[13.1.2707] A bittersweet draft (Feast)

[Kit]

Cybele's face was strained as she walked into the dining Cavern with T'tarel. Part of her wanted to cling to him, so upset was she by the new development. But she knew that she needed to be strong, the weyr was hers to rule, even with his help, and the burden of this dilemma fell chiefly on her shoulders.. She tried to arrange her features into a smile, for the sake of the new weyrlings, and for the most part, she was successful. She took her seat at the head table, Argent settling on her shoulder imperiously. A glass of red wine already sat at her chair. She had to restrain herself from downing it in one gulp, but no, she needed to have her wits about her.

Others began to filter in, her seconds seating themselves to her left, while the Candidate Master, dressed now in black and scarlet, guided his weyrmate to their chairs on T'tarels right. Quindara waited for G'rett at the entrance, resplendent in a dark green gown with silver trimmings. K'von, F'har and M'thos all arrived together and Cybele smiled a little for they had all grown several inches since their Impression just half a turn ago. N'huel was carting several instrument cases as he sat himself by the Harpers, even his black firelizard Feralas was carrying his shepherds pipes.

Tesni came in wearing a peasant shirt, bodice, and full gypsy skirt, her two firelizards trailing her, bickering. She looked around for Sanrev, and though she seemed happy, there was a shadow of worry in her eyes. Kaitoth had been so tired lately, he'd had three pickups today, and she feared he seemed too weary to drop the passengers back after the Feast, which was unlike him.

Finally, the new weyrlings began to trickle in. Lirona and I'on were chatting animatedly as they arrived, the boy in a loose white tunic and trews with a pale green vest, and Lirona in pink. G'lar walked in by himself, looking proud, happy, and not a little dazed, but he was handsome in black and gold. Cybele chuckled to herself as she wondered how many girls had their eyes on him.

The Weyrwoman laid her hand on the Weyrleaders arm, taking that small comfort as she waited for the rest to arrive.

[sorra]

T'tarel stayed close to Cybele. She seemed worried about something, but she hadn't told him what. He would make a point of talking to her after the feast. There was no sense in upsetting her more now. Image was curled up on T'tarel's shoulder close to his neck. The little black watched everyone closely, being protective yet shy.

S'tex came in dressed in a bronze and brown to match Belenoth. The young man looked around for Cheriss, wanting to talk to her some more. Calyssa quietly walked in dressed in a bright red dress with Storm on her shoulder. She was finally starting to look more like herself and was actually smiling. She caught sight of J'sen and waved.

Katleya had put on a long, navy blue long sleeve dress and pulled her hair back. She then headed off to find D'mar and see who else she might meet. El'dan had walked in behind her and found a seat to sit in and watch everyone. When he got a chance he would make sure to congratulate Kanly and Cybele. Not to mention his friend. Meera had slipped in with the others and sat down to wait for M'lym. Kia had waddled into the Dining Cavern and made her way over to where she saw C'olt and Lyrensa.

Kiyoni had dressed in a long, dark green almost black dress that definitely showed off that she was pregnant. She didn't mind though. She was happy. She leaned against her mate as they walked, Rivi sitting on her shoulder.

Tanly waited for B'ren. The green rider had pulled on a slightly tighter fitting brown and green dress that showed off that she was pregnant. The idea didn't bother her anymore. She wanted everyone to know her good news.

Kikaya grinned as she twirled in her dress. The girl was dressed in an ivory colored dress that tied behind her neck. It had delicate glass beads along the bodice and she had even managed to find a necklace and earrings to match. She loved being able to dress up now. She had pulled part of her hair up with a clip and let the rest sweep around the left side of her face. She walked into the Dining Cavern and caught sight of N'huel. She wanted to at least tell him hi.

R'vis, Viarnie, and Bresala came into together. R'vis instantly broke off when he saw Shem. Bresala was a little self conscious of the scrapes she now sported from her dragon. Her and Viarnie walked over and sat down, feeling a bit worn out.

