Hatching Feast: Christmas Clutch

[Avu]

If he hadn't been ready to kill someone - specifically, Shmee - he might have actually been happy. Might. Most people were happy, today, or at least content, but those were moods that T'rid rarely, if ever, indulged in. Nevertheless, the Hatching Feast should have made him made him a bit more approachable than was usual, and it would have - except that he apparently had to run around like a headless wherry trying to make sure nobody fell in the pudding and died, or tripped and fell into a bowl of soup, or whatever. Actually, that wouldn't have been so bad. At least he could have had a laugh. No. What he had to do was give a speech about how amazing the Hatching had been (manifestly untrue, considering the number of maulings that had occured and the fact that the queen egg wasn't a queen egg, but rather a gender-confused bronze egg), and about how proud he was of the Weyrlings (another un-truth, because he frankly couldn't have cared less about the idiots), or - well, he had to find something to say that would make the Weyr happy. He didn't have a lot of practice doing that, and he didn't intend to start practicing today. So, T'rid was sulking.

I don't see why you're worried, Corinth commented, blinking one gleaming eye at his Rider. Pick out your clothes and let's go. All you have to do is say congratulations, and then you can eat and leave, or whatever you planned to do. Well, no, Corinth wouldn't understand. That didn't make T'rid feel any better. He already knew that his dragon was a lot more eloquent than he, and right now was not a particularly adroit moment for Corinth to point out the fact, even if it hadn't been intended to irritate him. The Weyrleader glared at the bronze dragon, who blinked, unperturbed, at him, clearly expectant, and T'rid turned back to the wardrobe with a sigh. He didn't have a lot of fancy outfits, simply because he'd never felt the need for them, and the fact didn't make him any happier as he picked out a loose-fitting dark brown tunic, stitched with golden-bronze thread, the long sleeves sliding slightly over his hands, and pulled on his normal pants, black in color and tight, looping the (rather unnecessary) belt around his waist and then pushing his hair back out of his eyes.

"Are you sure - ?"
I am /positive/ that I'm not going to let you skip, Corinth interrupted wearily.

Well, fine. Grunting his disapproval, T'rid swung onto Corinth's neck and, sighing inwardly, directed the bronze between. Well, at least he wasn't needed when the Drudges were cooking and setting out the Feast, he consoled himself morosely, dropping down from Corinth's neck and giving the bronze a surprisingly affectionate pat on his shoulder before Corinth crooned softly, launching himself up again so the other dragons could land when they started to trickle in. His nose twitching slightly at the smell of food, T'rid wandered into the Feasting Hall, which was...well, he had to admit that the spread was impressive, not that he'd say it, with a table laid out with empty plates and silverware and cups, and then other tables full of steaming platters of food, drinks, and one partially filled with desserts, and still Drudges were bringing in other foods: Roast wherry, tubers, bread, salads. Not much different from the previous Hatching Feast, but hey, the smell was still appetizing.

Slinking to the table reserved for ranking Riders, he plopped himself down in the chair as far away as possible from the center - pity the Feasting Hall was well-lit, or he'd have definitely found the darkest possible area and secreted himself there. Who knew? Maybe everyone would be so interested in stuffing their faces with food and wine that they'd forget about him and the speech he was supposed to give. At that thought, he was back to sulking, the bronzerider reaching out to touch Corinth's mind. No, I am /not/ going to let you come back until you've given your speech, Corinth answered firmly. T'rid resisted the impulse to stick out his tongue at the dragon, staring blankly at a spot just above the door. People would start coming anytime now...and if they had the nerve to trot up to him and start blathering about anything, he'd literally growl at them. He was just fine ranting his complaints to himself, please and thanks. Like - exactly why couldn't Shmee give the speech? It was her dragon's clutch. Aslath had been the one snapping at everyone who got near, not Corinth.

Oh, look. Here everyone came. Composing his features into something distinctly unapproachable, T'rid leaned back in the chair, pointedly avoiding anyone's gazes and eyeing the ceiling. By the time the Feast was over, he would probably have the designs on the ceiling memorized.

[Rei]

Raylin entered the hall a bit self-consciously. The girl had explained to her dragon that she had to go to a gathering and not to worry but her little green was unperturbed. Ebolath had stuffed herself until she was fit to burst and then promptly fell asleep. She would most likely be asleep until her hunger awoke her anyway. Vega had surprisingly elected to go with her and seeing how she had been neglecting him as of late she allowed it. If someone wanted her to send him away she would do so.

Vega chirped happily. His was so pretty. He sent loving feeling’s Raylin’s way and she smiled despite the fact that she was nervous. Saeo had decided to help her get ready carefully painting her lips and lining her eyes with charcoal. Raylin had a emerald colored evening dress that was one of her mothers only nice articles of clothing and was grateful that her father had allowed her to take it with her at her search. Having trouble deciding how to put up her hair she had just brushed it and left it alone.

