Logs:Bombshell
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| RL Date: 15 March, 2013 |
| Who: Aishani, Alida, A'son, Azaylia, C'wlin, Devaki, Hana, Jo, K'del, K'zin, Mave, N'hax, N'ky, Sabella, Z'ian, Z'yi |
| Involves: High Reaches Weyr, High Reaches Hold |
| Type: Log |
| What: After the hatching, people celebrate. Then, Brieli-- Aishani drops a bombshell. |
| Where: Living Caverns, High Reaches Weyr |
| When: Day 1, Month 4, Turn 31 (Interval 10) |
| OOC Notes: FREEDOM~ [1] -xo Shani |
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| Living Cavern, High Reaches Weyr Stalactites hang high above this enormous cavern like a jagged chandelier or an inversion of the Spires themselves, but shadows cling to them instead of light. Below lie great tables arranged in rows, each large enough to serve a fighting wing, while in the nooks and alcoves around the cavern's edge sit more sensibly-sized tables, from six- and eight-seaters down to intimate spots for just a couple of diners. The only really open space is around the kitchen entrance, smelling of food and rarely quiet, and by the nearby serving tables with their long buffet of the day's offerings. Tapestries on the smooth walls -- some faded and others newly woven -- only slightly mute the sea of sound when a meal is in full swing, but they add cheerfulness augmented by the glowlight from wall sconces and the centerpieces of each table. Still, shadows always creep along the ceiling and into the mouths of the exits -- the myriad small hallways at one end of the cavern and, at the other, the twisting tunnel to the bowl near an array of coathooks and and hatracks -- and late at night, when the glows are allowed to dim, the chamber can seem very dark indeed. Yay! It's a hatching! And everything went swimmingly, aside from that business with the maybe-heir impressing from the galleries, but let's never mind that, because... it's party time! Look, there's lots of excellent food and booze and decorations around the cavern that bring to mind spring, because everyone up here is certainly hoping for it. Brieli's come straight from the hatching sands, and gone straight for the drinks, hardly a surprise. Also hardly a surprise that she's speaking to a few holdery looking types who aren't so pleased, but with rum in hand, all things are bearable. Nevermind? The stands impression is certainly the topic of conversation for the High Reaches Hold contingent, murmuring mentions of Lady Edeline and the heir both apparent within the group. Still, it's a party, and they're dressed and ready, sweeping into the caverns. The shadier of the groups arriving immediately make for the where the booze can he acquired. Jo leads in M'ron, Kaitlin and Dov among a couple others, and all of their mood is merry for the hatching results. Ask them why and they might tell, or, they might not. Either way, Jo is pouring herself a glass of brandy not too far from Brieli while her party seems to be already well into their cups and celebrations. If her gaze lingers on the acting Weyrwoman a few times while she celebrates with them, no one would likely take notice. Which is why half of the party is dressed for dancing. Well, Hana at least is - and she's at least given an attempt to a small handful... wait... one two... well, let's just say Hana's put her fingers in several people's wardrobe over the last day or two - and for that reason checks with Issedi and Devaki about drinks before peeling off to get something in her system. Maybe food. Food might be good. Z'ian's dressed for the hatching like he's dressed for any other important weyr party. Decent shoes, decent pants and vest with a clean shirt. There's no jacket because it's probably already been lost somewhere along the way to the drinks. He mingles with some of the other Wingleaders along the way, offering the same "Yeah, go figure. An heir. He'll be popular in the barracks." To more than a couple of them as he pushes through the crowds. It may take a bit, but Azaylia eventually finds her composure and looks all the better for it. Turquoise dress fits too well with the be-Springed living cavern, bare shoulders wrapped in sheer gold shawl. For those who might remember it, she's also wearing the necklace given to her by Taikrin, precious and semi-precious stones looking remarkably like eggs. She's got no particular path set, drifting from person to person, trading greetings, congratulations and a few condolences now and again. She'll gain a tall glass on the way, though it remains untouched as her quiet voice goes on and on about the hatchlings, favortism not keeping her from complimenting Iesaryth's brilliant brood as well. Issedi's quick to shake her head to the offer of drinks; Devaki's more clearly undertoned: "Wine, for both," might well override his wife's request. In her pink dress, Issedi rather stands out, if just for the splash of color. While Braeden and Yuliye are seeking a place to seat, the former pair seem content to circle around, eventually making their way (by casual crafted design) to Brieli, though the holders there prevent them approaching immediately. Still, they're placed to be a well-positioned excuse to escape, if needed. Thankfully, there is music - but it's not likely to stop or dull the gossip in the least. Not with contingents of other Holders here, Holders certain to be interested in what the High Reaches lot have seen at such an interesting time in such an interesting place! Hana might be a popular girl tonight. Sadly, Brieli isn't having that conversation, and it's clear by the Tillekian's expressions, if not the speed with which the Weyrwoman's drink disappears. When it's done, at least no one's happy, and the tall goldrider even looks pained. Her gaze falling on Jo and her lot, she's momentarily uncertain before heading over there, grabbing a fresh glass on the way. "Seems you've all reason to celebrate," she smirks to the bluerider, the others. She'd been counting out there. Between the galleries and the party, Mave's changed; unfortunately, not enough, as the lay of the grayish blue dress causes her to twitch, consistently fussing her hand towards its back to pull it awkwardly out from against her butt, and swaying against her strangely bare-- beneath some draping fabric-- legs. Other hand prodding at the embroidery along the neckline, which is flattering without being plunging, she bustles forward, walking like she expects to be wearing pants. Her hair's woefully undone; in fact, messy, against the hasty combing job she must've done two minutes ago. Coming up to another bookie hovering near the corner to count his numbers, the two snap off quick banter that ends, when she plods off, with the teenager looking lightly sullen. K'del is slower to join the party than he might have been in previous Turns, and perhaps that's partially because he was up in the galleries with his children, for once, and they have to be hustled back towards home. He covers a yawn with one hand, but otherwise seems quite awake, given the early hour of the morning. He fetches himself a drink, and mingles, quietly, engaging in a few random conversations that don't seem to go anywhere in particular. Where can he get... klah? Spiked klah? Is it too late for that this point? Or too early? Whatever it is, that's what Z'ian is ordering for himself. While he maintains a friendly enough face for the people that come to converse with him, the bronzerider is clearly not ready to be awake just yet. When he gets his mug, he leans with one hip checked against a near empty table. He may have gotten dressed but he never shaved and he obviously just noticed now as his hand goes to his jaw. It may be early morning, but wine has been requested - and as it seems the bar is serving, it is that she gets. Well, and a mug of hot, sweetened wine. Balancing carefully, and with a bit of a happy step, Hana swirls through the crowd to fetch and carry back to the High Reaches second couple, stopping here and there to exchange words with faces that have become familiar during their stay. "...Canie, Sabella and Sybile," one of the burly-looking men by the drinks table is saying, and there's toasts to go around. Jo in her black leathers clinks her glass to