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The Ferrets and the Bees


Date:  October 1, 2002
Places:  Telgar Weyr Skyspace; Harper Hall Skyspace and Road
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:  The reason why most parents hesitate to leave their
children alone with Kassima is revealed when she takes advantage of
I'sai's temporary absence to try and instruct young Lanisa in the
ways of evil... or, alternatively, get poor Conn to do it.  This was
an enjoyable trip, and I thank Is for inviting me along on it. :)  I
also apologize to Lanryi for fanning the ferret flames, and to Conn
for general wickedness despite his fine compliments. ;)

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The Log:

You spring from Lysseth's ledge with one downsweep of your wings, soaring
into the sky above the Northern Bowl.

<*> Taralyth spirals upward in short, strong wingbeats, a swift warble
preceding him as warning through the thick snow, and disappears just two
rows of ledges later.

<*> Taralyth disappears into Between.

<*> Lysseth springs from her own ledge with a beat of wings set to send the
snow madly flurrying; her own sound is more a rumble of disgust, cut off by
her vanishing into an even colder clime.

<*> Lysseth disappears into Between.

Between
You gasp as the icy black nothingness of Between surrounds you! You hear
nothing, see nothing, and feel nothing. The trip takes five heartbeats...
Black...
Blacker...
Blackest!

You suddenly emerge...

<*> Lysseth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!

<*> Taralyth shakes out his wings in the comparative warmth, snow flurrying
from them, and spirals down towards the road. Meanwhile, his rider says to
the small fur-wrapped bundle in front of him, "See? Told you we'd find you
somewhere warmer."

<*> Taralyth flies down to land on the wide road running through the valley.

<*> Lysseth doesn't descend until every last flake of snow on her dark hide
has melted into water, thank you very much, and never mind the drizzling
that unexpecting persons below may receive; when she is warm enough to be
content, then and only then does she furl in wings to drop down to the
terra firma.

You fly gently down to the wide road leading through the valley.

<*> Astride Taralyth's neck, Lanisa nods quickly as she peers around her.
She leans to try and see even more, testing those straps once again, "Much
warmer."

<*> Taralyth obligingly crouches, lower to the ground than he ever does but
for invalids and children and the like, though his tail whips back and
forth in a way that's anything but placid. Is mentions with similar glee,
even as he helps her unbundle and unstrap, "Didja see Lysseth? Tear's not
the only one who wanted a change from the snow."

"I blame you for this!" Kassima calls to Taralyth before her green has even
fully landed, that landing being distant enough to allow both dragons
plenty of wing room. "There 'twas, being a good little Wingleader and
comparing reports on the Brensh's Valley mess, and *you* go reminding Lyss
that places without snow exist. Look what it's got me. You're incorrigible,
lump," and that, at least, is to the entirely unrepentant dragon beneath
her. More than unrepentant: Lysseth is furling and unfurling her wings,
revelling in the feeling of warmth on the sails. Her rider can only sigh.
"G'day, Is, Lanisa," she offers with more amiability and less frustrated
amusement, flicking a salute to the duo for good measure.

<*> Astride Taralyth's neck, I'sai whispers quick explanation, "The
avalanche, you heard? Avalanche is where lots and lots and lots of snow
starts rolling-sliding-falling-something on top of people," before he
returns a brilliant smile and matching salute to Kassi, and slides on down.

<*> I'sai slides down from Taralyth's neck.

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.

Astride Taralyth's neck, Lanisa giggles, "But the snow is fun too! We can
make snow dragons and snow people and." She pauses and makes as if to climb
down with out any help, "..and why can't we have warm and snow, wouldn't it
be better that way?"

Lanisa slides down from Taralyth's neck.

Kassima, no fool, is quick to step enough from Lysseth's way once she's on
the ground to avoid being hit in the head by relishing wings. "Snow happens
when water's cold enough t'be freezing," she explains to Lanisa, or tries,
with a grin for the girl's competance. "Rather like ice, y'ken? So snow is
just really cold rain, which is why when 'tis warm we get the rain instead.
Well. Rain and mud. What brings you two t'Harper, if'n I may be so nosy as
t'be asking?"

