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Post by taenia on Sept 24, 2010 12:22:22 GMT -5
Dawn broke over Nova Hold that morning with a sense of forboding for Ranelli. The previous day hadn't gone as she'd wanted it to, and despite having time to herself, she couldn't help thinking that going through with this was a bigger mistake than running away.. She'd been up all night, and altough there were a number of candlemarks left before most others started to rise, she hadn't bothered to try and get back to sleep.
The ceremony dress hung neatly in front of her, pristine, pretty.. and ready to be worn, it really was a pretty dress, she thought as she looked closely at the stitching details, of the the way the fabrics meshed together.. but now wasn't the time to ware it, as hard as it would be... she couldn't go through this with ceremony.. She did not want to handfast to Tardol.. nor did she want to be a lady holder, it was not her.. yet, she didn't know what she wanted.
She'd tried to come up with a number of ways to cancelling this event, tried to decide how she would do it, if she tried to talk to her mother she'd be talked around.. she couldn't bare the heartbreak on Tardol's face if she told him.. in short, if she stayed here, her mother would have her way and marry her off..
...the only way forward was to run.. run away, and risk upsetting alot of people, angering many important people who had taken their day to come to the event, her handfasting.. death was the only simple way out of it, and taking ones life was not something she was prepared to do.. it wasn't *that* bad..
The dress was left to hang there as she thought about the practical aspects of running away, if she left it much longer guests would start arriving, people would come looking for her to get her ready, it was be lighter out and much harder to sneak away.. no, she needed to do it soon, now was preferable...but could she bring herself to shame her family so much?
...she didn't really think about it, the idea planted in her head she started getting ready to rush around, comming across a snag in her plans, her dresses she had were not designed for running away in..they'd be noticed immediately..Maybe Tardol had some old clothes floating around she could pinch..
~3 Candlemarks later~
The sun shone highly over Nova hold, lighting the hold to the best of it's potential, many guests were starting to turn up at the hold ready for this ceremony, unaware of the problems faced within.. no one could find the bride anywhere.. with no letters and no signs.. no one could really understand what had happened to her.. She'd seemed so happy, the idea that she could have run away was not something people thought of easily.. emotions flew between angry and worried, and when it became apparent that Ranelli was deffinatley not at the hold...Panic started to settle in a litte bit. What had happened to her?
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Post by Kit on Sept 26, 2010 3:18:53 GMT -5
The wedding of the heir to Nova Hold was a big event on Pern, and of course anyone of note was invited. That included the Weyrwoman and the brand new Weyrleader, as well as the Junior Weyrwoman and Weyrsecond. It was rather inconvenient timing, as the Queen's mating flight had only been a few days ago, of course, everyone was still a bit tired. Plus it would be the second formal occasion in three days, and there was nothing Cybele hated more than dressing up. But dress up she did, in a gown of silver and blue, her only accessory was Argent. But at least she'd get to spend some time with T'tarel away from the weyr. And perhaps Toniel and Q'del would enjoy themselves as well, she thought slyly. Neither of them had said a word, but Cybele could tell that something had definitely changed between them for the better. It seemed that everything was looking up for the Weyr.
After a leisurely circle above the Hold, Chandrath came to a fairly gracefully landing in the courtyard and Cybele quickly dismounted, There was really only room for one dragon to land at a time, so Chandrath quickly flew off, leaving Cybele to wait for her companions alone. Really, she should have just asked Reloith to convey her, it was such a bother riding dragonback in a dress, but Chandrath wanted to be seen and gloated over before she was too egg-heavy to fly.
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Post by sorra on Sept 26, 2010 8:17:26 GMT -5
T'tarel sighed softly as they got an invitation to the wedding. He guessed he was going to have to get used to invitations like this. Oh well, maybe it would be fun. He'd get to be with Cybele and that was definite plus. They hadn't had much time to just talk since the Flight. Maybe this would be that time. The new Weyrleader got out a pair of his best wherhide pants and pulled on a burnished copper colored shirt. It was the closest he could get to Reloith's color and he was rather fond of it. He also added a wide belt and his knife. The young man ran a quick brush through his hair before securing it with a clip and heading out to his dragon.
