Hatching Feast

The Dining Hall was decorated elaborately for the occasion, every single glow and candle had been lit and richly colored table clothes lined the usually bare wooden tables. Tapestries hung on the walls and streamers hung from the chandeliers. Crystal goblets and silver plates were placed upon the tables and the hall it self had been rearranged to allow for a dance floor right in the middle. All in all a grand scene, Azer was amazed as she walked through the huge double doors that were used only for special occasions.

The new weyrlings would be introduced one by one, once the majority of everyone else had been seated.

The weyrwoman disappeared down the stairs that took her to the kitchens. For a moment she was struck by the warm scents of the cooking food and the hustle and bustle of drudge and cooks going about their business. All seemed well and she nodded to the headwoman with a smile of approval. Sliding through the kitchen she exited on the other side and made for the side entrance where the weyrlings were supposed to meet her.

{Altaire, will you please get Saral to send the weyrlings as soon as they are ready?}
Of course weyrwoman Moiraine’s vyr responded.

---

Nearly an hour later, a small group of harpers played music and everyone was just starting to enter the hall. The onyxrider watched through the doors as he waited in a loose line to be greeted by the youngsters at the door. The couple ahead of him walked through and the bright smile of a girl met him. Th’or smiled back at the seemingly 10 or 11 turn old, “Welcome Dragonrider to the Hatching Feast, we are honored that you could attend.” And she handed him a folded piece of parchment that outlined the evening. He nodded her a thanks and stepped into the hall, at his side the black vyr wolf Fenrir who had somehow managed not to be noticed.
I’m just that good.
Th’or laughed at the remark and found a seat off to the side near the wall. Vidarioth was sleeping off some medicine the healers gave him for his eye and ever since the attack Fenrir was always by the onyxrider’s side if his dragon was not able to be there. Even though the weyrwoman had specified no pets, a Vyr was more like another person than a pet and she had permitted the giant animal’s presence. He watched as the hall quickly filled and the groups talking in circles grew more numerous and the round tables filled up quickly. He wondered who would be sitting with him at the table. The last notes of a popular song faded away and he glanced at the fancy parchment he had been given.
“Well we have social time, introduction of the weyrlings, the weyrwoman will speak, dinner, and then more dancing and talking.” It seemed the feast would be starting at any moment.
Sounds fabulous.
{Oh you know it alright. I guess we’ll stay through dinner and make our exit}
Oh but you promised me that you’d dance once, and don’t deny that you are a good dancer, it’s always those blasted women that end up giving you those bruised toes.
{I never said such a thing!}
Yes you did, though you might have been a little, intoxicated, at the time when I convinced you. But I swear on Vidarioth’s egg that you promised.
{That’s not fair,}
Nope you promised, dragonrider’s gotta keep his word.

{Fine.}

---

The weyrling scurried along through the corridors, how she hoped she wasn’t late. Her beautiful flowing deep moss green gown flowed gracefully behind her and her tall heels clicked on the stone floor. Her black hair was twisted in a simple yet elegant bun at the back of her head and her long earrings fluttered as she ran. Around her neck hung an elaborate diamond and emerald necklace she had bought for the dress a few weeks ago for her performance. Luckily she didn’t trip for it would have been quite embarrassing in her strapless dress. Trotting beside her was a beautifully oiled and clean Antaresith, her copper hide standing out alongside the deep green. She saw a line outside where she was supposed to meet and slowed to a graceful walk, a stunning woman looking no older than she stood out of line in a rich blue dress that brought out her eyes. “Weyrwoman?” she asked and the question was returned with a nod. “You are the famous Sazori, rider of copper Antaresith and former harper. Am I right?” the weyrwoman knew she was and continued. “I will be introducing you according to your dragon’s color. Raevn is first and Nayza is last, order yourselves accordingly, I trust you all can handle this with no fighting or arguing.” The weyrwoman looked in the direction of the higher ranked female riders. “We will be starting momentarily.”


((Weyrlings post about joining the rest in the back, they can just relay Azer's message to the new comers, riders and everyone can mingle, I’ll introduce the weyrlings in my next post with Azer and then everyone will be free to do as they wish.))

<sup>It had felt weird not to be in the Kitchens that morning, running this way and that while cleaning or helping prepare the meals. The eighteen turn drudge shook his head lightly, finishing feeding his Bond before giving the Bronze a nice clean, taking away the blood stains with a damped towel, before oiling the King. His Bronze hide shimmered with a golden sheen, all the more noticeable by the oil -- though he was anything but a two-tone.

