Difference between revisions of "Logs:Of Niceties"

Your location's current time: 17:53 on day 31, month 8, Turn 60, of the Tenth Pass. It is a summer afternoon.

You stride into an archway leading out onto the Weyrleaders' ledges. Weyrleader Ledges(#12138RJLs) A flight of steps worn smooth with time lead up to a broad flat area with enough room for a gold and her consort to sprall and lounge. Openings lead to a room used for conferences, the Weyrwoman's private room, and the hatching sands themselves. A round table of well polished hardwood sits in one corner and is surrounded by chairs. Contents: Josilina Lhiannonth Leiventh Obvious exits: Weyrleader SeniorWeyrWoman Bowl Passageway to the Hatching Grounds Council Chamber Sky

Josilina's standing in front of Lhiannonth, close enough to the dragon's head that her breathing ruffles the Weyrwoman's painfully pink top. The pair are talking, presumably, Jos's lips moving silently every so often, and she looks fairly serious.

R'hin emerges from his weyr, dressed fairly formally - the clothing new to judge by a careful look. It's no coincidence that he's wearing the 'Reachian colors: black pants and a dark blue shirt. Despite the warmth, he's resisted the urge thusfar to push up the sleeves, but it's probably only a matter of time before that happens. He pauses as he catches sight of the Weyrwoman, lips quirking at the tableau. "You look far too serious for such a joyous occasion. You'll frighten the weyrlings if you're not careful."

Josilina's looking, if not formal, then nice, and with a skirt of multi-colored polka dots and a pink poncho top she's a flamboyant contrast to the somber-colored Weyrleader. As he speaks she looks up, and flashes a bright smile. "Oh, just talking. I promise not to scare anyone." Her smile broadens and looks a little more genuine as she adds, "It /is/ exciting, isn't it? I can't believe they're graduating already."

"Mmhmm," R'hin murmurs, though there's a big grin that follows soon thereafter. "Nor can I. Nine months goes by far too soon. R'sel and Jorel are coming?" he asks, with a glance towards Josilina's weyr, "Or will I have the sole pleasure of escorting you?" The query is accompanied by a slightly flourishing bow and a gallant offer of his arm.

Josilina glances towards her weyr, lower lip catching oh-so-briefly between her teeth. "They're going to meet me in there. I'm Weyrwoman, for now," she says, turning back and there's another quick smile, a little crooked. "For this," she corrects herself. The gallantry prompts a chuckle, and she rolls her shoulders, a slight movement, and takes his arm. "Ready, O' Weyrleader?"

"Then I'd best be Weyrleader," R'hin counters with a low laugh. He does, however, give her a strange, curious sort of glance at her correction, and it's accompanied by a silent quirk of brow. He doesn't, however, question her aloud, instead setting an easy pace as he escorts her down the ledge. "Certainly, Weyrwoman."

You meander down the flight of steps, towards the eastern bowl. You stride towards the western side of the bowl. You stroll into the tunnel to the living cavern. Living Cavern, High Reaches Weyr(#1000RJs) The impressive living cavern is seemingly as large as the bowl that cradles the hatching sands. Rivers of polished wood tables and benches arrow towards a raised platform crowned with a compact version of their sturdy design. Neatly crafted pegs, some fancifully carved, are tapped into holes in the wall and support clothing dangling like lazy sleepers. Woven baskets, both useful and decorative, hang along another wall. Piles of summer fruit give off a shimmer of color and a waft of sweet aromas from their cradling bowls. Hanging sheaves of herbs and spices rustle in the breeze, adding their fragrance as well. Banners worked with the designs of Holds and Halls beholden to the weyr cascade down the walls high above, interspersed with several brilliantly colored tapestries. Drudges move briskly about the room, unlidding plentiful glow baskets to help banish the thickening dusk. The clatter of pots and pans signal the approaching evening meal. Contents: Jemah Tray of Bubblies(#6808V$) Firelizard Perch(#5030Jae$) Obvious exits: Kitchen Bowl Lower Caverns

Josilina walks in from the tunnel to the bowl. Josilina has arrived.

Satiet wanders into the cavern from the lower caverns. Satiet has arrived.

M'wen walks in from the tunnel to the bowl. M'wen has arrived.

Josilina comes in, holding R'hin's arm, chuckling at something or other. She says something to him, low, before grinning and releasing him, heading over to greet a few visitors, come for the event.

I'daur has arrived.

You sense Josilina mutters teasingly, just before splitting off to mingle, "Now, all you have to do is be nice to everyone for an evening. Not too hard, I should hope?"

R'hin's dressed formally, in High Reaches colors-- black pants and dark blue shirt. He's escorting the Weyrwoman, elbow crooked for her hand as he keeps pace with her. He nods there and there at the various greetings they receive, head bending to listen to the Weyrwoman, before he gives the faintest of snorts. "-Just- an evening?" he murmurs, pale eyes following Josilina for a moment as she steps away.

Talien meanders into the cavern from the lower caverns. Talien has arrived.

In the corner, seated at a table with what appears to be P'mar's parents - they look like their son (both of them somehow), is Satiet chatting amiably enough. Every so often a hand brushes to smooth down the folds of her gown and a hand lifts to pat down her hair, but for all intents and purposes, the goldrider is giving the effusively gushing parents all due attention, nodding in all the right places and even managing a tiny smile. Or is that a smirk?