Reloith was anxious to get going. The bronze was loving every minute of the news things. Besides, he didn't want to be far from his mate. He took to the air as soon as T'tarel was settled and blinked to Nova Hold. He waited patiently for his turn before depositing T'tarel on the ground. The Weyrleader quickly moved, so Reloith could leave. He then walked over with Cybele. "Good day, Weyrwoman," he smiled.
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Post by Jazzeh on Sept 26, 2010 21:43:27 GMT -5
Toniel shivered as her gold popped out of between orange-gold hide blending in momentarily with the sun. It was nice to be in Nova Hold, away from the Weyr, away from the chaos that had wreaked havoc as of late. It seemed that life had been nothing but a steady string of events ever since the last Hatching, beginning with the altercation at the Feast that had led to G'rett's punishment and subsequent kidnapping. His remarks still stung her and she felt a brief resurgence of anger as Aylinth circled, waiting for Reloith to land and then leave again so that she might drop off her own rider. No, this was not the time and place for anger. There was a new Weyrleader, a kind man who would hopefully lead the Weyr well and be a good companion for Cybele. The woman needed someone to brighten her up after the loss of her weyrmate. And there was Q'del, also. Some kind of weight seemed to have been lifted from her after that day on the beach. Toniel could not deny that she cared for him any longer, but there would be some time yet before she could say she loved him. Still, the thought erased the anger and brought the barest of smiles to her passive face. Aylinth began to descend then, angling sharply towards the courtyard to land. Toniel could feel her green overcoat billowing from the pale cream gown and her chopped locks whipped back from her face. She was grateful that she had not chosen to do anything special with her hair, or the hairstyle might have been ruined with all the flying. The gold's landing was every bit as graceful as it should have been and the Weyrwoman's Second dismounted with that same grace, patting the orange neck before smoothing her skirts and joining the Weyrwoman and new Weyrleader. Her gaze flickered skyward as Aylinth cleared the courtyard, waiting for Demnoth to bring Q'del. |
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Post by Kit on Sept 27, 2010 1:06:49 GMT -5
Demnoth circled over Nova Hold, cavorting briefly among the thermals as he waited for the others to land. The bronze's mood was jubilant, much like the mood of his rider over the past few days. Q'del smiled as the bronze backwinged to a gentle landing. He was dressed in his favored colors of navy and sable, he was running out of new formal attire considering how often he'd worn it the past few months.
He dismounted quickly so that Demnoth could clear the courtyard, the bronze quickly taking a perch next to Aylinth and giving her an affectionate nuzzle. Q'del meanwhile made his way over to the others and greeted the Weyrwoman and Weyrleader before turning to Toniel with a smile.
"Toniel, you look lovely as always. Would you care to get a drink with me?" he asked holding out his arm.
Cybele smiled over at T'tarel, happy to see him and also to see the quiet happiness that now radiated from their seconds. "Good evening to you as well. But you know, you can call me Cybele. We are partners now," she said to him quietly as she looped her arm around his elbow. "Perhaps we should get some drinks as well."
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Post by sorra on Sept 27, 2010 7:25:22 GMT -5
Reloith settled onto the heights next to Chandrath. The bronze watched the other dragons coming in as he stayed close to his mate. He wasn't going to leave her for anything.
T'tarel smiled as he watched Q'del and Toniel land. There was definitely something different about their relationship now. And he hoped it was for the better for them. He turned his attention back to Cybele and gave her a bright smile. "Of course, Cybele," he said, holding his arm out for her. He liked calling her by her name much better then just Weyrwoman. "I think that sounds like an excellent idea. Q'del? Toniel? Would you both care to join us for drinks?" he asked, looking back at the Weyrsecond and the Weyrwoman's Second.
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Post by taenia on Sept 27, 2010 16:41:51 GMT -5
Tardol watched anxiously from the guest room in the hold that he had occupied the previous night, he couldn't be down there to greet the guests as he was surpost to, not with the commotion that was going on at the moment. His father, the lord holder of Nova was down there alone, his face on of emotionless expression. once they'd noticed that Ranelli had disappeared, the general concensious from his and her parents had been to leave it for a while, incase she'd gone for a walk and would return shortly.. Tardol was certain that if he'd been down there, he would have given the game away..
...what if she'd been hurt? taken? lost? The idea that she could have run away just didn't settle in the young mans head... he loved her, she liked him... she wouldn't do this to him...would she?
