Leah is standing with her arm looped through P'ter's, laughing with some of the people who've arrived. She says to Norri with a grin, "Thank you! I want to say you've done a wonderful job with this party, as usual."

Jenna nods politely to K'tel. "Well, Fort is my home station. I'm to learn the hazards of running traces at Igen - oh! I do know someone there, though. T'jas. He impressed a blue in your last, I believe. He stood with us here at Fort for Elynth's first clutch. His brother is one of Master Rodric's Harpers, just got promoted, if word from the Hall is right." She gives Rodric a smile, before taking a quick sip from her cup.

P'ter wags a finger at K'tel with a chuckle, "Don't you dare pinch Forts best courier. We need her." He adds, with something of a smile, "Besides, I've just seen her in that wonderful blue dress. She really can't leave now, that just wouldn't be fair."

Norri shakes her head quickly, "Oh, you are much too generous with your praise Weyrwoman. I must give credit to our Bakers and all the lower caverns staff." She glances from Leah to P'ter and their joined arms and then turns her guiless blue eyes back to the Weyrwoman.

P'ter bows to Norri, "Headwoman Norri, may I take this time to formally thank you for your words, and also to thank you for the so very wonderful job you do around here. Your are a bastion of Fort dear lady and thank you." He grins, adding, "And my personal thanks go to you for those fine furs you had sent up to my weyr. I've never known better in all my turns."

L'nan nods in response to Norri, then just takes his seat again, quietly taking in all the commotion. He grins at P'ter's words, holding up his mug of wine in a silent salute to them, and takes a drink.

N'sales strolls in a smug look on his face as he makes his way over to the Weyrleader and those assembled around him, "Much apologies for arriving late sir."

K'tel just chuckles at P'ter, "I've seen T'jas about. He's doing well. Has he come back for a visit yet?"

Norri smiles tentatively at P'ter, "I'm so pleased that they met with your approval. I hope that your...friend...journeyman Liah was...satisfied as well?"

Leah glances at the new arrival to the group, a wide smile appearing on her face, "N'sales! There you are!" She releases the Weyrleader to snag a second glass of white wine and walk over to the bronzerider. Offering him the glass, she says to N'sales, "I was wondering when you'd get here."

From afar, to Jenna, K'tel, L'nan, Leah, N'sales, Norri, P'ter, R'till, and phoenix, Rodric begs pardon -- I'm still at work and liable to suddenly drop idle without notification as people invade my cube

Shard it. And just when she's finally stopped blushing. P'ter's words get a goodnatured roll of Jenna's eyes, though L'nan's cup lifted to them brings back the pink full force. She forces a laugh, "Well, as you can see, Bronzerider, I think there'll be some arguement over a permanent change in station." She shakes her head. "He hasn't. I think he was glad to be searched - he took it rather hard when he was left standing. -- I'm Jenna, by the way."

P'ter waves over to N'sales, "Welcome down N'sales, no problem in being late, better late than never." He gris widely then blinks at Norri, "Oh yes, I'm sure she was. I've hardly had time to talk to her since then. Though I fully intend to get over to Igen to see how she is as soon as I am able. I'll be sure to ask her that question on your behalf."

Rodric leans toward L'nan and grins. "How's that wine then L'nan? OUght I to sample a cup?"

L'nan grins as he's able to bring back Jenna's blush. Turning to Rodric, he nods. "It's really good.. got a bit of a zing to it, y'know? And it's real fruity."

Norri nods to P'ter, still looking somewhat bemused. Then she says to Leah, "It does seem that our guests are enjoying themselves. Is there anything else I can do for you right now?"

K'tel blinks, just then realizing he hadn't given his name, "Well met, Jenna. I'm K'tel, Zmeth's rider." He smiles an apology, adding, "You do look lovely tonight. P'ter can hardly blame me for trying."

Leah hmmms at Norri and glances over at her, then smiles again, "You can enjoy yourself and relax. I want you to have fun, okay?" She's still holding the full glass of wine out for N'sales.

N'sales gratefully takes the glass from Leah offering her a warm smile. "Thank you. Yes I was delayed with a small matter near Fort Hold while I was conveying a message for... drat it, I can never remember his name. Anyways the matter was resolved and I am here now." he nods to the others and offers greetings before nodding to P'ter. "I guess I should say congratulation again and it is a pleasure to have you as our Weyrleader sir."

Leah wraps her now free arm around N'sales' waist and lifts her glass to P'ter as well, "Indeed. Welcome to Fort, P'ter, we're thrilled that you're here."

Norri nods to Leah as well, looking even more bemused, "Yes Weyrwoman, of course." Still puzzled, she nods a respectful greeting to N'sales as well. "Good evening Weyrsecond. My congratulations to you as well. With such wonderful leadership Fort Weyr has a very bright future."

Jenna's hands are firmly clasped about her wine cup, which is likely a good thing - they can't twist nervously otherwise. She clears her throat and bobs her head in acknowledgement of K'tel's compliment. "Thank you. It's a first wearing. I do hop, however, that it doesn't go as badly as poor Master Rodric's new gather tunic did at the last hatching feast." She turns a grin on the masterharper. "Thanks to a certain dousing of juice."

P'ter ' who to this point hasn't taken a drink starts to cast around for a glass of wine of something similar. As he does so he snags a meatrool, biting into it. The roll half gone in a single large nibble. He looks around at the small sea of faces and rubs at the side of his nose, looking quite happy with his lot. He smiles over to Leah and N'sales, swallows the meatroll and says, "Well I'm glad to be here. And I have you to thank for that Leah." There is a pause, "I stand corrected by Aisheth. You and Jinieth too."

phoenix says, quietly, with a straight face and sparkling eyes, "Look, love. Even the Weyrseconds were unleashed." She spies Norri, then and gives a little wave, "Evening, Headwoman!"

