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Incense and Peppermints


Date:  February 1, 2000
Places:  Telgar Weyr's Southern Bowl and Living Cavern
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 log title is an awful pun on the mint that several
chars were munching during this log, but I just couldn't resist.  Kassi 
helps spread the phenomena of mint-sticks and torment in the LC one
evening, getting in her RDA of Bronzerider Humiliation.  I've left in a 
lot of knot-chat for the amusement value of it--not that I'sai's blushes 
didn't provide plenty of amusement in and of themselves, mind. ;)

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The Log:

You slip out of the records cavern.

Taralyth's crouched, tail flicking just above the mud. Dastardly mud.

Kassima meanders from the Records Room, hands inkstained and with a stick
of... something... poking out from one corner of her mouth. It's probably
better not to ask what. "Gfff efff, Tawawff," she manages to get out around
around her prize, waving cheerily as she picks her way carefully through,
as you say, the mud.

You walk past the lintel and into the wide living cavern.

I'sai glances over his shoulder, "Taw-_what_?"

Kassima pauses just inside the entranceway to do an impromptu jig, the
better to ensure that all the mud on her boot-soles gets knocked to the
ground before she wanders further. Blinking at I'sai, she scrubs her hands
against her slacks, then pulls the mystery stick from her mouth long enough
to answer, "Taralyth. Or 'twas what I meant t'be saying. G'deve t'you,
Is--haven't seen any Healers about, have you?"

I'sai twitches a glance bowl-ward, nods more to him than to her, then says,
"...-Here-? No; why, is one chasing you?"

Kassima exhales a long breath of relief, replacing the stick for as long as
it takes for her to reach her table, sling her jacket over the chair-top,
and plunk down unceremoniously. "Apparently nay," she replies. "'Twasn't
sure. I, err, borrowed a jar of mint-sticks from 'em the other day; if'n
they've nay been looking for me, hopefully they haven't missed 'em yet. Or
assume Ushu replaced 'em with rose petals, whichever. How're things with 
you?"

Pale eyes shift thoughtful, not quite as if hers had been a trick question,
but nearly, nearly. I'sai flattens his palms on the table, "Mint-sticks?
Candy-kind or those things for poking at your teeth? ...We're all right,
thanks; day off, but Arallia's run off, or something, and everyone else...
filled up the morning, filled up most of the afternoon, but here I am
again. Do they think it'll be much longer till Lysseth can get back into
flying?"

"Candy kind, candy kind," Kassima clarifies, waggling the one she's been
attending to for emphasis. A *crunch* follows as she munches off the
diminished end, the better to even it out. "Thought they'd be a good thing
for Ryi. They're nice t'suck on when you've been retching, which I presume
is why the Healers have 'em. What; being productive on your day off? For
shame, young bronzer! For shame!" Green eyes twinkle, making the jest
plain, then shift towards the direction of the Lower Caverns. "Oh... they
think she'll be flightworthy again soon enough," she answers, after a
beat-long hesitance. "Took a risk, letting her use the wing enough to get
to the springs, but they say the soaking's been doing her good."

I'sai grimaces right at the retching part, and protests, "As if I've been
productive. Unless you count breathing to keep the place warm... But I
could try a stick, if you had more. Just to, you know, see if they'd be
worth it for her. Unless they're too sweet. Her being Ryialla, not Lysseth,
although... Well, glad she's getting better. Planned where you'll go first
when you're free again? I remember our lot doing that as weyrlings, all
right."

Kassima slings her satchel onto the table to rummage through. "I gave her
some already, but I'm sure she'd appreciate more," she notes, coming up at
last with a small wrapped bundle and tossing this towards the bronzerider.
"Help yourself. I stole a lot, and will steal more if'n I can get away with
it. So what's been keeping you busy, if'n nay productivity?" Another one of
those pauses. "Boll, I should imagine," she finally says, not sounding as
excited about the prospect as she might. "As reparation to the lump for
being grounded all this time--she loves the beach there, has ever since we
were Weyrlings ourselves."

I'sai may fumble but he catches it anyway, and starts rummaging; "Thank you
kindly. Funny thing, getting sweets from healers instead of from cooks...
you went a lot as weyrlings yourselves, then? And oh, we went off and
soaked up some warmth and oiled Taralyth and such, and then I had to track
down my father, seeing as how he's easier to find than ma and all. Who of
course asked me to check on Auntie Millie again, but I've been putting
-that- off. Sharding cold, Tillek, and she talks more than - no offense -
you do, and confuses me with da, to boot."

Kassima bows as best and floridly as she can, given that bowing from a
sitting position is not an easy task. "Quite welcome, sirrah. We went nigh
everywhere as Weyrlings--our group stayed 'Lings a long time. Kept having
t'explain t'people that nay, we hadn't graduated yet. Sounds like you've
had a day--" She leans back in her chair, the better to talk, crunch mint,
and lounge all at once. "Warmth is good. Relatives are scary. Want to
trade? I'll take your Aunt Millie; you can have m'Aunt Simeythria and her
wherry-caps. Or Cousin Maevia and her frilly underthings, whichever."
Chuckling, she adds, "None taken, a'course."

I'sai nods here and there as she speaks; "Why'd that happen? Anyone mess
up? 'A day,' and let's not forget the nap, too. Forget the u - un - frilly
things-I-don't-want-to-know-about; the caps, though, what are those
exactly?" Eventually he gets around to holding up the mint-stick some
distance away from his nose and giving it a testing lick, lest his tongue
fall off with greater initial indulgence.

