Gather Festivities

[Wolf]

R'xis and Wolf kept on walking until they were standing in front of the correct booth. The bubbly pies were making both of there mouths water and just as R'xis went to take some marks out of his pocket he spotted Rhiyo making his way toward them. He was quick to introduce his sister, quite proud of her to say the least. "Yes, we are," he replied. "She's my sister, Wolf. Wolf, this is Rhiyo, one of the newer Candidates to Dark Moon." He motioned first to Wolf and then to Rhiyo, by way of saying: Now you know each other.
Wolf studied the redheaded boy curiously, nope; she had most definitely never seen him around before. Perhaps he had come more recently and therefore they'd never crossed each other's paths. "Its nice to meet you," Wolf said softly, extending a hand to him in a polite manner. If R'xis knew him then surely he must've been a nice boy. He appeared about her age, which wasn't surprising since he was a Candidate. "How're you liking Dark Moon thus far?" she asked him conversationally, her back turned to her brother, who had resumed fishing in to his pocket for his marks. He paid the vendor for three bubbly pies. He first took his own in hand, and then gently prodded his sister's shoulder to get her to turn around. Wolf's eyes lit up at the sight of the bubbly pie that R’xis held in one hand. She took it in to her own hands, thanking him; licking her lips hungrily. "Mm," she said, wisely waiting for it to cool down. She took in the scent, murmuring something about it being heavenly.

R'xis then handed one to Rhiyo, a bright smile on his face. "Eat up, they're delicious, I'm assuming that you don't remember what they taste like-given you've even been to a gathering before." His lips formed a small frown, hoping that he wasn't treading in to a sensitive area. He bet that Rhiyo would rather enjoy himself then try and retrieve lost memories in frustration.
"Wait, what?" Wolf said, distracted from her bubbly pie. Her eyes widened while she stared at Rhiyo in surprise. "You've lost your memory?" she then asked, quickly piecing the puzzle together. "I'm so sorry..." A frown was now on R'xis's sister's face too. Wolf couldn't even begin to imagine what that would be like, not remembering a single thing. She knew, for one, that she'd be scared. She'd also be questioning herself every single second, wondering if she was becoming a different person then what she used to be.
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Tieler scowled at Akki, not at all caring to have to stand here and listen to a thing the Bluerider said. She observed her nails as if waiting for Akki to finish speaking, muttering: "yadda yadda." She then looked back up at Akki, an edge to her tone while she addressed the girls various comments individually. "First off, I really couldn't care a less about treading on your little miss princess outfit. Secondly, no guy could so much as lay a finger on me with out having his face pummelled in to the ground a literal two seconds later. As for what I'm wearing I'll wear whatever I shardin' want and there isn't a single person who can do a shardin' thing about it. Shells, why would you care anyhow? I'd expect people like you to be off dancing with some poor excuse for a lad who's only hoping to get lucky because he knows it'll only happen once."

Raska's voice came in to her head, interrupting her many other ways that she could verbally abuse poor Akki. She turned to the girl, who was only an inch higher-not that height even served a purpose in Tieler's books. She studied her; a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes, thought it quickly disappeared. "Drinking tent?" she questioned, giving a quick scan of the area. "Well I was hoping to be heading there myself..." she trailed off, looking back to Akki with a discontented glare. "If you’re quite done I'll be leaving now." Despite her words she remained in place, looking back to Raska. "I've got a proposition for ya'. I'll help you find the drinking tent if you buy, deal?" She wasn't a fool, so she was expecting the girl to give a hearty laugh and tell her that there was a fat chance of that happening. Of course, she could strike a small ounce of luck and have the girl accept. From what she could tell the girl appeared to be of the same mind frame as she right now, and she really felt that she could possibly use her to her advantage.

She looked about, examining the faces of various boys. "No, no, no," she was saying to herself, marking off each one in her head. At one point she made a face of disgust, it matching her putrid thought. She heaved a sigh, staring off in the single boy's direction, "I bet the whole family regretted that one." She extended an arm out, still fully aware of the other two girls nearest her, making sure to watch them out of the corner of her eye. She grabbed her victim's arm, pulling him toward her; letting go once he was standing before her with a look of confusion. "Nope, changed my mind, can't work with this," she shrugged after having looked him over. She shoved him away from her, turning back to Raska and Akki before she could see the boy shake his head furiously and walk away.

(( Sorry that its so short... D: Its late and my brain is going: dee dee dee dee... Bzzt *sizzlefry.* ))

[Akki]

Hasima did not react well with crowds. There were too many people for her, too many people that could be more than willing to laugh at her when she blushed a vibrant scarlet or when she accidently fell. Possibilities of cruel laughter flooded her mind, causing her body to feel heavy for a moment. Words got caught in her throat as she listened to Kestrel, any idea of what she wanted to do? Go back to the Weyr seemed like a blissful idea, but she knew it wasn't plausible, besides Akki would probably be dissapointed if she skipped the Gather. She looked quite relieved at the girls suggestion of bubbly pies, and nodded rather enthusiastically. Getting bubbly pies seemed like a rather safe suggestion in her point of view.

She hesitated for a second, then wrapped her thin fingers around Kestrel's wrist, tight but not enough to cut off any circulation. She blushed a light pink, and said with a feeble smile, "I don't want to get lost.". She probably looked like a young kid, grasping desperately to an older person but at this point she didn't mind. There seemed nothing worse than getting lost in a large group, filled with unknown people. If she got lost, she knew she would be too shy to ask anyone if they had seen someone from Dark Moon, she would be stuck wandering on her own. The idea seemed daunting, the girl couldn't handle stressful situations very well in a large gathering like this one.

"My little miss princess outfit?" Akki repeated, mildly confused at this expression before brightening. "Does this mean you think it's nice? I won't lie, I wasn't really sure what to wear." She lowered her voice to a daunting whisper, "Most of the other people are dressed a lot nice than I am.". She looked around, and it was true, pretty much everywhere you looked there were nicer dresses than the one the blue rider was wearing. She raised her voice and grinned, "Mind you, I don't think I could ride a dragon in an outfit like that. I'd probably get tangled and fall off." She noted silently that this girl had quite the mouthy attitude, definitely not one to keep her opinion to herself. She raised her hand to her brow and looked about, "Do you see a poor excuse of a lad who's hoping to get lucky? I do need someone to dance with later on tonight, and I think most people can't handle my overly cheery personality.".

She leaned over and pulled on the girls shirt, trying to lower it before giving up after a split second. It was no use, it was cut too short, no matter how much pulling it would never stay down. "I care because I can. I don't want to see anyone getting snatched away before my eyes because of what they are wearing. Even if you can pummel someone into the ground." She said with a wry smile and a shrug. She had too admit, she was rather enjoying this conversation. Tieler's snarky comments weren't really affecting the thick-skinned dragon rider, she was at a gather, and when she was at a Gather then few things could get her down.

She eyed Raska when the girl came up to them, asking a question. Were these two girls related? Though they looked nothing alike in features, they seemed to have the same air around them. And perhaps the same personality traits. "Are you two even allowed to be drinking?" She asked without a thought, something she did quite a bit. Akki had never been drunk, she was afraid to even imagine what she would be like. She was already a rather bubbly person, so chances were she would probably hit on everything and anything if she ever had too much too drink. And that could only bring some rather embarassing moments in front of her fellow Dark Moon'ers. She stretched, hands in the air as she shook her head with a small grin of amusement, "Hasn't anyone ever told you these boring Gatherings can be turned exciting without any drinks involved?"

Ooc| Ahaaa, a reeeeally bad post I know.

[kestrel]

Rhiyo was glad he hadn't made an embarrassing mistake about who this girl was, and when R'xis introduced her as his sister, he smiled and nodded, taking her hand when she offered it and shaking it, replying, "It's a pleasure to meet you, miss Wolf." He then motioned to R'xis and said by way of explanation, "your brother here has been helping me learn more about everything. He's been a great help so far, too!" He looked towards R'xis and replied in answer to his query, "I like it here a lot. True, there's a lot I don't understand about how Weyr life works, but I'm slowly getting the hang of things. Everyone's been really nice so far, and they've been doing their best to make me feel like I belong here." In truth, he actually did belong there, he guessed. After all, he was supposed to have come here. That, at least, was a relief. That he knew he was doing what he'd been meant to. It gave him a sense of purpose that he might have otherwise lacked. He couldn't imagine not knowing what he was supposed to be doing as well. He knew he'd have felt useless otherwise, and he didn't nee that on top of everything else. So he was grateful to be at Dark Moon, a Candidate.

When R'xis handed him a bubbly pie, he looked surprised. No one had bought Rhiyo anything yet, so this was new to him, and he stammered, "t-thank you!" and smiled warmly at the boy, replying after taking it, "I don't remember, no-but it smells delicious!" He grinned, and took a small bite, and his eyes lit up as he savored what was to him his first bubbly pie. He couldn't believe that anything could taste so good, and as if to emphasize he let out a huge sigh of wonderment and exclaimed, "this is so good!" and proceeded to take another bite, looking just as thrilled as with the first one. However, he was startled from his pie eating when Wolf suddenly seemed to piece together what R'xis had said. Then, he cleared his throat and blushed a soft crimson, swallowing and nodding slowly.