Rodric grins as he snags a glass off of a passing try. "And I'll pray that -this- new Gather tunic of mine doesn't garner like treatment to that other Jenna," teases the Harper, before lifting his glass in toast to P'ter as well. "Welcome and congratulations Weyrleader."

Leah laughs at that, waving over a young man with a tray of wine glasses, "Jinieth and I both say 'you're welcome'. We look forward to many turns with you as our Weyrleader. And I think I speak for the rest of Fort as well."

Jenylle comes up the steps from the Inner Caverns.
Jenylle has arrived.

K'tel turns to the Masterharper, "Juice? A tunic is at least worth wine." He looks over and lifts his glass after Rodric, just smiling at P'ter.

N'sales grins and inclines his head to Norri, "Why thank you Headwoman. I must say it is a great honor and I look forward to the challenge." he takes a sniff of the wine then a small sip, savoring the taste a moment as he lets it linger on his tongue.

Jenna echos the Masterharper's salute in a murmur, lifting her mug as well.

Norri slips away from the terrifying glamor of the Weyr leadership and goes over to Phoenix, "Good evening Lady Phoenix. How nice to see you. How have you been?"

Long distance to Jenylle: Jenna is wearing a *dress*!

N'sales lifts his glass, "Hear hear, to many turns P'ter."

"Hear hear!" L'nan calls out at Leah's words, and drinks. He spots Jenylle and grins, facing her and hold out his hands her way cheerfully. "Ah! My date has arrived at last," he chuckles, winking at the young girl. "Welcome to the party, Jen!"

Leah sips from her wineglass once more, draining it and setting it on a tray that's offered to her. She takes another glass of the white and tugs on N'sales, standing on tiptoes to say something in the tall Weyrsecond's ear.

P'ter looks a tap unused to all these nice words and nods his head, "I'll try to live up to my posting. The least I can do," he mutters, then starts to circulate, picking up a glass of wine as he passes a table.

Rodric takes a good long drink from his glass, then examines an offered tray of food, smiles charmingly at the girl holding the tray, murmurs something that makes her giggle and blush and selects a single bite-sized munchy to nibble on.

K'tel smiles, commenting to Jenna, "He's still shy. He'll get over that soon enough."

N'sales bends over to help ease Leah from having to strain on her tip toes, placing one hand around her shoulders to provide a balance point as he bends down. He smiles then nodding in response.

Jenna adds in an aside to K'tel, "I didn't drink wine then, juice was the best I could do for Pern's Masterharper." Her tone is amused, giving Rodric a wry look, and she beams at Jeny, as the girl slips in from the caverns. "Jeny! did you ever meet the Masterharper? And here's K'tel, Zmeth's rider in from Igen." At the bronzer's comment she laughs. "Must be the crowd. I'd be glad of the competition for rosy cheeks tonight."

Jenylle looks down at herself in her purpler outfit and giggles at L'nan's comment. She gives a fine mock curtsey for the bluerider's benefit. "Aww, does that mean I can sit near ya?" she asks in her melodic tone.

phoenix smiles broadly to Norri, "Could not be even a smidge better, thank you. Yourself? And your children?"

L'nan bows at Jenylle's curtsy and nods gravely, eyes twinkling. "But of course you can, I'd be deee-lighted." He grins and nods at Jenna's introductions, adding, "And this is the lovely Jenylle of Fort Weyr, everyone."

K'tel smiles at Jeny as Jenna does the introductions. He's distracted momentarily by a server trading his empty glass for a full one.

Norri smiles, "Quite well thank you. They're growing up all the time." She lowers her voice, "And we're expecting our family to be growing again in a few more months." She helps herself to a glass of juice as a serving drudge passes by, eschewing the stronger drinks.

P'ter nods to Jenylle, smiling as she arrives. He moves around through the group, taking a break now and then to listen in on conversations. "Norri? More family for you? Well congratulations are in order then!"

phoenix tries to asses the figure of the Headwoman and gently shakes her head, "How do you keep your fine figure through it all? I'd never have guessed.."

Rodric turns a little at Jenna's exclamation and smiles at Jenylle. "Hello there," he says brightly, setting his wine glass down and bows to the child. "It is an honor to meet you, Jenylle of Fort Weyr." His tone is serious but his eyes twinkly a little as he affords the girl the same courtesy as he would other more august personages.

Norri blushes furiously as P'ter overhears, "Yes sir, Weyrleader P'ter. I do apologize for speaking of something so personal in the living cavern. Thank you for your good wishes though."

K'tel hears P'ter's congratulations to Norri and his attention strays to that conversation.

Jenna fairly beams at Jeny, obviously quite pleased at the attention her sometimes foster daughter is receiving.

Jenylle send off a cheerful wave as Jenna introduces K'tel, her eyebrows raising in interest. "Oh, another IGenite. Great, maybe you might know about belly dancers," she says cheerfully. Rodric's introdcution gets a very pleased smile and she comes before him, doing her curtsey for him as well. "Pleased to meetcha Masterharper sir. I promise I know all my teaching balads I should by heart," she assures him and goes for the offered seat near L'nan. "HAve I missed anything?" she asks, her sporano voice bright.

K'tel's attention is back to Jenylle at the mention of belly dancers. He manages a surprised, "Belly dancers?"

Jenna clears her throat at the mention of belly dancers, and she assures K'tel, "Something she must've heard somewhere. Jeny's a font of information. And she doesn't indeed know her teaching ballads backwards and forwards."