I believe there are enough female dragonets with King sides. We certainly won't need any more two-tones of that kind for a while.
{It's good you aren't a BronzeGold, though, otherwise you'd likely mauled H'nuk on the sands.}
No, I would have mauled you for being fussing over that child more than me.
{True...}

"K'zo!!! Wait for us! Come on, Amoreth!"
I'm coming, H'nuk-Mine. But please, slow down!

The white was still rather exhausted, though it was clear the small dragonet was slowly getting better and more stable as time passed. Soon he'll be strong enough, and they can move to their own room... The albino male smirked lightly, deciding not to comment any further as he patted his Bond. Amoreth was also oiled, th ugh upon looking at H'nuk the male sighed -- it was hard to know who had been oiling who.

"Come on, let's get you washed up before going to the feast. If she sees you like that over there she'll have my head... Even if I'm not under her supervision anymore."

A few hours later both males and Theirs were at the Dinning Hall, the young H'nuk amazed by all the decorations. He went this way and that, his overgrown firelizard-looking Bond trailing behind him, before the boy tripped and fell. Giving a surprise squeal the White managed to stop in time and not trample His, skidding to a halt as he slipped as well in the recently polished stones. The Bronze besides K'zo gave an amused snort, while the ex-drudge slapped his forehead lightly.

{Now I know why Candidates are never his age...}
Indeed. Still, I do believe Amoreth suits him -- they are truly similar.

Hearing the Weyrwoman K'zo ushered H'nuk close to Raevn and her WhiteIce, before he and Taazrith moved farther back to the line.

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That is a pretty dress, Mine-Own.
{Thank you, Ihryvaeth. It was a gift my mother sent me not too long ago. I guess she was hopeful that I would impress.}
The color suits you.

The dress Nayza wore was one her mother had probably gone though all of Pen to get. Having been an only child he parents only had her to fond over, and her mother -- most of all -- loved to pamper the child when she could. It was a mixture of green and pink-ish violet shades, all mixed into the fabric to give the illusion of a field with flowers. It was sleeveless, though not a strapless dress, and two string held around her shoulders, crossing in an 'x' shape on her exposed back before being reunited with the rest of the fabric. Golden details could be found among each wavy fold it possessed, making interesting patterns into the green and pink background. The dress reached down to her feet, covering up the lighter green high heels she wore. It only became more undulated as it covered her legs, having a wavy appearance that shifted with each step she took. Earrings were neither too long nor short, golden and delicate looking, with a small design of jades on the ends of each. Around her neck was a petite collar, gold with small jades, complementing her earrings.

Besides her walked Ihryvaeth, the OnyxGold shimmering beautifully -- for she had just recently been oiled. Golden claws gleamed in the evening light, and even with her slightly masculine build the Queen managed to move with grace and an air of dominance, moves as fluent and attractive as those of a feline. There had been no sign of Fenrith jut yet, and Ihryvaeth seemed pleased about it. Still, tonight was an important night, and she had promised Hers to behave and ignore any idiotic remark that lower Queen could try to throw at her

Still, she makes the mistake of injuring you again and I won't hesitate to show her who is the true Queen out of us both.
{I know, love. But let's try to enjoy the feast, alright?}
Alright, Nayza-Mine.

As they arrived she noticed the line beginning to form, catching Azer's last words before nodding softly. Leading her Ihryvaeth she took her spot at the end of the line, a Bronze Weyrling in front of her for now. Still, she knew who would be in front of her in the end. Kaedryn, and that scorched RedGold. Nayza had nothing against the other girl -- though she couldn't quite admit she liked Fenrith much.

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Mine, Esyrith and Hers are here.

The StardriftSilver commented, relaying the message to Hers, who promtly appeared as she finished fixing her dress. The younger and quiet lass had a simple light blue dress on and some heals, a turquoise pendant in a silver chain on her neck -- with matching earrings. The red-head grinned, complementing the other girl on her dress, before both excited the barracks together. Rhys herself wore a more darker blue shaded one, a sapphire on her necklace. The color matched well with the fieery orange strands of hair, complementing one another. Both Xirioyth and Esyrith gleamed, having been recently oiled. Outside they met with K'sar, S'ke and -- yes, he was with them -- V'lshok. The youngest looked non too pleased, and by the looks of things and the way K'sar glared at the Stardrift pair, it seemed the OnyxIce had been the one that had fetched them both.

