Hatching Feast!

[Administrator]

Arranged on the groups of long tables at the top of the Main Hall, mounds of colorful foods were arranged in elegant fashions. Plump, juicy fruits were stacked in perfect pyramids according to type of fruit, arranged above leafy greens for those who sought the more bitter tasting delicacies rather than the succulent fruits that were juxtaposed to them. Meats of different animals were spread among the tables, available to be plucked from their tray, each even slice cut with deft precision.

Though the hatchlings could not come up to the Feasting Hall this evening, it was all right, for the hatchlings would be sleeping by now, exhausted from all the hard work of getting through their shell and eating so that their stomachs were full to bursting. The newest riders of Selenitas, however, would more likely than not be found here; eating to their heart’s content, still adjusting to the incredible feeling of sharing a mind-bond.

Riders, crafters, holders, and weyrfolk were also here, eager to greet the weyrlings, yet also wanted to satisfy their craving for gossip: Were all of the dragons still alive? Did it look like they were going to die soon? Everyone was guiltily curious, but all wanted to know the same thing: What caused such a catastrophe?

It didn’t help that Shmee was nowhere to be found- everyone supposed she was off celebrating with some man and his furs. It wouldn’t be considered surprising- Shmee proved to be the type who would do that. The absence of the Weyrwoman would leave Paryal to her own doings, letting her be available to do what she wanted rather than getting a whole queenrider speech. This Feast should prove to be an interesting one.

[saberlin]

Rilliana strutted out into the Feast head high and in her gathers best. Her blue concert gound with her blue "pearl" hair pins and white "pearl" necklace" painted wood was all it really was, but it made for a very very nice look. She did not mind in the least not having Impressed. This left her much free'er to get to know everyone of the Weyr and not to mention, left her without a deformed dragon, which she really could not mind. What had gone so wrong? She still didn't know and would not know until she wrote back to the Harper Hall when the Information got itself sorted out and there as it always did. After all the Master Harper always had his ears everywhere.
She looked around for a friendly face to talk to her. Would anyone at this grand feast see fit to talk to the girl who willingly walked off the Hatching Grounds?

[ravenmane]

Ciara was sitting quietly in a corner unsure fo what to do. She had eaten herslef silly because the hungry Toryth had felt was passed on to her rider. Glancing about, Ciara saw Rilliana. That girl had walked off the Sands because of the Hatchlings, but Ciara didn't care. She stood and walked over, a smile upon her face. "Hi Rilliana. I'm Ciara if you forgot my name. I'm Toryth's new rider." When Ciara said her Green'sname, the young Hatchling stirred, sending loving thoughts to her Mine.

[Requiem]

::F'lan and Wrenth::

I know, I know. But I couldn't exactly just leap off the face of the cliff because that hatching had begun. F'lan had managed to find the deep green tunic he'd worn to the hatching feast he'd attended after Wrenth's hatching, a silken, sleeveless thing with gold embroidered about the collar. It was a bit tight for him now, though still wearable. And it was the only scrap of clothing he owned that wasn't worn leather.

F'lanMine. You knew it was close. And I so wanted to see the new hatchlings!

The young bluerider sniffed, absently fingering the gold band that encircled his bicep. Fiona had given it to him the night of their Impression, in this very hall, saying she'd known he was going to Impress all along...The familiar stab of sorrow sheared through his heart. We'll see them soon enough. Besides, you got me to come to this thing, didn't you? Wrenth let it go, sensing the mood of his rider. F'lan had trouble dealing with the elation of the weyrlings. It struck far too close to home.

For a long moment, the man simply stood, framed in the doorway of the hall, his fawn-hued curls framing the sharp planes and angles of his face, cold blue eyes dark with memory. Clad in deep brown calfskin trousers along with the sleeveles tunic, the masculine form was distinctive despite all that hair swirling about him as he stepped into the room. His knots as a wingrider stood out. There was, however, something quite forbidding about his features, as if daring anyone to approach him as the bittersweet memories assailed his senses. Fiona...His twin had been on his arm the last time he'd taken in these sights, revelling in the new bond they both had come to know that night.