P'ter tilts his head at Norri, looking at her as Aisheth would, "But Norri, this is /your/ living cavern as much as it is anyone elses, please, feel free to say anything you like in here. I know that you would never say anything against decorum, I have no fears what so ever." He toasts her with his glass, smiling brightly. He turns to peer at K'tel and his smile widens at his interest in belly dancers, having been through this himself recently.

Rodric's lips quirk up further at Jenylle's pronouncement. "I'm sure you have Jenylle, I'm sure you have," he says with a hint of amusement and straightens up a little. His brows lift as well at the girl's question about belly dancers and his head tips slightly to the side, perhaps in anticipation of hearing the explanation involved.

Jenylle nods fervently, setting her ringlets swishing brushing aginst her rounded cheeks. "Yup," is her reply to K'tel. "Just ask N'sales."

L'nan watches Jenylle do her rounds of curtsies and polite remarks, chuckling at teh belly dancer remark. As she sits near him, he reaches out an arm to place lightly on her shoulders. "I better be careful, or everyone here's gonna try'n steal you from me," he sighs mournfully. He adds, "An' haven't missed much. Be sure t'offer Weyrleader P'ter congratulations," as a quick reminder. Jenna gets a raised eyebrow and a grin. "Tattler!"

Leah grins at N'sales and gives him a kiss on the cheek before he pulls away to straighten up. Quite a couple they are, his extra-tall self and her petite one. She grins at Jenylle and winks, then says to the others, "Jenylle's very advanced for her age. She remembers *everything*!" This gets a pointed look at L'nan and Jenna with a grin, noting that the child does indeed remember everything, and not just her teaching ballads.

K'tel considers this, glancing at Leah and N'sales, then asks Jeny, "What do you know about them?"

Jenna frowns slightly at Jeny. "Maybe I'd better ask Norse too." The frown is then turned lightly on L'nan. "Oh, shush you. Jeny's just... broadening her horizons, aren't you, Jeny? What do you want me to bring you back from Igen? I'm posted there next month." Though at Leah's comment, back the blush comes once more.

Rodric lifts his wine glass, chuckling over it before drinking. "Hmmm -- then I shall be very careful about what I say around this precocious young lady," he notes with a wink and tips his glass up for another sip of its contents.

Norri nods obediently to P'ter, still looking confused. She circulates through the room, making sure that everyone has a drink, a snack, whatever they need. She stops again by L'nan, "So, how are you really?" she asks him quietly.

K'tel smiles at Jenna, then comments to Jeny, "She could learn some belly dancing while she's there then teach you when she gets back." He puts on his best innocent look.

Anonee comes down the marble steps from the kitchen.
Anonee has arrived.

L'nan looks at Leah and frowns. "What'd I do?" he asks, apparently completely in the dark. He looks at Jenna questioningly, then breaks into snickers at K'tel's comment. "I wanna see, too," he tells Jenylle. "If she teaches you, can I watch the lesson?"

Anonee finally manages to sneak out of the kitchens, after a quick change in wardrobe of course. She heads immediately to the sideboard to get herself a glass of wine.

As he catches Norri's question, L'nan turns to her and gives his best 'unsure-but-game' smile. "Fine... though I miss you serving me all my meals and tucking napkins into my shirt," he adds.

Norri lifts a hand in greeting to Anonee, and then looks at L'nan in surprise, "We certainly can be more attentive. Any rider at Fort Weyr deserves that sort of attention. But you didn't really seem to enjoy it all that much," she accuses.

Anonee chuckles at hearing L'nan's words, and moves over that way with her glass of wine, "I can easily add that to my list of things you need to be watched for," she smiles at the bluerider. Norri gets a bright grin.

P'ter ends up near Anonee, "Ah, Anonee, tell me, how are you this evening?" He gives her a complimentary look, "A very nice red dress too, I must admit liking the firelizards done in thread there." He looks around, "It seems this evening is the evening to see those I know getting dressed in their finest." He smiles at that, sipping at his wine.

Jenna is in the process of turning blood red again - that blush just won't stay down, thanks to L'nan and K'tel's efforts. She clears her throat and says lightly, "I swear, I'm going to start escorting P'ter around if the pair of you keep this up."

"Oh yes, Weyrleader P'ter, I'm very happy you came to Fort Weyr," Jenylle says, raising a milk glass to the new Weyrleader. She blushes suddenly at all the grownup talk, her large eyes turning innocent. "Belly dancers. I saw them at the gather in Ista. They were really nice to me and showed me some belly wiggles. Then L'nan gave me a scarf for my turnday and I was pretending I was from Igen one day," she explains, her voice softening sheepishly. She's content to fall against L'nan's arm and drink milk quietly now. "N'sales said I was good.

Anonee blushes at such a comment from the Weyrleader, but manages a pretty smile. "Well, thank you, sir," she says. "Of course you had to know we'd break out our best and prettiest for your welcome party."

Norri smiles at Anonee, "You look beautiful. And what a fine job you and the kitchen staff have done tonight! Everyone seems to be having a very nice time. Have you said your congratulations to the Weyrleader and Weyrsecond?"

K'tel chuckles, "It's a fine art, you know, requiring lots of practice." He smiles at L'nan and Jeny, amused.

Rodric laughs outright at L'nan's question to Jenylle about belly dancing lessons. "Tsk L'nan -- you're putting Jenna on the spot," he says lightly. "Igen will be lucky indeed to have your quick feet in service at their station, Courier," he remarks with nod to Jenna. "Belly dancing or no belly dancing," he says with another chuckle and steps over to one of the servers to have his glass refilled with red wine.