Kaitlin's as she remarks for only them to hear, "Perhaps our uncles back home will be pleased," though by the significant look on her face going towards M'ron, her sentiments aren't reaching her dark eyes. There's something wordless being shared being gazes while there's celebrations continuing around them, even as she murmurs as an aside, "I expected Pracor- -" but then Brieli's there and she's turning to face her with her brandy, catching those words with that mysterious little smile in place as she inclines her head to it. "Seems," she gives, wry. Eyes going towards the holders then, "Seems like, there's reason to worry, too," she lowers her voice to say to her, chin lifting with her gaze. Surely those from Tillek must understand that a dragon is far more wonderful than looking after a Hold? And that is exactly why Azaylia is not talking to them, ladies and gents. The weyrwoman is far too giddy for how early it is, spirits soaring high along with Hraedhyth who is bellowing her pride in the skies above. K'del is spotted above the rim of her glass, swift yet careful in her stalking and pouncing, gathering the bronzerider up in a one-armed squeeze. Boo! "It was wonderful, wasn't it? Is it always like this? It's so happysad." Mostly happy, judging from her breathless babbling. K'del, having barely pulled himself away from his last conversation, is surprised - and then, visibly pleased - by Azaylia's frontal assault, returning the hug a moment later with a squeeze of his own. "It was beautiful," he confirms, nodding his enthusiasm. "Lot of good looking dragons, I think. Of course, you'd expect that--" He's teasing, grinning. Evidently, the goldrider's enthusiasm is catching. "It is. Always. There's just something about a hatching, I guess." For now, at least, he seems determined to ignore this whole Tillek thing. Not his problem, right? From the look of Taikrin's effusively smug grin, she might have sired and brooded over every one of the hatchlings herself. Personally. She's drifing from cluster to cluster to share her delight whether the groups of riders want her there or not. While Z'ian is fighting off the last bits of sleep, the klah managing to perk him up some, the Snowdrift Wingleader migrates towards him. Mielliene begins to ramble off at him while he hides behind the mug. Now and again the bronzerider nods something in agreement or go "mmhmm" or "I agree" while continuing to get that blessed liquid into his system. Feeling definitively less sneaky in a dress, Mave at least still has elbows, and she employs their sharp twig-ness to navigate her way through a loftier crowd of well-wishers. Sweeping up next to Azaylia and the former Weyrleader, she spirits out, "Ma'am!" Because it sounds right, and then, "Azaylia," because she softens with friendliness, "Congratulations. What a Hatching! Good on the dragons. My best to Hraedhyth." Galleries Impressions being preferable to mauling, as it turns out. Whisking her head to the side, she bobs out a silly little curtesy to K'del, as if emphasizing the surreality of wearing a dress will mean she cracked the first joke about it. "K'del," is warm. Her cheeks are full; smiles being contagious today, and why not. Azaylia doesn't relent, trying to rub even more of her enthusiasm off on the bronzerider. Or possibly squeeze it into him. She'll pull back, but only so she can sip at her drink without risk of spilling on him. She is fidgeting an awful lot! "Oh that little green, K'del. Oh and the browns!" No gold, but she won't mention it to Szadath if he doesn't. She's oblivious to the call of 'Ma'am', but her name has the goldrider turning to smile at Mave before she's even recognized. Even then, it'll take a moment, "Oh..! Thank you. Hraedhyth appreciates it. So do I." K'del takes a sip from his own drink, the smile dancing merrily in his eyes as he regards Azaylia over the rim. "They were all lovely," he reassures her, only partially managing to keep the amusement out of his voice. He'd distracted from that by Mave, head turning so that he can regard the young woman levelly-- and then bob his head in greeting. "Hello," he says. "It was a good hatching, wasn't it?" "You know, Z'ian. You really should have shaved. This is a hatching." Mielliene informs him, now focusing critical eyes onto the bronzrider. "Would it have been so hard?" For his part, the Boreal Wingleader keeps that mug in front of his face even as it's apparant that his patience with this conversation is really beginning to lag something serious. It's probably the point where he stops blinking and just stares blankly forward that the woman begins to get the clue that he's started to check out. "Well not that I know anything about shaving." Downing her half-empty glass and leaving it aside, Brieli's on to the next drink, tilting it toward Kait and M'ron before Jo herself, with a faint smile. "Did you have any money on them? The ones from Crom." At least she says Crom, and not any specifics, but by her expression, she might know some. As for Tillek, she only has a shrug. Would it do for her to look worried? "It's difficult, yes. But there's not much to be done about it, is there? It's impression and it's an honor, even if it is a 'mistake'." She lifts her glass to make airquotes, shaking her head. Some people. Hana is sent off from Issedi and Devaki, and well fortified with a mug of tea in hand, heads off. Where to? First off, the charming group of Azaylia, Mave and K'del. "Lady Azaylia, that was wonderful!" Far too enthused, that is, for the hour, to which she adds, "Mave, you are looking absolutely lovely," Despite the hair, and the uncomfortable way of wearing the dress. K'del, alas, gets a mere respectful, "Sir," with a nod of greeting. "I'm sure that you wouldn't." Z'ian responds dryly in between sips of his klah. Lets hope it's spiked, pretty please. Meanwhile even though Mielliene must notice that he's no longer paying attention, she continues to talk anyway. "Are you being sarcastic with me?" She asks him sharply, one eyebrow lifted up. "You know, I heard that you were snooping around my wing again. Bad enough I got all of your crappy transfers, surly lot they are. Don't you go trying to recruit anymore of mine." And for that she looks serious. The bronzerider takes another longer drink from his mug, blank expression on his face. "It was!" Mave easily encourages them, her voice flattening out to her usual, but with a tinge of excitement, "And it was my first as a bookie, and I didn't even mess up, or lose anything, and no one dragged me into a dark corner and beat me." All fantastic, praise-worthy things, somehow attributed, now, to the woman in charge. Though, at least, Mave appears at least half-teasing, her teeth catching her mouth before it can burst into a betraying smile. Nevermind that, a second later, she scouts the room with a nervous writhe of her legs beneath skirt. Her name has her rounding a little too brusquely on Hana before she softens, dashing a hand to touch the girl nervously on the upper arm. "What? Am I? Faranth and a floozy, you're lying. I just woke up." And she pats at her hair with a grimace. With Kaitlin and M'ron murmuring their congratulations to Brieli, Jo lightly snorts on the question and answers, with her gaze seeking out the crowds as she scans their faces, "I did, among others. It's a good thing my wagers were small or I would be a poor, handsome woman this day." Dark eyes dart to Brieli then with something crooked in her smile before she remarks on the Holder Impression, tipping her glass in their direction, "Not much to be done, and they'll keep. If they don', we'll tell them to, hm?" and her smile's a tad shade darker. "Still. Ya had a good haul today. Certain ones, I wasn' surprised." Azaylia takes in a breath and lets it out, doing her best to find some semblance of calm before she starts vibrating on the spot. "Hana." So she hasn't lost the ability to remember names, hands reaching up to touch her wavy locks. "See? No buns." Why, there's even a golden clip nestled in her dark hair... it must be a special occassion! Mave's success has the goldrider looking as concerned as she can while still smiling, though it has shrunk. "You do look nice." She insists, unable to