(Endless Diamond Sky) Zodiac Weyrling Graduation

[Requiem]

Not the person he'd been looking for a response from. Although the realization of his yucked hand and subsequent expression had definitely drawn a smirk from the harper. He glanced at the little girl pressed against his side, snorting lightly at her protest. "I don't know what an Eselda is," he commented drolly, though not entirely unkindly. He wrinkled his nose openly at the mess she was making all over her face. Shards, but he hoped he'd not been so clumsy the one or two times he'd overindulged. Or loud and obnoxious. Loud and obnoxious was fine on purpose, not so much when you were just...drunk.

Taking the glass from her, Dmitri clucked his tongue. "Slowly, you demanding little chatterbox." His tone was quiet, almost tender. "You're going to choke yourself. That or drown us all." So saying, he pulled out a handkerchief he'd stolen from Nautic - what, the guy should learn not to leave them lying about, and what with the propensity of women going to tears around him it was better to throw stolen handkerchiefs at them than get them buried against his chest and blubbering- and wiped the trails of water from her chin. "Gorgeous, really. Every guy's dream, to see a girl dribbling all over the place. Granted it's not as much a turn-off as having them vomit their guts on you."

Pushing her back lightly by the shoulders, he crouched enough to get a good look at her face, taking in the flush, the slight sheen of perspiration and the trembling beneath his palms. Yeah. Little girls didn't handle their liquor so well. Probably should get some food on her stomach. "You're not going to go and throw up on me too, are you? Don't have a shirt to catch it anymore. R'ven's woman beat you to it." He brushed the hair back from her face. "All right then, wobbly. Piggy back ride. One and only time you get a free one, so enjoy it." He turned, tugging lightly at her arms to bring her against his back in encouragement. "If you're really lucky I might just give you something to munch on on the way, but only if you promise not to make a sticky, gooey mess all over me."

---

X'rx could feel his good sense - an arguable trait on the best of days - slipping quietly and happily toward oblivion. Geez, how much had Cr'oph used? Though, to be fair, drinking on an empty stomach wasn't a good idea at the best of times. He reached down, splashing the last of the water in the glass on Meagen by accident. It fell, and he watched it curiously as the glass hit the ground and bounced a little before rolling under the table. He smiled at that, amused. Sneaky cup, running away from him like that. "I can hold it for him," he offered cheerfully to the new weyrling. His hands weren't full.

Glancing at the approaching brownrider with the little baby green in a dress perched regally in his arms, X'rx blinked again. "Okay, I think I'm more than just tipsy," he confided to Cr'oph, in a louder whisper than he'd intended. "Is that firelizard the size of a dog and wearing clothes?" But then he was distracted by the words of the girl, and he purred. Aloud. Quite contented, was the greenweyrling, who nuzzled at Cr'oph's neck again. (He hadn't registered the groan consciously, but part of X'rx recognized his attentions as welcome.) He nudged at Meagen with all he had at his disposal: his foot. "Very important? How sweet of you. Isn't she sweet, Cr'oph?" He kissed the man's neck, sucking lightly on the pulse there, before dragging his teeth together in an almost-bite.

Forgetting entirely his offer to hold the gift for Cr'oph, X'rx found the taste of the man wasn't enough. Too delicious. His arm tightened around his neck, the greenweyrling straightening in his arms slightly, flicking his tongue over his earlobe, a happy rumble in his chest. His free hand wandered over Cr'oph's chest, slid up over his shoulder, the back of his knuckles trailing lightly up the side of his neck. "You're coming home with me?" he questioned, lips brushing his ear.

Eveyth was slightly sad to learn there was nothing she could do to become glowy, but the feelings radiating off of hers were a gentler version of what she'd felt that last time, and this placated her some. If Mavenath's Flew Hers she could share, yes? At the bronze's nuzzle, she crooned. I can walk, she responded cheerfully, but she crawled up onto his back just the same, angling her head so as not to catch her fangs on him as she stretched between his wings, forelegs dangling over his shoulders. She rested her head along his neck. But this is so much funner, clutchbrotherMine. Have you shared in Flying before? It's very nice, the green added, nuzzling him affectionately - and carefully!