"And so the snow would melt," Is adds, reaching over to try and ruffle that
strawberry-blonde mop of hers. "If it were warm. Like in your pockets.
Remember?" To Kassi, "Learned any good snow-preserving techniques yourself,
lately? And, oh, warmth, and of course grandmother," that last as Taralyth
stretches out, claws curling along the road, muzzle lifted to scent any
stray wagon-pulling runners.

Lanisa pouts, though wether it's for the hair ruffling or the
disappointment of not getting warm snow, who's to say. She sighs, "I still
think it would be better. No heavy coats or mittens to keep track of."

"A'course," Kassi repeats, making a show of clapping a hand to her forehead
in dismay. "How could I have forgotten Grandmum Saiya? Don't let her know I
forgot when you see her. I quail at the thought of how she'd react." It
must be a mild quailing; despite the shiver she affects, her grin doesn't
diminish any. Broadens, if anything. "I've had nay wish t'*preserve* it,
after Brensh's. Y'know we've been cleaning up after that mess... but I'll
confess that I've stored a few snowballs in cold stores. I want t'hit V'dan
with 'em this summer, when he's least expecting it. You're nay kidding
about the mittens, Lanisa--d'you know, one of the Candidates lost hers too?
Such a pity."

Conn walks down the Harper Hall ramp and hurries to the road.

Conn stalks down the trail from the Harper Hall, watching the horizon more
than where he's going

I'sai starts to wander on, but then stops short, "Mittens? You -do- still
have your mittens, Lani? Tell me you didn't drop one *between*... and yes,
well. Lucky V'dan. I'm sure he'll be - delighted. That cleanup's going all
right? Now that your lot's in on it, I mean?"

Meanwhile, prowling Taralyth's not above directing a snort at the passing
harper, seeing as how the promised runners are nowhere in sight.

Lanisa giggles, "Daddy, can I save some snowballs too?" She bites her lip
and starts hunting pockets then, finding one mitten right away, but not
finding the other at first, "Um, course I've got them..." A triumphant
smile greets the discovery of mitten number two, "See!"

Kassima murmurs, "Delighted should be quite the word. Particularly if'n I
succeed in stuffing one down his pants." ...Ow. Lysseth notices no Harpers;
not while she's basking like this, as if to make up for the days and nights
of cold in one swell foop--but Kassi, *she* notes the snort, and looks over
to offer a wave of her own. "Duties t'Harper and her Masters, Conn. And
y'know, Lanisa, I bet I've got enough that I could share some with you if'n
you want. Anyone in particular you're wanting t'throw them at?" To Is, "The
clean-up's fair done, actually. A small Holding, so it didn't take much...
'tis the others we're worrying over now, the ones where the snow *hasn't*
tumbled. Yet. L'cher's nay end of thrilled t'be set on snow-watch, truly."

The presence of a bronze dragon changes the horizon enough for even the
distracted Harper to notice, bringing him to a halt. This leads to more
general study of the area, and thus the Telgari. "Harpers' duties!" He
listens to the conversation for a moment, then laughs. "Let me get this
straight. You came here for the weather? Granted, it's better than
Telgar's, but.."

"And I'm sure L'cher's dragon will be delighted at the knowledge that one
mis-timed warble..." Is mock-shudders. "Good that you have both mittens,
wherbrat. Don't want you to go through *between* and have your hands turn
black and fall off - oh, Conn. Telgar's duties," tone more formal this time
than usual, though he does add, "Do you remember Lanisa from when she
visited before? She has eight whole Turns now, if you can believe it."

"Nope, not yet. But I bet I can find someone!" Lanisa smiles brightly to
Kassi, then rolls her eyes at her dad and sticks out her tongue, before she
remembers she ought to behave, at least for a moment. So for the Harper a
polite, "Telger's duties." Oh yes, the picture of eight turn old innocence.