shake the worry from her voice even when the girl proves to be joking. Her smile will return to its previous brilliance after another long sip from her glass. Z'ian pulls himself from his fog finally to answer the long time Snowdrift Wingleader. "Look. If you can't keep your own riders satisfied enough to not jump ship the minute a little bit of attractive recruiting comes along, I don't know what to tell you." And if his voice is raised and a couple of riders turn to stare at them, well. He doesn't look like he's really all that concerned. And to her sharply raised 'brow, he lifts one of his own. Mielliene, not used to being told what by someone else: "Well, I never. You- young upstart.." So a few more are staring now, conscious of the attention she takes in a long deep breath. Is this the place to argue with him, really? "Hello," says K'del, answering Hana politely, though he's much less... effusive than the others, despite his obvious good humour. He'll let the others do the heavy-lifting in the conversation, too, though he seems more than happy to continue standing in the group: it's... easy. "Really? Wouldn't have put your money on the girls from around there?" Brieli's scanning the crowd as well, watching the people gossip and mingle... watching Mielliene and Z'ian get into an argument... Really? Z'ian in the middle of a scene again? With all these scandals tonight, how's a girl supposed to have her own?! Arching fine browns over to Jo at that little situation brewing, she agrees, letting the subject of the Holders drop for now, "It seems like a good lot. Some of them are interesting. That Harper. The dockhand from the Hold. Bright enough. Iesaryth's delighted to see who they are, finally." There's a pause, then; "Good night for clearing the air still, I wonder?" Raised voices bring the makeshift celebrating to a halt on the convict rider side, and Jo picks up Z'ian's familiar voice with a frown. She looks in the same direction the Weyrwoman does, all manner of banter momentarily ceasing around her. She catches the look from Brieli on the matter, and even Kaitlin's thumping her shoulder and voicing out, "What's up with Z'ian?" Perhaps one can see the pinch of concern in her gaze as she finally says, "I did, and it's there that I gained. I had my eye mostly on Pracor, though." It's almost absent the way Jo speaks, but she does adds to Brieli with her gaze, "Should be colorful, seein' how they all get along. Particularly with a mutual guard." Lips quirk on that one. But then, there's the last, and it draws a long gaze from her before she briefly scans the crowd. "There's tension in the air already," she notes on that. "I suppose it depends on the sort of news that needs clearin'." Z'ian falls silent after the Snowdrift rider's response. If he was the foot tapping sort it would probably begin to happen right around then. But instead of further words being exchanged she just stares like death back at him before turning on heel and walking off. There's a couple of snickers and quiet laughs from Boreal riders around the area. But the situation has come to a head and passed before it even really begin. Not that things are likely to be over between the two in the long run quite so easily. Hana beams at Azaylia, and then offers K'del a slightly understanding smile. She knows some of her own faults - the rest of them will likely appear when the dancing starts. Fingers twitch slightly, then she says to Mave, "If you want, I can..." she trails off, a little too not-awake to be as political as she might normally be, nodding to the hair. Then takes another sip of her tea, and asks the ranking duo, "... does it always happen so /early/? I don't think I slept a wink before hand." "You too," quickly shared from Mave to Azaylia, a little grin and nudge with her elbow trying to loosen any lingering concern off the weyrwoman's face. She's easily distracted onto Hana, though, as she awkwardly peers up at her own head, rolling eyes back inside her skull nearly. "Oh, uh, that'd be-- oh, no," she wakes up a second later, batting her hand, "You've probably had to do enough hair already this morning... Yeesh. Seems it happens, uhh. Whenever it wants." An unofficial grin brandished at Hana, though she quiets to peer at the riders for possible clarification. Hatchings are, it seems, a rather better - easier! - topic of conversation than... hair. K'del straightens almost immediately, confirming Mave's words with an easy, "Right. They hatch when they're ready. Think this is the first really early one we've had for a long time... Cadejoth hatched in the middle of the night. More often, it's during the day, I guess." He transfers his drink from one hand to the other, and... shuts his mouth again. "Not always. Just whenever the baby dragons decide it's the right time." Azaylia assures Hana, her generous sips leaving her with a near-empty glass and a hazy warmth in her eyes. Did she even have a chance to eat before stuffing herself into the dress? K'del is given a gentle nudge, momentum used to place a hand on his arm, "Careful, or Hana might want to braid flowers in your hair next." Translation: escape while you can, male! The smile she turns on Mave is an amused one, easing just enough to give the girl a nudge back. Looking from convict to convict, Brieli notes, "He asked Vienne to transfer, but apparently Snowdrift's not all that interested in letting her go." The goldrider has all the answers, apparently. "At least, that's what I would guess is going on," she tells Jo, over her glass. After a sip, "It wasn't Pracor at the end, then? No, Iesaryth says no. And yes." There's a faint smirk as she tilts her glass Jo's way again. "A fellow bluerider. And a former guard. I'm curious to see what happens there as well." The long look just warrants a slow smile; one that widens as weyrlings start to straggle in. "I think there's a time to be free of the past," she says. "And a time to embrace it. Cheers, Jo." The Weyrwoman downs her drink. Time's up. Sabella is one of the first from the barracks to arrive at the party. It's all probably very likely due to the fact that her dragon is small and faster to feed and also, she impressed early enough on. The white robe has been lost along the way and she's changed into something more like what she usually wears, but dressier. While others are meeting with family members, the new weyrling is winding her way through the crowds of strangers. It doesn't take long for her to spot the Crom gang. Jo, Kaitlin, M'ron. Her smile is there, becoming hesitant when she notices Brieli with them. Not going straight for the bluerider she sidles up to the other two in her gang, looking pleased, happy and relieved all at once. "Hey!" One thing that N'hax... okay. Past the OBVIOUS thing he didn't see coming, the thing he REALLY didn't see coming is staggering owlish-eyed into the caverns and seeing his parents standing among the anxiously-waiting group by the door. Xheldred's tenor cry of, "My boy!" can be heard above the din of the rest, and it's a backslapping reunion that has Ayonie crying and Xheldred laughing and N'hax staring, even MORE bewildered, at both of them. "His name is Jhorinth," is the hoarse comment that the once-Smith offers, and a grizzle-faced man who looks like a smaller, older, more careworn version of his grandson smiles enigmatically a distance away, oh so conveniently located by the knot that includes Jo and Brieli. Hana shakes her head, and grins with a lifting of her mug. "Tea - it makes all things possible and bearable. And don't worry, sir - I've heard the greenhouse has a scary inhabitant, and the rest of the 'Reaches isn't flowering yet. You're safe," for now, is the unspoken statement as the holderwoman grins up at the lone gentlemen in the group. Jo watches Z'ian as he walks, and when Brieli gives voice on the matter, all she gives in return is , "Ah." Pause. She drains her glass right then and turns to refill it as she says, "I think yer right." She straightens with her refill and tips it towards her then as she answers regretfully on Pracor, "No, it wasn'. I pegged brown for our guard, but, I'm amused to see how she fares. A former guard and a former thief," she adds with the barest lift