---

He didn't say anything to Tarath's declaration, receiving her affections as indulgently as he might have endured an insistent tugging on his ear from his Terilyn. Still a baby, and she was cute, if somewhat tiresome. He was certainly glad he didn't have to deal with her all the time. Behruth and PMS were more than enough - Sneak was hardly a bother at all, salamandyr voyeur that he was.

The brownrider's brow lifted as he watched the interactions going on with Meagen and some of the others beyond them. "Sir?" he repeated absently, wrinkling his nose at the nomiker. "You think the punch was spiked? Awfully detailed thought you have there." Something had definitely been laced with alcohol, though, given everything going on around them. His eyes returned to her face. "I don't mind the detour so much; we were coming here anyway. You'd best be taking her back, though..." He extended Tarath toward Meagen. "And please stop calling me 'sir.' I'm not old enough for that. Tch."

Behruth, though amused by the little green hatchling, had a more suitable distraction. He tucked his wings against his sides neatly, stepping toward Jingth, neck arched and eyes whirling in fond blue-greens. His head lowered to nudge along the gold's jaw lightly, before he curled against her without an invitation. Jingthgold, you've grown so. He attempted to stretch to match her length, subsiding with an amused rumble. His small size failed him again, that it did. Mine wished to congratulate Yours on making it through all those boring classes, as he would put it. But he sees that Yours is adequately entertained, Behruth finished, with a note of amusement.

[raii]

Karou turned around. "Uh, wha...?" She blinked. "I'm gooooood," she said calmly. He led her back to the tables as she went back in her mind. "A lot, I guess. It's yummy." It was plesant. Calming. One would think a girl like Karou would be a mean drunk, an angry drunk, maybe even violent. Rather, it relaxed her.

"I don't like sitting. I don't wanna sit." Karou leaped away as she saw where she was being led. She twisted and spun, victim to a crazy, alcohol-induced dance. She was surprisingly graceful, at least for a moment, before falling over. She laughed. What a rarity! She laughed. She loudly sung a couple of bars of music, one of her customary wordless ballads.

She broke off quickly, laughing again. She knew she was being difficult. Honestly, she wanted to be difficult. No matter how different Karou was under the influence, she kept the desire to cause disorder and discord. In fact, it was probably magnified. "Hey, yewwww!" She pointed at Sel'n. "What's yer name, S'linny? Whatever, go get me more punch. Yummy punch!"

------

"I'm what an Eselda is," She mumbled. He wiped her face off. "Yeah, yeah, food now?" She shook her head when he asked if she would throw up. She wouldn't would she? No, she was too hungry. "Okay," she said, scrambling onto his back. "I like piggy back rides. And food. And fire lizards...where are my fire lizards?"

She glanced around and saw a flash of green. Surely that was Loli, not another random green. Of course the blue over there was Renn, and that one was Indo. She sighed in releif. "They are okay, so food time. I hunger."

He was very nice, she thought. Much better than that pain of a brother she had. "You're not a pain," she informed him sleepilly. Eris, that kid was a pain. She kind of missed the kid, though. She hadn't seen him since she'd been searched. He could learn a thing or two from this guy...wait, who was he?

"Wait, what's your name? I'm Eselda!" She said, completely forgetting she had mentioned this only minutes ago.

[Rei]

Sel’n was grabbing a glass of water to give to Karou when she pulled away and began spinning in some crazy form of dance. Just his luck. He got a unruly drunk. He would much rather deal with a sick one. At least they stayed where you put them. A amused smirk flickered across the brownrider’s face at her singing. It was simply dreadful. Chuckling lightly he took a moment to shake his head and look up towards the sky.

The first graduation they really did anything special for and this happens. Wonderful. As the candidate addressed him he raised an eyebrow. Hey you was definitely not his name. Nor was S’liny? That didn’t even sound remotely right. But he was the only person around. Yay him.

Knelling down to her level he offered her the cup of water. “Sorry darling. I’m afraid the punch is all gone. It had an accident. Instead why don’t you drink some of this hm? Then we’ll get someone to take you home.” While he continued to play clean up and then find Cr’oph and possibly smack his head into the wall a few times. You would think that a bronzerider would have more sense than the young man was showing tonight. Obviously Mavenath had been confused at impression.