Kassima drawls drolly, "Better'n Telgar's is good enough t'be worthwhile,
if'n 'tis me your asking. But methinks I'm alone in having come for the
weather, sort of--Lysseth's idea; Taralyth teased her with the notion, so
she dragged me along, though I'd likely have come anyway for the company."
A tilt of her head and bright smile indicates the father-daughter pair.
"If'n you're going t'have your hands fall off, better t'have it *away* from
*between*," she solemnly concurs with Is, eyes flicking to Lanisa. "Else
poor So will never find out if'n he'd prefer wee little hands t'eyebrows. A
tragedy 'twould be. I have it on fine authority that Leerth's berating Lach
for landing 'em in the duty, Is--for once! He's normally nigh as bad, but
*this* seems t'be too much for him."

"Eight turns! I'd have said at least ten," the Harper replies with a
twinkle in his eyes. He crouches to give the girl a cheerful smile.
"Welcome back to the Hall, Lanisa!"

Taralyth settles in matter-of-factly, tail sweeping about his haunches, and
studies the harper some more. His rider looks on as well, smiling as the
other man stoops to his daughter's level, and refrains from trying to
tousle her hair yet again. Tongue-sticking-out or no. "Oh, so it's So
you're doing this for? I'm sure he'd be ever so grateful, and here I'd
thought it was just that you wanted to sample ba... little-girl-hands
yourself. Poor Leerth." - "Excuse me, though, I'd better find my mother."

"I already have, when Khari was young; didn't you know? Her left hand is
false," Kassi retorts to the bronzerider, without so much as a hint of
seriousness nor any attempt at one. "Poor Is," she mutters after he's gone.
"Hope Saiya's in a fair mood. How fare things for you, Conn? And the Hall?"

Lanisa smiles brightly, "Thank you. I told mommy I was older." Then giggles
as I'sai heads off, with out noticing she stayed behind with Taralyth. Of
course she has to see what fun there is to be had here, first.

Conn gives Lanisa a conspiratorial wink. "Well, we know better." Standing,
he turns to Kassi's question. "Oh, well enough - you might want to cover
your ears if you're coming into the Hall, though. First day of rehearsals
for a new Turnover song, and all is not going well. How about Telgar -
how's Tarien doing?"

Kassima has to ask Lanisa, "What did your mother say to that? For that
matter, what did Grandmum Ryi say, learning you'd grown older while they
didn't notice?" Conn's answer elicits a whistle. "Nay that much longer for
practicing, for Turnover, so here's hoping 'tis improving... though I
daresay I've heard worse. Which hearkens back t'Grandmum Ryi again.
Tarien?" Her brows jump upwards slightly. "Fine as best I know. I haven't
spent any time t'speak of around the eggs since 'twere clutched, so I could
nay say for certain, but there'd probably be gossip around the Weyr if'n
aught were ill with her. Telgar, now, I can say with authority 'tis well.
There's a bit of a mess with avalanches around one of the minor Holdings in
our range, but apart from that 'tis as normal--which is t'say, frozen."

Conn laughs softly. "With all of you lovely ladies there, I sometimes envy
Faramen his posting. If you all had Ista's weather, I daresay I'd envy him
all the time, but I'm just as glad to be here over the winter. Except
during rehearsals, perhaps." The Harper chuckles. "Have you been around the
candidates much? We've had a few of our students snaffled, as per usual -
Taralyth here took Bianca right from under my nose"

Dramatic sigh time, "Mommy said I still couldn't have a ferret, yet." Lani
looks down a long moment, then glances up out of the corner of her eye, to
see how the performance as gone over. Probably unaware of that give away,
yet. She looks hopeful, "You think I should tell Grandmum Ryi?"