"I did, but only just a'fore graduating, so 'twasn't what did it," Kassi
murmurs, wry, around her mouthful. One shoulder lifts in a shrug. "Nay
certain. Cerilla was just... cautious, I suppose. So Taralyth's a beach-bum
of a dragon, is he?" Her brows waggle. "Wise of you. Wish I could forget,
but 'twas too priceless a chance t'torment V'hryn, and--oh, the caps,
they're little knit hats t'be keeping wherries' heads warm in winter."
Enough said. She watches, curious, for the reaction to the mint-stick, her
own much diminished by this point.

I'sai has wrinkled his nose at it, but then he gives it another try and
lets the taste dissolve. "Afraid I don't know V'hryn. Although now that
you're talking about him, maybe there's a reason why he doesn't come around
here, or at least not that I've seen..." is his light tease. "Guess
cautious is well enough, and yeah, we like the beach, so long as it's not
too sticky-hot. Snow is good, too, it's just -mud- he doesn't care for. But
those caps, they don't sound too bad, as long as you're not the one having
to put them on the wherries or the one the headwoman gets after for wasting
good yarn... did you see, I can't remember which dragon it is, but
-someone- had these headknob-covers with -beads- on them?"

Kassima sticks out her tongue at the tease, but then grins, and allows,
"Oh, mayhaps. Poor man--got in trouble as a 'Ling for asking Mart about
certain rumors that were arguably m'fault, then we dressed him in pink
lace, then his Tebrelth caught Lyss, then Auri convinced him 'twas
pregnant, or so I've heard. He's probably been traumatized for life. Best
t'go in the water for a bit if'n 'tis one of those sticky days--ever swing
the vine at Boll? 'Tis a great distractor." Her brief disgusted face would
suggest she doesn't much like mud herself, before she blinks. "Beads?
*Beads*? 'Twasn't Yasinth and A'ser, was it? He might be crazy enough for
beads...."

"Definitely wasn't A'ser," I'sai immediately assures. "I'd remember A'ser,
all right. And I don't see Yasinth allowing it without a -really- good
bribe..." But as for the rest, he nibbles delicately at the mint-stick a
moment, and then says, "No, haven't swung the vine, though Kindre was
talking about it back when... poor V'hryn. So much to have happen to him.
Tell me, is he related to what's his name, M'hryn?"

Kassima nods thoughtfully, tucking the remaining section of mint-stick into
her cheek for its final demise. "Speaking of A'ser, there was an Istan
Wingsecond here the other day--the one who Searched Ptodek--who said some
Telgarian rider had left her flowers on her ledge but she knew nay which. I
thought it might be A'ser, but you've nay heard of any of our lads going
about leaving gifts of flowers, have you?" A snicker escapes at the bribe
idea. "True enough," she accedes. "And if'n you've nay swung the vine, I'll
wager you've nay been to the Lounge, either, have you? Shells and shards!
What happened to the days when new riders were taken there first thing, I'd
like t'know? Ah, nay--nay t'my knowledge. Just a coincidence in naming."

I'sai buys time by nibbling on -his- mint-stick, now, just with his
incisors with lips drawn back. Nibble-nibble. "Don't know about anyone
leaving flowers on someone's ledge, here or otherwise," he allows quite
sincerely. "Coincidence noted ... and aye, I have been to the Lava Lounge.
Kindre took.. who was there? Right, Jenni, and Keara, and Jenni was all
oogling over Raimi because of her clothes, you know, and Keara nearly threw
up on Tear on the way home but didn't. Good thing, too."

Kassima, witnessing this nibbling, inquires, "Has it grown on you yet?"
Presumably meaning the taste of the stick. "Huh. Nor did Leya. Mayhaps 'tis
a romance in the making; I'll keep m'ears open, if'n only t'be forewarned
if'n soeone's going t'be sappy and I need to avoid them lest gagging
occur." Her expression brightens. "Good of Kin! See, now, *there* is a lady
who knows tradition. But what's this about Master Raimi's clothing and
throwing up? And who's Tear?"

[Editor's Note:  A pose is missing here, and I now have no idea what it 
said, sadly.  Clearing up that Tear = Taralyth must have been part of 
it.]

Not so; Kassi is no teenaged boy, but she rolls her eyes also in accordance
with the sentiment. "Ahhhh, I see. Forgive; 'twas confused--even after all
these Turns around civilized and primarily accentless people, a few points
of pronunciation still have the ability t'befuddle me. Mayhaps Jenni should
volunteer next time they host a fashion show, then? Or attend, whichever
would be her wont." Caught swallowing the last of her mint at the time the
last is said, she coughs in the attempt to laugh, and grabs for a mug of
cider to help clear her throat. "These do *nay* mix well," she mutters.
"Only that, eh? She'll gain more tolerance in time, if'n she keeps going
t'bars with riders. Mark me."

Ceria walks here from the Inner Cavern.

Ceria emerges from the lower caverns with damp hair.

I'sai protests, mint stick in hand, "There were a lot of drinks. But sure,
tell her about the fashion - " He turns, then grins to his wingmate;
"Ceria, have a seat?"

Ceria grins back at I'sai. "Is it safe?" she counters as she moves toward
said seat.

I'sai says with fine disregard for truth, "As always."

"Five? Five isn't a lot," Kassima counters, setting down the cider mug with
a clink. "Nay of the dragon-drinks. Five Threads, now, that I'd expect
t'see having anyone on the floor. Can't tell her m'self; I don't know the
details yet--though I mean t'model again if'n they need such... and
circumstance allows, a'course. The last time was fun, though making fun of
Tas and 'Lex was the best part. G'deve, Ceria. Is it ever safe in here?"