That’s not very nice. Kaaoloth said quietly to his as he examined the rest of the dragons. Feyrianth looked much calmer. Trilaranth’s presence seemed calming to the young green and the brown seemed disinclined to leave her. Turning his head he watched, amusement whirling in his eyes, as Mavenath strode off actually carrying Eveyth on his back. It was an odd sight but the bronze didn’t seem to be having any trouble and so he did not comment. Instead he shifted and craned his neck to track the rest of the drunks. He would make sure none of them stumbled where they shouldn’t. Thankfully the majority of the chaos seemed well under control now. See not as bad as his had feared.

~~~

Cr’oph chuckled at X’rx admission. It wasn’t exactly a firelizard but that was okay. In a loud whisper the red head replied to the greenrider in his arms. “That’s Meg’s dragon X’rx. I think she might be offended if she heard you call her a firelizard.” Then again maybe not. The little dragon, dressed in a dress?, (What in Faranth’s name? Maybe he should get Megs a real doll if she was that into dress up.) Seemed well and truly happy in the brownrider’s arms.

Time to keep slinking away. Let Meagan take care of the guy and her dragon. He could catch up to her later. He had just started to turn when the man in his arms shifted and kissed his neck, sucking on the skin. Eyes widening Cr’oph swallowed against the sensation. Great just what he needed, one of his best MALE friends doing his best to give him a hickey. Yeah. Note to self pouring alcohol in the punch bowl isn’t as amusing in reality as it is in your mind.

With careful thought Cr’oph keep completely still even as X’rx continued to do his level best to work him up. Shards the kid obviously had practice. Real good thing he was male and more like a brother than anything else. Ick. Oh there that was a good thought. Picture him as your brother. Moving his head out of the greenrider’s range, which unfortunately was not to easy, he gave X’rx a patient look. “Yeah I’m taking you home. Try not to wiggle around so much.”

Mavenath gave a quiet croon as his sister scrambled up on his back. Dragon piggy back ride! Snaking his head around he nuzzled under Eveyth’s jaw, careful to avoid her protruding fangs. Adorable was his sister. A soft lick was given to her muzzle before he strode off, muscles rippling under his bright hide. This is fun isn’t it? He asked before purposely prancing and tossing his head up in a physical show of his good mood. Her question was considered and the bronze rumbled arching his neck. I am afraid I have never shared in flight before. The Jiggles has sought to take mine with him to participate in flight but the Jiggles has always lost. Crymine would take a dip in the river afterwards. So no. I have never flown with mine. Soon though I am sure I will. Mine misses flying he says. I do not see what is so special about it. They where drawing closer to the two humans now and Mavenath slowed down so as not to accidentally step on them. He could offer them a ride as well, but he rather thought his needed to be taught a lesson. Shame that he probably wouldn’t learn a thing from this whole situation. Humans. The dragon gave a loud snort.

~~~

Erilena closed her eyes as R’ven ran his thumb beneath them. The sobbing had quieted to just deep breathing by now and she obediently put her arms around his neck as directed. As he lifted her she tightened her grip around his neck and laid her head on his shoulder. Back to her weyr? Yes that sounded nice. She still wanted water though. Swallowing she just nodded keeping her eyes closed to stop everything from spinning so much. Burying her face against her classmate’s neck the weyrling just concentrated on breathing and keeping everything from spinning. Nothing was making much sense anyway.

Feyrianth didn’t move as R’ven picked up her bonded. Things where still a bit airy and she was having trouble concentrating on any one thing. Whenever she moved things spun more. It was safer for her to stay put for the moment. Still radiating calm to her bonded she sighed when Trilaranth draped his neck over hers. The physical contact was immensely reassuring and she tilted her head to affectionately nuzzle the brown's neck before cuddling her body against his.