of her lips. But then the weyrlings were arriving and Brieli's last gets her long study before she drawls out, "I couldn' agree more. Cheers, Brieli." Right when Sabella arrives over to M'ron and Kaitlin. "Hey, weyrling!" the blonde's thumping the girl in the shoulder, and M'ron's lifting his glass towards her. "Check you out! You're doing okay? Hey, Jo!" Kaitlin's calling the bluerider now with a gesture. N'ky isn't long in after Sabella; he, too, has the advantage of having a smaller lifemate! And he looks quite neat too, with his smart tunic, new-looking belt, and boots that, for once, don't have metal toes in them - all the better for dancing in! If only his curls were more in check, he might look more presentable. Into the crowd he goes, looking very specifically for two people - the first of which he finds easy enough, coming up behind her to tap her gently on the shoulder with an apologetic look to the people she's talking with. "M-miss Hana... y-your luck worked." "I'm great.." Sabella is tuned out to the congratulations others are receiving from their families and seems oblivious to any looks she might get for the way she throws her arms around Kaitlin. It's a brief, quick embrace before she's clearing her throat and stepping away again. Smoothing out her hair she smiles at Jo, the line of her mouth a little cocky. "So, did I impress the way you were thinking? Do I get a cut of your winnings?" She didn't forget about that from a few days ago, don't worry. New dragon or not. With a warm smile, "Congratulations, Sabella, is it? And Iesaryth says Ghislaith. I know she's Hraedhyth's... I don't know how they know... but she knows all their names already." Brieli is really the picture of a Weyrwoman, if you leave aside the drinking rum as quick as they can bring it, and the company of convict-riders surrounding her. She doesn't notice any proud grandfathers nearby, not yet. She gives a bit of a laugh for Jo's thoughts for Alida and Canie, together in the barracks, noting to both new greenrider and bluerider, "I hope they both survive. And thank you." Finishing her drink after Jo's toast, she tells the lot, "I've just a quick announcement to make. And I think she should get a cut." A grin as she moves off to the Harper podium. "Middle of the night," Mave croons to K'del, "How'd that go?" She boasts a familiarity with the idea, that just as soon vanishes in a gentle breeze to a slight confusion on her face of trying to remember. Judging by the squint that absorbs her round little face at the mention of flowers combining into hair, she's neither quite engaged, though her eyes takes a considering shift before she bucks it with a shrug too undignified for her dress. "Gre-- " Something, something. All sucked out of her breath when Hana's tapped at; Mave, creepily invisible beside her in the grey-blue dress she smoothes even more self-consciously all of a sudden-- only to stop, frowning abruptly at the words overheard, completely forgetting that she's in a gown, and her hair's a nest. "Safe," repeats K'del, absently at first, and then less so-- he's paying attention again, really! He does half look as though he's about to wander off, but stops, at the last minute, and says, instead, "Always figured I was lucky, not having daughters. They probably would want to braid flowers into my hair. Never mind. My manhood can stand it, promise. Hm? Oh. It was exhausting, but then we all fell asleep, so--" He might ramble more, too, but there are weyrlings coming in, and N'ky is one of them-- and he's smiling for this, more than for the rest of it. "Congratulations." Hana mock shudders, "Midnight?" before turning at the tap and offers an absolutely beaming smile at N'ky, "So I saw! Congratulations!" A slight turn to grin at K'del's statement - not that she /ever/ did any of that to her poor father - has her blinking just a moment at Mave. A moment of study is given before the grin turns rather impish. "And if it's my luck that did it, that means your first dance should be claimed by Mave, as she let me make a good luck bet on you!" Sark comes in for his own greeting to N'hax, and the family picture soon dissolves as Xheldred sends his errant son on to get food and maybe even a drink. Thus does N'hax leave his father chatting away with his father-in-law, and Sark paying hardly enough attention because what is Brieli doing?, but N'hax isn't given to focusing on any of that. FOOD. Oh hey, and, "Ni.... N'ky," which follows K'del's congratulations. There's something that approximates a smile, and a, "This all just seems so /contrived/, doesn't it?" in the most rueful tones ever, that surprise still there, before he moves on past the greenling for FOOD. Kaitlin squeezes Sabella hard before letting her go, beaming at her like they were family. "You did great! She's gorgeous." M'ron steps in and offers Sabella his hand for her to shake as he says a deep, "Congrats, girl. Welcome to the ranks." Which ranks, he doesn't need to say. Jo, for her part, is raising a glass to Brieli for her words, along with a wry, "Expect a congratulatory visit from me after this." Booze to accompany, is a given. She nods to her need to depart, though there's something there in her gaze upon hearing it as she simply states, "Ain' goin' nowhere, darlin'." Then, she turns to Sabella, the question clearly expected since she eyes the granfather standing with them briefly and drawls, "Of course. I don' shirk on my word. Ya did well, Sabs." Then, more amused as she adds upon seeing Sybile enter, "Sybile did, as well." Eyes find the green weyrling with a challenging gaze on that. Even those working to refresh glasses aren't safe from Azaylia's gushing, her thanks all too sincere when her drink is replaced. N'ky's arrival is a welcomed one, "Oh, congratulations! You know your Cailluneth is one of ours?" And isn't that just wonderful? They're practically family, which may be why she gives the new weyrling a hug before leaving him in Hana's capable hands. "Is Cadejoth happy?" Despite it not being his clutch, it's still his lineage being passed on in a variety of ways... if the bronze even pays attention to such things. Mave's silence draws her attention, curiosity making it so she can only give N'hax a belated, though rushed greeting and congratulations. Oh, Sabella wasn't counting on Brieli saying anything to her. She was totally sneaking in there. But maybe not. A blush creeps along her cheeks and she nods politely to the Weyrwoman. "Yes, thank you. Her name is Ghislaith, yes." A lot of yes-ing. Including that one in the proceeding sentence. The goldrider is soon gone and she's being distracted by M'ron's hand. It's really the closest to looking flustered she's come in a long time. So hey, she throws herself at him too. Whether or not he wants the embrace and then he's released. Her nose wrinkles at mention of the other girl's name and she glances over her shoulder then back to Jo again. "Hmm. I suppose." "Th-thank you, sir." N'ky is all beaming pride, and his grin grows even more as he bobs his head at K'del. "Thank you very much." After all, the bronzerider's the reason he was on the sands in the first place, isn't he? The new-made weyrling gives Mave a fleeting glance, a polite sort of hello, clearly not recognising her in her fine get-up, and he runs his fingers through his hair as he greets N'hax with an attempted bro-fist. Hana's suggestion has him nodding eagerly, but then he looks about, brow furrowed; "I c-can't see her, th-though. H-have you seen her?" And there's Azaylia congratulating him, too! "Th-thanks, ma'am! I d-didn't know... s-she's perfect." And cue N'ky-gushing. Finally, Athimeroth's been settled down with a full belly and a deep desire to sleep. Which frees Ceawlin -- er -- C'wlin to finally arrive fashionably late to the after party. At least he's had a moment to change out of the stained robe and into more normal-looking clothing, if not terribly formal ones. First things first: find the food. Perhaps Athimeroth had more influence than he thought over his feelings. K'zin is more than a few minutes behinds the influx of other weyrlings. But unlike some of them, he comes in bathed and wearing-- well, something fancy! Or as fancy as it gets from