C'len walks in from the tunnel to the bowl. C'len has arrived.

B'yan strolls in from the tunnel to the bowl. B'yan has arrived.

Samialla wanders in from the tunnel to the bowl. Samialla has arrived.

Charis strolls in from the tunnel to the bowl. Charis has arrived.

Amilin meanders in from the tunnel to the bowl. Amilin has arrived.

Shanlee strolls in from the tunnel to the bowl. Shanlee has arrived.

Charis walks into the living cavern right behind B'yan, nodding politely to him, eyes dancing playfully, "Good evening B'yan. Nice ta see ya made it." She chuckles softly and makes her way into the room further, glancing around to the occupants.

W'red wanders in from the tunnel to the bowl. W'red has arrived.

Tavrie walks into the cavern from the lower caverns. Tavrie has arrived.

The living caverns, normally so staid and austere, have been decorated: pristine tablecloths, wall decorations, ceiling banners that hold the emblems of each of the wings. The scents from the overladen serving tables permeate the entire room and a trio of the Weyr's harpers have set stage in the farthest corner.

Eleria strolls into the cavern from the lower caverns. Eleria has arrived.

Enter I'daur. The weyrlingmaster has dressed for the occasion--well, as much as he's ever going to, in at least neater and newer clothes, if not dressier. He's tugging on the collar as he shuffles inside from the bowl, glancing around edgily.

Seramara has arrived.

B'yan slips in among the crowd, absently fixing his rider attire as he walks. He turns slightly when he hears his name, tossing a smirk at Charis as he slows his steps. Falling in beside her, "Evening," he drawls, eyes scanning the crowd with mild interest. "Was I expected elsewhere other than here?" and he flashes another grin at her before it fades and he continues on with the usual furtive glances.

C'len steps in from the bowl, casually relaxed with his hands in his pockets despite crinkled lines that spread from his eyes, possibly the result of too much time spent in the sun recently. He's clad more formally than usual, but nothing too fancy.

It shouldn't be any great surprise to anyone that the Weyrleader makes a beeline for the drinks table, carefully selecting a white before dutifully circling around. R'hin alters his course when he sees Satiet, greeting P'mar's parents with all the right sort of platitudes, before noting, "I see the weyrwoman is keeping you company, so I shan't distract from her." With a curve of lips, the bronzerider turns away, catching sight of C'len and offering the Wingleader an easy nod of greeting from where he's standing.

Seramara comes bouncing in behind a slightly tired-looking rider wearing Fort's knot. Sera's wearing a Fort knot too, with the interesting addition of a dried fellis blossom and some strands of mint woven in. " I promise not to be any trouble, Trini. And not bother the weyrlings. Or anyone else. Or eat all the sweets. Or--" The cavern full of people causes her to shut up, at least for the moment, and she just looks around at everything with fascinated eyes.

Josilina fusses with her own formalwear, as so much as it is: bright, and flashy as her usual, while nodding to the bluerider she's talking to. Brighter and flashier, if nothing else, in fact. Catching I'daur's entrance, she heads his way, "Evening, Weyrlingmaster," she smiles. "Just let me know when you're ready, alright? In fact - you can open, and then just hand it over to R'hin and I when you're set." She keeps an eye on the entering weyrlings as well, and flashes B'yan a grin when she catches sight of her mentee.

Samialla looks a little wobbly as she enters the living caverns, blinking rapidly as she looks around at the new decorations. Awestruck, she bumps clumsily into a table edge and is rubbing her hip as she takes a seat, peering around still. She's dressed reasonably formally in a long, deep blue skirt and a soft white blouse.

Charis shakes her head at the man, "No, I suppose not." she replies to the bronze weyrling, gray eyes looking around the room, a small glimmer of hope in them. She nods to a few others, giving a salute to other riders as they enter, along with Josilina and R'hin. "Well this will be quite fun won't it." she quips in a soft tone.

Amilin's gown wasn't made for quick steps, but the greenrider is in no hurry this evening. She aims first to acquire a glass of wine, a white of what ever pressing, while making small talk with whom ever she encounters along the way. Now and then she pauses, nods, and casts a wave with her free hand to someone she spies in the gathering crowd.

Talien is likely a too-fresh face to garner much notice as she slips up from the lower caverns to the living cavern. Lingering near the entrance there with a hand resting against the archway, she scans the cavern before ducking her head and slipping into the outskirts of the gathered crowd. From there she moves further in, choosing a spot in the far back to call her own.

Shanlee stops briefly at the entranceway, gaze sweeping the cavern, taking in all the people gathered. Almost being walked into she steps further into the area seeking out a familiar face or two. Several of her clutchmates are spied and the redhead moves in their direction, fabric whispering as she moves.

W'red strolls into the cavern a smile on his face an air of confidence, dressed neatly for the occasion, but not overlt so, a quick salute as he enters. He waves at his fellow weyrlings, and follows I'daur's example following on his heels to the drinks table.

B'yan, catching Josilina's grin, tips his head and winks at her before he starts looking towards the meal tables. "I don't know about fun," he drawls wryly at the blue weyrling beside him, "but now that we've been seen, I intend to get this thing started with a drink." As usual. Turning, he starts making his way towards the table where the drinks are located, passing W'red and nodding to him along the way.