Grateful she was for his presence. I trust yours. She sated simply to Trilaranth her eyes regaining some of their previously lost color. Now whirling primarily yellow, a few swirls of green entered her gaze as well. The dragon was content to stay here with her clutch brother until she was steady enough to rejoin hers. Trilaranth’s would take good care of her Lena for her. Reaching out she brushed the man’s mind gently and uttered two simple words. Thank you.

[Lotty]

Well, this was different. As relieved as he was that she didn't notice gifts falling from seemingly out of nowhere, he had to brace himself for her head laying against his chest. He wasn't adverse to the action so much as momentarily hesitant. After all, she was last affectionate to him when she was delirious and calling him P'mon. It was a little bothersome actually to think that the only times she seemed half nice to him was when she was - for lack of a better expression - out of her mind. Unfair life was to poor K'sel. So, so unfair. But soon enough, before he would even pat the back of her head, she had made up her mind to sit..

This of course gave the brownrider a quick moment to scoop that present back up and dust it off. He just wanted to get rid of it though, it was almost as if it was burning right through his hands, so he decided to sit right next to her on top of the table and tell her about it, carefully draping an arm lightly around her shoulders. he needed to be close by in case she keeled over...or to hold her hair back should she decide to vomit. Oh yeah, he would definitely destroy Cr'oph (his number one suspect in the Great Punch Spiking Incident of 3014) in his sleep should the girl decide to regurgitate her dinner onto his white dress shirt. Here was to hoping that she fared better than poor Eri. Smiling he spoke as sweetly as he could muster to the girl, "I got you a graduate gift. You wanna see it?"

Her drunkenness be damned, he couldn't wait any longer.

Pettahth crooned right back. Partially because she did first, partly because Hers was going to be alright, and another part because she complimented His which in turn was a compliment for himself. Afterall, he was the one who had such good taste as to pick K'sel in the first place, and he never doubted that decision since. That is good! His eyes whirled happily, K'selmine is happy to be there. Indeed you are lucky to have a ground floor, ours is up higher and it is such a hassle when K'selmine decides to have the dizzyfits. In the morning then he complains of all the noise and sound since we are on the same level as the little human hatchlings. His clutchmother is there too and visits and he complains more. He should be more appreciative. The brown nodded along sagely. He sadly seemed like an expert on this subject.

[Ruby]

Any other week, M'kai would had been among the catcallers, fully appreciating his luck. Nephele he knew, and both of the Weyrlings were cute enough. He was sure Cr'oph could supply him with the other one's name and enough information to talk at least one of them into bed. Both of them seemed drunk enough to not really care who was hitting on them, or how blatant it was. Any other week.

Not tonight, not with memories of A'emi surfacing. Girls kissing girls suddenly seemed as unsavory as boys kissing boys, even to the Weyrbred new rider. Crossing his arms, M'kai found himself in a suddenly foul mood, angry at the stupid, immature Weyrlings for stealing the show. It was supposed to be his night, wasn't it? Cr'oph had only spiked the punch to get the party started, not to make stupid lightweights act like they were still Weyrbrats. Idiots.

As such, he fully ignored X'rx and simply offered Megs a half-hearted wave, attempting to scowl a little less in her direction. She certainly had seen him in bad moods before, and wasn't likely to take it personally. He hoped. Cr'oph elbowed him, and M'kai shrugged at his brother, watching the gathering descend into chaos. Cr'oph headed off with X'rx and Megs followed, but M'kai took only a few trailing steps before heading over to Futh. Better to be left alone when he got pissy. Not to mention that people were starting to lose their punch (har, har) and M'kai wanted NO part in that. If there was a semi-sober female somewhere he might ask her to dance, but all of them seemed occupied or drunk. I think it's time to head home, Fuffle, he said, reaching his Blue's side. As soon as people figure out it was Cr'oph who spiked the punch, they're going to be looking for a tall redhead to hurt. It would be a shame to get punched at my own graduation, jacket or no. I'm not really having fun, anyway.