"You flatter us, as ever--and forget that I'm nay lady," Kassima retorts to
the Harper, but her expression is at once amused and pleased. "Don't envy
Faramen; methinks *he* might be happier posted t'Igen, going by the
rumor... I daresay Taralyth's quite proud of having stolen her away, too."
She slews a look back at the bronze that's rather fond. "It sounds like
him. I've been around a few. Lysseth's stolen only two; one's Elauren, from
Benden Hold, though originally for Nerat. I'm going t'be placing wagers on
her Impression when the time comes. Don't suppose you've any marks you'd
care t'lay down...? Oh, Lanisa, 'tis a shame." And Kassi does sound
sympathetic, even if her eyes are dancing suspiciously. "M'oldest son
Kris--I don't know if'n you've met him--has a ferret. A'ser gave him t'me.
Mayhaps you should talk with A'ser, and suggest he give one t'*your*
mother, so she might give that one t'you! Or, aye, talk t'Grandmum Ryi. She
might just think you're old enough indeed."

Conn laughs softly. "Well, I'm hardly going to stop now. I'll keep singing
the praises of Telgar's lasses while I've breath to do it." His eyes
sparkle. "You even seem to be collecting more. No sooner did I discover a
lovely girl called Caroline, from Igen, than one of your lumps snatched her
up too. D'you suppose I could get a finders fee?" Kassi's wager goes
without reply. "Why do you want a ferret, Lanisa?"

Lanisa thinks this over, not that it takes her long, the wheels are a
turning. She nods decisively, "A'ser and Grandmum Ryi. Okay." And cue the
winning smile, "Maybe I can get two ferrets!" Yes, fear the eight turn old
with a plan. And of course, she's happy to explain for Conn, "So I can
catch a tunnel snake. One of the boys said they are good for helping catch
tunnel snakes. So if one is good, two will be better."

"Just make sure one of them is male, and one female, if'n you do," Kassi
murmurs, ever so guileless. Never let it be said she's afraid of death.
"Fire-lizards are fair for that too, Lanisa; mayhaps you should try and
acquire one of those while you're at it? Conn, Conn, somehow *that* would
surprise me nay 'tall. And if'n you're going t'include me in the *lasses*,
you marvelously foolish rogue, then I'll even let you get away with it."
Amused? Oh, yes. "Caroline, Caroline... I don't think I've met her yet. But
a finder's fee! I don't think so, but you could always try that idea on our
Weyrleaders. Who knows? Find enough and you may be accounted an honorary
Search dragon."

Conn looks no more enlightened by Lanisa's response. "Ok. Why would you
like to catch a tunnelsnake? I thought you had candidates to do that sort
of thing." The Harper bows floridly. "Kassi, my dear, after that divine
dance we shared on the Weavercraft's beach, how could I forget to include
you? Ah, now, I don't think I'd like to be that accurate. Have you any idea
how much it hinders a romance when you can't even kiss the girl?"

Lanisa plots, oh yes. Lanryi will likely kill I'sai for leaving Lani with
Kassi's helpful advice. Though it's possible she's just hastened a similar
conclusion that the child would have reached on her own, "One male and one
female is better? Ok, I'll remember that. I wouldn't want them to fight.
They should like each other. Right?" She nibbles her lip in thought, "Maybe
I can get a firelizard too. If they help..." More thoughtful musing, never
let it be said the girl can't cling to a subject like glue, if she wants
to. "I can catch one better than they can! If I had a ferret, or two."

Kassima lifts a finger as she points out, "Ah, but Conn, *that* was Lady
Zuhluly; don't you remember? Though I'm nay sure that 'divine' would be the
word t'be describing that august personage." Err, no. "Or aught that she
did. But i'truth, I can say that I recall it fondly and am actually glad I
didn't cause you injury... and nay just because half a score of lasses
would've come after me t'beat me if'n I'd put you out of commission in any
way." She flutters lashes once for good measure, then retorts in rather
less affected and less Zuhluly-esque tones, "Accurate it might *be*,
though; there are one or two dragons who downright seem t'*drool* over the
lasses, and that's you all over. T'say naught of the ones who slurp, which
'twill nay, because that starts t'make the comparison sound indecent.
You're very right, Lanisa, and Conn here's the perfect one t'explain t'you
just why a male and a female will like each other better."

