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Sometimes It Pays To Be Wherry


Date:  February 29, 2000
Places:  Southern Boll's Gather Beach, Jungle Path, and Great Hall
Game:  PernMUSH
Copyright Info:  The World of Pern is copyright(c) to Anne McCaffrey 
l967. The Dragonriders of Pern(r) is a registered copyright.

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Kassi's Note:  I have to admit, Masquerade Balls are one of my favorite
types of Gather event. :)  It's always a blast to see the other 
costumes, not to mention RPing being costumed yourself.  I've included
descs of the costumes I looked at in the log below; there are 
undoubtedly descs missing, for which I apologize to the owners.  I got
pretty lax about looking at folk as the evening went on and the scroll
got faster. ;)

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The Log:

You wing down onto the gather beach.

<*> S'more grins at Leigh. "Thanks....all my shots now are going to
disappoint." He takes his air, aims and shoots.

<*> K'tel grins and can't resist, "That's reassuring."

<*> S'more's arrow just grazes the target but continues with its flight
after being slight deflected.

<*> Dyane groans, "S'more ...."

<*> Stefyn wanders up the trail from the west and steps out onto the beach.

<*> S'more shakes his head. "See?" He still grinning, though."

<*> Tarin says "He meant to do that! He meant to do that!"

<*> Lysseth drops to a careful landing some distance away from where the
arrows are flying--Faranth forfend she should mess with the air currents
there--and rumbles a casual greeting to the other dragons, wings furling
close to her sides as she settles.

<*> K'tel grins, "Time to catch up, Leigh! He's sliding."

<*> Dyane c'mons. "S'more, you'll get it next time."

<*> S'more hmms. "Well, I could shoot with my fingers crossed, but I doubt
that would improve my aim."

<*> Jaecinth perks up as Lysseth lands, looking up at her and bugling a
welcome.

<*> Tarin says "I'll cross my fingers for you!" he then matches actions to
words.

<*> Leigh nods obediently, selecting an arrow. "Here goes," she says, by
now not expecting much of herself. But this time she takes her sweet time.

<*> Leigh's arrow hits the middle ring of the target, easily scoring a nice
three points.

<*> Sarai claps, "Hurrah! Leigh! Weild that bow like you slice a scalple!"

<*> S'more nods to Leigh. "And you have the lead again." He selects an
arrow and lines up, his face filled with determination to wrest that lead
back.

<*> Mirala grins at the archers. "S'more, we've seen the stuff of which
you're composed, but when you miss, it hardly shows!" She shakes her head.
"I think I'm running out of rhymes."

<*> S'more's arrow hits the outermost ring of the target, scoring one point.

<*> K'tel looks over at Mirala and laughs, "You are? /Finally/?"

<*> Tarin says "Archer, archer, archer, MISS IT archer!!"

<*> Zianne smiles, "Come on Boll!"

<*> Mirala beams over at K'tel. "Naaaaaah. There are hordes of things that
rhyme with "pie"."

You slide off of Lysseth's neck to land beside her easily. She rumbles,
cocking her head down at you, and you rub her eyeridges gratefully.

Leigh lifts her chin as the score is made even. "This is harder than it
looks," she tells S'more as she picks an arrow and nocks it, sighting down
her outstretched left arm as she endeavors to shut out the din of shouts
and huzzahs.

Leigh's arrow hits the outermost ring of the target, scoring one point.

Dyane claps, "C'mon, S'more. Do Boll proud!"

K'tel claps, "Way to go, Leigh. We're in the lead!" He smiles at Mirala.

Tarin bounces up and down again, "Go, S'more! Go, S'more!"

Dyane thbtts ever-so-LadyHolderlike at K'tel.

K'tel chortles gleefully.

Mirala grins over at Kassima in greeting, then looks back at the action.
"Yeah! Pie, pie, pie! If you lose, S'more, I'm sure you'll, uh, die!"

S'more nods to Leigh and without comment carefully aims and shoots again.

S'more's arrow hits the second most outer ring of the target, scoring two
points.

Sarai grins at Mirala. "Sorrt you lost on me. But my luck was bound to run
out."

Dyane claps as S'more goes back into the lead.

Kassima slips down from her lifemate's neck with great care, keeping the
cloak tucked safely around her. "And if'n anyone would know what they are
'twould like as nay be you, aye, Mirala?" she calls over to the
Baker-auctioneer, grinning. "Duties to Boll and her Lord and Lady. And
everywhere else too, for that matter."

Tarin applauds austerely, though it is far too late to try to pull that 
off.

S'more winces. "Shards, Mirala! Is *that* how you convince me?" He grins.
Someone hollers out, "Come on, Leigh, do it like you're using an agenothree
sprayer! Just DO it!" 

Leigh takes the advice, exhaling slowly as she aims her next shot and with
the serenity of release, simply lets the string go.

Leigh's arrow hits the middle ring of the target, easily scoring a nice
three points.

Mirala laughs, looking over at Sarai. "Well, now you've gotta watch out for
the Mad Baker, eh?" She chortles at Kassima, and nods eagerly at S'more.
"S'more, win, if you value your life! Remember the sharpness of the Baker's
knife!"


Kassima:
        At the moment, it's hard to tell anything about this particular
woman: 
a red-embroidered cloak, dusky black, shrouds her from nape to heels and
conceals her person from view. Funny, though; it drapes over odd bulks and
curves, and a glint of brassy shine is occasionally visible from below its
sweeping hem. Just what could she be wearing under there? And why has her
lower face been carefully greyed? Curiouser and curiouser.


S'more yeeps and mutters, "No pressure" wryly as he selects his arrow, then
selects a different arrow again and sets it securely in place. He aims and
shoots.

Sarai grins at Mirala. "Good shot, Leigh!"

S'more's arrow hits the outermost ring of the target, scoring one point.

Tarin peers over at Mirala, "Bloodthirsty, ain't ya?" he calls over.

Mirala bats her lashes at Tarin. "Just trying to keep him motivated." She
hoots at S'more. "Is that the best that you can do? Think of what's in
store for you!"

Tarin grins at Mirala and turns back to the contestants, "C'more, S'more!
Bullseye!"

K'tel claps for Leigh, "Yay!"

Having gotten the feel of it now, Leigh stands more confidently now and
draws the bowstring back just a little further, setting herself up for a
more forceful shot.

Leigh's arrow just grazes the target but continues with its flight after
being slight deflected.

Tarin yells, "You've got the chance, S'more! Make it good!"

S'more chuckles at Tarin and tries the previously rejected arrow. "Does
this look like a bullseye arrow?" Without waiting for an answer, he nocks
and shoots.

K'tel joins in, "Miss, S'more! Miss!"

S'more's arrow hits the middle ring of the target, easily scoring a nice
three points.

Alysia looks up at the sound of a familiar voice. Seeing Kassima
approaching, she gives her small wave.

Dyane woohoos.

K'tel chuckles, "I tried. You can do it, Leigh!"

Tarin grins, "It looks close enough for three points!"

Sarai claps, and laughs, "This is a grand time."

Zianne applauds, "Nice shot."

Mirala cheers, "If you win, pie you'll get! If you lose, then you'll 
regret!"

Leigh claps for S'more again. "Very nice. You're good at this," she
acknowledges easily, then nocks another arrow.

Leigh's arrow hits the ring just outside the bullseye, scoring a very nice
four points.

S'more hmms, and peers at the quiver, as if trying ti divine the fate of
each arrow within. He merely shrugs to Leigh, "I'd say we're well matched."

K'tel beams at Leigh, "All right!"

Sarai watches the sun drop all of the sudden, "Shards, we've been here all
day!"

Kassima doesn't wave back, keeping arms and hands carefully concealed by
that handy cloak thing, but she does nod amiably back to Alysia. "G'deve,
Apprentice..." And after a moment's consideration, she also heads over that
way. "How goes the work on the song? Any screaming verses yet?"

S'more tries the *other* rejected arrow this time. He places his feet
firmly, pulls the string taunt, takes aim, and shoots.

S'more's arrow hits the second most outer ring of the target, scoring two
points.

K'tel nods at Sarai, "Takes some time to do this." He smiles, "But it's
worth it." He peers at the scores, "18 to 18! Anyone's game!"

Mirval has arrived.

Tarin eeps, "Aw, come on!"

Sarai chuckles and claps, "Come on ... Everyone!"

Dalynn wanders up the trail from the west and steps out onto the beach.

K'tel says "Bullseye, Leigh!"

Mirala peers up at the sky. "It has been a while. And the ball," she
exclaims, "We must be holding it over." She calls at the archers. "Time to
sink the arrows swiftly, we're all hungry, and food would be... nifty."

From Jaecinth's back, White_Swan snickers at Mirala

Sarai laughs at Mirala and her rhyme. "That was clever!"

S'more grabs an arrow. Sure, Leigh hasn't shot yet, but he readies to
release his as soon as her hits.

Leigh calls back to K'tel, in whose name she shoots, "Don't worry. He went
first, so I get last shot." Then she plucks out an arrow, takes aim,
releases her breath, and lets fly.

Leigh's arrow just grazes the target but continues with its flight after
being slight deflected.

S'more's arrow hits the second most outer ring of the target, scoring two
points.

Mirala chuckles, posing. "Hey, my skill improves if it involves food, you
know. Bakery."

Dyane groans, "Oh, no. 1 point off for S'more."

K'tel winces, "I hope you don't need it. One point! Come on, Leigh!" He
bounces with excitement.

Sarai says "Go for five!"

Kassima calls over to Mirala, "Can you do limericks, too?" Great, Kassi.
Encourage her, why don't you.

Dyane crosses her fingers and hopes Leigh misses or something.

S'more urghs and glaces at Leigh.

Tarin covers his eyes.

Dalynn smiles and heads over to where lady Dyane is.

Mirala beams at the greenrider. "Not in mixed company," she winks.

Veyath backwings to a landing.

Leigh purses her lips and whistles long and low. "You don't make it easy on
a girl, do you?" she asks rhetorically, then sets her stance and makes her
play.

Leigh's arrow hits the middle ring of the target, easily scoring a nice
three points.

Jaecinth looks up and watches Veyath land, eyes whirling expectantly.

Sarai hoots! "She did it!" Sarai claps ehr hands.

S'more throws up his hands. "I believe this means the lady wins."

K'tel breaks out into a holler, "You did it! Yay, Leigh!" He cheers!

A tall healer claps for Leigh, "Well I'll be. The bow's taller than she is,
and she swept the floor with that rider."

Tarin leaves his hands over his eyes, "I'm going to stand here and pretend
I don't hear those groans, then in my little world, S'more won!"

Alysia finishes off her mug, before the cloaked 'rider draws near. "Well,
I'm not sure what to add, really. I'd be more than willing to add what you
wish, if you would indulge me on the details." Suddenly realizing who she
is talking to, she gives a start, glancing down at her outfit and giving
Kassima a weak smile. <shrug>

Dyane sighs softly then breaks into a smile. "Well done, S'more. Very very
close match." She smiles. "Congratulations."

Mirala applauds. "And so another round comes to an end, S'more is a loser,
Leigh has the win." She grins sympathetically at S'more. "I'll still make
you a pie, though."

Leigh raises her bow high, then bows low, drawing the bow across her body
in a florid gesture to do any Harper proud. One might note that her
backside is now directed towards that tall fellow who's been heckling her
all this time.

Sarai smiles at Dyane, "So what's the final tally?"

K'tel is still smiling and he nods to S'more, "Very good match, S'more.
Next time, we'll have to keep you on our side."

S'more chuckles. "Thanks, sir. I'll do better next time. Of course, next
time, I'll be shooting for Igen." He grins at Leigh. "Congratulations."
Then to Mirala, a wider grin. "You will?"

Veyath descends down from the evening skies, settling to a graceful landing
upon the sands not far from Jaecinth -- her leafy wings fluttering back
along her sides as she edges in closer. Her rider, K'nan, just shakes his
head as he works to unbuckle the straps.

Mirval wanders along the beach, pausing to shoot S'more a sympathetic grin.

Public announcement: Dyane announces "We apologize for the delay but the
Masquerade Ball will be starting now in the Great Hall of Southern Boll.
+go sboll-gh ... Bring an IC costume. Bring your appetite. Have some fun!"

Jaecinth flexes for Veyath as she glances him over. He raises one wing tip
and then the other, almost knocking his rider off, she admonishes him with
a disapproving squeak.

Alysia duly notes Leigh's posture for... posterity... Yeah, that's it,
posterity.

Dyane chuckles, "3 - 2 Igen."

Zianne sighs, but smiles. "We did good. We almost won."

From the sky, Taralyth warbles congenially to Ranth as he sweeps by,
overshooting the beach's main gathering in order to find a clear-enough
patch of sand upon which to land.

Leigh raises up again and offers her palm to S'more. "Thank you. I think
you're the better shot, but I did get lucky once or twice. Good match,
rider." She surrenders her bow to its hook again.

Taralyth backwings to a landing.

Dyane nods to Zianne. "Very close match. There always is the next rematch
at Igen, I believe."

White_Swan unstraps herself from Jaecinth's back, and slides down his
forelimb to the ground.

Kassima heaves an exaggerated sigh of disappointment. "So you'll nay recite
the one about the archer from Hold Tucket, then? Such a terrible shame--"
There's a pause as sky-blue catches at her eye, and she finally seems to
realize what Alysia's wearing. Mirth quirks up mouth-corners. "Welladay,
they did work fast t'be making another set! Suits you, Harper--but details
may have t'wait; I seem t'recall word being given of a costume ball this 
eve?"

Mirala chucks S'more's chin and nods. "Of course! Do you think I'd refuse
you pie? It'd be un-Mirala-like."

Sarai grins and holds a hand out to Dyane, "Well played. Really. And we'll
host the rematch eh?"

Astride Taralyth's neck, Jorenan shivers and then frowns down at the
grounds below. "I hope we're not too late for the ball." He pats a bulky
bag he attached to one of the straps.

K'tel smiles at Tarin, "Hey, don't worry. You'll get the chance to watch me
on that boar hunt Sarai is intent on."

Tarin sighs and finally drops his hands. Looking down at the sand, he sees
his old bow. Shrugging, he hefts it, nocks an arrow which hasn't gotten
stepped on and takes a last-ditch shot at the target...for old time's sake.

White_Swan whispers something to Jaecinth and rearranges her costume,
straightening her gown and pulling at a haircurl.

Tarin completely misses the target. Beware all lizards, dragons, and
spectators.

Alysia nods. "Indeed. I was headed that way presently."

S'more smiles. "Does this mean I don't have to die as well?"

Dyane covers Sarai's hand with her own. "We look forward to it." she
motions with her free hand. "You are all invited to the Masquerade Ball. If
you have costumes, or if you don't, join us."

Astride Taralyth's neck, Sauscony grins as she pats her pack,'Mine is in
here...Didn't want to take a chance with messing it up between.'

Mirval gives Sarai a quick flashing grin. "That sounds like fun. Hosting, I
mean."

K'nan climbs down from Veyath's neck, and arrives on the ground.

Astride Taralyth's neck, Sayuri is nice and warm from cuddling against
I'sai. "The ball?" she asks.