the Weyr stores. It's not a dress. It's actually a smashingly masculine blue tunic and black trouser pairing with silky white shirt beneath. He weaves through the crowd, coming up behind the little grouping that includes Hana, Mave, K'del, Azaylia and now N'ky and N'hax. "K'del, did you see?" The weyrling buzzes without polite greeting, grinning like the idiot he probably is. Then he turns that grin on N'ky and the ladies, gasping as brown eyes fall on Mave. "Wow..." He breathes, looking entirely delighted. "Mave, you look amazing!" Then Hana is given a longer look, "You too, Hana." Then back to Mave. Then he lifts his eyes finally to Azaylia, where they just stay, silent in his admiration. What compliments he has to give to her are not for public ears! What is Brieli doing? Making a some sort of speech apparently. When the (Acting) Weyrwoman reaches the Harpers' podium, a quick word has the music stop, and she stands at the front of the cavern, a commanding presence in gold, yet somehow... apprehensive. There was none of this when she declared herself Weyrwoman, but then... there were less people there, maybe. Once the crowd has noticed she's about to speak; "Good evening. I just have a few words, and won't keep you long." A brief smile. "Of course, I wanted to welcome our guests and congratulate our new weyrlings, and thank everyone who chose to stand at High Reaches." She pauses to allow the party to applaud their friends and loved ones, as you do. Once that's died down, however... "I also have something of an announcement, I suppose." K'del repeats Azaylia's words distractedly, despite his smiles. "Happy? I-- guess he is, sure. They're all part of the same family, in the end, really, aren't they?" N'ky's excitement earns a grin, and K'zin's, too. "I saw, I saw. They all look great. Congratulat--" He doesn't get to finish the word, because Brieli is making some kind of announcement, and it has him turning on his heel, visibly distracted, brows narrowing. N'hax bro-fists the crap out of N'ky, and tosses Azaylia a rushed, quick thanks on his way to fill a plate. "Didn't she just say that a minute ago?" he jostles C'wlin, fellow food-liner,gesturing chin-ways to Brieli, after observing the flattered moment of silence for the applause (and his father embarassing him again). Expectant ears are tuned to the gold-garbed goldrider, even as focused gaze finds his food on his plate. Several different sentences nearly get started as Mave stands there, listening to herself be spoken about, staring Hana importantly in the eye-- before K'zin's entrance has her whirling around, blinking almost dizzily. "Well, thank you, weyrling!" Both a burst of pointedness in her voice, and a enthusiastic excitement she can't contain, but to fling herself forward, dress and all to squeeze K'zin's arm with all her might, pulling off just to give him a broad slap on the upper arm, holding back no strength. "Look at you! And first draw and..." attention gathering towards the front, with that podium, slows her, distracts her from trying to spot other approaching new riders, "... all..." While silence starts to fall, she darts a very specific look at N'ky. Hana lifts a hand to - well, she doesn't facepalm at N'ky's lack of recogniation, but it does cover a slight grin as K'zin at least notices the girl (and gives herself a compliment). But anything that is to be said is lost as Brieli goes to make an announcement - not clapping due to the hot liquid currently held, but certainly attentitive. Having extracted himself from that little altercation awhile ago, Z'ian finds himself by the food. He's standing there loading a plate up with breakfast items when Brieli takes that stand. He doesn't look particularly interested, but then how many of these post-hatching feast things has stood through over the last fifteen turns? Probably a lot. At least he's looking at her! And not talking. And not fighting. And not breaking a fight up. Continue. There's laughter from M'ron when Sabella chooses to hug him instead of shake his hand, his muscled arms wrapping about her much the same way Kaitlin did. He doesn't squeeze her as tight as she does, but he does state upon releasing her, "We'll take care of you, here, alright? All of us here," and he looks to Jo, to Dov and those two others well into their cups, "got your back. Don't forget it." Jo thumps Sabella on the shoulder right then in emphasis, her gaze significant on the matter as she adds to that, "And ya got them, too," and she lets her gaze wander to the slowly approaching Sybile. Canie, for her part, is now throwing herself into Sabella's arms once M'ron steps away from her and is babbling non-stop. But then Brieli's up there and all manner of talk ceases from them, Jo suddenly looking on alert among them. She doesn't have any 'special' clothing, Alida seemingly ever the spartan type, so the new blue weyrling arrives late to the party wearing her new weyrling gear, along with her usual assortment of knives and beltpouches. A faint wince is given off at all the noise inside, but with a lift of chin, the proud and silent ex-guard steps deeper inside...and then veers off to some table or another to grab herself some food before she starves to death. Maybe it's leftovers of Ilicaeth's former hunger. C'wlin spies Xh--N'hax when he's jostled in the food line. "Say what?" he queries, brows lifting. "I missed the first part," explanation comes: "Just got here. Took Athimeroth time to get to a point where I could leave him." For the moment, his mind is on his belly until the Weyrwoman decides to make her way to the podium. "Wonder what she's going to say?" is idly asked before, "How good's the food?" Sabella is overwhelmed, it's true. By the hatching, by the reception from the other older riders she stands with. But ultimately it's the way that Canie throws herself into her arms. The older girl wraps her arms around the younger one, putting fingers to her lips to get her to be quiet. Brieli is up and talking and she turns to stare over towards her with an expression of interest. When K'zin joins and points out that that's Mave, right there, N'ky's eyes go wide and he does a double-take of the girl he so very easily looked over. "Mave?!" He smiles crookedly at her, awkward and pleased and surprised, and just a bit embarrassed for having not recognised her. He lets her throw herself at K'zin, hunching his shoulders and biting down on his lip, shyly. When she's giving him that look, he takes his cue to come in alongside her, blushing deeply. "Y-you look... you look..." Too good for him to find words for, it would seem! And he's lucky that Brieli's taken the floor, as he can hide behind the silence. He does hold out ahand to grasp hers briefly though, giving a warm squeeze before slipping both hands back into his pockets. Then, he turns to listen. "She is perfect, N'ky." Azaylia agrees with the confidence that is more often than not influenced by a proud dam, "They all are." At K'zin's arrival and slew of compliments, the goldrider gives Mave another smile-- firelizard who got into the stew, smile. See? She is looking lovely tonight. Majority rules. There's a smile for the bronzeriders as her crowd grows, and K'zin may get a lingering look before she turns as most of the cavern does: toward Brieli. The last announcement the not-acting-then Weyrwoman gave was not one she enjoyed, but now, the goldrider is untouchable. What could possibly be said to ruin such a perfect hatching? Brieli, as is her custom, takes time in choosing her next words, but they do come. "Much has changed in my time at High Reaches. When I first arrived, I was uncertain of my place here, of how I would be... received." She pauses, bringing her hands together, long fingers twining, her dark gaze straying to where the noose was hanging just a few days ago. "My history... my family's history... with this Weyr is a difficult one. But on this day of celebration, I feel that, in the spirit of healing old wounds, I should come clean. Secrets have not been kind to us, of late. There is a time to leave the past behind and a time to embrace it." There's a beat, a breath that nearly betrays nerves before, in that clear, cultured accentless voice, "I am