We should keep an eye on these two whenever possible -- I do not trust him.
{I can't say I trust him either, but we better not enrage him either Perstath. The Weyrwoman wouldn't be pleased. Don't worry, you are still much better than Verscyth.}

The OnyxIce king snorted lightly, though his eyes whirled in pleasure as his scratched his eyeridge softly. S'ke grinned, watching all five glistening dragonets. Everyone had been carefully oiled not too long ago -- looking their best for this feast.

"Well, let's go then -- we can't be late."

Soon they were there, and upon hearing a few of the Weyrlings and seeing them move around the line -- ranking from lowest at the front to highest at the back, each Weyrling went off to take their place. V'lshok grunted, clearly annoyed to be the one closest to the front compared to the rest of the group, though a nudge from Verscyth calmed him.

Do not worry Mine-Own. Once we fly and catch Queens they won't consider us so low ranked anymore. You'll see, soon people will only be giving thanks to Verscyth -- and will know Mine is the best male out of all Pern.

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"Go away M'lo! It's early and I want to sleep!"
"The feast is now, A'zard. We've got to get ready."
"I'm not going! It's still day time -- and I'm not wearing that cloth on my eyes again!"
"Oh come on, it'll be evening once it starts, and soon after the sun will settle down and you can take it off. Now get up, you need to oil Myrdraath and get ready."
*grumble, mumble*
"I'm gonna go prepare Safieth and myself, and you have better be dressed and ready, and Myrdraath oiled, when I return."

Exiting the room of his friend M'lo went off to his own. A ew hours later he was done, clean and dressed as best as he could afford, with a midnight blue dragonet at his side. Safieth crooned happily, excited, and as he moved his hide glimmered, showing off each bent and motion produced by his small body as he walked. He was greeted by A'zard, though the younger male had an 'I-hate-you-for-waking-me-up-so-early' look on his face. Still, he only growled lightly in irritation, before placing the cloth around his eyes, it was evening -- but the sun was still a bit too bright and strong for his eyes to handle. They arrived at the Dinning Hall, taking their place among the growing line of Weyrlings as they waited.

((God, dead muse. x.x))</sup>

Raevn looked at the Weyrwoman in a startled way; rather, she turned towards the origin of the woman’s voice. She hadn’t known that Weyrlings were introduced in line, well, it did seem a little logical… Anyway, she’d been there for some time, since her Rainicth hadn’t wanted to be late at all, so it didn’t take much movement on her part to get to the front of the line.
The white/ice weyrlings clothing didn’t change so much from her normal attire. The ice blue robes she usually wore merely turned into a long well fit dress with a swooping neckline and sleeves that fell away from her arms. Her long silver/white hair was done in a way that it was pulled away from her face by a braid running down her back above a fall of straight white hair. The tattoos on her shoulder blades were obvious under the laced back of the dress when her hair didn’t cover her back. It was in these clothes that the woman couldn’t stop fidgeting, the soft slippers she wore made almost no sound on the stones.
Do not worry, you look amazing. Rainicth assured hers. Her small head pushed into the hand that her rider had let hang by her side.
Thank you, love. Raevn said to her dragon, her lips curving in a somewhat calm smile as she let her dragonet’s calm reassure her.
Where did Veir go? Rainicth asked after a moment, peering around the many legs at her eye level.
She had to stay in the barracks, there’s no pets allowed at the feast.
Rainicth snorted, she didn’t believe the feline to be a pet, and neither did Raevn, but rules were rules. The white/ice shifted a little closer to her rider, her long tail wrapping around her ankle again. Her hide was bright and glimmering as snow on a sunny winter day would; that fact made her smug, though not overly so like a queen.

“Ah, Rez you’re preening like a king!” Z’ruan told the black, white, and red dragonet walking next to her. His hide was an obsidian black decorated with diamonds and ruby colors that glinted in the light of the corridor. His strut was obvious as the pair walked down the hall towards the forming line of weyrlings.
The woman wore a simple tan and dark brown dress with gold embroidery that fluttered silently over her tanned dress boots. She wore a leather belt around her waist and a single gold chain decorated the bare skin of her chest that was visible above the low cut bodice. The sleeves only went down to her elbows and glittered faintly with gold embroidered flowers. Her long hair was pinned back in an elegant bun, though some of it still fell down her back in a long sheet of mahogany red.
Both rider and dragon found their own place in line after realizing the line was in ranks and settled there happily. Happy for Z’ruan anyway, Reziphath was more flaunting than anything.
The weyrling greeted the people around her happily, not caring that some of them were too proud and snobby. She was happy she’d impressed and that wouldn’t have an effect on her mood this night.

