Gather Festivities

[Spirithawk]

Christae dressed in her best Gather clothing. She put on a resplendent in a gown of russet brown. Her hair had been pinned up in a neat bun with a few tendrils falling to soften the look. The gown hugged a figure trim from dragonriding. There was a belt of gold at her waist fastened with a dragon shaped buckle. A small sapphire jewel was set in the dragon's eye and a few other semi-precious stones were embedded in the links of the gold belt.

The gown swept out from under the belt in vulminous folds, flaring out to cover the dragonriders legs. Her feet peeked out as she walked, clad in soft dancing shoes of the same color as the gown. Her neckline showed a bit of cleavage and fell off of her creamy shoulders. The sleeves hugged the curve of her arm until they reached about halfway past the elbow. Then the sleeve flared out gracefully. As the goldrider walked, the sleeves spread out behind her, falling to her waist. The gown brushed the floor and was longer in the back, almost like a train. Along the train were embroidered the symbol of Dark Moon and a web of golden vines and flowers. In the center was a golden dragon and throughout the web were miniatures of the golden dragon. The hem of the gown was embroidered in a similar pattern as well as the graceful neckline. A choker that matched the belt circled her throat.

She had worn the gown before at one of the Hatching Feasts but she had not had the chance to wear it again. Now, at Southern Hold's Gathering she would be able to show it off. She had to pin the bodice tighter around her frame because she had lost some weight since the last time she had worn the dress.

She took it off and replaced it with a simpler gown. She carefully packed the magnificent gown and put it the packs that she would attach to her riding straps. Kaith was waiting and the Gather would be starting soon. She wanted to get there in time to change before the other Weyrleaders arrived.

The Weyrlings, Candidates, and other Weyrfolk were all abuzz with anticipation. Most of them had already found rides on the dragonriders that were going to the Gather. Those that weren't going either couldn't find a ride or were just not interested in going. Anyone who had marks was looking forward to purchasing Gather goods. Christae had set aside several marks to purchase flitt eggs for the weyr. (lol hint hint member contest!)

[kestrel]

Meanwhile, others about the Weyr were packing and arranging for the Gather at Southern Hold themselves-J'red was no exception. This would be his first Gather as a representative of his new Weyr, and, like everyone, he would bring his best Gather clothes to show off there. He was busy trying to decide between two outfits that he particularly liked, but ended up deciding on darker colors that complimented his hair and eyes both. A shirt of softer silk-like material would be worn underneath the specially made long black jacket of leather dyed black. It was something he had given the design for himself, as he was looking through an old book of terran clothing that belonged to his mother when he'd had it made, and he was sure he'd be the first and only one there with this style of clothing.
*Trying to impress our lovely Weyrwoman, are we J'red? The last time you wore that outfit I can not recall.* Hikanth's tone bore a hint of teasing, but not overmuch as it might have.
J'red had no retort-he had to admit that part of him wanted to look nice for Christae, even though he wondered how much what he looked like actually would matter. Well, there was no point in not looking nice for her, or for himself, he reasoned stubbornly, as he grabbed the black hide pants that were to go with his Gather outfit, as well as freshly polished black wher-hide boots with new lacing. He took a pair of black gloves, tight fitting and also new that he'd gotten at the last gather, and then added a black belt with a silver dragon-headed buckle, the dragon's eye was a beautiful saphire stone, the only gem on it. He had a dragon-head pendant on a silver chain to match the belt-these two he had got specifically made as well, and had worn only once before. He knew that in these things he looked well, and also knew that he would politely dance with all, but his attentions would be for Christae, should she want them.
*Do you jest? Of course she will want them. How could you believe it to be otherwise?*
J'red waved a dismissive hand at his life mate, and gave a heavy sigh, not feeling as if he should have to explain, yet again, that he was in much a position to vie for Christae's own attentions as any other Bronzerider. He'd only met the woman a couple sevendays ago-had it really been so short a time? It was unlike J'red in the least to have his interests drawn to another in so short a time.
*True. You have never met one like Christae, however.*
J'red only smiled at this, and once again said nothing. He was in a contemplative mood, as he neatly put away his best Gather-outfit, and turned his attentions to what he would wear in the meantime. He began to look through his attire, and settled upon a pair of brown hide trousers, along with a black wher-hide jacket, and a white shirt of a cotton material underneath. The shirt accentuated the fact that he was in good shape-though nothing like the button up silken one he'd chosen for the gather, which he would leave unbuttoned at the top to display his silver chain and dragon-headed pendant-not to mention show just a bit of skin. He did not believe that a man had to be overly showy-subtleties were often the best-leaving the other wondering at what more there actually was, instead of showing it all in one go. Therefore, his style was elegent yet compelling. The brown trousers were a little form-fitting, as well, and he had another pair of wher-hide boots to go complete his travel outfit. He looked well enough, to be certain. It was not often he would ever dress to be looked at, however...

~~~~~~

Kaiya couldn't wait for her first Gather that her new Weyr would be going to. She had only just arrived the other day, but the excitement of her life in a new Weyr was certainly welcome. She'd stuck to her own devices for the most part, having settled into a room of her own-thankfully-and gotten a little more used to the Weyr's surrounding area. She, too, would dress in her best for the Gather, but didn't want to travel there in clothes that were that dressy. It took a lot to get Kaiya into a dress, and the one she'd brought was lovely indeed. She had put it carefully into her small closet in her room, and now she took it out and looked at it with a small smile on her lips-it was rare a dress earned a smile from the young woman, but this dress was worth the smile-even from one who didn't like dresses. The dress was a jet black, and had straps for the shoulders, leaving pale skin exposed for the most part. The dress showed minimal skin elsewhere, just the barest hint of cleavage as the front was in a 'V' but laced up just to where her cleavage began. The straps tied up around the back of her neck, hanging down a back that was mostly bare, save that a little ways up from the small of her back, there was more lacing up, up to the middle of her back. The dress itself looked velvety in texture, almost, but shone a tad like silk. The tailor who'd made it had done so on the instruction of Kaiya's mother, who knew something of the tailoring craft herself. Kaiya had to admit that even wearing it, she still couldn't help but like it. The dress came down to just above her ankles, but there was a long 'slit' up the left side, which went up to the middle of the top of her leg, and there was more lacing there, going down to the top of her knee. She had a matching belt with silver inlaid into it, the buckle having an emerald that matched her eyes very well on it. She would wear a silver choker with another emerald set in the center, and soft boots of black hide that came up just below her knees, laced all up the front. It was a stunning outfit-it had had to be. Kaiya had no use for loose, puffy dressed. She had needed something a little more form-fitting and comfortable, without many gems or decorations. This dress, for all that it was actually rather simple, managed to be as stunning as some of the more elegant dresses at the Gather. It saved her having to be totally at ill ease, and the jacket of soft black hide that she would bring with her in case of cold was packed along with the dress, and boots. She decided then to also bring the long gloves of black hide that went up past her elbows, as well-if she was going to do this, she may as well do it all. She grinned lopsidedly at this-and then proceeded to put on a pair of black dyed pants, wher-hide boots, leather gloves and a long-sleeved, dark green shirt with a brown, lace up vest over it. She then shouldered her pack, and went out to look for the dragons who would be transporting Weyrfolk who didn't have dragons of their own. She had no clue how far this hold was, or if it could be gotten to by foot-if it could not, then the Weyrlings would have to leave their partners behind while they went to the gather-she wondered how well that would go over with them, however. She supposed that the young dragons would probably do their own thing, sleep, or swim, or whatever it was young dragons liked to do on their time to themselves-sunning, maybe? She arrived in the Weyrbowl, and looked to see who was available...