Futh nuzzled his rider, very gently taking the new flight jacket's colar between his teeth. Leave me the jacket, M'kaiMineLove. You are only fussy because you're overheated. And don't bother telling me you aren't fussy, I know when you are. Go have a glass of wine, and try to loosen up a little. Let's just stay for five more minutes. One glass of wine only, though! I don't want to end up all silly like the younger ones, he added, shoving his rider back towards the gathering. Muttering and grumbling, the redheaded storm cloud returned, filling a mug meant for Klah with the good Benden red Sel'n had thoughtfully provided. No need to look suspicious, but maybe just a glass of wine would help him feel not quite so angry.

[midnight]

Meagen rolled her eyes a little as she stared at the hatchling in the Brownriders arms. She looked back at X’rx and Cr’oph. For a moment she felt a twinge of jealousy - but shook her head. Maybe she was meant to go without? Who knew - maybe it was for the best. She smiled weakly at the green and sighed faintly. “Tarath - whatever will I do with you?” She murmured lightly. She looked back at the bronze rider and green rider for a moment longer. No it was time to go.

Why my darling M’ta whyever would I need anyone else - unless I chose so. I appreciate you bringing me to mine, but silly man! I have to spend time with you as well. she chimed to the man as she nuzzled him - she looked at the male that was obviously just a silly silly creature! Silly male, I am not a fire lizard. I am indeed a dragon - I just like wearing a dress because it makes me look perfect for my One true love! She said in a sugary voice.

Meagen resisted the urge she had to face palm at the expense of her dragon. She’d have to behave - she had to behave. “Anyways, I think it’s best we get out of here.” She murmured lightly to the brown rider. He was chastising her for the fact that she had called him Sir. “It’s got nothing to do with age and everything to do with a sign of respect.” She said lightly as she looked at her dragon - who was more then content to stay with the brown rider.

“I’m sorry about her - I don’t’ know why she’s in love with you.” She commented in a odd toned voice. “I grew up in a Weyr - and never have I seen a dragon that has fallen in love with a human… at least quite the way that Tarath has with you.” With that she sighed and tilted her head back, only to feel something skitter up her legs.

Snake! Stupid! Gah! the salamandyr screamed in his bondeds mind - startling the green to cry out. There he went - right down her shirt again digging at flesh as he went. “Shards and shells, Clingy that hurts!” She gasped as she looked over at the man. “I think by the time Tarath is full grown - I’ll be insane…” She said with a barking laugh.

[Requiem]

Wasn't exactly sure he could trust her not to vomit all over him, but he'd already decided to feed her as it was - Dmitri was in the habit of talking unnecessarily, as it seemed to put people at ease much better than long, uncomfortable silences - so he didn't argue with that nod of hers. He accepted her weight easily, for someone most people figured to be a weak slip of very tall nothing. Of course, Eselda weighed less than nothing, so if it was surprising it really shouldn't have been. Gripping her legs, he straightened, settling her more comfortably and urging her legs to cross around his middle, a position he supported with one hand as he got a cloth, filling it with meat and bread and nuts...heavier things for her stomach to help dilute the alcohol better. That was handed to her. As soon as she'd accepted it, hands back on her thighs, he cautioned, "Keep one arm around my shoulders or you'll go plop, then the food will run away from you and you'll still be hungry."

Comments about firelizards went mostly ignored. He didn't see the ones she was talking about, but as long as she wasn't upset, he saw no reason to correct her on it. Besides which, they might well be here. Wasn't like he was looking especially hard, now was it? "I know quite a few people who wouldn't agree with you at all," he commented laughingly, keeping his strides smooth as he took her away from the party and all the drunks. Candidate, by her knots, and to the candidate barracks she would go. From the sounds of it she was beginning to fade, which was good; less likely to put up much protest. Not that he knew which bed was hers, but they had nice bunks, as he recalled, and doubtless the room wasn't completely filled up. An unoccupied spot should do fine as a temporary arrangement.

"Yes, you are the infamous and quite rare Eselda. I am an Eselda hunter, and have caught her." He bounced her slightly, as punctuation to the teasing note in his voice. 'I'm Dmitri. You can call me Demi or brat, though, or whatever else takes your fancy. I'm not picky." Just not Dem. One person called him that. The party was disappearing behind them in the wake of great strides; few had legs to match the length of the tall harper's. "How do you like our waterfall? It's especially pretty at night I think. Glowing in the starlight." Keep her talking and happy, yes.