P'ter chuckles, "But I'm the same person I always was. Grey up mucking out runners. No need to do all this for me." He sips at his wine with a twinkle in his eye, "Not that I /mind/ mind you, I like a get together as much as anyone." He chuckcles to Jenylle, "And don't you worry, I'm sure you'll make a great belly dancer after a few lessons. And I'm sure we can arrange for some from somehwhere. Perhaps we can find those that were at Ista. Do you have a name of any of them?"

K'tel inclines his head after the MasterHarper, "Well said."

Anonee nods her head to Norri, "Thank you Headwoman," she replies brightly. "I have, though not tonight," she says, turning a brilliant smile on both Lu and P'ter. "Congratulations," which she follows up with, "You still have to eat y our greens."

L'nan easily hugs Jenylle to his side, chuckling. "I liked the attention, jus' not the napkin. Or the greens," he tells Norri. He just grins at Anonee and winks. "As if you're not always dressed nicely, mmm?" Eyes stray to Jenna and he widens his eyes. "But we just wanna see you belly dance. Don't we, Jenylle," he adds. Evil bluerider, using the little one to help him. The 'eat your greens' comment by Anonee is carefully ignored.

P'ter grins, "As I told you, I'm one of the lucky ones. I actually like my greens." He lifts his glass, "Though it has to be said that I like my reds also."

Leah glances over at the kitchens when the head cook sticks her head out and gives her a signal. She says to everyone, rather loudly, "Please, everyone, take your seats and the meal will be served!" A slight tug is given to N'sales' arm as she heads towards the head table. The Living Cavern tables are set with places and the food will be served at the tables instead of buffet style this night.

N'sales grins to Jenylle and nods, passing a look to Jenna then to L'nan with a nod. "Of course we do."

Norri murmurs to Anonee, "They're drinking quite a bit of wine tonight. We may have more to clean up than expected." She looks up as Leah invites everyone to be seated for dinner, "Perhaps we should have had a practice, " she remarks again quietly to her assistant.

K'tel turns to P'ter, "P'ter, Terrilia sends her congratulations. She wanted to come but she's pregnant again. I'm to give a full report." He rolls his eyes, cheerfully.

Jenna clears her throat rather primly at L'nan's comment, "I think I'll likely be too busy to learn dance steps while I'm there." Her voice softens slightly and she smiles at Jeny, "Though I'll be glad to bring you something back from Igen." She starts after the Masterharper, "Oh, Master rodric I wanted to talk to you about my replacement-" She breaks off as the signal for dinner begins, expression a trifle wry.

P'ter says "So K'tel, are you to report back to her on what is going on or report to me about her being pregnant again?" He chuckles, "And it wasn't me!"

N'sales follows Leah as she tugs at his arm looking rather puzzled as she drags him off towards the head table. He mumbles something in her ear about head table and supposed to be there.

Anonee chuckles at Norri, moving slowly towards the tables. "At least the tables are back to their normal arrangement," she grins, nudging L'nan slightly.

Jenylle giggles at the Masterharper's comment and nods appreciatively to the Weyrleader, "Thank you sir. I remember one was named Tousau. She said she was from Igen Hold. But Ma told me I shouldn't bother you anymore about Belly dancers. She didn't say anything about K'tel," she says with an impish grin. She hugs back against L'nan's size, her face happily squishing into him as she continues. Jenna however does get a curious glance from large eyes as she begins to speak.

Leah pauses to snort at N'sales, then says to Master Rodric and K'tel, "I hope you both will join us at our table? It's only fitting for such a special occasion."

Rodric looks up as Leah announces the arrival of food and grins widely. "Ahhh -- excellent and now we shall be spoiled indeed by the Weyr's excellent Cooks," he exclaims jovially. He pauses mid-step toward the tables and nods at Jenna's words. "Certainly, certainly Jenna, perhaps over dinner or after?" He offers the runner his arm and smiles at Leah. "Of course Weyrwoman, I would be honored."

K'tel ohs as he realizes everyone is moving to their seats. He laughs at P'ter, "I didn't ask who it was. And I'm not sure." He was shooing P'ter off to the Head table but stops at Leah's invitation. He smiles warmly, "My pleasure, Weyrwoman."

P'ter moves up to the head table, taking a look to find where he is indeed, actaully going to be sitting. He mutters to himself, "I should of looked at this before."

Jenna was about to sidestep to allow the Harper to continue on, though as his arm is held out, she darts a faintly apprehensive look to Leah, hesitating.

Anonee chuckles, and calls over to P'ter, softly, She mutters to P'ter, "... have... made..."

L'nan gives Jenylle a squeeze, and then moves to stand. "Ready for a big meal, eh? You hafta promise to leave a little for me though," he adds, winking at the girl. He looks at Leah for a long moment and then leans over, adding, "Perhaps if you'd like, you could sit with Masterharper and Jenna at the tables? I have to sit up there," he adds apologetically. "Though if Rodric can bring a date..." He winks at the Masterharper.

P'ter grins to Anonee, "Never mind, I just don't want to upset any seating order. Where were you planning I should be? Or is it anywhere?"

Leah points to a chair for P'ter, standing behind the one next to it with a grin, "Get used to it, Weyrleader, this is your seat from now on. On a regular basis, N'sales will be on my left with L'nan on your right. However, tonight I think it only proper that K'tel sit next to you... if L'nan doesn't mind moving over a seat or two?" She gestures to a chair on the other side of N'sales, "Master Rodric and... Jenna. Yes. Right over there."

Anonee chuckles, "Certainly not at the head table," she dimples. "We save that for all of you on display tonight."