Lanisa turns a wide eyed stare to Conn, ready to hear this wisdom.

Conn nods. "Firelizards do help, I've heard - though I don't have one
myself, I must confess. I'm sure the Headwoman will be grateful for your
assiduousness in dealing with the 'snakes." He gapes like a hooked fish
when Kassi lands him with that little wonder, then explains solemnly. "Ah,
now. That would be because with a male and a female, the female ferret will
have someone to berate, and can then feel fulfilled in her life"

Kassima makes a face at Conn's attempt to dodge, and folds her arms. "But
then what's in it for the male?" she asks. "There must be *something*.
Surely you know."

Conn turns a beatific smile on Kassima. "Didn't you know? We selflessly
present ourselves to be berated, as it seems to give you all such
satisfaction"

Lanisa ohs softly and nods, as if this makes some ground breaking sense to
her, but that slightly blank look probably reveals she's still a bit clue
less before she inquires, "So girls are suppose to bera.. err what's berate?"

Kassima shakes her head, only just refraining from giving Conn a raspberry.
"I don't buy that for a *moment*. And neither should you, Lanisa; you've
brothers, d'you believe for a moment there's much selfless about men?"
After a pause, she grudgingly adds for the sake of fairness, "Or women?
Berate, too, I'll leave t'him t'be explaining."

Conn slips into teaching mode, again crouching to talk to Lanisa. "Berating
someone is like what your mother or father probably do when they think
you've done something wrong. Or what they do to each other if they fight."

Lanisa frowns in response to Kassi's question, "Brothers are just pushy.
They think they are so much better, but I can run faster." And once again
she turns to hear the Harpers wisdom, nodding solemnly "Yelling, ok." Then
two and to make, "But if the female ferret bera.. err yells at the male
ferret, then aren't they fighting?"

"So there must be another reason they get along," Kassi prompts, with a
sidelong look towards Conn that's openly and rather wickedly merry. "If'n
they're pushy, and get berated a lot. Would you nay think? Methinks the
Harper's holding out on you. Tsk, tsk, Conn. You shouldn't hold out on
children!"

Conn hits upon a flash of inspiration. "But your brothers probably do nasty
things to you, even though they get berated for it, right? If they weren't
around, then they couldn't. For young men, that's another reason to stay.
We grow out of it," he promises

Kassima drawls out, "Oh, a'*course* they do."

Lanisa now looks purely confused, "But if the male ferret is doing bad
things to get in trouble purpose, are they fighting?"

Conn shoots a persecuted look at Kassima. A few compliments and he gets
hits with this! "In a way, Lani, yes"

But what did he expect? He's male, and she's Kassi, after all. Torment is
inevitable. "Occasionally males and females fight *because* they're fond of
each other," she relents enough to throw in, though not without a glance of
wholly unrepentant mirth for poor Conn when Lanisa's not looking.

Lanisa looks truly perplexed, "So then, some fighting is good?" Oh yes,
it's educate the eight turn old day. Who'd have thought?

Conn nods. "As long as you don't hurt anyone, or get hurt."

I'sai emerges from the archway, demeanor relatively subdued, though his
gait eases up with every step that brings him further from the Hall proper,
closer to his dragon.

Ishimay enters from the general direction of Fort Hold -- she's not from
the Hold herself, but that isn't the point. Surprised by the small throng,
she straightens her posture visibly, and studies each person in turn.
"Hello," she finallt greets, albeit quietly.

Kassima bobs her head in accordance with this. "If'n nay anyone gets hurt,
a bit of fighting can be terribly fun!" Not that she's biased. She catches
sight of Is in his approach; that subdued demeanor momentarily causes her
amusement to fade in touch in favor of a concerned glance. Still: "Is!
You're just in time! Conn's explaining t'Lanisa why men and women like each
other. Or trying to, in any event. G'day," she adds amiably enough for
Ishimay, with a greeting nod. "Duties and all that sort of thing again."