Tarin watches his arrow fly off into the dim evening, "I hope it writes,"
is all he says as he drops his bow again.

Sarai ohs, "The boar hunt! Don't forget, Dyane. I'd love to try my hand at
that.' Sarai natters and grins, "Food? I'm always up for food."

Lysseth trills a bright greeting Taralyth-wards from her lounging place in
the sand, a fair distance from the main gathering yet close enough to
observe and be amused thereby.

S'more frowns a bit. "Costume? Urgh, no, I haven't one."

K'tel unstrings his bow, "Thank you for the game, Dyane, Tarin. I enjoyed
it immensely."

Tarin smiles at K'tel, "Yes, so I suppose my ego can be salved by watching
you run screaming like a little girl?"

Astride Taralyth's neck, Jorenan undoes the straps and gestures for
Sauscony to preceed him. "We're of like minds," he says with a grin. "Enjoy
the Gather."

Mirala grins at Kassima, shaking her head. "Hey, maybe later." She studies
S'more. "Well... I suppose. A pie instead of a slow painful death, fair
enough."

Veyath offers Jaecinth a soft croon of welcome, her eyes swirling slowly
and neck arching a touch in a flirtatous motion - K'nan, on the other hand,
just shakes his head at the two and chuckles under his breath, "Dragged me
all th'way back here t'flirt.."

K'tel laughs, "Exactly. It doesn't happen often."

A weaver steps up, saying. "We have costumes for rent. 1 mark."

Astride Taralyth's neck, Sayuri wonders how to get down.

Astride Taralyth's neck, I'sai keeps his space as best he can, and mutters,
"That's what a mask is for. How fancy did you lot get?" Meanwhile, Taralyth
arches his neck at the trill, and warbles in kind, and never mind that he
still has passengers astride.

Tarin grins and thumps K'tel's back, "Good! I look forward to it!"

Zianne starts down the beach, heading back to hold.

Dyane nods, "Definately! I'll send word when the next hunt will take place.
It usually is in the late fall so it won't be too long."

S'more hmms. "Every time I turn around, I seem to be giving marks to
weavers." he says, amiably.

"Costume!" Mirala keens, darting in and out of the Weaver tent to change.

Zianne wanders down the jungle path to the west.

Sayuri slides down from Taralyth's neck.

Sarai nods and smiles. "Jolly!"

Astride Taralyth's neck, Sauscony is looks rather amused at something,
'I'sai...when you have a chance...sometime, may I have a word with you?'
She asks as she carefully undoes her buckle.

K'tel is thumped, smiling the whole time, "I expect some pointers along the
way." He gathers up the Igen arrows, "I'll just put these away and join you
at the ball."

Jaecinth whirrrrs at Veyath, admiring her neck and body and...he shakes his
head to clear it. Must be the romantic atmosphere. Davienne eyes him
curiously, looking a little suspicious. "What is /wrong/ with you tonight?"

T'shar snorts awake, having passed out near Toniath, with a lovely sunburn
and, by the way he's rubbing at his temples, a large hangover.

Kassima grins at the confirmation, nodding her head. "As, then, am I--but I
should be fixing up the costume first; if'n 'twill excuse--" And she makes
her way back towards her lifemate, with pauses along the way to nod
Veyath-wards, Taralyth-wards, passengers-wards, riders-wards.

"Come now, rider." The weaver says with a bright smile. "We're not that bad
and think, your costume may be just the thing to get into your dream
woman's heart."

White_Swan sighs and pats Jaecinth.

Sauscony slides down from Taralyth's neck.

Leigh steps aside so that another pair of archers can enjoy a turn, taking
her chance to go and investigate some other goings-on at the gather.

Astride Taralyth's neck, Jorenan pats I'sai's dragon in thanks and then
grins at I'sai himself. "you'll do," he says amiably.


Kassima:
        Whatever the Telgarians feed their wherries, it must have spectacular
nourishing powers to allow one to grow to *this* stature: 5'10" in height,
this dusky avian is surely the largest one could ever hope to see.
        Soft, silver-grey 'feathers' make up most of this deception, trailing 
from high-cut neck to legs and gliding gently over pregnancy's plump
verisimilitude; long hair, bound up tightly, is hidden beneath a veil of
dusty fluff. Broad wings are carefully furled, their sisal-stranded ends
trailing as might the hem of a smoky cloak--surely supported by metal
within to stay so true to form. The tail is likewise, fanning out behind in
a stubby train fringed with swaying, drifting soot.
        Below the close hug of shortened sleeves and mid-thigh leggings, the 
ashen coat gives way to brassy sisal: claws. Patterned with the suggestion 
of tiny scales, wiry limbs descend to curving talons, gloves tipped in 
dusky points likewise attached by artifice to long toes left bare. The 
dulled brass appears again in the mask that attempts to render the wearer
anonymous: a delicate, well-shaped 'beak' begins just below cheekbones and
curves to cover nose, overshadowing a mouth left free for speech. Pale skin
beneath has been skillfully greyed, and the downy wisps of mask-material
frame feminine features and merry green eyes with feathery, fluttering 
guile.


Mirval glances towards the Hall itself, then mutters, "I never considered
going to the ball. Hmmm."

Jorenan slides down from Taralyth's neck.

S'more groans again. "And when they're not taking my marks, they're trying
to find me the perfect woman."

Dragon-muscle ripples, pleased, beneath Jorenan's pat; I'sai just grins
back, "Well. Thanks." And he's the last to venture down.

I'sai slides down from Taralyth's neck.

K'tel nods to Dyane and Tarin then makes his way up the path with the
supplies in hand. He whistles a cheerful little tune as he goes.

White_Swan looks around at all the commotion and smiles beneath her mask.
She looks excited, if you can see underneath at least. She pulls at her
gown nervously.

Sauscony shoulders her pack, glancing around as she looks for a place to
change.

Mirval calls out to S'more, "Are you _looking_ for women? I didn't realize.
Can I help? I know a few from Fort who're awfully pretty."

K'tel wanders down the jungle path to the west.

Tarin calls a bunch of drudges and youngsters from the Hold together,
egtting them to pick up the scattered arrows and bows and bring them back
to storage in the Hold.

Dyane glances at the crowds heading to the hold proper. "I must head to the
Great Hall. The Ball's about to start."

S'more shakes his head at Mirval. "I'm not....that's the ironic part, you
see."

Mirala gazes around at the milling crowd. "And I've lost my dates. All of
them." She scowls, looking around.


White_Swan:
And the swan sweeps through the room, quiet, alluring, peaceful. At least
that is what you might first think of this draped woman. She is very tall
and her hair is a bright shade of coppery red, with unruly curls draping
over her shoulders. They bounce and swing with her every movement. The skin
you can see from underneath her ruse is a pale white, almost transparent.
Her form is slender and muscular, almost too thin but well taken care of.
Her arms are long and hands very feminine.
The woman's head is covered in an elaborate sculpture, neck graceful and
wing covered. It looks to be the head of a beautiful white swan, with
lovely wide black eyes. The woman's face is concealed beneath a cleverly
placed, white feathered mask. You can see glittering emerald eyes through
the feathers. She wears a white gown, with wire and silk covered wings on
her back. The gown clings to her form as a tight glove would caress a hand.
Every curve of her body is accentuated as well as her small bust and waist.
Around her neck are sewn in glistening crystal beads which give the
illusion of shimmering water. She is the picture of grace and ethereal
beauty, this mysterious swan of the placid waters.


Tarin nods to Dyane, "I'll get this stuff put away and then join you."

K'nan just shakes her head slightly - and apparently decides to bow out of
the entire masquerade, since he's not in a costume - and just leaning
against Veyath's foreleg.

T'shar scratches at himself, dislodging a few uncomfortable sand grains
from places better left unmentioned.

Tarin herds the gaggle of drudges up toward the Hold.

A steward, with an obnoxiously loud voice, calls out. "BALL. GREAT HALL.
NOW." Yep, no tact.

Sarai grins and follos the crowds.

Sayuri wanders down the jungle path to the west.

Tarin wanders down the jungle path to the west.

Dyane nods to Tarin.

Dyane wanders down the jungle path to the west.

Mirval pulls his lips down into a pout at S'more, then shoots Sarai a quick
glance.

Jorenan enters the BakerCraft Gather Tent.

Jaecinth gets up and moves his large lazy body closer to where Veyath has
landed. He *whomps* himself in the sand, kicking some up in a large cloud.
The White Swan just looks at him queerly and moves closer, investigating
him and this green dragon he seems curious about.

"Miralalala," I'sai calls, "There you are!" and fastens the last tie on his
mask.

Leigh, right near the bass-throated steward, places a hand over each ear
and obediently heads in that direction.

Mirala blinks, and peers over at I'sai. "Yes?"

White_Swan smiles at T'shar as she passes him by, "Nice outfit Tish, I
didn't think 'Hungover' was a popular costume. She giggles and follows
Jaecinth.

Sauscony slips into the healer tent.

Sauscony pushes aside a bit of cloth and enters the Healer Hall Gather Tent.

I'sai mentions, "We brought you a hea - " and turns, and turns again: she
-abandoned- them.

Veyath lifts one leafy green wing to fan away the rising sands, before with
a throaty croon that almost seems to conceal a chuckle she shifts forwards
-- neck arching lightly towards him, clearly flirtatious. K'nan looks up,
rolling his eyes as he's dislodged from his leaning place, and casts a
crooked smile towards the White Swan.. "Sorry 'bout her.."

Lysseth obediantly lowers her neck to let Kassima get at her straps; the
doffed cloak is carefully hung on a hook there, and a contraption that
might be called a mask removed from the pouches, affixed with a minimum of
fuss. A few claw-rakes through 'feathers' for preening's sake, and she
seems content. "I do believe 'tis a cue," she mutters, starting to pick her
way carefully across sand. Lyss, watching the spectacle, offers an amused
rumble to all nearby. Riders. They're crazy, you know.

Leigh wanders down the jungle path to the west.

T'shar blinks, rubs at his eyes, and peers at the...swan? Mumbling

something incoherent, he wanders after the others.

T'shar wanders down the jungle path to the west.

You wander up the jungle path.

I'sai wanders up the path from the beach.

Mirala wanders up the path from the beach.

I'sai snags a loop of vine while he's at it, and starts winding it about
his head as he walks.

T'shar walks down to the Winding Cliff Road

Mirala walks down to the Winding Cliff Road

You walk to the Winding Cliff Road.

You climb the last league of the road to the ramp of Southern Boll Hold.

You enter the gates.

You make your way over to the Great Hall

Dyane sees the Harper arrive. She smiles, lifting a hand to Alysia. "Ah,
you made your way through the crowds, eh? "

Sayuri makes her way over from the courtyard..

I'sai makes his way over from the courtyard..


Dyane:
        As the Lady Holder of Southern Boll, Dyane carries herself with an 
air of confidence that is rare. She is of medium height and slender build. 
Her long blonde hair tumbles down her back in carefree loops with the 
exception of one vagrant curl that always falls against her neck and over 
her shoulder. Her large emerald eyes, framed with long dark lashes, sparkle
with amusement and a touch of mischieviousness, but smolder with fury if
you provoke her. Her lips are turned up in a cynical smile while she
observes everything closely, etching all in her mind. The only jewelry that
adorns her are the silver hoops that pierce her ears, one on the right ear
and two on the left.
        Dyane is wearing a floor-length dress of a glistening emerald green
material. The dress has a simple cut, allowing for a gentle dipping
neckline. The bodice is snug, following her every curve before flaring out
in a mass of folds and loose material about her hips and legs, dropping
just low enough to conceal her slippers. The sleeves are long, coming to a
point over her middle finger of each of her hands. Elaborate cross-tying at
the bodice and her slender waist accentuates the simplicity of the cut into
elegance.


T'shar:
        Appearing to be somewhere in his twenties, the young man before you 
is lanky, lean, and muscular. T'shar stands around six feet tall unless he
slouches, which mostly happens when he's not thinking. His face is thin and
pale, with dark, intense eyes peering out from under thick brows, sometimes
brooding, but more often expressing interest and even good humor. A narrow
nose sits between prominent cheekbones, balanced by a strong chin which,
along with his cheeks, is lightly covered with a few days' growth of hair.
There is a small crescent-shaped scar on the left side of his forehead.
T'shar's hair is black and slightly wavy, and has been cut short and then
finger-combed so that it sticks up all around his head rather than lying
flat. A heavy gold ring graces one of the fingers of his right hand, and he
wears some sort of trinket on a leather thong around his neck. (+detail)
        T'shar's dressed in riding leathers, a conservatively cut rust-colored
shirt tucked neatly into the supple wherhide pants. These in turn are
tucked into a pair of calf-high black boots that have been painstakingly
polished until they gleam. On his shoulder rests the knot of Fort
Weyrsecond, the black and brown cords woven through with one of bronze.
        T'shar's right forearm bears a twisting threadscore, puckered in one 
or two places from stitches.


Groups of partygoers, costumed and not, stand here and there. Some taking
part in the dinner feast, others dancing to the harper tunes.

Alysia walks daintily over, gitar case dangling from one hand. "Indeed.
It's quite the event you have. And Harper's duties to all."

Mirala ducks in and leans against one of the walls, and gazes around for
people she knows. The poor little abandoned baker.

T'shar looks around the hall, ostensibly in search of wine.

Kassima clickety-clicks into the Hall, with care for wings and tail.
Wouldn't do to be have anything amputated by the doors. "See, Lysseth," she
murmurs sotto-voce, "told you 'twould nay be late, honestly."

"Boll's to the Harpers." Dyane replies, motioning toward the raised dias
for the harper to set up on. She lifts her voice toward the group.
"Everyone. I am pleased to have Alysia of the Harper Hall to play for us
tonight. I hope everyone enjoyes the food, wine, and of course, music and
dancing."

Sayuri -finally- gets a chance to look at I'sai, and is rather pleased with
the results.

Alysia stops mid-step at the sound of her name and turns around, glad that
the mask obscures most of her face. She bows politely.

Leya makes her way over from the courtyard..

Leya smiles as she walks in, looking around all the people in costume.

I'sai enters, and immediately steps to the side, engrossed in tucking a
spare scrap of vine that -insists- on coming undone from his turban.

The stewards come rushing in and help set up the area for Alysia. Water,
finger snacks, and plenty of room. "Whenever you are ready to play, m'lady."

The journeyman Harper directing the other players glances over at the young
apprentice and give his head a sharp nod in his direction.