Dessa walked in with her uncle. G'fal was all smiles. He was going to have a new class to teach. Dessa chuckled a little. She was dressed in a maroon, strapless floor length dress. She had decided to leave her wavy hair down for the day. This would be the first feast she had ever been too.

Randy waited quietly for V'zee. The young woman was all smiles despite being tired quite often. She smiled as she watched Vikki bouncing around.

[taenia]

Ranelli had wondered in a little bit behind the majority of her class mate, she'd been relucant to leave the side of the young silver queen, but Titainiath had insisted that she go and show her face, Titainiath had said it was a requirement of her new rank.. and she should be left out from the fun where the others were getting to go. It hadn't been that Ranelli hadn't wanted to attend, it had been the fact that she didn't have anything to wear. The fast depature from Nova hold on her wedding morning had left her without too many clothes, bare the few she'd been given from the weyr.. but nothing as elegant as was was requred for this feast.. but a gown had appeared whilst she stood, and Ranelli hadn't been overly sure on where it had come from... Cybele? for she doubted it were her parents.. but it was beautiful, a full length dark purple dress that clung elegantly to her figure, that faded as it ran diagonally down her body until it became white around her feet.

Ranelli was no stranger to elegant dresses, and so, it didn't really affect her confidence levels as she stepped into the lower caverns to attend the feast in celebration of the hatching and impressing... hers, her impession to Titaniath. The young silver weyrling looked around the room as she stepped in, wondering where she should go to start with and hoping to keep away from her parents, Tardol's...or should she call him T'dol... parents..

**

Ellimae and Bilteran were already at the feast, happily seated on their table with win. Ellimae was already looking for Dolia to fall into a deep conversation with her about the disgrace the weyr had subjected the Nova Holder's to. Stealing their oldest son, and heir! The happenings of the hatching still hung heavily in the air and the feast, as far as Bilteran's experience, suggested was a little bit strained, wondering what would happen.. there was a little air of tenseness, it felt like.. and Bilteran wondered if it would pass.. or whether Hiltaris would speak up? The hold would clearly be upset, this was the second unwanted event surrounding his son and his hold's reputation.. first Ranelli's 'betrayal' and now T'dol's impressing.. was it really just a coinsidence?

**

V'lain made sure he looked his best for the hatching feast, he wanted to make sure that as the current oldest black dragon rider, he made a good impression on the newest blacks to the weyr. V'lain decided he would become a good role model to them.. and show them just how wonderful it was to have such a wonderful creature! Plus, the hatching feast was a good chance for V'lain to mingle with the visitor's to the weyr and show everyone just how wonderful he was!

[‡§åkørü‡]

Shemmoral had come in by herself, sadly without her new dragon. Hematith was fast asleep, curled up on the stone couch in their new room, but the human weyrling was still delighted that she'd even Impressed. She'd pranced up to a table, garbed in a green dress that matched her eyes, but unfortunately dresses were not made for girls that lacked curves. The weyrling rather resembled a tree in it: tall, thin, and covered in the foliage of the dress. Oh, well. For once she was way too happy to care, and the situation only got better when Ravis - R'vis! - found his way over.

She hailed him with a laugh and a wave, jumping out of her chair with a little less enthusiasm than normal because of the gash on her leg. "R'vis!" She cried, and Preske, seated on her shoulder, squealed and flapped his wings excitedly, mussing up his bonded's hair. Shem completely failed to notice, and each of them only fueled the other's excitement. "Come sit!" she ordered with a giggle, and pulled out a chair for him. Maybe it was supposed to be a man's job to do that - and for a woman! - but that fact flew over the weyrling's head, and she sat down in her own chair. "I'm so excited! I'm dying of it! I don't want Hematith to go between, though, so I suppose I'm not really. Anyway! I like being a weyrling already! Don't you? It feels so much more accomplished than being a candidate did. I mean, I love my grey! She's a darling, although she's not what I expected. But we never get what we expect, do we? But I'm so happy for you, R'vis! Your bronze is so gorgeous! And he's a bronze! I almost feel like you're above me," she admitted with a sheepish giggle. "I hope you're not. Are you? Imagine if you were. That'd be terrible."