Conn grins, amplifying. "Like a snowball fight."

Lanisa offers a cheerful greeting Ishimay, chirping a bright, "Hi!" She
doesn't notice I'sai until Kassi greets him then turns a bright smile to
him now, "Daddy! He says it's ok to fight.. sometimes." Yep, now there IS a
lesson to gain from this, somewhere.

"Is he, now?" I'sai narrows a dark look - a mostly-dark look, anyway - at
the harper as he approaches. "And of course it is, wherlet. We fight Fall,
after all, and..." it's Taralyth's long look that cues him in, and he turns
to add his own, "Telgar's duties," to Ishimay.

Conn turns to face Is. At the dark look, he shrugs helplessly and nods
towards Kassima. "Harper's duties," the j'man finally adds, hoping that the
father's arrival will cut off the questions about male and female ferrets

"Duties, and all that, indeed," Ishimay pipes in, trying her best to at
least *look* polite in front of these folks. Her amber eyebrows raise at
the conversation as she quiets, though. Fighting? She's heard plenty about
fighting from her brother, thank you.

"How went the visit with your mother?" Kassi asks the bronzerider, in as
much of an undertone as can still carry across the distance. Then: "He also
said men are selfless creatures who give themselves up t'be berated by
females for the sake of feminine pleasure, so I don't think you can credit
*everything* he says, Lanisa... but he's got a good point about the
fighting. D'you have a theory about ferrets, Is?" Big, wide, innocent eyes.
Like she'd just let the topic drop? No one's that lucky.

A nod to Kassi's wisdom, yes, corruption in progress. Lanisa smiles
brightly to I'sai, "Is it better to get a boy and a girl, daddy?" Of
course, note the lack of mention for who.

"They're stinky," says Is in a tone that's much like Lanisa's, after a
swift mutter Kassi's way that amounts to same-as-usual, look-he-survived.
"And why would you ever doubt Conn about the whole berating bit? ...Boy and
a girl what? - Tear, stop giving the girl funny looks." Not his dragon
does. To Ishimay, "Just because we have eggs on the sands, he seems to
think he has to inspect _everyone_. Sorry about that."

Conn does his best to look as innocent as I'sai's description of him would
merit. "Kassi always doubts me," he explains. "Even when I'm talking about
the self-evident loveliness of Telgar's womenfolk. It's just another burden
that I bear to make her happy"

Kassima makes a face at I'sai. "They don't smell *so* terribly," she
protests, but it's rather halfhearted; she's busy nodding, a but ruefully,
to that mutter. "Poor man," is also muttered, and perhaps sufficiently far
under her breath that no one but she would hear at all. "Why? Why? Because
though I might nay know men as well as certain other women in the Weyr, I
know they aren't *selfless*. Are they now. 'Tis lad and lass ferrets we're
speaking of. Conn, Conn, 'tis nay that I *doubt* you as such--at least, nay
on that. I believe you find many of Telgar's women lovely. Primarily," she
teases, "because I believe you find nigh aught with curves in approximately
the right places lovely."

Lanisa sighs, "That's what mommy says too." And quick to note, this might
not be the way to go, if *He* thinks as *She* does--Change of tactic, as
lighting fast as only a kid working over her parrants can manage. Big,
wide-eyed, cute look, "Can I have a firelizard, daddy?"

"Telgar's women, Baker's women..." I'sai teases after Kassi. "And, ah, lad
and lass ferrets only if you plan on making more ferrets, Lanisa, which
would mean the Weyr would be overrun, so we couldn't have that. Unless you
want a ferret-fur vest, in which case, we could manage. As for the
-firelizard-, well, if your mother says it's all right." Yes, pass the mark.