I'sai:
Streaky blond hair does little to hide the rangy young man's sharp
features, recently cut close on the sides and trimmed to mid-neck in back,
with a little wave allowed up top. His nose is thin, and longer than it
ought to be; his eyes reflect pale, guileless marine bounded narrowly by
turquoise; his skin has not so much tanned as freckled; and, at just over
nineteen Turns of age, he's only recently reached his full, if medium,
height. For the evening's festivities, he's donned textures of brown:
leather sandals, plus skybroom suede trous as close-fitting as his
untucked, silken sisal shirt is loose-; the latter is the pale moire' of
white pine's heartwood, laced with cording that ranges in hue from spring
green to late autumn's dark frost. Even his half-mask is brown, stitched
with leaves to match the cording, but his impromptu turban's wrapped from
Boll's own glossy green ivy. (+detail)



Leya:
Long chesnut curls frame a smooth, feminine face then cascade down a mostly
bare back, interwoven with orange and flame red ribbons. Covering the top
half of the woman's face is a mask covered with a flame patterned fabric,
the edges cut and frayed, then starched to look like writhing flames. Deep
blue eyes peek out from the flames, underneath you can see her cupid-bow
mouth and narrow nose scattered with freckles on her pale skin. 
 She is wearing a long sleeveless dress of fine, smooth cotton carefully
dyed to look like a roaring fire, angry red and vibrant orange mingle and
clash in dancing flames. If you were to peer closely you would see tiny
dragons in all the colors flying among the flames, their wings outstretched
and mouths open emitting gouts of red flame, distinct then swallowed into
the greater fire. On her feet are are slippers dyed to match the dress.
Painted on the length of her left arm is a flying reddish-brown dragon, the
tip of his tail wrapped around her middle finger. He reaches from her hand
to the middle of her upper arm, there he spouts a gout of curling red and
orange flame that reaches up to blanket her shoulder.


T'shar tiptoes up to the wine and furtively gets himself a glass, looking
over his shoulder as though he's afraid someone will try to stop him. When
no one does, he drains the glass and then refills it, only then nodding a
greeting to Lady Dyane.

Sayuri takes -another- look at I'sai. It's still good. Of course.

Alysia sighs and shoulders her gitar. With pleasant nods to the others, she
makes her way to the other harpers.

Sauscony makes her way over from the courtyard..

Sauscony slips in, pausing at the doorway to glance around...then step
fully into the hall

Kassima gets out of the doorway to better be able to search for... well,
fruit juice, unfortunately, which may be why she's easily distracted from
that quest by a glint of red from out of one eye-corner. "Nice costume,"
she offers to fire-woman Leya, with an appreciative nod and grin--both
echoed for I'sai. Albeit perhaps somewhat more appreciative, and given
after a good look at those pants. "Glad I am that there's nay a contest in
costumes this time, methinks!"


Sauscony:
A jeweled mask covers the upper half of her face, what can be seen is
dramatic in her makeup..lips painted a deep red, making her teeth flash
white with her smile. Her hair has been pulled back,then allowed to cascade
in soft curls against her back.
Soft, pale rose sisal clings to her torso, the tight fit accenting her
curves. The dress flares into a skirt, made to spin out when dancing. A
crinoline hides underneath it, causing the mid-calf length dress to stand
out a little. Small roses, a few shades darker than the rest of the dress
are embroidered along the scoop neck and open back. They are of various
stages; some full blown, others only buds while still others are half-way
between, neither 'young' nor 'old.' The roses, along with spring-green
vines and leaves, are only shadows and outlines of themselves. The straps
of the dress are thinnish, and with the low neckline and back, show off her
shoulders and neck. Soft, freshly dyed, wherhide slippers cover her feet,
the rose color only slightly different from the roses around the neckline.


"Well then, young lady" says the Journeyman Harper, "Since you seem to be
in favor this evening, you may have the honor of the First Chair." He
gestures toward the seats.

Mirala gazes around, chuckling at Kassima-the-wherry, and waves at Soz when
she comes in. "How's life at Benden?" she calls.


Mirala:
Mirala is a lucid-looking woman, slightly on the tall side. Her dark olive
complexion has been baked to a deep tan, and her frame is strong and curvy.
Mirala's face is hidden by a shimmering green half-mask. Made of fine
leather, the mask is molded in the creased ridges of a dragon's face. The
headknobs reach above her head, where her thick brown hair has been braided
up and pinned beneath them. Beneath the mask, her eyes are a wild and deep
brown, ending in long black lashes. Her lips have been stained a dark
green, and her face, neck, and chest have all been brushed with translucent
green powder. 
 A pattern of green encases Mirala's body tonight. A simple straight dress
is cut long, hanging to meet her ankles, the body a transfixing swirl of
meshing greens. The material of the dress is a soft stretchy cloth,
designed to hug her figure delicately, forming itself to her curves and
contours. The top is mere straps, a fingerwidth wide, reaching down to a
straight back that lies just below the shoulder blades. The green swirls
spin wildly across the material, a beautific battle between greens as light
as a summer rain to as dark as the darkest palm in the southern night. 
 Two frail, folded wings of a thin green sisal are attached to the back of
the dress, fluttering slightly when Mirala moves. A long green tail falls
from the back of the waists, shimmering with the vibrant hues of the
fabric. It is held off of the ground by a very thin white ribbon, the end
looped the middle finger of Mirala's right hand. Her feet are clad in thin
slippers of soft green wherhide.


Dyane pushes open the door and enters the Eastern Corridor.

Sauscony smiles as she pads closer to Mirala, 'Rather busy...How is life
with you?'

Leya grins and peers closely at Kassi, "My wingleader in there?" She
giggles, "Good thing Tovith hasn't seen you. He might decide to see how you
taste." She waves to I'sai, "You look really nice." She nods back to Kassi,
"Wonderful costumes here."

Sayuri asks, "By the way, I'sai, what -did- Kassima do to you?" managing to
look both concerned and amused.

Alysia gulps nervously, setting her gitar case on the ground and fumbling
with the ties. First Chair?

Mirala grins, waving her hand about, which causes her tail to fling about.
"Scary... to those around me, at least."

T'shar carries his wine over to a table and slides into a seat, awkwardly
crossing one leg over his knee.

Leya grins at Mirala's costume, then looks back at Kassi, "What do you
think Lysseth would make of that green? I'm not sure Tovith would quite
know what to do."

Sauscony oohhs as she pads carefully around Mirala,'That is just
wonderful...all the costumes are just wonderful.' She notes as she glances
around.

Arrow_Lad makes his way over from the courtyard..

Arrow_Lad slips into the Great Hall and glances about.

White_Swan makes her way over from the courtyard..

Alysia sits down with her instrument and begins tuning under the
watchful--and quite stern--gaze of the Journeyrank.

I'sai wanders Kassima's way, "Fresh from stores, I'm happy to say. - Hey,
you're saying my name, that doesn't go with this whole
pretending-to-be-someone-else thing. Or is it just
pretending-to-be-different? Huh. And do... well, it was pretty scary; I'm
not the real me, I'm the replacement." Now and again he glances towards the
harpers, with a would-be professional eye.

Mirala grins over at Leya. "I know, I know, everyone's been a dragon. I was
going to come as Kazeth, but Weaver Dela had this fabulous dress, already."
She bobs her head at Sauscony. "I never miss a gather."

White_Swan comes in and looks around at all the costumes. Then she proudly
feathers her way over to whereever the wine is, and poursherself a glass.


Arrow_Lad:
A lad of about 14 turns, with a look of intelligence in his bright blue
eyes, a shiny silver hoop in his left ear, and an unruly mop of dark curls.
At 8.7 handspans (5'9"), he is tall for his age, and slender too, although
recent months endevors have added some muscle to his frame and taken some
of the boyish roundness from his face. The lad looks exactly like S'more of
Igen Weyr, in a light shirt of creamy linnen and close-fit trousers of
indigo twill tucked into gleaming black boots. The one truly remarkable
thing about him, though, is that he seems to have an arrow stuck through
his head, the point a couple fingerwidths above one ear and the fletching
about the same distance about the other. That must hurt.


Ice slinks in along the wall, keeping to the shadows for the moment. She
peers out at the others there, and spies T'shar, of all people. Not that
he'd recognize her in this getup, but...

Kassima closes one eye in a wink, a grin visible beneath the beak's
overshadow. "Perhaps, perhaps--and Lysseth said nigh the same; that if'n I
insisted on looking like food, 'twould only serve me right if'n I found
m'self a dragon-snack. At least 'twould be an interesting way t'go. But I
am glad you're here--" Brassy claws disappear into a pocket hidden
somewhere beneath all that feathery flutter, emerging with a small and
gaudily wrapped box. "A'fore this gets t'be any more belated... oh, that
*is* a fine costume," she approves of Mirala's. "Lyss would be pleased by
what *she'd* decide was tribute. Would you rather we called you Tree, then?
And I have t'be handing it to you--wonderfully creative, that." She only
smiles a wicked smile at mention of her wicked actions.


Ice:
Palest blues, silvery whites, streaks of silver thread hanging. Her frozen
countenance casts shivers along your spine. Bits of 'snow' fall across her
body, gathering at her feet, piling into a cottony fluff. Her skin is
coated in a silvery blue-white paint, silver threads accenting the paint in
spots. Even her hair is painted blue, snow dotted over it, spilling down
her face, across her breasts. Silver threads hang from her fingers, as if
water dripped down her hands and froze. Delicate outlines of crystaline
shards splinter up from her feet, stretching across her legs like diamonds,
accented with little puffy clouds of silver sparkles. Even her nails look
frozen, a frosty opal color sweetly caressing them. Her stomache is a
gallery of frozen crystals, reaching up under a fluff of snow hiding her
breasts. Her neck is shattering, delicate ice crystals cracked up her neck
across her face. Only clear the eyes looking out at you give any hint to
who she might be.


T'shar knocks back another drink of wine, wiping his mouth with the back of
his hand and looking over the costumed crowd absently. He tugs at his
shirt, tucking it back into his pants.

White_Swan holds her glass of wine and mingles quietly, making her way
around this way and that. She is the picture of grace and serenity,
although she trips on the back of her gown once in a while...guess costumes
won't hide ones true nature.

Arrow_Lad looks around at all the partigoers. He seems to be one of few
without a mask.

Sauscony grins at Mirala, 'Me neither...Mostly I am working though..I was
terrible and didn't volunteer to help with the tent this time.

"If it pleases you," I'sai assures. "Just don't go carving your initials
in, all right? ...And that is an, uh, a nice dress. Mirala. Though Leya's
looks awfully dangerous all by itself. Did the painting and such take long?
Does it smear real easily?" Spotting the poor Arrow Lad, he waves his way.

Ice eyes the crowd for a moment, not that she's shy, but.. well, she's not
in her normal getup. She steps up to T'shar and grins up at him "Hi!" she
says, somewhat quietly, wondering /why/ he looks so rumpled.

Mirala tilts her head at Kassima, turning to unfold her wings a bit. "It'd
be an honor to be Lysseth's tribute, if she asks. But don't let her tell
Kaz, or I'm in for it." She gazes at the costumes and wearers she can't
place, then clucks at the healer. "Tsk. I spend all morning in the tent
baking pies." She grins at I'sai. "Thanks. I was tempted to come as "Mirala
the fashion model", but decided that would probably not be such a good 
idea."

Arrow_Lad waves back at the masked fellow.

Leya-Fire grins at I'sai, "Tree? When then I suppose I'm Fire or Flame,
whichever you prefer." She reaches up to scratch under her mask, the dragon
on her arm bending with her. She wrinkles her nose, "It gets hot under
these things." She shakes her head at I'sai, "I didn't take too long. Hasa
paints fast and it shouldn't smear, but I'm not going to take any chances."

T'shar blinks up at Ice, frowning. "Do I know you?" he grunts.

Alysia finishes tuning and looks up tenatively. "Don't be looking at me,
girl." The Harper J-man "The audience is waiting. Let us hear what you can
do." With a resigned sigh, Alysia puts a smile on her face, and strums her
fingers lightly over the strings, guaging the gitar's sound. Satisfied, she
begins plucking away, a gently rolling melody with all the airiness of a
zephry.

I'sai agrees, deadpanning, "Could catch cold. Even here. And besides, as I
learned, there are knives around for the strings... Fire, flame, flame,
fire. How to choose. Won't even risk it in a dance, when they're ready?"

White_Swan whispers to Leya-fire, "Very lovely...you are quite a sight
m'lady."

Mirala snorts. "Knives for the strings? Great Faranath."

Sauscony smiles as she considers the various outfits,'So many wonderful
costumes' she notes as she absently plays with a petal.

Ice plants her hands on her hips and frowns slightly at T'shar "You should.
You watched me grow up." she responds "You know.. Your near and dear 
sister."

"Who had claws," I'sai promptly points out.

Arrow_Lad makes his way over to Fire and the masked fellow. "That sounds
like I'sai banter to me." He grins.

Kassima hooks one claw out as though in threat, but does not after all
attempt to incise her initial like a Pernese imitation of Zorro. "I don't
know whether she'd *ask*, Mirala--she might just assume," she admits wryly.
"Dancing. Bah. Wise of you t'be avoiding it, Leya--ooh, look there." She
has to cover her beak with one claw to stifle laughter, espying Arrow Lad's
choice of costume. "That's clever! Painful-looking, but clever."

Sauscony frowns as she looks down, 'Oh bother.' She grumbles softly.

Sauscony steps out of the hall into the courtyard.

Leya-Fire grins at I'sai, "It looks like someone else already has caught
cold." She nods toward Ice. "I'd better stay away from her, she might
melt." She looks over at White_Swan as she whispers to her, "Thank you. So
are you." She looks closer at her, "You sound familiar. Hmmm..."

After a moment of the apprentice's playing, the drummer picks up the
counter-beat, adding substance to the gitar's notes. The pipes then start
in, matching the gitar without drowning it out.

T'shar mms, squinting at Ice. "You're not Lishana, you're not pregnant. And
you're not Grace. You said sister so you're not Fioran and that leaves," he
has to think for a minute. "Delari?" He squints some more. "You look pale.
Are you sick?"

I'sai snaps his fingers, if with an eye for those claws, "Giveaway. How
-are- you, S'more? And where did you get the idea for, well, well, what
you're wearing?" and after a moment follows Leya's gesture towards Ice,
glancing over himself.

Mirala bobs her head, and spreads out her own fingers, which end in sharp
metal Smith-made tips. "Exactly. So they'd regret it." She chuckles at
Kassima, shaking her head. "Of course, Pern revolves around greens... which
is why I, naturally, make a good one," she finishes, preening, and winks.

White_Swan sips the top of her wine glass and grins under her mask at Leya
but she doesn't give away who she is. "YEs, I probably do..."

Lysseth> Taralyth just so happens to wander down the strand in Lysseth's
general direction, he does, now that the majority of the humans are no
longer underfoot. Even figuratively.

Arrow_Lad grins at I'sai and the Kassima-like one. "From desperation
combined with a desire not to line the pockets of the weaver any more 
today."

Leya-Fire's eyebrows raise as she realizes she didn't answer I'sai's
question, "Oh, and I think I could manage a dance. I'm sure it won't smear
for that." She frowns back at White_Swan, "No clues? You seem to know who I
am." A smile touches her eyes, though she's still frowning.

Ice's frown changes to a smile again and she shrugs "Nae, not sick. It's
paint." she grins and points off in Mirala's direction "My buyer is waiting
for me, so I'll pester you later." she says, turning, but not before
leaving with an age old tease, sticking her tongue out at her brother. Then
she flounces over toward Mirala, leaving a trail of glitter and fluff
particles behind her.

Filliana makes her way over from the courtyard..

Alysia's posture relaxes as she lets the music come forth. Stepping up the
beat slightly, her fingers trip lightly yet firmly over the strings,
flowing like a babbling brook.