Even amongst all the people, F'lan managed to emanate an aloofness. He settled back against a wall to watch through narrowed eyes. After all, he was here for Wrenth, who would be perched with the other dragons in the nearby trees. Thank you...

[missa]

E'nor had walked with W'liam to the Feast, after being assured that his dragon would be fine. Both dragonets had dropped off to sleep rather quickly, Rinth after some numbweed was put on his claw. Now, both Weyrlings had their flitters on their shoulders, and were heading to teh feast. If W'liam were honest, he wasn't hungry, the excitement of his Impression had left him feeling entirely content with his lot in life. He didn't need anything more.

The feasting hall didn't seem that full, but that could be because candidates had retired to their Barracks once more, and riders weren't exactly plentiful. Those that were there... Well, it was only a few of their fellows. So E'nor chose to stay with W'liam. Both chattered as they chewed on the fruits, E'nor trying to convince Kel to try a piece of Fruit. Willow was quite comfortable where she was, recieving the odd pat on her head from Hers, before finding something more interesting to look at.

Zadari had come only to congragulate those that had Impressed, then she wanted to get back to Sitath. Tirea didn't seem to mind, sitting on her shoulder like a true Queen, her head held high as she observed everything around her. Absently, Zadari stroked her, and was rewarded with a sweet croon, it was odd how she could be nasty as anything when it came to others, but for Zadari, she was the sweetest thing. Slowly, she made her way over to the one blue Weyrlign she knew, smiling.
"Congragulations to the both of you." She was greeted by the BronzeWeyrlings smile, and a shocked glance from E'nor.

[Tashe]

F'rah and Styth


The wonderful smells of the Hatching feast eddied around the Weyrlingmaster as he entered the packed feasting hall, the dragons and their humans seemed to be in good spirit which only increased the happy feelings of the occasion. Nodding to those who automatically greeted him, F'rah ran a hand through his golden brown hair and smiled hardily, for this night was one to celebrate. His honey brown gaze was met with a sea of colors as he took a sweep of the room, from dragonriders to members of a hold, everyone was dressed in their finest.

The Weyrlingmaster himself wasn't one to draw attention to himself if it was at all possible, but Styth had forced him into his best. An elegant, blood red silk tunic hugged F'rah's well sculpted frame, while the cuffs and collar had intricate gold stitching set into them. Black dress pants ended in newly shined black knee high boots, and the ever important Double Corded, Triple Looped ceremonial knot that was now with a single tassel lay proudly upon his chest, displaying his high ranked position. The combination of shinny material and the Knots were sure to draw attention to him.

Looking up as his life-bond soared over the feasting hall to land in the area set for the dragons, the Weyrlingmaster sighed and picked at the golden stitching before moving into the throng of the crowd to the table that was set for the Weyrleaders.

/F'rahmine. I'm sorry for making you dress up in the shinny material... but you need to be seen and respected./

The contentment that was issued from his dragon set F'rah at ease, as he was greeted by even more people who wanted to speak to him about his feelings of the recent hatching.

/Its fine Styth... just next time... lets dress down a bit./

[covera]

Covera entered the feast, scanning the room for her brother who had yet to arrive. Seeing that he hadn't arrived, Covera stroked her guitar she held. She would probably play later.
Covera saw two young girls talking, recognizing one as a new weyrling and the other as a unsuccessful candidate. Hadn't she walked out of the sands? Covera wondered but shook her head; no one would walk out of the sands.
She had also heard from V'nus who had heard from other candidates that the girl was a singer. Maybe she had even seen her at the Harper Hall?
Not really wanting to talk to her, but curious about her singing, Covera walked over to Rilliana.
"Hello, girls, and congratulations on impressing," she nodded to Ciara before turning to Rilliana. "I don't know if you know, but I'm the Weyrharper, Covera is my name. I happened to hear that you're a harper, is it true? Because if it is, how about singing a song or two with me?" She asked with a smile, gesturing to her guitar.