"Yeah, sure," says I'daur, looking around at Josilina when she greets him. "Yeah, sure," he repeats after another minute. "Just... give me a minute." He edges a few steps backward and then digs into a pocket--bottles are a little cumbersome to carry around right now, so he's traded it in on a flask in his pocket. After a fortifying gulp (all right, two) he's ready to step forward. "Let's get this over with."

Eleria is ignoring the new gown she's wearing and for a moment, its mainly covered by a large apron, though its removed once she enters the living cavern full of people. The apron then gets playfully tossed towards an obliging drudge, who winks at the assistant headwoman, before disappearing back into the kitchen. Leri's sweeps her gaze across the food and drink tables first, then its on to people watching.

C'len makes a brief stop by the food table, but for a quick bite--a roll--rather than something to drink. He looks guiltily away as an assistant headwoman shoos him from the food, though long fingers do snake out to snag a second roll before he moves along, toward the area where he's supposed to be--as if he were an old hat at this being wingleader thing. Yes. A quick wave and nod, for those who've greeted him, as well.

R'hin seems to be comfortable enough in his formal wear - either that, or he hides it particularly well. Glass in hand, he eventually makes his way towards the raised platform, pale eyes flickering over and settling on each of the weyrlings in turn. Lips quirk as he spots I'daur, his nod to the Weyrlingmaster one of respect as he waits.

There's only so much of the effusiveness Satiet can take and soon the goldrider, with a look shot towards R'hin at his passing comment, manages to pull away from P'mar's parents and instead hones in on refilling her glass of bubbly and finding a quieter, more sane spot to stand. Lucky Talien. "Dear Faranth," where Faranth is anything but dear or respectful and with a heavy expletive slant cast in her intonation, "Happy parents."

Charis watches at B'yan steps away from her and lets out a soft sigh. She follows behind him though deciding that a drink before the actual formalities start would definately be in order. She weaves through the growing crowd, finally reaching the tables, quite near to where her best friend is standing. "Leri!" she calls out to her, picking up a glass of wine to drink from rather quickly.

Seramara discreetly separates herself from her greenrider companion and sidles quite innocently towards the buffet tables. With several cookies tucked away in pockets and a folded napkin, she finds her way around near the back with the other groundlings. "Cookie?" she offers to her nearest neighbors, even the one with the fancy gold knot. "I have extra."

Samialla is quite happy where she's sat, and therefore stays nice and quiet - all the better not to be noticed. She picks at a loose thread hanging from the sleeve of her blouse, making it longer. With a resigned sigh, the girl tugs at it once more in a vain attempt to get rid of it, then tucks it into the sleeve and out of sight. Eyes front, she watches the Weyrlingmaster.

Josilina arches her eyebrows, but doesn't comment, merely nods to I'daur. "Sure." She glances to where people are still getting drinks and adds with a slight smile, "You might have to holler, or something to get their attention." There's a wry 'good luck' in her tone, for all it's unsaid, and she goes to join R'hin at the platform, waving to R'sel and Jorel, who have staked out seats near the front, and the young boy wriggles, as if about to go forward, before his father takes his hand.

Talien's momma didn't raise no fool. The girl in question picked her spot because it was quiet and sane. Mostly quiet, though, and it's why she starts when she suddenly finds herself in the presence of another person. She greets Satiet with a small, hesitant smile; her gaze briefly drops to the floor, "Happy day," she echoes, glancing back up, "Lots to celebrate."

Shanlee helps herself to a glass of wine, then steps off to one side to quietly sip at it. Moving in next to W'red, she grins up at him "Got your gift" a chuckle "Guess now I owe you that dinner." before moving off to find somewhere to sit.

Tavrie does her best to slip in and join the throng without much notice, looking around for the right place and deciding to linger around B'yan and Charis. "Phew," she notes for having gotten there, if perhaps a little late.

W'red steps up to the drinks table and gets hinself a shot of whiskey to get the evening underway, sipping at the drink he turns to survey the crowd, "Evening B'yan," he says as the former itinerant passes him, "Drink first, eat later and party even later," he says with a pleasant enough tone, and a smile. Nodding to Shan, "That was a gift, Shan, dinner will get you another," He winks at her and smiles.

R'hin's gaze follows Josilina's wave towards R'sel and the young boy, with the faintest furrows of brow. He tips his head slightly, leaning in to murmur quietly to the Weyrwoman, leaving the attention-getting to I'daur's capable hands.

Amilin's always been the sort to take a seat before they are all gone. One allowing her a decent view and yet far enough from the front no one will expect anything of her. She makes her way with a set of smiles and a few pleasant words as she extracts herself from committing to any long conversations on the way to her chosen spot.

Eleria simply nods to B'yan, the bronzerider in her line of sight before she spots, "Charis! You look just lovely." She gives the grey eyed girl a warm smile and a nod of approval, not that she needs the latter, then turns that upward curve onto Tavrie, "good evening, and congratulations, to both of you."

Josilina senses "R'hin's voice is quiet underneath the harper's music. "Jorel looks like he'd much rather be up here with his mother. Or maybe you down there with him?" It's a bland sort of observation, but it'd be difficult for it not to rankle with the obviousness. "Have you thought on my suggestion at all?""