White_Swan says "Hmmmm we knew each other a long time ago, and it's been
ages since I've visited my home craft, the woody hall."

K'nan makes his way over from the courtyard..

Keagan makes his way over from the courtyard..

K'nan strides along into the Great hall with a vaguely defiant look upon
his face. Let someone say something. He dares them.

T'shar slouches down in his chair again, reflexively making a face at his
sister's retreating back.

Mirala gazes over at the arrow lad, grinning. "But how did you manage to
stand in front of *your own* archery?" She turns to smile at Ice, sweeping
her tail down for a bow. "Oh, very nice."

Lysseth> Better the whisper of sand underfoot than the crunch of bones,
anyway, and it's also much less messy. Lysseth curves her neck to watch the
bronze approach, a faint rumble escaping. One wing unfolds, extends, lifts
in invitation--warmer here than home, but perhaps more warmth wouldn't be
remiss?

White_Swan looks over as K'nan comes in and giggles hysterically to
herself, her hand and wine glass hiding her mouth lest he notice.

I'sai checks, "Any -more-? What have you been buying? ...Well, then, it's a
deal, flame-girl, and I promise not to try anything that'd involve
smearing. So you'd better not ei - ei - ei - is that _K'nan_?!"

Keagan enters with Filliana on his arm and quickly hands two heavy cloaks
to a waiting drudge, then scans the gathering.


K'nan:
        Wearing an easy smile, the occasional spark of mischief gleaming in 
his sky-blue eyes, this rider seems to have been around for more than a few
years now...but still seems approachable and friendly most of the time.
Shot through with a few strands of grey from his long life, his hair is
still mostly its light brown in hue -- a little long for a 'rider, but tied
back from his face in a loose runner's tail with a piece of hide to keep it
from being a burden during flight. 
        Well. He's certainly dressed... differently. To say the least. His 
leather riding gear or simple tunics have been cast aside, it seems, for -- 
a gown.  Yes, a gown, of shimmering emerald sisal matching the color of his 
lifemate in places covers his muscled form -- and, ill-fitting as it is, it 
offers quite a glimpse of leg and chest. Not that it's quite as fetching on 
him as it would probably be upon its originally intended wearer. But it's..
interesting.


Arrow_Lad shrugs at Mirala. "I'm just very talented." He grins and opens
his mouth to respond to I'sai, but follows the bronzerider's look instead.

Ice's motion completely stops and she gapes at K'nan "Oh.. uuhhmm. Mirala,
look.. The latest fashion! Gowns for guys, I wonder if Tis will wear one..
hmmm...."

"That had better," K'nan states firmly as he walks along over towards the
White Swan, "Be some shardin' good food, bluerider. An' I'm half-tempted to
hold you t'that first offer as well.." He sounds stern, but there's a
glimmer of amusement in his eyes. Though he's trying to hide it.

"Oh, I understand *that*," Kassima agrees, dryness personified. "I've lined
the Weaver-pockets quite *enough*, thankee." A meaningful look is shot
towards I'sai and Leya both. "Lysseth would agree with the place of greens,
t'say the least, and--" Speaking of green, there's... K'nan? Yes. K'nan.
And she can't help it--she claps both claws over her mouth to hide her
laughs, shoulder-shakes sending wings atremble. Oh, *dear*.

T'shar glances over at K'nan and frowns, muttering something that sounds
suspiciously like, "He can't fill that out like /I/ could."

"Tell me -you- didn't buy one of -those-, S'more," I'sai says, gape-jawed
such that he can't even smirk Kassima's way.

Filliana does a quick adjustment to her headpiece then reaches over to
straighten Keagan's grass skirt. "Better watch when the wind comes into the
Hold through that open doorway, dearest." she counsels him then grins
teasingly.


Filliana:
         Dusky grey eyes flecked with tinges of deep green look out under long
dark lashes intently. This 5'8" tall, diplomatic woman, Lady Bitra, is 27
Turns, 1 months, and 21 days old, of medium build and somewhat muscular,
especially about her upper arms, legs and shoulders. Turns of riding and
training runnerbeasts have matured her frame, making her strong yet supple.
A small, narrow scar runs jaggedly along her right arm, close to her elbow.
        Four twined scarves of brilliant blue, red, yellow and green 
crisscross the Lady Holder's bosom, knotted behind the neck then at 
mid-back. Sitting low on her hips is a broad waistband of soft reeds, woven 
tightly down to the top of her thighs where the grass skirt billows out 
freely. The band is studded with rubies at equidistant lengths with a deep 
red velvet ribbon twisted into the reeds around the gems. Tight around her 
forehead is a matching band of red velvet and rubies, which holds her 
headdress on securely. Long quail feathers soar upward, dancing with the 
wind currents while goose feathers, dyed in the same four colors, make up 
the caplet that covers all of her hair. Upon the top of each slipper are 
four small feathers, overlapping each other, of matching hues similar to 
her caplet and scarves. At the outer edge of each of Filliana's eyes, just 
past the lashes, is a tiny chunk of ruby, glittering as the light refracts 
off of it.
        Rumor has it that this lass is determined, strong willed and 
energetic with an uncanny ability to spot exceptional runnerstock several
dragonlengths away.


White_Swan excuses herself from Leya and moves away from the door and tries
to hide from the scowling greenrider in his er...costume. She gets caught
by K'nan on her way to hide in the corner and she turns around, waving her
hand in the air. "It's really quite lovely on you!"

Arrow_Lad blinks at I'sai. "A dress?"

Leya-Fire looks back I'sai as she digs around in memory for who Swan might
be. "I won'..." She blinks as she sees the new arrives, "Oh. My. Word. It
is." Her attention is taken off of him, by a sudden flash and she turns to
White_Swan, "Davi?"

Mirala chuckes at the S'more-like figure, then follow's Ice's gaze. She
whistles, "Nice costume... baby!" she calls in a deep voice.


Keagan:
        Keagan meets your look with a level gaze that shows that he is a man 
who is confident in his abilities. He moves with a causal feline-like grace
that is uncommon for a man of his stature. He greets those he meets with a
firm handshake, a broad smile and an appraising eye.
        The image of a large Southern feline flashes briefly in your mind as 
you look upon this large man. He stands a finger's breadth over 2 meters 
tall. He has broad shoulders and muscular arms that testify to a life of 
hard work. His legs are strong and slightly bowed implying many long hours 
spent on the backs of runnerbeasts. Wavy flaxen blonde hair cascades down 
to brush his shoulders. His eyes are a pale green color, which seems to 
shift to hazel and back as you look at him.
        Keagan is attired in a long grass skirt that consists of a narrow 
woven waistband holding long strips of beach grass that reach to mid calf. 
A headpiece made of goose feathers that have been dyed in various bright
shades of blue, red, yellow, and green adorns his brow. The headress is
generally circular in shape, but the feathers stick out in all sorts of
strange directions giving the appearance that some strangely colored wherry
divebombed into his head. A pair of tan wherhide sandles protect his feet.
His skin is lightly bronzed and the muscles of his chest, back and legs are
smooth, but nicely delineated.


"A dress," I'sai confirms. "You didn't. Did you? Tell me you didn't. ..."
though at the sound of Filliana's voice he's at least able to call over,
"Harpers' duties!" masked as he is.

The journeyrank Harper, his arms folded across his chest, lets his firm
gaze soften a bit as he begins tapping his foot in time to the music.
Alysia catches his actions from the corner of her eye, and smiles.
Overconfidence, unfortunately, creeps in, and she grimaces as she fouls up
the bridge. Trying to make the most of it, she concentrates on an improvise
melody, attempting to catch up.

White_Swan shhhhhhs at Leya from a bit far away and then turns back to
K'nan, all white toothed grin, her normal dorky smile underneath the facade
of swan lovliness..how is she going to get out of this one?

Arrow_Lad shakes his head solidly at I'sai. "No, I most certainly did not
buy a dress."

Leya-Fire grins at White_Swan, then goes back to stare in disbelief at
K'nan. She leans closer to I'sai and murmurs, "Aren't you glad Taralyth
isn't green?"

Kassima declares in muffled mirth, "Kanana, latest of the Femalemen of
Pern. I love it. Looking good, mentor mine!" she calls out for good
measure, with the inevitable whistle--just in case anyone managed to miss
him. He'll no doubt appreciate her helping to rectify that situation.

Filliana raises a hand to I'sai, or at least whoever's in the costume,
seeming to be somewhat hesitating about doing so. One of the costumes
catches her eye, and makes her laugh, then she calls out the reply to
I'sai, "Bitra's Duties to you, yes, whomever you are."

I'sai twitches slightly at the bridge, or maybe it's just at Leya's
whisper, to which he nods complete and utter assent; afterward, "Well, what
did you buy, then?" and returns the wave thereafter.

K'nan just shakes his head -- and then spreads his arms outwards, and gives
a turn, before planting a hand on one hip and asking in general, "So.. what
do y'all think? Aye, aye, I know I'm a little small in th'bust for this
gown, but.." A wink, over towards Kassi. Remember, dear mentee. He still
owes you one.

Arrow_Lad speaks in low tones, clearly not wanting his words to carry. He
mutters to I'sai. 

Kassima then does echo once her laughs have run their course enough to
allow it, "Duties t'Bitra and her Lady, aye...." She only mirrors K'nan's
wink. She remembers. She's just not *worried*.

Telgar Weyr> Leya-Fire says, "Still haven't gotten Kassi back for dumping
klah down your pants?"

T'shar calls out to K'nan, all helpful-like, "Socks. Use socks for the
chest." He speaks with the voice of vast experience.

Keagan swats at the grass just as Fil adjusts it for him. "Maybe these
skirts weren't such a good idea." he says quietly to her, then returns
I'sai's(?) greeting. "Bitra's duties to uh, Harper." He then urges Fil
farther into the room toward the refreshment table.

White_Swan pulls out a small sack and rummages in it and then pulls out a
soft stick with berry pumice on the end, she dips it in her wine glass and
takes a bit on her finger. "Here," she says as she runs it across K'nan's
lips, giving them a nice red glow, "That's better..." she smiles then and
finishes, stepping back. "Perfect."

Telgar Weyr> Kassima idly tries to figure out just how long the standing
line to kill her character is. ;)

Telgar Weyr> K'nan has dibs. I trained her, I can kill her.

Aurian walks down the staircase and out into the great hall.

Alysia continues with renewed attention and care, her eyes fixed on the
placement of her fingers. The music swells into finale, the pipes leading
the the other instruments into the end of the song.

K'nan arches his left eyebrow in a slow arch as the Swan paints his lips
that shade of red -- and he smirks ever so faintly, before collapsing in
helpless chuckles, "Someone bring me some wine, b'fore I die of
embarassment.."

Sayuri steps out of the hall into the courtyard.

White_Swan grins and finishes her own glass of wine as well. "Aye, and I
need another."

Filliana moves through the crowd toward the indicated refreshments, then
pauses, right near Kassi. She peers toward the rider then laughs. "Claws?
And that's Kassi in there I presume?"

Leya-Fire blinks at T'shar, "I think I should be scared." She looks back at
I'sai and Arrow_Lad, but is polite and doesn't evesdrop. She goes over to
refreshment table and looks over it. She looks at a Benden red for a bit,
but mutters something that sounds like 'spawn' and gets a glass of bubbling
grape juice instead.

I'sai, sans socks to donate, just stares some at S'more. "From the
-weavers-," he repeats, if less shocked than simply surmising; "...Fancy.
Bet it'll look good. It'd better."

Mirala grins over at the Ice-woman. "So, are you mine for tonight? Can I
get you something to drink?"

Aurian wanders in lightly. She pushes her fingers through her hair,.

Lysseth> Taralyth does curl his talons into said sand as he amiably ambles
his way along, with only the briefest over-the-wing glance at Kvasith's
arrival and subsequent landing elsewhere; he noses Lysseth over gently,
gently, then thumps down in the sand more-or-less where invited - but to
the windward side, not the lee.

Arrow_Lad shrugs and nods. "I know, there's good stuff in the stores, but a
friend thought it'd be a good idea."

"What keeps giving me away?" Kassi asks, mock-plaintive. "If'n 'twere a
*headless* wherry, 'twould understand, but I decided nay t'be giving the
local children nightmares--and besides, this way I didn't have t'be paying
for a costume. Borrowing it, y'know. You're looking quite colorful tonight,
Lady Fil." The overheard sock advice sets off another spate of snickers.
"Socks or just rags, either work very well," she agrees helpfully.

I'sai leans in to confer, "Good idea, huh. Not a weaver friend, I assume. I
didn't go that far, but instead, these -smiths-..." he drops his voice
further for a few more sentences, quieter by far than the song's finale.

White_Swan is enthralled with looking at all the beautiful people out
tonight...the wine helps a bit with her mood, but she still stands 
transfixed.

The harpers smile their encouragement to the slightly flustered Alysia,
congratulating her, downplaying the slip-up. Alysia sets her instrument
down for a bit, flexing her left hand.

Ice beams at Mirala "I'm all yours!" she grins "Well, tonight anyway. As
long as you dont do anything.. uhmm.. non-nice or whatever."

White_Swan giggles

"Aye, an' you'd know well about that, Kassima.." K'nan shakes his head,
trying to disguise the vague discomfort he always feels when surrounded by
so many people, then glances down to the Swan with a crooked smile, "Nay,
nay it doesn't. Nice of y't'say so, though."

Sayuri makes her way over from the courtyard..

White_Swan smiles and goes to get another drink, and fills a gigantic mug
for K'nan as well.

Keagan pauses beside Fil as she stops to speak to a quite large wherry in a
Kassima shape. Chuckling softly he remarks, "You're lucky Lysseth didn't
try to make you dinner, Kassi."

Arrow_Lad nods to I'sai.

Mirala assumes her best proddy voice, and cackles evilly. "Non-nice? I just
hope you're worth the marks." Then she winks, and assumes her usual grin.
"Can I get you some pie?"

Leya-Fire grins at Kassi, "Who else would dress up like a giant wherry,
Kassi?" She laughs at Keagan's comment. "I said almost the exact same 
thing."

Alysia stands up and whispers to the jouyneyrank Harper. With a stern nod
of approval from the man, Alysia makes her way over to the serving table.
Sayuri looks around the room, then wanders over to I'sai.

White_Swan brings K'nan his mug and then excuses herself a moment, "I need
to speak with someone...pardon me for a bit." She crosses around and
through couples talking and laughing and makes her way to where T'shar is
sitting. She looks down at him and then sits next to him, close enough to
talk privately.

I'sai's light tenor becomes more easily audible again, between songs as
they are; "So, uh, everything else going well? You and Zakath and all.
Haven't gotten scored or anything."

Ice beams hugely "Piiie?!" she creens "Did you make it?"

Arrow_Lad shakes his head. "No, thank Faranth. All is fine so far. How're
things up at Telgar?"

K'nan accepts the mug from the Swan with a grateful nod, and a second nod
of understanding and agreement -- before finding a place out of the way to
settle himself and sip from his wine, glancing over the gathering with wry
amusement.