-----------

V'nus, formerly Verentinus, walked in, a silly smile plastered on his face. He still hadn't gotten over the fact that he had his very own dragon!
He saw his sister sitting with Rilliana, a candidate and Ciara, a new weyrling like himself. Deciding that he would talk with Covera later, V'nus sat at a table alone, thinking about Vemorath constantly, a smile always on his face.

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

Rell entered the feast, picking uncomfortably on her green gown. Rell didn't like to be dressed formally. She saw F'rah, looking like he too, wasn't too comfortable in his clothes. With a smile Rell nodded to him, making a slight face as she picked at her dress. She wasn't exactly friends with F'rah but they rode in the same wing so she knew him slightly.

Rell walked over to where F'lan was and leaned against the wall. Rell like F'lan for some in-explainable reason. F'lan was cold and quiet. Rell was not. But Rell felt sympathy for him, he had lost his twin sister, Rell had heard.
"Do you remember when you impressed?" Rell asked softly. "It was the best moment of my life, impressing my Hertith," Rell smiled as she watched all the happy candidates.
"Hertith is due to rise soon, she growing brighter and brighter by the day," Rell said conversationally, trying to hide her excitement for that day.

[paryal]

It was difficult for P'tol to tear himself from Llath's side, even for the Hatching Feast. No one he was related to had come, not that he had expected their busy schedules to allow them to. His only relative in the Weyr was Paryal, and somehow he doubted he would be seeing much of her tonight. Whether she liked it or not, she would be very much in the spotlight. At least most of the focus would be on her. Hopefully. Feeling Llath in his mind was too new an experience for P'tol to wish to share it with anyone. How could he even begin to describe the feeling? No words could, and he didn't want to even try.

Finally tiring himself away from the sleeping green dragon, P'tol regretfully took his Candidate's robes off. Amazingly enough, all of his things were already moved and placed carefully at the foot of Llath's sleeping couch, with a small cot set up alongside. Llath was so dwarfed by the stone structure that P'tol knew that he would be sleeping with her until she grew big enough that it wasn't so intimidating. At least she was whole, unlike some of her clutchmates. Those poor deformed dragons... Hopefully they would survive. Knowing now the connection between dragon and rider, P'tol shuddered to think of losing it. How could anyone live through that? Already life without his beloved Llath simply seemed too horrible, and she had been a part of him for only a few hours now. It seemed like a miracle that older riders who had been with their dragons longer could survive the breaking of that link, and even go on to make respectable careers. P'tol knew that if Llath should perish in some horrible accident, he wouldn't be able to continue. He wasn't strong enough for that, and never would be.

Dressing simply, P'tol looked down at his clothing. A dark green tunic over grown leggings. He still wore his sandals, unwilling to part with that one small part of memory. He didn't look much like a newly made Weyrling, though the tunic did show his dragon's color. That made a wry grin come to his face. Green had always been one of his favorite colors, and he had picked this tunic without even thinking. Was that because his mind was connected with Llath, or was it because he simply liked the color? It was hard to tell, but P'tol liked to believe that it had to do with Llath.

With stumbling confidence, the young man lifted his head proudly for one of the first times in his life, and entered the noise and bustle of the Hatching Banquet.

***

Manna didn't want to go. How could she be cheerful after this? Despite all the odds, she found that she was. There were two other full grown Queens in the Weyr, last she heard. Surely one of them would be flying soon, and then would lie another clutch. Her dream dragon, her perfect green, simply hadn't been laid yet. Confident in her own abilities to Impress, Manna wouldn't stint herself the opportunity to eat copious amounts of rich food. Food was the ultimate comfort, after all.

Like P'tol, she dressed relatively simply, exchanging the white robes for a dress of a darker and more flattering color. It made her rather anonymous, blending in with the masses, but that was how Manna liked it. Standing out could be reserved for someone else who liked that sort of thing. The center of attention was no place for this Candidate! Indeed, she entered the grand room quietly, unobtrusively, before seating herself at a table with another girl she recognized as having not Impressed. What was her name? Rillana? Something like that. It was a shame she hadn't Impressed, but there had been more Candidates than eggs. Not all of them could Impress this round, but there would be another clutch in the future.