~~~~~~

Tikal didn't like Gathers. He loved them. He adored the chance to meet new people, he loved putting on his gather clothes and getting all ready to go. He was so conservative with his marks, that he always had some left over even after the gather was through. Often he treated friends to bubbly pies or meat rolls-it was a pity he wasn't overly close to anyone yet-but perhaps he would run into someone he'd spotted in the Weyr at the Gather. His Gather clothes had been packed neatly the day before, an outfit similar to the ones he usually wore-only fancier. Black hide pants of softly tanned leather were the beginning of the outfit-he had no belt to go with this, and planned to get one at the Gather. Freshly polished black, wher-hide boots with new lacing were his footwear. He wore a skin-tight black shirt of soft, silken materials under a vest of 'salmon' color, lined with gold trim, and with fastenings made of some sea shelled material, that were in the shape of elongated 'buttons', though it laced up across the shirt with black laces if not left open. Long gloves that went most of the way up his arms were black, of the same material as the vest, made to match with gold trim and the other predominant color making them look like they were half salmon, half black, complimented the vest perfectly. There were small golden dots up the length of the gloves, and they allowed for the same mobility and freedom of movement as if he had not been wearing them-the 'stretchy' but durable material that had been treated and used to make them had cost him many days of saving. He had purchased them, along with the vest, as a pair at another Gather. He had had not a single mark left after that gather! He remembered that his friends had had to buy him the bubbly pies for once! He smiled in fond recollection, and then remembered he had a gold chain with a ruby set in it in a diamond shaped pendant that he had wanted to bring, and packed this as well. In the meantime, he wore a black shirt similar to the one that he had packed but not at all as fine, and blue-dyed pants, darker in color. He had a brown vest that laced all up the front overtop, and long black hide gloves with black boots to match. He, too, had no way of transportation to the gather, and ended up in the Weyrbowl to see about location and transportation to the Gather.

~~~~~~

Kestrel didn't like large groups of people at all, so the idea of going to a Gather where there would be tons of people present didn't really appeal to her much at all. The noise, the expectancy to dance, the cluster of people often so thick that one had to carefully weave ones way through...no, that wasn't her thing at all. However, what she did like about the Gathers was the stalls. She knew that there would be sellers who sold things that one could find no where but a Gather, and she wanted a new belt, as well as some gloves, and maybe even a new knife and crossbow. However, the thought that she'd be the only one not all dressed up bothered her a little. Not that she cared what people thought of her, but if they knew that she was from Dark Moon, it might be a bad reflection on the Weyr to go in her everyday clothes. She gave a reluctant sigh, and opened up a sack, from which she removed a beautiful dark green dress with gold trim, a belt which was gold coated-of solid gold had been way too expensive-and set with an emerald in the buckle went with the dress. The dress had been her mothers. It had a small jacket to go over it, made from the same material as the dress, which only came down just below the ribs, and the dress showed off far too much chest for her liking. But, it was the only thing even resembling a dress she had. All her other clothes were for hunting, figure fitting for movement and wearable no matter what she was doing. She also had, thankfully, brought the black, knee high boots that went with the dress-though it was so long that no one would see much of her feet-it didn't drag, it came up above her ankles, but still. It was a beautiful dress, the upper half above her waist was very form-fitting, and without the jacket it bared the shoulders completely-there was no shoulders to it, it was around the chest to the back, done up with small gold clasps. She sighed again...it wasn't her at all. She'd never even worn it before, really. Then again, she'd never been a Candidate, never lived in a Weyr. She had cared less about how her looks might reflect on anyone. She bit her lower lip, fingering the bottom of the dress. It came out gracefully, billowing around ones ankles and moving beautifully to ones walk and movement-no matter who they were, the dress would make them look graceful. She remembered with a sad pang in her chest how her mother had looked in it-she could even remember now, all these turns later-her mother had been a vision. She wondered, then, if she would even do he dress any favors in wearing it. With another heavy sigh, she packed the dress, and headed for the Weyrbowl, hoping that maybe she'd run into Hasima there. She was, of course, wearing her regular, everyday clothes, though a clean outfit, at that.

~~~~~~

Everyone was talking about a 'Gather', and Rhiyo had only just begun to understand what that was. Apparently, it was a gathering of people who came to a Hold to sell their goods, buy those goods, and have a good time associating with others. He had been excited at first when he'd heard about this-perhaps, just perhaps, there would be someone there who might recognize him! However, it was only a short moment later that he remembered that he had no one to go with at all. A sense of loneliness overwhelmed him, as he sat on the edge of the bed in the room he'd been given, and wondered what to do next. He had already found his Gather clothes when rummaging through his pack. They were nice enough, but he was nervous about putting them on, for some reason. He was stalling, and he knew it. Everyone was going to this Gather, and he knew that he ought to as well. He was pretty sure Akki would chastise him for his sullen manner, and briefly thought about going to see where she was. Then, he pondered this a moment and figured that she probably had loads of people who were going with her, and he didn't want to feel the outsider, that was for certain. He'd asked someone about the Gather, and was told where it was-but had no clue how to get there, so had asked about that, as well. He was told to go to the Weyrbowl, before the drudge who'd told him as much had gone off in a hurry-likely she was going to get ready too. With a sigh, he looked at his Gather clothes again-they had to be that, for he was told everyone usually had a Gather outfit, and this was far nicer than anything else by way of clothing in his pack. His pack had contained three sets of clothes, and one Gather outfit. The gather outfit was a long-sleeved black shirt, black trousers, and a dark brown hide overcoat. It was really nice looking, but not overdone, and he wondered where he had really gotten it. It also had a black belt with a silver buckle in the shape of what looked like a firelizard to him. Well, that was probably his favorite thing about he outfit. He didn't want to try it on, though. He knew it would fit, because it was his, but still, he was reluctant. There was also an extra set of wher-hide boots, these ones were black as his other pair were brown. He figured they were the boots to go with the outfit. He spotted a pair of black hide gloves, which came up just past his wrists-did they go with this outfit too? They looked as if they'd never been worn before-so they must have. When he was going through his pack, he'd found a black 'collar'-type choker, and it had his name engraved on the leather on the inside, a silver buckle held it, and he suddenly impulsively decided to wear that with his outfit, too. It was nothing he'd seen anyone else ever wear, so he figured it would at least make him stand out a bit, if nothing else. He slowly stood up, brushing off his pants of a dark green dyed hide, and slipped on his wher-hide brown boots, lacing them up more slowly than he ought to have been. A white shirt with his brown jacket had him ready to go, but not feeling happy about it, for some reason. He wondered if R'xis would be there-at the least maybe the boy would be someone to speak to, a familiar face. But maybe he was going with Akki, and wouldn't want to be bothered.
'Oh, stop feeling sorry for yourself!' he chided himself mentally, and forced himself to smile a little as he headed into the Weyrbowl, determined to at least try and have a good time at this Gather...

[kesomon]

When one attended a Gather, it was customary to arrive in splendant fashion. A day free of work and worry, Gathers were the time of celebration. Holds and Weyrs put aside their feuds and joined in drink and dance and the lure of sweet berry pastries. Eyes closed, Kaelin could smell the mouth-watering aromas, the rich roast taste from the grills, the heady earthy scent of the packed dirt square. It was what she remembered from her childhood, and she allowed herself a moment of remeniscence.

The mount beneath her gave a lurch and Kaelin opened her eyes, grasping convulsively to the saddlehorn as she steadied herself, reigning in the exausted runner. "Easy there," she sighed, patting the borrowed animal's neck. Three days riding had left her a mess, in no fit state for a Gather. Trail dirt smudged her nose, hiding the mild flush of sunburn that the wide-brimmed hat perched on her head had not prevented. Her hair was in disarray and in want of a good scrubbing, pulled back from her face in a haphazzard tail. A vest which was once a deep forest green was indistinguishable from her plain white tunic and riding trousers, in that they had all turned a muted shade of dust-gray.

Well, perhaps that was an exagguration, but to the young healer apprentice it was how she felt. Dirty, muggy, exausted, and covered in dust.

Mindful of the ledges where arrived riders' dragons were already perched in the sun, Kaelin guided her beast to a tack and dismounted. Her legs felt rubbery from the long ride - she wobbled a moment before she was able to tie a proper hitch, and leaned on the side of the watering basin, groaning appreciatively as she allowed herself a moment's rest.

"Hey, hey, kid, gerroff. Yer in the way. No riff-raff around in here today, git."