((Weyrlings can sit anywhere after they are introduced.))

Out in the Hall, Azer had stepped in front of the head table and an immediate hush settled over the large crowd assembled. Here and there an empty seat stood vacant, just as the weyrwoman had planned it - the weyrlings would get to know different people besides themselves. She smiled once all the talking ceased and began.

"I want to welcome and thank you all for attending this milestone event tonight. We are celebrating Ardien Ciele's first hatching in addition to the congratulations to our newest riders. I will begin this evening by introducing each Weyrling one by one. I also ask that all applause be held until the end." She took a graceful step diagonally back to make room for the entering pairs.

"I am proud to introduce you to:
Raevn, rider of White Rainicth
H'nuk, rider of White Amoreth
Evaliana rider of Green Jedaith
M’lo rider of Blue Safieth
M’ke rider of Blue Ystwyth
A’zard rider of Black Myrdraath
Rhys rider of Mist Erisyth
Khali rider of Black-Red Two Tone Lunaith
D’taire rider of Blue-Stardrift Two Tone Umbrith
Onalette rider of Red Kyzarath
Malaer rider of Red Oriath
Z’ruan rider of Stardrift-Red Two Tone Reziphath
V’lshok rider of Stardrift Verscyth
Lina rider of Stardrift-Silver Two Tone Xirioyth
N’har rider of Brown Atisheth
S’ke rider of Brown Cyarith
Sazori rider of Copper Antaresith
Aeirie rider of Copper-Onyx Two Tone Sythuinsth
K’sar rider of Onyx-Ice Two Toned King Perstath
K’zo rider of Bronze Taazrith
F’lan rider of Bronze Zyairth
Kaedryn rider of Gold-Red Two Toned Queen Fenrith
Nayza rider of Gold-Onyx Two Toned Queen Ihryvaeth."

As each name was called the weyrlings walked slowly out from the side entrance in front of the audience and made their way across the dance floor all the way to the rear of the room and then to their desired seats. When the last name was called the room erupted in applause shouting, whistling, and anything else they could think of. Azer let the applause die down before concluding.

"Each one is a valuable member in this time of chaos so let us raise our glasses to conclude my speech" Azer raised her own wine filled glass in a toast, "To the new weyrlings and to our continued prosperity here at Ardien Ciele Weyr." she put the glass to her lips and took a long drink. How she disliked making speeches. "Dinner is served!" she called out loudly and took her seat at the head table, the usual chatter was resumed and she was free to finish off her glass of wine.

---

Sazori was used to such things and when her name was called she grinned and stepped out. She walked with her usual confidence and waved with a laugh at some of the people she knew. Antaresith walked proudly at her side, copper hide gleaming and attracting more attention. A murmur was sent through the crowd. "Is that really her?" "I think it is" "She's a dragonrider now?" "Really? I can't believe it's her!" She kept her smile as she made it to the back of the room and luckily the next person was called, even more lucky that the girl following her had an unusual dragon that everyone turned to see forgetting her so she could disappear into a chair quickly.

Aeirie smiled slightly as she walked after Sazori. The girl was dressed in a floorlength sleeveless green gown, that had a section of white ruffling in the front, flanked by two sections of red. Her russet hair was loose, and had green ribbons tied into it. Her blade hung by her side, in a grey leather sheath on a grey belt. She wore simple brown slippers, to offset the richness of her gown. The gown had been given to her by the Headwoman, as Aeirie had nothing other than trousers and shirts to wear. She hadn't had much reason to wear a gown this fine at home.

You look as beautiful as any queenrider. Sythiuansth said to her bonded. The copper/onyx carried herself erect and proud, her new-oiled hide gleaming with her copper base and the onyx armor looking markings.

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M'ke and Ystwyth were on their best behavior, both of them.

Which means no tripping people Ystwyth. M'ke cautioned his dragonet.

Ystwyths only reply was a soft snort. M'ke was dressed handsomely in a blue that was just a shade lighter than harper blue, and had, for once, aquiesed to his dragons remonstration to stand up straight. He carried his nearly six foot frame straight up as he entered the hall.