To the front of the room heads I'daur, pausing there and looking at the crowd. He tugs his collar again. Then, raising his voice, he opens the ceremony. "Ah. Evening, everyone." He stuffs his hands in his pockets. "Ah. Welcome. Thanks for coming out." Pause. He looks at the crowd another moment, then focuses in on the weyrlings. "So. You've... been through a lot, last few months. Come a long way. You, ah, bet you wouldn't of thought it, back when you impressed, you could, y'know, come this far, do all this stuff. But you did, and you're riders and you--you did good. Proud of you." The usually unflappable weyrlingmaster looks about as unsettled as he gets while grasping for words, and finally looks over to R'hin and Josilina. "Weyrleaders?" He's already trying to retreat, edging backward.

"Mmmm," Satiet utters, noncommittal. "If this were a Pass, it'd be celebrating the end of their life." Luckily, the corner is quiet, the words are soft-spoken despite the cool thread interlaced in them. A sip of her bubbly is taken and she lifts her glass. "To weyrlings becoming riders and their happy day of celebration," after which she tilts her head to get a better look at the young woman, pleased when her eyes have to shift downward rather than up to catch sight of the brunette's eyes. "Satiet, Teonath's rider."

Once at the drinks table himself, B'yan has already got a glass in hand and is pouring himself one of the dark whiskey right behind W'red. At the brownrider's quip, he chuckles, "I couldn't agree with you more," he drawls, raising his glass slightly before he indulges in a drink. Charis sudden call to the assistant headwoman gets his attention, glancing back at her before he looks out for Eleria. He tips his head curtly at her, then steps in beside Tavrie with a brief grin her way as he contents himself with his drink.

Shanlee catches the last of W'red's words, then laughs shaking her head slightly "Oh Rilsa did teach you well brownrider." Then I'daur's speaking - looks like it's time. Another hasty swallow of the wine, and it seems nerves are starting to settle slightly.

Josilina shoots the Weyrleader a narrow look - someone watching might even call it irritated, and mutters a short reply. But then the attention's on them, and she steps forward, smiling warmly, a sack hanging from a drawstring off her wrist. "Thanks I'daur. And our congratulations to all our weyrlings, you all have done a wonderful job. We're all very proud of you. Now, when the Weyrleader calls your name, and wing, please come forward - we've gifts and knots for you all."

You sense Josilina's whisper comes short and clipped, "Later." But she'll glance once more - lightening quick - towards her son and weyrmate.

Charis glances over at B'yan for a moment before smiling at her friend, "'i Leri. I'm glad ya could make it." She hears the Weyrlingmasters words, opening up the ceremony. She chuckles softly, grabbing Eleria's hand, "I think we should sit down." She moves away from the tables, looking around and finally finds a seat near Amilin, who she waves at with a smile.

Hanging around waiting like this is making him thirsty, W'red is finished with the first whiskey even though he nursed it, orders a second. As I'daur eventually takes to the raised platform, with the usual congratulatory comments. W'red listens as best he can over the din in the room, gives Tavrie and Eleria a nod of the head and settles in to drink his second whiskey going down smoother than the first.

Again, Talien's lips quirk into a hesitant smile. Countering Satiet's toast with a quick bob of her head, she murmurs the woman's words. Despite the corner being quiet, it might be a strain to hear them. What is audible, however, is her name. "Talien," of no particular rank or place as such designations are left off. Shoulders set in a tense line, Talien glances back toward the front of the front of the cavern, silencing as I'daur gives his speech.

R'hin's head lifts, surprise visible at the speed of I'daur's speech, the briefest of nods wordlessly acknowledging the Weyrwoman's low words, and the look he receives. He clears his throat quickly, however, with a smile. "Thank you, Weyrlingmaster," his voice raises on the heels of Josilina's, "For the fine job you have done with our newest batch of riders." He casts a sidelong glance to the Weyrwoman, just the briefest of pauses, before he continues, "Let's see-- hm," pale eyes fall on one of the weyrlings, and he beckons, "Shanlee. Step forward, and accept your position in Snowstrike Wing, under Wingleader C'len."

Samialla listens to I'daur's words with a blush rising on her cheeks. Already? Even at just what I'daur has to say, Sami looks rather ambarrassed - but also proud. Her parents are in the crowd somewhere, leaving their daughter alone for the time being. Or they haven't found her yet. Either way, Sami's on her own. When Josilina steps forward, the weyrling gets up and moves towards the group of her fellows, blinking at the mention of gifts. When Shanlee is the first to be called up, Sami claps, smiling at her friend.

Seramara shrugs when no-one takes her up on her offer of cookies. More for her. She grazes on one, listening to the chatter around her and craning her neck when I'daur goes up to speak. "I hope he was a better teacher than he is a speech-maker," she comments. "He sounds like he's scared." Satiet's murmur about what would be happening were it a pass makes her shiver slightly, though she lifts heer half-cookie to join in her toast. "Seramara, from Fort," she answers Talien, even though the introduction wasn't directed at her.

B'yan blinks a bit at I'daur's speech, a lazy grin forming at the end of it before taking up a post right by the drinks table. Shifting, he knocks back the first drink all through the speech, then is turning to refill for another one. For the most part, he remains silent beside W'red and Tavrie, only raising a glass and tipping his head to Shanlee when her name gets called.