Ceria laughs at that question, not paying mind to the fact that she doesn't
know what the rest of the speech is about. "That's a very good question,"
she says.

I'sai says, though, "It sounds like a lot. Doesn't it sound like a lot to
you, Ceria?" Nothing like potential reinforcements, for all that they could
turn on him; "Of drinks, I mean, but models... so you think they -are-
having a show, even if you don't know details yet? And why'd you make fun
of them?"

Ceria repeats, "Five? I'm not sure. I've never done much drinking." She
listens a bit more. "Are the weavers having another fashion show? I saw a
bit of the last one."

"Methinks they'll have another at some future point, aye; it only stands
t'logic, since they do 'em every now and again," Kassima reasons. "Don't
know when, don't know where, but it should be fun if'n they do. Five isn't
*that* much. But then, you haven't been drinking for...." Consider. Sigh.
"Nigh as many Turns as you've been alive, so. I'm taking it you didn't see
the show at Benden, then? Did you, Ceria?" she wonders. "If'n you'd seen
what they were wearing, you'd nay have t'be asking."

I'sai says abruptly, "No, and I don't drink much, either. Didn't -see- it,
either." He crunches on the mint-stick for good measure.

Ceria grins at Kassima. "I saw some of the things they were wearing," she
says. "Definitely an interesting selection by the weavers."

Kassima advises, rolling her eyes towards the ceiling at the memory,
"Picture 'Lex and Tas in skintight muscle shirts and pants, or shorts, in
Tas's case, and an entertaining comment by the latter about his size in
relation to a toothpick. 'Twas glad I specified nay pink lace or black
leather when I agreed t'model, let me tell you. Have either of you ever
considered it? Modelling, I mean."

Saskia walks in from the bowl.

Ryialla walks in from the bowl.

Saskia strolls in and looks around, and waves cheerily before heading for
the klah pot. She whistles softly as she pours a mug of klah, then picks up
a flower and twirls it between her fingers.

Ceria shrugs as she waves to Saskia. "I never really thought about it," she
says. "What did you think of your experience with it?"

Saskia smiles "Hi Cerial. Thought about what?"

I'sai, at Skyfire's table and with the sharpened end of a mint-stick in
hand, squints. "First, I don't want to envision it, and second, what you
just said seems like a very good reason -not- to..." He glances over at
Ceria's greeting, and waves the mint-stick impartially at both women.

Ryialla meanders in a few moments after Saskia, arms wrapped tight against
the upper half of her body, tunic pulled against her skin enough so
abdomen's bulge shows. She drifts by, nodding briefly to the others.
Heading for the juices.

"I rather enjoyed it," Kassi decides, fishing out another mint-stick from
her satchel and waggling this cheerfully at Saskia and Ryi. "Though I'm nay
precisely certain why, beyond the chance for bronzer torment. It just
seemed like an entertaining thing. What, the pink lace and black leather?
Or the tight shirts? Hey, Ryi," she calls over, "would I'sai look good in a
tight shirt?"

I'sai grimaces. "Either. Both. Don't."

Saskia oohs "Mint sticks." then grins hugely at Kassi "It was highly
entertaining." She walks over to I'sai and looks over him assessingly 
"Hrm."

Telgar Weyr> Leya just laughs at the LC, "I'm so coming in there after I'm
done here."

I'sai offers by way of distraction, "There are more, you know; right here,
on the table," and he pats the little bundle possessively. "So if you want
one, Ceria, or the rest of you even, I hope you can guess the right 
answer."

Ceria eyes I'sai. "Perhaps we should find one for him to try on?" she
suggests with a twinkle in her green eyes.

Telgar Weyr> I'sai's afraid of that, you know. ;)

Telgar Weyr> Ceria grins.

Saskia leans a little closer to I'sai and grabs a mint stick.

Kassima's eyes artfully widen, and she exclaims, "Sounds like a wonderful
idea! If'n we could find one in... blue, aye, blue would suit him; that or
green--why, we'd start a new swooning following. You've heard of those,
haven't you? The groups of Lower Caverns lasses back home who'd swoon at
Mart and F'hlan in secret ceremonies?"

Telgar Weyr> Leya grins evilly.

Ceria chuckles. "That's just what this Weyr needs," she proclaims,
attempting a straight face. "Do you think we could find something for him
in the stores?"

I'sai reaches for the bundle - evidently Ceria's was the _wrong_ answer -
only to lose one to Saskia, and stare at her afterward. "...Blue," is what
he manages to say. "Blue is safer than green."

Saskia returns I'sai's stare with an unreadable expression and a faint
blush "Oh." she says softly "I didn't know you preferred safety."

"Don't you *like* green?" Kassi inquires, in tones as injured as artifice
can make them. "'Tis the superior color, you know. I'm sure we could find
*something*--why, and while 'twere down there, we might even run into that
wherry suit J'lor put away ere he left and see how I'sai would look in
*that*. 'Twould be a dear and try it on for us, wouldn't you?" she implores
the bronzerider.

Ryialla pours herself a juice, and sips at it a moment - turning back to
study I'sai. Long, long moments pass, then Ryi declares, "Tight shirt, yes.
And a kilt." A pause, and she says, "We need more riders to swoon over."

Ceria laughs and looks to Ryialla. "Especially bronzeriders," she says
playfully.

Saskia hrms "Well, green can also be unlucky, Kassi." she says still gazing
at I'sai. "I like red myself, but that's the colour of marriage and folks
might get the wrong idea."

Kassima *beams*. Broadly. This is not a good sign. "A kilt! Ryi, you're a
genius, a veritable genius. And then we could take him outside for the
dragons t'whuffle at--err, admire. Right." All innocence, she. "Feh, now,
that's just superstition." This from one of the most superstitious riders
around? "How can green be unlucky? Lysseth's green."