Kassima agrees readily enough, "'Twould--I've dressed enough men t'be
knowing. Just ask Keagan." And her smile towards that individual is bright.
"Lysseth wouldn't, but she's still placing bets on *another* dragon trying
it. Faranth help me."

Sayuri wonders whether I'sai's still scared of her.

Lysseth> Lysseth gives ground unstintingly; she must be in a fine mood
indeed--or perhaps the willingness is inspired by whom she's giving ground
to. So generous of Taralyth to be wind-shield for her, and the brightly
azure hue to spinning eyes and gentle, warm-breathed whuffle along his
neckridges express her appreciation as best she may.

T'shar is out of wine, so he's mostly sitting and picking at his 
fingernails.

White_Swan looks at T'shar and smiles.

T'shar glances up, sensing someone nearby, and blinks at the swan again.
"Umm, I don't want to buy any," he tries.

Filliana eyes Keagan oddly, then goes back to choosing a glass of wine from
the tray of a young girl drudge. "Really now?" she comments with an
interested look from overtop the glass' rim toward her fiance.

Mirala bobs her head, in an expression of mock wearyness. "I've baked -- or
overseen, at least -- nearly all of the gather pies." She strides over to
the serving tables, wings fluttering behind her, and fills a large plate of
various foods, and the all important pie. Bakers know how to eat. And
drink, apparently, as she scoops up two mugs of Benden red. "Good," she
says, sniffing. "That's why Boll is such a fine hold, they drink Benden 
here."

White_Swan giggles, "Silly Tish."

Alysia accepts a glass of wine from a steward and drains about half of it
before turning around and gazing at the array of costumes gathered 
together.

Sayuri makes up her mind. She walks up to I'sai and asks, "Are you still
scared of me?"

Leya-Fire giggles, "She would." She cocks her over to one side, "But who
does she bet with and how would she collect? And what?" She takes a drink
of sparkling grape juice. She giggles as she eyes Kassi's costume, "You do
make a nice wherry."

I'sai hikes up his shirttails just enough that he can rest his thumbs in
his pants' pockets, and lean back on his sandalled heels; "Glad to hear it.
And, well, fine. Fine enough, anyway. Been doing some snow-work up in the
Wastes to prepare for the season, and we've got quite a few residents going
to be on those Istan sands, and ... and that sort of thing. Myk's off
watchriding for this cycle, by the way; bet he'd like it if you stopped by."

Arrow_Lad nods. "Aye, I can do that easily enough. Where is he?""

T'shar blinks, then leans closer to the swan. "Is that you? Everyone looks
so weird." A pause and he adds, "Um, you look really nice, of course.

I'sai grins all of a sudden, "Back ho - what?" only now do Sayuri's words
register, it seems; "...Scared? I'm not -scared-. S'more, meet Sayuri,
Sayuri, the non-deceased-despite-the-arrow S'more."

Kassima shrugs shoulders with delicate care. "Me? Other dragons? I'm nay
sure; I don't think she's ever actually bet, though she keeps threatening
to. Might be interesting if'n she did. 'Psst, Tovith; half a herdbeast says
Leerth will win Sluth's flight,' something like that." Her peer down
towards her costume is slightly worried. "That seems t'be suggesting either
brainlessness, plumpness--well, can't deny the last--or edibleness. Should
I be afraid?"

White_Swan smiles at T'shar, "Aye it's me...and thanks. I worked hard on
the outfit." She looks him over worriedly. "nice outfit"

T'shar looks down at his clothes and clears his throat. "Oh. Yeah. I, um,
worked hard on this too," he says unconvincingly, before leaning forward to
murmur back.

Sayuri sniffs. "Men!" She smiles charmingly at... uh... the arrow.

White_Swan laughs

Arrow_Lad holds out a hand. "Well met, Sayuri." Then, catching the look
waggles the arrow with his other hand. "Fake, honest."

The j-man Harper catches Alysia's attention and gestures for her to return
to the stage. Fininshing her drink, she places the glass on the table and
wanders back to resume her place.

T'shar blinks, then gives the swan a loooooong up-and-down look. "Only if
you do too," he stipulates.

Sayuri attempts to take the hand, but misses by a foot or so because she's
still staring that the now wiggling arrow.

Leya-Fire laughs, the dancing flames matching her dancing eyes. "That would
be funny, though Tovith would probably be in the flight, which would spoil
the effect." She shakes her head in exasperation, then grins and leans back
on the table behind her. "Afraid? No, not afraid," she says grinning, 
slyly.

Keagan's cheeks bloom with crimsom roses, "It was a long time ago." he says
with a glare at Kassima.

Arrow_Lad chuckles a bit.

I'sai says, "Good thing, too. All things considered," and trails off to
glance briefly in Leya's direction, and rather more swiftly away. "Know
anyone else here we ought to meet, S'more? Don't want to stand in our own
Tel - ah, 'Harper' clump. Or, at least, not for the whole night."

Masked_Avenger makes his way over from the courtyard..

Masked_Avenger's cloak swushes out behind him as he enters, he shoots a
dashing grin to everyone in the room, hands on his hips.

Arrow_Lad glances around. "I'll follow your lead, Is. I'm not good at this
sort of thing myself."

Filliana notes the blushing cheeks, then slips her arm into her
betrothed's. "Maybe we should go and have a talk? Outside?"

Kassima waves a claw airily, glowlight catching off the brassy crescents.
"Oh, y'never know. I make bets with riders whose dragons are in a flight
already now and then, y'know, though usually they just give me a confused
look when I try... fancy that." Her eyes dance as she slides them back
towards Keagan. "As you say, future Lady Keaganna. If'n nay afraid, Leya,
then what? That smile of yours worries me."

Stefyn makes his way over from the courtyard..

T'shar's mouth sort of drops open and he ogles Swan-lady for a while longer
before he coughs. He mutters to White_Swan, "... um,... be... you...
since... both,... you... you..." 


Masked_Avenger:
The Masked Avenger stands about 5'10". He has searching blue/grey eyes, and
light skin. In addition to this, he appears to be built quite well, as to a
life no doubt of challange and hard work. He wears a pitch black shirt with
billowing sleeves and a V neck. And the same shade of pitch black pants,
and a long black cloak. Over his eyes, cheeks and nose, is a shiny
cloth-coated mask. The Masked Avenger notices your glance, and tosses you
an over-animated dashing grin. He looks to be somewhere in his later teens.


I'sai's gaze twitches away from the claw-glint, while it's at it, and then
he suggests, "Um, there are people over there with wine? We could go 'talk
to them.' Or, well, or not. Whichever. Bring a little to the harpers, since
I know some of them too? Might even be grateful."

White_Swan mutters to T'shar, "... ok... you... You're welcome... come...
said... was... The... feel like you... either..if you don't..."

Leya-Fire grins, "I wonder why." She eyes Keagan and shakes her head. She
merely smiles mysteriously at Kassima. She frowns at her empty glass and
turns around to fill it again from the same pitcher of sparkling grape 
juice.

White_Swan stands up and smiles down at T'shar head, she places her hand on
it briefly, sighs, and then moves off to find the dressed up greenrider.

Arrow_Lad shrugs. "Sure. Okay."

Keagan grabs a glass of wine from a passing tray and drains it quickly,
then plucks another one before the tray glides away into the crowd. Turning
his attention to Filliana, he replies, "That sounds like a grand idea. How
about giving me a tour of the Boll stables I've heard so much about?"

Alysia returns to her chair and trades intruments with the piper. Leaning
in for a brief conference, the harpers whisper amonst themselves briefly,
deciding on the next tune.

K'nan is still where he leaned up against the wall, mug in hand still full
save for the few sips of wine he's taken from it.

White_Swan looks around for K'nan.

I'sai nods to him, nods to Sayuri, and diverts from wherry and flame -
barbecued wherry? - to wander in the direction of Alysia and the others.

Masked_Avenger walks through the Hall glancing at all the costumes, with a
nod here and a "Good evening" there.

T'shar nods mutely at the swan, sitting back in his chair again and
continuing to blink rapidly as though he's just received amazing news.

Arrow_Lad traipses after I'sai with a wave to the flame and the fowl.

White_Swan ahhhs and finds him, moving towards him through the crowds. She
smiles as she draws up closer and twirls around, "So, do you like my 
outfit?"

Mirala, after feeding Ice, gives in to her Baker urges and directs traffic
at the serving table.

Kassima manages to catch that twitch, one might assume--or perhaps it's
just coincidence that she stretches out that hand, extending and flexing
talons much like Lysseth might. Perhaps the green has been giving her rider
lessons? The mysterious smile diverts her attention, and her eyes follow
after Leya, decidedly concerned. But yes, she does wiggle sharp-tipped
fingers after the departing duo.

White_Swan has finished her second glass of wine and is feeling quite
...warm all over.

Filliana watches Keagan's consumption, that action confirming the fact that
it's probably a very good idea that he and she talk. Nodding toward each of
the partygoers, she smiles as she heads toward the doorway. "Perhaps we can
find Dyane. I would love to get that black gown she has in her closet.
Borrow it, I mean." She sends a special wave to the Telgar riders, then
disappears out the door.

I'sai supposes on his way, "We could ask K'nan what the best wine they've
go - no, wait, he looks busy all of a sudden." And though he doesn't
otherwise comment on any clawed display, his pace does quicken slightly
till they've reached the clump of harpers, at which point he clears his
throat. "Ah. Hello."

K'nan's lips curve then in a broad smile as the Swan twirls before him --
his sky-blue eyes roving over her slowly, then lifting to her face. "Quite
lovely, bluerider - almost worth me putting on this gown just t'see you in
it."

Arrow_Lad blinks at I'sai's sudden commentary and nods. "Nice music." he
notes, conversationally.

Alysia nods in agreement with the others. Out of the corner of her eye, she
spots the approaching bronzerider, and regards him warlmy. She mutters to
I'sai, "Good eve to... leans..." Are you feeling well? You seem a bit 
piqued."

Sayuri traipses after the lad with the arrow stuck in his head, squinting
at his skull. Having finally decided that the arrow is indeed fake, she
pushes it a bit with her finger, wobbling it around, and darts away, hoping
he didn't see her.

White_Swan grins widely, "And I thank you for that..it has cheered me up
immensely. How did I ever talk you into doing it?" she grins and
straightens the top of it for K'nan. "I suppose I should introduce myself
formally, I'm Davienne, rider of Jaecinth, assistant weyrlingmaster at
Fort. I don't usually have feathers...but my hair is always this messy.

Keagan follows Filliana to the door, greeting and retreating from the
partygoers almost in the same breath. A mixed look of dread and relief
passes over his face as he disappears through the doors.

Arrow_Lad feels a wiggle and turns, puzzed, to see Sayuri fleeing.

Keagan steps out of the hall into the courtyard.

Filliana steps out of the hall into the courtyard.

"'Piqued'?" I'sai asks, and now he does cross his arms; "I don't know what
you mean. Was just going to ask if anyone needs anything. Wine or
something." Nothing like a groupie. "But, ah, this is S' - am I allowed to
introduce you, or are you inco - incon - pretending to be someone else?"

Masked_Avenger meanders over to the serving table, grabing himself a 
dessert.

K'nan chuckles, ever so softly, and offers his hand.. "I suppose I was jus'
bored enough t'do it.. K'nan, Veyath's rider out of Telgar as I said.." He
grins, "Ah, but th'feathers set everything off so nicely.."

Arrow_Lad chuckles. "You can introduce me as S'more, I'sai. It's not as
though I have a mask or anything."

Stefyn stands quietly agianst the wall, trying not to be noticed as he
looks around.

Sayuri glances back and sees Arrow_Lad looking at her. She dives behind 
I'sai.

Davienne takes his hand and holds it gently, "Well met K'nan. I definately
won't forget you in that dress." she chuckles to herself and grabs another
glass of wine off a passing tray. "Being bored isn't something I'm used to
I'm afraid."

"S'more it is," I'sai says unnecessarily, and twists around to see who -
"Oh. That's Sayuri. You, ah, remember her from the, ah, other night. And it
looks as if we have a couple people just here for the food and propping up
the wall," he adds, nodding towards that Masked Avenger and Stefyn as well.

K'nan's fingers briefly and lightly curve through hers, then, "Well met,
Davienne.. an' I won't forget you in that costume." A brief flash of grin,
"An' sadly, being bored is something I've gotten used to, over th'Turns.."

Davienne raises an eyebrow, "How could you be bored with that feisty green
out there? She looks like quite the ride!"

Davienne grins at the Masked Avenger as she catches his eye from across the
room.

Alysia turns to I'sai, smiling. "Well, saying as how Lady Dyane introduced
me by name, I suppose there's no point in pretending otherwise." She looks
over at the other 'rider, nodding. "Harper's duties to you. Alysia of High
Reaches, apprentice at Harpercraft Hall."

Kassima finds herself a glass of the sparkling juice also, though holding
it is a bit of an adventure, to say nothing of drinking. Little enough
wonder that by the time she gets the hang of it and returns to her prior
place, her expression is rueful, amused, and exasperated all three. "I
should've brought a straw," she quips to Leya.

Arrow_Lad grins. "Brown Zakath's of Igen." he adds.

Masked_Avenger spots the swan woman spotting him and smiles brightly.

Sayuri pops up from behind I'sai shoulder to grin.

I'sai teases, "Kind of her, isn't it? You could've faked being a

journeyman, otherwise. Some dress, too; -is- it comfortable to, well, play
in?"

"So she is," K'nan agrees with a soft chuckle, "But th'days that we two
used t'run about from Gather t'Gather an' Hold t'Hold in search of fun are
over, sadly; we ran out of people t'enjoy it with long ago."

T'shar drains his glass of wine and stares at the wall, thoughtfully.

Leya-Fire laughs, her curled hair bouncing around her face. "I think so. It
must be quite an...adventure trying to drink with that on." She lifts her
own glass to take a drink, "That's why I'm only wearing a half-mask."

Dragon> Lysseth senses that Taralyth indulges in sending back to her the
glimpse of dusty-green underwing, all rippled with the moonlight reflected
off the waves, and the smooth muscle that lines her throat; and then
there's the faint hint of her scent mixed with the sea's salt and the
jungle's humid and quite relentless green. ...Which is not to say the
images mightn't be exaggerated slightly by his own tendresse, but there it 
is.

Davienne waves her fingers at Masked_Avenger and leans to K'nan, "I quite
like that lad's costume...it's very mysterious! Yet strangely alluring!"
She then looks back at K'nan with a frown, "Oh that's sad news...why have
you run out of people to enjoy? Aren't there new ones to enjoy all the time
from your time with the old ones?" Even as she finishes this question, the
realization of what she has said dawns on her and her expression falls a
bit, and she drinks half her wineglass. She becomes silent suddenly.

"I have a whole new respect for genuine wherries," Kassi agrees, tapping at
the half-beak. "Thought only having half would be letting me eat, drink,
and be merry, but this keeps *clunking* into things. And Faranth forfend I
should be so rude a guest as t'be breaking a glass."

K'nan quirks an eyebrow.. and then chuckles softly, shaking his head a
little, "Nay, nay. Nobody remembers an' old greenrider like myself.."