When Josilina moves forward, I'daur is off the hook, and he continues retreating a few steps behind them. Admittedly, not far--he has to at least pay lip service to being weyrlingmaster, but once out of the spotlight, he can at least turn back to his flask. He's just toasting the weyrlings. Right.

Shanlee blinks slightly, then rises swiftly to her feet, squaring her shoulders and heading up to the front, skirting around various tables as she goes. Halting just in front of the Weyrleader a smile arranges itself as a salute is offered.

Josilina reaches into her bag and, after some rummaging, comes out with a small box and a greenrider's knot. "Congratulations, Shanlee. To you and Kaylith." She says, offering them both out with a smile.

C'len's standing at the edges, near a few other of Snowstrike's wingmembers. A cheer goes up for the new member as Shanlee's name is called, and C'len applauds and joins in. It's early yet, so the cheering's not raucous--but wait 'til they've all had more celebratory wine.

Amilin gives both a smile and a wave in return to her mentee and friend, offering out the seats near her when she sees the soon to be ex-weyrling's intend. Her voice is pitched low enough not to interrupt the proceedings, but she calls out just the same, "Hey there, Charis. Excited?" And then she's clapping for Shanlee with the rest.

It should be noted that R'hin hasn't relinquished his wine glass, though he does shift it to his left hand as the greenrider approaches, a broad grin curling his lips. "Congratulations, greenrider," he murmurs as she steps close, the salute acknowledged with a nod. "Charis, Qeteth's rider," he calls, as he seeks out the bluerider in the crowd. "Step forward, and accept your position in Wingleader Melata's wing, Avalanche."

Shanlee is a little thrown having been the first called but manages to recover her equilibrium long enough to offer a grin up to Josilina "Thank you Ma'am." The applause from C'len and Snowstrikes direction, gets a somewhat amused notation before the gift and knot are accepted with a slight bowing of her head in the Weyrwoman's direction.

Charis is just about to sit down, addressing Amilin with a smile, "Umm, yes and nervous." She shrugs her shoulders, then hears her voice being call from up on the platform. Her face reddens just a touch, she straightens up to look about the room, eyes narrowing just a little with a look of recognition in her eyes at someone in the back of the room, shaking her head she moves towards Josilina.

Josilina pulls out another knot - a bluerider's, this time - and another box, holding them out for Charis as she approches. "Charis, and Qeteth, congratulations to you both."

Good weyrlingmaster that he is, I'daur takes enough time from his pre-party drinking to catch Shanlee and offer her a handshake, too, along with congratulations and a fleeting half-smile.

Samialla applauds for Charis now as the blue rider's name is called. Sami's shrinking away in the crowd, at the back of the weyrlings still waiting for their turn to be called.

B'yan looks a bit more relaxed now with the second drink in hand, the bronze weyrling watching the proceedings with Shanlee with interest. When Charis is called, he claps carefully enough to not spill a lick of his drink. He's leaning against the table now, hazel eyes flicking over at certain people in the crowd nearest him, his face carefully composed.

W'red smiles, as Shanlee is the first to be called, he puts his drink down to give a clap of hands for her, quickly retrieving it in case someone takes it. Down again clap for Charis retrieve this is going to be fun. W'red just smiles and downs the last of the glass and looks to see if he can get another.

"Congratulations, Charis," R'hin murmurs to the bluerider as she approaches them, smile easy. "B'yan, step forward," the Weyrleader's voice carries, "And accept your position in Glacier Wing," a slight curl of lips, "Under myself."

Charis smoothes out her dress as she walks closer to the platfrom, smiling broadly at the Weyrwoman, reaching out to take the box from her. "Thank you Ma'am. And to you Sir." She pauses to look at the box in her hands, not opening it yet though, stepping to the side as B'yan's name is called now. She slowly makes her way back to her seat.

After offering his hand and congratulations to Charis, I'daur looks around at R'hin for the next weyrling he calls forward, and that weyrling's placement. Then he drinks again. Deeply.

Eleria claps loudly for Charis, just as she had for Shan, then leans in to say to Amilin, "don't let her fool you, she's really just fine, just looks nervous." A wink for her quietly gentle tease is giving before she gives her attention back to the ceremony.

Shanlee offers a warm smile to Charis as she passes, box still held unopened in her hand "Congratulations Charis". I'daur's handshake is accepted with an impish smile "Thank you Sir." before curious eyes flicker over to where Snowstrike stand. Reaching her recently vacated seat, another long swallow of wine is hastily taken. A low laugh escapes as B'yan is called and placed in Glacier wing, but applause is soon given up.

M'wen sneaks in from the bowl, ducking down low to avoid detection of his tardiness. Getting far enough in on the festivities, the brownrider leans against a wall and regards the goings-ons with the interest due from his position.

Tavrie beams when Shanlee is called up and then nods in approval when Charis soon follows. "I can't believe we're graduating already," she whispers to those around her, looking wistful and rather fidgety. She scans the people now that she has settled in a little bit, looking for someone.

B'yan was just about to turn to W'red, noting his predicament with a twitch of his lips, until he hears his name. Turning, he drains the rest of his glass, sets it down, and strides up towards the Weyrleader with an air of boldness. He pauses before R'hin, then flashes a salute, accompanied with a smirk.