"I wouldn't dream of insulting green," I'sai buys time by noting. "And of
course I wouldn't try on a wherry suit, without a very good bribe indeed.
Ceria would look much tastier in such a suit, I'm sure. And a kilt, for
that matter." To Saskia, once he's recovered something of his composure,
more gently than anything involving innuendo - for all that he tugs at his
so-red sweater - "It depends on the incentive otherwise. And it's my day
off; is Rinath's couch needing sweeping again?"

Ceria blinks at I'sai. "Did you say tastier?" she asks, her voice full of
disbelieving laughter. "And I've never worn a kilt."

Telgar Weyr> Alessandra pops on!

Telgar Weyr> Ceria snugs.

Telgar Weyr> Jehrina says, "yo aless"

Telgar Weyr> Leya snugs Alessandra, "Go to the LC! They're torturing I'sai
in there." :)

Saskia tears her gaze from I'sai to look briefly at Kassima "Well, that's
true, Kassi. And Lysseth is lovely. So perhaps green then." She frowns as
she eyes I'sai "No, it doesn't. Thank you for asking." she says with cold
politeness.

Telgar Weyr> Alessandra says, "Ooh..."

Alessandra walks here from the Inner Cavern.

Pierron tosses some dough into the air to make it as thin as a sheet to
make baklava.

"Nothing like the first time," I'sai returns, "And it was a, what do you
call it, figure of speech... what, -what-?"

Kassima slaps her hand against the table. "Shells, shards, and Faranth's
shorts afire, I don't know what's gotten into these new generations, nay
learning the Traditions of Benden that we brought here and cherished. Such
as everyone owning a kilt. I say we *do* rummage through Stores, until
we've found kilts for all and a tight shirt for I'sai!" Considering a
moment, she adds, "And mayhaps some tight pants t'be matching." Celibate
she may be, but oblivious to aesthetic value she isn't. "Thankee, Saskia.
I'll pass the compliment on to her when she wakes; it may cheer her a bit."

Alessandra just peers as she enters, rolls of personal records in one hand
and a folded bit of mending in the other. "Sweet Faranth alive... what have
I stumbled into?"

Saskia turns away from I'sai and smiles faintly at Kassima. "I'd think
kilts'd be hard to fly in."

I'sai mutters something under his breath; only a little louder, "I -don't-
like the sound of 'shorts afire' matched with the rest of it."

"*Faranth's* shorts afire," Kassi reassures, "nay yours. I'm nay K'tyn,
t'go burning up people's underpants. Aye, well--" She turns back to Saskia.
"That they are; ask J'lyn about the time when Lorieth decided t'do a
power-dive while he was wearing one for one of our aerial displays. The
entire show was a flashing success." Her only answer to Alessandra is a
pair of waggled brows, perhaps suggesting that she may not want to know.

Telgar Weyr> Erdrick chuckles at Kassi, "J'lyn's never going to live that
day down is he?" ;)

Alessandra uh-huh's under her breath at Kassi, then giggles at I'sai's
expression as she sits down and drags out thread and needle. "Mmhmm. I am
not asking." And so she sits, backlit by one of the hearthfires, silently
mending as she listens to this most interesting conversation.

Saskia glares at I'sai then turns back to Kassima "Heh, I can see J'lyn
doing that sort of thing. That must have been a sight!"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "Nope. ;)"

Telgar Weyr> Erdrick chuckles.

I'sai stands up from Skyfire's table, shoulders set; "Nobody could compare
to that, I'm certain."

Kassima, perhaps, recognizes that set of shoulders from other occasions
with other men; she changes tactics, and says, "We'd nay try t'be *making*
you wear aught, I'sai, but what harm would it do? You might like kilts,"
she wheedles. "They're comfortable when you're nay flying. Good for
circulation and virility and all. Judging by the way the jaws of the folk
on the ground dropped, Saskia, methinks you may have the right of that." A
wink to Alessandra. Wise woman.

Saskia blinks several times then blushes a bright red. "Really?"

Alessandra snorts under her breath as she adds softly to herself, "And good
for a cool breeze in summer." She didn't say that, honest. Chaya burrows
her golden head under her pet's mass of raven hair, twining her tail along
her neck to touch Lorin, Verdante, and Cerio's tails.

I'sai asks warily - if subtly less so than he had been, though he still
eyes Kassi and Saskia - "Summer what? I missed the rest of what you said,
Aless... and, Kassima, I'd just like not to speculate on, uh. The rest of
what you said. If you'd forgive me."

Ryialla's eyes are dancling merrily. "Admiring by dragons is quite, quite
good." She simply sips her juice, and listens to the banter, after. Not
much for words tonight.

Ceria just sits back, her expression amused by the conversation.

Kassima nods most emphatically to Saskia, affirming, "Absolutely. Has
something t'do with airflow or whatever you'd call it, or so I *hear*. I
don't actually worry much about virility m'self, nay being a virile sort,
and... well, if'n you'd truly rather nay, I'sai. But here 'twas hoping
mayhaps you'd be willing t'experiment and report on whether there's any
truth t'that. Wear a kilt for a sevenday and see if'n your love life
improves, that sort of thing." She can't quite say this with a straight
face--she's too out of practice--and bright glints in dark eyes likely give
her away.

Alessandra whistles innocently before giggling as she hears Kassima,
outright refusing to answer I'sai. Nope. Amythest eyes dance merrily up at
the group as she threads another needle.

I'sai coughs on his - mint stick, yes, and he's so not looking at Ryialla
the potential tattler.

