Gather Festivities

[Akki]

Akki opened her mouth and managed to get a sound out before looking up, noticing two dragons barrelling into the Weyr. Of course she didn't recognize them, the brown most certainly was not Rhia's and she didn't even know a green at this time. However, more dragons meant less trips, and less trips meant more time at the Gathering. So, in short, the arrival of these two riders was a good thing. She pumped her arm into the air, "Huzzah! More dragons! Now we can get this party started even faster.". She was going to ask her blue to introduce himself to the dragons but the blue was ahead of her. Of course, the green was now gone as she took a lad with her, so he was left introducing himself to the brown only. Greetings dear Brown. I am Ebbeth, I'm assuming you're here to help us transport and that you're not oh-so desperately lost? The blue rumbled, eyes churning with gratitude as he was also glad more dragons were appearing to help out.

Hasima looked up as she heard her name being called out and lifted her hand in a slow wave to Wolf, a smile appearing on her face as she recognized the girl. Akki looked over at Wolf as the girl yelled to Hasima and grinned, only to look genuinely confused as the gold riders face had a clear expression of shock on it. Did Hasima just give Wolf a rude gesture? Surely not. She shrugged, making a note to ask later what had happened. She let a wide grin appear on her face as Riler came and joined their crowd of people, wrapping her arms around him in a hug, "Compliments get you everywhere Riler. However, you should say please when looking for a ride. A dragon might get offended and eat you.". She looked over at J'red with a laugh, "I don't actually. I'm guessing they're just being kind and they're not stealing our candidates and weyrlings?". She rubbed her hands together, "Right-o then. I can take Hasima and Kestrel with me then. And after we do the first trip, I can come back and see who is left and grab them too."

Akki placed her hands on her hips and stuck out her lips in an obviously fake pout, "Well now J'red. You're not going to save a dance for me? Now I'll have no one to dance with! I guess I could always ask a random stranger though, which might be more fun. No offense, of course.". The gears in her mind were already whirring, maybe there would be some flirty male rider there she could dance with? Or an elderly man, that could be fun too. Hasima blushed as Kestrel introduced her, eternally thankful because she was rather afraid that she was going to botch up her own introduction. She listened as Kestrel explained their relationship and smiled when she learned that they had been past friends. She bowed to Kiran and said softly, but still with a smile, "It's nice to meet you, especially if your friends with Kestrel." Of course this could quite possibly be the biggest sentence the yellow rider had said to a stranger.

[kesomon]

The intruding voice of the smaller blue drew Roanoth's attention and his eyes shifted hues into less of a pleasured blue, gaining amiable greens and a hint of yellow flashing here and there. The massive brown curled his head slightly, though not out from beneath A'ton's touch, and gave a curious snort, fixating thought and gaze on Ebbeth. ~I should hope we aren't lost,~ he replied shortly, with the coolness of a stranger knowing he was in unfamiliar territory. ~Mine and I always know where we are going.~

The shift in his dragon's mood filtered through to A'ton and the brownrider glanced down at Roanoth's wedged head, following his uncomfortably intense gaze towards the waiting blue, who also seemed strapped up and waiting to take passangers. Immediately the rider gave the brown's head a gentle but firm swat with his hand. "Roanoth, play nice with the hosts," he chided. "We might have to lodge here for a while, you know."

A spark of irritated yellow cut the chameleon eyes and Roanoth raised his head, grumbling low. ~My apologies,~ he directed towards Ebbeth, without sounding very apologetic. ~I am Roanoth. We chose to assist.~

"Better," A'ton sighed exasperatedly, shaking his head. Roanoth turned mildly amused eyes on him and the rider smirked back before he walked out across the landing field, approaching the small group of people that included, from what he could only guess, the blue's rider. He tried to pick out who might mount the smaller beast, but he could see no men old enough, aside from a young man of 21 who seemed to hold himself with the grace of a Bronzer. It hadn't occured to him, a solid born-and-bred Southerner from an Oldtime lineage, that there could be a female riding blue.

"Pardon for interupting," he began, applying a quirked, pleasent smile laced with charm and perhaps a small tint of flirt as he approached Akki and J'red. "I just wanted the opportunity to introduce myself, since I and my friend seem to be helping theft your good weyrfolk for a day of Gather fun." He offered a hand to J'red. "A'ton, riding the cantankorous brown there, from South Peak. A pleasure, sir, and you, ma'am." The flirtatious notch rose a few marks as he smiled at Akki.

[Wolf]

Wolf blushed, not often spoken to in such a flattering manner, replied: "Thank you sir--I mean J'red," she corrected herself. A widespread grin appeared up on her face and she gave him a single nod, swallowing hard. She just couldn't manage to actually utter a "yes," both shy and embarrassed. R'xis smiled, putting a hand on Wolf's shoulder. He too nodded to J'red. R'xis was looking forward to eating some treats as well, looking around the Weyrbowl again. He saw the groups being formed off and felt a bit empty, but kept to him.
"Bubbly pies, can't wait," he said quickly to J'red, wanting to get there as soon as possible. "Off to the Gathering it is then," he added. Wolf couldn't agree more, starting to feel claustrophobic in here.
"Yes, please, not enough air to breath," she teased. She flashed J'red a playful smirk before she looked back at Hasima. She smiled at the girl from afar. Then a voice came in to her head, complimenting her on how she looked. Her mouth would've dropped to the floor but she kept it held-up.
"R-r-riler," she stuttered. 'By the first egg, get it together!' "Thank you, you look quite handsome yourself," she said. She gave him a friendly smile and no more, turning away while he addressed the others also. She kept closer to R'xis' side now and the Weyrling boy clearly noticed for he looked up on his sister sceptically.

When the Brownrider approached, and introduced himself to Akki, obviously getting in some flirting time-R'xis looked away. He picked a spot on the floor to stare at, Akki's words of J'red saving her a dance ringing in his head. 'I just want this to end,' he thought. No one could possibly imagine how ecstatic he had felt up on being around people for the first time when he came to Dark Moon Weyr. Now, though, he was beginning to feel distant again. He put an arm around Wolf, in a desperate plea for her to keep him on his feet. She looked up at him, wondering if they had even more to talk about then she thought.
'I can't tell him about Riler... but I should, shouldn't I? Does it really matter?' she felt so confused. It felt like her whole word was just falling apart piece by piece, and the pieces were becoming irretrievable. She hung her head before her green-eyed gaze returned to her older brother.