Overall she painted quite a pretty picture according to Saeo although Raylin had rolled her eyes. Pretty sure. Vega had wholeheartedly agreed however humming in appreciation. She normally loved getting ready for formal gatherings but this one had her nervous. The new Weyrling decided to await her friends arrival and stepped to the side of the entryway intending to grab Saeo when she passed through the door. Her friend had promised she would be right behind her. So much for that.

[dragon]

The next one throught the door, however, was not Saeo. It was C'oar. And he looked rather lost. While he had been to a hatching feast before ... he hadn't been a weyrling at it, either. Just one of the failed Candidates. Which everyone more or less blissfully ignored. Now ... now he was one of the 'lucky' ones, and ... what was he supposed to do with himself, anyway?

C'oar cleaned up nicely, amazingly enough. His soot black hair was combed straight for once, and tied back. And he had changed out of the awful white gown just as quickly as he could. So now he was wearing a rich chocolate brown sleeveless shirt and black trousers that both looked quite new and unworn. There wasn't anything fancy about the way he was dressed ... it just wasn't worn, ripped, rumpled, stained, or otherwise mussy. However, the shiny little bronze flitter on his shoulder did add a dressier look to the simple clothing.

A quick glance around spotted Raylin near the door. For lack of anything better to do, C'oar joined her there. He knew her ... that was something. And maybe there was where the weyrlings were supposed to be? He didn't know. In any event ... he was there.

"Hi." He said, quietly. "Is Saeo alright?" He asked, again, hoping that thier mutual friend was faring alright after her rather rough treatment on the sands. C'oar rather didn't figure that she was going to be coming to the feast, after that.