***

Aezanth slept deeply, golden sides rising and falling with each breath she took. Paryal leaned against her dragon, feeling the warmth rise from her, taking in Aezanth's unique scent. Part animal, part exotic spice. Who knew that dragons would smell so good? Paryal certainly hadn't noticed until she came close to a dragon, her own dragon. Just thinking about her Impression a few hours earlier made her want to run around and scream to the heavens in her excitement, though the newly made Weyrling exercised restraint. She was a Queenrider now, and she couldn't afford to be so frivolous. At least not all the time. Now, how should a newly made Queenrider dress? The answer, in Paryal's mind, was however she wanted to. And what Paryal wanted to wear was her favorite, dark blue tunic over black pants, tucked neatly into boots. They were her reserved Gather clothes. Hand me downs were far easier to procure than a Gather dress, and it did seem to fit her. Assured that she looked presentable, Paryal straightened her tunic and squared her shoulders.

At the sight of all the food laid out on the tables, the young woman's eyes widened slightly. Shards, but it was so much! Next she took in the people, riders and regular Weyr denizens alike. There was something missing in the scene. Where was Shmee? The Weyrwoman's absence seemed rather conspicuous, given that this should have been a grand and happy event. She couldn't be that petty, could she? No, no one would be that stupid as to forsake such an event simply to scorn the newest made Queenrider. Something else then. Should she worry about it? Nay, Paryal decided. It is no business of mine; at least, not yet. And I'll be spared one of her ridiculous speeches, for I'm sure she would have one to give.

Not many of the new Weyrlings had arrived yet, though Paryal did notice a few of the failed Candidates. Hopefully they wouldn't take it too hard. At least one girl had been openly crying earlier. She wouldn't do something rash, would she? Perhaps the Healers should be notified to keep a watch on those who didn't Impress, just in case. Then again, that was Shmee's job. But Shmee wasn't here. What a conundrum indeed. Well, if Paryal noticed any Healers, she would certainly speak to them. For now, she was content to let the tide of people sweep past her, taking in all the events of the day. How could so much happen in such a short span of time? It was simply unbelievable, and her mind couldn't wrap around it fully. Going from a Candidate to a Weyrling, from a girl of no rank to a bona fide Queenrider. Her mind reeled in the most pleasant way, and Paryal happily quaffed a goblet of wine to make it reel even more. Now everything spun lightly, blurring together slightly. This would be a good evening, an interesting one, to say the least.

[Tashe]

A black tunic was carefully arranged over black leggings which just so happened to be tucked into scuffed up black boots. The cuffs and collar of the tunic were etched with a dark green design, while the threading hinted at a few strands of gold. Untied black hair hung gallantly over the woman's shoulders and as the light of the glows filtered through the silky strands, a slight sheen of red could be seen. Lifting her grey-green eyes to the crowded hall, Saraina motioned to the meek looking girl who had arrived behind her. Sighing, the young woman blinked before finally picking out the Weyrlingmaster near the head table. Fixing her knot that lay on her chest, Sara turned to the Queenrider before speaking.

"Lets go Miss. Ain't nothing to be afraid of..."

---

Slowly making her way down the corridor behind the female Candidate that had been asked to escort her to the feast, the crimson headed woman stopped quickly to avoid hitting into the older girl. Blinking as the girl, Saraina she had said, motioned for her to continue Kaegan tugged at the clothing she was wearing.
The girl not only was asked to watch over her, she was told to get new clothing for the Queen since she had not come with anything proper to wear to an occasion like this.

A lilac dress hugged elegantly on her well proportioned body and every time she took a step the dress would flow about her legs as if she was walking on a cloud. Long sleeves started from the sides of her shoulders while the front of the gown dipped into a shallow V, exposing the unexpected tanness of her skin. Choosing not to pin her knots on the visible side of her chest, Kaegan had moved them to under the sling in which her left arm was wrapped.