"Well done." N'clao raised his glass to Azer before taking another drink- it was a good wine, after all. He had nodded to each Weyrling as they were presented and had taken his seat beside the Weyrwoman as soon as they were finished. In time, too, because his stomach was starting to feel hollow. "The Hall looks beautiful, and your speech wasn't so bad either." The smile was one of his trademark crooked expressions, somehow charming on him, but would have looked awkward on any one else. Same went for the clothing colors he wore this night. The breeches were a simply khaki, the boots a basic brown, but the tunic was what held the attention. It was a deliberate bronze shading that went well with the khaki and brown, it's cuffs and neckline embroidered with little black and brown dragons who's flames were a blue so near the color of Azer's dress, it was startling. The colors offset his laughing grey eyes so well, the smile simply adding more mirth to the slate irises.

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I want to find someone good to sit next to. The Red tried to nose at her bond's leg, but they were covered by so much fabric that her muzzle disappeared. She quickly drew back and snorted, throwing her head back to look up at Hers. Let's try and sit next to Safieth and His! I like them much better than those sharding Queens. As if to prove her point, she leaned over to get a better view of the Gold two-tones and hissed. Too prissy. If Kyzarath had been trying to distract her, it was hardly working. The girl's attention was fully attached to the gown she was wearing.

She had forgotten how pretty the thing was. Then again, it had been made by a Weyrseamstress after she and Ki'van had refused to take gold in return for their services. She spread her hands over the front of it, taking in every last bit with her eyes. It was a rich red that darkened in gradual shades until it reached a full black at the bottom, an excellent background for the startling embroidery. The strapless bodice gave way to full skirts, hiding the silk slippers that went with the gown. The basic simplicity was what drew the eye back to all the intricate threading. It began at the top of the bodice, looking like a thousand stars were spilling out from the inside, spilling down the dress as what seemed like droplets of rain until, near midthigh, they would combine to form dragons, and then dragons with flame, all disappearing into the floor. The silver threads were vivid, and distracting enough that Lettie had simply needed to wear a red-colored choker that had a small silver dragon that rested just above the hollow in her throat. Her long black hair had been swept into an intricate design of curls at the back of her head, the rebellous ends being made to curl about her face if they desired to remain untamed. She was fit for a picture, really.

Mine, it's our turn. Kyzarath nudged Hers back into the real world and Lettie accompanied the dragon out in to the spotlight with the barest blush and smallest of smiles. The Red would be her savior, for sure. Now where to sit...


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

N'har sighed- he had always hated waiting. Then again, he'd be doing a lot of that over the next few months; Atisheth wouldn't get big overnight. Picking absently at the grey and blue tunic/vest combination, he couldn't help but smile as Lettie stepped into the spotlight. Any guy would be lucky to have her next to him tonight- she looked like she was doing marginally better and she looked gorgeous in that dress.

Kyzarath tells me it is partly because of the little firelizard, Nola. Hers treats it like a child. An image of the green flitter popped into the young man's head and he nodded in understanding. That would be what Lettie would do. She had most likely had a horrendous cry last night (anyone would have noticed her bloodshot eyes at Lessons) and then decided to lock everything away, finding her outlet in less noticeable ways. Showering her green with affections, for example, when only three weeks ago she'd wanted to swat the little thing for Rising so often. He sighed again, this time in pity. She would never ask for help, either. Stubborn wench.

Go, lazybones! "My bad." N'har had nearly missed his cue but made up for it by coming out all smiles and following Lettie's example towards the Weyrleaders. Although, he bowed, seeing as he's never been able to get his curtsy down just right.

<sup>Neither of the Weyrlings could say they were pleased that the chairs were so divided, but here and there a couple of empty chairs together could be found -- which offered a small relief. M'lo was quick to go to a few, saving one for A'zard. In front of them both was another empty chair, which Safieth had secured on his own.

"Safie-"
It's for Kyzarath's Hers! They must join us tonight! They will join us... Right?
"I hope they do."
"Hope who does what?"
"Ah, a friend we made among the Weyrlings. There she is, see? That's Onalette and her Re-"
"Red Kyzarath. I know, I heard the Weyrwoman."
"Right..."

The male chuckled, softly, slightly embarrased, though he soon drove that feeling away. Blue eyes settled on the girl and her Bond, M'lo smiling as he motioned with his hand an invitation. Still, it was up to her if she wanted to come.

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There! Empty chair at the front! Come on, before that sharding StardriftSilver follows or something.