Kaelin opened her eyes with a weary glower towards the voice. "Excuse me?"

"I said git; we've got a Gathering here t'day, ye can't hang around here." The blacksmith, who looked about as coal-smudged as Kaelin felt, shooed her with a flick of his hands. She thought about returning the gesture.

"I'm only resting my heels a minute, smithy," she reassured, leaning back against the cool stone. "I just got here. Straight from Healer Hall, in fact. Pardon me if the appearance of my person isn't up to your fine Weyrside standards."

The smithy narrowed his eyes, and she could feel him sweep her up and down searching for her knots. Bully for him - she didn't have any. "I'm not about to wear my colours on the trail, snakes-for-brains," she snapped. "Is there someplace I can wash this dust off my face?"

"The holdfolk set up a place for guests to clean up," the man replied disgruntledly, pointing the way. "My apologies madam journeywoman."

Not bothering to correct his assumations (who was she to argue if she looked a year older and had enough of an air to pass a blacksmith's idea of a full-ranked journeyer?) Kaelin nodded her appreciation, unslung her bags from the nag's saddle, and hiked across the square to the baths.

Half an hour later and several coins poorer (trust the holders to charge for something like hot water) Kaelin was dressed in fresh clothes - a light-cloth tunic, a vest embroidered with the Healer Hall colours over a rich sea blue, and a matching skirt that swished around her ankles, with her best softhide sandles. Stowing her belongings for another small fee, and muttering about purse-leeches, the young apprentice at last made her way into the square.

Standing at the threshold of the yard, Kaelin breathed deep the sweet, rich myriad of smells, sounds, and flavour, and smiled at last. Now that was what she remembered.

[Akki]

Akki frowned delicately as she threw her clothes out of a chest and onto her Weyr floor. She loved Gathers, how could she not? The hustle of people around her, the atmosphere just brimming with excitement as people rushed to look at the goods that were set out just for this occasion. However, no matter how much she loved them, she just couldn't find something to wear. She sighed, grabbed the most recent dress that she had pulled out and quickly put it on, scrutinizing herself afterwards. The dress was a silvery light blue; it went in at the waist and flared out slightly. Around the entire top of the dress was a white fabric strap, matching the white underskirt of the dress which was revealed every time she walked due to the slits that went up to her mid-thigh. The neck line dipped low enough to reveal a bit of cleavage, but nothing that would cause her to accidentally flash anyone. The dress had no sleeves, leaving her shoulders bare as she hoped silently that it was warm outside and she would not regret wearing this dress. It definitely wasn't the most spectacular dress she had, but everything else she had put on before this one just didn't seem quite right.

"Well come on then Ebbeth." She said, patting the dragon’s side. "We have some people to give rides to, no doubt." She pointed out as she thought for a second what she should do for her hair. She had always had her hair down; she couldn't even remember the last time it was up. She gathered her hair and twisted it into a bun, some pieces of hair escaping and settling around her face, giving it a 'messy graceful' feel. It felt weird to have it up, she felt almost naked now, but she wanted to do something with her hair and this was about all she could do at the moment. Straightening out her dress as she ran a hand down it, she waved her other hand at Ebbeth who had been waiting patiently with a bemused expression on his face as he watched his rider fumble to find something to wear, "You might as well as go down to the Weyrbowl now Ebbeth. I'll be there in a second anyways, just got to grab a few things." The dragon nodded, turned and leapt out of the rider’s weyr, spiraling towards the Weyrbowl.

She grabbed the marks that she had put aside for the Gather, in case there was something that had caught her eye. She patted Sargon lightly on the head and told the green flitt, "You better behave, you silly critter, when I'm gone." She paused for a second and shrugged and said as an afterthought, "Well, I guess you could come actually. But you still have to behave.” With everything she needed, she left her weyr, going down the stairs (Well, as quickly as one could without tripping on a dress and falling) and headed towards the Weyrbowl. She couldn't help but wonder who would be there already, waiting for a ride so they could reach the Gather. How many other riders were there to give rides also?

----

Hasima sat on her cot in the Weyrling Barracks, staring at the dress that was folded beside her, with Rimith on the floor as she looked up at her rider. When the sickly-looking girl had remembered that there was a Gather coming up, she had felt her throat close up slightly as she realized that she had nothing to wear. For the feast she had to borrow a dress from Rhia, she had nothing of her own that would be suitable. Rimith crooned comfortingly as Hasima slowly shifted through her chest, telling the girl that anything that was clean would surely be fine. It was then that her fingers stumbled across a darker red fabric, hidden away under other clothing. Her eyebrows knitted together as she tried to remember ever having something that color.

She slowly pulled it out, watching as the red cloth unfolded itself and took the form of a dress. It was all slowly coming back now; it was the red dress that she had first seen in Akki's weyr when she was there for a visit. A few days later, the blue rider had found the girl and gave her the dress, telling her that it was too small on her and would fit Hasima. Hasima had flushed and tried to politely refuse the dress, feeling embarrassed that someone would want to give her something, but Akki had shook her head and made her take it. Now the yellow rider was quite thankful, it being the only thing that she could wear for today. If you talked to Akki about the dress, she would admit that it was really nothing spectacular but she had just thought that her friend should have had it.

The top of the dress had a black swirl design embroidered onto it, big enough to be noticed but not big enough to be gaudy. The dress sleeves ended half-way down the forearm, with the same embroidery design being found at the end of the sleeve. The neckline was a round scoop, not low enough to show any cleavage which the very modest girl was happy about. Around the waist of the dress was a rather thicker black belt, which was there to add something to the not too exciting dress, which caused the dress to flare out slightly, giving it a slightly elegant look. Hasima slowly put on the dress, not sure how it would look on her. The dress went well with her hair, and somehow even managed to make her skin look a little livelier instead of making it look washed out. Rimith commented that the dress looked good on her, causing the shy girl to blush a deep red.

Pocketing the couple of marks that she had to spare, she wondered briefly if she should do something to her hair. But in the end she left it down, it was a security blanket to her. She knelt down, careful of the dresses hem and rubbed the yellows eye ridges, who told the girl to have fun. Saying a soft goodbye, she walked out of the room with a small wave to her dragon before heading towards the Weyrbowl. She was hoping that she would be able to get a ride from either Akki or another rider.

[kesomon]

((I think I'll just post for posterity, and boredom, and enticement of partners. And to avoid my homework. X3))

For what seemed to be a usually bustling scene, the riders sporting colours from the nearby Dark Moon Weyr were blaringly conspicuous in their absence. While there were others already enjoying the early-arrived tradesmen's booths, enticed by shiny things and crafts from distant holdings, the few guardians perched on the sunning stones were either too big or too small to be from the nearby Weyr. Kaelin frowned thoughtfully, perched upon a ledge wall that lined a shaded area to the east end of the square. The young healer took a noisy bite from a firm northern fruit that hadn't cost much, sucking the juice off her fingers that dribbled waywardly away from her lips, and tilted her hat back to shield her eyes against the sun. She propped a foot up against the rock, her knee bent to her chest, and munched the tart fruit, leaning back against the cool stone. The posture made the folds of her skirt slump down against her thigh and fall in curtains around her ankle, but if a few of the hold's fosterling boys got a glimpse of too much skin it wasn't by design.

Wonder what D'nel might say, she wondered absently, smiling crookedly at the thought. The bluerider was notorious for working long into the night, and rising with dawn, sometimes without ever touching the furs on his bed. She'd found him often tucked up against his dragon's side like a canine pup to its mother, book slumped open in his lap, his glasses askew and dark hair dusty from the rocks.

"Don't waste the day tucked up in bed," he sometimes said with a rakish grin, "There's only so much time before you lose all daylight, and then you have to work by firelight to get anything done. And you know that smokey smell is impossible to get out of your clothes."

D'nel loved Gathers, mostly as an excuse to invade the hosting hold's library. Looking back up at the sunning rocks and missing the familiar sapphire figure of her father's lifemate, Kaelin sighed and bit into her snack, tasting the tart, cool juice that splashed over her tongue. Maybe for old time's sake she'd invade this hold's records.