And so she rambled, happily taking up most of the conversation (if it could be called that) until she realized what she was doing and stopped after the word 'terrible', laughing sheepishly. "Oops. I hope I didn't drown out anything you were trying to say..."

[sorra]

R'vis grinned when he saw Shem. The boy had come dressed in black pants and a charcoal gray shirt. Okay, so he liked dark colors and he really didn't have much else. But maybe he'd make a point of getting something close to his bronze's color. "Hi, Shem!" he said cheerily as Trig cheeped a greeting.

The new weyrling chuckled and took the offered seat that she pulled out. He wasn't going to argue at the moment. He was excited as she was. He chuckled as she started rambling. He wasn't going to try to get in a word to begin with. He'd just wait.

"No, it's fine," he smiled. "I'm excited too and I really don't believe I Impressed a bronze." He shook his head. "No, I'm not above you. You're my best friend and now we're weyrlings. Before long we'll be able to explore like we wanted to."

[taenia]

Ranelli's eye's came to rest on Shemmoral and R'vis as she wondered who she could go and talk to... she felt a little silly stood alone in the large caverns with the hatching going on. After ensuring that her parents, T'dol or T'dol's parents were not there, Ranelli made her way over.. still contining to stand tall, appearing at ease and confident in this situation.. and she was, her upbringing had brought her to encouter plenty of gathers and important celebrations. "Hi!" She said, a smile on her face as she came to the table. "Congratulations on your impressions." She said to the pair of them, her voice full of meaning.. she was really pleased for them.. for everyone who found their lifemate on the sands today, who knew how exhillierating the feeling was!

[sorra]

R'vis looked over when he heard Ranelli's voice. The boy was still smiling. He couldn't remember the last time he had smiled so much. "Hi, Ranelli," he said. "Congratulations to you as well. Your silver is beautiful. You must be so happy." He knew he was walking on air and wanted everyone to be as happy as he felt and he was pretty sure Shem did as well.

[Mik]

C'nell wandered his way into the Dining Cavern, grinning at everyone who turned his way, Manwydath catching a nap in their room. He at least matched slightly with a wildly shaded red/orange tunic and brown wherhide pants, but he was as presentable as a just recently turned twelve Weyrling could be. He was doing well anyhow. Purposely walking closer to the head table, he gave his mother a cheerful wave and a grin to hopefully make her smile more. She looked stressed out and it was probably over Tardol, or T'dol now, Impressing at the Hatching. After that, he wandered to his seat cheerily.

~*~*~

Kyler walked into the Cavern after making sure that Nyxith was happily napping in their warm and dry room, dressed in her usual attire of a green short-sleeved tunic covered with a light blue vest and dark wherhide pants, boots completing the look. She gave a congratulatory smile and a bow to Cybele and Kanly before finding her way among the other Weyrlings of her clutch to find a seat and wait for things to get underway. Sunil flitted along behind his Pet, detouring once in a while to become amused in making someone laugh or smile, always returning back to Kyler quickly.

~*~*~
((To Meera))

E'lon wandered into the Cavern behind a few of his clutchmates, dressed in a green outfit that matched Danuth's hide for the most part and smiling at the morning's events. After smiling at the Weyrwoman and the redrider, he headed toward his clutchmates, detouring briefly to say hi to his father's current interest. "Hi, Meera!"

~*~*~
((To Tesni))

Sanrev slipped into the Cavern quietly, the only thing standing out about him being Neek flitting above his head, a sharp contrast to the dark green wherhides he was wearing. He did not have anything fancy since he was usually asleep during the biggest parts of Gathers. Spying the bluerider, he smiled a genuine smile and slipped toward her, purposely passing by the head table to give his respects to the riders of the dragons that had mothered the dragonets that morning. Stepping up to Tesni with only a brief flyby of Neek as a warning, the guardsman spoke softly to her, "Good evenin'. You look lovely."