"Can we go now?" the both of them asked the Bronzerider at the same time, both flushing a bit because they had both sounded so whiny. Apparently the pair just wanted to get away from the crowd and other people as soon as possible. 'But does that include each other?' Wolf wondered.

[Kino]

Khris only glanced forward for a moment when the green made a comment to her rider, choosing to simply act as though he couldn't hear the conversation. He still wasn't sure how he felt about being able to hear them all, anyway. In the Weyrbowl it'd been helpful, but everywhere else...well, it almost felt like eavesdropping. So he figured the best thing he could do was stay disinterested in the conversations.

He'd only gone between once before, as he'd stated a few moments ago, but the sharp cold was just as momentarily surprising as it'd been the first time. The boy didn't feel unnerved by the trip though, and it was over in a few short seconds. He sat still when the rider went to unbuckle the straps, considering he certainly didn't know how to work them, and gratefully accepted the assistance in getting down. Once he had his leg over the other side of Altoth's neck he let himself fall to the ground, landing in a crouch and standing to look back to P'mar afterwards.

"It's all right." he replied to the apology, offering a lopsided smile as he did so. "Thanks for the ride, again." the boy gave a quick wave of gratitude before turning towards the gather. Khris simply stood looking for a moment before wandering into the fray. Okay... he thought to himself, I'm here. Now what?

- - -

"You too." Kiran had replied to Kestral's congratulations and wishing of luck. He looked back towards Hasima as she replied and gave a short bow of her own, and making sure to offer up another warm smile in reply. By the blush he could tell that she was on the shy side, and he didn't want to make her any more uncomfortable than she already was.

The youth looked over towards the rider that had mentioned the two girls' names, shifting his gaze back to the two a moment after. "Well, it would seem you two already have a ride waiting, you should go on. Perhaps we'll meet up again at the gather, but if not I'm sure we're bound to see eachother in the Weyr again." He offered another smile and a light nod once more, "Until then, it was nice to see you again Kestral, and to meet you, Hasima."

[Akki]

If the small blue had noticed the brisk tone of the brown dragon, he hid it well. Perhaps he was just assuming that was what the dragons personality was like, straight to the point? Ebbeth wrapped his tail around himself and replied with a grin, I'm glad to hear that, there's nothing worse than getting completely lost. The blue was so used to Dark Moon life, that he probably didn't realize that he was being perhaps a bit too friendly to the unknown dragon, who might not appreciate the gesture. However, his nature was being friendly. He did, however, notice the irritation that underlined the dragons voice but ignored it and replied sincerely, Then we thank you, you have definitely made this easier for us.

Akki cocked her head towards A'ton when he introduced himself to the group. A crooked grin grew on her face as she tucked some stray hairs behind her ear. "It's a pleasure for me too. I don't think I can thank you enough for coming around and helping us out here." She said, motioning to the crowd of people waiting for rides. "You're really doing us a big favour. I owe you one, to say the least." She said with a nod before giving a dramatic sweep of a bow. When she straightened, she finally introduced herself. "I'm Akki, and that blue right there would be Ebbeth. You sure have a handsome brown.". She had long forgotten that many people have not seen a girl ride a male dragon before, she was so used to being Ebbeth's rider.

Akki slightly turned her head as she caught Wolf's stutter when Riler appeared. That had never happened before, right? Curiousity blossomed with Akki, and it seemed like she would be asking the girl many questions tonight if she could catch the gold rider alone. She gave a snort of amusement, "Seems like we better get these rides rolling. Looks like these two just want to party it up." Hasima nodded politely to Kiran and replied with a, "It was nice to meet you too."

[kestrel]

Tikal simply laughed lightly and waved her hand back down, saying in a good-natured tone,
"save that for something you really want...I'll buy the bubblies if you promise you'll let me have a dance with you later on, sound fair?" He could not think of anything else she might have been able to help him with just yet, so a dance seemed the simplest thing to ask of her. He then added, "and one each shouldn't hurt our appetites for more food and activities in the least. Besides-one should always have the first Gather pie to themselves," he conceded, with a quirky smile. He walked up to the vendor before she even had time to make a protest or reply of any sort, saying in a polite but firm tone,
"two of your lovely bubbly pies, my good man," and then turned and offered a sly wink and cocky smirk to Kaelin, before quickly handing the vendor the required marks. He brought the pies back to where she stood, holding it directly under her nose and teasing, "smells good, doesn't it? Aren't you glad it's all yours?"

~~~~~~

J'red made a mock-glare at the two newcomer dragonriders, and said with a valiant air,
"they'd better not come here to take our Weyrlings or Candidates-they'll have Hikanth and Ebbeth to deal with if they do-and you could always drown them in friendliness and hugs, Akki," he commented with a wide grin, before she mentioned that he hadn't asked her for a dance, and then replied with as straight of a face as he could keep, "my lovely Akki, I didn't ask you to save me a dance because I had it firmly resolved in my mind to get one from you, no matter if you said you'd save me one or not! Besides, I think you would not turn a poor Bronzerider down-I'm sure you'd dance with Hikanth there if he asked you to, so good a friend to others are you!" He had noted that the friendly girl was rather popular and well liked, and so this much he could say with conviction.

Hikanth snorted out a puff of hot air, and then sent loud enough for everyone to hear,
*I do not think Akki would wish for me to dance with her. I might step on her, never mind her feet.* His tone was matter-of-fact, which made it all the more a matter of comedy.

J'red shrugged and retorted,
"well, you may be right about that much, Hikanth. But I still say our Akki would be up for a challenge, hrm?" When Akki suggested she take Kestrel and Hasima, he nodded.

Then one of the dragonriders came up, and introduced himself as A'ton, rider of the brown dragon. J'red smiled and politely introduced both himself and Hikanth, with the formal,
"J'red of Bronze Hikanth, A'ton-have you come here for the Gather, passing through? Or have you come as transfers to Dark Moon?" Secretly he hoped they'd be transfers-they needed more full riders here. He didn't miss the flirtatious air about the man when he looked towards Akki, and a slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He didn't imagine R'xis would be too pleased about all the attentions Akki was receiving, however. He wondered if the boy would get up the courage to ask her to dance. Well, if not, he'd at least see to it that he somehow made sure they did. Where that idea came from, he knew not. But he had seen that the pair kept things 'in check', and it was a Gather, and they were meant to enjoy themselves!

J'red gave Wolf a well-practiced and formal bow, saying with a broad smile,
"it would be my honor, I thank you for your accepting." Then, as R'xis made mention of bubbly pies, he thought that the two must have been very excited and eager to be going. So, he smiled and asked, "as long as you let me buy you a couple?" The imploring look again, hopeful, even. It was almost comedic coming from him, however. Hikanth had wandered in very close, and J'red gave him a pat on his neck. He frowned a little at the expression that crossed R'xis' face when the boy looked away, and wondered if he might say something to cheer the boy up-no one should be miserable come Gather day. Especially not the Candidates or Weyrlings! When they both asked to go at once, he chuckled, and motioned to Hikanth, who lowered a leg so that he could mount. Once up there, he checked the back straps, to make sure they would be properly tightened, and then offered Wolf a hand up-it was safer to have the smallest passenger behind him, the larger one in the back. The straps in the back and front would be a tad tighter, one of Hikanth's neck ridges would be behind the boy, supporting him. Wolf-well, she'd have to hold on to whomever was in front of her. He hoped, given her earlier blush, that she wouldn't be embarrassed or too shy about it.

However, he hadn't missed that stutter upon her seeing Riler. It was either a stutter of a girl who is surprised that a friend of hers could look that way dressed up, or one of a girl who likes said friend. He smiled to himself-young love was always of the nicest kind, provided everything went all right for said pairs. It could be hard being a Candidate or Weyrling, especially in certain aspects...