[kestrel]

Tikal was the first of the group in the Weyrbowl to leave Dark Moon Weyr for the Gather. Offered a ride by a Bluerider on his way out himself, Tikal accepted gratefully, and climbed up a proffered leg to the blue's neck ridges, to sit behind the rider. Tikal had been on a dragon before, so unlike many it was not a huge new experience or anything. However, each time his breath caught in his throat as the dragon would take off to the air, and he wasn't too fond of going between-though that didn't bother him as much as it did most who'd not a dragon of their own. So, when the dragon alighted in the air and got high enough and then blinked into between, Tikal merely counted slowly in his head until they blinked back out and over the Gather place.

Looking at the scene below him, he felt that rush of familiar excitement that he could never quite hide upon seeing all the vendors and people below. He couldn't wait to get down there, and begin meeting new people and seeing what was up for sale. He was surprisingly good at bartering-especially from the female vendors! With his long crimson hair and icy-blue eyes, Tikal knew how to play his 'pretty boy' part quite well, and could usually always get prime prices from women vendors. When it came to the men, however, Tikal was almost just as good. He had a quick tongue and a good grasp on what things were really worth. He was fair with his bartering-but never so fair that he didn't try to get the lowest price possible! He enjoyed the barters almost as much as he enjoyed meeting people, and as soon as he'd bowed to and thanked the blue dragon and his rider, he was off and on his way to see what he could see, and meet who he would meet.

As it was, he was looking behind his shoulder to see if he recognized someone he'd spotted. He was unsure, however, and was trying to get a better look-when he bumped into someone, and quickly turned to whomever it was to apologize.

She was dressed in a vest embroidered with Healer Hall colors, and he used this to make a guesstimate in his apology to her, addressing her thus,
"my apologies, Lady Healer. I wasn't watching where I was going." He smiled at her, one of his charming smiles he knew that just about any girl would forgive him with, meantime assessing her Gather clothes, and mentally making a memory of her face. Tikal had a great memory when it came to people-he never forgot a face, and rarely a name. And so, "I'm Candidate Tikal of Dark Moon Weyr. Who do I have the pleasure of addressing?" His tone was formal, and the seventeen turns old boy made a graceful bow to her, though there was a mischievous twinkle that never left his eyes as he stood back up to full height.

Tikal was a bit of a flirt, but not overly so. He simply liked the interaction that flirting brought-it was part of his more 'playful' nature, and very few mistook him for ever wanting more than to be 'playfully friendly'. He never came on too strong, with just the right amount of wit and charm both to not offend whomever it was he was addressing. Though he remembered a couple times where the women hadn't appreciated his flirtations, most could tell he was just good-natured and either went along or showed apparent amusement.

~~~~~~

J'red knew there would be those that needed rides to the Gather, and so his first stop was to the Weyr Bowl, to assess how many would need to be transported. Hikanth could easily carry three besides him, but it was safer, at times, to do it in pairs of two. So, as Hikanth back winged and landed in the Bowl, he slid off and, giving him a pat on the neck, headed over to where he could see some people gathered.

He recognized many of them, as he'd been here a few sevendays already...there was Candidates Kestrel, Kaiya and that new boy...Rhiyo, were they calling him? And he was pretty sure that the girl he saw heading for where the others were was Hasima. He spotted Akki and gave a wave-wasn't she friends with Hasima, as well as Kestrel? He wondered how many her blue Ebbeth could take at one time, and began walking over to the blue rider, intending to inquire so that they could perhaps arrange who would take whom. When he was in range, he said in a voice loud enough to be heard,
"hello there, Akki. I see you're here to take some of our Weyrfolk to the Gather as well?" He smiled then, nodding politely in greeting to Ebbeth as well, continuing, "it's nice of you to think of those without dragons. Oftentimes it's not so easy getting to a Gather if you've not got transportation as we do." He jerked a thumb at Hikanth, who gave a small bugle in Ebbeth's direction. "Well, then-did you have in mind which ones you'd like to take yourself?" He queried, and then added, "I wasn't sure if any of these people had made prior arrangements with you and Ebbeth. Hikanth and I just figured we'd come here and offer our assistance to those who didn't have rides arranged beforehand." He glanced towards Rhiyo and Kaiya, and then back to Akki. "If Ebbeth could take two, I could take the other two with me on Hikanth. I'm going to check back to see if anyone else arrives in either case. I'm sure we have other Weyrlings and Candidates-not to mention Weyrfolk-who will be needing our assistance."

J'red wondered if Christae would be making an appearance in the Weyrbowl herself. She would likely not have to-if she figured that there were enough riders to transport the Weyrfolk without needing to trouble Kaith with the task.
*That is Weyrwoman Christae, to you, Bronzerider.*
J'red chuckled, in good humor and secretly agreeing with his bronze. He wasn't supposed to think of his Weyrwoman on first name basis, nor to forget who she was, exactly. There were no guarantees in flights, after all, and whomever won...well, whomever won would be his Weyrleader.

J'red was not a jealous individual, so he was surprised to find himself thinking this with a touch of bitterness. He realized that he would have to deal with personal feelings if they didn't win the flight-personal feelings that he would not-could not-allow to get in the way of his duties to his Weyr. Hikanth's draconian laughter filled his mind.
*You worry too much. I have said I shall win, and so I shall.*
J'red was glad for his dragon's confidence, because he was not an assumption maker himself. He was down to earth and though he didn't doubt Hikanth's ability, he knew nothing was certain until everything was said and done. So, he tended to rely on having hope and an optimistic attitude. Putting it out of his mind, he kept his attention focused on the bluerider girl in front of him. He'd not really had a lot of association with any one person in the Weyr. He found Christae's son a source of constant amusements-the bright little boy certainly showed 'no fear' and plenty of energy. He knew Akki was someone that was well-liked, however. He knew he should make a point of getting to know the Weyrpeople better, and mentally made a note of this in his mind to make an effort to do so.

[kesomon]

Kaelin had enjoyed the remainder of her midday snack with a lazy dose of people-watching before her rump began to go numb, settled against the cold hard stonework. Grunting lightly, she hopped down off the wall, dusting the seat of her skirt free of lodged debri.

She had just raised her arms over her head with a lazy stretch and a wide yawn when she was abruptly jostled from behind, and she gave a mild "eep!" of indignation and surprise, dropping the mostly-eaten core of the fruit she'd planned to give to the runner she'd borrowed for the journey. She winced, almost afraid to turn around and find she'd dropped an apple core on the shoes of some dignitary, and slowly pivoted.

She couldn't help it; the young healer let out a visable sigh of relief when she found herself in the presence of a strange young man, and not, Starstones forbid, the Lord Holder. As the young man apologised and introduced himself as Tikal, she smiled in relief.

"Thank goodness," she exclaimed quietly, and, after a pause, blanched, and began stammering. "I mean, that it was you who bumped into me. And I'm sorry if I hit you with the apple core. Not that I planned to drop food on you or anything. I mean, I don't make a habit of it. It's just, you could've been someone important. Not that you're not important, I'm sure you're very imp-I believe I'll stop talking now." She inhaled a breath and adapted a sweet, sheepish smile. "Hello, Tikal of Dark Moon Weyr. I'm Kaelin of...well, I suppose saying Healer Hall would be a bit redundant, wouldn't it? You've guessed as much already." She looked down at her vest. "Pretty obvious."

[Spirithawk]

((you can't make the journey by runnerback unless you'd left the sevenday before...just fyi kesomon, Southern Hold is a long way's away from Dark Moon))

[Akki]

Akki was busy patting herself down, double checking to see if she had left anything behind. It would be a burden to have to come back, and ransack her weyr looking for one small thing that she was foolish enough to forget in the first place. She knew that one rider had left already, giving a ride to someone without a dragon, and couldn't help but wonder who it was. Akki thumped her dragon on his side, "Get ready to head out soon Ebbeth, we'll probably end up coming back for a second trip." She didn't mind coming back, neither did her big old blue. It was much better than having to deal with the fact that someone was left behind at Dark Moon when they wanted to oh-so dearly go to the Gather that was taking place. She gave a crooked grin as people slowly trickled into the Weyrbowl, looking for rides.

Her eyes landed on another rider, who was currently waving in her direction. The new bronze rider of Dark Moon was heading her way, and she let her crooked grin turn into a full one as she replied with a shrug, "We can't just leave them behind now, can we? Who knows what kind of trouble they might stir up if we're not here.". She motioned her hand, waving any comments off, "It's not anything special, it's what I do. I don't think I could live with myself if I never showed up to give people rides.". Upon hearing the great bronze's bugle, Ebbeth turned his head towards the other dragon, nodding as he said the customary Greetings, I hope you and your rider are doing well. Getting ready to help transport?

Akki let out a breath of air, rubbing her neck with one hand, "Haa, that probably would have been smart, making plans before hand. I really didn't make any though, I just figured I would show up and keep coming back until everyone was where they wanted to be." She turned to face Ebbeth and questioned, "Well? Think you can handle two people besides me?". The blue dragon looked away from Hikanth, eyes whirling and snorted, Don't make it sound like you don't think I can. I can handle two people, but I might feel the need to push you off. The rider grinned, and turned back to the bronze rider, "He says he can handle two people.". She thought for a moment and admitted, "Doesn't matter to me who I take really. As long as everyone I know gets there, I'm pretty happy.". She didn't know much about J'red, she really only knew that he was a rider for one of the few dragons at Dark Moon who would be chasing Kaith when the great Gold took flight. However, even from just this conversation, she could tell his heart was in the right place and that he too didn't want to leave anyone behind. He seemed like a good guy.

[kestrel]

This, Tikal decided, was precisely why he loved Gathers. Where else could you meet such interesting people? The fact that she was a Healer-much like himself-was rather nice. That was something they had in common, and common grounds were always good. He couldn't help but grin at her stumbling over words while apparently trying not to insult him. He could go along with this, yes indeed!

"So, you say I'm not important and then say you're sure I am? Well, I'm not quite sure I understand you, Healer Kaelin. I don't know whether to be complimented or offended, really." He feigned a displeased frown, very convincing indeed, crossing his arms over his chest and shaking his head with a hearty sigh.

He loved things like these-testing the waters of people's humor, their reactions and actions. He couldn't help but love people, and find them amusing. This was no exception, he'd been delighted by her response. He looked down at the apple core with a mock-disdainful look, shaking it off his boot and then looking back up at Kaelin very serious mannerism. On terran, he'd have made a very, very good actor, his expressions convincing, his stance matching to give the desired effect he was going for.