Ceria lets out a snort of laughter at Kassima's comment. "In a kilt, I'm
sure there'd be no lack of volunteers to help him out," she adds.

Ryialla is innocence personified, she is. There's something wicked in her
eyes, but she remains - fortunately for certain bronzeriders - quite quiet.

Telgar Weyr> Erdrick waffles to J'lyn and notes Kassi's still taking about
J'lyn's kilt flight. ;)

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn says, "Kassi, for the love of god, stop talking about
that!"

Very fortunately; not that Is - after what passes for further thought -
looks at Ceria, either. No, he just mutters, "Very kind of you."

"Oh, aye, methinks I'd agree with that assessment. I can think of a handful
in m'Wing alone who'd be willing t'help you out by serving as... ah... test
subjects," Kassi informs I'sai, quite, quite helpfully.

Telgar Weyr> Leya wonders who exactly Kassi is volunteering... :)

Saskia gazes at I'sai and asks softly "Your love life needs improving?"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "NPCs, NPCs, no worries. :)"

I'sai's hands may not leave the edge of the table, but he does back a step
- and then he does eye Ceria and Ryialla, as if it could somehow be their
collective or even individual fault. And then there's Saskia - "I'm sorry?"

Ryialla says quietly, "They'll be lined up three deep.."

I'sai's face just -flames-, freckles and all.

Telgar Weyr> Leya says, "Oh, ok. :)"

Ceria grins wickedly at I'sai.

Saskia turns a bright shade of red as well and chokes out "Never mind!
Forget I even asked. Anything!" she backs away from I'sai.

Alessandra can't help it--poor, poor I'sai. The girl bursts out into gales
of laughter, almost falling out of her chair.

Ryialla is still all innocence, brows slightly peaked - whole expression
saying, "What?"

"Three deep?" Kassi simply must inquire. A sidelong look is directed
I'sai-wards. "That good, hmm? Shells. I could almost regret m'own
chastity." She attempts a leer, fails, and settles for a wolf-whistle 
instead.

Telgar Weyr> Ryialla says, "Telgar: Where the Loons Go."

I'sai straightens, shakes his head at Ryialla with the smallest of muted
grins - but then comes that whistle and he backs up another step. "Ceria.
Why don't you help Aless. She looks like she's having trouble. ...Saskia,
you wanted to," he rephrases, "talk; let's go. Talk."

Telgar Weyr> Erdrick says, "Telgar: Where the Water is. ;)"

Telgar Weyr> Leya laughs, "That's what I tell newbies when they ask about
the different weyrs. Telgar is the wacky weyr."

Ceria blinks at I'sai. "Trouble with what?" she asks innocently.

Alessandra snickers from where she has indeed fallen off her chair.
"I'sai!" she chirrups. "Too bad you don't have a kilt on now, I'd be
getting a wonderful view!"

That's it; Kassima spends the next few moments choking on laughter and
mint-stick, her coughs having the definite undertone of mirth trying to
escape.

Saskia jerks her head up and just looks at I'sai "Wha?" Her face still
blazes red. She blinks a few times and then abruptly straightens. "I'm
sorry, I'sai. I..." she trails off and looks around at Alessandra and
Kassi. She frowns "Yes, it might be best to...talk...elsewhere."

Ceria practically falls out of the chair herself at Alessandra's comment,
but she tries to restrain herself.

"Name the place," I'sai says tightly. He leans over the table just to tell
his wingmate - wingmates - "I didn't hear Aless. And you. Are having. Too
much fun." ...And, all right, to try to scarf the mint-stick bundle while
he's at it.

Ryialla's lips just curve into a very slow smile.

Ceria manages to snag a single mint-stick before I'sai retrieves them.
"Whatever you say," she says with a failed effort at a straight face.

Alessandra just clasps her arms around her belly, tears streaming down her
face as time after time she tries to stop laughing, only to burst out 
afresh.

"Too much fun?" Kassi coughs out. "What's that mean? 'Tis like too much
money: there's nay such thing."

[Editor's Note:  Credit to Wade Hayes for this line from his "I Ain't
Never Had Too Much Fun," and also to Ceria's player for recognizing the
reference. ;) ]

I'sai thrusts the packet in his pocket; "I'll hold you to that, Ceria," he
mutters, shoulders twitching with every convulsion of Aless', not that
Ryi's smile is helping matters. And not that he so much as attempts to
answer Kassima.

Saskia puts her hands on her hips and glares at Alessandra "And what's
wrong with a good view?" The blush still suffusing her face ruins the
effect somewhat. "We can go to the Star Stones, I'sai. There's a good view
there."

Alessandra diffuses into giggling, wiping her eyes mostly dry as she crawls
back into her chair. "I'sai, dear friend, you turn the most interesting
shade of red sometimes..."

"Good view if you can convince that bronzerider to go up in the kilt!" a
stray male bluerider calls from the corner, with a leer. "Real breezy up
there!"

Kassima manages to calm herself, though snickers still escape her as she
leans back in her chair and extracts the mint-stick from her throat.
"This," she decides, "has been a good evening. Mint-sticks and torment.
What could be better?"

It's also, in addition to breezy, quite cold and public indeed: in short,
safe. "Wonderful," I'sai gratefully accedes, and stalks out - not without
nearly running into a table or two, thanks to trying not to keep his back
turned to any of the fiendish women -or- that bluerider.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima beams at the other women in the LC. Hear that? We're
fiendish! Hmmm... no idea, Jal. Don't know what a group home is.

Telgar Weyr> Ceria grins at Kassi. Its what I've always aspired to.

Telgar Weyr> Ryialla is proud.