~~~~~~

Kestrel didn't miss Hasima's blush-perhaps she really wasn't used to compliments?-and smiled at Kiran's compliment paid to her friend. She also felt a nice sort of feeling when Hasima said 'especially a friend of Kestrel's'. In a way it was nice to know that the girl held her in high enough regard to speak so of her, even to someone Hasima had only just met. Knowing how shy she was, Kestrel was both amused and pleased to hear her saying something at all, never mind perhaps unknowingly paying her a compliment. She nodded to Kiran, and said reassuringly,
"I'm sure one of the four riders here will take you promptly-and I'm sure we'll run into each other at the Gather, and around the Weyr," she added, giving him a small wave in farewell. She then turned to Hasima, and asked, "did you want to go see if Akki was ready to take us? I'm pretty sure that she would want to take us, if no one else." Kestrel by now had seen for herself how exuberant the bluerider girl was-she couldn't see Akki turning down anyone for a ride. She was a bit reluctant to ask the bronzerider of one of the newcomers, anyhow. She felt a ton more comfortable asking Akki, and she was sure Hasima would be, too.

[Riler]

Riler couldn’t help but grin at the blue rider. Akki had been one of the first people that he had met at Dark Moon Weyr, one of his first friends here. She was, in Riler’s opinion, one of the funniest people in the Weyr. He didn’t know anyone else who had as much humor in her system as she did, and that was what Riler liked most about her. So upon her warning, Riler chuckled softly as he embraced her. “Oh yes, please excuse my poor manners. I’d hate to end up being digested by a dragon today. That’d definitely be an awful way to run such a splendid Gather day.” He nodded in a sage-like fashion, trying a keep a straight face. This didn’t last long, for in a few moments, he broke out in laughter.

Riler turned to hear his name being stuttered. He tried to keep a restrained face as he turned to Wolf again. Riler clenched his jaw in order to keep himself from frowning. She should know better than to let other people onto knowing how they cared for each other. Riler suspiciously glanced around from person to person very quickly—more of a sweeping glance than anything—to see if he thought that anyone suspected anything. Nothing seemed different—he hadn’t noticed that, in fact, people did seem to notice Wolf’s stutter. Relief flooded through Riler’s body. True, they had pledged that they’d keep their relationship held off for a few turns, until more time has passed, yet that did not mean that their problem—was it really a problem? Riler mused the thought—needed to be reveled to anyone. Riler didn’t think that they were completely out of the water just yet. He got the sneaking suspicion that the issue might arise sometime in the near future. Not necessarily today, but someday soon. But now was not the time to worry about such things! Today was the day he’d spend his time with his friends at the Southern Hold Gather. At Wolf’s compliment, he gave a genuine, bright smile. “Thank you very much!” She turned away from him, moving closer to another boy’s side. Riler had never talked to him, but knew simply by talking with people earlier that he was R’xis, Wolf’s brother. Did he know about their predicament? No! This wasn’t the time to worry!

Upon Akki’s mention that they better get moving, Riler couldn’t help but agree. He wanted to get to the Gather while the sun was still up. The Weyr was fun, sure, but the Weyr didn’t house all of the bubbly pies or the stalls filled with all sorts of trinkets and objects he could buy or all the ladies he could dance with…Yes, he definitely wanted to get moving. Though, now he needed to figure out who’d be willing to help give him a ride. It seemed like Akki’s Ebbeth was already filled up, so he’d need to find someone else. Looking among the group, he noticed two people shaking hands that were unfamiliar to him. Riler caught their names, and realized that both of them were Riders! Maybe one of them would give him a ride? He hoped so.

[kesomon]

Kaelin wasn't sure if she was blushing, but her cheeks felt quite hot as she could only stand there, momentarily speechless. A moment was taken to fumble for words before she reached for the warm, sticky pastry. "You're a prince, Tikal. I can't promise I won't step on your toes on the dance square, though." She smiled in thanks and mild embarassment and bit into the soft crust. The splash of tart and sweet fruit against her tongue was heaven...or would've been, if it hadn't been so hot. She squeaked and flinched, grinning with sheepishness as she cautiously chewed the bite. "I'sh hot," she mumbled with a giggle.

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

P'mar straightened back up in the saddle and secured himself, watching as Khris walked off into the square before leaning down and patting Altoth's neck. "Alright pet, we're clear."

~He will make a fine rider,~ the green commented, swiveling away and rising into the air in a rush of brisk wind. ~He has strong thoughts.~

P'mar frowned curiously at that, as they spiraled up and up. ~You mean, a strong sense of leadership?~

~No, his thoughts are very strong,~ Altoth insisted, without clarifying any further, and whatever response P'mar might've given was lost in the cold of Between.