Alysia grins to I'sai. "Tell you what. Ol' Stuffy over there wants us to
play. But if you return after this next number with a glass, I'll be
grateful." She grins back at S'more and adds. "A very interesting costume."

Sayuri decides to retreat outside for some fresh air.

Sayuri steps out of the hall into the courtyard.

Arrow_Lad shrugs, "It was sorta short notice. Any particular preferences on
drink?"

"Fair all around," I'sai agrees, with a sweet smile for Ol' Stuffy. "What
kind of number? ...So I have an edge on finding someone to dance or, well,
not."

Masked_Avenger nods politely to Swan/Davienne, smile still on his face as
he takes a drink of wine.

Alysia winks as she takes up her position. "Surprise me." To I'sai she says
"And what would be your preference of song, bronzerider?"

Davienne looks at K'nan and smiles to him, "Well, I better be getting back
to Jaecinth now...I have some things to do in Fort tonight still...but I
will hold on my promise of making you dinner, K'nan."

Arrow_Lad chuckles and nods.

Miranelle makes her way over from the courtyard..

Leya-Fire grins, resisting the temptation to reach up and tap the beak as
well, instead she taps her glass. "Breaking glasses probably wouldn't make
a good impression, no." She reaches up to adjust her mask, rubbing at the
faint red line is leaves on her nose. "You could maybe take it off. Don't
know wear you'd put it though..." she says looking around.

Miranelle stands quietly in the doorway for a few moments before venturing
into the room with a smile at the various costumed people.

T'shar's head tilts back slightly and a soft snore escapes him.

Jenni makes her way over from the courtyard..

Masked_Avenger strides toward the masked Miranelle, cloak again, swushing
from side to side behind him. "You cant fool me that easily!" He says with
a wry grin.

Miranelle looks up at the man with an intriged smile, "Fool you?"

Kassima points out with wry humor, "Aside from which, a beakless wherry
would look rather *odd*, don't you think? Sort of like a strange
human-wherry crossbreed, and that'd be as nightmarish as the headless
idea--but a'fore I forget, *what* was that smile about earlier? When you
said I shouldn't be afraid."

I'sai shrugs matter-of-factly, "Doesn't much matter to me. Maybe a line
dance, try to get everyone playing? They can worry about the couple-thing
later, if they must."

K'nan smiles back to Davi easily, and nods once, "I'll hold you to it; take
care, an' g'deve, Davienne.."

Stefyn edges his way through the crowd to find something to drink.

Davienne slips out of the room after bidding K'nan a good eve and a big
smile at the masked one.

Davienne steps out of the hall into the courtyard.

Arrow_Lad glances between the two, then ducks off for a moment, returning
shortly with three mugs. "Just juice, sine I don't know how long you'll be
performing."

Masked_Avenger nods with a broad grin to Miranelle. "I know just who you
are. But do you know who I am?"

Taelenna makes her way over from the courtyard..

Jenni walks in quietly, staying against one of the walls as she watches the
gathering of people in amusement.

The journeyman harper gives yet another stern look to Alysia. Sitting up
straight, she quickly nods to I'sai. "Alright, then, a line-dance it is.
You can set mine down ther," she says to S'more, pointing next to her
chair. "And thanks. Save a dance for me later?"

K'nan, bereft of what company he had (and dragged him back here all the way
from home) and dressed in a silly costume, starts to make his way along
towards the door again after finishing off his wine.

Leya-Fire grins, "No Kassi-wherry to scare the littles with? 'Be good or
you'll turn into a wherry like Kassi.'" She takes a drink, then nearly gets
it up her nose at Kassi's question to her. "Oh, I was just teasing you. You
know, like how you do. Making people think things. You're right, it's fun."

Lysseth> Taralyth senses that Lysseth combs thought's fingers through these
images, with interest and care: she knows herself as she perceives herself,
but his perception... well, now, that's another thing. The warmth of
affectionate gratitude steals through her sending a moment before se
returns the favor, weaving a tapestry of shimmering champagne, the softness
of bronze hide over muscle and bone, the glimmer of a primatic
wing--bordered in blue diamond, as testimony and tribute. Or perhaps it is
only crystal after all, reshaping itself for the purpose while remaining
true in its core.

Arrow_Lad sets down the glass and grins. "Sure."

Miranelle's eyes turn from the man for a moment, she spots somone she
recognizes, "K'nan?"

Masked_Avenger spots Taelenna's entrance and flashes her a dashing smile.

Mirala perches near the serving table, molesting random people with offers
of pie.

Ofira makes her way over from the courtyard..

The harpers ready their instruments for the next number. Standing up,
Alyisa clears her throat and announces "A request for a line-dance has been
made. Please clear an area for those who wish to dance."

Jorenan makes his way over from the courtyard..

Taelenna walks in quietly, and quite without any other High Reaches folk.
She immediately glimpses the handsome smile awarded her by the Masked
Avenger, and responds with a wink and a quiet giggle.

Jorenan strolls in after Ofira and looks around.

I'sai bows his fair head to the harper by way of salute, mutters to S'more,
"Though a breather mightn't be bad either," and starts wandering across the
floor.

Kassima attempts to give Leya a raspberry in return for this jest, but the
mask does hamper things a bit. "I can scare littles quite on m'own,
thankee, if'n I'm so minded! Ah, so--" She sets her glass carefully aside,
so as not to spill it while laughing. "I've led another down the teasing
route. All show and nay substance, as they say--marvelous." However, the
call for dancing wins the Harper a wary wherry look, and Kassi edges
further back towards the wall. "This should be interesting t'watch," she
decides. "Just so long as we're far enough back nay t'be stepped on."

Jenni waves to K'nan, "Hey there." She wiggles her fingers slightly.

Arrow_Lad blinks."A breather? But no one's started dancing yet." He finds
his way into the clearing and looks for a spot to dance in.

Ofira smiles, "Oh, Kassima's here, and K'nan came back." she says as she
looks around. "And there's I'sai. I wonder who he came with."

Mirala perks up, eyeing the Harpers. "About time." She spots the other
bakers entering, and strides over to them, her wings and tail fluttering
behind again. She grins at Ofira. "You've made a habit of having two dates
today, haven't you?" She nods at Jore. "I'm still her property, you know."

Returning to her seat, Alysia nods to the gitarist. The gitraist nods in
return, and begins playing a sprighty tune, inviting those who wish to form
up.

Miranelle rips her bewildered eyes from K'nan and back to the dark fellow
standing near her. She peers closer at him, dim recognition crosses her
features, "No.." she says as if to reassure herself.

T'shar is by now truly asleep, and making his own music in his small corner
of the hall, snoring deeply and rhythmically.

Taelenna edges away from all the line dancers, and back towards the serving
tables to fetch herself a glass of wine.

"But it's crowded," I'sai protests over his shoulder, and advances on poor
Kassima and Leya - "Come on, you. Grab people and get out there. Kassi,
you're not that bulgy yet, I know you can kick peo - uh, kick the air with
the best of them." And there's his name, so he beckons, "You too! You can
get smoochy later, 'fira."

Shilarra makes her way over from the courtyard..

F'gon makes his way over from the courtyard..

Miranelle mutters to Masked_Avenger, ""My... is officially..."

Stefyn reaches the serving tables, and grabs a glass of wine before trying
to fade into the shadows again.

Masked_Avenger chuckles at the masked Miranelle and sends another grin
followed by a nod to Taelenna.

Terryll makes her way over from the courtyard..

F'gon limps over, walking with Terryll.

Arrow_Lad begins working his way through the steps, dancing around spaces
until partners begin to appear.

Jenni pinches lightly at the bridge of her nose and then sighs quietly as
she scans the room again.

Sayuri makes her way over from the courtyard..

Shilarra unconsciously fingers the leaves in her hair as she steps in,
surveying the room with wide eyes.

Leya-Fire grins over her glass at Kassi, "I'm glad I've my wingleader
proud. Learned from the best." She looks over with interest at the dancers
lining up for the dance, "I don't look. It looks like it might be fun to
join in." She rubs the condensation from her glass, "I wonder if I'd have
to have parnter for this dance."

Ofira blinks, "'Fira? Smoochy? This is how you talk to me now I'sai?" She
shakes her head and looks rather awkwardly from Mirala to Jorenan, "Well,
yes...I was just explaining to Jorenan..."

Kassima waves claws towards Ofira and Jorenan, spotting them, but then
*she's* spotted. "Is, I can't *dance*," she protests, with a vehement
headshake. "Or only can a bit, and then the partner had best have a great
deal of courage and sturdy boots--maiming people would be *bad* for
Weyr-Hold relations. Really."

The drummer lays out a slow beat on her hand-drums in time to the gitar as
those who choose to dance take their places.

Sayuri walks over to the wine.

K'nan looks up as Miranelle greets him, and he flashes her a surprised
smile, "Heyla.." And then, another smile towards Jenni, "Hey.." Hrm. He was
going to leave..

T'shar snore, snore, snore. Remarkably in time with the drums, as it 
happens.

Jorenan grins. "Me and Sauscony," he says to Ofira, about I'sai. Then he
gives Mirala a knowing grin. "Of course you are," he says. "And I'm glad to
hear it.

Miranelle rolls her eyes at her cousin and slips across the room, all
smiles, towards K'nan, "Well I daresay you look better in that dress than I
in mine!" she chuckles good-naturedly.

Terryll slips her arm through F'gon's, simply looking around.

M'dei walks down the staircase and out into the great hall.

I'sai informs, "You -can- dance. All you do is stand in line, hold hands
with people on your other side, and sort of follow along." That to Kassima;
to his craftmaster, "Remember, this is a masquerade. I have a mask on. Just
call me Tree-Man, ...or something. Jorenan? Help me here, and you too,
Mirala."

Mirala waves her hand at the floor, "And you're just in time, the dance as
just started." She grins at Ofira, then at Jorenan. "Ohhhh. Your dances are
already claimed, huh?" She preens at Jorenan. "Twentyfive marks. Not bad.
Not as much as Kassi got though... woo." She rolls her eyes at all the
protests, and nods, striding over to I'sai. "I'LL dance."

Arrow_Lad trips over some poor girl and murmurs his apologies to her as the
dance carries him mercifully further down the line.

A few harpers break off to encourage people to line up, from wallflowers
like Stefyn and Jenni, to couples like Terryll and F'gon.

Jenni starts to say something to K'nan, but as he seems distracted by
another conversation she just winks to him and then moves a little away
from the wall to mingle through the crowd silently.

Ofira shakes her head. "Tree-Man. I always knew he wasn't meant to be a
baker," she says dismally. "As for my property...well, I do share what I
have," she laughs, teasing, and heading after Mirala to the dance floor.

Stefyn edges his way through the crowd, heading for the door as the music
starts.

Jorenan looks at I'sai thoughtfully. "Tree man? Err. How about 'Leafy?'" He
rolls his eyes and then nods to Mirala. "I'd've paid thirty for you," he
says solemnly, but I already have a full heart.

Kassima squints wariness up at I'sai, after a resigned glance at Leya--so
she's to be abandoned, is she? Well.... "If'n you'll promise t'be paying
the Healer fees for the people whose toes I accidentally claw off," she
promises I'sai. Maybe that will prove dissuading?

M'dei lingers by the staircase, as it seems to be the safest place for him.
At least, given the current state of affairs in the Hall.

Leya-Fire grins at I'sai, "I think I might try to dance, Tree-man." She
steps forward, beckoning to Kassima, "Come on. It'll be fun. I'm sure
everyone's always wanted to dance with a wherry."

Holding her glass of wine rather delicately -- by the stem -- Taelenna
glances around and takes a few sideways steps towards the rhythmically
snoring T'shar. Standing by him will surely be safer than standing anywhere
near the dancers, yes?

Terryll spots someone edging through the crowd, and breaks into a grin. "It
can't be..." she murmurs.

Mirala peers at I'sai. "You know, I barely remember you as a baker." She
snorts, laughing. "Leafy." She smirks at Jorenan, mouthing, "Awwww," then
grins.

K'nan starts to say something else, but then Jenni's gone.. and he offers
Miranelle a crooked smile, shaking his head, "I hardly think that... y'look
a whole lot better'n I ever could." As if to prove it, he looks her over
from head to toe.. and doesn't seem all that disappointed. So he does it
again.

Kassima, for no apparent reason, starts to choke on laughter at Leya's
comment. "That's R'val, and only if'n they're dead," she manages to get out.

Alysia taps out the tempo, raising the pipes to her lips. With a deep
breath, she picks up the melody, sharp and resounding. The notes trill
forth happily from the small pipes as the dancers go through their steps.

F'gon walks with Terryll.

Jenni waves a little towards M'dei, spying him through all the people...at
least, it looked like that was him.

"There's a reason for that, Mirala," I'sai teases, and encourages the
others over, a few of the nearby dancers making room in line while others
crowd on.

Miranelle chuckles at K'nan rolls her eyes, "Haven't seen you in a while.
Been stuck up there in Healer Hall. How's Veyath?"

Sayuri looks like she's had a bit too much wine. She stumbles over to I'sai
and greets him with, "Ay, Leafy! Love the mask!" The words slur as she
wobbles back and forth.

Leya-Fire arches an eyebrow at Kassima, "R'val? Dancing with dead wherries?
I don't want to know." Her complextion reddens to match her costume as she
catches sight of M'dei, but lifts a hand and waves him over as she moves to
join the dance.

Stefyn continues edging through the crowd, his eye on the door, so he
doesn't notice Terryll as he passes her.

Shilarra continues to stand near the entrance, looking around.

Terryll reaches out an arm, and snags Stefyn's cloak. "Where do you think
you're going?" she asks teasingly.

F'gon walks with Terryll as she walks up to Stefyn.

Kassima's half-glare towards her Wingmate promises that another incident
for future payback has been added to the mental roster. "All right, *all*
right, but *only* once and I'm out the second any toes go flying and blood
starts flowing." Lovely image, that. She continues to grumble faintly as
she trucks tail after the brownrider. "Long story. Let's just say that some
men really will do the silliest things on a dare."

Miranelle takes a moment to wave brightly at the stealthy Stefyn..well, not
stealthy enough it seems. She grins over at him before returning her gaze
to K'nan.

Arrow_Lad waves over a couple faces he recognises, including Shilarra and
F'gon and his weyrmate.

Ofira takes her place with the dancers, next to Mirala. "Shall we show them
what the Bakercraft can do?"

M'dei returns the waves directed toward him, but Leya's gesture gets a
quick shake of his head. He looks quite comfortable over here by the
stairs, thank you, dressed in his (thankfully clean) weyrling garb.

F'gon smiles to Arrow_Lad, chuckling.

Jenni looks around one more time and then ducks out.

Jenni steps out of the hall into the courtyard.

Mirala twirls about, blithely slapping people with her wings and tail as
she dances. "Reason for what, Leafy?"

K'nan shrugs lightly, and gestures towards the entrance.. "She's well
enough, well enough - out there enjoying th'beach, if y'care t'see her."

Right on cue, the turns-old tune picks up in tempo, the drummer beating out
the stacatto rhythm with gusto. Alysia dares a quick glance to her
journeyrank, and picks up the melody.