~*~*~
((Cybele))

T'dol stepped into the Dining Cavern, donning a bit better outfit than the one he had Impressed in: still in Nova Hold's colors, but adding a splash of brown that matched his new dragonet, his right forearm bandaged from the gash that Integrith had accidentally caused, but not hampering his movements. His brown Integrith had settled down nicely and was now happily dozing in their new quarters. No longer was he Heir to Nova Hold, but now just a common Weyrling and he liked the change. He could let go of that stiff image he had been reluctant to be and be the young man that he wanted to be that was kept carefully tucked away. Stepping up to the head table, he gave Cybele and Kanly a respectful bow before turning green-hazel eyes to the Weyrwoman. "I apologize for any hassle I've cause, milady. I'll help in any way I can to ease the burden," he assured her, his pleasant smile hopefully backing his words.

((To Ranelli, R'vis, and Shem))
After speaking with the Weyrwoman quickly and quietly, the former Heir sought out Ranelli and others that had Impressed that morning. She sure looked elegant in that gown. He was glad to have gotten that drudge to deliver it to her for him. Stepping up to the little group, he smiled cheerily. "Hello, everyone. Congratulations this morning." Turning his eyes briefly to Ranelli to hope for eye contact, he spoke again, "Ranelli, you look lovely," then he turned his eyes to the other two and introduced himself, "I'm T'dol of brown Integrith now. May I ask your names?" Might as well learn the names of everyone he would be working with for the next eighteen months.

~*~*~
((To Ellimae, Bilteran, and Dolia))

Lord Hiltaris was dressed in his finest, not because his son had Impressed a dragonet that morning, but because he always looked his best when representing his Hold, ushering his Lady to a seat that was reserved for them with Ranelli's parents. He was upset by the events that had unfolded on the Sands. He knew how much his eldest son fancied Ranelli and he could only imagine what had been going through Tardol's head when he set foot on those Sands before all of the Impressions had been made. That brown could have easily wanted someone else. He had not seen his son come in yet, but he was going to make certain that he talked to him before things were done. He could not force Tardol back to the Hold with him, at least not until he had graduated Weyrlinghood. He knew the ways of the dragonriders well enough that it could cause mental damage to his son and the dragon that he had bonded to.

[taenia]

"Titaniath is wonderful." Ranelli responded to R'vis. "I've only been with her for a moment.. but.. i couldn't think of anything else now" She admitted, fond thoughts of that beautiful pale silver in her thoughts. "She is happily sleeping off her full belly.." Ranelli started and trailed off as she eyes caught sight of Tardol entering the room.. It wasn't that she was looking for him, it was just not that hard to miss.. everyone's reactions in the room changed it felt to her, as he walked in... not that she was surprised, he had caused quite a stir with his.. surprise impression.

She did make eye contact with him, when he came over the the little group of weyrlings, it was the first time she had stood in the same room, let along next to him since she had ran away from him on the morning of their arranged wedding. "Thank you Tar....T'dol" she corrected. "for your gracious comment." Depsite their previous disolved ranks.. she still felt she had to act her rank around him.. a force of habit that would take a while to change!

***
Bilteran could only imagine the types of feelings that were going through Hiltaris' head at that present in time, the relationship between his daughter and Nova's heir had brought the relationship between the two holders closer than ever, but even Bilteran couldn't decide how the man would be feeling... he doubted it would be very happy however. A lord holder put a lot of time and effort into their heir.. as he himself had done with his eldest son Tarel. Thankfully, Tarel was past the age of impression. but this still didn't mean, Bilteran would have been any happier about it..

[Mik]

((To Kikaya))

Micala was beaming, if not somewhat tired as she stepped into the Dining Cavern in a sleeveless, sandy-shaded dress with a speckling of blue and green beadwork about the bodice and hems, Mikay trilling merrily in her wake. The firelizard and her new dragonet had hit it off quite well and she was glad, because she had been worried that it would not work out well for them. Courageth was just as social as Mikay and they made all the difference for her. Spying her sister, she approached her happily, Mikay greeting her with croons and trills as well. "Hi, Kikaya! Did you see it? Courageth is wonderful and she likes Mikay!" she said as she stepped up to her sister. She looked splendid to her and she had a good bet that her brother looked just as sharp.