No sooner they were introduced V'lshok and Verscyth walked down the predisposed path, the male with his back straight out and the Stardrift besides him walked with elegance -- a King-like expression on his perfect features. He might have been a Middle Rank, but he would show everyone just how good he was. Bah! He should have been at the last of that line! Why, not even that ugly OnyxGold Queen could compare to him! Soon they were seated, the male huffing lightly. Why did these things took so long?

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

Lina and Rhys had been lucky to find a seat close to one another, though K'sar and S'ke ended up sitting quite far away from them, and from each other. H'nuk had also found a chair, and with puppy dog eyes had convinced one of the guest to allow him the other chair, so K'zo could be with him. The Bronze Weyrling sighed, looking at the brat now smiling happily -- clearly pleased he got things his own way.

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Nayza and Ihryvaeth were last, the Queen huffing lightly at the factor there weren't many seats left. What was worst, the only one available now where close to one another, and that sharding RedGold queen had yet to choose her own sitting.

Come, Mine-Own, here.

They picked one of the chairs, the closest to the table where Azer and the other high ranking riders would be seated. After all, Ihryvaeth thought it wise for Hers to observe since now how they did things -- and learn them.


((Dead muse. XD))</sup>

The onyxrider watched as numerous drudges brought out the mouthwatering food that everyone had been slaving over all morning. In a matter of minutes the well planned meal had made its way to all the tables and each table was soon passing it around to fill their plates. Th'or guessed the food would be gone very quickly and the weyrwoman would call the formal evening to an end, summoning the harpers and everyone would dance and drink the night away. "Thank you much sir." he said politely with a smile as a drudge came to his table and set the food down.

You're gonna share that right? came the familiar voice of Fenrir.
"Not on your life."
You mean to tell me you're going to eat that all by yourself? As far as I can see you're the most unpopular person here, all alone at his back table and going to eat all the food himself? Fatty.
"Wha..? I am not!" the onyxrider demanded.
Well then give me some and prove it.
"The weyrwoman would kill me."
So don't let her see.
"Fine."

Where the shards was she supposed to sit, the rafters? There had to be someplace left..Aha! "Kyzarath! They're over there." Curtsying to the Weyrleaders, (what else was she supposed to do? just leave? hardly.) Lettie gathered her skirts and made her way to the seat that the little Blue was so carefully guarding for them. "Would you mind, ever so much, if I sat there Safieth?" Her eyes had returned to a healthy color (the nap after lunch had helped with that) and she looked much better for it. A grateful glance was thrown to M'lo as she and Kyzarath took their seats as carefully as possible; the dragonet was reluctant to botch the oiling job, the girl hesitant to do anything that might leave a mark on the wonderful dress.

Once in place, she couldn't help but stare down each dish that passed by. It all looked so good! "For the love of Faranth, I don't think any of us will do much dancing if they expect us to eat all this!" She smiled- actually smiled. Ah, Fysiath would have loved this.. A rush of emotion threatened, but it was dammed by the fact that she was in too much awe of the Hall. To think, this feast was in honor of her and her peers! Sure, she'd seen Hatching Feasts before; shards, she'd helped to prepare them! But never had she expected to be a part of one..

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Nodding politely to the grumpy-looking Bronze rider (He's called D'lei. His told me.), N'har flashed a brilliant smile to the woman on his left as he took his seat. "Good evening madam." They continued to exchange meaningless chatter (it was giving him something to do) before the Weyrling finally succumbed to the tug that Atisheth was giving his leg.

{Yes, my little one?}
Look! Another Weyrling! The Brown eagerly nosed his bond's hand, a slight rumble tickling the fingertips. And who're you calling little?

The young man simply grinned in answer and discovered that his beast was right. The harper who had Impressed the Copper was seat a few down from him. Wonderful! Someone his age to chat with. "Good evening. Sazori, correct?"

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Saral's attention on the Weyrlings never wavered, her inspection more thorough than one that a mother would give her child after he'd just fallen off his bed. Each and every one proved to be satisfactory. Unfortunately. She was slightly hoping one of them would have slipped up. And there was A'zard, one of her several shirkers from this morning. She'd have to see about him.

Wow, people are actually staring at you.
{Since when is that new?}
They're smiling!

She resisted the urge to give a disgusted sigh as Ragnaroth proved to right; instead, she smiled and nodded, accepting the compliments that she was recieving on behalf of her dress. Instead of remaining seated, the Weyrling Mistress had taken a position up near where her students would be making their entrances. Just let one of them try and enter unoiled. So far, none of them had disappointed her. Now, to see about their table manners. Her place setting was still open and she gladly returned, eager to be out of the spotlight, her eyes following each serving tray as they passed. A hand was smoothed subconciously over the gown she wore, and an ironic smile lit her featurs. The sharding thing had finally come in handy. And indeed it should have, seeing as it's initial debut had been thrown away nearly eight years ago.