...oh how he longed to grab a runner and search high and low for her.. to find that she was okay and bring her home.. to reassure her that it was all okay..
His thoughts were distracted by a knock at the door, and Tardol stood still, unaware that he'd taken to pacing his room in frustraion. "Come in!" He called, maybe this the barer of good news. It was Lady Ellimae, Ranelli's mother. "Any luck?" He enquired, schooling his manner and making himself appear aloof, even to Ellimae.
When she shook her head, he made a face as he thought for a while. "She's not within the hold then.." He added, witha sigh, they couldn't keep this secret for too much longer. He turned back to the window, looking out over at the golden dragons, and the commotion as Weyrwoman Second Toniel caused a stir with her attendance, what a good turn out..
...what was Ranelli playing at? She was making Nova look like a fool..
Ellimae stood within the room, unsure of what to say, she was angry.. livid at her daughter for messing up this excellent arrangement and making her and Bilteran look like a fool.. Even with her calmed outter manner, inwardly, Ellimae was thinking of all the punishments she would bistoe on Ranelli upon her return, she doubted whether Tardol would want her after this fiasco, sharding girl, had messed up the best offer she had..
"We'll wait a little longer.." Tardol decided, "Who's out searching already?" He enquired, knowing some were out, but not exactly who.
"A number of people, incuding my sons, and Bilteran." Ellimae responded, her tone indecating that she was not happy her spouse should have to search for her errant daughter, Bilteran should be out there greeting the guests with Tardol and Bilteran... would the guests notice something was up by their absense? She seriously hoped not..
The Lord Holder of Nova made his way through the many milling guests, heading towards the area where the Weyrwoman and Leader arrivied, looking to greet them personally as required, wanting to make their stay comfortable as soon as possible. The lord remained calm and collected, acting as if a handfasting was a everyday occurance here at the hold, that it wasn't his son...and nor that the bride was missing..
...Faranth, he hoped the stupid child turned up, his son was going to have his hands full with that one!
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Post by Jazzeh on Oct 1, 2010 15:44:13 GMT -5
Aylinth crooned to the red-bronze, returning his nuzzle with more vigor than usual. They were a perfect pair, her and Toniel, both reserved in public, though the gold's was more out of her own personal obsession to be the perfect queen than anything else. She rustled her wings so that she was more comfortable and arched her neck to affect a prim, regal pose. After all, she was not in the Weyr anymore and she needed to be sure that the Holders thought well of her.
Toniel saw Demnoth landing and her face smoothed, eliminating the slightly tense look it had held. While she waited for him, she gave a quick respectful nod to Cybele and T'tarel. It would take a little time to get used to seeing those Weyrleader's knots on the young bronzerider's shoulder, but she was pleased that he was taking up the position. She hoped he would be good for Cybele and that he had the qualities needed to be a good leader.
Q'del was on the ground now and approaching them and the goldrider's fingers momentarily flexed into loose fists before relaxing. As always, he was dressed impeccably, striking in the dark colors he had chosen. Her eyes were soft and gleaming as Q'del smiled at her and one of her own smiles gently curved the corners of her mouth. "Thank you, Q'del. That would be very nice," she responded, taking his proffered arm.
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Post by Kit on Oct 7, 2010 3:00:36 GMT -5
Q'del smiled at Toniel as she took his arm. He couldn't seem to stop smiling today. Sparing a quick glance toward Aylinth and Demnoth, who looked perfectly content, he began to to walk to the drinks.
Cybele made to follow them with T'tarel, the smiles on both their faces giving her a sense of peace. It was time that the weyr was full of happiness again. Just then she saw the Holder moving toward them with a look of stony calm. "Oh, it's Hiltaris, we'd probably best go greet him," she said to the others. Hopefully, the Holder wouldn't talk too long, she really was parched.
Q'del also noticed the Holder and sighed inwardly as he saw Cybele meant to speak to him. Not that he was a bad man, but the Weyrsecond had little patience for Holders, having grown up around them. "I guess we'd better go greet the host before we drink his wine," he said to Toniel.
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Post by sorra on Oct 7, 2010 8:16:10 GMT -5
T'tarel hadn't been to the Holds very much, so he was enjoying this visit already. And the company definitely added to it. He had never seen Q'del and Toniel smile so much and he loved being next to Cybele. He knew there was a big smile on his own face.