He cast one rather wary glance at the only other person in the room thusfar ... T'rid. C'oar wondered if T'rid was ever going to become someone at least respectable, even if he never became someone likable. What a strange person to have running the whole Weyr. Deciding to ignore the bronzerider, C'oar turned his attention back to Raylin. "How are you holding up?" He asked, also. Impressing had been one weird experience for him ... he didn't know if it was like that, or different, for the others.

~~~

Shortly afterward, E'yan came strolling into the hall. He walked right past the two weyrlings at the door, and crossed the room all the way over to where T'rid was. He offered the younger man a simple nod in respect, before simply outright saying what he came to say: "Any word on whether or not that girl is going to make it?" He asked, bluntly. There was no need to specify which girl. The whole weyr knew which girl. E'yan plainly didn't intend to stick around that table long ... but he did want to know what was going down. Without having to pester Healers to find out. Part of it was his own curiosity and concern, part of it wasn't. He was a Harper, after all. Rider first, but Harper after that. And news was part of his job.

If he could find out what was going down, then people like T'rid and Shmee would get hounded for it far less. Because the Harpers, like E'yan, could tell people what all was happening.

[antinanco]

The next to pass through the orientated archway were Ieoha and Rinnel, in that order. Ieoha had been leading the way with a simply pastel blue dress to accent the pastel green flitter hat she was still wearing from the Hatching (though much to her dismay it had stopped vibrating a while ago) and was literally dragging Rinnel through after her. The elegant white tunic he was wearing looked absolutely out of place and was about to rip at the hem as the crechewoman tugged the handler over to the Weyrfolk table.

“There! That wasn’t so bad, was it? Getting there is half the battle after all!” Ieoha declared, beaming at her successful kidnapping and pulling out a chair for her charge. But instead of sitting down, he fixed a scowl on his face and resisted until the very last minute. “C’mooooon, Ieohaaa,” Rinnel whined, sounding very much like a child, “I’m tirrrreeed and I want to go to bed. And I have Watch Duty again tonight! Can’t we go back at least go back to my cave and… um, consol Risk?” Ieoha rolled her eyes and tugged harder, forcing him to sit. If he was getting to the point where he wanted to go be emotional with his wher, then he was desperate. This was going to take some serious socializing.

Patting the man on his shoulder demeaningly, Ieoha reassured, “Don’t worry, darling. This will be fun! Maybe you’ll even find yourself a nice ladyfriend!” She grinned impishly and Rinnel groaned. “Stay put for a moment, sweetie, I’ll be right back with some snacks.”

As Ieoha shuffled off to the entrance to wait for other people, Rinnel slumped down into a chair on the corner of the table, a seat where he was forced to sit next to only one person. “Fine. But can you at least get that ridiculous thing off of your head?!” he snapped over his shoulder, retreating into his grumpy shell as more people began to arrive. Little did he know he had just gotten ditched. He was old enough to do this by himself, Ieoha had decided.

[/font]

[topaz]

C'vin strode into the Main Hall calmly, hiding his slight anxiety at leaving Mallowth in the barrack. The hatchling had argued childishly that he come for the past half an hour before the ceremony began, and was now sulking in, and most likely vandalizing, C'vin's cot in spite. Are there other dragons there? I bet there are. The blue said in a disgusted, huffy voice. C'vin smirked, and chuckled softly under his breath, trying not to look like he was talking to himself. No dear, there are no other dragons here. You are not the only one who couldn't come.

C'vin tugged at the side of his gray-blue tunic as he walked, pulling a bit that had gotten stuck in his pants. Said pants were of simple un-dyed hide, and clung to the Weyrlings legs tightly. His brown wavy hair was slightly combed, but it did not do much to the overall messy effect. C'vin didn't really care to try and tame the hair on his head, but he did take the time to shave. He figured since he had Impressed this time, and the feast was in the new Weyrlings honor, he should try and look presentable.

Slowing his pace as he past the other Weyrlings at the door, he gave the two a friendly smile and continued on his way to the tables. Passing the Weyrleader on his way, he gave the rider a polite nod. He didn't look like he was in the mood to talk at all, so C'vin passed him quickly. The Weyrling found a seat near the end of a table, a few seats away and across from an older male in a white tunic.

Glancing over to the table full of food, C'vin's stomach growled. Man, did that stuff look good. He hadn't eaten at all that day, for one reason or another, and now the banquet was quite appetizing. Would you like me to bring you some of this when it's over? He sweetly asked his blue. There was no verbal answer, only a feeling of reluctant agreement. C'vin smiled softly as he turned away from the food. Mallowth was annoyed that he wasn't able to attend the feast, but the little hatchling could never consciously refuse food. He was a growing dragon after all.

Looking over to the other figure seated at the table, C'vin smiled. "Looks like it's going to be a good feast, eh?" He said happily, waggling a thumb over his shoulder at the food. "I could eat that whole roast, I'm so hungry." He chuckled.

[ladybug]

A'fyr watched as Rudolth curled up and drifted off to sleep, starry-eyed affection glowing in his eyes and a goofy grin on his face. Even with all of the trouble at the Hatching, A'fyr could not have been more happy. He had never felt such a strong love for something. Sighing contentedly, he gave Rudolth a final pat on his reddish nose and went to go to the Feast. He didn't really want to leave his bonded's side, but he knew he should make an appearance.