Telgar Weyr> Alessandra beams back at Kassi and giggles.

Ryialla says, "Actually getting I'sai into that kilt."

I'sai walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.

"Well, aye," Kassi concedes, "that *would* be an adventure, and probably
aesthetic in its own right." Alicienne, from further down the Thunderbolt
table, wishes to know, "Does he have a nice butt?"

Ryialla grins sharply. Very sudden and /very/ wide. What do you think,
Alicienne?

Alicienne beams back. Yep, that's answer enough.

Alessandra continues giggling softly, taking up her mending and rethreading
that blasted needle. "Best laugh I've had in a few Turns," she comments
quietly, eyes flashing playfully up at the other girls.

Ceria chuckles at Ryiallya and winks if she was looking.

Kassima assures breezily, "We do try. So, now--how is everyone? Well
enough, I'm hoping? Any gossip, news, slander, scandal?"

Ceria smiles a bit at Kassima. "What's the difference between the bunch?"
she wonders.

Kassima grins at the question. "News can be bland, gossip can be positive,
and scandal can be true," she explains.

Alessandra chuckles softly and shakes her head. "I have none at all to
tell, unfortunately, but I'd be happy to listen."

Ceria ponders that for a moment. "I'm single now," she offers. "But that
isn't really new news. It just hasn't been spread around much."

Erdrick walks in from the bowl.

Erdrick walks quietly in, glancing about idly.

Kassima rattles her tongue lightly at that, expression shading more towards
sympathetic. "I *have* been out of things. You seem well enough--'twas an
amicable parting, I hope?"

Ceria nods. "It wasn't unexpected," she says with a slight smile. "We just
seemed to grow apart. Especially while I was a weyrling."

Erdrick raises an eyebrow slightly at the conversation he walked into, and
goes over to the night hearth to pour himself a mug of klah.

"Happens, on occasion," Kassima conceeds, spending a moment or two in
silence to attend to her mint-stick. "If'n parting must happen, better that
it happen peacefully and nay be abrupt. That's news, but nay anyone has any
scandal t'be sharing? I'm so disappointed. Seems nay so long agone you
couldn't go three days without someone getting in trouble for getting
caught minus clothes in the Beastcraft ovine field or the like."

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn says, "KASSI! STOP THAT!"

Ceria has to laugh at that. "I must have missed that rumor," she says. "And
I can't say that I'm sorry."

Saskia holds her head up high and follows I'sai outside.

Saskia walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima gives J'lyn a look just brimming with innocence. Stop
what? 0:)

Alessandra peers up at Kassima--old news is new news to this one. "Tell me!
I've never heard that..."

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn says, "INNOCENCE?!? YOU?????"

Erdrick sits down at his usual spot, glancing at Kassi oddly at the comment
about getting caught naked, and sips his klah quietly.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "Uh, well... maybe in a parallel universe
somewhere?"

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn says, "Nope. I've checked them all. You're ALWAYS Evil."

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn says, "Nice try, Q."

Kassima is glad to oblige. "'Twas something L'cher confessed t'me had
happened when he was a new rider, which was a'fore even my time, ancient
and crotchety as I'm getting. Evidently he'd done it on a dare, but the
Beastcrafters got a different idea of why he was in there, and 'twas one
shard-all mess trying t'be explaining."

Telgar Weyr> Kassima drats. But it's not like you're any epitome of !evil
either, J. ;)

Ceria wrinkles her nose. "I've heard more stories about that rider..." she
says.

Ryialla thinks for a moment. Scandal, scandal. "Well. I'm pregnant," she
says with a grin. Gee. Big surprise there. "Sorry. I'm just fresh out. But
- oh. Kassi." The grin disappears just like that. "You know what I told you
I was going to do? What I was going to ask? He said he didn't know."

Alessandra purses her lips together in a desperate attempt not to start
laughing again, hiding her expression behind the bundle of mending, a
muffled "Sweet Faranth" escaping the fabric.

Telgar Weyr> Saskia nods "Celibate doesn't mean innocent."

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn says, "Hey, I haven't -quite- raised it to the artform
that you have... *GASP* Saskia!!"

Telgar Weyr> I'sai laughs!

Telgar Weyr> Ryialla says, "Well, that's true."

Telgar Weyr> Erdrick raises an eyebrow.

Telgar Weyr> Saskia smiles sweetly "Yes?"

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn says, "Okay, what is this, Pick On The Old Unemployed
Boy Night?? YEESH!"

Telgar Weyr> Ceria carries J'lyn off into the night. :)

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn says, "Sorry, poodle, wrong plumbing. ;)"

Telgar Weyr> Erdrick thinks Kassi's last comment was about L'cher not 
J'lyn.

Kassima glances at Ryi's waistline and drawls, "I *never* would have
guessed. Any idea whether 'tis one, two, three, what? Should I open a
betting pool on number and gender?" Ryi's words have the same instant
sobering effect on her, and she nods slowly. "Aye, I recall it. Better an
uncertain answer than the one you'd nay want t'be hearing, at least?" She
does flick a brief grin over to Ceria.

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn says, "If it was the BeastCraft one, it was about me."

Telgar Weyr> Ceria giggles.

Telgar Weyr> Erdrick says, "She said L'cher. *shrugs*"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima ICly claimed it was about Lach, Jal, since you weren't
*ICly* naked. ;)

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "...I assume."

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn says, "It was STILL about me, an you know it, kassi. ;)"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima polishes her halo. ;) And also offers Ceria lots and
lots of alcohol. Get him drunk; that'll do the trick. ;)

Telgar Weyr> Erdrick thinks maybe she picks on you 'cause she likes you? ;)

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn hasn't been ICly naked since I'sai and J'var were
Candidates.... Uh..... Forget I said that.