"Nothing to be sorry about, really. I guess you don't miss what you can't remember, right?" he said, trying to be optimistic about his situation. And then, "I'm sure one day it'll come back to me. But who knows? Maybe the memories I've lost are ones that are better not remembered, for all I know..." he trailed off, then let out a small chuckle, and continued, "mind you, it'd be nice to know what I was like, who I was and what my life was like before this happened. I spend a lot of time thinking about that. It's no fun wondering if you're the same person, what you were like, who is missing-or not missing-you. All I can do is take it one day at a time, and try and learn what I've forgotten." He smiled wryly, and then admitted, "this pie is enough to make me glad I forgot it, though!" With a grin, he took another bite, remembering he'd promised to just have a good time today, if only to himself.

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Raska narrowed her eyes at the red-haired girl, summing her up in that quick but effectual way she had of doing, each word and nuance not at all missed by her. She watched the way she moved, the look in her eyes, the way she carried herself, the way she spoke, and in the end, she only smiled softly to herself, musing that this was 'one of those, hmm?' Well, she knew this girl's type, and knew that this one was quick to take advantage of anyone, and quick to shoot off her mouth and, one thing in common, quick to use another. Well, she would gauge this girl for herself, and draw all her conclusions to an ending outcome, be it for good or no. She did not laugh when Tieler made her proposal. No, nary an expression marred her features as she replied smoothly, "by that bulge in your pocket, you've got enough to buy your own drinks, but I will play along. However, do not think it's because I believe I am getting the better end of this deal. I could easily ask any of these about me for directions, and obtain them at no cost to myself. However, the company around here is less than desirable, and therefore you seem to me at least a tad more to my amusement than the rest of whom I've seen here thus far. So, I will buy you a drink, but in exchange you will at least give me your name, and then I will give you mine. Does this not sound fair to you?" Raska's gaze drifted slowly over to the blond girl again, as she began speaking in a ramble.

Raska narrowed her eyes and frowned slightly as she listened all-too-patiently for Akki to finish speaking. The first words to come out of her mouth were simply, "you are a Dragonrider?" Then, with a tug of a smirk at the corner of her mouth, "I was informed that only those sound of body and mind were allowed to stand on the sands?" Her implications were clear, but she really did wonder if this wherry of a girl professing to be a dragonrider could understand them. She gave a sigh, and then said with a careless shrug, "I suppose you must be the exception to the rule-either that, or they're letting just about anyone stand for a dragon these days." To Akki's query, she merely raised one eyebrow and replied cooly, "allowed? No one allows or doesn't allow me to do anything. What I do is a matter of my own choosing. If I choose to drink, I shall, and I doubt very much that you have a right to say otherwise. Yes, I'm sure that this Gather has many un-boring things to do besides drinking..." she paused, allowing a slow, lazy grin to spread across her features, as she said in a reasonable tone, "take yourself for example. What could be more amusing than meeting a mentally ill dragonrider? You don't meet one of those every day, you know." She yawned and then turned once more to the red-head, and said, arms folded across her chest, "now, I believe you were going to show me where that drinking tent was, ...

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Admin's Note:[/hr]" Obviously the pause was awaiting the name she'd requested. [/font][/size]

[Sparrow]

Marletta watched as both of the girls insulted the bluerider. That simply was not proper especially after what the dragonriders did, or would presumably do since Thread had yet to fall again. She wanted to tell them off or something but what would she say? The girl with dark black hair (Raska) called the bluerider “mentally ill” a second time, that was enough. Marletta marched over to where the three stood and planted herself to face the two girls, who now looked closer to her age than she had thought. “You do realize you are insulting a dragonrider, right? How dim can you get?” Ok so maybe stating the obvious and then insulting the girls was not the right way to deal with the problem but Marletta could not just sit back on this.

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Sh’rel helped his passengers off his brown dragon’s back before hopping off himself. “Well that’s the last of them,” Sh’rel announced to Rolaranth as he patted the large dragon’s side. “Do you want me to loosen the riding straps?”
~That would be nice~ Rolaranth replied as his eyes whirled green.

Sh’rel complied and scratched where the riding straps had been rubbing the brown’s hide. He would have to make some new ones soon. Perhaps he would be able to find a good price on wherhide for the straps at the Gather. The Brownrider removed his riding jacket and tied it onto one of the straps making sure it would not fall off, he would not want to have to buy one of those too he only had so many marks.

He brushed invisible wrinkles out of his gather clothes making sure he looked presentable. The rider wore dark chocolate brown pants with a thin white shirt with wide sleeves that billowed out (think pirates on terra) and a v-shaped neck that ties up. Over the shirt, he wore a lighter color brown vest. His hair was tied back with a scrap piece of wherhide. Amazingly enough none of strands of hair had yet escaped their restraint. For once, the Brownrider had shaved so he did not have the usual scruff that adorned his cheeks. Yes, he looked presentable.

Sh’rel patted the Rolaranth on the side, “You stay out of trouble now, hear. Don’t be flirting with too many of the greens,” the Brownrider smiled knowing his dragon better. In the five turns the brown had not yet shown any interest in any of the greens of his Weyr.
~I should be the one telling YOU to behave. Don’t drink the sick water.~
“It’s called wine Rolaranth, and I won’t.”
~ Aptly named, wine. For that’s all you do when you drink too much of it. ~ The brown dragon replied before leaping into the air to head to the sunning rocks.
The Brownrider shook his head with a grin as his dragon flew away. “Now to find the drinking tent.”

[Wolf]

R'xis listened to the boy talk, and felt sure of one thing, he was quite wise for his age and he bet that he had been even with out his amnesia. He also, so it seemed, never failed to show his appreciation. "Its no problem really, I'm just glad you like it!" he told him enthusiastically. R'xis took a bite of his own cooling bubbly pie, licking the crumbs off of his lips. He closed his eyes over, savouring the taste that filled his mouth and warmed his throat. "There’s nothing better. I sure do love Gathers for this very reason! Oh, and the chance to associate with others I suppose..." R'xis knew that his former comment wasn't all that true; he was quite anti-social most times. He opened his eyes, casting a glance at Wolf. He knew that she'd probably be thinking the same thing right about now. I've been trying to branch out lately, he thought to himself. He listened while Rhiyo went on about not being able to miss what he didn’t have. R'xis knew this to be true; he had experienced it first hand after all. With his family back home, which now only consisted of his father; he couldn't really miss the love there since it hadn't existed. He shrugged, knowing that Rhiyo's situation-in some ways-was far more grave then his own.
"I'm sure you'll get your memory back soon enough Rhiyo, I mean, something has to jog it right?" He wanted the boy to focus on the gather so in desperation he shot Wolf a pleading look.

Wolf nodded to Rhiyo, glad that other gentlemen existed in Dark Moon Weyr other then the few she'd already met. "The pleasure's all mine, really." Wolf chuckled, elbowing her brother gently in the chest when Rhiyo next spoke of him. "R'xis, being a help? Oh now," she said, pausing to look over at her brother: "That I've got to see." She sighed dramatically, shaking her head back and forth while looking at her brother with a fake frown. "I can barely get him to lift a finger," she exaggerated, watching his face redden. She started laughing freely, her laughter letting on that she was just teasing. "I'm just kidding of course, I'm glad that he's been able to make things easier for you. People at Dark Moon are generally very nice... okay, mostly always nice. Akki, Hasima, my brother, Riler, Kaiya, J'red, Christae..." she trailed off, trying to gather other names in her head. She failed although, having a mind block. "Anyways, there's a ton of us who're like one big happy family." A grin spread across her face, taking a bite of her bubbly pie. She squealed with delight, taking another bite right after she'd properly chewed and swallowed the first. She looked to her brother just as the pleading look had been given her.

"So, Rhiyo, I say that after we're done our bubbly pies, and possibly have another, that we should check out the other booths to see what's being sold! I for one do not want to waste an opportunity to get something cool." The excitement on her face was clear. Now well most boys would assume that her mind was whirling with thoughts of fine clothing and jewellery she was actually thinking of seeing the fine weaponry and the various animals being sold. "I love animals,” she whispered, not realizing that she had spoken out loud. She muttered something under her breath, hoping that no one had been paying attention, now poking her bubbly pie with a finger.
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Tieler scowled when Akki pulled on her shirt to try and lower it some. She gently shoved the girl and narrowed her eyes fiercely. Tieler sized her up, and it could be assumed that she was thinking of ways to take her down. Instead she spoke, in a louder voice mind you: "Don't touch. By the first egg, you'd think you were homosexual or something." She snorted, and that was that, until Akki mentioned something about a dragon. "You, a dragonrider?" she asked at the same time as Raska, a loud guffaw sounding from her. She wiped a non-existent tear from under her eye, just to make it clear that she thought the former to be extremely unlikely. "I'm surprised a dragon wouldn't eat some one like you, you carry on enough," she spat. When Raska joined in on the prodding and belittling of Akki Tieler only appeared unimpressed. Sure, it was okay when she did it, but for some reason it wasn't okay to her when others happened to do so.

"Now, now," Tieler hissed, "two on one isn't exactly fair." Although, she completely agreed with how Raska had responded to Akki’s drinking question. Screw fair, her mind was telling her, meanwhile she didn't show any indication of taking back her words. As if finally remembering Raska's existence, even then she’d just been making it seem like she'd forgotten, she turned back to the black-haired girl. "Ah, yes," she said at last; which answered Raska's question of her demands being fair. "But," she began, "if this is some-sort of scheme of yours to try and take my... how'd you put it, bulge in my pocket? Well, then in that case, you'll really wish you hadn't met me at all." Tieler smirked meaningfully, the look on her face saying it all: Yes I'm sure you were indeed eyeing me earlier. Apparently Raska's former compliment of finding her amusing had been sadly lost her on along with carelessly forgotten. Tieler had trained herself to always be aware of the things going on around her. Just when people thought they had her figured out she sent all their perceptions spiralling downward. She didn't bother extending her hand to the Raska, she merely replied by filling her name in to the blank: "Tieler, and no, I don't appreciate short forms for lazy people so Tieler's fine." Kind of hypocritical isn't it? she thought, seeing as you can be as lazy as they come she told herself mentally.