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

"Ah, well thank you, miss Akki, and Roanoth thanks you as well." A'ton smiled and had almost made to kiss the lovely lady's hand, but her comment, filtering through at last, stopped him short and he instead produced a gobsmacked expression, his eyebrows elevating up his forehead with curiosity and interest. "Your Ebbeth...Really

---

Admin's Note:[/hr] A bluerider, you?" His mouth, having dropped, snapped shut as he realised that was a potential insult and smoothly continued. "I've never heard of a female impression of a blue dragon, forgive me, Lady Akki. The Old South doesn't get many surprises of late." He glanced at J'red and angled his head minutely, a thoughtful expression. "I'm afraid I can't quite answer that honestly, Bronzerider. Myself and P'mar have been working our way through the holds without any real aim of destination, but if you're in need of able bodies, I can discuss a more permanant position after the Gather festivities."

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

What do she mean by strong thoughts? P'mar wondered, as they reappeared over the bowl, but the green had nothing further for him, only a mildly smug whirl in her eyes as she glided on the thermals, searching for an opening to land.

~Roanoth, you have not made a trip at all!~ She chided loudly.

Roanoth, who had been continuously studying the smaller Ebbeth but making a point not to say another word to the younger dragon, now glanced towards the sky and snorted. ~You simply work too fast, Altoth.~

~I wish to finish before the sun leaves the flatrocks,~ she replied simply, making another circling pass over the bowl. ~That you work too slowly and miss the warm is no hide scored from my wings. And yours will owe me and Mine the sweetpies!~ A feeling of laughter-warmth tingled through the link between the dragons and into their rider's minds. P'mar rolled his eyes but could not surpress a smile.

Down amongst the waiting travellers, A'ton paused, and stood up a little bit straighter. The warm tremor of feeling that had passed through his body seemed to shake off the shackles of conversation and forced him to remember where he was and why. "In any case, all that can be discussed later," he decided, and nodded respects as J'red stepped away and loaded the two young weyrfolk onto his bronze. He turned to Akki, the smile gracing his features once again.

"I'm ready to load passengers at any time. And as soon as a bit of space is cleared," he turned halfway around and shielded his eyes from the sun to find Altoth in the sky, "it looks like P'mar is ready for more as well." His eyes returned to Akki. "I would like to speak with you further, though, perhaps at the Gather? I must admit the notion of your pairing is quite fascinating." A charming smile smoothed over any ruffled feathers, and he truely did bend to kiss her hand then, a light brush of lips on skin, before he winked and smiled and walked back towards Roanoth.

He paused, midstep, as he passed a young lad standing somewhat distanced from the others, and cocked his head. "How 'bout you, son? Ever ridden a Brown?" He smiled a friendly smile down at Rhiyo. "I've got plenty of room."

[Wolf]

Wolf found herself smirking at the Bronzerider once more. He was quite charming indeed, and exactly how she figured a Bronzerider should be. She was quite nervous to be going to the Gathering, especially since there would be dancing there. She wasn't all that educated in the way of dancing and she didn't want to be embarrassed by having no one to dance with. She frowned, knowing that the girls often paired off with the boys. That was the problem.
R'xis, on the other hand, wasn't at all concerned about the dancing. Why be concerned about something you had confirmed in your mind you wouldn't do? There was no way he was going to go out there and dance with various girls, pretending everything was just fine and dandy. He looked back at Riler once the boy had stopped sweeping the area. Why was it that his sister had seemed so nervous due to the Candidates sudden appearance? He hadn't even been aware that his sister knew the boy. R'xis let it slip from his mind for now, especially since the Brownrider had now proceeded to kiss Akki's hand in a gentlemanly-manner. He studied Akki's face, and his heart sank. 'I'll never be what she needs,' he decided. Not only was he younger then her by a few turns but also he wasn't a Fullrider, a "man" in the true sense of the word. All he was was a boy, and that was something she didn't need. He was better off just letting her get on with her life.

Wolf felt extremely guilty; its not as if she had meant to stutter! She cursed herself, nodding to Riler quickly when he thanked her. She turned back just in time to see that Hikanth had gotten closer and J'red was extending a hand out to her. Wait, she'd be sitting behind him? That'd mean she'd have to--'shards,' she thought. She took his hand, glad for the help up. She looked back to her brother R'xis, watching him use the dragon's leg to get up behind his sister. He had gotten up on to a dragon only a few times but gladly he remembered how. He gave Akki one more longing look and when Wolf looked back to him she swore she could see his eyes shining with a watery substance. When he looked to her, realizing she had shifted to glance back at him, there was no trace of anything in his eyes.

Wolf faced forward again, unable to wait until they got there. Her and R'xis had to talk, and they had to talk now! What a conscience she had, she just couldn't keep anything away from R'xis for more then a day. She frowned, sighing inaudibly. She then remembered how awful it was to go /between/ and wasn't exactly looking forward to it.

[Akki]

Akki sighed in content, "Death by hugs. Now that's a good way to go. I think I would want to go by that, being drowned by friendliness.". She nodded to herself, that would be one of the best ways to go. Surely when you were dying, you would want people to just hug you for a long time. She rocked back and forth on her feet once more, hands on her waist as she nodded, "You know, it's a good thing you just came up with a good answer J'red otherwise I think my heart would have been thoroughly crushed by you.". She snickered as the bronze made a valid point as she looked down at her feet, wiggling her toes, "Ah. I'm afraid you got me there. Much as I like you Hikanth, I'm rather attached to my toes and I don't want to lose any. Maybe another time, yes?". Understanding who she was now taking to the Gather first she gave a warning, "Better cover your ears.". And with that said, she proceeded to stick two fingers into her and blow. A loud whistle pierced the air and lasted for a few seconds, ringing in everyones ears. The blue rider waved at Kestrel and Hasima, "Oi! You two! Want a ride? Otherwise I'll be leaving you in the dust!". She winked at Riler, "No worries. I'll try to make sure no dragon eats you. At least, not until the end of the Gather. You have my word."

Akki looked over at A'ton and rubbed the back of her head with a laugh. She had misinterpreted the riders reaction, and thought they he meant that she didn't seem like a rider. "Haha, guess I seem more like a candidate or something. I don't really act like a proper rider, I suppose." She said with a grin. Of course with his next statement, she understood what he actually meant. "Hup, I get it now. Just call me an odd case then." She said with a wink. "I'll be thoroughly dissapointed if you don't find me at the Gather A'ton." Akki said with a small smile, as the faintest shade of pink appeared on her cheeks as his lips brushed across her hand. "You're quite the gentleman."