Daintily stepping into the lighted Feasting hall the Goldrider hung close to Saraina, because for she saw no one knew at the moment.

---

Black boots clicked slightly as the Weyrlingmaster slowly made his way through the crowd, though their noise went unheard since the clamor of the mess hall was far greater. A second went by before F'rah had to hop to the side to avoid getting knocked into, although his hop turned then into a pivot as he had to once again avoid falling into a young woman with a wine goblet. Steadying himself before brushing a spot of dirt off of his tunic, F'rah turned his hansom gaze to the woman he was almost knocked into. Her face gave the man her name, but only when he remembered the hatching did it finally dawn upon him.
Carefully giving the newest goldrider a proper Dragonrider salute, the Weyrlingmaster smiled before speaking.

"My apologies Lady Paryal. And congratulations on your Impression, Aezanth will be a hansom Queen."

[evendar]

"No Narn you deserve her. I was just lucky. Take her." N'vis insisted as he sat next to his sister. Narna gave her brother a look.

"Nev, you can't do that and you know it. I'm fine, really. She's your dragon, you should be happy." she said, though her voice was slightly hollow. "So stop being silly and enjoy the sharding banquet." she gestured to the food. "You deserve it."

"But Narn, that queen should have been yours." he said unhappily.

"Should've's, would've's, couldve's. Didn't's." she said, using a saying their mother had often used. "She wasn't mine thats all. Next Hatching I'll get the gold." she said confidently, though she didn't feel it. What if the gold wasn't hers? What if she went spending the rest of her life truly alone. Nev had his green now, no matter how emaciated she was. She had no one. It was a rather depressing thought.

"But Narn," Nev said, worried for his sister.

"No Nev, just drop it." she replied, ending the conversation.

[thialyn]

Yet another bandaged body entered the dining hall, looking a little better for wear this night than last. The Healers had finally let her out of bed but demanded she not spend too much time on her feet. Something about her head hitting something hard when she had landed or something like that. She honestly couldn't remember what had happened that night, only the fear as she awoke and the memory of what made her run. But that was past, and she tried hard to forget it and move on. But some scars never heal.

It seemed rather lively to Eya, instantly putting her on the wrong foot. Why had she come again? It wasn't as if she could claim a right to participate. Shells, she didn't even think the Weyrwoman knew she had "transfered." Might want to get on that. Anyway, she was here now. But she couldn't help but feel alienated. It seemed everyone knew everyone here. Perhaps she was out of place. Should she have even run? Sought sanctuary? Could she have lived that life? Thoughts such as these kept her on the outskirts of the festivities, watching everyone with a wary eye.

[saberlin]

Rilliana smiled at the girl who had come up to her, at least they didn't hate her for walking off of the sands! That was a relief and a half!

"Yes I briefly remember you Ciara. I hope you didn't find what I did too rude. I just... Well it didn't feel right standing out there this time. I'm sure you understand. Maybe not, either way, " and Rilliana smiled brilliantly at the girl truly happy that the other had Impressed, "Congratulations on your Toryth."

She didnt have to many moments to pause before another woman came up to them. So she was the Weyrharper. Covera had she said? Yes, Rilliana thought she might remember that name from her Master Harper. Though he had always tried not to talk too much about the different Weyrs. It wasnt Rilliana's business after all. Her business was to sing.

Lifting her head proudly enough on her shoulders with a smile that hinted at the modesty and humility that was still vested with in her Rilliana replied to the Harper, "yes I am a Harper, recent flown in shipment you might say." She said extending her hand in greeting to the woman. "Its a pleasure to formally meet you Covera. So who let lose that I was a harper?" She gave a mockingly snide eye'd look around as if to hunt out the perpetrator of such an offence. She was completely joking of course, but hey, it was a good humored night.... Other then the mis-formed young dragons and all the taboo's that had happened out on the sands, including her own.