The wedding dress was still as gorgeous as ever though, and a small (hardly worth noting; the groom was a pig) shot of remorse rang through the dragonlady that she never got to use it for its intended purpose. It was still as white as snow, and it's design still took her breath away. It's strapless bodice was embroidered at the top with black scrollwork that set the scene for the entire dress. Another inverted 'V' accentuated just the area under her ribs and curled upwards, flowers and vinework added in. The skirts were full yet pleated; the inside of each showed more of the detailed scrolls seperating the black and white interior of each individual pleat. A simple choker of clear crystals and black slippers (hidden by the floor length skirt) completed the outfit. The tresses had been swept up into a purposefully messy creation that, combined with simple cosmetics, made Saral actually look pretty. Part of her wondered if it was this that had made so many take notice, rather than the gown itself. She rarely ever took the time to wear cosmetics, so she was partially astonished when she saw her reflection in the looking glass.

{want to see a picture of the real thing? Saral's dress }

Raevn had moved swiftly out of the hall the weyrlings had been kept in and out into the dining hall at the sound of her name. She glided across the floor towards the back of the room, not with an arrogance many women might have, but with purposefulness. She waited there until the Weyrwoman was finished with her speech, the feeling of all the other weyrlings surrounding her bearing down on her until they all dispersed. She sighed softly, unaware of where there might be a seat, she didn’t really know any one and she didn’t exactly want to annoy people with her being blind.
Now, why would people be annoyed by you? It’s not your fault you can’t see. Rainicth said as she looked for a seat for her rider next to someone that was somewhat familiar. Ah! There! C’mon mine!
Rainicth wrapped her tail around Raevn’s ankle again and began to move towards a table at the back of the room.
“Wait, Rain! Where are we going?” Raevn asked, being careful to avoid the corner of a table or a suddenly pushed out chair.
There’s a man, the one that brought you here? From your memories. He’s here, just there. I’ll set you next to him. Rainicth told her rider, leading the woman to a spot where she stood not too far from the rider.
Rain! You put me in weird situations, you know that?
Rainicth snorted as she looked curiously at the large dog sitting on the other side of the rider. You’ll enjoy it. Was all she said before prodding her riders leg with her nose.
“Uh… Th’or? If I remember correctly? It seems I’m being directed to sit here. If it’s fine with you?” She asked, shifting her sandaled feet nervously.

I am not a dog, you oversized rock lizard. came the sarcastic retort from the Vyr, who had to duck slightly to see under the table to the dragonet at the girl's feet.

Th'or stood, though she couldn't see she would certainly hear his movements. "Raevn, first of all congratulations on Impressing, and second you are welcome to sit here. I couldn't ask for a more lovely person to share this feast with."

When did you start speaking so nicely, maybe use it on more eligible women and you'd get more--
{Oh shut up, Vidar searched her when he had his eye removed. You haven't been so busy yourself.}
Haven't I? the black vyr remarked suggestively and Th'or just rolled his eyes and wished his dragon were awake.

"So Raevn, how have you been? Weyrling lessons going ok?"

((sorry mind is dead XD ))

Rainicth snorted and blinked with surprise; her calm blue eyes speckled briefly with a bright yellow. She lowered her head a little more and tilted it to look at the … not-a-dog. You really do look like one to me. She said matter-of-factly, sniffing the air momentarily before moving out of the way of the chair she directed her rider to mentally.
Raevn smiled slowly, “there’s no reason to stand on accord of my being here.” She said, taking her own seat slowly and scooting it in easily. She felt Rainicth take her place behind the chair and felt the dragonet still examining the Vyr on Th’or’s other side.
Though Raevn wasn’t a very talkative person, she felt somewhat inclined to answer the onyx riders’ questions as best as she could; maybe it was impressing Rainicth that had softened her tongue…
“I’ve been trying to learn the weyr. It’s a lot bigger than I first thought.” The woman admitted almost shyly, listening to her dragon to serve herself some steamed vegetables and to pour some fruit juice into her glass. Despite how many people of Pern enjoyed wine, she wasn’t one of those; the drink always tasted vile to her.
“Weyrling lessons though, Saral is a little nicer than some of the other weyrlings claim she is.” Raevn said, “and being able to experience Rainicth growing, it’s amazing.” A fond smile curved Raevn’s lips, oh that dragonet was an amazing beast.
Take off your blind. Rainicth told her rider, preening her right wing for a moment before tucking it back to her back comfortably.
Are you serious! I’m not taking it off. Be happy I’m even speaking to someone. Raevn argued with surprise, and with no response from the white/ice. Not yet.
"How's Vidarioth doing?" She asked quickly, distracting herself from the dragonet behind her.