~~~~~~

J'red smiled as he listened to Akki speak-she was certainly someone he could come to like and respect-she seemed to have a light-heartedness about her that permeated into those she was addressing, or even those who might happen to be around. It was good to have someone who could boost morale around, and he wondered if Akki and the Weyrwoman spent much time together. He thought that it would be good for the Weyrwoman to spend time around a person who could be so light-hearted but probably be looking out for her well-being at the same time. He mused about this momentarily, not appearing to have been thinking on it, and replied warmly to the girl,
"no, we couldn't do something like that," he began, and then to her other words, "well, whether it's what you do or no, it's still a kind act. I, too, wouldn't feel very good about myself if I were to leave them here to fend for themselves," he paused, glancing at the few people and checking for new arrivals, before turning back to her. He knew that Akki knew Hasima, and that he'd seen the Candidate girl with her often-in fact that was the only person he ever saw the girl with. And so, he replied,
"well, I'm sure that Hasima wouldn't mind going with her Candidate friend over there." He motioned to Kestrel, and then, "I could take the other two, if that's all right with Ebbeth and yourself?" He didn't add that Hasima and Kestrel would be a lighter load than Rhiyo and Kaiya, but it was merely an afterthought, an added bonus to the decision. He didn't doubt in the least that Ebbeth could have managed whatever two were sent with them, but nonetheless it was only polite for a bigger dragon to take a heavier load.

*Greetings. I hope you and yours are well, as well,* came the reply from Hikanth, who began to draw nearer his rider. *Yes, we are here for transporting. I wonder if others shall come to be taken. There are not many here.* He inclined his head towards the four people that could be seen in the Bowl, and then back to Ebbeth. He had not met Ebbeth or his rider before names, and after his rider said,
"I don't believe we've even met before. I know you're Akki-Christae, er, Weyrwoman Christae, she mentioned you when I first arrived here-apparently her son is a fan of yours," he said with a smile, and then, "I'm J'red, and this is Hikanth," he sent to Ebbeth,
*I am Hikanth. He is J'red.*

Ooc: sorry for the short post-really tired tonight, for some reason...could be from cleaning house and running errands all day. ^^;

[kesomon]

((I'll make a note of that for the future, though this time Kaelin didn't arrive from Dark Moon; she hasn't even seen the Weyr yet. She was en route to the Weyr via the other direction and arrived in Southern Hold as they were setting up after a three-day ride. Had the Gather not been organized, she probably would've resupplied there and continued on runnerback to Dark Moon, or waited for a dragon to do a flyover.))

"What? No, I didn't...I mean, I...Ooo!" Kaelin stopped mid-tirade and stamped her foot, her blue eyes flashing. "Cheeky." With purpose she bent down and swept up the discarded core, the smile for the taller candidate gone. "My father always warned me to analyze and rationalize before opening my mouth. I suppose you think it funny I'm tripping over myself in embarassment, Candidate Tikal."

[Akki]

Hasima walked slowly across the Weyrbowl, eyes searching almost desperately for someone she knew. Akki was busy in another conversation, and the girl didn't have the heart (Or courage) to go interrupt. Her eyes settled on Kestrel, a small smile of relief appearing on her face as she headed towards the girl. She lifted up her dress slightly, gathering the fabric in her large hands. It would be quite embarassing if she had tripped and fell on her face at the moment, well, any given moment actually. Coming to stand beside her new friend, she said in her normally soft tone, "Are you excited for the Gather?". She looked at what Kestrel was wearing and smiled, the clean clothes that she was wearing suited her. She had to admit though, she was rather curious to see what Kestrel looked like in a dress.

Akki snapped her fingers, almost excitedly. "Exactly! Who knows what kind of shenanigans they'll get themselves in to if they aren't supervised. Especially that kid over there." She said, nodding her head towards Rhiyo with a wink. She too cast a look, her eyes searching around to see if there was anyone else who had arrived. Where was Wolf? And R'xis? Surely they would be coming to the Gather, right? Her attention went back to the bronze rider as he began to speak once more to her. She nodded in agreement, "Yeah I better take Hasima, I don't want the girls head to explode because of an awkward situation.". She looked over at her yellow rider friend, who seemed to be trying to make conversation, and grinned to herself. It was good to see that the shy girl was slowly trying to meet new people on her own. "Of course I'll take Kestrel too, they seem pretty close. Who am I to break up a friendship?"

So it seems my eyes weren't playing tricks on me, I thought there was an absence of riders and dragons. Seems like we're the only distinguished ones here. The blue said, his eyes whirling with amusement. He was hoping that more riders would appear, it would definitely be easier then with just two dragons. Akki smothered a grin, noticing that the man was apparently on first term basis with the Weyrwoman. "More like I'm a fan of Christae's son. I'd snatch him away if I knew Christae wouldn't pummel me, she's got a good arm you know." The rider said with a laugh. "You're right, of course. I'm Akki and that is Ebbeth." Ebbeth's eyes churned as he listened to the introductions, Charmed, of course. That over there is Akki, and I am Ebbeth.