---

Apparently this issue of firelizards that were actually dragons dressing up to look nice for their true love was dismissed as a most definite drunken fantasy, because his only response was to smile and nod and chuckle a little - dismissively. X'rx was far more interested in the man holding him, anyway, especially since Meagen seemed altogether occupied with her queer flit/dragon and the brownrider holding the...thing. Definitely much more interested in his 'ride' home. Not quite sure what to make of the stillness. Had his attention, most definitely, but no more quiet groans. Shame, shame.

The head pulling away from him had the greenweyrling loosening his arm and settling back into his initial position, not really discouraged. He'd heard the groan, after all, and Cr'oph had done nothing to suggest he didn't like it. In fact, he'd quite clearly said yes. Yes, he was coming back with him, was taking him home. Just a little shy. Well, that was okay. X'rx was fine with waiting till they got someplace more...private. "I won't distract you anymore," he responded contentedly. "For now." His eyes flicked up towards Cr'oph's face almost cattishly, but he made no further comment, being good just as he'd promised he would.

Weeeeeee! she trilled in response, trusting Mavenath not to dislodge her. (Though she did angle her head away from his neck and was sure to keep her claws pointed slightly outwards so no accidents would happen.) Flying is like flying, and eating a good meal, and cuddling and playing with our clutchmates all at once, and then there's a happy full satisfied warm feeling afterwards. I'm sure you will like it when Yours decides to take you. Though I think it'll be more fun when we Fly ourselves! Draped over his back, she crooned at their riders happily, flicking her tail. Look at them! X'rx's head swiveled and he chuckled, waving to the two of them. Cute, like that.

---

M'ta sighed softly, drawing the dragon back in toward his chest. A hatchling she may have been, and he was hardly a weakling - stronger than most in the arms, actually - but even he couldn't hold her extended out there for as long as it was going to take to convince these two to act like a normal weyrling pair. Who ever heard of a dragon who preferred to be with someone else over their Bonded so newly Hatched? Much less a rider willing to indulge them in that. Such an odd pair these two were. "I'll still be at the Weyr tomorrow and the next day, and the one after that. You do need Yours more than me; that's why she's Yours," he told the dragon softly. "You should go with her. I'm sure I'll see you again soon enough."

Speaking to Tarath seemed the wiser option, if only because Meagen clearly wasn't about to fight her on it. All too willing to let her dragon think and do whatever she pleased and allow everyone else to cater to the green. Well, M'ta didn't mind dealing with a baby dragon on occasion, but he didn't intend to babysit her all night because Meagen couldn't - or wouldn't - handle her. "Go on, Tarath. You need your sleep to grow strong, and you know that was one of our conditions, yes? I would hate to indulge you too much and make you not get enough sleep. Then I would have to not talk about our...connection. People have to keep their word, you see, or no one will believe them ever."

Listening absently to the full extent of her...apology/explanation/argument thing, his full attention turned to Meagen only when the girl's mindmates all started fussing and she scolded her salamandyr. His lips twitched up into a wry smile. "Let's hope not," he responded dryly. "I'm no 'sir,' miss. No lordholder. I work for my living, if you don't mind. I understand it's a form of respect, but I'd find it more respectful if you simply humor my wishes, rather than argue with me about it. I asked nicely." Shifting slightly where he stood, he added, "I came here to congratulate an old friend who just graduated. The mother of my nephew, to be exact. Much as I like Tarath, I can't tote her around everywhere with me to reduce your headache. If you don't mind?"

[Ember]

T'san didn't feel even half as awkward as Meira after the first couple moments of wondering where to put his hands. He was actually quite enjoying himself with watching the goldrider's (wow, dragons did grow rather fast) reaction. Every time she glanced down his grin grew a little more...until she looked up and he tried to hide the expression as quickly as possible. It was quite entertaining...and cute. Yes, cute. He'd never been much for the self-denial thing. He liked Meira and he'd likely seek her out every now and again. Making a move...that was kind of different.