There would be other hatchings in which she would attend. She was still a candidate and would remain so for quite a few years more. She knew there was a dragon out there for her somewhere, it would just take a while for the right one to still find her.


***


Eya's appearance was instantly noted by none other than R'ton. He was donned in a rather fetching dark green tunic that tied up the front, displaying some of his rather finely tanned skin, even for a northerner. His pants were tight and black, with boots that came up to his calves. It was a rather attractive over all picture, especially with his double dragon belt buckle. His smile was brilliant and white the moment Eya walked in. So the healers thought she really was getting better? That was so great to hear.
He walked over to her, bowing, and then extending his hand to her. "Lady Eya, it is so wonderful to see you up and around. May I have the distinguished honor of your company?"

Rodonth chuckled to himself and then sought Mayeth with his mind just in case....

R'ton's serious you know. He truly is honored by your riders Company. If she will have it? May I have yours?

He asked the Green. He had been visiting her daily and enjoying the conversations that they had been having. He was growing ever fonder of her. He may never fly gold again... Unless it was to keep the good stock of the dragons alive. But there were surely other non tainted bronzes.... weren't there?

[thialyn]

As if things couldn't get any more complicated, a voice stirred Eya from her thoughts, making her start a bit before she recognized the voice. And the face that went with it. A small grin lii upon her face as she recognized R'ton, the rider who seemed to always find her. Rather unsettling in a way, but he had made no advances or presumptions, which put Eya at ease around him. And yet, she still harbored a distrust of him, simply because he was male.

Oh come on, Mine, came the voice of her green. Relax. Rondoth says he likes you. As if things couldn't get any more complicated. Eya sighed inwardly. Did she trust him enough to take this leap? Did she trust herself? Where would this lead? Of course, she had the answer to none of these questions as she raised the unslung hand to meet his.

"A-as if I could stop you," she managed to say quietly. It was meant to be a joke, but ended up a statement her mouth said before her mind caught up, with unfortunate, shivering, consequences. She hid it well, though, her eyes clouding for only a moment before she banished the memory. Perhaps she was putting it behind her. Only time would tell.

Meanwhile, after she had bespoken her rider, Mayeth turned her head, searching for the bronze wherever he may be. I would like that, she said gladly, nodding even if he couldn't see it. Her leg was beginning to feel better, though it still wasn't strong enough for her to fly without falling from a cliff or something. Not that she had any reason to fly, what with her rider grounded as well and having no place to go. Still, she couldn't wait to get off the ground again. The dirt itched.

[Requiem]

A horrible thought had entered F'lan's head, as he leaned against the wall, watching the crowd through half-veiled eyes. These weyrlings were Fath's. The fact that Fath had been Wrenth's dam didn't escape him, but neither would the thought dislodge itself. A strange desire to make their lives miserable sprung up. Mine! Wrenth countered sharply. You're letting it consume you again. Thoroughly chastised, F'lan expelled the thought with a sigh, hoping it wouldn't resurface. He was not a cruel man. Cold, perhaps. Blunt, perhaps. Obsessive, perhaps. But certainly not cruel.

I'm sorry. It's just that it's painful to be in this room, again. Without her. She was the perfect one. Now there's only me. Wrenth did not reply immediately. The twins' bond had been inordinately strong, even for twins, to the point that the dragon had to wonder sometimes if the relationship had been healthy. Finally, the blue intoned, It is not just you. It is just us. F'lan blinked, then smiled slightly, the expression so rare had any noticed they would have been stunned in the transformation of his face, the stunning attractiveness of the eyes that so rarely showed mirth, of the straight nose, the even brows, the firm jaw. And then it vanished as quickly as it came.

The feminine voice caused him to jump slightly. His gaze darted over to her, glaring. Who presumed to speak to him? To break into his thoughts? Relliga. The greenrider from his wing, who had witnessed his fight with I'ir. Hertith and Wrenth were clutchmates. She must have known Fiona. Despite everything, she was right, in that Impression was certainly a joyful moment. Even for one like F'lan. Perhaps especially for one like F'lan. Still, she had to know this was a sore topic with him. How could she not? Thoughts of the hatching and the feast left him reeling from his twin's loss.