Shilarra grins as she recognizes a friend, walking slowly over towards 
Arrow.

Arrow_Lad feet head into a clumsy double-time. He's still not much of a
dancer.

Masked_Avenger scanns his gaze over all of the costumes in motion (dancing).

I'sai pokes Sayuri in line after Leya as best he can, ducks under a
high-kicking damsel's leg, and circles - en route, at the brownrider's
wave, _he_ spots M'dei and waves as well - to take up Kassima's other side.
And swat at those baker-wings as they come into range -and- make a valiant
attempt at keeping tempo at the same time: "What you said."

Stefyn oofs as he's pulled to a stop, and turns reluctantly. He breaks out
into a grin when he sees who it is. "Rylla!" He snatches her up into a hug,
then, with a polite nod to f'gon, sets her back down next to the Rider.

Mirala grins at Ofira, nodding. "Show them what Bakers are made of," she
says, mid-turn.

Ofira barely avoids he wings and tail, "Not quite what I meant," she
mutters, as she follows the steps, neatly, competantly, but with no special
grace.

Taelenna watches the line dancers from her safe spot by the sleeping
bronzerider with a broad smile on her face. Unfortunately, with one hand
occupied by a wineglass, she can't clap -- but she does tap one foot, as
close to the Harpers' rhythm as she can manage.

F'gon just raises an eyebrow...

Terryll giggles as she's lifted up and set back down again. "Hiya, Stef."
She grins, slipping her arm through F'gon's again.

Jenni makes her way over from the courtyard..

Leya-Fire looks back over her shoulder at Kassi, grinning in amusment, not
at all worried. "That's a deal, though you may want to fetch a healer if
that happens." She squeezes into the line between two other costumed
people, "I believe it." She looks over at M'dei, raising an eyebrow at his
head shake, then shrugs.

Mirala peers at her wings, and quickly buttons them down, keeping a firm
hold on the tail. She turns her head at Ofira, keeping time. "What?"

Miranelle smiles up at him and nods, "Yes, perhaps I should. I'd like to
see her. And how have you been?"

Sayuri looks at the people around her and decides she's probably not going
to get out of the dance alive. She makes a graceful retreat-- to the wine.

Kassima is truly having an adventure. Not good at dancing at the best of
times, she's now trying to dance with wings and claws and increased mass to
make her balance questionable. Her wave to M'dei narrowly avoids taking out
someone's eye, after which point she concentrates on wreaking no bodily
harm, oh, yes. "For the record," she informs I'sai, "you'll pay for this."

Ofira laughs, "I wasn't planning on a a dance partner with a tail. But
that's alright," she says as she turns.

One of the more showily-dressed women dares to cross lines with the man
across the way, petticoats frothing like meringue beneath their
citron-yellow sisal skirts.

K'nan brushes his fingers back through his hair, and shrugs amiably, "As
well as ever, I do s'pose - it's been awhile, but life's still mostly
th'same." He grins, "Yourself?"

Shilarra-Garden grins at S'more as she reaches him. "Having fun?"

Arrow_Lad steps, steps, twirls, retreats, and swings someone of the
opposite gender around, getting whacked by someone's tail as well.

Jenni sneaks back in after attending to something and takes up a spot along
the wall again.

M'dei seems to find some merit in his decision to stay put. "By Faranth's
egg, it'd take a lot more agility than I have to get through that," he
remarks to someone near him.

Jorenanjoins the end of the line dance and does his best. He's a fair leg,
but hasn't done this oen in a while.

"That -too-?" I'sai inquires breathlessly with a kick-two-three-four,
catching a glimpse of Sayuri's departure and, with a faint headshake,
filling up the remaining space with more enthusiasm than skill.

Arrow_Lad twirls Shilarra around and into the dance. "Aye."

The tempo slightly picks up one more time, the harpers obviuosly enjoying
the results of all their hard practice. The melody is unmistakable, but
occasionally one of the youths lets slip an improvised melody.

Mirala eyes the dancing wherry, grinning encouragingly, "Looking good," she
croons at Kassima when she passes close to her... keeping a wide berth,
though. Those claws do look sharp. She shakes her head at Ofira, "Well, now
you have the whole hall as a partner."

Miranelle shruggs letting her eyes rove about the room. "I'm good. Grueling
studies at the Hall though. I have two firelizards now." she says the last
with some pride.

Leya-Fire watches the others go through the steps and carefully copies
them, if a bit late. She's careful to lean away from Kassi to be on the
safe side, her steps getting smoothing and more in time as the dance goes on.

Grombie makes her way over from the courtyard..

Shilarra-Garden laughs as she unexpectantly finds herself dancing and
concentrates on keeping rhythm.

Mirala adds, "And there's more than a few tails between us all," she grins.

As Masked_Avenger strides aross the room, he smiles at Miranelle and raises
an eyebrow with a well-spirited chuckle to K'nan, commenting "...nice dress."

Stefyn grins at Terryll, then looks curious. "I'm guessing this is who
you've told me about, Ryll..." he says, trying to prompt an introduction.

Ofira laughs, "True. More than I bargained for for 25 marks!"

K'nan casts a wry glance over to the Masked Avenger, shaking his head and
turning back to Mira with an easy smile, "Oh? What colours?"

Jenni curls a finger into her hair, watching the seeming dangerous dancing
while keeping well out of the way on her little real estate on the wall.

"At least I look genuine," Kassi grumps to Mirala somewhat breathlessly.
"Real wherries can't dance *either*--oh, aye, there's nay end of things
you'll pay for. Does that surprise you?" Kick, turn, whap someone with the
tail, apologize, step, hit someone with a wing, apologize... at least she's
got a rhythm going.

Miranelle returns her gaze to his and says cheerfully, "I've a green and a
gold. Grace and Dawn, respectively."

Arrow_Lad dances and ducks, dodging costume-y bits.

Mirala chuckles, "Well, when you buy something of the Bakers', you're
getting a something worthwhile, eh?" She suppresses at giggle at Kassima,
"Very, very realistic. Wonderful costume," she agrees.

Terryll blinks, then smiles. "Sorry, Stef." She slips her arm around
F'gon's waist. "Stefyn, I'd like you to meet F'gon, Rider of brown
Hollerith, and my weyrmate. F'gon, this is Stefyn. I know I've mentioned
him. He's like the older brother I don't have."

With sly winking between them, the harpers behind Alysia slowly drop their
volume, until the apprentice's trilling pipes are the only ones lrft
playing. Absorbed in her playing, she fails to notice, and finishes the
song sol.

T'shar falls out of his chair and onto the floor with a sudden clatter.
Blinking, he stands, runs a hand through his hair, and wearily stumbles
outside.

Masked_Avenger spots a cat near the entrance of the room, and seems to
recognize her, beneith her clever disguise.

Miranelle gives the Masked_Avenger a *look*. A grinning look, but a look
nonetheless.

T'shar steps out of the hall into the courtyard.

As long as she apologizes. "Yeah, yeah," I'sai grumbles as best he can with
the tempo fast as it is - and then it stops, and he says, "See? You
survived. So there."

K'nan grins broadly, "A gold? Congratulations.."

Ofira jumps, "Ouch! Kassima!" She ducks again and replies to Mirala,
laughing, "Does that extend to the requisite goodnight kiss?"

Leya-Fire grins, holding the skirt of her dress up to her knees when she
kicks as it's not full to enough to allow it otherwise. Her cheeks are
rosey from the exhertion, her eyes sparkling with laughter. She pushes back
wild curls from her face as the dance ends. "Now, wasn't that fun, Kassi?"

F'gon smiles. "Hello, Stefyn. A pleasure."

M'dei skirts around the fringes of the dancers, ducking the occasional
protruding costume bits, and scoots to a stop near Jenni, still watching
the dancers.

Taelenna abandons her place by T'shar with caution, since the Fortian's
fall proved it to be little safer than the middle of the dance floor. She
walks along the wall, and thus in safe distance from the energetic dancers,
over to Jenni. She doesn't recognize the Telgar rider, but she /is/ a
fellow wallflower. "I think you've got the right idea," Tael murmurs to the
other bluerider as she approaches. "That," meaning the line dancing, "looks
risky."

Miranelle blushes, still grinning, "She's a beauty. Thank you. I'm lucky to
have them both." She leans over to whisper somthing to him.

Mirala slows to a stop, making sure all of her parts -- costumed and real
-- are still there. She flutters her lashes at Ofira, "Of course. Just a
goodnight kiss?" she winks.

Masked_Avenger's cloak swushes behind him as he strides toward the entrance
giving the cat/Grombie a smile, followed by a suave bow.

Jorenan manages to finish the dance without stepping on or being stepped
on. He grins and says a last word to the apprentice who'd been dancing next
to him, and then steps over towards teh Bakers again. Just in time to hear
Ofira's question to Mirala. Suddenly, his grin is just a little wider.

Jenni looks away from the dancers with a bored expression to find M'dei
standing near enough to her, "Hey. I saw you when you cam in but....I think
you must have missed me." She shrugs, "big crowd an' all."

Stefyn smiles happily at F'gon and Terryll. "You two look great together."
He grins at F'gon. "I had no idea she cleaned up so well. You must be a
good influence."

Miranelle mutters to K'nan, "... mind... the..."

Grombie laughs, "Say, don't I know you?" a grin spreads across her face.

Terryll blushes. "Stef.."

Ofira laughs, "Well. We can negotiate that." She looks over her shoulder at
Jorenan.

Sayuri has sobered up a bit and now realizes she's probably made a fool out
of herself. She wanders over to I'sai and whispers, a bit too loudly, "How
am I going to get home?"

M'dei grins wryly, "Aye, there is that. I didn't realise there'd be so many
people here when Gaiath kept prodding at me to come out."

Arrow_Lad stands with a 'now-what' sort of look on his face.

Kassima is properly appalled, calling a hasty, "Sorry, so sorry, Ofira!"
before managing to hopefully not hit anyone else before the dance draws to
a close. "*I* survived, but we should probably check the dance floor for
any dead bodies. Or severed limbs." Leya is only shot a bemused look. Fun?

F'gon chuckles. "She is the one who is a good influence..."

Sauscony makes her way over from the courtyard..

Jenni smiles, uncertain at first, and then a little warmer as she regards
M'dei, "I'm glad she did. I mean...otherwise I"d be standing here like a
wall flower until this thing is over more than likely. How are you?"

K'nan leans in close to listen to Miranelle's whispered words, and with a
soft laugh he nods agreement -- and sneaks a hand to rest upon her hip,
close as he is. "I'll keep that in mind."

Jorenan attempts to look innocent. "A good night kiss sounds like a good
idea to me." he says. "I can't imagine why Mirala wouldn't want one, too."

Mirala catches Jorenan's look and waggles a finger at him. "Hey, you didn't
pay, so don't be getting any ideas." She grins at Ofira. "Poor 'Fira,
victim of the dancing wherry."

Masked_Avenger cocks his head slightly at the comment of the cat "Know me?"
he looks around him both ways, "I dont know... do you?"

With a chagrined yet good-natured raspberry directed at the others, Alysia
announces over the din; "We'll be taking a break for a while. Please enjoy
the hospitalities of Lord and Lady Boll this fine eve."

Alysia pages to Arrow_Lad, F'gon, Grombie, I'sai, Jenni, Jorenan, K'nan,
Kassima, Leya-Fire, M'dei, Masked_Avenger, Mirala, Miranelle, Ofira,
Sauscony, Sayuri, Shilarra-Garden, Taelenna, and Terryll: Read: Taking a
short RL break. back in a few. :)

Jorenan laughs. "I'm not asking," he says.

Miranelle grins up at K'nan and jumps from his touch as she sees Sauscony
enter.

Stefyn smiles at Terryll. "What? You don't want me to tell him about how
you were? Mud up to your waist, straw and other plants in your hair..."

Ofira laughs, "It's quite alright Kassima." She looks at Jorenan and
Mirala, "Shall we head out to the courtyard then?"

Grombie chuckles, "Perhaps."

Masked_Avenger mutters to Grombie.

Sauscony slips back in, adjusting her mask slightly as she glances about.

M'dei smiles over at Jenni, then directs his gaze back toward the dancers
again, to one of them in particular. "Oh, I don't know, the Smithcraft Hall
isn't such a bad posting. But I'm glad I came out, too-- if only to save
you from the wall-flower fate."

F'gon chuckles. "Stefyn, even then, she would have been drop dead gorgeous
as far as I'm concerned."

I'sai openly grins at Kassima, "Well, if you're worried about that sort of
thing," he shrugs: her business, yet again; but to Sayuri, "We'll get you a
ride. Lots of people from Telgar here. In fact..." he hesitates, looking
after the harpers, "I'll take you if you need, but there's something I
should see to first."

Mirala lifts her brows. "So soon? There's only been one dance."

Shilarra-Garden slips quietly outside

Shilarra-Garden steps out of the hall into the courtyard.

Leya-Fire giggles at Kassima, an red ribbon dangling over an nearly equally
red cheek. She makes a show of peering around at the floor, frowning very
seriously. She turns back to Kassima, "No dead bodies, or severed limbs."
She grins, showing off her white teeth, "I might have seen a toe over there
though. You might want to check."

Terryll's blush deepens as she scowls up at Stefyn, but she's grinning,
faintly, as she kicks him in the shin.

Jenni glances over at K'nan with some amusement and then shifts so she can
talk with M'dei better, peering at him. "Yeah. I was wondering what had
become of you M'dei. Miss seeing you around the Weyr."

Arrow_Lad peers down at his boot tips. "Not *my* toe."

Jorenan gestures in courtly fashion. "I follow where you lead," he says
with a perfectly sincere (no really!) grin.

Masked_Avenger smiles at Grombie/Cat "Well, I would ask you to grace me
with a dance, but it seems the music has stopped."

Ofira shakes her head, still laughing, "Sometimes," she murmurs, and heads
out.

Ofira steps out of the hall into the courtyard.

Stefyn winces. "Hey, Ryll! No need to kick me." He mock-pouts.

F'gon chuckles.

Miranelle mutters to K'nan, "... journeywoman... the... if... come... a...
allowed."

Jorenan steps out of the hall into the courtyard.

I'sai climbs the magnificent curving staircase, running his hand along the
hightly polished banisters.

"Watchrider duty," M'dei explains to Jenni, glancing over at the bluerider
with a wry smile. Again, his gaze drifts toward the dancers, and his lips
curve upward in a faint smile.

Shilarra-Garden makes her way over from the courtyard..

Kassima folds her arms--err, forelimbs--and favors Leya with another
*look*, but the grin the mask can't quite hide does spoil the effect some.
"Methinks 'twill let whoever lost it look for it," she decides. So
generous, she. "Mayhaps I shouldn't worry. After all, maiming's what
greenriders do best, isn't it?" A wink, a wave after the departing Bakers,
and she retreats long enough to fetch her juice glass. "Do they have any
mints here, d'you think?" she asks Leya in an undertone.

Terryll smiles at him sweetly as she leans again F'gon. "Watch it, Stef. Or
I'll start trotting out stories about /you/." she threatens.

Shilarra-Garden steps out of the hall into the courtyard.

Alysia steps down from the platform, grabbing her glass. She walks over to
her senior and engages hin in a whispered conversation.