the daughter of Rajiv Vijay, executed here over twelve turns ago. My name is Aishani, and this is my home." Said simply, chin lifted, but those who were around over twelve turns ago might be a little chilled by that little bit of information. Isn't interesting how Brieli -- Aishani became a goldrider? Became Weyrwoman? Crash. That's the sound of K'del's glass hitting the floor. Somewhere in the cavern, amongst the Glacier riders that have dragged themselves out of bed to come to the hatching and the feast afterwards, well. A'son's voice rings clear in the silence: "What. The. Fuck." To Cadejoth, Iesaryth doesn't want to deliver this message, but would not deny her Aishani, not in this moment: « She says she took his home for destroying hers. » The moment Brieli makes her announcement, Jo is separating from her group and heading towards the Weyrwoman. Since most are in shock, it doesn't take her long to suddenly be by Brieli - now Aishani's side - standing in the back with her eyes studying the crowd. There's a heavy, guarded silence from her. N'hax scruffs at his hairline. "Same," he agrees mildly with Ceawlin... C'wlin's assessment of being-able-to-leave. He quiets as Brieli speaks, and the SHARP inhalation of breath that comes with the utterance of the infamous Vijay name probably means that he paid attention in his history lessons, after all. His reaction isn't as bad as the ones doubtless to follow, but his breath is held. The crash is echoed, and not only once as several people who recognize the name drop their various beverages. Who remember. Or who have read the records. Azaylia is of the latter, the stare she focuses on Bri- on Aishani one of horror and something darker. She's frozen, fingers still outstretched from dropping her glass. To Iesaryth, Cadejoth is surprisingly clipped. Not at Iesaryth-- it's not her fault. But: « He feels sorry for her. She loses. We all lose. He pities her. » K'zin gives a laugh as K'del responds and Mave's snagging his arm. He wraps an arm around her shoulders and gives her a half-hug, squeezing briefly before dropping it away. He leans down to murmur in Mave's ear, only bits of it able to be caught by the rest of the grouping, "Think of ... you owe me!" He grins, and then there's general quieting to be attended to, so he does that! Then there's that shocking announcement, and K'zin is left staring at Brieli... Aishani? That woman doing the talking. He just, he had a piece of toast almost into his mouth just then. Z'ian was about to start eating during the middle of her declaration of whatever. Instead he stands there kind of dumbly with it there in his hand. The silence that follows her words, he's dropping the food back onto the plate and putting the plate onto the serving line and just waiting. Because he's not expecting this to go over very well, he's not makig another move other than that however. K'del's face is a thin, hard line; his shoulders, too. But his chin lifts, and if Brieli happens to glance in his direction? He'll meet her gaze squarely. And... pityingly? Whatever C'wlin might have been about to say is totally nixed when Brieli speaks. "Well." He glances to fellow weyrling, then back to the (Acting) Weyrwoman. "I wasn't expecting that." Tongue might be looser due to the entire over stimulation of Impressing. Food's forgotten in favor of watching the reception of such news. "Wh-- " but uncomprehending question is interrupted by a gasping inhale from Mave hearing the glasses crash nearby. Her spine goes stiff, the name beginning to sink in. Implications crossing her face all too visibly, especially as she glances for-- something-- between K'del and Azaylia's faces. Thoughtlessly, she squeezes in tighter close to K'zin, but her grasping fingers where left closest to N'ky's. "She's..." The convict rider crowd barely notices that Jo had moved away from them, and there's furtive looks being exchanged right as Sybile joins them. "Who's that?" she's murmuring, likely on the Vijay name being dropped as she arches a look Sabella and Canie's way. From the Snowdrift cohort, the baritone rumble of Z'yi echoes A'son's a moment prior, over the wee head of Mielline-his-wingleader: the intonation is flat, disbelieving, terse; sharp as a cutpurse's knife. "A gold, pick a Vijay?" As if that could ever happen... right? "Don't that beat all..." Alida mouths to likely nobody but herself as she hears Brieli/Aishani offer her announcement to the Weyr-at-large, the weyrling too tired to react with more than a shake of her pale head and a soft snort. She's living up to her stormcrow image again. She recognizes the basic names, but being only 21 and hold-bred insulated the blurerider from much of the shock. Still, this *does* need to be heard, watched, and so she does such. With a smile, Aishani just leaves it at that. "Enjoy the party. This is a hatching." She might have to remind people, after all of that. She might have to glare at the gawking Harpers too, who would much rather be gossiping than playing music... but they seem unwilling to risk the Weyrwoman's ire, so start up again. And she simply steps down beside Jo. And watches. And if K'del is pitying her, he can fuck right off because she's going to ignore that, right after she meets his gaze. To the bluerider, "Thank you." Sabella is confused. That's really the best way to put it. She looks taken aback and glances around to see the reaction of the people around her. Without another thought, she tightens that grip on Canie and begins to edge them towards the exit of the living cavern. She breaks an arm away to pull on Sybile. "People that were killed by the Weyr." Best way to put it, maybe. To Iesaryth, Hraedhyth is a rush of smoke, sudden and forceful but not threatening. Black plumes billow and churn, hiding and yet not the turmoil of her lifemate. Contralto is haunted by airy voice, unison asking a demand that is meant to be a question, « Is. This. The. Truth. » Each word punctuated by a drumstrike. Beyond understanding this is something bad from the reactions of the crowd, N'ky doesn't get it. But his hands come out of his pockets and he reaches for Mave's hand again, either reassuringly or for reassurance, and he leans in towards her and K'zin. When Brieli - no, Aishani'; isn't this quite the night for new names? - wraps up, he looks in confusion from one friend to the other. "Wh-what was that?" He whispers uneasily. To Cadejoth, Iesaryth has never been close to Cadejoth, but doesn't blame him for being clipped, nor for what he's saying but; « Nothing changes. No one loses. No one understands that. » But she won't try to explain. Nor will she pass on pity, that's not something that helps. Never ever helps. To Iesaryth, Cadejoth projects, « No. » That's abrupt, and certain. « She loses. How much of her life has she wasted on... this? » Even Cadejoth is sad. « We know. » Jo's chin lifts towards those watching Aishani closely, and if any have ire in their gazes, she's suddenly feeling the urge to crack her knuckles as she watches them. Snowdrift in particular is getting her eye, even when the announcement is over and she's flanking the Weyrwoman's side as if they had rehearsed it. "Anytime, darlin'," she gives to her before meeting her gaze. "Ai-shani." She's testing the name, many questions unvoiced in her gaze that doesn't come to bear. Not tonight. Looking back towards A'son and them, "I can stick around," she offers in a low voice, fingers twitching as if she's expecting a fight. Hana is another of those from the Hold - and lacks the emtional reactions that have caused such a stir. Still, she takes the opportunity to step slightly away, leaving Mave to K'zin and N'ky. Taikrin has disconnected. This is something Iesaryth knows too, something Iesaryth is bright enough to have calculated and worked out and considered and yet: « It is all she ever had. » He doesn't know, not really. They don't. (Iesaryth to Cadejoth) To Hraedhyth, Iesaryth is calm, her sea winds blowing and buffeting the smoke, only enough to keep it from covering her sun. She is simple and clear: « Yes. I knew when I found her. » A'son and a few choice others from Glacier take their leave from the hatching feast. There's no riot. They just get up and