Being friends was a good start and if he never got past that...well, he could live with that. He led her with slight pushes and pulls. Just enough to warn her of his intentions before he stepped. T'san hadn't lied when he said he was a poor dancer but such a basic thing wasn't all that hard. At least she wasn't trying to lead him. That would have put him in quite a weird position. It was inevitable for some of the northern ideas to rub off on him; he thought women should follow rather than lead. Except when they were saving your life. If they knew healing they definitely could take the lead in that case.

At her life he couldn't even attempt to hide his smile. Her comment made him chuckle and he said, "We could fall down, too, if you'd like." It was a joke and he hoped his tone conveyed that well enough. Had he been watching his surroundings and not the girl he was dancing with the brownrider might have noticed that the culprit had been dumped on the ground. In truth, he'd have agreed with whoever had gotten rid of it. It was something he might have done...but certainly not with immature dragons about.

It wasn't really a surprise that Jingth didn't notice him. He wasn't really close to the party. He was off a ways, at the fringes of where the light reached. At the gold's response he rumbled quietly in amusement. Ah yes, the ones woozy from the special drink. I only hope it doesn't disturb them too much. As for me, I haven't slept yet. Mine just decided a long flight would be good today and we practiced a bit. I'm just a bit tired out from it. He had intended to catch some sleep while His was partying (or pretending to) but the company of the gold was more interesting. I had hoped to sleep a little but I dare say I prefer talking to you. he was polite but straightforward.

----

To say Nephele was zoning out...wouldn't have been wrong. Without anything to actively hold her attention she found concentrating on anything a little difficult. She felt a bit nauseous but thankfully it wasn't too bad. Certainly not like Erilena's pukefest. Maybe Nephele had had a little less alcohol...or maybe she had a slightly higher tolerance. Who knew? When K'sel put an arm around her she had something to focus on again and she smiled at what he said.

"A gift! For me? Really?" She bounced slightly in place, if that was even possible. She then threw her arms around K'sel's chest and squeezed. "I wanna see!" She told him as she pulled back from the impromptu hug. Her expression was comical - or maybe just pathetic - as she waited for him to reveal the gift. "Well? Don't keep me waiting, Kasella!" Was that a whine in her voice? It was just as well she wasn't likely to remember the details of the night. More than anything, the girl hated making a fool of herself.

Nuoth listened to Pettahth tell her about His. She excelled at listening and in the case of that day it was helping to further ground her. To see problems around her that she could not fix...it unsettled the green quite a bit. So she listened to her brown friend and she let a small amount of her amusement brush against his mind. It was kind of funny after all. I am sure that gets tiring after it happens enough times. You do have my sympathies, Pettahth.

[raii]

Karou took the water. She took a sip and then spit it out. “Myeh! This isn’t punch!” She dumped the water out on her feet and giggled. “Hey S’liffers, I thought I said I wanted some punch!” She completely forgot about everything he had just said, and demanded more punch. With an awkward swoop, she stumbled back to her feet. Her usually graceful body now struggled to stay standing. Her head spun pleasantly and her body was numb. Experimentally, she swung her arms wildly, unable to feel them at all.

She stumbled away from Sel’n, and into M’kai. “Do youuu have any more punch?” She said, before looking down at his mug. “Is that wine? Can you…can you give me some?” Her body swayed gently with the music, more from a lack of balance than any desire to dance. Naturally, she should know not to put more alcohol in her system, after drinking several glasses of punch. She was, actually, a binge drinker. She rarely drank, actually, but when she did, she knew no end.

She stumbled away from M’kai, distracted again, by the music this time. Pretty music. Like rainbows. “Rainbow music,” she sang, her voice squeaking unnaturally. She hummed softly, her voice returning to its usual beautiful tone. She sat on the ground, and then lay down again. Her hair was spread messily around her, her limbs limp along the ground. She laughed, watching the world above her spin pleasantly.

-----

Eselda gasped, a horrified look on her face. “But I need food!” She sighed. “I don’t know how people don’t like fire lizards. Fire lizards are amazing. I got, uhm, three of them, and they’re so sweet!” She beamed proudly. “My mom’s got a queen fire lizard, and I sell some eggs at gathers sometimes. It’s really great!”