Amilin's applause for Charis might well be just a bit louder than it was for the last, but then this was her mentee, and for once she's aloud to show favorites. She even goes do far as to call out her congratulations to the blue rider as she makes her way. Eleria's comment drawing from the rider a light laugh and a reply of, "I'll keep that in mind." And then there is applause for the next as well.

Josilina pulls out a bronzerider's knot and a box, and she smiles broad and warm as B'yan approaches. "Congratulations, B'yan, and to Jaireth. I'm really proud of you; you've done really well." And, in and undertone as she hands the knot over, "Don't cause too much trouble with this, hm?"

C'len's applauding along with the rest, for Charis then B'yan. He tries to beckon someone near the drink table to bring him something, but with all the hand-flapping it goes unnoticed. A shrug of his shoulders, as he drops into a seat, stretching his legs out in front of him a bit. The drink can wait.

Samialla's hands will be sore by the end of this, given how much she's clapping. B'yan is the one receiving the applause from her this time, and she watches the bronze rider with slightly narrowed eyes as he goes to accept his knot and gift.

R'hin gives a brief nod to B'yan in acknowledgement of the salute, though doesn't return it, merely adding quietly, "Congratulations, bronzerider." The process moves along fairly smoothly, the Weyrleader calling out a couple more names in between, then, "W'red. Tavaith's-- step forward. You will be flying with Avalanche Wing."

B'yan steps over to Josilina, taking the box and knot from her and catching her low words with a twitch of his brows. "Trouble?" he echoes in an undertone to her, openly grinning now. "Me?" and he flicks his wink at her, not saying anymore as he hears R'hin's congratulations and heads off back to his post at the drinks table when W'red gets called.

"Well," I'daur says, looking to B'yan when he comes by. "Congratulations. And good luck with that." A nod toward R'hin, with a smirk.

Charis smiles at Eleria and Amilin when she reaches her seat, pausing before she sits down to look toward the back of the room again, eyes searching for someone." She shakes her head again though and settles down, placing the box near her with her new knot. She claps for B'yan as he makes his way to the platform in congratulations.

"Indeed," is all B'yan says to I'daur as he slips by him.

Seramara cheerfully claps for all these people she doesn't know, yet is happy for. Even the smirking ones. Her clapping also sends cookie crumbs everywhere, but perhaps no one will notice.

W'red is trying not to get too involved in idle chatter at this point, and stands idly nursing the whiskey, A clap of congratulation for B'yan, and a smile, as he is called, then it's his turn, walking up to the platform a quick salute to R'hin.

Josilina rolls her eyes after her mentee, before turning towards W'red's approach, pulling out a brownrider's knot and another box. "Congratulations to you and Tavaith, W'red."

Quiet during the ceremony, Satiet finally acknowledges Talien's introduction with a brow that hooks quizzically, as if the name should mean something but fails to make any recognizable imprint in her memory. "Are you a lower caverns girl?" The designation is somewhat disdainful, and the glance given more scrutinizing than mere cursory.

Loud applause to another new wingmate, and then Ami's busy greeting Charis on her return, "Welcome to Avalanche, oh mentee of mine."

Samialla claps heartily for W'red when the brown rider's turn comes. She seems to be inching back though, away from the area where the Weyrleaders are.

"W'red, congratulations," I'daur bids the next weyrling as he's called up, too.

The Weyrleader returns W'red's salute with a sharp nod, and a more casual smile. "Congratulations, brownrider," R'hin murmurs, glancing sidelong to the Weyrwoman as she produces the knot. "Samialla," R'hin calls, pale eyes seeking out the retreating bluerider with a grin, "Step forward, and accept your assignment flying with Snowstrike Wing."

Shanlee notices her new wingleader's vain attempts at getting a drink and slips out of her seat. As B'yan passes she half-turns and offers applause calling out "Congratulations B'yan." Not being too sure what C'len might drink she opts for a glass of wine and makes her way over to him, stopping with swish of fabric and offering a salute. "Your hand looked empty Sir." the glass held out to the man. As W'red is placed under Avalanche, her attention is diverted "Congratulations W'red."

Samialla gulps. That's her name being called. Frozen for a moment, she sucks in a deep breath and steels herself. Hurried steps carry her forward to R'hin, the girl desperate to avoid any embarrassing accident on her way up, eyes flicking about for hazards. She makes it safely there though, and gives R'hin a salute and a hesitant smile when she's stood before him.

"Congratulations, Samialla," Josilina says cheerfully, holding out a bluerider's knot and her box. "And to Okenith. You've both done well."

B'yan has claimed his glass, already filled once again as he nods to the congratulations being sent to him. W'red and Samialla gets a careful clap as he keeps to the back of the crowd -and near the drinks table always, the formal-like grin he was wearing now changing back to something more composed.

R'hin's grin is, if anything, encouraging as Samialla approaches. "Congratulations, bluerider. I look forward to seeing what you and Okenith will do." He gives her a nod, before he pauses, eyes travelling over the group of former weyrlings, and settling on one. "And, uh-- of course, Tavrie. Not that it's any great surprise, but you will be flying with Wingleader Josilina. Welcome to Aurora Wing."

"Congratulations," I'daur repeats, too, offering Samialla his hand and a brief smile.