Conn laughs softly. "Are you kidding, Kassi? You're completely
underestimating the importance of a nice smile in the whole business." He's
a cheerful enough cad, at least. The Harper breathes an audible sigh of
relief as Is puts paid to the whole ferrets thing

Lanisa's eyes light up at the thought of LOTS of ferrets, but she simply
nods, "Ok daddy." Too easy, probably so.

"Has he a particular thing for Baker women now?" Kassi eyes first Is, then
Conn with amazement. "Faranth, Conn, are there truly nay women anywhere you
don't admire? Pshhh. What a silly question. A nice smile? Is that all it
takes? Oh, well, then. Is, will you participate in a wee experiment for me
and smile at Conn? Really nicely, now." Oh, Faranth. "What are you going
t'*name* the ferrets, Lanisa?" she asks at last, quite as if the ferrets
were a foregone conclusion.

"Good, good," I'sai says to Lanisa. "And remember that, what Conn said
about smiles. Smiles are good. People trust you when you smile, as long as
you don't show many teeth... Can you blame him, Kassi? And I'm so surprised
that you're going to raise ferrets for her to name. Very surprised indeed.
But it's nice of you to let her visit them at -your- weyr." No smile. None.
Well, except for a glint lurking in his eyes.

Conn considers. "Only the spiteful ones, Kassi. I'm willing to give anyone
who's friendly the benefit of the doubt." He chuckles softly. "And smiles
are always good. The day goes better with a smile." Better still if you
have a nice one, of course

Lanisa turns big bright eyes to Kassi, "Really! You will, umm, names...
Valrieth and Taralyth?" Cue the huge smile, "Or maybe after Lysseth?"

Taralyth'd -looked- as if he wasn't paying attention, more focused on the
herdbeasts, and the girl, and the herdbeasts and all, but now he snorts
rather windily at _that_ suggestion.

Kassima flashes a very toothy smile as though to illustrate this point. In
one sense or another, anyway. "I can," she assures, "because I a'course
don't find Baker women 'tall appealing. Though Ofira has a lovely
personality. Me? Nay, nay, nay; Kris's Kirri doesn't breed, thanks be
t'Faranth. Nay, these are the ferrets *she's* getting. T'fight tunnelsnakes
with. And make more ferrets. C'mon, Is, won't you smile? Pretty please?"
She tries to combine an entreating look with the smile. And because she's
not entirely unaware of the unsettling factor of the teeth, she even puts
them away. "Spiteful. Can't be blaming you for that, I'd imagine. Though
I'd love t'see you paying court to, say, Sionelle... is a smile truly all
y'need, then?" Lanisa gets an approving nod, and even a smile that's--while
not less genuine--certainly less wicked. "Valrieth and Taralyth sound like
excellent names. Lysseth, well... I'm sure Lysseth would be honored."
Funny, Lyss looks more disturbed by the notion than honored.

I'sai reminisces to Conn, "Keara sure does have a lovely... personality...
too, doesn't she?" - "Sionelle. I'd love to see him try, Shiny-Toothed
Wingleader. In fact, I'd put a thirty-second into the pot." Big spender,
Is, big spender. As for the ferrets, "If Lanryi says it's all right, and
they never ever visit _or live in_ our weyr... we might be able to work
something out. Maybe. But really, you should try visiting Alain's instead."

Conn chuckles softly. "The Baker women are very appealing. Keara, of
course, and Dendra, and Shoshana... Dary's posted here, and is also lovely.
She's not interested, alas. It might be just as well, though - her father
visits a lot. He overtops me by at least a head, and doesn't look to be
amused by that sort of thing." He glances innocently at Kassi, then
suggests for Lanisa. "How about Minx? Or Vixen?"

I'sai coughs a few times. Vixen.

Lanisa seems to got lost in the process of where her ferrets will live, but
she smiles. Hey, there are talking names after all, "Vixen is pretty."