~*~*~
((To Bresala and Viarnie))

Veekally had gotten the help of another newly Impressed girl in getting ready for the Feast. She was quite tired from the events that had taken place upon the Sands, but above the tiredness was a thrill that she had never felt. Carneliath was wonderful and active and certainly a gaming sort of dragonet. A battle of wills quickly ended in trying to beat each other to counting to one hundred as the vibrant red had fallen asleep before fifty. So with her broken arm in a sling, her long hair pulled back into its customary style, in the light tan, short-sleeved and floor-length dress that she had been keeping a hold of for two turns, a new pair of dark brown boots, and a peppermint twig between her teeth to help with the ache of her arm and to keep her somewhat awake for a little while longer, she headed for the Dining Caverns, meeting her brother along the way. The pair of them entered and headed for seats at the same table as Bresala and Viarnie. The new red rider smiled a greeting to the other two and carefully sat down.

~*~*~
((To Bresala and Viarnie))

D'kal smiled as he met up with his sister. Though her arm was in a sling, she looked fantastic to him and he told her so, getting a smile from her in return. Perserveth had been easy after a while to get him to go to sleep as the dark blue had worn himself out just pacing circles in their new room like he had been measuring it or something, finally falling onto his new couch in exhaustion. The lad had on a slight bit better outfit of a clean light brown tunic with no patches or tears and his usual dark wherhide pants with patches in the thighs and knees. He grinned at the other two girls when his sister found their table, remaining standing long enough to be there in case Veekally needed any help, then taking a seat himself. "Tiring but exciting all the same, right ladies?" he asked them cheerily.

~*~*~

M'kan entered the Dining Cavern with the rest of his brothers, looking far more cherry than one would think possible knowing that he had a sleeping dragonet somewhere. He was bright-eyed and flashing a grin to anyone that looked his way, looking splendid in a bright blue tunic and darker pants. Spying his parents and his grandmother at a table, he headed that direction, grabbing the arm of one of his brothers along the way, saying, "C'mon! There's ma and pa!"

~*~*~

Tia'ar followed his older brother's lead wearing a smile that echoed the far more energetic lad's mood, dressed in a lighter blue tunic and dark brown pants. His white had settled in nicely and was just as calm as he was, making the odd transition all the more easier. He was glad that he had Impressed and even more so that each of his brothers did as well. Distracted by looking about for other newly Impressed, he nearly tripped himself when his brother grabbed his arm and drug him through the crowd. He shook his head as he found his feet better in order to follow M'kan's lead.

~*~*~
((To Bresala, Viarnie, Veekally, and D'kal))

K'lar followed his brothers merrily, a broad smile on his face hiding the tiredness he felt from his sleeping blue. His sky blue tunic was decorated with other shades of blue to set off his dark eyes. Although his older two brothers were heading for his family, he had spotted another area of interest and made a beeline for the table that held a few of the girls that had Impressed that morning. "Hi, ladies!" he said cheerily, taking a seat next to one of them.

~*~*~

L'ret followed his brothers into the Dining Cavern, wearing mismatched tunic and pants of dark blue on top and light blue on the bottom, but he did not care. He had Impressed! It had taken a while to get his new brown to bathe, having the unusual problem of trying to get Cupreth into the lake to even get him wet. When he finally consented, L'ret made quick work of getting him clean, the upset of his stomach no more since the dragonet had been fed and the hype had died down. Pip was ever the helpful one, chirping and trying to help bathe and oil Cupreth, but all in all, they tolerated each other enough for him to be happy about the outcome. Now headed for the Feast, he was all smiles and no nervousness. He followed his eldest two brothers when M'kan had mentioned that he had seen their parents and so followed him and K'lar to them, Pip flitting along behind him, chittering about something that the little blue found entertaining.