Norri hovers, making sure that everyone reaches their seat and is settled comfortably.

N'sales gives Leah the what did I say look but nods and smiles as she invites Rodric and K'tel to join them. Best just do as he is led. He places his glass down on the table where is to be sitting and as is proper offers a seat to Leah before taking his own.

Jenna takes the Masterharper's arm then, though L'nan's words get a swift look. "I'd not want to clutter up your dinner with business, Master Rodric, though."

P'ter ahs as Leah points out a chair, moving to it. "Sorry, should of checked before hand. Took so much time trying to get this outfit together I was nearly late getting down." He grins then, "K'tel next to me?" He grins, "Good, I can pinch the meat from his plate when he is not looking."

K'tel trails along, waiting until the places are certain before moving to take his seat. He chuckles at P'ter, telling L'nan, "See what you'll have to put up with?"

Rodric sends a return wink to L'nan "It's only polite to escort the ladies, Weyrsecond," he says and leads Jenna to her appointed seat and pulls out the chair for her. "I"m sure there will be time later then -- after we've been able to enjoy the good meal provided," he remarks, before proceeding to take his own spot. "Thank you kindly for inviting us Weyrwoman -- I have been looking forward to the occasion since the invitation arrived."

Leah returns the look that N'sales' gives her with a 'argue with me now and you're in trouble' look and waits for someone... anyone... of the men to be a gentleman for her. She smiles sweetly at her weyrmate, "Wingseconds always sit with their Wingleaders, right? Therefore, your wing table is this one." The other goldriders join them in various seats around the table.

Anonee carefully moves towards one of the lower tables, murmuring to Norri, "It will be nice, just once, to be served, instead of doing the serving."

L'nan nods solemnly to Rodric, trying desparately to hide a grin. He gracefully flops into the seat next to where he'd normally sit, to make room for K'tel. He answers the Igenite, "I'm glad t'let you have the meat-snapper for tonight," he chuckles. Then, patting the seat next to him, he motions to Jenylle. "C'mon, then... but no stealing my meatrolls."

P'ter pulls out the chair for Leah, then turns and does the same for K'tel,

Jenna settles herself carefully, doing her best to appear unobtrusive. She does crane her neck, however, to look for Jeny.

N'sales takes Leah's arm and escorts her to her seat offering her her chair as he pulls it out for her. He smiles at her answer then nods. Can't argue with such perfect logic now can you?

Rodric settles into the chair that Leah indicated for him, looking up and down the table, he nods and speaks greetings to some of the other riders he hasn't had an occasion to greet yet.

Norri nods to Anonee a bit doubtfully, "Yes...perhaps I ought to go take one more look in the kitchen," she says quietly as she stands by her chair.

K'tel gives P'ter a look, appearing about to argue about this arrangement. After a moment, he shuts his mouth, smiling slightly, and sits down, murmuring "Thank you." to the new Weyrleader.

Large trays of food appear with various serving people under them as they head for the tables. Roast herdbeast and wherry emit savory aromas set to make mouths water. Mashed roots, fresh greens, and salads provide tasty ruffage to accompany the meat. Fresh bread is placed in multiple locations on every table. Wine glasses are refreshed and various servers circulate, ready to refill any beverages at a signal.

Anonee leans over to gently rest a hand on Norri's. "They can handle it. You'll probably just spook them in you peak in there now."

Leah grins as both of the men pull out her chair, then she sinks primly into it. She shakes out her napkin and sets it in her lap.

Norri nods uncomfortably and takes her seat, neatly spreading the crisp linen napkin across her rounded abdomen, "Yes of course," she agrees to Anonee, "And my place really is here."

Jenylle pouts at L'nan. "I wouldn't steal yer meatroll. She tags along behind L'nan, pausing, finding Jenna's eyes seraching. She pauses, holding back. "Jenna, you look so beautiful in that dress," she says sweetly. "I bet all the fellas will be wantin' ta kiss ya tonight," she says with a huge grin.

Rodric gives a look to one of the servingpersons carrying a skin of wine and taps his empty glass with a winning smile. "Fill that up for me, will you please lad?" His napkin is unfolded and spread across his lap with a slight flourish.

Anonee calls up towards the head table, "Someone up there make sure the blueriding weyrsecond eats his greens? And someone tuck a napkin into his shirt, for Faranth's sake," she teases.

Jenna was just reaching to offer the bread basket to Rodric, though Jeny's comment gets a chuckle. "You just remember to put your napkin in your lap, all right?" She leans then to murmur something to her tablemate.

K'tel laughs at Anonee's words and picks up a napkin, offering it to L'nan, "Oh, Congratulations, by the way."

Rodric looks over at Anonee as she calls out the advice about L'nan and tips a glance at the Weyrsecond. "Not a greens man then L'nan?" he drawls out.

N'sales takes his seat following Leah, then turns back to look at Anonee with a chuckle. He then looks to Leah and grins, "No embarrassing me now." he gives her a wink before picking up his glass again.

Norri waits for the Weyrwoman and Weyrleader to begin their meal before picking up her own fork. She turns to the person on the other side of her to says politely, "The herdbeast is quite good, isn't it?"

L'nan gives Jenylle a teasingly suspicious look murmuring, "I don't know..." He takes the napkin from K'tel with a murmured, "Thank you. Good t'have Igen represented here, too." He shoots a look at Anonee and waggles a finger her way, then shakes his head at Rodric. "Not at all, at least when it comes to these kinds." He actually does take a few though, and hides them with several meatrolls as well.