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn blushes WAY RED.

Telgar Weyr> Ceria rofl.

Telgar Weyr> Saskia says, "Oh, baby! :)"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "Now I *have* to know. ;)"

Ryialla bnods, then perks up. "One, and she's a girl." She seems very
certain of this.

Telgar Weyr> Erdrick hasn't ICly been naked since his last visit to the hot
spring.

Telgar Weyr> Ryialla says, "And I /missed/ it? Damn damn damn."

Telgar Weyr> Alessandra giggles up at J'lyn.

Telgar Weyr> Ryialla hasn't been ICly naked since...hey, Erdick stole my
line! :P

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn was in the Hot Springs, and they came traipsing in,
being the teases that they were/are, and had NO respect for an undersexed
old greenrider...

Telgar Weyr> I'sai unnetfreezes and -remembers- that.

Kassima's eyebrows shoot up. "How certain of this are you, Ryi? Enough so
that if'n 'twere t'put marks on it, and lost, you'd recompense me?"

Telgar Weyr> I'sai also remembers Lorieth's paw in things.

Ceria grins at Kassima. "Now where's the adventure in that?" she protests.

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn says, "Yeah, she wasn't much of a help that night, was
she, I'sai?"

Telgar Weyr> I'sai says, "Not that night, no. Not a help. Exactly."

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn blahs. At least not to ME she wasn't...

Telgar Weyr> <Kassima> Lysseth high-fives Lorieth. Way to promote green
evil, sister. (No, wait, not sister... great-great aunt, isn't it? ;)

Ryialla sniffs haughtily. "A mother knows. And aye, I'd be willing to make
recompense - as long as I get cut if I am right and you clean up."

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn debates... Do I want to throw Lorieth up for a flight?
FlightMistress, how long has it been?

Telgar Weyr> Ceria oohs. I'll come. :)

Erdrick raises an eyebrow at the conversation about betting, sipping his
klah quietly, content to listen for now.

"Given the choice between adventure and marks..." Kassi begins to say, but
lets that start speak for itself and closes one eye in a wink. "Fair enough
deal, Ryi," she the says, and extends a hand to shake on it.

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn says, "Nope, can't tonite. I told T'shar I'd let him
know when, so he could be there."

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "Last one I have recorded is June 5, 1998."

[Editor's Note:  Actually, I goofed.  Last one I had recorded was October
25, 1998.]

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn BLINKS.

Telgar Weyr> Erdrick hrms?

Telgar Weyr> <J'lyn> Lorieth scowls. << You're telling ME, BLINK?? >>

Telgar Weyr> I'sai laughs!

Telgar Weyr> Kassima whistles innocently. And speaking of flights.... 0:)

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn GAHS!

Telgar Weyr> Erdrick ahhhhhhhs!

Telgar Weyr> Ceria grins. Ooh, I haven't tortured T'shar in a while.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima's last one was in *April*. I've never gone that long
without doing one. It's, like, unholy or something.

Telgar Weyr> M'dei supposes he ought not mention his own little 
addition... :)

Telgar Weyr> Erdrick has never actually had his FLs do a flight, and has
only been in one FL flight. :)

Telgar Weyr> Ceria grins.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima woo-hoos! Add Lorieth too, Jal, and we can claim the
majority of the listing for Telgar greens. ;)

Telgar Weyr> I'sai yelps, "M'dei!"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima tries to coax Ryi into flying the friendly skies, too.
0:)

Ryialla takes the hand, and pumps it firmly. "Deal."

Telgar Weyr> M'dei smiles sweetly at I'sai, blinks innocently, and asks,
"Yes?"

Telgar Weyr> I'sai says, "Great to see you in general, too. :)"

Erdrick just listens, sipping his klah quietly.

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn bahahahahahas....

Telgar Weyr> M'dei says, "Oh, dear."

Telgar Weyr> M'dei says, "Now all we need is a flight for next 
Thursday. ;)"

Kassima returns the shake with equal firmness, then, when released, pulls
forth a much-scribbled hide from her satchel and a piece of charcoal with
which to make a note; her mint is, of course, stored between her teeth
while she works. "Gif Wyiaffa pefentfuh if'n win," she mumbles around her
mouthful. Stowing them away, she clears herself of the accoutrement and
says more clearly, "Got it. In the meanwhile, do remind me t'be looking
through Stores when I get the chance? Just in case I'sai comes around on
the kilt issue."

Telgar Weyr> I'sai says, "Same day/time as Cyrath's, Jaly?"

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn acks. I didn't see that.

Ceria chuckles at Kassima's persistance. "I'll have to try one of those on
sometime," she says. "I don't see what all the fuss is about."

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn says, "Lemme check with Sarai, quick... Wait, wasn't her
flight gonna be NPC?"

Erdrick mutters, "Kilts?" and shudders slightly, glad nobody's trying to
get him into one.

"They're good luck!" Kassi proclaims, with a twirl of her mint. "Good luck,
aesthetic, and an inducer of male blushes. Wonderful things." Espying a
newcomer to the Caverns out of the corner of her eye, she twists in her
seat to waggle her fingers towards Akiko. "Duties t'you and yours," she 
calls.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "Nope, PC--'twas said that the PTBs declared
that a PC flight is required to be Sr. WW, I think."

Telgar Weyr> I'sai says, "Clutch, but flight's on-camera, I believe."

Telgar Weyr> Kassima nods. Clutch is NPC, definitely.