[Wolf]

Not again. How many times was she going to have to tell people that she hated dresses before they stopped trying to shove her in to one? She heaved a sigh, trying to dig deep in to her chest to find the dress or two that had been made for her over the years. She'd only ever worn them once or twice each through out her entire life-all by force. When she found one she pulled it out, trying to shake it out to get the wrinkles out of it. Wolf made a face of disgust, holding it far away from her as if it was diseased. She dropped it on her cot, looking around underneath her sleeping-area for a pair of shoes. She pulled out a dusty pair, waving them around in the air.
Serinth faked a cough or two, shuffling backward. Well, that's exactly what our lungs need, the Gold teased. Wolf shot her one of her looks: "Your real funny, you know that? Just make sure that you behave well I'm gone, I don't want to come back and find you fat and happy because you've gone around eating all the food in this place."
Serinth snorted, her eyes narrowing while she gazed up on her Rider. Wolf laughed, winking at her bonded. "Chill, just kidding," she smirked mischievously.
She stripped out of her everyday clothes, in which already had dirt patches, and carefully put on her dress. She had a bad habit of stepping on the bottom of dresses-which often resulted in the 'rip' sound. Luckily, this time she was fortunate enough to not hear that sound when she pulled the dress all the way up and managed to do it up at the back as best she could. She then turned around after slipping in to her footwear.
"What do you think?" she asked, her look of disgust returning. "And I swear if you laugh, or rumble, whatever! You will never want to fall asleep ever again." Serinth tilted her head to the side, and what could be best recognized as a smile appeared up on her visage.
Serinth's Rider was dressed in a medium-length dress, coming down just past her knees. The colour of the entire dress was a deep brown-light blue embroidering of swirls and markings resembling the ocean tide climbed up the dress. They began at the front and twined there way right around, ending-off at her left shoulder. The dress was a bit tighter then what she was used to. It revealed her thin form, and came right down to show only a bit of the girl's cleavage. Personally she wasn't comfortable with showing any, but oh well! What to do? Her back was exposed, the dress reconnecting at her lower back. A tie went around her neck and the strings hung down loosely across her bare-skin. It created a diamond-appearance in front. The tie was the only resembling strap. The dress was sleeveless, her arms bare. She didn't bother with jewellery or anything of the like, after all, she was anything but your typical girl.
Your beautiful mine, picturesque, Serinth crooned lovingly.
Wolf's eyes narrowed, and for a moment Serinth looked worried that she had said something wrong. "My Serinth, you've got to stop learning big words". Wolf then stopped pretending to be angry, seeing that it was causing the Gold to be nothing short of confused. The girl grinned, kneeling down to the level of her dragon. She took the Gold's wedge-shaped head in her hands and she laid a kiss on the top of her head, scratching her eyeridges-her grin reappearing. She got up to leave there after, turning to wave a farewell to her dragonet at the door. Serinth was disappointed that she couldn't attend...

While she came running in to the Weyrbowl she spotted a whole group of Candidates gathered. There was also the new Bronzerider she recognized from the incident with Warth and his Rider. Then her gaze fell up on her Bluerider friend Akki, Ebbeth by her. 'Thank goodness,' Wolf swallowed, having thought she was going to have to get a ride from a total and complete stranger. She looked behind her, hoping that her brother would show-up soon. She had really hoped to arrive there with him.
"Akki!" Wolf called out, her face showing her excitement. She raised her arm up over her head so that she could be seen coming toward her friend. Then a thought sprang in to her head: 'Wasn't Riler going to be there?'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

R'xis panted heavily, having almost forgotten all about the Gathering. He had fled from doing his chores, to his liking of course, and found himself rummaging through his clothing as well. He wanted to put on something that he thought Akki would like, though he wasn't sure what Akki would like on him, or if she'd even be looking. He could only hope that she'd be... of course that'd only pose as awkward for the both of them, though he was beyond caring. He looked over at Ersith, who was pouting in plain sight because she couldn't go.
"I'm sorry," he apologized, gaze diverting from his clothing chest to the female brown. "If I could bring you along you know I would-you know that." His blue eyes faded a bit, showing that he too was suffering within' because she was.
Ersith grunted in acknowledgement. She headed up to him, nuzzling her head against his hand. Just have fun, that's all I really want. And try not to terrorize Akki. She had felt the need to throw that in there, it was the easiest topic to tease R'xis about.

R'xis gently flicked her, smiling gently. He contemplated which outfit of his was best. After a moment or two he decided on a pair of black dress pants and a black-silk shirt. If anything was going to make his eyes standout these colours should-shouldn't that?

Are we so sure I'm not the boy? Ersith asked, not bothering to resist.
"Ice Ersith, ice," R'xis said-whining playfully. "How often are you going to torment me? I could just as easily tease you about Ebbeth, though I'm sure that'd only strike up confusion on your part." Ersith hushed up almost immediately and R'xis turned away, smirking to himself. Once he had done up everything and felt that he looked as good as he was ever going to be able to, he said his good-byes and left Ersith to catch up on some sleep.

He arrived in the Weyrbowl and was surprised to see so many standing around waiting to be taken to the Gathering. He couldn't wait until Ersith and himself could just attend on there own-being the ones to assist others. He spotted his sister from afar, a grin coming on to his face within' mere seconds at the sight of her. He thought she looked beautiful, though he was pretty sure that if he told her so she'd bite his head off unintentionally. He walked up behind Wolf, who was conveniently standing in front of Akki. He put an arm around his both younger and shorter sister.
"Hey Wolf," he greeted her, his eyes alighting with good humour. He laughed when she turned around and flung her arms around his neck in a hug, listening to her tell him how she'd hoped he'd show up in time.
"Well, of course, I wasn't just going to leave you with this merciless Bluerider. I heard she really cracks the whip on innocent Weyrlings." R'xis looked over at Akki, not for the first time mind you. The good-humoured look in his eyes changed over to something... undeterminable.
"Akki," he addressed her, his voice soft. "You look lovely," he told her. He then nudged Wolf playfully with his elbow, "and so do you little 'sis." He smirked at Akki, hoping that his cheeks weren't turning a light shade of red. 'Lovely as usual,' he thought to himself privately, ignoring his overwhelming sadness.

[velcro]

Velarios didn't mind a Gather, but she'd only been to three of them in her whole life. Not much to judge on whether she liked them or not. The current hustle going on around her she found mind boggling. She's just arrived in the bowl, hoping to catch a ride with a helpful rider. She hadn't met anyone at the weyr, having only arrived the night before. Then she'd been told this morning there was a Gather, and that she could go. She hadn't had too many chances to attend a gather, most of them had been when she was very little, and she barely remembered going to them.

So this would be a new experience for Vel, but only if she actually entered the gather! Currently, she was standing on the edge of the landing area for the dragons, looking for someone to catch a ride with. She was feeling very shy quite suddenly after arriving, and had moved out of the way, but she couldn't quite convince herself to move. She was very nervous, and she didn't even know anyone at the Weyr yet, let alone anyone she could talk to at the gather.

It had only been a few minutes, and Callir popped out of between. The green fire lizard had taken her sweet time in getting herself here, Velarios noticed. There had been a blue flitt back that the vain green had been flirting with this morning. That was probably why Callir had taken so long. The green landed on her shoulder, wrapping her tail around Vel's neck for balance and to remind Vel that she was there. Crooning slightly, the green picked up on Vel's distress, and rubbed her head gently against Vel's proffered hand.

Taking a deep breath, with her fire lizard's support, Velarios finally moved. She made her way towards the throng of people leading to the main area. Her plan was to start with the stalls, see what they had to offer, and then move on to whatever else people did at Gathers. She just had to get there now. She was sure she probably looked rather lost and confused, and in truth, she felt that way. But it was a step in the right direction, in the very least.

[Kino]

[MKay, I promise nothing spectacular for this post xD I'm trying to work my brain back into posting, it's been on strike for a few days. Going home has that effect sometimes xP]

The prospect of going to a gather had always been such a foreign idea to the youth. He'd been raised in the herding craft, after all, and it wasn't exactly the type of craft that brought you to gathers very often. Particularly when your parents were older, and you were the only help they had. When he'd arrived at Dark Moon Weyr as a new candidate Kiran had been pleasantly surprised to hear that there was a gather soon to be held. Being a resident of the weyr gave him the opportunity to go, and it was an opportunity he wasn't about to pass up.

The boy didn't have the vastest range of formal wear, but what he did have he was able to work with to pull together something decent. He was wearing his usual boots and black trousers, and had pulled out one of his nicer shirts: a dark green long sleeved button down with a light sheen to it. His parents had bought it for him a while ago, when he'd made his first delivery on his own. They'd insisted that he wore something nice when he actually arrived, and he'd kept the garment for special occasions since.