Leah raises her own glass and clinks it with N'sales's, "Would I do that to you?" She winks at him, sips from her glass, and sets it down. To P'ter she says, "Well, honored person, want to pass the wherry before your Weyrwoman starves to death?" A teasing grin accompanies this question.

Anonee grins at L'nan, across the room. "I know you'll get me back," she says.

Rodric leans forward a little so he can see L'nan bit better. "Tsk, young man, don't you know that greens make you grow big and strong?" he teases the bluerider and sends another wink down the table, then sits back as his plate is filled up by a server.

Her plate piled high with meatrolls and surprisingly enough, vegetables, Jenylle sets her napkin in her lap as Jenna instructs. Perhaps the courier's influence is rubbing off on the girl. "Ok, but I never understood why I put the napkin in the lap. My mouth needs it more," she giggles.

P'ter holds onto the Wherry serving platter, "But I thought this was .my. serving. I was waiting for everyone else to get there own plate. You mean this is /it/?" His face is deapan for several seconds, then he grins and hands it over, "Here you go Weyrwoman Leah, and I see they even have a special sauce on this."

Norri glances over at Jenylle and smiles, "Oh, but the napkin is there to catch anyfood that might fall to your lap," she explains. "Presumably you'll eat neatly enough that you won't need it for your mouth until later in the meal."

Leah snickers at P'ter and serves herself a helping of the wherry and sauce, "Indeed they do. I believe Norri suggested this particular dish." She sets the serving utensils down on the plate and smiles, "Thank you." Reaching for a bowl of mashed roots, she picks it up and serves herself some of that as well, then offers the bowl to N'sales with a smile, "No starving yourself, Weyrsecond. Eat up."

K'tel allows his plate to be filled as well. He starts in on the meal, nodding appreciatively with the first few bites, "Excellent." Glancing over at P'ter, "I may have to get Dendra over here to trade recipes."

L'nan grins as he watches Jenylle act proper with the napkin, and quickly follows suit, setting his in /his/ lap. "It's in case you want to save food for later," he informs the girl. "Then you can sneak it under the table and wrap it in the napkin..." An exasperated look is sent to Rodric. "I took a whole half-serving, an' I'm as big'n strong as I need t'be." He makes a muscle and then grimaces. "Well... anyway, time t'dig in, eh?" With that, he sets into his food cheerfully.

Anonee looks around, before commenting to Norri, "I was hoping some of the other new additions to the weyr would be joining us. Have you had a chance to meet Jamison yet?" she asks in between dainty mouthfuls.

N'sales's jaw opens, "Now would I do that? Don't answer that Weyrwoman." he takes the bowl and pulls out a few pieces placing them on the plate in front of him before handing the bowl of the next in line.

Norri shakes her head in answer to Anonee's question, as she finishes a delicate bite. "I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting him, nor several other new residents. I hope to in the next day or so to make sure that they're all properly settled in. Have you met any of them?"

Rodric laughs at L'nan's expression and the muscle-flexing and sets to on his own meal. "Perhaps, my friend, perhaps," he says as he begins to pile his fork up with herdbeast and tubers and sauce. He takes a bite, chews, swallows and lets out a sound of appreciation. "Ahhhh ... now -that's- herdbeast done properly, Weyrwoman ... Headwoman ... my compliments to your Cook, I can't tell you how ... monotonous flambe can be sometimes."

Jenylle grins brightly at Norri. "Aw, well, that does make sense," she says agreeably. L'nan's explanations sends her into a fit of soft laughter though. "Oh no, I know better than that," she says playfully. "I did that only once and Ma was so mad at me." She notes the small serving of vegetables on the bluerider's plate. "Hey, you didn't get enough. That's ok, I got extra so we can share!" Oh boy oh boy!

P'ter chuckles, piling his own plate high with meat and greens, adding a generous helping of grains to the side, smothering the lot in sauce. He nods to K'tel, "Indeed, Norri and Anonee seem to have a large selection of the finest." He shrugs lightly, "Not that I ever have much of an appatite, so I only ever get to /taste/ that which is provided, but what I do take of it I have always found to be very good indeed."

Leah takes a bowl of salad that is passed to her and serves herself a generous portion of the greens, smiling at N'sales teasingly, "Of course not. I wouldn't respond to such a question." She hands that bowl to him as well, then stabs a carrot with her fork.

K'tel pretends shock, "You with no appetite?" He gives the Weyrleader a skeptical look, "I don't believe it." He grins, "In fact, I'd say Fort agrees with you."

Faramen stands from his seat at one of the lower tables, politely excusing himself from his tablemate as he's reminded of the time. With a quick motion of his hand, he waves to L'nan before bending over to pick up the backpack and gitar case next to his place.

Anonee only just now notices Faramen, and waves excitedly, nearly knocking over her own wineglass, which causes her to blush. "I didn't see that you'd come back!"

Jenna is rather quiet throughout dinner, mostly pushing at the food on her plate, though she assures someone around her that it is "truely delicious, yes."

L'nan wrinkles his nose at Jenylle. "YOu need t'do a bit more growing than I do," he protests. At seeing a wave, L'nan just waves back to Faramen before starting to dig in to his food again. Fork half-way to mouth, he blinks and then drops the fork. "Shards and shells!" he exclaims, rather too loudly. Then, again, "Shells... will you all excuse me? I totally forgot that I'd promised Faramen a ride t'Telgar... I should be back in the blink of a 'lizard eye..." With that and effusive apologies to the journeyman harper, he makes his way out to the bowl.

Faramen grins at L'nan's apologies, giving Anonee a sly wink as he passes the blushing young woman on his way out to the bowl, and his ride to Telgar.

Norri smiles at Rodric, "I'm quite sure that your own headwoman does a fine job, Masterharper. As you know, she and are good friends."