leave in silence, a loud silence. Canie is letting herself be taken away, a confused frown being thrown towards the older convict riders before Sybile places a hand to the girl's shoulder and says, "Let's go with Sabella, yes? I think we've had enough surprises for one day." Eyes meet Sabella's and she gives a small nod before she joins them out of the living cavern. Flames roar in Hraedhyth's stead, her drums picking up in volume and speed. Agitated. « So be it. » She does not withdrawl, not completely, if anything making herself all the more obvious. If there's fury, it is not her own. Nothing has changed, not enough to rile the warrior into defending her home. Their home. (Hraedhyth to Iesaryth) To Iesaryth, Cadejoth is quiet, at least for a moment. « And now? » Because to his mind... « What does she have now? Vengeance? What next? » K'del seems only belatedly aware of his broken glass, and the mess it has made over the floor. He drops his gaze from Aishani to the glass, and then, abruptly, at his companions. "I should--" Go, his tone says, though it's uncertain. "I'm sorry." N'hax squints, staring at the rather diverse reactions. "I don't think," he slowly replies to C'wlin, "That anyone was expecting that." There's a moment, a pause, and then a shrug and a continuing of eating. YOLO, right? K'zin's brows wrinkle, "Um. There was a thing. About them, the Vijays. You'd have to-- ask Mave, or read the records." This is to N'ky's question, and perhaps he knows more than he is telling. His arm goes back around Mave and another squeeze is given before he shoves her lightly towards N'ky, "I'll catch you for a dance before I head back." He murmurs, and then he's stepping beside Azaylia, the fingers of one hand lightly brushing hers in a silent gesture to let her know he's there should she be in want of support. He looks with concern to K'del, and bites his lip. He knows better than to ask 'are you alright?'. Sabella nods seriously to Sybile, continuing to move the younger girl along with her. Soon the Cromese weyrlings are gone and slipping out to the bowl, away from any possible chaos. Azaylia can't breathe. Hasn't been. Though Hraedhyth's drums are much louder in the minds of her people, it is more a distraction than an outburst. Yes, they are upset. Yes, they realize many are. There is no attempt to tip the scales between the golds, but the warrior queen makes her precense impossible to ignore. When the weyrwoman finally breathes, she's looking faint, careful steps taken as she turns away from Aishani. "No. Go." She urges of K'del, voice so very quiet. K'zin's hand is given a squeeze, and it may startle the weyrling with how strong, uncareful the grip is. He's quickly released once she realizes. Staring hard after those Glacier riders leaving, hard like a girl remembering faces, remembering voices, Aishani's expression is neutral, but her dark eyes are flinty, her jaw set. She looks like she might want to go cracking her knuckles along with Jo, but it wouldn't go with her outfit. "Like that," she agrees. After looking around for a long moment, she says to the bluerider, "Maybe we should clear out. I hate to do it after that lot leaving, but... I don't see anything going much better than it has tonight." Clear out before getting told off? Leave before getting knifed? It's always good to end a party on a high note. Filling her plate, then stuffing her face, Alida slowly weaves among the mostly stunned but recovering crowd, taking stock of the whos, wheres and faces to match up with specific rantings. Occasionally, the bluerider makes a note upon a scrap of paper with a carbon stick. "Isn't that the truth?" C'wlin mutters, some dry humor surfacing for N'hax's ears only. And then he's following suit, because food is more important at this time. He might sneak a look towards Brieli/Aishani (Seriously, she needs a name tag now), to see what she is doing. Then to K'del. Then to -- hell, food. YOLO, truf. Hana shakes her head, then murmurs, "I'll take care of it, sir, ma'am." And then she does just that, though fading into the background - except when it comes to a dance here or there. But for now... a good minion who fades into the background noise. After that little contingent from Glacier clears out, other riders from other wings are looking around to their respective leaders. When a few of Boreal's turn to stare at Z'ian he stares back at them and watches as K'del leaves. There's something torn there. But eventually he reaches back and picks up his plate again. He begins to eat. Boreal stays. The whole damn wing. Or else. He doesn't look very happy about it. Any sadness there is not just Iesaryth's; it's her rider's and the dragon's both, but the queen's is for her rider. This is one more sacrifice on the pyre of vengeance for hers, it's just what she does. There is little Iesaryth can do but love her. But it is their home. And it is not in danger. (Iesaryth to Hraedhyth) To Hraedhyth, Cadejoth's voice is quietly controlled. « Tomorrow, » he says. « We have to talk. » The look K'del aims at Azaylia says a multitude of things, none of them all that good, though his nod seems sure: he's definitely telling her something. For the weyrlings, and the others, he can only shake his head once, twice, and then a third time, before he's backing away and heading off into the early morning. One of those dances Hana takes is with Alida, the new bluerider tired, but still apparently with it enough to trip the light fantastic with the Holder lass. Shocking. K'zin's hands, fortunately, are strong from turns at the forge, so the squeeze, while it does get a surprised look, doesn't especially hurt him, and even though his hand is dropped, it moves back to be offered again. "Want a drink?" He asks Azaylia softly, seeing as how she's lost hers -- somewhere. Like, the floor at their feet. "Do... what you need..." pipes up Mave, lacking both authority and a certain wetness in her throat, so that the words are dry and awkward; it's a blanket statement to both leaders. Mood flatlined, she chooses to huddle with the boys, meeting N'ky's confusion with darkened brows and a worrying, twitching mouth. Matching K'zin's squeeze instinctively, she bumps him off as he goes, flitting towards N'ky, then away, then towards unhappily. "Umm, it was this-- " her hand raises to her forehead, pushing, like she might shove the thoughts out-- or in. "Terrible event. And now it's like... our Weyrwoman is a fraud or something." Her head tilts, clinging to comforting practicalities. "Acting." To Cadejoth, Hraedhyth rears and means to lunge, but his scent is familiar if not his words. « We will. » She promises, growled more than spoken. « Take care of Yours. » She'll take care of Hers. To Cadejoth, Iesaryth is quiet for a time as well, sunny skies touched with sadness, more her rider has sacrificed for vengeance. And now that she has it? « I do not know. I have wondered. » She's worried. « But she will not do what was done to her. Ever. » There's a flicker of pain; Svissath's, but it passes. To Hraedhyth, Cadejoth's chains rattle: not a warning, but a promise. « I will, » he promises. « We'll talk. » There is... much to talk about. M'ron and Kaitlin watch their weyrlings head off, then turn to see Jo stand beside Aishani trying to gain the bluerider's attention. "I think some weren' into celebratin' in the first place from before," Jo comments, hard eyes lighting on her fellow Glacier backs as if she was commiting each one to memory. "But I think it's best. To leave. To recover. Ya did it, though," she darts a glance her way. "Ya did it." As for her, she wasn't leaving the Weyrwoman's side, and the look she sends her group's way says it. Even towards Boreal's Wingleader, her gaze lingers longer than it should, it turning significant should he look her way. To Iesaryth, Cadejoth hesitates before answering this, though there's a surge of something that could well be emotion, hidden deep beneath the binding chains of his mind. « No, » he agrees. « Of course she won't. But will she ever understand the whys. » He doesn't know that, either. « Look after her. » In the wake of Glacier and K'del, a varied group shears off: Snowdrift and Avalanche alike, pulled together as