Kiran's usual headband, made out of a similar material to his shirt, wasn't in it's usual place. When it was untied the material used for his headband was long enough to be considered a scarf. The youth had tied it around his neck in a scarf-like fashion and tucked the extra into the top of his shirt, thinking that it would be a bit more appropriate for a gather than to wear it across his forehead. He was giving the last few tugs to settle the collar of his shirt as he made his way into the Weyrbowl, looking up and blowing lightly to get a clump of hair out of his face.

As he stepped further into the room he scanned his gaze around to find a rider that was available to get to the gather with. A few of them seemed to be open, but he'd only arrived at the Weyr about a week ago, and so wasn't sure of any of their names. Kiran blinked then as his eyes focused in on one of the girls his age, slowing in his walk to try and figure out why she was so familiar. A smile spread across his features as he neared her, and he lifted a hand to give a wave.

"Kestral." he called lightly, slowing his stride even more as he came to stop not far from her, and letting his hand fall back to his sides. "This is the last place I expected to see a familiar face."

[Spirithawk]

((k my bad if you had posted that in an earlier post but if you hadn't you might want to make that clear...i was just skimming through some of the posts because i need to start posting to set my plot in motion))

[Kestrez]

Radim still wasn’t sure exactly how much he really wanted to attend Southern Hold’s Gather. Still, as he looked himself over one more time before heading out toe the Weyrbowl, he decided that it would certainly be better than remaining at the Weyr. The majority of everyone else would probably be going, and he knew that he’d probably enjoy it in the end.

His flaming hair had actually decided to not be so untidy for once. Instead it was managing to look rather spiked. The Candidate was dressed in a fitted, short-sleeved dress tunic of a dark blue color despite the outside temperature. The material it was made from was light, however, and it was actually the only appropriate shirt he really had. Despite its solid color otherwise, the shirt was trimmed in a burnished silver around the sleeves; a simple wave pattern. The black trousers he wore were actually quite old, which one could tell by the worn look they had. Radim’s personal favorite part of the makeshift outfit was his belt, which he had purchased at the same time as the dark blue shirt. It was black, and rimmed in the same silver color as the tunic was trimmed. His footwear really was just his everyday boots, his reasoning being that they were comfortable.

Grabbing the few marks that he had set aside, the redhead finally arrived in the Bowl, not stunned to see a large group of people already gathered. He was looking for one rider in particular, though. The one he was most comfortable around. He had a feeling that there was no way that Akki would miss a Gather.

“Akki!” He shouted when he finally spotted the Bluerider. He found it amusing that there was a small group of people gathered around her alone. She knew everyone, seriously. Slowing to a walk, Radim waited until there was a stall in all the talking before he spoke.

“I see you’re quite popular. I was going to ask you for a rider, but if you and Ebbeth are already going to have to make multiply trips I’ll find a different way to get to the Gather.”

[Akki]

As Wolf greeted the blue rider, and placed two fingers on her jawline, staring closely at the girls outfit before wrapping her arms around the gold rider. "You, Wolf, look absolutely wonderful. It's shame the little guys can't come with." She said, meaning the dragons of course, and not anyone short. She released her grip on Wolf as she teetered backwards, grinning. It seemed like everyone was trickling in, and she was glad. Who ever said three was a crowd? In her eyes, three wasn't enough people. Before Akki could even get a word out about making more riding arrangements, next thing she knew a heavy arm was being draped around her and Wolf. Looking to her side, she rolled her eyes at his exclamation. "Oh yes, you know me. I love whipping those guys shape, why else would I want to meet so many?" She asked out loud as she made whipping motions with a hand. She grinned and flicked the boys ear, "Now, now, stop trying to romance me. We're all a pretty snazzy bunch." It was true too, everyone did look pretty classy as they all wore crisp, clean outfits for the occasion.

As she heard Radim call out her name, she slipped out from under R'xis' arm and ruffled the red hair as the boy came closer. "Argg, your hair is just so bright and colorful. I can't stop touching it." She said as she finally stopped mussing up the candidate's hair. "And now look what I did, I messed it up." Akki said with a sigh, glad to see that she didn't ruin the spiky look he had going on today. Akki snapped her fingers, and held up three of them with a grin, "Now, now Radim. I can't just make you take a ride with someone else! You know I suck with sharing. If you don't mind waiting a wee bit, I can easily make a drop off and come and get you. Isn't that right, Ebs?" She said, turning to the blue. It's true. She really does suck at sharing.

Ooc|| Ahhhshortpost:c

[Wolf]

When she was embraced by the Bluerider and spoken to she blushed, not very keen on compliments-while she accepted them. "Thank you-you look amazing too. Yes, it is a shame that Serinth couldn't come-I know for a fact that she wanted to." Wolf turned around just in time to see her brother coming. She looked to Akki, trying to see if she was looking at R'xis or not. She wasn't sure what was up with the two, but she bet that the respectable Rider would make her brother happy. She had never seen R'xis so persistent before, though Akki really did seem his type. Wolf pushed her brother away playfully when he put an arm around her, "thank you R'xis," she smiled when he complimented her as well. She watched Akki slink off to say hello to a male Candidate: Radim. She gently took a hold of R'xis’ arm and pulled him aside.

"We haven't had a lot of time to talk, hopefully we can take advantage of this occasion," she whispered-a grin appearing up on her face that stretched from ear to ear. She snuck a glance past R'xis at Akki, not at all subtle when she was both curious and excited about something not involving herself. She had to hold in laughter at Akki's comment of his attempting to romance her just before. "So, spill, I don't want to wait to hear the juicy stories about you and Akki." Her eyes lit up, wondering if perhaps her brother was going through exactly what she now was with Riler. 'I have to talk to him,' she thought-extremely hopeful.
It was clear that she didn't know anything about R'xis’ situation, for if she did she wouldn’t have even mentioned the Bluerider... Well, then again, maybe she still would of...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

R'xis faked a chuckle when Akki left to talk to Radim, whom was approaching them from behind. It seemed like everything she said now had, in some way, to do with his having been rejected by her. He knew why, but still... He held it all in, until he felt himself being pulled further away from Akki and off to a more secluded section of the Weyrbowl. Of course, Wolf and him were still close to Ebbeth.
"What was that for?" he was about to ask but then Wolf answered his question rather quickly before he'd even had the chance to utter a single word. He put a hand on his forehead. This was not happening, and was he really about to have this conversation with her? She was only two years younger, not that much of a difference, although it felt like all the difference in the world to him for some reason (at this particular moment). "Wolf," he whispered. He didn't know what to say, speechless. His blue eyes stared in to her green ones, completely unsure of how to let her know how heartbroken he was. He'd just have to say it out, straight. Its not like he'd forget anything with how often he'd been reminded of the incident lately. "She turned me down, because of the Weyrling rule, and it was very... proper of her. Something like her and I could never happen under these circumstances, she'd never break the rules, and I love Ersith so I would never want to jeopardize her maturation." He saw his sister freeze, and her once elated face had become very... fear-stricken?
"Wolf, what's wrong?" he asked, poking her bare arm gently. Was she really that up set that his attempt at receiving love from Akki had only ended in turmoil?
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'I can't believe it... I can't believe that he's doing the right thing in suffering and I'm not bothering to do anything at all. If he knew-if he...' Wolf swallowed, feeling like a lump was stuck in her throat. She just continued to stare at R'xis, off in another world. 'I know how I feel about Riler though... Not like he doesn't know how he feels about Akki but still... I only have one chance at being able to be with some one that I actually care about-no one will ever be able to understand how painful that is. I can't even bear it!' She was freaking out in her head; everything was just becoming more and more of a huge mess. 'Of course R'xis could very well only have one chance too, especially if Akki were to leave or something... Since Ersith is, in fact, a female...' She lowered her head, her eyes closing over firmly. She was trying to find a reason as to why this was right for her and it wasn't right for him, but she just couldn't seem to be able to.
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R'xis was now looking at his sister with deep concern. What had gotten her so wrought with grief? He embraced her, pulling her against him comfortingly. He could feel her body shaking, with out the faintest clue as to why. He was too afraid to ask, worried that it was something she wasn't ready to talk about.
"Its okay," he whispered, "I'll be all right. I'm sure Akki is... well, I'm not sure what Akki is but I'm sure that things will some day be all right-I mean they are all right-I mean..." He frowned in frustration, not at all sure how to comfort her. 'How can you comfort some one when you don't even know what their problem is?' he questioned in his head. He hoped that no one around them was watching, or taking note of what was happening. He didn't want people asking questions, not now, not ever.