Watching for a second as A'ton walked away, she silently laughed in amusement. The new rider clearly intrigued her. "You ready then Ebbeth?" She asked as she walked towards her blue, and managed to swing herself up onto the blue. Buckling herself in safely, she patted him gently and he ambled towards where Hasima and Kestrel were.

Hasima nodded in agreement with Kestrel, that she would go check to see if Akki would give them a ride. However, the girl barely had time to take one step before a whistle reached her ears, followed with Akki's exclamation. She tossed a look to Kestrel, a smile appearing on her face, "I'll take that as she will give us a ride?". She turned to face the blue rider again, only to find her and the dragon waiting patiently beside Hasima. Akki reached down, offering a hand to Hasima, who gratefully took it. Soon as their hands clasped one and another, she swung the girl up onto Ebbeth's back and helped make sure she was on properly. Akki looked down at Kestrel, a hand waiting, "Ready?"

[Spirithawk]

Kaith erupted from *between* a blazing gold mass in the bright Southern sun. She circled once, bugling her greetings to the dragons already there from various weyrs. Her hide was freshly oiled and gleaming but anyone with a keen eye could see the greyish tinge of exhaustion. However, the tension was gone from the Queen for the day. Today was a Gather day.

Kaith circled again and waited for her turn to land. A blue dragon hurriedly discharged his riders to make way for the massive queen and Kaith glided in, letting Christae off as close to the Hold steps as she could so that her rider could run in and change into her Gather gown before she was attacked by people wishing to greet her. Many wanted to know if the rumors that her WL had abandoned the weyr were true. Others wanted to see the WW who had taken over running her own weyr herself with only her Headwoman and a Jr. WW who was an untrained W'ling with a dragon not old enough to fly.

Christae scratched Kaith's eye ridges and removed her riding straps before bolting off into the Hold. The Lord and Lady Holder stood at the top of the stairs greeting guests. Christae bobbed a small curtsey out of respect and the two returned the gesture. Technically Christae didn't have to curtsey but it was out of politeness that she did it. Lady Zelarrah and Lord Holder Porofter had been kind to her and helped when the Harpers petitioned for her to get her son back. They had agreed, along with some of the other Lords and Ladies and Weyrleaders that Chiron should be returned to Dark Moon Weyr.

A drudge led Christae to a side-room where she could change and left briefly, returning with a basin of warm water to wash the dust off if she wished. She thanked the woman and quickly began changing. The drudge stayed to help fasten the hooks at the back of the russet brown and gold embroidered gown. She pinned her hair up in a loose twist with tendrils of loose curls falling to frame her face. She fastened her choker and belt and slipped out of her riding boots and into her dancing shoes. Her clothing was repacked in her bag and the drudge took it away to be placed with Kaith's riding straps. Christae emerged and went to greet the other dignitaries and friends that had already arrived at the Gather.

She noted with amusement that many of her riders were already there, mingling with others and getting to know the newcomers who had arrived at the weyr within the past couple of sevendays. She wondered if she would be approached by any of the dragonriders hoping to transfer. That would be great for the weyr's morale and strength. She looked for her Queen as she made her way to the Gather stalls to make a few purchases and saw that the large gold was already sunning herself on the sandy beaches of the Hold. She grimaced good-naturedly. Kaith's freshly oiled hide would be full of sand but she wouldn't fuss her dragon. It had been a while since either of them had had any fun. She was tired but she meant to enjoy herself today.

[kestrel]

Tikal grinned lopsidedly and shrugged carelessly at the 'compliment', and didn't fail to notice Kaelin redden slightly, but said nothing, just gave her a 'shooing' motion in regards to him simply wanting her to enjoy the pie. Which, it seemed, she was of a mind to do. He should have warned her, perhaps, that it'd be hot. However, he figured she already knew, so he didn't bother. When she mumbled around a hot mouthful 'i'sh hot', he chuckled and then retorted,
"you saw the steam-what did you think was going to happen?" And then, he poked several holes atop his own pie, watching the steam waft out from them into the air. "See," he said, waving some steam in her direction, before commenting, "mmm...smells good, though. Even knowing it's hot I want to scoff it all right away!" He motioned to where there were vendors selling other things, and then asked, "did you have anything in mind you'd like from the Gather today?"
After seeing her half-mark, he'd made up his mind to have her save it, and buy her something with his own. His had accumulated nicely, and even if he was treating five others save her, he was sure he'd have enough left over for next gather-the joys of saving and doing random errands or volunteering for paid work were many.

~~~~~~

J'red nodded amiably at the brownrider, and replied honestly,
"well, I'm not the one you'll need to ask if that's the case or no. I'm just another rider here-our Weyrwoman would be the one dealing with said matters, though I'm sure that two more able-bodied riders would be a great asset here," he admitted, hoping he was in his right to do so. It was true that there were too few full riders here. Insofar as he knew, he was the only full bronzerider here, as he'd not met any others thus far. He was somewhat glad for that-Christae had been talking about an open flight, however...that was fairer, giving Kaith more choices-but he'd be lying if he said he wanted a ton of strange bronzeriders he'd never met chancing to catch the Weyrwoman's dragon. He knew whoever caught Kaith would be Christae's Weyrleader. Was he all right with that? He wasn't sure. But the WW had never given him reason to think she'd favor him over any other bronzerider out there. So who was he to think otherwise? Turning his attentions back to Wolf and R'xis. He finished helping Wolf up and gently adjusted the riding straps to make sure she was strapped in, surprised a little that R'xis knew how to mount himself. Well, he had impressed already, and probably he had been a-dragonback before. And so, instead of aiding him with the straps he simply said, "make sure the straps are comfortably tightened and not too lose back there, R'xis," he smiled over his shoulder at the boy, knowing boys at his age had a need for more independence insofar as things like those went. While a girl might be flattered to be helped with the straps, a boy might feel it was a tad demeaning, depending on personalities. He grinned at Wolf before facing forwards, and asking R'xis, "ready to lift off?"

To Akki he merely laughed, shaking his head in consternated amusement. That girl could certainly amuse just about anyone, no matter who they were. Hikanth merely gave a sound that could have been a draconian form of laughter, and inclined his head to the bluerider, sending to her,
*I will remember that, bluerider Akki. You owe me a dance another time. I will hold you to that.* His eyes whirled blue-greens, as he turned his head to look now at his passengers, waiting for J'red's reply from R'xis before he would take off.