When Marletta boldly came forward, not knowing any of the three girls and clearly outraged, Tieler turned to size up the owner's voice, much like she had done to Akki previously. Her only reply was: "Its not a matter of how dim a person can get as how dim they actually are." She kept eye contact with the girl, the same dangerous smirk creeping back on to her light pink lips. Resist the urge to make her face a part of the ground... she commanded herself. It’s too early on to start fights... her conscience told her. Wait... she still had a conscience? I thought I got rid of that shardin' thing a long time ago she sighed, looks like I'll have to work even harder. She could feel a burst of anger flaring up in inside her and she wanted to devote herself to the bottle all the more. There were too many people in her face, too many unfamiliar people. She didn't like it, no, not at all. "So, in short, just back off!" she snapped. She turned her back on her opponent, something she often didn't do, but she expected that if this girl was 'so religiously respecting dragonrider's' that she wouldn't be much of a threat. Remember Tieler, no underestimating anyone...

[Akki]

Akki listened carefully as Raska talked, but soon found her mind wandering. Why was it always hard to pay attention to things when you were at a Gather? Why couldn't she concentrate on one thing? Her attention, however, was caught as Raska began to put down Akki continously. The way she did it without any long pauses made the blue rider think that this girl did it quite often. She hooked her arms behind her head and stared at Raska, making sure the girl was done before she said anything in return. "Did you realize you talk like a woman who is eighty turns?" She asked with a rather honest, innocent face.

She blinked once before amending, "Whoops, sorry. That sounded really mean. I didn't for it to be. But I don't think I know many younger people who use sentences like 'Does this not sound fair to you', you know?". She looked at Tieler through the corner of her eye, smiling to herself, "What? You not secure enough in your sexuality to let someone try to pull your shirt down? You're bringing out the motherly instincts in me, what can I say?". Motherly instincts? In Akki? That was a laugh, the woman was clearly too irresponsible to care for a child, she probably wouldn't even know how to handle that situation. Flying with Ebbeth, sure she could do that, she was prepared to fight Thread as soon as she needed too, but handling a newborn baby? Oh dear. "I am a dragon rider." She said with a casual shrug.

"I have a blue, called Ebbeth." She explained simply as she looked at Raska, "I hope you two aren't insulting his taste in riders, he's a rather touchy dragon. Angst, don'tcha know." She stared at Raska and said with no hint of maliciousness for there was none, "If you ever are on a Hatching Ground, I hope you remember to be polite. I wouldn't want to see a dragon leaping up on you.". The dragon rider laughed slightly and said with a rather happy tone, "Haha, sorry. I keep forgetting that at Gathers you can meet people who get off on insulting others." It was interesting, the fact that when Akki said this she didn't say it rudely or anything. She was just accidently blunt alot of the times, and never really thought about it, she wasn't insulting anyone, just making an observation. The rider's head snapped towards Marletta as the girl told off Tieler and Raska, even though she didn't know them.

She laughed happily and wrapped an arm around Marlette, nodding her head "I like this girl already. Let me treat you to a bubbly pie later on?". Akki reached over, and lightly flicked the top of Tieler's ear. "Now, now. Don't go around causing girl drama at Gathers. And what's wrong with shortening a name? My name is shortened.". She grinned to herself, why was it she had just told these three new girls that tidbit of information (Which probably meant nothing to them) but didn't tell anyone that she was close too about her full name?

[Sparrow]

Marletta did not like the smirk upon Tieler’s face at all. The Ruathan clenched her fists as if preparing for a fight. Whom was she kidding? In the event a fight broke out, she would probably lose. She was most likely the weakest one here and she had never had to fight for anything in her life other than attention. The girl was quite surprised when Tieler turned her back on her, and sighed in relief. It would not do to end up fighting in a Gather especially her first Gather outside Ruatha.
She was equally surprised when Akki wrapped her arm around her; she nearly jumped out of her skin. When Akki mentioned bubbly pies, the girl smiled. “That would be great.” Marletta had not had bubbly pies in a long time. Quickly though she remembered her manners, “But you do not have to treat me, bluerider, I have my own marks.” Her hand, once clenched in a fist, was now clenched tightly around her little purse. She saw the bulge that Tieler had in her pocket and wondered how a girl like that could have acquired so many marks. Marletta’s hazel eyes eyed examined Tieler suspiciously.

((Eep my posts look so short))

[kestrel]

Raska looked up to see a new individual entering into the conversation, and her eyes darkened as this overly-bold girl spoke up in Akki's defense. A slow smile crept across her lips though her eyes remained cold as ever. She sneered ever-so-slightly as she replied blatantly, "I suppose you're one of those fools who think that just because someone impresses a dragon that somehow makes them worthy of your respect? That you should 'honor the mighty dragonriders' as something to be either feared or revered? And you say I am dim. I suppose you are grateful because these people once kept thread from falling down on you. However, did they ever offer this service free of charge? No. They make others pay tithes to them and not a one believes they aren't worthy of everyone's respect. They are haughty and full of conceit and think they have something others do not just because a dragon chooses them. Well, I am no dim person. I know exactly whom it is I'm being forward with-insulting, as you put it. And I do not care no more than if it was a drudge or a simple girl like yourself who hasn't the sense to keep her nose out of other people's business." She turned her back completely on the other girl, as she began next to address Tieler, who'd spoken before this annoying interruption had stepped in.

She narrowed her eyes when Tieler said two on one wasn't fair-she doubted this girl cared about what was fair or not, and so, "playing the part of the honorable saint now, are we? Come now, you hardly seem the sort to care about what's fair and what's not. Otherwise, you wouldn't take what isn't yours to fill your own pockets. In truth, I care less about what is fair than anyone I've yet to meet, and I am by no means going to play the hypocrite's part." Then, when Tieler made to her what seemed a threat the girl would fully intend to carry out, a lazy smirk crossed her features as she replied, "you like to talk, don't you? We'll see if your actions can back up those words of yours. Don't think you are the only one who knows how to throw a punch, for you'd be very, very mistaken." A dangerous gleam crossed her eyes, but it was gone as soon as it had come, as she smiled slightly and added, "besides, you're not worth stealing from My targets are not of your sort. I don't take from those who are of the same lot as myself." She shrugged, and then continued, "do not make threats you can't be sure to keep. Know your opponent and play your cards carefully, Tieler. I'm called Raska, and this is Kero." She motioned to the feline on her shoulder that no one seemed to have notice, as she added slyly, "he doesn't like strangers, so i do not recommend you make any untoward movements in his direction-you might lose an eye or perhaps both." It was said in a matter-of-fact mannerism, with no threat, no malice, just a simple and plain fact.

Next, her unwavering gaze turned towards the bluerider, as she listened to what the girl had to say with an altogether bored expression. True, Raska had spent more time with these dimglows than she had cared to, and she had far better and more prosperous, not to mention interesting, things to do. These people, as far as she could tell (save perhaps Tieler) were not up to her level of thinking, nor expectations and intellect. Close-minded fools, and though Akki intrigued her with her care-or-less attitude, she also found the girl to be what she would consider extremely unintellectual. For that, at least, she had no patience. When compared to an eighty turns old woman, she chuckled, shaking her head back and forth, but soon as she'd had her 'laugh' her face was poker-straight once more, and she said expressionlessly in reply, "I take that as a compliment, so if it was meant to offend, despite your assurances it wasn't, it failed. They say you ought to respect the elderly. Do you know why that is? It is because they have more intelligence, experience and wisdom than someone like you has. Therefore, it stands to reason that if I do indeed speak like someone eighty turns old, I possess more intelligence, wisdom and experience than you do. However, I didn't need you to tell me that, as you've done a wonderful job in proving this to everyone already," she said coldly. She sneered as Akki seemed to threaten her with her stupid brute of a dragon. In retort, she shot back, with a hint of heat in her voice now, "what are you going to do? Sic your dragon on me? Everyone knows no dragon will harm a human, and if yours did, I should hope the others would make short work of him. And if I do stand, I will show respect, if only because the dragon who chooses me will have more taste than the one that chose you." With that, she said before Akki could retort, "now I suppose you two children can run along and eat your pies, I've no patience for you any longer." With a look to Tieler that clearly said she was leaving, whether Tieler followed or no, she turned on her heels and began walking away from the other pair of girls.

~~~~~~

Kestrel nodded and only smiled as Hasima took hold of her wrist, knowing full well before the girl spoke why she'd done so. She smiled and nodded, replying, "well, I wouldn't want to lose you in this crowd either. Being stuck in the middle of a Gather by myself doesn't strike my fancy, at least!" She began heading towards the vendor selling pies, and asked for two of them, handing the vendor the respective marks as she glanced over and saw Akki with a girl she didn't recognize beside her, and two others who, to her, didn't appear the friendly sort. She scowled but then turned back to receive the bubbly pies, handing one to Hasima and then taking a bite out of her own, savoring the blueberry taste of it as she at the same time realized it was hot, fresh out of the oven. Around a mouthful of pie she warned Hasima, "careful, it's still hot." She grinned, not letting this stop her from taking another bite, and sighed contentedly. Despite the crowds, despite all the people and talk, this was worth coming to the Gather for, by the egg! She then motioned to where the other pair of girls were now leaving Akki and the other girl, and said, "Akki's right over there. I don't know who she's with, but maybe you want to say hi or something?" She didn't think it likely Hasima would want to introduce herself to someone new, so it didn't matter to Kestrel if she gave a 'yes' or a 'no' reply. She was of a mind to try and just do things that Hasima would enjoy. Her preferences weren't exact, as she really hadn't a clue what she wanted to do herself. Most of all, she wasn't looking forwards to when the dancing started. She could dance eerily well, but she didn't like it when people started choosing partners, and she didn't want to be chosen!