K'nan lifts an eyebrow at the sudden jump, and then at Miranelle's quiet
explaination he nods his understanding.. and flashes a lightly regretful
smile, "Too bad.."

Stefyn blinks, and swallows. "Um...So you're a brownrider?" he asks F'gon,
looking nervous at Terryll's threat.

Taelenna spots an acquaintance peeking his head in momentarily. Setting her
glass on a nearby table in haste, she weaves her way through the crowd,
mumbling apologies underneath her breath. Upon reaching the door, she
hurries outside to catch the person she'd glimpsed.

Taelenna steps out of the hall into the courtyard.

Jenni nudges M'dei after a moment's thought, "Do you enjoy it? When will
you be coming back to Telgar so I can pester you like the 'old days'?"

Grombie makes a face, "Well, we can just talk for awhile, I s'psoe..."

K'nan mutters to Miranelle, "... you... costume.."

Siofra makes her way over from the courtyard..

Dalynn makes his way over from the courtyard..

Mirala gazes regretfully around the hall. "Well," she muses, "I suppose
I'll be going, then." She waves a tail at people, ducking out after the
other bakers.

Mirala steps out of the hall into the courtyard.

Arrow_Lad yawns and makes his way over to the banquet table, purusing the
sweets.

Miranelle blushes and bites her lip with a grin, and says quietly, "Good
thing." she adds..

Siofra steps into the hall and peers about her. Her hand tucks into
Dalynn's elbow instinctively.

Miranelle mutters to K'nan, "... she..."

K'nan grins a little.. and murmurs something else to Miranelle in reply.

Sauscony pads towards the rear of the hall, accepting a glass of wine with
a grateful smile to the drudge.

F'gon nods. "yes, Stefyn...Hollerith of Igen."

F'gon smiles. "And I'm also the lucky man to catch this beautiful flower."
He says....

With a final nod and a long drink, Alysia walks away from the harper to
join the rest of the guests, pipes still absently in hand being tapped
rhythmically against her leg.

Stefyn nods, still looking a bit nervous. Then he grins. "Aye, you are
lucky. I never thought I'd see the day that Rylla would fall in love. Picky
one, she is."

Sauscony offers Alysia a warm smile, in case the harper should look her
way. Her mask gives her a bit of anonymity as she simply watches.

Leya-Fire brushes the red ribbon back out of her face, tucking it into the
unruly curls. "No one every told me curly hair was so annoying. And yes, it
does certainly seem that way sometimes." A gleam appears in her eyes at the
mention of mint. She glances around, "I don't know. Maybe the healer here
would have some. Just have to find where she keeps it."

M'dei forcibly drags his gaze back to Jenni, laughing. "You never pestered
me in the first place. And you could always come to the Smithcraft, y'know.
It's not like anyone's got you tied to the Weyr."

Terryll groans. "I should never, ever, have introduced him..."

F'gon chuckles. "Well, I have no idea WHAT she sees in me, Stefyn, but
whatever it is, I need to do it more." He grins.

Arrow_Lad finally settles on a bubbly, which he sets on a plate and turns
to watch the crowd with faint amusement as he munches.

K'nan dips his head in an understanding of Miranelle's words, and steps
back just a little.. before chuckling softly, "Still, I'll have t'bring you
t'see Veyath later, if jus' t'say hello.."

Jenni checks to see what M'dei was looking so intently at and then winks at
him when she turns back, "oh, but I wouldn't want you to get the wrong
idea. Poor little bluerider flying all the way to the smithcraft to be
bothersome to her clutchmate. But...perhaps I will from now on. It's really
sad not to see you around as much."

Masked_Avenger offers an arm to Grombie, "Would you care for a drink instead?"

Kassima has to admit, "Wouldn't have curly hair if'n you paid me. A'course,
m'hair likely wouldn't curl if'n you paid *it*. Easier t'tie up this way,
anyway." Giving the brownrider an imploring look, she asks, "Any chance you
could be finding some? I'd offer t'be searching, but after all that,
methinks *sitting* is needed for a time."

Stefyn smiles. "A word of advice, from someone who knows her well. Just be
yourself F'gon. That's most likely what got you her in the first place."
Then he grins. "And watch her feet, she kicks /hard/."

Grombie grins and slips her arm through his, "Why, Sir, I'd love to."

Dalynn looks around and grins.

Miranelle nods enthusiastically, "Yes, I'd very much like to see her and
say hi." She eyes the drinks set out and says, "I'm parched, I could use a
drink."

Alysia catches Sauscony's friendly nod, returning the gesture. Placing her
empty glass on a passing steward's tray, she ambles over to the woman.
"Harper's duties to you, ma'am. Enjoying your evening?"

Jenni mutters to M'dei, "... just... over there and be... her... around...
here?"

Terryll blushes, and hides her face. "I'm doomed..." Then she looks up.
"F'gon, ignore most everything this idiot tells you about me. It's not
true, I swear."

F'gon chuckles. "Yes, she does, but those feet are connected to GREAT legs..."

Terryll groans.

Masked_Avenger nods to her amiably, as they walk to the serving table.

F'gon smiles at Terryll. "Actually, I thought I'd assume it was ALL true,
and that you'd have to convince me later of what wasn't." He grins impishly.

Sauscony chuckles softly,'Its much harder when people don't wear knots...I
am Sauscony...and I am enjoying myself quite well...especially the music'

With a grin, M'dei tells Jenni, "It'd be a welcome break from that
Craftbrat who keeps asking me if I've talked to his sister. When I say no,
he always pokes his nose in the air and says, 'Oh!' like he knows some
great secret." The bluerider's mutter gets his attention, and a rather
colourful blush, then he shakes his head. "I don't dance," he offers weakly.

Grombie grins up at Masked Avenger, "So, who are you, anyway? I think I
know, but I'm not sure..."

Leya-Fire nods, "Took forever to curl all mine. I had to hire two lower
caverns girls to help me with it. Scared me to death. Thought they'd burn
my hair off for sure." She frowns and goes cross-eyed as she glares a curl
which has decided it likes being in the middle of her face. She tosses it
back and grins at Kassi, "Sure! You just sit there and I'll mint hunting."

Jenni ahs and leans back into the wall more comfortably, "I see. Well...you
could always start. Sure looks as though you'd like to." She offers a soft
smile to the greenrider.

Masked_Avenger smiles at her myscheviously.

Masked_Avenger mutters to himself, "hmm... tell... or shouldnt..."

Arrow_Lad finishes up his pie and yawns again. He sets his plate down and
with a vague wave to the room makes his way out, pulling the arrow off his
head as he does.

Miranelle ambles slowly towards the table with the drinks and grabs a glass
of..juice, with a look to the journeywoman from her hall. She casts a smile
back at K'nan before turning to greet the woman, "Hello Ma'am. Great
costumes aren't they?" she asks Sauscony.

S'more steps out of the hall into the courtyard.

Dalynn crawls under his covers and falls fast asleep.

Stefyn chuckles, and leans down to give Terryll a quick kiss on the cheek.
"It was great seeing you, Rylla. And a pleasure meeting you F'gon." He
slips out the door before another kick can be aimed his way.

M'dei shakes his head, and contents himself with watching the dancers-- one
of them in particular. "Ah, no. I'd be clumsy, and I'd rather just stand
here."

K'nan flashes Miranelle a smile as she slips away, "We'll talk more
later.." And then he looks around through the costumed hoards, thoughtful..

Kassima does indeed sit, with something of a sigh and claws crossed over
her stomach. "*Bless* you, Leya. I'd say I owe you one, only, well,
considering that you owe me forty-five... how about, rather, that you owe
me one less?"

F'gon smiles. "Great meeting you, Stefyn," he calls after the retreating form.

Alysia smiles at the compliment. "Thank you. We do our best." With another
friendly nod, she leaves the woman to her conversation.

Terryll growls after Stefyn, then grins at F'gon. "Well, that was Stef."
she says with a shrug.

Masked_Avenger raises an indecisive eyebrow at Grombie.

Jenni nods a little to M'dei, her expression falling a touch as she looks
at the people moving on the floor, "You can learn."

F'gon smiles and smiles at Terryll. "nice guy!"

Sauscony turns her attention from Alysia as she hears a familiar voice. Her
tone is rather warm as she greets Mir, 'Enjoying the Ball?' She asks before
nodding her head in agreement, her gaze moving around the room, only now
seeing K'nan.

Terryll rolls her eyes, chuckling. "And only too eager to tell you all my
excapades as a child." She grins at F'gon.

Sayuri is tipsy, worried, and wondering where her ride home is. She leans
against a wall and watches the room for I'sai.

Miranelle smiles back enthusiastically and sips her drink before replying,
"Quite a releiving break. So good to have fun socializing again."

Grombie chuckles, "C'mon, tell me!" she gives him one of those 'I know you
can't resist' looks.

F'gon smiles. "So shall we wander around, love, and look around?"

Terryll smiles warmly and nods.

Leya-Fire smiles, then crinkles up her nose, "But I think that me buying
you counts somewhat towards that. I know it was your marks, but /someone/
had to bid on you." She looks around the room and all the doors, "I think
I'm going to start looking around." She waves, "I'll come back with the
mint when I find it."

Masked_Avenger leans over and raises his mask for Grombie for a quick
moment, and then puts it back down as he whispers something.

"Just a break?" Soz asks, 'You aren't planning on going back to the tent
are you?'

"How come *you're* not dancing?" M'dei asks Jenni, trying to deflect the
current topic of conversation to somewhere else.

Alysia wanders through the room idly chatting with whoever crosses her
path. Passing the flame-enshrouded woman, she does a double-take, peering a
little closer. "Pardon me," Alysia says during a lull in the woman's
conversation. "Leya, isn't it? From Telgar?"

F'gon disappears into the lower southern corridor.

Grombie makes a little noise in her throat and then grins, "I knew it! I'm
glad it's you, too. I haven't been able to find you lately."

"Well, but it still wound up costing me entirely too much," Kassi protests,
nose probably wrinkling under that beak. "Thanks to two someones, one of
whom will get dawn sweeps for life as a result... g'luck in your quest,
Leya. Bring back the sacred mint!"

Miranelle shrugs and takes a deep drink from her glass, "I don't know,
playing it by ear."

Jenni hms softly, bored and shrugs to M'dei, "no one here for me to dance
with. I don't really feel much like dancing anyway. It's more fun to watch
other people...."

Terryll disappears into the lower southern corridor.

Leya-Fire wanders off as discreetly as a woman wearing a flaming dress can.
She pauses as Alysia says her name, "Umm, no. She's over there." She waves
in the opposite direction, then hurries off.

M'dei grins wryly at Jenni and suggests, "More fun to watch all these
people who've had too much wine trying to keep their feet as they totter
around?"

Leya-Fire disappears into the lower southern corridor.

Sayuri stumbles outside, wondering how she's going to get home. Oh well...

Sayuri steps out of the hall into the courtyard.

Jenni nods slowly to M'dei, "yeah, something like that. Besides, I'm not
that great at dancing anyway." A real lie if ever there were one.

Masked_Avenger grins, "Youve been pretty scarce yourself."

Alysia looks over in the offered direction, a slightly puzzled look on her
face. Turning back around to see that the woman has left, she shrugs and
continues on.

Sauscony wrinkles her nose, her mask rising slightly. "I do not believe you
need to...enjoy your self here, plase'

M'dei's brows lift, and he gives Jenni a clearly skeptical look.

Jenni smiles at M'dei and then shrugs, "I don't exactly have anyone to
dance with anyway."

M'dei grins and oh-so-helpfully suggests, "Just grab someone?" Like he can
talk, since he's not dancing at all.

Masked_Avenger watches as Grombie retreats from the festivities, and
approaches Miranelle.

Stopping at the serving table for another glass of juice, Alysia makes her
way back over to the other harpers to take her place.

Miranelle's face breaks into a cheerful grin and she takes another sip of
her drink before saying, "Thanks." rather gratefully. Her eyes turn to the
Avenger and she meets him with a wry smile.

Jenni glances around the room, "well, I'd grab someone but..." she laughs,
"I don't think anyone from the weyr even noticed that I came in." She
winks, "Alright, so I'm feeling sorry for myself. Ah....I'm just enjoying
looking. And talking with you--see."

"Who says it has to be someone from the Weyr?" M'dei reasons, then relaxes
into a smile. "It's nice to talk to you too, Jenni. It has been awhile,
hasn't it?"

Alysia takes her seat and accepts her gitar. She begins tuning the
instrument, leaning in with the other harpers to discuss the next song to
play.

Jenni nods slowly and then looks around again, "well, I don't see anyone
else anyway." So there. She sighs, "I think it's been....shards, a long
time M'dei."

Masked_Avenger grins at Jenni "I couldnt help but overhear you have no one
to dance with? Unless this gentleman" he motions to M'dei "would like to
dance with you, might I have the pleasure?"

M'dei's dimples flash as Jenni is asked to dance, and he gives the
bluerider a look, eyebrows raised. "Well?" he asks. "You know you won't get
*me* to dance..."

Jenni squints at the Masked one and then blinks at M'dei..."Ah...." real
smart this bluerider, "Do I know you?"

Masked_Avenger grins with a nod to M'dei "You wouldnt dance with the lady?"

Sauscony smiles as she turns to Mir,'It looks as though the harpers are
beginning soon.'

The jouyneyrank standing over the harpers taps his foot impatiently, his
gaze stern as ever. Making a quick decision, the harpers take up their
instruments and start in on a pleasant song, low enough in volume to allow
the music to become background ambience.

K'nan just leans against a back wall once more, certainly not about to
dance in a.. a.. gown. And he sips from a glass of wine he's scavenged from
somewhere.

Miranelle chuckles over at Soz and indicates the Masked_Avenger as she says
quietly...

Miranelle mutters to Sauscony, "... mind my... he..."

"I don't dance," M'dei tells the Masked_Avenger with a wry grin. "Not even
for my friends."

Jenni shrugs up her shoulders as M'dei speaks and smirks, "He's waiting for
a special someone."

Masked_Avenger grins at them both "Oh, I see."

Jenni flutters her lashes, "so, I guess if you wanted to offer a poor lady
a sympathy dance, she would jump on it."

Miranelle pauses to watch them with an amused chuckle before asking
Sauscony quietly, "By the way, are we apprentices allowed to dance?"

M'dei colours, but shakes his head, "No, not even then." With a slight bow
to his clutchsib, and to the Masked person, he scoots back toward the
staircase.

K'nan drains the last of the wine, and sets the glass to one side -- before
moving to the exit and slipping out once more, quietly.

Sauscony nods her head quickly, the lights shining off the sequins of her
mask. "Of course..have fun."

K'nan steps out of the hall into the courtyard.

Masked_Avenger shrugs to M'dei as he scoots off and grins at Jenni,
"Stubborn isnt he?"

Jenni shrugs up her shoulders as she glances over at M'dei, "I think he'd
dance if it was the right person."

Kassima, finally growing restless, pushes out of her seat. "What's taking
her so long?" she mutters, and follows the path Leya earlier took in search
of the sacred mint.

You enter the Eastern Corridor.