~~~~~~

Rhiyo looked up to see a man he didn't recognize asking him if he'd 'ever ridden a brown'. His pallor turned at least two or three shades lighter, as he looked at the size of the brown dragon in front of him. Sure, he'd seen R'xis Ersith-but he was a younger dragon, and much, much smaller than the brown in front of him. He managed to get out a,
"no sir..." shaking his head a little too enthusiastically while saying so, and then taking a deep breath and stuttering out, "t-thank you. H-how do I get up?" He had seen R'xis getting on J'red's bronze, and had secretly been very, very grateful he was not in the other boy's place. That huge bronze dragon was even bigger than this brown one, and he would have been even more nervous about getting on it. He'd also been impressed to see R'xis get up on that huge bronze all by himself. He didn't even know how he would ever get up onto this brown, and his color was not turning back to its normal shade. He had never been on a dragon before-or if he had, he couldn't remember. So for him, this was about as 'new as new got', and he was not sure if he should be terrified, nervous, excited or what. He couldn't think of anything to say, either, which wasn't helping him any. He just looked up at the dragon's rider for help, standing there feeling out of place.

~~~~~~

Kestrel couldn't help but grin when not even two seconds later, Akki called out to them from further on down the bowl. She laughed at Hasima's words, and realized she hadn't laughed with someone in longer than she could recall. It felt rather nice, actually, and she nodded, retaining a smile as she replied,
"I take it that she will, at that," before motioning her head in a sort of sideways jerk towards where Akki and Ebbeth were, and heading off towards them, looking back to make sure Hasima was with her. She arrived at where Akki was, and nodded courteously to the bluerider, and thanked her.
"Thank you for offering us a ride, Akki. We were actually just going to ask you if you wouldn't mind giving us one," she admitted with a smaller half-smile at the girl. Akki's exuberance still made hera bit uneasy, ill-used to it as she was. However, she had to admit the girl was nice, and Hasima seemed to like her, too. So she had to be an all right person.

[kesomon]

"Ah, no worries kid," A'ton said with a beaming smile, sweeping his hand in indication that the boy should approach the massive brown, and walking just behind him as he ushered Rhiyo closer. "Roanoth's as gentle as a mouse that's been at the cordial. Dip your shoulder, lumox. We've got a first-time passenger." This was directed at the brown, who's eyes turned an interesting shade of greenish purple-blue.

~Perhaps you should have sent him to Altoth,~ Roanoth suggested as he complied, watching the poor boy's palid face. ~He seems intimidated by me.~

"Nonsense. Alright kid, what we're gonna do is step right up on Roanoth's foreleg, here," A'ton motioned to the limb, "And grab the harness guards, and just haul yourself up and over like you would a runner. Just nestle yourself down between that second and third ridge there. Think you can manage it?"

[Akki]

Akki tossed a look over to where Hikanth waited patiently, and grinned at the dragon, shouting to him "And I'll hold you Hikanth. It's a deal.". The riders hands fumbled with the straps around Hasima for a split second, adjusting them correctly so they fit snugly around the small girl. She looked to where Kestrel was on the ground and gave the girl a thumbs up with a short laugh, "You know I would be more than happy to give you guys a ride. You don't even have to ask! Just tell me where you want to go, and I'll take you.". Ebbeth shifted down slightly, making the distance of where they were perched and the ground even smaller as Akki's hand wrapped around Kestrels, lifting her up on to the blue dragon, a small "Hup." escaping from her lips as she did so.

She placed Kestrel behind Hasima, figuring that the girl would be more comfortable there then being squished between herself and the girl. Once again, her hands flew around, tightening straps where they needed to be tighter, double checking to see if everyone was safely tucked in. She blew some hair out of her face and grinned, "You all ready for this?". Turning to face straight, she lurched slightly as Ebbeth kicked off of the groun, wings pumping as he brought himself farther away from the ground. As soon as they were far up enough, she whipped her head around with a short "Get ready!", of course meaning get ready to go Between.

They flickered out of the Weyrbowl. Hasima wrapped her arms dangerously tight as the cold greeted them, pressing itself against their skin. Their breath stuck in their throats as dead silence surrounded them. The cold, suffocating feeling seemed to last an eternity before Ebbeth appeared above the Gather, bugling silently. Their limbs regained their normal temperature, their breath coming out in a small gasp as the busy noises reached their ears. "Aiya, you're crushing my ribs Hasima." The bluerider said with a laugh causing the girl to blush slightly as she removed her death grip around the rider. Ebbeth landed, careful not to squish anything that laid underneath him as Akki loosened straps, allowing the passengers to slide off when they wanted. She grinned at the two girls, "I hope you guys save a dance for me! Ebbeth and I are making a quick trip back, to pick up anyone who is still there. And then him and I can enjoy the Gather!"