Rodric shakes his head slightly at L'nan's sudden exclamation and wags a finger at Faramen. "Tsk Journeyman -- in such a rush," he says but it's all good-humored. "Come back quick L"nan so you don't miss that wine," he tosses off toward the bluerider and reaches for his glass again.

L'nan adds a last wave to those at the tables, grins at Rodric with a "You can bet on it!" and then, is gone.

L'nan heads out the cavernous entrance to the bowl.
L'nan has left.

Faramen pauses at the mouth of the tunnel to the Bowl to say, "Alas, duty calls, sir." With a grin and another wave, he's gone.

Faramen heads out the cavernous entrance to the bowl.
Faramen has left.

Anonee turns to Norri, again, now, "And where is that newly posted winecrafter when you need her?" she jokes.

K'tel waves after the Weyrsecond then asks the MasterHarper, curiously, "Wine?"

Rodric sits back a little as his plate draws near to empty and nods at K'tel. "Yes -- the vintage I brought as a gift for P'ter, we were speaking of it when you arrived, rider," he says with another smile. "It's an after-meal type -- thick and sweet for enjoying by the fire ... at least, that is my favorite way to enjoy it. Preferably with good company and conversation as well."

Jenylle's large eyes turn up and watch L'nan dash away. They look to have just the slightest hint of disappointment, but she waves it off with a melodramatic sigh. "Fellas. Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em," she says with a blink. A phrase she's probably heard someone else say. Her attentions turn to Jenna, holding up a fork with a wide grin. "I'm gonna eat yer carrots if you don't," she says happily. Which is surprising. The girl has expressed her dislike for the orange tubers before.

Leah eats her meal while listening to the Weyrleader's conversation idly. A glance around and she smiles with satisfaction at the gathering.

P'ter is eating like a starving man. Soon his wherry has flown the plate, his grains have gone and his greens have been harvested. He wipes around the empty plate with a torn off chunk of bread. "You now, Fort really does have the best starters."

Anonee smiles at the Weyrleaders compliment, grinning at Norri.

Norri dips her chin modestly, and then takes another small bite. Her plate is nearly untouched. She glances at Anonee and smiles, letting her pleasure in the compliment be seen only by her assistant. Then she glances over at P'ter and says very softly to the assistant headwoman, "He does like his meals...we'll have to make sure to accommodate him."

Jenna grins at Jeny, "Or, you could always have seconds. Like how they're cooked tonight, do you?"

K'tel ahs, "That sounds extremely pleasant. Especially this time of year." He sighs and sits back in his chair, "At this rate, I'm not going to be able to get on Zmeth without help." To the MasterHarper, "How are things at the Hall?"

Anonee grins at Norri, replying just as quietly, "And he likes his greens too. I say we keep him. He's a good example."

P'ter helps hisself to another slice of wherry, adding a generous coating of sauce. He puts the sauce back down, think about it, then picks it up again and adds a little more sauce. Now satisfied, he reaches for bread.

Rodric curls one hand around the stem of his wineglass, and smiles at K'tel. "Perhaps -- too much of anything can cause difficulty in movement, it's true." His glass is lifted and just before he drinks he says lightly: "The Hall, fares very well, thank you kindly for asking K'tel. All is in order."

Norri nods, "A nice healthy appetite is a good sign. And he doesn't seem to be overly messy...and he's quite polite." she assesses the bronze rider.

Jenna tries not to stare at P'ter, though she must have overhead Anonee and Norri's comments. Her plate is still full, while his... As if reminded to eat, she takes up a modest fork full of greens.

"Bet he makes a good father, too," 'Nonee says, before taking another sip of wine.

Jenylle grins wryly. "They're glassed or something like that," she says, shrugging as she forgets the proper term. "They're edible I guess," she admits, although it's forced. "But I was just teasin' ya," she remarks. Her head falls to the side with a quizzical glance at the courier. "What were you guys talkin' about when I came to dinner? Are you leaving?" she asks softly. It's in a surprisingly calm and mellow tone even.

Norri nods, "Quite likely. He does seem to be that sort," she agrees with Anonee, "But I must admit to being rather confused..."

P'ter finishes this slice of wherry too, industrious in his eating. Finished he wipes at his mouth with a napkin. "Do we have dessert too? I'm still getting used to the delights of Fortian desserts." He smiles over to K'tel, "You really should try some of the fruit flan."

K'tel nods, adding "I very much enjoyed the music at the last gather. You have quite talented people." He pauses to debate with himself over an offered meatroll. Finally, he grins at the server, "Thank you. But this is the last one."

Anonee's brows furrow at Norri's comment, "On what?" she asks.

K'tel groans as P'ter suggests more. He chuckles, "Very well. How can I resist?"

Anonee's brows furrow at Norri's comment, "On what?" she asks.

Jenna nods slightly to Jeny, voice lowering. "Just for a month. Training in Igen, so I can learn the traces there. So you just name what you want for a present, and I'll bring it back for you." She smiles reassuringly at the girl.

Norri gives a slight shake of her head to Anonee, "We'll need to discuss that privately," she says very, very softly before going back to her meal.

Anonee's eyes dance a moment at this, "Perhaps between dinner and dessert," she says, gesturing with her head towards the kitchens.

"Oh?" Jenylle says, color coming back to her voice. Her large eyes show the relief at Jenna's assurance. "Maybe Ma has enough marks you could buy me abelly dancer costume," she says, quickly turning gleeful again. "Oh, speaking of Ma, I fergot I gotta go feed her 'lizards for her. Her knees were aweful sore today."