The young man looked over when Cybele mentioned the Lord Holder. He nodded. "Yes, we better," he smiled. He didn't want to make a bad impression already. He hadn't been Weyrleader that long.
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Post by taenia on Oct 7, 2010 12:36:37 GMT -5
Conversation, after conversation, after conversation.. that's all it was! Hiltaris had never been Pern's most talkative holders, but he was a fair man and knew his duty to the the other holders and weyrleaders, the last thing he'd wanted to do was start disputes or offend anyone.. but it was getting increasingly difficult to keep talking without letting slip Ranelli's abandonment of the venue. - how would all these people feel then when they'd travelled over here especially? They were going to have to impliment some type of damage control.. get everyone settled and happy with how things were going, give them plenty of wine to drink, good food to eat and the harpers to play.. maybe then the impact wouldn't be so bad..
Although talking to many people, Hiltaris had kept his attention on the new arrivals to the 'gathering' those from Nova Hold, people he knew he'd have to wonder over and talk to soon, he hadn't wanted to appear too eager, not wanting to be seen running around after the dragon riders, but neither didn't he want to appear rude by not greeting them. It was when he noticed them set a course towards him did he take leave of he holder he was with and head in the direction of Cybele and her 'gang.'
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Post by Jazzeh on Oct 19, 2010 11:40:18 GMT -5
Toniel knew the man's sudden bright demeanor and the unwavering smile on his face was all for her. She, too, felt a surge of happiness, even if her private manner kept her from displaying it so openly. Emotions just weren't something that showed on her delicate features, no matter how strongly she felt inside. She followed Q'del arm-in-arm, noting the nearby presence of the Weyrwoman, her mentor, and the Weyrleader behind them. It was not long, however, before Cybele called Toniel's attention to the approaching Lord Holder. A soft sigh threatened to spill from her lips, but, as with all things, she kept it contained.
Q'del's reluctance to speak to Hiltaris was met with a gentle smile on the goldrider's face. "Yes, I suppose we should," she agreed in her whisper-soft voice, not unlike the soft of the wind breezing through the trees. Hand still on the bronzerider's forearm just beyond his elbow, she turned to meet the oncoming man with a polite smile on her face. She would allow the Weyrwoman and Weyrleader the first greetings before she extended her own.
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Post by Kit on Oct 20, 2010 0:29:44 GMT -5
Cybele and crew reached Hiltaris and she smiled her most charming smile. "Good evening Hiltaris. Its lovely weather for a wedding. I'd like to introduce you to our new Weyrleader, T'tarel of bronze Reloith. And of course, you know the Weyrsecond Q'del and the Weyrwoman's Second Toniel." At least, he should know them, but at a big event such as this, she'd hardly blame the man if he was beside himself with nerves.
"It seems like a good turnout," Q'del offered genially. Nothing could spoil his mood today, with Toniel by his side. He knew she wasn't quite ready for excessive public displays of affection, and he supposed he wasn't normally either, but the combination of the last bit of nice weather they were likely to see in some months, and the surprising fulfillment of his dearest wish had made him feel like doing something crazy. Only his normal reserve kept his emotions in check. He settled for reaching over and putting his hand on top of Toniel's where it rested on her arm while still smiling at the Lord Holder. The man seemed awfully tense.
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Post by taenia on Oct 20, 2010 12:36:37 GMT -5
Hiltaris smiled and nodded his head in greeting at each of the weyrleaders and seconds as they were introduced. "Thank you for gracing such a wonderful event with your presence." Hiltaris replied, keeping his attention to the group in front of him. "The weather is unsurprisingly wonderful today, so unusual for the time of the turn." and, it was true, the weather was usually mild for the time of the turn. "I hope that you find the ceremony enjoyable today, and i am sure my son Tardol, will come to convey his thanks for your attendance as soon as he is available, he's currently.. tied up." Hiltaris with a slight smile.
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Post by sorra on Oct 20, 2010 13:02:31 GMT -5
T'tarel stood beside Cybele as Hiltaris walked toward them. The new Weyrleader wasn't sure of all his duties yet, but he was sure that Cybele would help him through what he wasn't sure of. The bronze rider smiled. "It is a beautiful day, Lord Holder Hiltaris. Thank you for inviting us." He could see the Lord Holder was a bit distracted, but he couldn't really blame the man. His son was getting married after all.
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