~~~~~~

Rhiyo smiled at the interchange between Wolf and R'xis, easily able to see how they could be siblings, and close ones at that. The friendly teasing and the way they spoke to one another was a dead give away, if nothing else. He nodded enthusiastically in regards to R'xis saying that he was glad he liked it, and then, "y'know, I think so too! I have a feeling something, somewhere will make me remember at least some tidbit about my life before I lost my memories. I've promised myself to just take each day as it comes, and not waste days worrying about it. I have so much positive around me, why bother focusing on the bad things?" He then turned to Wolf, as she listed off the people in the Weyr. Some he'd seen, or even met, while others he had no recollection of. But she was right about one thing-they all seemed to get along great, like one big family-just as she'd said. She seemed like a really nice young woman, and Rhiyo was pleased to have met her. She seemed outgoing yet almost shy, sort of like himself, he realized. Well, he was sure they'd probably be good friends eventually, and he added another friend to his list now. At least everyone here was easy to get along with!

Rhiyo tried not to look at all bothered when Wolf began talking about going to booths to buy things. He himself had no marks, and wasn't at all sure about how they were gotten. So, he only smiled and nodded, because it was still fun to just look around in a place you'd never been. Then, when he heard what Wolf said about loving animals, he realized that he did too, and wondered if that was remembering, or just figuring out he knew this about himself. Well, no matter, for he now realized he loved animals a lot. Well, that was indeed something to look forwards to! So, with that,
"you do too? Well, so do I! Animals are great." He reddened a little, grinning lopsidedly as he asked, "do you have any of your own? I mean, Candidates are allowed to have them...er-right?" He wasn't at all sure if they were or were not. But he had assumed Wolf was a fellow Candidate and might know.

[Wolf]

Tieler thankfully realized that Akki was not purposely being blunt, if anything she was merely stating what she thought to be possibly true or simply stating various other things in her own defence. Nevertheless the girl was becoming irked. Stop pushing my buttons, she thought, her anger continuing to rise within' her. "Not comfortable in my own sexuality?" she repeated with distaste. "I'm sorry but if you're hoping for some one on one action don't plan on it," she replied with a bitter intent. She turned back to Raska after she flung a few more comments-yet at Marletta this time. Tieler heaved a sigh, showing that she was getting both bored and annoyed by this whole situation. She never liked staying in one place for too long a period of time. When Raska began to speak to her she merely laughed, and it didn't come out sounding at all friendly. If anything it sounded like a person who was merely humouring another until they could get a word in edge-wise. "Keep at it like that and I won't need to talk because my actions will do all the work for me. As for what's fair when it comes to a fight-that I keep too. Otherwise you prove nothing and that disappoints me. I don't like being disappointed, I always get my points across even if they’re force fed." It was clear that Raska really didn't know Tieler at all, for if she did she wouldn't be making snide comments that could irk the girl even further. When Raska brought up her furred feline Tieler shook her head back and forth. "Yes, you know, because I'm deathly afraid of a dirt-infested sack of waste." Her left hand clenched and unclenched at her side while her eyes scanned over Akki's face.
"I don't like my name shortened, that's all there is to it. I couldn't give a shards 'n shells about your shortened-name, especially since I didn't ask about it." The whole word of mouth, flinging comments around at each other, was starting to make her feel empty-handed. She'd far prefer to have her fist jammed down Raska's throat or her shoe digging in to the girl's side.

When Raska turned to leave Tieler snickered to herself, picking away some dirt that had occupied her bare arm. Like she was really going to follow. No, people followed her, not the other way around. Hearing Raska talk about dragonrider's the way she had got her to thinking... Even she wasn't stupid enough to think that every dragonrider wasn't chosen for a reason. There must've been something about Akki that her blue saw, and loved, not that Tieler cared to voice any of her newest thoughts and opinions. Who cares, Akki’s just some dumb girl, Tieler sneered. She really didn't feel like standing there, and a part of her just wanted to fling herself at Raska. She stood where she was although, for she knew that if she did then it'd only seem like she was defending the two girls nearest her. I couldn't care a less about fending for some one other then myself, she thought selfishly. A lot of times she ate her words, seeing as she hammered down on bullies all the time, even though she was one. She hated that Raska had even spoke of herself being on her Tieler’s level at all. She narrowed her eyes, and it was not at all a playful means of doing so, staring at the back of Raska's head.
"You're wrong," she called out, expecting the girl to just keep on walking. She walked right up to her, imagining that if she had sleeves she'd probably be rolling them up right about now. She flung herself at Raska to knock her over, seating herself up on the girls back before she spat, "no one's on my level unless I say so and until I say so they might as well be as worthless as a pile of rocks!" She planted her feet firmly on the ground, attempting to pin her. She could feel so much more built up tension that she just wanted to fire out. She was really hoping that Raska would retaliate so that she could get her fists flying and legs doing some 'real' footwork.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wolf felt way less embarrassed at hearing that Rhiyo liked animals as well; laughing at how much emotion he was putting in to his words. "Yes, I can really tell," she smiled. When he raised his question about having pets she nodded her head slowly, "as long as they don't interfere with raising a dragonet of course. I didn't have any pets when I impressed Serinth." She shrugged her shoulders, supposing that if Rhiyo really wanted something simple like a feline that it wouldn't be much of a problem-though maybe it'd have to stay outside the Candidate Barracks. She wasn't too well educated on how the whole pets thing worked, having Serinth was enough for her.
"Once you get a dragonet of your own it consumes most of your time," she explained. She looked over at R'xis, having seen him nod along with her words out of the corner of her eye. "R'xis knows that better then any one," Wolf teased, "don't you R'xis?"

R'xis blushed, muttering something under his breath. He would've been far more aggravated by his sisters comment if Rhiyo didn't already know that he liked Akki. Ersith had helped to take his mind off of her... somewhat. "Yeah, yeah, whatever" R'xis snorted. He shoved at Wolf, who merely stumbled to the side before regaining her balance on her own two feet. She shoved him back but the boy grinned, not having moved an inch. They carried on like regular siblings, that much was clear. Even when Wolf and R’xis had been younger they carried on just so. "Nice try," he winked, and watched while his sister pouted. "So then, another bubbly pie?" he asked, pointing a thumb behind him to indicate the booth there. He sure wouldn't be complaining, his stomach was still crying out for the sweet taste. He looked off in the distance, trying to spot the Bluerider-now that she had been mentioned. His heart caught in his throat when he saw her, surrounded by a group of younger kids. 'What's that all about?' he wondered, looking away just as Tieler came flying at the black-haired girl. R'xis shrugged his shoulders. I suppose that I should let her come to me for once, I mean... I should give her some space...
"We can walk and eat. If either of you spot something just call me over, I've got more then enough saved up marks to get the both of you something if you'd like." R'xis really didn't need anything for himself; he was just too generous that way. Should I buy something for Akki? he wondered, the thought striking him just now.

[Akki]

Hasima smiled, grateful that Kestrel understood why her wrist was being held by the yellow rider, she wasn't sure if anyone else would be alright with it. She gave a quiet "Thank you." as Kestrel handed over the bubbly pie, biting into it and letting the delicious taste flood into her mouth. Truthfully, this was really only like her third bubbly pie ever. Eating one would mean having to make human contact in order to get it, and that wasn't something she was ready to do back at home. The warmth of the treat seemed to spread through her body, just adding to the effect in all. She looked over to where Kestrel pointed out where Akki was, and wondered if she should go say hi to the blue rider. She had noticed that the girl was over there before, and now was finding herself subconciously listening into the conversation that was happening, hearing tidbits of it.