When he walked into the dining hall and the scent of food wafted over him, he realized how hungry he was. His stomach rumbled, protesting the neglect. This time, it was all him, and not feeling Rudolth's hunger. "Don't worry, just a few more minutes," he muttered. A'fyr grinned at Raylin and C'oar as he passed them. Impression was apparently making the usually reserved young man a lot more friendly than usual.

A'fyr strode over to the food, eyes widening at the feast that had been laid out. Picking up a plate, he began to fill it generously. If Rudolth could eat his weight in food at the Hatching, then he planned to do the same tonight.

***

Disappointment sat like a bitter fruit at the pit of Burena's stomach. She had known there were more candidates than eggs, and that anyone could be left Standing. She had thought she was ready for it. But after seeing the happy faces on the new weyrlings, she was jealous. She was startled at the way her heart ached to feel that same thing, whatever it was.

But no one would ever guess her sadness as she strode into the hall. She was wearing a red dress with a revealing scoop neck that fell just below her knees, and her hair had been tamed and tied in many small braids. Burena was still worried about Saeo and Pasine, but if they couldn't be there, Burena planned to party twice as hard to honor them.

Habit caused her to scan the room for interesting male presences. She almost decided to approach T'rid, but then some rider walked up to him. There was a man sitting alone at one of the tables, and she started walking towards him when a weyrling sat down. And everyone else here so far was a weyrling, off limits! Pouting, Burena strode over to the side of the room, leaning against the wall. She would be a wallflower for the moment, but she would be ready to socialize the second an interesting person walked into the room.

***

"Feast! Fun! Awake!" Insomnia chattered happily, clinging to Rilyer's velvet tunic as he walked into the hall. Rilyer didn't want to miss a feast, although he planned to leave when Rilysk woke up. "Yes, Insomnia," he told the green ambivalently, patting her and hoping she would calm down a litte. He didn't want her bothering everyone at the feast.

He walked slowly through the hall, nodding a greeting at the people he knew. Passing Rinnel, he winked at the greenhandler. If it wasn't for the presence of the weyrling, Rilyer might have kept Rinnel company, but he'd let C'vin handle the sour handler for now. He ended up at the wine, of course. Picking up a glass, Rilyer sniffed it dramatically before taking a sip. He smiled at the taste. The Weyr always had the best wine, one of the many perks he liked about being weyrfolk.

"For me?" Insomnia asked, dipping her head down and sniffing at the wine. Rilyer held the glass away from her no. "No, Insomnia, the last thing I need is to get you drunk!"

[Tashe]

"Are you sure you want to bring him? Won't he... I don't know. Disturb the flitters?" Glancing down at the young Canine, the equally young Weyrwoman shifted quietly from foot to foot. Gathers and Feasts, no matter how many times she's been to them, always made her nervous. And because she was feeling as such, Kaegan took it out in the form of fussing over which ever of her friends was closest, and in this case it happened to be Saraina. Normally, the Bluerider came to the Feasts accompanied by Gina, but the Greenrider was off on Watchduty with her cousin F'rah. It was going to be odd, not standing and talking with the Brownrider at the hatching Feasts about how he was going to control the new wave of Weyrlings, it was almost a tradition and Kaegan was rather sad it wouldn't happen this year.

"'E'll be fine. E's got 'is leash, an' I got 'im trained."

"Okay... fine. But if he disturbs the Hatching..." Twirling a lock of her hair between her thumb and forefinger, the Goldrider carefully stepped over a small puddle of spilled water, before entering the Feasting Hall. "I'm going up to my seat, you're welcome to come over with me." Unfortunately, the Bluerider was never one who wanted to draw attention to herself, and refused the offer somewhat politely.

"I'm gonna sit over in the lesser tables, an' get Soleil some'in to eat."

Frowning slightly, Kaegan tugged harder on her hair before brushing a few wrinkles out of her silver trimmed brown dress. Silver hair clips and adornments matched the trimmings on her dress, they were pretty, but not really eye catching. Weeding her way through the growing crowd, the Queenrider returned a few feeble greetings before finally making it to the safety of her table. She disliked crowds. Oh how she really disliked them. Rubbing her eye, Kaegan took the moment to take account of who all was at her table already, sighing gratefully when she only saw the new Weyrleader. Sitting with a bunch of Bronzers and the Weyrleaders wasn't her cup of tea, so when they trickled in, it gave her nerves time to adjust.

Circling around the back of the table, she took her seat quietly, stirring only to thank the Drudge for the wine that she brought over. "Oh boy..."

---

Grinning at the nervous look on her Weyrwoman's face, Saraina knelt down and attached the leather leash to her dog's collar. "Alright boy. Lets be good ta'night, 'member all I've taught cha." The Bluerider had been working hard and long to train the Canine ever since she had got him from the last Gather, and so far all the work had been paying off, but tonight was to be his biggest challenge. All the people and critters running about were bound to be distracting, but if his training held out, they'd both have a fine time. Threading her fingers through her short hair, Sara took the moment to make it even more messy before standing up. "Heel." Tugging gently on the leash, both Master and Canine trotted happily into the bright feasting hall.

"Lets getcha some meat Soleil. But jus' in case, we'll stay 'way from the starchy sweets." Grinning, the Bluerider made her way through the buffet style line, loading her plate with meat and fruit. "There we go... lets go loiter' somewhere." So far so good, her Canine was behaving well for his first big gathering, waiting patiently for her to finish while in line. He was also doing a wonderful job putting up with the quick pets and attention he was getting, since people were used to seeing Flitters and not furry things. Chuckling as the black canine woofed before eying the meat on her plate, Saraina lead her partner toward a table near the wall, counting it lucky that a few of her work out friends happened to be sitting there themselves. Growling playfully as she kicked one of them out of the end seat, the Bluerider tied the end of Soleil's leash to her belt before getting his attention. "So you lazy bums really want to see him do tricks?"