[Wolf]

It was quite considerate of J'red to help her with her straps, she felt, seeing as she hadn't a clue on how she was to tie them anyways. She readied herself for the dragon to take off, afraid of heights; so therefore she was afraid for it to happen! She looked back, seeing R'xis ready his own straps. He was quite thankful that J'red had considered him old enough and educated well enough to be able to do it on his own. He tightened his straps, smirking to himself. Wolf chuckled when she spotted him smirking and his blue-eyed gaze shot up to meet her hazel-mostly green-one.

"What?" he questioned seriously, not knowing what was the cause for her laughter. 'Did I do it wrong?' he wondered, observing his straps once again. 'No, it looks fine.' He was relieved, not wanting to look like a fool, and then falls off and dies on top of it. Wolf chuckled again before facing forward and a light blush appeared on R'xis' cheeks. He muttered something to himself, sitting up straight. He was a tall boy, standing at the full height of 6'0. Being the sensitive guy that he was he was taking Wolf's chuckles rather personally, but then thought better of it and calmed down a bit. He shuffled in his 'seat.' He patted the Bronze's neck affectionately, loving all dragons. This made Wolf break out in laughter, for she could hear the sound of his hand coming in contact with the Bronze's neck.
"Okay, seriously, what now?" R'xis whined. Wolf didn't look back this time, a mischievous smirk planted on her face.
"Oh, nothing," she said softly-making it sound anything but true. 'Its so easy to tease him,' she thought. 'I love it!'

"I'm ready back here!" R'xis called out joyously. He flicked his sister in the back of the head and she turned, scoffing.
"I could feel that!" she complained. R'xis now chuckled himself, nodding his head slowly. "That was the point." Wolf muttered to herself, nervously putting her arms around J'red's mid-section. She felt awkward but kept her thoughts to herself, shrinking down a bit.
"Afraid?" R'xis asked, his voice flooded with a teasing tone. 'I know the perfect thing to pick at her about.'
"No, dimglow!" she lied, snorting. She gave a roll of her eyes, now becoming irritated by her brother's whims. "We can't all be afraid of every little thing, like you," she shot at him.
"Last I checked you were still afraid of the dark," he replied, narrow-eyed. He felt a sense of triumph building in side of him, now determined to win this battle of words.
"Well at least I never got in trouble for asking when the Lady Holder's baby was due," Wolf spat. She had the urge to turn around and glare at him but didn't, staring at J'red's back. The last place she wanted to end-up looking was down.
"Its not my fault, you even told me she was heavy too! You can't lie about that." Wolf held in her laughter, though her body shook with it. She had said that, hadn't she? She gave a slight nod, 'fair enough' she decided.
"So what if I did, I didn't open up my big mouth about it," she concluded.
"So then you agree, you do have a big mouth?" R'xis said, his question a rhetorical one.
"R'xis, shells, when we get off this dragon I'm going to beat some sense in to you!" she yelled out, her cheeks turning a shade of red.
"Lower your voice," he hissed. "You could never beat any sense in to me, I could step on you and you'd be flattened. I could flatten any one really," he said with an heir of boyish-pride.
"No kidding," she muttered. "Got to put all that excess weight to good use somehow." He flicked her in the back of the head again and she reached an arm behind to smack him. Her hits were repeatedly up on his arm.
"Hold on to J'red, would you?" He sounded noticeably concerned. "Plus, I'm as skinny as a rake! I meant that I was strong," he felt the need to point out.
"Yes, so strong!" Wolf yelled sarcastically. "R'xis, crusher of rocks and twigs! I'm sure all the forest land will be frightened to death!"
It was R'xis turn to roll his eyes and begin muttering to him. Wolf had won, and clearly the boy was planning on being silent the rest of the ride.
'That'll show him, he's way too easy,' Wolf thought cockily. Ah, the love of sibling rivalry!

[kestrel]

Rhiyo tried to bear in mind how confidently R'xis had climbed up onto the large bronze, nodding to what the brownrider was telling him, even as he swallowed a nervous lump that had grown in his throat. He took a deep breath, glancing over at the other boy and then back up at the brown, smiling weakly, but resolving himself to do this and try not to show that he was really, really nervous about it. With this in mind, he did as he was instructed, and though he was breathing heavily and was extremely worried he'd fall off while climbing up and make a fool of himself, he did all right. He managed to do exactly as he was told, and found himself seated, though still uneasy, on the large brown's back. He gave the brownrider a half smile, and managed a weak, "thank you", to the brown whom he was now seated on. He then nodded to the brownrider and nodded politely and said in as calm a voice as he could muster, "yes, sir, I managed." He didn't say any more than that, though, because he was still extremely ill at ease-and they hadn't even left the ground yet!