Rodric inclines his head toward K'tel. "Thank you -- I shall be sure to let the body of harpers who played there know." He sits forward again to give some more attention to the last of the food on his plate. Between bites he smiles down toward Jeny. "If she does bring you back such a costume, be sure not to wear it in winter," he remarks to the child and winks. "Could get mighty chilly."

Jenna nods to Jenylle, "Why don't you bunk with me tonight then, hm? Give her a bit of a rest. It's got to be the weather changing like it has been. You gonna stay out of trouble while I'm gone? Don't want to hear your name come up as much as Zalkin's does."

Rodric wipes the last of the sauce off his plate with a hunk of bread and looks up toward the Weyrleader. "Everything was excellent, Weyrleader." He tucks the bread into his mouth and reaches for his glass. With his mouth clear again, he announces gravely, in a carrying, jolly voice: "Here's to Fort Weyr, her leaders, her excellent food and wines!"

Leah grins and raises her glass as well, "Hear hear!"

K'tel raises his glass, "Hear hear!"

"I'll only wear it in summer," Jeny assures the Masterharper. She affirms this with a nod. At the mention of trouble, she crinkles her nose at Jenna. "I don't get into trouble in lessons like those -boys- do," she says, almost indignantly. She quickly changes back to her bright voice, "But I promise, no troubles. And I'd like to come sleep with you. I'll go put on my nighties soon," she says. As the toast begins, she raises her milk glass into the air.

Jenna lifts her mug along with the others raising into the air, at the Masterharper's toast to the Weyrleaders and Fort.

Jenylle drinks her milk to the fullest, leaving a little milk glass that she absently whipes off with her sleeve. "Congraduations! Err, no, Con-grat-ulations," she hollars out cheerfully, before she slips from her seat. "I'll go feed the 'lizards now," she informs to Jenna. The girl strides out from the cavern with a bounce in her step.

K'tel sips his wine, then brightens as he remembers something, "Ah, P'ter, I almost forgot. I'll be right back." He sets his wine down and walks, carefully, towards the bowl.

K'tel heads out the cavernous entrance to the bowl.
K'tel has left.

Jenylle walks down the eastern stairs to the Inner Caverns.
Jenylle has left.

Jenna watches after Jeny for a moment, and then turns to talk quietly as she pushes her plate away, mostly uneaten.

Norri glances at Leah, waiting for the signal to have the dessert brought in as appetites and conversation seem to slow down.

Leah smiles and nods to Norri, the signal the Headwoman is looking for, and turns back to say to the Masterharper, "I hear Faramen got promoted? Will we be seeing him at Fort Weyr?"

Rodric smiles as voices echo in praise and welcome around about, then he settles back comfortably in his chair, holding his wine glass. "Indeed, he did, Weyrwoman. He has been posted to Telgar Weyr, so it may be some time before he is able to come entertain you again."

Leah ahs with a tad of disappointment, "I see. Well, Telgar is lucky to have him. he's very talented."

Norri returns Leah's nod with a small one of her own, and then heads to the kitchen to have the dessert brought out. In a moment trays of fancy pastries appear, and each guest is served an elegant dish of mousse as well.

Jenna eyes the mousse with trepidation, and isn't picking up her fork.

Anonee glances over at Jenna. "Something wrong? Your appetite's been off all day."

Rodric nods, turning his glass around in his hands. "Faramen should do well at Telgar," he remarks further. "Though I am sure that when he is able, he will come to visit." He nods his thanks to the server who brings his dessert.

Jenna blinks at Anonee, and then shakes her head, "No, I've just never been much for sweets, though it looks just wonderful," she hurriedly assures both of the headwomanly folk.

Rodric turns slightly and grins. "That's all right ... more for me," he says jovially and makes as if to steal Jenna's dish.

Norri nods understandingly to Jenna, "Of course. It's not really the best thing for one's health, but most people do seem to like something sweet at the end of a meal."

Jenna rather willingly turns over the sweet to the Masterharper, nodding. "Please do help yourself, Master Rodric." She grins at Norri and confides, "It's more a fear of a lack of self control - Once I got started eating them, Faranth knows if I'd stop."

Anonee cranes her neck about, looking for some cookies, "Just something small will do me. I don't want to outgrow this dress so soon..."

Leah eats the mousse somewhat like a lady, meaning she doesn't wolf it down in one swoop. It's gone quickly, though, obviously a favorite of the Weyrwoman. She grins over at Norri with approval and thanks.

Norri nods to Jenna, "I don't often have much of an appetite, but when I do indulge it goes straight to -" she pauses, not having had any wine, and therefore not about to mention the part of her anatomy where it goes.

Rodric sneaks Jenna's dish over completely as she passes it over and grins mischievously, then he peeks over at Anonee at her comment about outgrowing her dress. "There doesn't seem to be much danger of that, it's a very lovely gown, assistant Headwoman, and it suits nicely too," he compliments and lifts one of the dishes of sweet up in toast, before setting to, with appetite and relish, with his spoon. Apparently, the Masterharper isn't worried at all about fat sticking to -his- hips.

Anonee blushes at yet another comment, murmuring, "Good thing L'nan let me off easy."

Anonee daintily finishes off her cookie, and looks over towards one of the tables that has already been abandoned by a few intrepid souls, now pondering the wines and contemplating dancing. "I'm going to get a start on cleaning up," she says, to Norri, standing and reaching for an apron.

Leah cocks her head to the side, then looks towards the bowl. She sighs and says, "If you'll excuse me, Jinieth is demanding my attentions."

Leah heads out the cavernous entrance to the bowl.
Leah has left.

Jenna is drawn aside in conversation.