~*~*~
((To Randy))

V'zee was finally ready, having settled Kyanath after an oiling and having pinned down Vikki for a quick oiling as well. The light blue was merry and hopping around, still buzzing about the excitement of the morning and trying to wake Ransk now and again. He was a mischief maker, naturally. Stepping up to his mate, now clad in dark wherhide pants and a few shades lighter tunic. "Shall we go eat, my love?" he asked, placing a gentle hand on her stomach where a sibling to Ranvik currently grew.

~*~*~
((To Kanly or any Rebel Riders))

Z'zak had escorted Kanly to her seat, taking his own seat elsewhere as they were not currently mates, nor did he see himself as a mate to her. His brown had just managed to catch her red during that insane invasion of their icy domain. Nonetheless, Nocheth was still beside himself with excitement over the Hatching, ever so slightly upset that they had lost one of his mate's clutch, but happy otherwise. The Old Timer was clad in an old outfit of a darker brown, having never let go of the Benden ways from twenty turns ago, though all of his belongings except what had been on his person or his dragon when they had jumped ahead. He smiled a greeting to those of the southern Weyr that he knew and settled quietly in his seat to wait for the feast to begin.

[sorra]

[To E'lon]

Meera looked up when she heard E'lon's voice. She smiled at the green weyrling. "Hi E'lon," she said cheerily. She had met the boy a few different times thanks to being with M'lym quite often. Although she was surprised that she didn't see the bronze rider yet. It wasn't like him to be late. Especially to this.

****

(To V'zee)

Ransk growled softly and buried her head as Vikki tried to wake her up. The red wher wasn't ready to get up. There was too much light and she was happy sleeping.

Randy smiled fondly at her wher. She then turned her attention to her lover. "I am," she said, leaning against him for a minute. She lay her hand over his that was now resting on the burgundy dress she had chosen to wear. She was glad that V'zee seemed so happy with the news.

****

(To Veekally, D'kal, and K'lar)

Viarnie smiled up at Veekally and D'kal. The girl felt awful for Veekally. She imagined her arm much hurt terribly. "Hi guys," she answered. "Your dragonets go to sleep?" She knew Peridoth had wanted to talk to everyone and that had made it hard.

Bresala gave them a shy smile. She felt stupid for being so ashamed of her bandaged arms and scraped face when it appeared Veekally had it much worse. She looked over when K'lar walked over as well. She gave him a smile. "Hi," she said softly. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad. Garneth seemed to like everyone so that was good.

****

(To Micala and N'huel)

Kikaya spun around when she heard her sister's voice. She would finish her trip to see N'huel in just a minute. "Hey! Congratulations!" she said, hugging her sister. She couldn't have been happier for Micala. "Ralith is already bugging me to see when she can meet your lovely green," she grinned. She had definitely been smiling a lot more since coming to Nova. "You look beautiful tonight," she complimented her sister, wondering where their brother was. She was surprised he wasn't there yet. Of course she had caught him watching a certain pretty girl at the Weyr, so maybe he was with her.

****

(To Z'zak and any)

El'dan caught sight of his friend and got up. It was nice to not be limping anymore. Even though he still had to be careful once in a while. "Hey, Z'zak," he said. "Congratulations on such a great clutch." He wasn't going to mention the one dragonet that had been lost. It could have been worse. And he was so glad to see his friend out of captivity finally. It also seemed like Z'zak enjoyed Kanly's company as well.

[Kit]

Watching everyone come in, Cybele sipped her wine and regarded everyone with a strained smile, sipping her wine carefully. She tried to give a reassuring smile to T'tarel, but they could hardly talk here, sound was meant to carry from the high table. At least Chandrath was happy, after all her clutch hatching healthy and Impressing well, she had curled up on her ledge with Reloith, and was drifting off in a contented doze.

C'nell walked by, waving, and Cybele smiled at him, a true smile, wondering what his father would think, were he alive. J'nel might have been disappointed that his son had not Impressed bronze, but Cybele herself was just glad to see him happy and healthy. All too soon, he and Manwydath would be graduated. Though he was much too young to fly Fall, even courier duty could be dangerous.