~~~~~~

It wasn't the first time Kestrel had been on a dragon's back, but it wasn't as if she were used to it or anything, either. She accepted Akki's hand up with a polite 'thank you' and settled in behind her friend as comfortably as she could manage. She tried not to hold onto Hasima's smaller frame too tightly, just enough to make sure she was not going to be too uneasy when they lifted off. When they took off, however, her breath caught in her throat, and she bit her tongue lightly to keep from making an ungracious sound at her sudden surprise. However, it was when they went into the cold of between that she really froze up, though, trying to count in her head the seconds because otherwise she was afraid she might go just a tad mental. She hated this feeling of nothingness. She could feel nothing but cold, see nothing, hear nothing. She let out a huge sigh of relief when they came out over the Gather landing place, and felt herself relax noticeably when they landed. She quickly slid down, saying a, "thank you both, Ebbeth, Akki. I hope we'll see you later at the gather." She offered the girl a genuine smile, and her dragon. She really did respect Akki and Ebbeth, regardless of the fact that Akki was too energetic for her to be able to really deal with being around her for too long.

~~~~~~

Hikanth said nothing to Akki in reply, just sent her a draconian laugh before turning his attentions back to his rider and passengers.

J'red listened to the banter of the two siblings, remembering his own younger sister with fondness. He chuckled quietly to himself, as they went at their vocal warring back and forth, a smile on his face as he waited for them to be through with it. When R'xis gave the 'ready' signal, Hikanth didn't wait but a moment before he beat his powerful wings and was airborne in a mere couple of wing strokes. As they rose higher, J'red was keenly conscious of his two passengers, keeping a close eye on them to make sure they were all right. Hikanth blinked into between and came out nearby Ebbeth, swerving away from the blue slightly to a larger landing space. He began to descend, and back winged into a rather soft-for all his size-landing, wanting to not jar his passengers discomfortingly. J'red was the first to slide down, offering Wolf a hand down, with a friendly smile, commenting, "I hope the ride was all right, and you didn't find it too unpleasant!"

[kesomon]

A'ton gave the nervous candidate a reassuring smile and stepped up to tighten the straps. "It isn't as bad as you're imagining, kid. We'll just pick up another passenger and be on our way." He glanced around, scanning the bowl. Nearby, Altoth gave a triumphant but quiet bugle as she backwinged, settling neatly on the grass and bowing her shoulder to allow P'mar to dismount. A'ton smiled, briefly, and continued his scan. His gaze rested for a moment on Ebbeth, as Akki loaded her own passengers and disembarked, and a thoughtful glint flickered in his brown eyes.

The friendship he had with P'mar was a long-standing one, yes. But it was built on an unsteady foundation that had started with the mindless rutting that came with a flight; a foundation, A'ton was ashamed to admit, he wasn't entirely comfortable with. In the Old South, while the union between two dragonriders of similar gender as a result of a flight wasn't uncommon, it had been regarded as degrading to the parties involved. A man riding a green was considered a whore. A brownrider becoming his mate was something you got shunned for. And if you rode a bronze, well, exile was one of the better results. He'd heard tales of Weyrs in which there were many...mysterious disappearances.

P'mar was from the North and raised under more modern views, but the young Brownrider was from sterner laws. While the incidents were on some level enjoyable, it was when A'ton had his senses straight that he was worried about the consiquences, even after four years. He'd tried to intervene before, of course. Setting the greenrider up with holder's daughters or the lure of a pretty girl in one of the Weyrs was easy enough, but it didn't help with his predicament, as the only girls in the air rode Gold and Green. He'd gone one further, then, arranging others nearby when Altoth grew proddy, but even then, it was only Roanoth who could keep up with her, and the thought of his best friend being claimed by a lust-fogged stranger made A'ton's stomach roil with anger.

Now, having met Ebbeth and Akki, there was a possibility. A lady aback a blue, the usual fodder of greens. It could be his chance to help he and P'mar both. Him to save his rank, and P'mar to be allowed a partner and friend that had no strings binding them together for their lifetimes.
P'mar was watching him now, and with a studious expression on his face, along with a mild scowl that suggested the younger man was aware of what the brownrider was plotting. A'ton hurriedly wiped his face blank and turned away, spotting a second young man standing across the green. With a whistle, a smile and a wave, he beckoned Kiran over. "All aboard!" He shouted.

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

P'mar frowned as A'ton caught his gaze and turned away. He recognised that look, even at a distance. The elder rider was worried about something, fretting at a frayed knot of troubling thoughts. If he was masking it from the greenrider, it likely involved him, and P'mar could guess the topic in his sleep. He hefted a sigh and glanced up at Altoth, who was watching him with curious greens darkening into worried darker blues. He sent a calming sense of peace towards his lifemate, turning the shade of her eyes back to their peaceful light green hues, and scanned for passengers.

"Need a lift?" He called out to a young man lingering in the vicinity, smiling in his genial way when Riler's attention was drawn.

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

"Was worth it, though," Kaelin pointed out, licking the jellied fruit from her fingers with a contented expression, brushing crumbs from the corner of her mouth with her wrist. "And yeah, plenty. Don't hafta do it all in one chunk, though, Tikal. What did you have in mind to do?" Biting into her pie again after blowing away the steam, she looked up at him expectantly.

[Akki]

Kestrel didn't bruise Hasima's ribs, the grip was not tight enough, in fact Hasima found it almost comforting to have Kestrel holding onto her as they went Between. It definitely made it better for her at least. She gently gripped Akki's arm as they both lowered her towards the ground, and only let go when she could safely feel the hard surface under her feet. She was okay with the flying part, even if this really was only her second time, but she wasn't very fond of having to go through the infinite coldthat was Between. The sickly-looking girl looked up at Akki and beamed at her, offering a soft "Thank you." Akki waved away the gratitude that she was recieving, "It was nothing. Look for me at the Gather you two, I don't want to be all alone! I'll be forced to chat up strangers."

The rider stretched for a moment, watching as Hikanth came in for a landing a moment later. "Wolf!" She called out over the noise. "Make sure your brother doesn't get sick!" The rider grinned at R'xis, teasing him before Ebbeth shifted slightly and once again slowly rose up in the air. She figured that there was probably only a few more people left, and after this trip and if someone made another one with her than that was all they would need. Then they could all start to enjoy the Gather. "Come on Ebbeth, soon as we do this you can go and flirt with all the pretty looking female dragons." Akki promised with a grin. The blue sniffed, I don't flirt, I hold informative and entertaining conversations. I would appreciate it if you got it right.. Before the rider could even think up a reply, the dragon went Between.

They burst into the Weyrbowl once more, spiralling downwards for a moment before Ebbeth lifted up and landed with a 'Thump'. "Give me some warning next time." Akki grumbled, sticking her tongue out at the blue. She looked around and waved her arms above her head, "Come on now! Anyone else who needs a ride, come on over. I can take two more.". If I was them, I wouldn't want to get a ride with you. You're too loud/ Akki snorted, "If they don't want a ride, it's only because you're a terrible flier."

[Kino]

[Allll right xD Finally got some free time to get a post in!]

Kiran had waved to Kestral and Hasima as they hurried off to catch their ride, standing in his spot for a moment after and letting his gaze wander a bit over the various dragons and their respective riders. The whistle that sounded through the weyrbowl reminded him fleetingly of the commands he used to give his two herding dogs, and the boy shifted his attention over towards the brownrider to see him waving Kiran over. "Well, that certainly solves that dilemma." he commented as he made his way over.

When he came up to the brown and rider, Kiran gave a quick nod of greeting. "Pleased to meet you, Brownrider." he said with the nod, "My name's Kiran, and I'd thank you for the ride to the gather." He'd wait then, for whatever response and to make sure everything was set before he climbed up. Kiran was tall, after all, and he'd ridden a dragon when he'd been searched; climbing onto the tall back of a brown wouldn't be too difficult.

[Darn, I was hoping to get a post in for Khris xD but I can't think of anything for him to do just yet. He's still...walking around.]

[Spirithawk]

Rhia entered the Weyr Bowl, her riding straps over her shoulder. A large brown, as large as a small bronze gided down from a ledge, greeting the other dragons in the bowl.

Ebbeth, you'd think you would have learned more grace by now with your landing. The large brown chuckled with amusement.

"Mneith, behave." The lean brownrider laughed. She had her Gather clothing packed in a bag. She didn't want to muss her best Gather dress before she got a chance to show it off. She was hoping to find someone to dance with at the Gather even though a female brownrider was rather strange, especially one who was the WLM.

"Akki, good day to you. Do you know if any of the other W'lings and Candidates need rides? I think I intimidate some of them but I don't want any of them to miss a chance at going to Southern's Gather just because Mneith is a big bully." She brushed a chestnut curl away from her face. She had let her hair cascade down her back from a clip shaped like a flitt. She knew it would be easier to cut her hair short but she was vain in that aspect even though she didn't care much about appearance otherwise. Between Weyrling lessons and keeping track of the Candidates and their chores she was dusty more often than not. More often than not she had firestone dust on her face or on her riding clothes but she was too busy to notice. She loved the hectic life of a WLM.