((‘Tis fine. ))

I am a Vyr Wolf, or a Vyr, the main reason aside from bad weather that you can't go for a stroll in those mountains after dark. I am Fenrir and you are? the black wolf inquired.

The rider sat down again once the weyrling was comfortably in her seat despite her remark, it was just manners and having been brought up to be a holder, they were rather deeply embedded in his mind. "I have no doubt you'll learn this place backwards and forwards." the rider said reassuringly before she spoke of her weyrling lessons. "I have not met Saral, but I am sure she'll do a good job no matter how tough she is. Impressing a dragon is an experience unlike any other," Th'or smiled remembering Vidarioth and her next question fit perfectly into his train of thought. "He is sleeping, the healers put him out again for his last eye surgery, very minor things they said. He'll be fine in the morning. But you must tell me about your hatchling, her coloring is quite beautiful."

I think you need more wine, you'll be the weyr's chatterbox by the end of the night.
{Here, Dog.}

Th'or piled a generous serving of food onto an empty plate and set it on the floor. He smirked at this little slip up of proper protocol and it would certainly get that oversized mutt to shut his face for a bit

I can still hear you....

Vyr? I’ll remember. I’m Rainicth. The small White/Ice dragonet said, storing Fenrir’s name in the back of her mind with all the other names she’d learned since hatching. And besides, I wouldn’t stroll out there. I’d be flying. The dragonet added as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. She looked at the plate of food the Vyr was given by Th’or curiously, wondering why she hadn’t gotten anything to eat from hers yet.
All I’m eating is vegetables, you wouldn’t like it. Raevn told her dragon as she got her chance in the beasts conversation. “Would you mind if I had a look at him when he wakes up in the morning? Or when we are both not busy?” She asked, directing her question to Th’or, she did do some work on the big dragon and she never liked to leave a patient without checking in.
“She is a beautiful creature,” Raevn agreed softly, her voice filled with fondness for the young dragon. “I think she’s a two-tone.” She said, pondering what she was saying even as the words came from her mouth. What she saw in the pulsing light that was her dragonet was white, for sure, but there was also a crystalline blue somewhere in that lighted color she saw.
Raevn grabbed the fork to the right of her plate and stabbed some vegetables onto its prongs, and then proceeded to lift the food to her mouth and chewed on it slowly before swallowing and washing it down with some juice. The food was amazing, how long did it take the cooks to get food so delicious?

<sup>"Would you mind, ever so much, if I sat there Safieth?"
"I don't think he'd mind at all -- in fact, he made sure to steal the char 'cause he wanted you and Kyzarath to join us."

The Blue rumbled happily, leaving the chair in order to allow the girl to sit. He gave a happy croon to the Red dragonet, glad to see her again. Oh! Safieth likes Kyzarath's hide! It looks so glossy and pretty! Of course, his was just as glossy, but the dragonet hadn't seemed to notice yet that having oil on your hide made it glossy and shiny.

"For the love of Faranth, I don't think any of us will do much dancing if they expect us to eat all this!"
"This really is a large amount of food... Makes me happy not to be in the kitchens anymore!"

M'lo grinned, passing the dishes down the table. Finally everything was set, and he allowed himself to fill up a plate with different things, before passing it to Lettie. After all, women first. Right? He filled up a secnd one, watching as the boy besides him also did the same. A'zard was quiet tonight, though that wasn't something unusual of him. The boy looked down as the Black prodded him lightly, before bending to give the dragonet a piece of wherry meat. A rather large one at that. Myrdraath had already eaten, though he had wanted to try and know what His was eating, and how it tasted.

{You like it?}
It's good... But dry. I prefer having the blood on my meat, it gives it a nice flavor.
{Well, we have to cook them before eating. Otherwise that blood and rawness you like so much would get us sick.}

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((And the others are eating! XD *lazy* I have nothing important to post wth any, save the same thing over and over again, so I'll spare you all from the repetition. Still, anyone is welcome to interact with them. :3))</sup>