As soon as one of the girls, Raska, began to insult Akki and Ebbeth a scowl crossed Hasima's face, a sight very few people would ever see in their life. She turned to Kestrel and smiled softly, "Can you hold this for me?" before handing over the bubbly pie to her friend. She didn't know what she was doing, her head had suddenly became blank and her legs seemed to be moving by themselves. Before she knew it, she was standing in front of Raska as the girl walked away from Akki. There she stood, a scrawny girl that looked like she was near death with her pale skin, with her larger hands clenched slightly in a fist. Wide, innocent eyes stared at Raska as words came out of Hasima's mouth before the girl could stop them. "Don't insult Akki and her dragon.". Of course, the poor girl had no idea that in a few seconds, an angry Tieler would be leaping at Raska's throat. She really had no idea what she had just got herself caught in.

~~~~~

The rider grinned at Marletta, realizing that she hadn’t introduced herself to the girl just yet "No, no. Put your marks away, I'm definitely treating you. I refuse to let you pay. I'm Akki by the way, rider of blue Ebbeth." Akki couldn’t help but laugh at Tieler’s response, “Haha, no worries there Tieler. I’m afraid you’re just not my type, so no one on one for us I guess.” Her head snapped towards Raska as she heard the girls footsteps walk away from their group of people. She snorted in slight distaste, "A bit sad that she just walks away before anyone can say anything, a little childish actually." She grinned to herself, “At least I know that Ebbeth has better taste than her though, right?. Of course I do. And for the record, I much rather have you as my rider than her. You may need me to watch you at times, but at least you have a charming personality. Ebbeth said soberly, with a hint of amusement for Tieler, Marletta and his rider to hear.

She looked back at Marletta and shrugged, "Ignore what she said. I don't think you're a fool. You seem like a much nicer person than she is, let me tell you that. That's why you ought to let me treat you, see?". Her eyes darted once more at Raska’s retreating figure and she laughed, "I sure feel bad for that feline though, he has to put up with non-stop!". "Her logic doesn't work out very well either. Just because she talks like an elderly person doesn't mind she has the same maturity or intelligence as one." The blue rider added, as though it was an after though. She was about to turn and ask Marletta if she wanted to get a bubbly pie now, or later but before she knew it Tieler was screaming and soon began to fling herself at Raska...was that Hasima also getting herself involved in the mix by accident?

Now Akki was rather…well, not exactly mad, but severely disappointed. She excused herself and walked over to where the two girls were about to fight, wrapped her arms around Tielers waist and tried to pull the girl away. "Well, I'm thoroughly disgusted with the both of you now." Akki said in a polite tone. "Everyone comes to a Gather for nothing more than a good time, to get away from all the stress they put up with every day and here you two are, ruining it for everyone! Shards! I came here, just wanting to meet some people and have a nice time and you two are just killing it. I truly hope you guys are proud of yourselves." She really did just want to have some fun, she really didn't want to find herself between two girls as they fought. This was not her idea of fun. Enough you two. Rumbled Ebbeth, directing his words at Tieler and Raska, tired of the drama they were creating. Deep in the back of Akki's mind, the girl hoped that R'xis wasn't seeing this.
seeing this.

[Kino]

Khris had been about to step forward and buy himself a pie when the argument started up somewhere near the stand. It distracted him, especially once he recognized one of the girls as a Rider from Dark Moon, and soon enough he'd forgotten all about any treat he might've been about to get. The boy resolved himself early on not to get involved unless it looked like he was needed, mainly because Akki was a Rider and he wasn't entirely sure if stepping in to help when she was doing fine by herself would do something to her pride, or something. As the fight went on, though, it got increasingly difficult to stay on the sideline. Particularly when the insults started hitting up against a subject that he himself had been struggling with not very long ago at all. A 'mentally ill dragonrider'. Considering he'd been afraid for quite some time that he'd been hearing voices all his life, it was a string of comments that had him clenching his fists by his side.

Still, though, he stuck to watching; Akki was managing to hold a regular conversation with another girl as well, so she didn't seem to be that badly off. By the time he started thinking about stepping in one of the girls who had been throwing insults turned to walk away, which was around the same moment that a girl who he also recognized from the Weyr stepped up to put a few words in. The situation got violent in that moment, and he felt himself tense. Farbeit from him to judge someone on appearance, considering he looked like nothing more than a scrawny five-foot tall teenager, but he was getting a bad feeling about the girl that had stepped in front of the one who'd been walking away.

Khris had stepped closer to the situation before he'd even consciously made the decision, coming to stand not far from where Kestrel had been left to hold her and her friend's bubbly pies. Again Akki seemed to have the situation under control, and her dragon had started to put in a few of his own words as well, but if the fight escalated from there he had every intention at this point of stepping in to offer assistance. Before it had only been words and so he hadn't wanted to interfere, but there was no way he would stand by and watch someone get hurt while there was something he could do to help. The boy had far too strong of a 'hero instinct' to do anything like that.

[kestrel]

Raska was used to loudmouths like Tieler who spent their entire lives thinking so much of themselves that they would say whatever they wanted to, and pick fights thinking they'd win. She could tell right off the hop that this girl was used to fighting. However, she figured instantaneously that the type of fighting this person was used to was brawling. Fists flying, tempers high, and simply beating others down because she enjoyed the power she felt, and the way ist boosted her own image of herself. Raska didn't even flinch when Tieler called out to her, but she immediately went to whirl about-not in her own defense, but in her felines!-when she was suddenly flat on her stomach on the ground, the light weight of the other girl sitting on her, flinging more words that Raska registered, and perhaps Akki had done more good than she realized when she pulled Tieler off. Raska knew the rules of fighting on Pern. Whoever initiated it, the other person was liable to take whatever means they felt necessary if they felt threatened. Raska immediately leaped to her feet when Akki pulled Tieler off, and now she didn't look so poker-faced, now her eyes were dark, and her brief words to Akki were as such, "my thanks for saving this poor fool. There is no punishment for a knife in the ribs when another attacks at your back end." So saying, she walked up to Tieler and looked her straight on in the eyes, saying coldly, "this sack of waste? Amounts to more than you ever will, you filthy beast. You say you like to fight fair, well, your words are as untrue and as dirty as you are. You attacked when my back was turned, and everyone knows that is dirty fighting. At least I speak truth, or what's on my mind. I will keep speaking, and I will keep watch for you, as you are led by your ego and your temper. This bluerider just saved you from a trip to the infirmary, and if you'd have died it would be you accounted at fault, since you attacked me when my back was turned. As for not being on your level, in your lot? You are right, though even if you say so, I would never be. I paid you a compliment, and you were foolish enough to think yourself my better. You are a brainless, wherry-headed fool, and though my words are always harsh, I at least know how to mark my actions until I know what they will lead me to. If you decide to make a rash move against me next time, hope that this Akki is here to save you, for if she is not it will go very badly for you!" With that said, she showed the hint of silver of a knife that had been in her boot, one she could have reached and grabbed at any time Tieler had been on her back, spitting her opinions of herself. Then, to Akki, she now nodded, the first polite action she'd shown whatsoever, saying, "perhaps you are not such a fool yourself after all, bluerider. At least you speak truth, and do as you will."

When Hasima walked over to Raska, and stood in front of her, looking her in the eye and telling her not to offend Akki or her dragon, Raska did not speak for a moment. There was a sincerity in this frail girl's eyes as she spoke, and Raska could tell that she was not the sort that defended someone who was not truly a friend. So, instead of her usual retort, and perhaps a warning that telling her what to do would end badly for this girl, she picked up Kero, who'd leaped off of her and caught a claw on Tieler's arm, likely in purpose, on the leap down. Looking Hasima straight in the eye, she nodded, and then turned to Akki, with an unreadable expression. "A friend of yours, I see. You must have some sort of merit if you can get such as she to defend you." She nodded to Hasima, and then spoke cooly, "do not think it is your words that make me agree to that. It is your actions, for they are sincere and I am of the thought that you don't speak in this manner often. I will not insult Akki and her dragon, if you promise you'll defend her such as you did today. Do we have an accord?" She smirked, then, offering a hand to the strange girl, as if to make an agreement. Akki irritated her, and she had not promised that she would not insult her if Akki did something to merit insult. However, she would make a note to not go out of her way to insult this particular individual if Hasima could agree on her terms.

She was acutely aware of Tieler and Akki and the other girl off to the one side, and there was no chance that Tieler would have any luck if she tried to fling herself at Raska again. Few in Pern practiced the old Terran arts when fighting. Fewer still had learned from books and someone proficient in said arts of fighting. Tieler could probably beat down many people. Raska would never be one of them, and a part of her mutely wished Akki had not come, for it would have not been a knife in the ribs for Tieler. No, it would have been shock at finding herself pinned instead, for her pinning had been un-professional, and confirmed Raska's beliefs. So, therefore, she would have been flung off into the dirt, and Raska was at least sorry she'd not had the chance to do that. However, to her Tieler was now just a waste of time. She let her temper and ego and her belief in her own power rule her, not her brain-if there was even any room for that left amongst those other things. Meanwhile, the curious part of her mind was wondering why Tieler was the way she was, just as she wondered at Akki and Hasima. Perhaps if she ever met Akki or Hasima again, she might be curious enough to find out.

Knowing people's minds-that was what Raska liked. Learning, too, about individuals, and their psychological states, what made them become the way they were. What made them tick. Yes, essentially, this was what interested her. If Tieler would stop acting like a Wher whose home had been ransacked and feeling so justified and overconfident, perhaps Raska would think it worth her while to try and figure out how she ticked. However, she had no patience for the girl's behavior now that she was showing her complete true colors. A hypocrite, for one, and a fool, for another. Even Akki stood higher in her mind at the present moment. Her attentions were still on Hasima, however. She would have the girl give her reply, if the girl had the gall to do so. However, Raska found herself hoping she had...

~~~~~~

Rhiyo grinned and nodded along to what Wolf was saying, up until the point she mentioned a dragonet, and the fact that she had one! He had thought she was a Candidate like he was, but he supposed he wasn't really surprised that someone like R'xis' sister had also impressed. He wondered how many colors there actually were, and therefore he asked curiously, "what color is your dragon, Wolf?" He had no knowledge that there came a rank with each coloration of dragon, he was just interested in what colors they actually came in. And so, with that said, he next caught R'xis words about 'buying them both something'. Now the boy did redden, a deep crimson that spread from his cheeks to his whole neck, and he shook his head furiously as he replied, "no, don't feel you have to get me anything. It's okay, I don't need anything, I have clothes and a roof over my head-it's all that's really important, y'know?" He stopped speaking, staring now at his feet in embarrassment at the thought that R'xis would have to spend his marks on him. He could understand him buying something for his sister, or maybe even Akki, but him? No, he hadn't done anything to deserve that kind of thing. He faintly understood what Wolf meant at the comment she made to R'xis in jest, and a quirk of a smile upturned the corner of his mouth, for he imagined that they jested like this with one another often, by the way they behaved. However, too embarrassed was he at R'xis offer that he hardly had much time to think on that.