clutchmates instead of wingriders. There's loud talk, derogatory, about the current events. They remember. Dissent buzzes like a locust swarm, ire burning like night-banked coals, following the riders out into the cold. They remember. N'ky gives Mave the space to do as she will when K'zin goes off - though he does follow his friend's path, nodding in understanding when he sees where it leads. Then, his attention is all for Mave, his brow furrowed as she explains. "O-oh." He reaches his arms loosely around her shoulders, drawing her to him for a gentle hug - one that's easy to squirm free of, but still warm. It makes up for what he can't think to say. What he ends up saying is intentionally unrelated, an attempt to steer conversation back to other - better, happier - things. "You look b-beautiful." And that's what he was trying to get at, before Brieli/Aishani stood up with her announcement. "I-I'd be honoured if you'd dance w-with me, Mave...i-if you still w-want to?" Z'ian isn't leaving for a good long while and neither will the rest of his wing, if he has anything to say about it. And it seems he does all have stayed through the initial round of people leaving. From across the cavern he catches sight of their Weyrwoman and Jo together. He catches that look and inclines his towards her as they leave. Later, maybe. A snort, from N'hax, to C'wlin. "I'm ditching." AKA it's time to show-and-tell, because his family is gesturing anxiously: only Sark's weathered face appears unsurprised, unimpressed. There's a wry look tossed over for the Harper, and then N'hax is lost to the crowd. With a hand to her temple, Azaylia looks to be very far away, unfocused gaze landing on K'zin when he speaks. It takes her too long to actually hear his words, enough to be embarrassing. She's actually missed K'del's exit, the bronzerider suddenly gone. "A... ah. Yes. Please. I'm sorry. This is supposed to be your moment. All of yours." She'll stay. The weyrwoman will try to ease the tension in the room, unintentionally in agreement with Aishani as she reminds folk that this is a hatching feast. When N'hax splits, so does C'wlin. He's got food and this party has suddenly taken a spiral into -- well, the bad vibes are vibing. So the new bronzerider weyrling -- woah, he has ties now to the weyr! -- weaves his way through the crowds. Possibly to sneak out, or maybe just to hang out and listen. He's good at that. "I did," Aishani tells Jo, watching those riders, chin high, "For better or worse." She wanted them to know. What good is it without knowing? But at what cost? Even so, when the Weyrwoman - still in charge, dammit - heads out with Jo as her escort, she's likely to be sleeping with a dragon on guard and knives under her pillow. More than usual, at least. Finishing her dance with Hana, the tired bluie offers the other holder a few softly murmured words, Alida then departing from the dance area to take up her chow once again and continue eating. She doesn't appear one whit bothered by all the upset and breaking off into groups going on around her, the young woman apparently used to bad vibes, or able to shunt them off. K'zin acts as though he didn't even notice the pause between his question and her response. Now he does grip her hand briefly, "It is still our moment. Don't worry about us. Nothing can take that away." And after that, he's off to get her a drink. As though determined to prove the point he articulated to Azaylia, he stays, and parties like he didn't have a dragon who'll wake up in a couple hours! Dances are had (and K'zin makes for an excellent dance partner), and jokes made, his general humor serving well, though he steers clear of topics like murderers, nooses, and the revelations of the evening. Eventually, duty calls, and he excuses himself to the barracks. "But the dragons..." is what Mave murmurs into N'ky, face contorted like she's solving the most difficult math problem in the world. Squeezing finally seems to pop her bubble, leaking warmth into the troubled features till she softens. Blushing pushes along her cheeks till she scrubs at them with both hands. "Dragons! N'ky, oh." Hands clutch at his tunic, as she's distracted by his request. "That's-- " who cares about that; someone else will deal with it... possibly those angry riders. Later. "Of course." A shyer smile clutches her lips and she nods. "You're right. And I didn't say congratulations, weyrling. Didn't Hana's luck suit you well?" With people and angry wingriders heading out, the remaining convict group isn't. M'ron and Kaitlin move as one towards Z'ian and the former is regarding him as he comments, "A lot of angry people abouts." Even Kaitlin isn't as perky as she usually is. Not in the face of that. N'ky grins down at Mave, returning her tunic-clutching with hands light on her waist. "I th-think your luck did it better. Her name's Cailluneth." Luckily he's with Mave, and comfortable enough to rein in his stutter to say his dragon's name properly. His gentle hold is withdrawn and he holds one hand up, finger upraised, asking Mave to wait as he digs in his pocket to pull out a small pouch, made from simple fabric with a drawstring keeping it closed. He reaches for Mave's hand, pressing the gift into her palm and closing her fingers around it. "I made this, um, f-for you." Those bits and snippets of conversation are like little treats to Alida, the former guard much more comfortable back in her old 'habit' of snooping while doing much of nothing, really. Eating at her leisure, ganing back some of her aplomb, it's only a suddenly rousing Ilicaeth who's loudly complaining about his itchy hide that manages to drag her back to the barracks. Nope, she's not comfortable being literally of two minds. Not at all. Any nose-wrinkling that might've scolded N'ky for his stolen luck smoothes with a squeal of delight at the dragon's name given her. "Cailluneth," Mave breathes out, testing, eyes drifting to the floor then back up to him to smile. "You'll give her my respects when she's-- " A finger. Mave's chin dips in as she startles to wait, peering with unrestrained curiosity at him. Amidst the lull in their moment, eyes whisk discontentedly around the room, its darkened atmosphere. Pressure on her hand catches her, fingers curling seconds late on the uptake as they're pushed in by him. "With all your copious free time as a candidate?" An inquiry almost turned scoffing-- scolding, again-- to cover self-consciousness. Fingers unfurl much quicker than they closed. She yanks at the string, fueled by need to know and not decorum, emptying the trinket out onto her palm with a shake and-- a soft gasp at the pendant that plucks there. Eyes up to him, eyes down to it, eyes up to him, eyes down. "No." Maybe that's why N'ky doesn't sleep, because he's too busy doing other things? He watches anxiously as Mave unwraps the gift, smiling coyly when she gasps - then looking worried when she follows that with a 'No'. "O-oh," he says, chewing on his lip and looking down at the polished toes of his boots. "Um... I-I can, um, m-make something else, i-if you'd like? Um... b-but after... after w-weyrlinghood. Um..." His hands dig deep into his pockets and his shoulders slump, though he tries to give Mave a watery smile when he peeks up at her, through the bushy mass of curls that certainly didn't benefit from the heat of the sands. His gaze quickly drops again. "No, I mean-- no." Mave's insistence is poorly strung through her own staring disbelief, "No, I'm not the kind of girl people give beautiful things to." Disregarding that she's currently being hugged by someone else's dress. "I mean-- " fingers trembling against the shooting star shape, she begins to enthuse, wanting to start again: can she? "I love it. I just, oh, N'ky! Let's dance." Clutching the gift at her chest, she grabs him powerfully at the wrist, twirling him about to lead him towards a dance floor tempered somewhat by events but not empty. Too many gleeful families, and celebrating weyrlings; soon, with N'ky and Mave amongst them-- and later, K'zin tossing her till she's dizzy, while light reflects off the clear glass, silver, and copper hanging around her neck. |
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