"Thank you ma'am" W'red offers to Josilina as he accept the box, and moves back over to the table, "Thank you sir," he nods to I'daur on his way back to the confort of his whiskey. "Thanks Shan, B'yan."

More loud cheering from Snowstrike, when Samialla's name is called. Not that they aren't excited for everyone, just moreso for their new riders. C'len's brought back from the cheering to find the green-eyed greenrider calling him "sir" and, despite all attempts at appearing to be used to his new position, he's not. The offer of wine earns a grin and murmur of thanks, before he gestures to an open seat nearby. "Welcome to the wing. Have a seat?"

Talien misses the initial hooking of the goldrider's brow. What she doesn't miss is the disdainful designation. Drawing her attention to the woman beside her, Talien briefly meets Satiet's gaze, then looks at herself as though seeking out the need for such scrutiny. "Mostly," she agrees at last, a tiny flush of red hitting her cheeks, "I just got here, though. I'll find something better, soon." The too-proud tilt of her chin upward speaks more then the uncertain flicker of her gaze from Satiet's face to the woman's elegant dress and back.

Samialla's smile becomes a grin at R'hin's word, and the girl's nervousness seems eased by the presence of her former mentor. "Thank you," she says, truely grateful, then moves on to accept knot and box from Josilina, blushing. "Thank you, ma'am." Then it's time to shake I'daur's hand, the girl looking up to meet his eyes briefly before she moves on towards the Snowstrike table, where the cheering seems to be coming from. She looks confused as to where to go now.

Charis touches Leri's arm with a smile before sitting down next to Amilin, nodding her head. "Well I guess ya aren't gonna get rid of me now." she teases her mentor, now wingmate. She glances behind her again, something obviously not seeming right with her, taking a breath she turns to look at the weyrlings being called to the platform, offering them her cheers and clapping as well.

"Tavrie," says I'daur, looking to the goldrider as she's called up, offering his hand to her next. "Congratulations."

"Congratulations," Josilina grins at Tavrie, holding out her knot and box. "To both of you. And welcome to Aurora. Glad to have you in the wing." Then, smile going a little crooked, "I'll be in touch, about when wing stuff is going on. But I promise, no dawn drills tomorrow."

"Ahh well, we weren't out to get rid of you, but that doesn't let you off the hook when it come time to pull your weight." This said with a teasing wink and the Ami grins, "Don't worry, you have tomorrow off at least."

Shanlee applauds for Samialla's position "Congrats Sami" before grabbing another glass of wine for herself. A gaze sweeps around the crowded, noisy room, a light frown flitting across her face. Turning once again to C'len to reply "Thank you Sir." the newly knotted greenrider smiles and slides into the vacant seat offered. Apparently what she'd been looking for wasn't found, but doesn't seem to bother her much it would look like. Carefully placing the glass down Shan applauds as Tavrie steps up to accept her new position too.

Eleria returns Charis's smile whilst applauding for for the rest of the weyrlings, her eyes flickering between them all before they come to rest on Tavrie, the latest to get called. "Oh, tomorrow off means you can stay up and celebrate tonight," is said laughingly, though her gaze remains on the ceremony in front of her rather than the companions beside her.

Tavrie shyly moes up to accept her new knot and the box, looking rather nervous. "Thank you," she tells I'daur, shaking his hand firmly and then smiling at Josilina and nodding heartily. "Yes, ma'am!" she affirms with plain delight and a radiance that comes from shear joy.

"Mmm," again with the noncommittal grunt. Satiet drains the last of her bubbly drink and sinks into one of the chairs pushed against the wall. A look casts up to watch the group of weyrlings make their way through the reception line, the latest, Tavrie, receiving a marginally more interested study. With a flare of her nose, lips quirked oddly, the weyrwoman turns back to Talien. "Well, what are you skills?"

"She's a much more leniant Wingleader than I," R'hin murmurs to Tavrie, half joking, at Josilina's words. "Congratulations, weyrwoman," he nods towards Tavrie. His eyes travel over the cavern, and seeing no more weyrlings, lifts his glass. "I'd like to make a toast-- to Weyrlingmaster I'daur, and to the newest riders of High Reaches."

Charis rolls her eyes at Amilin, "Pull my weight. Well we'll see about dat ma'am." She turns her attention back to the front of the room, leaning into her friend with a nudge and a grin. "Stayin up celebratin will be fun. I'm glad dat we don't have dawn drills. Would make it tough on da head." She claps for Tavrie now as she recieves her gift.

W'red cheers as the last of the weyrlings gets their knots, turning to B'yan, a bit of a cheeky grin on his face, "R'hin's keeping you close, to keep an eye on you perhaps." The last said with a hint of a smirk, as he lifts his glass, to toast with R'hin.

Josilina arches her 'brows, asking R'hin low, "/You're/ giving your wing dawn drills tomorrow?" Then: "To the Weyrlingmaster and weyrlings," Josilina agrees, raising her empty hand with the dangling bag in lieu of a glass. "Thank you to them all, for all their hard work."

I'daur looks around sharply as R'hin calls his name, giving the Weyrleader a look before he lifts his own drink, acknowledgement enough for him. He's trying to slink back off again, now that duties are over.