[abean16]

Shino walked silently around the Gather, this being only the second he had been to in his entire life. He was dressed as finely as he could be dressed, as his wardrobe wasn't too large, just work clothes, Candidate robes, and the one pair of robes he made himself when at the southern Weyr before he transferred. He saw some people he knew from there and began talking about how things had been going. However, many of them went off to talk with the others from the Southern weyr, leaving Shino to his peace.

Shino looked around, his eyes scanning the crowd for anyone else from Dark Moon Weyr. There were plenty of them, but he had an anxiousness in talking to any of them. It was times like this that he wished he wasn't so apprehensive about talking to people that he didn't know. "Okay, Shino... Just go up and talk to them... That's all you have to do." He muttered to himself, trying to snap himself out of it.

(feh... My post is puny!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

[Wolf]

Tieler could feel two arms slipping around her waist to haul her off of the girl. She still came up kicking her two legs out wildly, screaming for Akki to unhand her. She soon calmed, seeing as Akki wasn't going to let go of her if she kept on acting as she was, and it would appear as if her display had drawn in a crowd. She did not recognize Hasima, whom was presently standing next to her, nor had she heard the Yellowrider's words. When Raska finally got up she felt a triumphant smirk form on her lips, only to have it washed away when Raska began to tell her off.
She pushed away from Akki, pulling at her ruffled shirt. "Don't claim to be so righteous yourself," she spat, her face having been expressionless the entire time the irritating girl spoke. "I think some one like you deserved to be eating dirt so I'm not at all shamed for the way that I attacked you." Akki was right; the girl did speak like an old lady. What, does she think she's some kind of Weyrwoman or something? She tried not to gag, keeping herself together. "I might fight people," she said, growing more and more discomforted by the ever growing crowd, "but at least I don't go around making dirty knife threats. Suckers use weapons because of there lack of physical skills," Tieler snarled, looking back at Akki. The look on her face wasn't quite clear, but if the Bluerider looked deep enough she'd catch the look of apology on the girls face. Her look soon hardened and her eyes were cold, giving off the feeling of a sense of lifelessness. When Kero's claw nicked her arm she didn't even flinch, though a small trickle of blood was running down her pale skin. She looked around at all the unfamiliar faces and she got an unwelcome chill. With out another word she was the one to walk off this time, heading in the direction of the drinking tent that she had most certainly spotted on her journey through this place.

She sucked back her anger, still managing to walk with a proud look on her face, glaring at a few people who dared to look at her judgingly. She let her arms hang limply at her sides, knowing that people would be able to read her mind if she permitted her fists to be tightened. She pushed her way through to where the drinking tent was, looking up at the man who was simply staring down at the girl in confusion. "Give me a bottle of wine, any bottle, I could care a less,” she told him fiercely. He seemed confused for only a moment longer before she took out a handful of marks.
"Coming right up!" he grinned, quickly extending his hand out to grab a bottle of wine, handing it to the girl with out a second thought. She tossed the money at him, clutching her bottle close to her chest. She banged off the top on the edge of a booth while passing by, her force causing a bit of the alcoholic liquid to spill on the dirt. She whipped her head back and chugged some down, her face keeping the same expressionless look to it while she walked. She hadn't gotten far for when she stopped to sit down, in a random patch of grass that left open the walkway for people, she could still spot Akki and Raska in-between moving bodies. She chugged more of the liquid, shocked by the feel of tears behind her eyes. She laughed to make it feel as if everything was all right, taking another swig just to ensure that the alcohol was hitting her hard and fast. She looked down, already starting to feel a slight swirl to the world, but ignored it, keeping the bottle in her lap. People passing by were giving her dirty looks, probably suspecting that she was one of your good-for-nothing teenage drunks, which she evidently was. That wasn't the problem; the problem was that they were looking at her in the first place. "What do you want?" she yelled, "Stop staring or I'll tear your eyes out." A few peoples mouth's hung open and others simply walked faster, eyes narrowed in one hundred percent disgust. She didn't care, shards, why would she care about any one but herself? "A waste of time I tell you," she was telling herself aloud, "a waste of time!" Contrary to popular belief, she wasn’t used to getting drunk often; never having been able to get a hold of a bottle of wine most times.

That girl was impudent! I hope she gets crushed underneath a landing dragon, she thought in anger. While staring at the bottle in her lap a look of shock crossed her face. No, I wouldn't wish any one dead, no one deserves that unless they're a murderer themselves. She then began to wonder how many lives Raska's knife had taken, how many girls lives? Were any just like her, lost, but most of all afraid of going nowhere in life? Everything Raska said registered in her brain, everything had pretty much hit home until she had been expecting a rush of blood to come out of her ears from the girls verbal blows to her psyche. "What do I have to lose by making an enemy of some one as worthless as she?" Tieler wondered, rolling her eyes before continuing to drink. "Good riddance!" she hollered.
All her life she had been running, from what she wasn't sure... She had grown-up so violent, so angry at the world, well not having really found the cause for this anger. Perhaps it was her lack of faith in her to be able to gain friends. She had been so irritated to be dragged to Dark Moon because she knew she wouldn't impress, though she'd tell every one else that it was inevitable that she would. It was clear to her that some one as violent as herself, some one who was both sexist and took pride in demeaning others couldn't really have such a large purpose on Pern. Or any purpose at all for that matter, she snorted, rolling her eyes for the second time. Her bottle was already a good portion drained-and if things had been out of focus at first they were really out of focus now. Everything sounded really loud, and her empty stomach was twisting uncomfortably. She wiped her bloodstained arm on her pants, watching the small cut harden over. She shrugged her shoulders, not really concerned about her physical body being hurt. Its no fun drinking alone... she thought in her head, hunched over; little did she realize it had also come out of her mouth as well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

R'xis and Wolf's heads both shot up when they heard the shouts from afar. There was not only shouting, but also a crowd gathering; forming a circle around a group of people. Wolf looked to Rhiyo, worry portrayed in her eyes. It looks like she'd have to answer his questions later, grabbing R'xis’s arm before taking off in the direction of all the commotion. "Come on Rhiyo," she called out, hoping that they wouldn't miss anything. She hated to be out of the loop, having to hear things from other people. R'xis picked up the pace, released from his sister's grasp when she realized that he was running on his own.
That's where Akki had been, he acknowledged, pushing ahead of even Wolf to see what was going on. Soon enough the sibling pair were staring at Akki, Tieler, Raska, Marletta, and Hasima. "What's going on?" Wolf whispered to her brother, even though she knew he wouldn't have the answer. R'xis didn't even respond, just stared at Akki in bewilderment. Currently the redheaded girl was yelling at the black-haired one, but it wasn't long before she was walking off quickly in his direction. He moved out of the way to let her pass, not wanting to get in her path. Wolf watched the redheaded girls backside for a few moments before looking back to the now existing group of four. She frowned, hoping that Akki and Hasima hadn't been hurt physically, or emotionally. R'xis, of course, was thinking the exact same thing-feeling an aching in his heart. He wanted to rush up to Akki and ask her what had happened but he figured she'd be under enough stress with out him getting involved and bothering her even further by making her retell the tale. Wolf looked over at her brother, obviously able to tell full well what was on his mind.
"Go talk to her, I'll come," Wolf said, concerned with finding out what the fight had been over.
"No, Akki wouldn't want me-," but before he could finish his sentence Wolf was pushing him from behind as hard as she could, and stopped once he was next to Akki. He reached behind and dragged her to a position next to him, giving her a non-playful glare. She grinned sheepishly, poking two fingers together.
"My curiosity got the better of me..." was her only apology. R'xis sighed, feeling his throat run dry when he looked over to the blond-haired rider. "Are you okay?" he proceeded to ask, a frown lining his lips. The look on his face gave away all the worry that he was feeling. Wolf remained silent at his side, giving him the opportunity to ask all the questions. Go figure.

[Akki]

Akki’s eyes hardened over, a rather frightening sight for those who knew the normally cheery girl. “I will not condone any type of threats that involve knives, no matter even if you think they are just. It does not matter who attacked who, you are both at fault and should be mature enough to at least own up to it.” The blue rider said, almost steely. And just for a second there, Akki actually looked like she had the presence of a mature dragon rider as she spoke these words calmly. “I will not have either of you spit threats at each other for the rest of the Gather.” She said, with obvious distaste in her mouth. She looked at the two girls, sighing. How did the Gather take a turn like this? She had expected to be dancing and laughing at this point, not holding someone back so she could prevent a fight. Her, prevent a fight? That seemed rather humorous in all reality, when did she get so old…or mature? When Tieler began to squirm in order to get away, Akki released her grip on the girl, noting that Tieler probably wouldn’t try to leap on the girl anymore. The blue rider exhaled deeply, “This is becoming all types of ridiculous.”. She wasn’t even surprised to see some of the looks of disgust that passerby’s were giving them. People should not be acting this way, especially two girls who at this point almost seemed more like animals. She looked over at Raska, eyes softening very slightly, “I only follow what I believe.”