It's Kassi's turn for a dark look, this one slanted Is's way. Turning from
him, she tells Conn, "You really *should* meet Sionelle sometime, Harper.
She might be in desire of a new man in her life; the last left her for a
*tuber*, if'n you can credit it. Speaking of credit, trust that I can
credit that K'dar wouldn't thank you for making off with his daughter. And
if'n *he* didn't get you, her mother's a greenrider--Vixen. I vote for Vixen."

I'sai can't help but inquire, "What, ah, 'special friends' -does- Daryan
have these days?" before adding, after a moment's distracted look, "I like
Nexiv better. It's backwards, see."

Conn hmms. "Dary? Well, I don't know if she has any /really/ special
friends. I've seen her at Gathers with a few of the Healers. Once I saw her
father - K'dar? - I lost any inclination to hang around outside her door."
He blinks puzzledly at Kassi. "For a tuber...? Suffice it to say that
doesn't sound promising. No, I don't like Nexiv - doesn't have the same
sound to it. Vixen is a pretty word"

I'sai interjects with some humor, "Careful what you say about K'dar, too.
He's one of my wingriders, after all," slight emphasis on the possessive
pronoun.

"K'dar," Kassi confirms, with a quick nod. "And for a tuber, but don't
blame *her*," for she's surely not about to detail Sionelle's personality
when that might spoil the prospective entertainment. "'Twas Pierron, after
all, and you know what *he's* like. You could be naming the lass Vixen and
the lad Nexiv, Lanisa?" A sudden rumble from Lysseth gets her attention.
She unfocuses for a moment. "--Though it doesn't sound as if'n I can stay
t'hear the final decision. I'm due t'be meeting with one of the cotholders
and need t'be getting back. Duties t'Harper and her Masters, hey, Conn? And
g'luck t'you in all your pursuits of women, so long as none of 'em are *my*
daughters. G'luck t'you too in the naming, Lanisa. And," looking back
towards him for a moment, "g'luck with your mother if'n you end up seeing
her again a'fore you go, Is. M'thanks t'Taralyth for inviting us."

Lanisa nods emphatically, "I like Vixen better too, daddy. It's a good name
for a pretty ferret!" Yes, too many dreams are now forming that it would be
a shame to crush. A vision--Of an army's worth of ferrets to help Lani
catch tunnelsnakes with...

Conn smiles. "Clear skies, Kassi, and I'll relay the duties." And probably
another story of the Evil Greenrider, over dinner. "Your wing?" I'sai,
being male, didn't get the study that Kassi got on arrival.
"Congratulations, Is - or commisserations, possibly? So far my promotions
have involved more hidework! Let's see - a good partner for Vixen. Scamp?"

"Not even Kay?" I'sai teases. "Many thanks for the good luck," by his tone,
he'll need it. "And... still mine in wingsecond-sense, but acting
wingleader till Zai gets back, is all. Before the hatching. And I would
like 'Scamp' to go with 'Vixen' if I liked ferrets and 'Vixen's at all."

Kassima executes a polished formal bow to Conn; a shame she lacks skirts
for a curtsey. "Nay even Kay," she fires back over her shoulder as she
moves to mount her dragon. "*Especially* nay Kay! I'll want the tale later,
Is--" And she's up onto Lysseth's neck, and Lysseth's reluctantly rocking
back on haunches, the better to brace for leaving the relative warmth
behind. Alas! Alack! Mourn for her, won't you?

You place one hand on Lysseth's neck and she warbles down at you fondly.
You grin and scratch her eyeridges once before climbing up onto her lower
neckridges, using the riding straps and Lysseth's thoughtfully offered
foreleg.

<*> Lanisa smiles brightly to Kassi then, "Oh! That works, doesn't it
daddy? Vixen and Nexiv." Evil child in training, yep. At least the dragon's
can be relieved with this choice. She waves after the greenrider, then
muses, "Scamp? Well, maybe. That's good too." Never fear, there are ferrets
for all names, in her current dreams.

<*> Lysseth springs from the ground, the air from her wings churning up
dust as she takes to the skies.

With a powerful push of your hind legs, you quickly leave the Road behind you.