Then the most controversial weyrling of the day walked up, speaking graciously, and looking quite happy. She wondered how many Holders children found their lives just a bit too restrictive.and wished for the freedom of the weyr. "Its not your fault, T'dol. I'm sure that Integrith would've found you even had you stayed in the Stands. But thank you, I only hope your parents will be half as happy as you are."

********

Dolia was certainly less unhappy than her husband. She wasn't terribly bright, the sort of weak- willed, fluff- headed sort of thing that many Hold Ladies were. If she had examined her own opinions on the matter, which would've taken some time, she might've found that she didn't know what the fuss was about. Yes, the younger sons were untrained, but Hiltaris was still young, there was plenty of time. However, Dolia was not much used to having her own opinions, she left that onerous chore to others, like her husband, and her friend Ellimae. And it just so happened that Ellimae's had just tracked her down. Dolia smoked, in her dreamy sort of way. "Ellimae, what did you think of Ranelli's dragon? She was certainly very lovely." At least Dolia thought she might be lovely for a dragon. Her hide had been a nice color, in any case, but all the dragonets seem rather clumsy, inelegant creatures.

*********

Tesni smiled at Sanrev's approach, genuinely glad to see him despite her lingering worries. "You're not looking too bad yourself. I hope I won't have to beat off too many other ladies to have a few dances with you," she said with a chuckle. The bluerider wasn't too sure exactly what their relationship was quite yet, so she didn't want to be too forward, but for her part, she had definite feelings for the wherhandler. Taking a seat at a nearby table, she gestured for him to sit beside her, drinking a sip of the wine. It was her favorite, and she grinned.

**********

Kanly had been glad to have Z'zak as escort to the Feast, she knew he didn't have the same feelings for her, but she was glad for his support. Still, now that he'd left her, she felt at a bit of a loss. She might've sat with Quindara but she always felt weird intruding on her and G'rett's relationship. So, after a moment of thought, a surprising surge of boldness, she made a decision, and walked over to where the other rebel riders were sitting, then she plopped herself down right across from Z'zak with a smile.

***********

N'huel saw Kaikaya and waved to her, as he tuned his fiddle. He liked playing at Feasts because it was a grat place to observe. Yet, this time felt he might like to participate. Meanwhile, G'lar, after speaking to Arktos for a moment, finally decided to sit with the other weyrlings. Many of the girls were quite pretty, even though they gave him the shivers. So, with a careful thought, he seated himself next to R'vis. "Good job on Impressing bronze. He was a very good- looking dragon."

[‡§åkørü‡]

Shemmoral was so glad when R'vis sat down, and instantly she launched into her rambling, firing away her thoughts of the present moment. Hearing his disbelief, though, she giggled and shook her head wonderingly. "It's strange, isn't it? I can't believe I Impressed my grey! And still it already feels like we've been together forever. Is it like that with you and Pyrith too?" she asked curiously, and then grinned brilliantly, clapping her hands together. "Oh, good! You're my best friend t--" Preske chirped indignantly, and she hastily corrected herself. "My other best friend. Preske says he's the only one who's allowed to be my best friend. Sorry about that. But oh, I can't wait to go exploring! Not at all! It'll be wonderful!"

Attention flipping from one topic to another as it was, the weyrling didn't take long to register the other girl's presence, and she smiled up at her, eyes sparkling with delight at meeting somebody new. "Hello!" she chirped herself, and then followed R'vis' lead, having not actually remembered who Ranelli was except as a vague face from candidate lessons. "She is gorgeous! Congratulations! We almost match, you know. I have a grey and you have a silver," she commented with a soft laugh. Ranelli didn't seem like the type of person who would take offense to that remark, but if she did, Shem decided she would tone herself down... as difficult as that would be.