Hasima was expecting harsh words to be flung her way, she was already hardening her quiet shell so she could take anything that was thrown at her. And how could she not expect these words, after all she had just watched these two girls try to viciously fight one and another. She fought back a flinch as Raska stared right into her eye’s, she hated having to make direct eye contact, but something told her that she shouldn’t look away. Not this time, at least. Akki watched silently, and softened noticeably as Raska spoke to her regarding Hasima, “A close friend of mine. I don’t get any one to defend me, but I’m very glad to have her see me worthy of her standing up on my behalf.”. Each word she spoke was with all honesty, her heart seemed to over flow at the site of Hasima standing in front of numerous strangers, not blushing once, standing up for the blue rider who thought herself unworthy of this. The yellow rider didn’t even hesitate, and immediately engulfed Raska’s hand with her larger one. “I’ll always defend Akki and Ebbeth. They were my first friends, ever.” Hasima promised, shaking the girls hand with a solemn expression. I too will defend those two. Rimith vowed, all the way from Dark Moon where she was resting. She released Raska’s hand, hers shaking very slightly now, the entirety of the situation making itself known. She tried to steady her breathing, tried to fight off shrinking back. Akki took a few steps, grasping Hasima’s hand with a tight squeeze before letting go. And with that, Hasima did withdraw slightly, back to where Kestrel stood. She grabbed the crook of her friends arm and gripped it slightly, admitting very softly to her friend “That was scary.”

Akki watched as Tieler walked off angrily, and also watched as R’xis and Wolf almost ran up to her. She ran her fingers through her hair, as she listened to R’xis’ query with a slightly wild expression on her face, left over from the drama that had just occurred. “I’m fine.” Akki said with a lopsided grin, before it disappeared for a second. “Actually no, I’m not. Haha, I think I need a drink.” She admitted with a shrug, turning towards the direction Tieler had just taken. She tossed a look over her shoulder to Raska, “You’re welcome to come with me if you want. But I swear, if you try anything else…” She shook her head, not finish the sentence. It wasn’t a threat, just an exasperated thought. She walked over to a stand, passed the man behind a few marks with a sincere “Thanks.” And grabbed the cup of wine. She scanned the area with her miscolored eyes, before they fell on Tieler. She walked over to the girl, sipping at the wine, “Everything tastes better in pairs.” She explained with a shrug. She honestly didn’t know why she was over here, but it (obviously) seemed like Tieler was having a rather bad day and perhaps just needed to vent for a while, this time verbally and without any insult. She rustled around for a sec, before tossing a small square of cloth towards Tieler. “Use this to wipe up the blood, don’t dirty your pants.”

[kestrel]

Raska listened to Tieler as she started speaking in reply, and now she rolled her eyes and looked even more disgusted. If the girl was stupid enough to think that she'd have actually used the knife on her, instead of realizing she was merely making a point that she ought to think about things before foolishly just attacking someone...well, there was no cure for idiocy. So, she let the girl walk away, because if what she said hadn't been understood, why waste more breath on her? However, she promptly took Hasima's hand in return, noting the girl was rather shaky as she headed back to another girl, looking a tad confused and a bit concerned. She turned her attention now to Akki once more, and said with an exasperated sigh, "if you think I intended to use that knife on her, you are wrong. I do not, contrary to that fool's belief, use weapons unless one is pulled on me. She didn't bother looking towards where Tieler had gone, only paused for a moment before continuing, "I merely was trying to make her see that if she goes around attacking someone just because she loses her temper, or thinks herself that person's better, one day she will indeed attack the wrong person." She looked more irate now, as she went on, "whatever the case, I showed the knife to show her what could have happened were I someone else. She doesn't seem to have the brain capacity to get the point being made, it looks like she couldn't be bothered to listen to what anyone has to say." She had been surprised to hear a dragon's voice accompanying Hasima's, and for a moment thought about questioning Akki on how Hasima had managed to impress. However, given the girl's personality, she had earned a tad of respect from Raska, and so, "what did she impress? Green...or Gold?" She tried not to let anything through when she said 'or Gold', for she couldn't see this frail and shy girl impressing one. However, she asked it mildly, and then, as Akki began walking away, since she hadn't gotten an answer, she ignored what she'd said about 'coming along if she liked'.

Too late did Raska see Akki seat herself beside the girl she'd been more than glad to see go. However, she, too, had caught Tieler's last words, and with another sigh that clearly showed she didn't particularily want to be here but had at least spotted the alcohol, she asked the vendor for a bottle of Benden's White, and then slid it across to Tieler, without looking at her as she paid for it and another for herself, saying merely, "no, drinking by oneself is of little or no use. I got your name, here is your drink. I am always good on my word." With that, she glanced over at Akki, and with rather reluctant look, purchased yet another bottle, and slid it on down to the bluerider, saying nothing as she drank from her own.

Raska was bored, and though she wasn't too pleased about being seated a seat down from Tieler, she figured that maybe the girl would have more brains when she was drunk. Some people did, you never knew, and besides, she wanted to see what made Akki the way she was. Raska wasn't a chugger, but she drank at a steady pace that made others wonder when she'd finished and where her drink had all gone. She wasn't a lightweight drinker, but nor was she a tank. She could handle her drink fine, but not as well as some. She wasn't big on drinking, but if she was forced to be around a lot of people she liked it just fine! She briefly reflected on this day's going-ons, and took another large drag from the wine bottle, sighing as she stroked Kero's head. Sack of waste indeed! She felt a bit of anger flare up at this. The feline had been more loyal and useful to her than any person had certainly ever been. Tieler had been wrong to insult him, and she felt that any injustice done to the black feline was as if done to her own person. The feline was the only thing Raska truly loved and it could not be said that she loved herself. She knew her strong points, knew she was intelligent and knew all of her strong and weak points. But it didn't mean she loved, or even liked, herself. She was merely on good terms with herself, and comfortable in what she said and who she was. She wondered if Tieler carried on the way she did because she was too self-indulged. Likely that was true. But what could possibly breed an ego so big, an attitude and mouth so foolhardy? That, she would pay marks to know. For Tieler acted as though nothing phased her, but no one knew better than Raska that the ones who acted like things phased them the least...were the ones who had the most issues.

~~~~~

Kestrel gave a small sound of alarm as Hasima suddenly left her side and began walking unfalteringly towards where Akki and two other girls stood-make that three, she noted, as she spotted another join them. Hasima walked up to one of the girls, with black hair, and right then and there proceeded to tell her not to insult either Akki or Akki's dragon! Well, that shocked Kestrel, and she would have intervened if anything looked like it would befall her friend. However, the black haired individual made no threatening moves, and after the pair shook hands (while Kestrel looked on in confusion) Hasima immediately headed back to her, proclaiming that it had been 'scary'. Now Kestrel really was confused, and asked, "what just happened there, Hasima?" She narrowed her eyes in time to see the girl with bright red hair leaving Akki and the two other girls, and her brow furrowed in concern as she turned her attentions back to Hasima.

~~~~~~

Rhiyo never got any reply, for before either R'xis or Wolf answered him, they were suddenly running off to where a scene appeared to have arisen. Rhiyo didn't know what he was supposed to do, so he just followed along behind at a jog, until he caught up to where they'd gone. He quickly recognized Akki and Hasima, though the latter was headed towards someone he'd seen around the Weyr, so he never got a chance to even say 'boo' to her. Instead, he stood, feeling very out of place, as R'xis questioned Akki, and Akki, in turn, headed off with some black-haired girl he didn't even recognize alongside her. The only thing that registered was that the girl had a young black feline, and then he turned to Wolf and R'xis in total and utter confusion, asking, "er...did I miss something?" He looked rather exasperated, as he had no clue what was going on. He wondered if they even did, for Akki didn't seem to have answered their questions, but had beat a hasty retreat!

[Riler]

Almost immediately after leaving the dragon-landing area, Riler found himself emerged in the hustling and bustling that was found in a Gathering. People were moving in large groups, couples, moving by themselves, moving forward, moving backwards, standing in the middle of the lanes. It was slightly overwhelming at first for him, who had been to hardly any Gathers, because he wasn’t used to such a crowd. He knew that by the end of the night, however, he’d be used to it and wouldn’t notice it. Riler was generally very good and quick when it came to adapting; it was just his nature to.
It wasn’t long that Riler realized that wandering around a Gather by yourself got boring quickly. Most people here were with other friends or family, but he was here by himself. The other times he had come to a Gather, Riler had gone with his family. For the entire day, him and his siblings would be running from stall to stall, looking at all of the neat trinkets and gorging themselves on bubbly pies. He gave a sigh, reminiscing on the fun times he had with his siblings.

Riler stepped out of the flow of people traffic so he could take a moment to consider what he should do. There was always the option of getting a bubbly pie—he involuntarily licked his lips at the thought—or maybe he should look up and down the stalls and get an early peek at things he might want to buy. Shopping by himself seemed like a boring idea, so he opted not to do that. And then, of course, there was the drinking tent. Riler couldn’t say he was a drunk, but he couldn’t deny the fact that he highly enjoyed the taste of alcohol.
Though drinking by yourself wasn’t the most fun thing to do, the idea of having something to drink was appealing to him. He then began to roam the Gathering, looking for the drinking tent. He didn’t think it’d be that hard to find because he knew it was quite a popular tent. Smiling happily as he stalked the area, he did quickly find it—‘I knew it’d be easy!’ he thought to himself, pleased—and went into the tent. To the man inside of the tent, Riler said, “Bottle of wine.” He paused, wondering if he wanted a specific kind of wine. Shrugging indifferently, he added, “Any kind will do.”
“Sure thing,” the man replied before reaching behind him and grabbing the bottle nearest him. Riler paid the man the marks he owed before he fumbled for the bottle opener on the table in the tent. Popping the top off of the bottle, Riler took a swig from it as he exited onto the street. The weak spirits warmed him as they went into his stomach. Swinging the bottle at his side, he happily walked down the street, now looking out for the bubbly pie stall.