Getting a positive response from the table, Sara tore up a piece of meat and hid a piece of it in her palm. "Soleil, attention." Holding her hand toward the Canine, the Bluerider pointed her finger then flicked it up. "Beg." Watching as he raised his front paws, Saraina waited for a few seconds before praising him and giving him the treat. "Good boy!"

[nightingale]

Under normal circumstances, Saeo was quite content wearing skirts. Tonight however, the knee-length sky blue dress Raylin had forced her into showed off far more skin than she was comfortable showing. It wasn't that the dress was particularly revealing, but there wasn't very much skin left on her that didn't sport an angry red gash or two. In truth, had Farryl not been right there the whole time to prod her along, she probably would have scurried back to her rooms to hide as soon as Raylin's back was turned.

She trudged along like a whipped animal, her face flushed a humiliated scarlet, only daring to glance up from the floor when turning a corner in order to keep her bearings.

"Alright, we're all here so let's just find a place to sit before I change my mind."

She grumbled, hurrying over to where Raylin and C'oar stood talking. Without bothering to glance up, she grabbed Raylin by the wrist and proceeded to drag the older girl into the banquet hall.

---------------------------

Ke'rin had to admit, Lamb went quite well with the forest green doublet he'd chosen to wear to the Hatching Feast. The green flitter purred a happy, thrumming sound as she pressed herself into his neck, obviously pleased with her addition to his outfit.

Oh Hers looked so very handsome! But why couldn't bronze Jaymith come with them? Wasn't the party supposed to be for the new dragons? Grinning at her naive curiosity, he explained to the tiny green that newborn dragons were very tired after they hatched. She had been the same way actually, when she was a hatchling. This seemed to placate her, though she did make it a point to inform him she still felt somewhat guilty about leaving her new mindmate all on his own.

Catching sight of a few people he recognized as he made his way around the corner to the Feasting Hall, Ke'rin raised his hand in greeting. Well, the girls certainly seemed to have taken the semi-formal occasion seriously...though he wasn't quite sure what had Saeo worked up into such a temper.

"Ummm...I take it that means we're going inside?"

He offered meekly with a small shrug as he stepped into earshot. Lamb trilled shyly at the small group. Oh, so many people...but Hers knew them, yes? OH! She peeped in alarm, knotting her tail into his hair. Such a very large bronze flitter! Did Hers know that one? Oh, oh he was very large and oh..oh scary...

[hseru]

It was not in his nature to fuss over his looks, but according to friends, S'lain should, no would dress nicely for the feast, and every feast he decided to attend. Alas, that his stomach should be the last line of judgment in any situation. What was the world coming to?

I certainly hope you won't pester anyone. We don't need another fight to break out. A draconic laugh snorted through their apartments as Jaxith watched him prepare. S'lain rolled his eyes, adjusting his vest. "I don't need you giving me tips on how to behave, Jaxi. I haven't been a teenager for several years now." Funny, you could fool me. I'm surprised that you haven't been given stable duty for a while now. S'lain narrowed a look on the blue, who sat innocently as ever, eyes whirling in amusement.
Good thing too. Those clothes wouldn't make it through an hour's worth of cleaning.

S'lain glanced down, begrudgingly agreeing with his partner's assessment. Simple enough, his vest was a dark blue, a color intentionally mirroring the hue of Jaxith's deep cobalt hide. Simple designs were picked out in white thread along the border. A loose white shirt went underneath, the sleeves long, and gathered to bunch at the wrist.
He left the vest front open, displaying a row of carved bone buttons holding the shirt closed. A plain brown belt at his waist held a small pouch of herbs. His pants were also simple in design, of a thick cloth dyed black, falling from his hips to his ankles in a generally straight line, leaving him with airy, flexible pants.
A cursory brush to his hair later, and he was set to depart.

Vaulting onto Jaxith's narrow back, S'lain had only a moment before they blinked Between. Landing in a splash of color, S'lain slid off, pausing to pose a moment to let Jaxith admire. The blue snorted in good humor before launching himself skywards. S'lain grinned, raising a hand in farewell.
See you in a few minutes. S'lain made a face at his retreating partner before lazily striding into the feasting Hall. He passed the Werylings with a brief wave, unable to remember a single name from the group, but unperturbed by it.

From the looks of it, he was right on time. People were filing in and the tables weren't even half full. Perfect time to claim a seat for himself as close to the food filled tables as he could without seeming too obvious about his intent.
It seemed prudent first, however, to get a glass of wine to soften the edges a bit before launching into the mayhem that was likely to begin when everyone finally arrived. A short walk brought him to within speaking distance of Rilyer as he chose a wine to sip experimentally, enjoying the flavor with a nod to the other man.

Don't get drunk. Jaxith's voice was still amused as he chastised. S'lain snorted lightly, hiding it behind his cup.

[weaving]