He bounced her as he teased her. “You’re nice, but you didn’t catch me. I allowed you to give me a ride, silly.” Demi, brat, Dmitri. Of course, she knew what she would call him. “You are not Dmitri. You are not a brat. My brother is a brat, you aren’t. You are not a Demi. You are Demibrat. Because I said so.” She hugged his shoulders tightly. He would protect her and keep her happy. He could be her second brother! Eris could learn from him.

Her eyes widened at the sight of the waterfall. “Oooh, it is glowy! Can we go splash in the water? Wait, what about the food? I want food! But I want to play in the waterfall!” She frowned indecisively. Water or food? Fun or needs? Why couldn’t she just have both?

[Avu]

…he was watching her. It wasn’t unexpected, since they were, after all, dancing, but the realization still widened her eyes and deepened the shade of her cheeks. Part of Meira wanted to look away, more instinct than anything else, shyness and some embarrassment (she’d said she wasn’t a good dancer, and she wasn’t). She managed not to drop her head, though, even if she could’ve disguised it as another glance downwards; T’san was being incredibly helpful about which way they were supposed to be going, fortunately.

The speaking helped a lot – Meira wasn’t really sure why it did, but it did. Made it easier to pretend that they weren’t dancing, she supposed. The goldrider laughed, crinkling her nose slightly. “If it’s all the same to you, I think I’m just fine upright.” The people that weren’t didn’t really look like they were having that great of a time, anyway. A quick sideways glance towards the various inebriated people around, and she murmured, more seriously, “Feel bad for them…good thing that some people decided not to try the punch, I guess.” Or they could just hold their alcohol a lot better (she couldn’t, for one).

Oh, there was Dsoleth. Jingth crooned in the brown’s general direction as Mimic pounced on her tailtip. Automatically twitching it so the Salamandyr could play, the gold tilted her head towards Dsoleth. Hers was happy, and that made Jingth happy with Dsoleth – because it was His that made Hers happy. I’m glad. Company is very nice, and most of my clutchsiblings seem to be distracted. A low note of amusement lingered in her tone, but even if they weren’t, Jingth wasn’t very interested in any of them. You are welcome to join me over here – with ‘ruth, if you’d like?

Because, yes, there was a ‘ruth now. Jingth crooned at the smaller brown, reaching her muzzle out to nuzzle him in return; as he curled against her, the gold’s head plopped down onto his back, tongue flicking out to touch darker hide affectionately. She is, and Yours seems to be distracted as well. Why is there a hatchling-dragon awake? And why had they (her Behruth and His) been toting her around? She hadn’t been aware that M’ta had Impressed a green at Hepaticath’s Hatching. Hmm.

[Lotty]

If she was hugging him for just mentioning the word present, he was curious as to what would happen if she liked what she received. Smirk. Naughty, naughty Mr. Kasella. On a more amusing note, he was glad he decided against buying her a weapon. A drunk, excited girl with a knife would have been a bad idea...but this was harmless as long as she didn't try to fashion a noose out of it. It was possible, the necklace was long enough; probably around 34 inches and meant to be doubled up or at least knotted for decorative effect. Beside the point though...

As soon as Nephele let go, he made his move, offering the mahogany box forward, "It's supposed to make music, if it doesn't then its because I just broke it. Sorry," it was his disclaimer for he wasn't sure on how well the music maker fared in the fall. That was not his main concern admittedly. He just wanted her to open the little chest up and see the present: the big expensive centerpiece of that jewelry stall; a long pearl necklace that gleamed with all of the opalescent hues of the rainbow, and although the pearls were of different size and shape, the girl at the stall convinced the young man that this is what made the necklace special and unique.

Pettahth was thankful for someone to vent to. It was good to let go and talk to another dragon about his favorite human's goofy ways. Grateful, the brown scooted closer to Nuoth and crooned. If he got any closer he might very well be on top of her. Unusual for him not to give another space - since he valued it so much - but maybe he was just picking up on subconscious cues from his rider counterpart. It is quite alright now though dear Nuoth. After all he seems quite alright for now... He didn't suspect his of getting into too much trouble as long as he was so preoccupied.