Or rather, he was looking for the bubbly pie stall, until he saw Akki out of the corner of his eye. He was about to say something to her before Riler noticed her company. Sitting next to her was a young, pretty red-headed girl and another young woman. These new people didn’t look familiar, so maybe they were Akki’s friends that didn’t live in the Weyr, or maybe they had just met. Riler knew it wasn’t uncommon for friends to be made while at a Gather.
Figuring that Akki might be a fun person to drink with, Riler walked over to her and the unfamiliar people. Kneeling down beside Akki, he said “Heya,” smiling at her. His eyes flickered over to the red-head, and it was then that Riler noticed that there was a nearly-empty wine bottle lying next to her, and her aroma reeked of wine. He also noticed that she was bleeding, or had bled; he couldn’t tell, all he knew is that he saw blood. The other woman also had a bottle of wine in hand. Somewhat alarmed, he glanced over at Akki before asking in a friendly manner, “Are you going to introduce me to your friends?” Again, his eyes looked over at the red-head, eyes filled with curiosity.

[Kino]

Very quickly the fight seemed to resolve, and Khris let himself relax from the tense position he'd taken up. The boy let out a light sigh and ran a hand through his hair, looking over as the timid looking girl went back to speak to her friend. He watched only for a moment before turning back towards the bubbly pie stand so as not to look like he was eavesdropping. The Gather hadn't seemed all that exciting before, and now he was wondering if fights like that were normal happenings. It was his first Gather so he wouldn't know; and though he doubted it, Khris still put out a quick hope that it wasn't the norm.

It turned out that the marks he had were only enough for a smaller of the bubbly pies, but that was perfectly fine with him. The fact that he was able to afford even that was great. It wasn't as if he'd made much living the way he had before he'd been searched - the only marks he'd gotten had been from the kinder families as a thank you. None of the temporary homes had been required to pay him anything.

With the bubbly pie secured, Khris turned away from the stand and glanced around the crowd for a moment. The two girls were still standing where they'd been only a moment before, but the other three that had been fighting seemed to have dispersed. The boy suddenly found himself in the same situation he'd been when he first arrived at the gather. He knew nobody, only recognized faces from the Weyr, and it wasn't as if he'd really spoken to anyone in great length. It was his first time at a Gather, he was alone, and he had no idea what he was suppose to be doing.

Khris glanced around once more, turning to look around and smiling wryly when he saw a nice looking spot of ground beside the stand selling bubbly pies. Good as any spot to sit. he thought, taking his pie and stepping over to the spot of solitude out of the way of all the bustling people. He'd probably get up and wander around a bit more afterwards, but sitting was good for now. He let himself onto the ground and sat indian style, leaning against the outside wall fo the pie stand. Khris took a bite of the sweet baked good blinked, and then sighed lightly.

Man, he thought, taking another bite and chewing it as he let his eyes fall closed with the previous sigh, I really need to learn how to socialize. He'd simply been a loner for too long, traveling from hold to hold and living with whoever needed his help. It wasn't so bad when it came to surviving, but he was seeing now that he had a lot to learn in the way of getting to know people.

[Wolf]

Tieler put her head in her right hand, her arm slacking, her fingers around the top of the wine bottle she was holding. She took a few more sips, which had then drained it completely. She tossed it behind her, unsure of where it had landed, and then had begun on the Benden Wine that Raska had rolled over to her after sitting down. She couldn't really recall how she had even opened it; all she knew is that the liquid was draining from the bottle and going down her throat. She used the cloth Akki had tossed her and placed it over her cut, not bothering to apply any pressure to stop the bleeding. She looked up at the Bluerider... 'er... both Bluerider's... "Thank-you Akki," she said in a quiet voice, "Akki's sister," she then added, nodding off to some one that wasn't even there. She then drank some more before looking over at Raska. "By the first egg, some good wine! Glad you've kept to your word," she told her.
When Riler crouched down by Akki, a bottle of wine in his own hand, her blue eyes sparked mischievously. "Yeah Akki, tell him who we are so I can get past introductions," she smirked. She proceeded to look the boy over, tilting her head to the side a bit while she did so, making it pretty obvious. It was quite clear that the girl was drunk, and there was a good chance that she wouldn't remember a single thing that happened here on in. Sadly for Tieler, although, she happened to have a pretty good memory, even when drunk. She nodded to Akki approvingly, chuckling to herself. She shook her head back and forth but it wasn't helping with her dizziness much.

All she wanted to do was forget her troubles and be able to move past today and on to tomorrow. She bet that tomorrow would suck just as much but even then, anything had to be better then what she'd gone through today right? She took the cloth off of her arm now that the bleeding had stopped, and her cut had dried, and handed it back to Akki's twin. It fell on to the ground, though she didn't seem to notice. She lay back in the grass while keeping her bottle upright so she didn't lose any of the precious liquid. She stared at the sky, watching the clouds drift across the bright blue of the sky. She turned her head in such a way that she could still see Akki and the young boy, and if looking the other way she could see Raska also.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

R’xis was about to ask Akki if she needed to talk but then she simply walked off, the black-haired girl soon following her once she realized that Akki hadn’t answered her question. R’xis heaved a sigh, looking down at the ground below his feet. Wolf patted his shoulder, trying to catch her brother’s eye. “Just let her be, its fine R’xis. She’ll talk if and when she’s ready, just let her come to you.” Wolf wasn’t really sure if her advise was all that good but it’d have to do for now, she wasn’t really sure what to say. All she knew is that she felt bad for being the one to have pressured him to come on over to where Akki was. Wolf looked back when Rhiyo came up behind her.

”No, you didn’t miss a single thing, especially since I have no clue what in the world just happened here. I guess it’s for the best, no need to ruin our time too.” She smiled at him before looking back to R’xis to ask: “So, where to?” R’xis answered Wolf’s question with a shrug, turning around to face his other friend. “I’m really sorry that we had to come all the way over here for nothing,” he said, keeping his expression neutral. “We should just go back and get more bubbly pies, enjoy ourselves like Wolf said.” He motioned for the two to follow, hopefully alongside him so that way he could talk to both. “Bubbly pies here we come!” he shouted, doing his best to sound happy. Wolf chuckled, having no objections to returning to where the good food happened to be.
R’xis really wished that he could have helped Akki somehow, if only he’d been there while the fight was going on! Oh well, nothing he could really do about it now. Maybe she just needed some time to face her demons. He knew that there were times when he just needed to be alone, or with the people that he cared for most… He wished for Akki it was the latter, but then again he couldn’t assure that he was on the top of her list when it came to people she cared for. He could only hope that he was and act like the kind of friend she wanted to be around; the rest was up to her.

[Akki]

As Raska passed a bottle to Akki, the woman picked up and lifted it slightly, as if in a toast, and said “We’ll share, does that work fine with you? I don’t want to be a hog.”. She took another sip and looked around, hoping that Marletta would join them because it appeared that Akki had lost her in the crowd now. She wasn’t too sure of how this situation was going to go, she could truthfully see one of the girls getting mad and smashing the other person’s head in with a broken wine bottle. Slightly clichéd, but still very plausible. She sighed, silently hoping that all the drama would be done with for now. She looked around for a split second, wondering where R’xis was as she felt slightly guilty by just walking away from the boy with an answer that really answered nothing at all. “Hasima didn’t Impress a green. Or a gold.” Akki said, noting that she did in fact hear Raska from before. “She also didn’t Impress a blue, brown or bronze.” The girl said with what could be mysteriousness, as a hint of a smile was found on her face. “That girl, Impressed a yellow.”

She looked over to her side as she noticed someone crouching beside her, a grin spreading on her face. “What’s this Riler? Can’t chat up some ladies without my help? Fine then, I guess I can do you a favour, but you owe my.” She said with a cluck of her tongue. She used the bottle in her hands to signal over to the two girls, “The red-head would be Tieler while the other one is Raska with her feline.”. She looked at Riler scrutinizing, “Just don’t get yourself in trouble, aye?”. However, apparently it wasn’t to Riler she had to say this. “Oi, oi. This goes for you too Tieler. I don’t want you soiling this poor kid here.” She said with a grin and a shake of her head as she bent down to pick up the cloth, noting that Tieler was quite drunk at this point.

Hasima fell silent for a second, not even exactly she what had opened over there. “Uhhh, uhhh.” She began, trying to explain before the words came spilling out, tripping over one and another. “She was insulting Ebbeth and Akki and I don’t know what happened but the next thing I knew I was just over there and things came out of my mouth before I could stop them, and everyone was staring with big eyes and I thought I was going to turn absolutely red.” The girl’s explanation turned into a slurred, dragged on sentence as her nerves caught up to her. She looked at Kestrel with wide eyes, that looked slightly scared, “I think I need to sit down.”. She still wasn’t sure what made her go over there, what compelled her to stand up in front of all those watching eyes, judgmental eyes. Had she just made a fool out of herself in public?

She plopped down on the ground, afraid that her legs would give out; reminding her that she did not do well in public situations. Next time, she should just stay where she was perhaps? No, even though it seemed dreadful standing up in front of all those people, she was glad that she stood up for her friend. She looked up at Kestrel, “Do you think they think I’m dumb?”. She looked over to her side, noticing that she wasn’t the only one sitting down on the ground. She stared at Khris, his face seemed vaguely familiar but she couldn’t recall his name. Had they met before even? She really just couldn’t remember, and with adrenaline pumping through her body still, she made the first move to the boy, and she asked quietly “Aren’t you from Dark Moon?”. Sooner or later the adrenaline would disappear, and she would go back to being her easily blushing and bumbling self.