Having been at the hatching to observe who his next batch of weyrlings would be, I’fael figured that it was now time to meet them more personally. He hadn’t gotten to see much of their personalities, but from the way the hatchlings had behaved on the sands, he worried that it was going to be a rather difficult class to control. Hopefully the newly-made weyrlings didn’t match the personalities of their bondeds’, which would make things somewhat easier. He entered the hall to find that it was still fairly empty. The Weyrleader was there, but Shmee was glaringly absent. Some of the weyrlings had arrived, as well as a few riders, and there were doubtlessly more on the way.

There would be time to introduce himself to them later. For now, he’d pay his respects to the Weyrleader and the Junior Weyrwoman and then take his proper seat. Tonight would be a night to observe from afar and see how they interacted together. Were there some who didn’t get along? Some who seemed closer than was allowed? The only way to discover this was to watch them when they didn’t know they were being watched. Making his way toward the table that seated T’rid and Kaegan, he kept an eye on the various weyrlings, making notes in his mind for later reference.

“Good evening Weyrleader, Weyrwoman,” he greeted the pair, nodding his head in respect. “It was a fine clutch, if a bit…” Blood-thirsty? Gruesome? Horrific? “exciting,” he finished after a short pause. “It’s a shame that Weyrwoman Shmee is not here to join us. Is there something that is holding her up?” I’fael wouldn’t be surprised if she was simply avoiding the Feast for personal reasons. Though a step up from Sera, Shmee still had quite a bit to learn about the proper way to handle a weyr and seemed to be making more enemies than friends. Perhaps age would change her, but for now, I’fael was inclined not to think too highly of her.

----------

Shards, he was tired. Rather than return to his apartment to sleep after the hatching, Jermayan had stayed the entire time at the infirmary, helping to stitch and bandage Pasine’s various wounds. One of the other healers had shooed him away once he had begun mumbling incoherent orders. He had been ordered to find a hot meal and his bed, and while the young man was inclined to skip the meal, his stomach had protested. Loudly. His best chance of finding food was the feast and so he stumbled in, the loud noise and bright lights waking him up a bit. He certainly didn’t remember any fanfare being made after he and the other werhandlers had impressed, he thought somewhat bitterly. Everyone it seemed felt that the dragons were more important.

Why was he here? Oh yes, food. Trying to avoid everyone, the healer made a beeline toward the tables with food piled on them, his eyes glued to the steaming piles of tender wherry, meat rolls, fruits… It would probably be one of the best meals he’d eaten in a while. Perhaps coming to hatching feasts more often would be a good idea. He was halfway there when he spotted one of the candidates who had been mauled at the hatching. He couldn’t remember if she’d come by the infirmary to have her wounds better looked at. Perhaps he should check up on her, just to be sure everything was alright.

“Excuse me,” he said softly, tapping Saeo gently on the shoulder, careful to avoid any spots that looked scratched up. “I’m the healer from the hatching earlier. I just wanted to make sure that everything was alright.” He spoke quietly so as not to draw the attention of everyone nearby and nodded in greeting to her companions. “Congratulations on impressing by the way, all of you.”

[Rei]

Raylin would have been started by C’oar’s sudden appearance had not Vega seen the bronze flitter on his shoulder. The little pale blue gave a squawk and quickly wrapped his tail around the girl’s throat beginning to tremble in anxiety. Raylin ran a soothing hand over him as she listened to the brown Weyrling. “Saeo is doing ok she is understandably grumpy but she will pull through.”

She saw the boy's quick glance at T’rid and snorted. “It will be interesting to hear his speech.” She said, a bit of humor coloring her tone. Their new Weyrleader always seemed to enjoy stirring up trouble and she was sure this time would be no exception. A quick glance in his direction informed her of the absence of Stupid. The weyrling was a bit surprised that he hadn’t brought the little klepto.

“I am doing ok thanks for asking.” Raylin replied in a conversational tone as she turned to face C'oar again. “It is a bit weird though, being so in tune with another living thing I mean. I guess it isn’t as big a shock to me as some of the others though since I bonded a flitter and have been sharing emotions with him. Still the bond with Ebolath is different. Stronger somehow.” The green weyrling trailed off as she watched people begin to enter the hall. It looked like they were due for quite a big crowd. Huge crowds bothered her but tonight she would deal with it. She has to happy to be nervous.

Raylin turned to C’oar again only to be startled by the appearance of her grumpy friend who proceeded to unceremoniously drag her to the tables. She did manage a parting goodbye to the boy but that was all. “C’oar was asking about you Saeo. Perhaps you should speak to him later?” She prodded gently before sitting next to her at one of the food laden tables.

Hearing Lamb’s soft thrill Vega crooned in greeting. His scared sister was here. Who else did he know? He blue flitter straightened up on Raylin’s shoulder and began to preen his wings as he gazed curiously at his surroundings so many many people! He gave a chirp at Jermayan’s approach and cocked his head as he regarded the new man.

[Avu]

First people in were - wouldn't you know it - Weyrlings. Two of them, to be exact, both of them vaguely recognized by the Weyrleader, though outwardly he gave no sign of it. Indeed, he was twirling an empty wine glass in his fingers, determined not to get up at all during the night. Except for that dratted speech. A slight frown touched his eyebrows as he glanced along the table reserved for the ranking members of the Weyr. Was he the only one here? The Feast was just starting, of course, and indeed, here came a dragonrider, followed by some others, but - still. If he had to be there from the beginning, shouldn't the other rankers have to do the same? A distinctly petulant frown tugged the corner of his lip downwards as he leaned back in his chair, gazing through half-lidded eyes at his empty winecup and wondering if he ought to get any. Tempting, but...unless he could harness a Drudge to the chore, it'd require actually getting up, and -