F'lan only gave Rell a surly nod. At her mention of Hertith's state, however, he snorted. "Wrenth's noticed. I think I liked it better when he didn't." The blue was mature enough, now, to participate in Flight, and F'lan didn't care to distract himself with such trivialities. He had no use for a clingy female. Even greenriders used to Flights tended to develop an emotional bond, from what he'd seen. That would be aggravating.

You can't fight instinct. More importantly, I can't. Nor do I want to. Don't you want to know what it's like?
No. That ended that discussion. The bluerider stirred, uncomfortable around women as a rule, but Relliga also happened to be the same height, age, and had Impressed from the same clutch. It was enough to make him squirm. "You and Hertith will do fine," he finally added. Strange, a kind word coming from him, even if it did come out gruff and grudging.

[covera]

Rell smiled at F'lan, thinking that if he had experienced a mating flight, he wouldn't be so negative about it.
Wrenth is handsome, Hertith remarked, sending happy vibes to Rell. Why is yours against flying? Hertith asked curiously, thinking that no one in their right mind wouldn't want to mate.
"You say that about every dragon," Rell said aloud, her eyes dancing. "Is there anyone in this Weyr who isn't handsome?"
Yes! Hertith said indignantly and produced a list of names in her mind.
Rell, growing bored of listening to Hertith's list of 'unacceptable dragons' turned to F'lan again.
"I'm confident that you wouldn't think like that if you had ever experienced a mating flight," she said stubbornly, it would be a terrible loss for F'lan if he went by with his whole life, not knowing about the pleasure in mating flights.

"Thank you," Rell said with a smile in respond to F'lan's awkward attempt to be nice. Rell loved to witness when F'lan was being nice, it kind of intrigued her.

----

"It's great that you are a harper, finally I have someone intelligent to talk to," Covera said jokingly, letting them think that Covera didn't mean that. But she did, Covera liked few people and she especially disliked the Weyrwoman Shmee. She desperately hoped that Paryal wouldn't be like her! Remembering Shmee with a shudder, Covera noticed that the Weyrwoman wasn't present. Covera's dislike for Shmee rose when she saw this, couldn't that ridiculous Weyrwoman even attend the feast? She was probably 'celebrating' with some passing bronzerider. Tearing her mind from Shmee, Covera smiled at Rilliana, widening her eyes and changing her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "I am not allowed to reveal the identity of my source for that piece of information for the answer might be the cause of severe heart break and drama," Covera smiled again at the young harper, changing back to normal. "But seriously, it's great to meet you."

Covera seeing that V'nus had arrived, waved him over cheerfully. She hadn't had a chance to talk to her brother since he impressed.
---------

V'nus saw that Covera waved him and stood up, he would have been unnoticeable because of his brown outfit if it weren't for his very tall frame. Seating himself at the now crowded table, V'nus nodded to all of the females, a welcoming smile on his face.
"Greetings," V'nus said slowly, trying to remember if any of them had impressed. "And congratulations on impressing Ciara, weyrling lessons should be fun," he said, his mouth splitting into a lopsided grin.
"I'm V'nus, of brown Vemorath who is currently deep asleep after stuffing himself silly," V'nus introduced himself to all of them.
V'nus looked around him and it dawned upon him that he was the only male in their little gathering. "I'm just surrounded by females aren't I?" He said cheerfully and pretended to blush. "I have to try to constrain myself," he ducked his head as if he were embarrassed, which he was not.

"Congratulations on Vemorath," Covera said softly to V'nus, here eyes filled with love. "He's a beautiful dragon. I just don't know if I'm able to try to remember that you're V'nus now but not Verentinus," she said cheerfully.

"I know," V'nus said, getting all dreamy again. Since impressing, V'nus had constantly lapsed into a dreamy, happy state of mind when he thought about Vemorath.