[kestrel]

Tikal did laugh then, a lighthearted sound that belied the boy's ability to carry a tune, and his eyes bespoke of good humor and not just a little mischief, as he replied,
"well, actually, yes, yes I do. Though I'm not so sure that funny is the appropriate word-perhaps amusing is more fitting?" He winked at her, then, adding, "and I think we can forgo the titles. I never was very good with formality, after all. So you may call me Tikal, if I might call you Kaelin, Healer?" He raised an eyebrow, obviously not overstepping his bounds in having asked her permission to do so. He was also amused by her reaction-cheeky, was he? Well, he'd certainly heard that one before, but never delivered with as much flair as she'd done, and he wondered, then, if he'd truly managed to make her irate with him. He certainly hoped not, as that was quite obviously not his intent. He did like persons with 'spunk', however, and couldn't help but find this one as interesting as he found any other with a personality to them.

~~~~~~

Kestrel had to smile when she saw Hasima approaching in her Gather dress. The dress rather suited the girl, and she had a shy, almost 'innocence' about the way she looked in it. Of course Hasima always appeared this way, but the dress only served to accentuate what was already there. Kestrel thought she looked quite pretty, and was willing to bet that her friend would be asked to dance by more than one. When Hasima queried her, Kestrel crinkled up her nose with indecision. She wanted to say yes, because part of her was-but that wouldn't be the whole truth. Kestrel was big on the 'truth' thing, and so,
"well, yes and no," she admitted, then felt the need to quickly explain, "yes, because I like the vendors and I like the food. No..." she paused, then sighed, looking at the people already in the Weyr Bowl, then back at Hasima, finishing, "because I'm not very good with people. There will be a lot of people there, and I don't want to dance-not because I don't like to, mind you," she admitted, "but because it means dancing with someone-and that someone would be a...well...a boy." She turned a light shade of red, then, at her admittance. No one knew why she wasn't fond of getting close to a boy, so she wasn't sure what Hasima would make of what she'd just said. So, she added as an afterthought, "and another thing is tha I'm not so fond of dresses. Which, by the way, you look lovely in yours." She smiled, then, giving her friend an approving look. However, she turned when she heard an all-too familiar voice, one she recognized and was more than a bit surprised to hear now.
"Kiran?" she said, before even seeing his face. Yes, it was him-he had lived at the same hold as she had. Even though she was so reclusive that they didn't really hang out much, he was one of the few boys that she'd not minded overmuch. He at least knew to mind his own business and seemed nice enough. So, she replied, though a little tensely, "what are you doing here?" Then, realizing that that hadn't quite come out as she'd wanted, you were searched, too? Or did you come for a ride to the Gather?" Well, logic said he must have been searched, or else he'd have taken a runner. So the question answered itself, but she wasn't about to retract it and feel even more awkward.

~~~~~~

J'red chuckled, then, and glanced over to the boy whom she'd been speaking about-wasn't that the one who'd lost his memory? He'd heard something about that, after all, if he recalled right.
"Him?" he asked, turning back to the bluerider with a bemused look in his eye, the corner of his mouth upturned slightly, as he commented, "I doubt he's the one we'd have to worry about-I'd be more concerned about the Candidates and Weyrlings-they're the ones to watch out for!" His tone belied his humor, he knew that the two aforementiond categories could get ahead of themselves, and he didn't think the boy without a memory would be as much of a 'needed watching' as they might be. However, "he can't remember who he is, from what I hear, much less devise a way to get into trouble at a Gather-unless he manages to unintentionally offend some higher-ranking individual, that is...or maybe think that the wares are free?" He laughed, and then admitted, "maybe we should keep an eye on him, hmm?" To her comment about Hasima and Kestrel, he replied with a solemn nod, "yes, who indeed?", with a twinkle in his eyes, before the solemnity was there again, as he continued, "I don't often see Kestrel wandering around much-and when she does it's on her own, or with Hasima. I wonder if she's just shy or reclusive, or doesn't enjoy people's company, that one." He frowned at the thought that anyone in the Weyr might feel uncomfortable, brows furrowing with his concern. However, with her introduction he nodded, and replied, "well, the pleasure is all mine, bluerider Akki and Ebbeth." He might have said something more, but then he noted that the Weyr's youngest gold bonded girl had greeted Akki, and he politely took a step back, with Hikanth at his side, watching in interest.
*He likes the bluerider,* the bronze commented, causing J'red to look up in surprise. Of course, no one could miss the looks R'xis gave Akki, be it from up close or across a crowded room, and he smiled and gave a curt nod. Stranger things had happened, and he was sure they were keeping it under control. It would be nice for them once R'xis graduated his Weyrlinghood, and he made a note to be amongst the first to give his congrats to the boy-he himself had liked an older rider, but she had turned him down as she was a Weyrling and it had been quite hard on them. So, he was not so hard on others in regards to that matter, even though he knew that if taken out of hand it could become an issue. He hadn't formally met Wolf or R'xis before, but had been told they were siblings, and so,
"Congratulations on both impressing; and you, a gold, Miss Wolf," he said with a warm smile, then, "I don't believe I've actually met you either," and here he extended one hand to each of them, looking slightly comical but not caring in the least, "I'm J'red of bronze Hikanth."

He noticed that Kaiya and Rhiyo were coming closer to the group, and gave them a nod that let them know he knew they were there, and would address them momentarily. He also saw a new girl entering, and another boy whom he barely recognized. In fact, he didn't recognize the girl, either. Were they new Candidates? He took another head count, and heard Akki offer a ride to Radim. So,
"Akki, if you want to take Radim and one more-maybe that new girl just coming in?-I could take R'xis and Wolf. I could probably also bring the new boy along with Kestrel and Hasima. And then one I could also take Rhiyo and Kaiya first, like planned." He smiled at the brother and sister Weyrlings, and then looked back at Akki for confirmation.

~~~~~~

When Kaiya saw Wolf, her stomach turned uneasily, and she looked away immediately. She didn't want to think about all of that right this moment-she wanted to enjoy the Gather, worry free. So, when
Kaiya then spotted another girl entering the Weyrbowl, and immediately noted the nervous look on her face....Kaiya, who was not at all the type to be nervous around people, had taken up a spot beside Rhiyo, who himself was looking pretty out of place. However, when she saw Vel enter the bowl, she called out,
"if you're waiting for a ride, you can wait with us if you'd like!" It was quite the girl's style to do something like that, though she thought Rhiyo looked a little more nervous for her having done so. She only grinned and made large waving motions as if to say 'come on over, we don't bite!', which, coincidentally, happened to be exactly what she was thinking!

~~~~~~

Rhiyo was feeling so very out of place. He'd stuck beside Kaiya because she was the only other person there who wasn't talking to the slowly growing group near the blue and bronze riders. However, he gave a start and shifted a little uneasily as Kaiya unexpectedly called out to someone. He turned to see who she was looking at, and spotted another girl. Great...two girls, and he more out of place than ever. Thankfully, that was when he spotted R'xis and noticed that the bluerider was Akki. With a huge sigh of relief at seeing at least someone he knew here, he said to Kaiya,
"umm...I'll be back in a moment-just someone over there I want to talk to." She just shrugged and gave an 'okay' before turning back to the newest arrival, and he sighed and began a half-jog towards R'xis and the group.
"Hi R'xis, Akki," he said, with a half-smile. He still managed to feel a little out of place, but not so bad as he had a moment before.