He fumbled the glass, nearly dropping it as a voice spoke next to him, and glanced up at E'yan, automatically scanning the other man's knots - some habits simply refused to die. Bluerider. His question, though - very blunt, wasn't he? T'rid couldn't repress the slight smirk as he set his wine glass down with deliberate care on the table before shrugging. "She'll live, or so I'm told, but then, no Healer likes to say that their patients'll die. Optimistic, I'd say, considering." Another shrug, and he signaled to one of the Drudges as the man passed, balancing bottles of wine and pointing out his choice rather absently. Recieving it, he didn't drink it immediately, preferring to set it back on the table and glance back at E'yan. "Anything else you need to know?" There was a light emphasis on the word 'need,' and a definite frown lurking around the bronzerider's mouth now. Go aw -

Oh, look. The first of the rankers to arrive, excluding T'rid. And it wasn't even the Senior Weyrwoman. No, it was the Junior Weyrwoman, Kaegan. Millieth's. I am /aware/ of that. Amused by His' testiness, Corinth receded into silence for a moment, and then piped up, Shouldn't you find someone to talk to? No. Why should I? I /want/ to be alone, but /apparently/... Well, you /are/ Weyrleader... No thanks to /you/... T'rid glanced along the table at Kaegan, and then shrugged to himself, rather dismissively. She didn't look like she was planning on bothering him, so he'd return the - ah - compliment and...completely ignore her. At least it would be easy if she stayed this quiet through the whole feast. Good. He could plan his escape better when he wasn't being distracted anyway.

Wait - what? He blinked, annoyed, as another someone spoke his rank in something T'rid supposed was a polite greeting, and he looked up from his still full wine glass to I'fael, nodding a curt, rather unenthusiastic, greeting to the brownrider. Morendoth's, Corinth interjected quietly. I don't care, you know... He dropped his chin against his chest, watching through the unruly hair that fell over his eyes as I'fael sought an appropriate word to describe the bloodshed during the 'fine' Hatching. Exciting? "Exciting," he echoed, unimpressed. "I don't think that does it justice, but...exciting for a spectator, yes." For a Candidate? Probably terrifying. Hadn't one of the Candidates fainted on the Sands?

At the mention of the Weyrwoman's very obvious absence, T'rid couldn't repress the snort and the definitely irritated expression from flashing over his features, as he shrugged and shook his head disapprovingly. "If she had anything planned, she certainly didn't tell me about it," he stated dryly, shaking his hair out of his eyes to appraise those who had already arrived at the Feast. He honestly didn't remember Shmee telling him anything about not attending the Feast - but then, she might have; he wasn't exactly known for his paying attention to things he didn't like, and Shmee was in the top ten of his 'People to Ignore' list. Nevertheless, surely Corinth would have remembered the fact? I don't recall, the bronze dragon answered. Hmm. "Probably hovering over the girl while the healers work on her," T'rid commented. "She certainly took off across the Sands fast enough to suggest that she cared, in any case."

[Tashe]

Good. The Weyrleader didn't look as though he wanted to talk, all the better she supposed. She hadn't minded when S'rei was Weyrleader, he at least tried to look kind and sometimes engage her in conversation, but even those were awkward. Kaegan just couldn't shake the underlying mistrust of Bronzeriders that Benden had bred in her. Sitting back in her chair, the Goldrider missed T'rid's sideways glance, opting to stare into her wine goblet rather than observe the feasting hall as it began to fill. /I'm bored./ Well I'm sorry, how do you think I feel? I detest these feasts. /Hmph. Wish I had never picked you huh?/ Someti-- oh. Millieth, I'm sorry. You know I'd never want any other Dragon than you. /Mhm./ Now don't be moody. If I have to suffer here, you can suffer with boredom where ever you are. /I am at the coast./ Millieth... you shouldn't be there on your own. Please come back to the Weyr, or at least somewhere closer to it. /You worry to much, I will be fine Mine. Its not like I can't 'tween back to the Weyr if something goes wrong./ I'd rather noth--

"Good evening Weyrleader, Weyrwoman. It was a fine clutch, if a bit… 'exciting."

Glancing up from her Wine glass, Kaegan offered the current Weyrlingmaster a small smile. "Evening Weyrlingmaster I'fael." As the Weyrleader spoke, the young Goldrider fell silent, quietly tapping the rim of her glass with her finger, listening to what T'rid was saying. Waiting till he seemed as though he was finished, after explaining he didn't know why Shmee wasn't there, Kaegan pipped up once more. "I suppose I-I missed a rather... frightening hatching. W-was it really as bad as all the talk says?" She had heard of the maulings, but each source said something different, making Kaegan wish she had actually been there to see it herself rather than hear it from unreliable sources. But as is life, work had found her at the worst of times. She was happy for the Weyrlings Impressing, but something inside her felt deeply sorry for those who were mauled.

[antinanco]

Out of the corner of his eye, Rinnel caught someone, a male for sure, sitting down next to him and he tensed. Shards! Spotted! But before he could sneak under the table and make his escape, the figure talked and he was forced to give a insipid reply. “I’ve never been to a Hatching feast before,” Rinnel murmured, hating to admit it, “They don’t hold such things for wherlings, or at least they didn’t at Benden. So I wouldn’t know.”

“These things don’t last long, right?” Rinnel asked, almost pleaded of C’vin, and turned to look at the boy. Only now did he recognize the face as one of the newest weyrlings: in fact, wasn’t he one of the mauling victims? He couldn’t remember, but the appearance of the future-rider soured Rinnel’s mood considerably. Straightening his back in a way that a ‘mandyr frills to scare off predators, he stated coolly, “I’m surprised that you attended the Feast with your fresh wounds. Rather awful, the amount of blood, wasn’t it?”