And then! Another new arrival! Shem grinned up at the former Heir, having no real idea who he was and thus being liberated to say whatever she pleased. Fortunately, she wasn't the kind of person who ever deliberately said anything mean, and his greeting was returned in cheerful tones. "I'm Shemmoral! Of grey Hematith, now. Congratulations on Impressing!" the grey weyrling trilled. Preske, on her shoulder, mirrored her interest; he puffed out his little chest and fluttered his wings as if he, Preske the firelizard, were personally responsible for all of this festivity. Shem grinned and tugged her flit's tail gently, and he chittered scoldingly. She cheerily ignored him, but petted his soft hide in an insincere apology.

Hatching Feasts sure were social affairs. Shemmoral loved to make friends, but she was beginning to get a bit nervous with everyone flocking over here. She'd expected it, of course, but force of habit dictated that her stomach should tighten up in nervousness, and she drew in a deep breath, steadying the nerves that began firing as soon as she was trapped in a large group. "Hello," she automatically greeted the new arrival - G'lar. She'd no idea who he really was or what he'd Impressed, but it had to have been something, right?

---

R'il didn't like social occasions. Yes, the Hatching had been a joyous event, although one dragonet had been lost. That did not change the fact that, standing in the entrance to the dining hall, he was paralyzed. What if people he didn't know talked to him? Fidgeting nervously, the ex-rebel greenrider shuffled up against the side of the entrance, letting everyone pass him by. At last, knowing that he was expected to participate, he slouched down to avoid notice, and sneaked through the crowd, hoping to avoid notice. For the most part, he was successful, and out of habit he veered towards the table that housed the other rebel riders. He seated himself towards the end of the table, and sat, pale and silent, with wide eyes flickering around as if he expected someone to pop up out of the blue and order him to go do something, as had occasionally happened in the southern Weyr.

[taenia]

Ranelli was taken aback by the amount of energy Shemmoral appeared to have! But she couldn't blame her, it was so exciting having a dragon. She doubted that her silver would like it much being considered simular to the grey pair.. but Ranelli sensed the dragon was asleep, and what the dragon didn't know right now wouldn't hurt her...right?

"I guess we do match" Ranelli replied, Grey was close to silver.. and Titaniath was pale enough that she guessed she was close to the colour grey.

[sorra]

Rvis had to chuckle softly when Shem carried on. He could see that she had caught Ranelli off guard. He had gotten used to Shem's energetic side and was actually growing quite found of it. And it was obvious that they were all thrilled about their dragonets. He knew he was. He couldn't wait to get back to Pyrith. Although he knew the bronze was sleeping.

The bronze rider looked up when G'lar sat down beside him. "Hello," he said friendly. "Thank you. Your black is quite handsome as well." He then turned to T'dol. "I'm R'vis and my bronze is Pyrith," he answered T'dol. He felt bad that he didn't know many of the others in his weyrling class. He would have to change that.

****

(To Cybele)

T'tarel looked over at the Weyrwoman. She looked really distraught for such a happy occasion. He wanted to be able to help cheer her up, but he didn't know what was wrong. "Love, I think we should talk after the Feast," he whispered to her as Image cheeped softly. It was obvious that the black was worried about his friend.

****

(To Arktos)

Kiyoni leaned against her mate's shoulder. She was feeling pretty worn out, but considering she was almost seven months along it wasn't surprising. She smiled up at Arktos though as Rivi curled up on her lap. "You made it through," she whispered to him, twining her fingers through his. She would do her best to comfort him later. She knew the Hatching had been hard on him.

****

(To N'huel, R'il, and Micala)

Kikaya smiled brightly when N'huel waved. She had to admit, she was starting to like the white rider. Even though his little white could never chase her gray, she didn't care. She liked being around and maybe with time they could become more then friends. Her face flushed a bit at that thought. Now was not the time to think about it. She frowned slightly when she caught sight of R'il. "Come on, Micala, I want you to meet one of my friends," she said, pulling her sister toward the green rider. "R'il!" she called. She felt awful that he was by himself. Where was that crazy brother of hers? It wasn't like M'cal to be late.