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn reschedules. ;)

  Dragon       Color   Rider         Weyr          Time (ET)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Neith        Gold    Merellia      Ista          Thu Jan 13 9:00 p.m. 
  Gaiath       Green   M'dei         Telgar        Wed Feb  2 10:30 p.m. 
  Cyrath       Gold    Sarai         Igen          Thu Feb  3 8:00 p.m. 
  Lorieth      Green   J'lyn         Telgar        Thu Feb  3 9:30 p.m. 
  Lysseth      Green   Kassima       Telgar        Thu Feb 10 8:00 p.m.

Kassima crunches off the last of this mint stick, and, setting satchel
aside for a moment, stands. "Methinks 'twill see what's available for
dinner tonight," she decides. "Anyone want aught to eat while I'm up?"

Akiko always the quiet and studious one remains out of sight, both by the
dimunitive frame she possesses and the other significate factor that she is
trying to remain out of mind.

Alessandra shakes her head slightly as Kassima speaks, indicating the small
sweetroll on the table before her as she mends. "Not I, but thank you."

Ceria glances up at Kassima. "I could use a meatroll or two if you don't
mind grabbing them," she responds.

Ryialla nods to Kassi, and says, "Actually, I think I'm going to go poke
around there for a bit. Not hungry. Thanks for the offer, though." She
waves and heads out.

Ryialla walks towards the inner cavern.

Kassima waves after Ryi, nods to Ceria, and putters about the food table a
bit, dismissing various offers. What she finally comes back with is a pair
of meatrolls--which she places in front of Ceria--and a plate of
cheese-noodles and mug of cider for herself. "I wish 'twere some of
Gwennar's lemon bread here," she remarks rather wistfully. "That'd be
divine. Any of you ever tried it?"

Lemon bread? It's a new one on Alessandra. "Not I... what's it like?
Besides lemony of course."

Ceria thanks Kassima for the meatrolls and shakes her head. "I've never
tried Gwennar's lemon bread," she says. "But I've made some myself before."

"Gwennar's is the best in all the world," Kassi assures. "Probably better
than Master Ofira's herself, though I'd nay tell her that! 'Tis this sweet,
subtle bread with the most wonderful lemon flavor, crumbly, nay too rich...
m'favorite treat in the world. But 'tis only found at Ruatha, alas."
Alessandra hm's softly, almost under her breath, and nibbles at her
sweetroll. "I'll have to try that out for myself if I could get to Ruath
Hold..."

Akiko does cross her arms, and lean against the table to listen to this
talk to lemon bread. Lemon bread? Eww. Lemons are not any good. Why would
they like that sort of things? Oh well, she just smiles as her chin rests
in the nook her curving limbs create.

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn says, "Okay,opinion time. Green or Blue for Jaly's
proddydesc?"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "Green!"

Telgar Weyr> Saskia says, "Green :)"

Telgar Weyr> I'sai thirds the green, given their conversation earlier.

Telgar Weyr> I'sai says, "(The LC's.)"

Kassima twirls her fork through the mass of noodles, bringing up a hearty
bite which, rather than heartily biting, she just nibbles. Hmm. "Do," she
advises, "and you'll nay regret it. I rather miss Gwennar, but I don't get
down to Ruatha as often as I'd like anymore. Between the spawn and the
Wing... still, 'tis easier t'balance with Kena's able help, so mayhaps
'twill visit and bring up a giant basket of the stuff sometime."

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "At least I never need to wonder what color to
make Kassi's proddydesc. They're always, always black. ;)"

Telgar Weyr> Alessandra says, "Proddydescs?"

Telgar Weyr> I'sai says, "You know, when they grow fangs."

Telgar Weyr> Kassima nodnods. I write a new desc every time Kassi's proddy.
I've got 'em all saved somewhere. Ever since flight six, each one's based
on some movie/book/suchlike character who dresses in either black or white.
I've done Darth Vader, Elvis, Mercutio, the man in black from Princess
Bride, Riff Raff... the last three were Man In Black from MIB, Black Knight
from Holy Grail, and Mister Mistoffelees from Cats. I need a hobby. ;)

Telgar Weyr> Alessandra says, "Oh, you change their descs for when they're
proddy? (*new concept to her*)"

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn says, "Nope, change OUR descs"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima nodnods. I don't think most people do, but I like
writing descs for Kassi. :)

Telgar Weyr> Alessandra oh's! Mau...

Akiko walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.

Ceria peers over at Kassima's cheese noodles as she munches on her
meatroll. "You know," she observes, "I've never tried those things. Are
they really that good?"

"Pretty good," Kassi decides, after another bite of them. "Nay too strongly
flavored, which is a good thing, but nay so blah they might as well just be
boiled noodles either."

Ceria nods thoughtfully. "I'll have to try them sometime," she says. "I'll
bet you could add some interesting spices to them."

Alessandra finishes her mending and stands, excusing herself quietly. "If
you'll pardon me, ladies, there's still time left in the day and I've
several things to do..."

Alessandra walks towards the inner cavern.

Kassima considers the plate in front of her a bit dubiously, then sets her
fork down and passes it down to V'dan. "Spices may nay be a bad idea," she
agrees, "but methinks 'twill stick t'mint-sticks as all the spice I need
for now... excuse me, would you? I need t'be looking in on the spawn ere
'Maeva puts them t'bed."

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "Read, I just remembered I have genetics
homework due tomorrow that I haven't done yet. Oops. :P :)"

Telgar Weyr> J'lyn says, "Oops."

Telgar Weyr> I'sai oops with you. Good luck.

Ceria nods and waves a meatroll amiably at Kassima. "Nite," she calls.

You walk towards the inner cavern.