Then a familiar face passed by; it was Rilyer, winking at him as if he was gay for Rinnel. Or, at least, that’s how the greenhandler translated the gesture. What, was the wherling asking for a black eye? But, attacking other handlers for homosexuality was reminiscent of Benden, so Rinnel was forced to fume silently. Where was Ieoha?!

---

At the moment, Ieoha was by the doorway, staking out the more interesting characters at the Feast. She had seen that Rinnel had found a little Weyrling buddy and was elated that he was making progress so quickly, but now it was time for her to socialize. Readjusting Laef to a more stable perch on her shoulder, the woman looked out at the crowd once more before making any decisions.

Just as she was about to go peel a wall-flower from her wall, a canine popped into the gather and began doing tricks for scraps from his handler. Oh! How adorable! The auntie quickly shambled over to the performers. Arriving at the corner table in record time, she and greeted the two callously, “Why, what this? Is Shmee trying to get performances for free, now?” A jest, obviously, but also a compliment to the two’s skill. “May I know your name, Master Performer?” Her sharp hazel eyes fell over the appealing form. A bluerider, eh? That’s what the knots said. Didn’t that mean she wasn’t straight? If only she weren’t so old…

“And what’s the little pup’s name, too?” Ieoha trilled, “Is he friendly?” But the questions were just formalities, since the crèchewoman creakily crouched down without and answer to either. Laef swayed to and fro with each sharp movement to the bottom on the auntie’s shoulder, dangling dangerously within reach of the canine, but Ieoha remained untroubled. She cooed to the canine in a voice she usually reserved for children, “You’re a sweetie, aren’t you, pup? Maybe you’ll give old Ieoha some kisses? Nobody else seems to want to with this old mug, but I can’t really blame them, can I?” The woman looked up at the dog’s handler with a wide grin and a long wink.

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[Rowana]

Farryl hurried through the entrance to the dinning hall. It had taken longer than she had hoped to get Peppeth to settle down, but she was finally asleep. She was late, though, and Saeo and Raylin were already here. She could see them talking with some of the other weyrlings and guests so she made her way over to their table. She felt a warm happy feeling to be surrounded by so many friends, new and old, and to be dressed in such finery. After finding that her only skirt was worn and winkled from being in her pack, Raylin had graciously lent her a deep, maroon red dress. Farryl had let her chestnut hair hang loose, with only a few strands clipped out of her eyes. Saeo had had fun covering her face with more makeup than Farryl had ever seen. Tille added a final splash of color by hanging around her neck like a jewel. The fire lizard was so awe but all the people and fancy outfits, that for once she was quiet. Simply gawking, wide eyed at her surroundings.

Farryl beamed as she approached the Raylin and Saeo. She recognized C'oar as one of the others present, also Ke'rin. A healer seemed to be talking to Saeo and was probably checking on Saeo's injuries. "Don't we all look lovely?" she declared pleasantly. They had all cleaned up quite nicely in her opinion. It would be a sight to remember, since she doubted she would get many other opportunities to see everyone dressed up. Saeo and Raylin did looked lovely, in dresses that matched their dragons beautifully. Not even Saeo's fresh marks could mare the pretty picture they painted. Farryl grinned. Boys would be fawning over them tonight!

~

<Cheer up!> Garaeth's voice rang loudly in T'ke's head. <You will have food!>
T'ke scowled, but of course his blue menace was in their room and could not see. <There'll be people too,> he pointed out sourly, even as he stalked in the direction of the hall.
<Good!> Garaeth declared happily. <You can make friends! Many friends!>
<Not all of them will be nice,> T'ke countered. <They won't want to be friends.>
<They won't?> Garaeth sounded momentarily crestfallen, but he perked back up as he added. <Then you can make friends anyway! Then they will be nice!>
T'ke sighed deeply. There was no reasoning with his dragon at all. The days ahead would be long indeed. <Go to sleep, Garaeth,> he pleaded. <I'll tell you all about it in the morning.>
<Oh, alright,> Garaeth agreed meekly. His presence faded as he drifted off obediently.

T'ke took a moment to straighten his shirt. He was dressed in his best. Black pants, cream shirt and a black and brown leather jacket. His stepmother had always accused him that black was a terrible color, but he happened to like it. It often matched his mood anyway and bright colors were not his style. He didn't really intend to talk to anyone anyway. Garaeth was more than enough to deal with at the moment. Even asleep, the blue's positive thoughts seemed to poison his bonded's brain. T'ke was sure that his impression was some kind of cosmic prank at his expensive. He was warming up to the little fellow though, albeit slowly. It was hard to deny someone who had suddenly become so close to one that they were practically the same person. If that were even possible for the two of them.

T'ke shooked these thoughts from his head and concentrated on the feast. Good food was sure to be found and he didn't think he'd have trouble avoiding people. He had only impressed blue after all, hardly something for gatherers to get excited about. T'ke slipped into the hall, keeping to the wall as he observed the feast. Several people had already arrived, dressed in their finest. He could see a few of his fellow new weyrlings as well. Maybe later he would try to talk to them. He should probably introduce himself since they would be spending a lot of time together in the future. For now, though, he stayed with his back leaned against the wall, watching the proceedings with concealed interest.