B'yan claps for Tavrie, giving her wry grin as she makes it passed him to the front. He's halfway on his drink now, glancing at the few ex-weyrlings closest to him before a toast is called. Hearing W'red's remark, he doesn't look at him; if anything, there's a wry grin forming now as he lifts his chin slightly. "We shall see," is all that is drawled, hazel eyes landing on the Weyrleader for a long moment, before he follows suit and raises his glass to the toast.

C'len beckons Samialla over, and gives a squinty-look to one of the other younger riders long enough that the man stands and opens a seat up for Okenth's rider, should she want it. "I should've baked something for the new riders," C'len mutters to himself more than anyone else. "Ah, we won't be having dawn drills tomorrow, either," a little louder for those nearby to hear, resulting in another cheer from Snowstrike, well into the wine by now.

While the Weyrleaders talk, the soft plucking of gitars being tuned ring softly and as the ceremony draws to a close, the lighter strains of a soft melody come from the corner set up. Background music to balance the din of conversation rather than draw too much attention just yet.

Talien's hesitation might seem natural. Her hands hook in front of her stomach, nails upturned and inspected before she replies, "Is this a test?" Glancing down at the woman, Talien studies her in an effort to get an answer for herself. In the end, though, it's she who gives first. "Sewing, reading, writing. I like working with-" She stops there, however, her attention caught by movement from the front half of the cavern. Finding her place back in the conversation when the distraction passes isn't easy. Satiet is regarded with a blank stare.

"Well, dawn drills will come soon enough," Amilin replies with an amused sparkle in her gaze as she says as much.

Charis smiles at the toast givin by the Weyrwoman and Weyrleader, only turning when she feels a light tap on her shoulder. The young woman's eyes open wide and she gets up quickly from her seat with a grin, moving about to give a tall man a big hug, "Kendal! I can't believe dat you are 'ere."

R'hin gives a low-throated chuckle at Josilina's comment. "We'll see," he murmurs to her, non-committal, though pale eyes are gleaming with amusement as he does. He takes a deep gulp from his wineglass, then lifts his hand to offer sharp, respectful salute as I'daur looks towards him. A faint curve of lips follows, eyes briefly distant, before he turns to Josilina, half expectantly.

Shanlee lifts her glass to the toast. A grin appears on her face at C'len's words "You bake?" a finely arched brow raises in amusement "Well that is certainly appreciated." when Snowstrike's drills for the next morning are cancelled. Watching to see if Samialla will come over and join them, Shan catches Charis greeting a tall man, curiosity lights behind her eyes.

Leiventh> Zunaeth senses that Leiventh's low, thrumming mindvoice passes on the message. « Mine wishes to take yours out for a celebration, as promised. Merely name the day, and he shall make it happen. »

Samialla blushes at C'len's polite gesture. Smiling gratefully, she gives her new Wingleader the politest of polite nods as she takes the seat, looking apologetically at the rider who gave it up. It's at that point that her mother's found her way over, and Sami's rapidly vanished into loving Celicia's embrace. There's just time enough before the hug envelopes her for Sami to grin over at Shanlee.

The young man Charis hugs lets out a deep laugh, picking her up carefully, trying not to mess up her nice dress. "Nice too see ya too sis. Figured that we would come out here ta see what all this racket was about ya graduating or something like that." He finally puts her down, smiling warmly, nodding his head to Amilin and Eleria.

Seramara was enjoying the blushing happiness of the ex-weyrlings, but the inquisition as directed by Satiet is bothering her. She turns to listen, just behind Talien. "Did you have useful skills, ma'am, before your dragon found you?" she finally asks. The very neutrality of her voice is a mild reproof.

"You'd have to be there too, you know," Josilina murmurs back, smiling, and glancing about the crowd as it loosens, settling into a celebratory atmosphere, now that the formal portion of the evening is over. R'hin's expectant look gets raised eyebrows, a silent 'what?'

At Talien's question, Satiet smirks, shaking her head - this is no test, and then eases herself back up to her feet just in time to catch a passing drudge with a tray of bubbling wine. "That you can read and write already, speaks volumes of your harper education than what most girls seem to retain when faced with the happy prospect of marriage." The approval that glints in her gaze is met with blankness upon the Talien's return focus on her, and then turns immediately cooler at the interjection from Seramara. No immediate response comes from the goldrider to the Fortian knotted girl, except in the lazy lift of one eyebrow questioningly.

W'red wanders over to the table where Amilin and Charis are, "Charis, we're in the same wing now, so I suppose we'll be seeing much more of each other," He says grinning. "Amilin ma'am, it will be my pleasure to fly with you, in Avalanche," he lifts his glass in a toast.

Eleria looks up at the tall man Charis greets, stifling a laugh subtly with her hand as she notices the care in which he picks the rider up. She had been in mid shrug towards Amilin, apparently a gesture to indicate she doesn't know who he is, but her shoulders relax when he uses the term "sis". A "good of you to come," is murmured, though one can't be sure if she meant it to be heard or not, and soon enough her attention is going towards the refreshment tables rather than the reunion taking place next to her, though W'red does get a smile as he joins his wingmates.

Freed of duties, I'daur slinks a safe distance from the front of the room, making a concentrated effort to avoid assorted happy parents. Once he's found a seat to the side, he collapses into it, rubbing his left leg idly and just watching while he resumes drinking in earnest.

"He needed to stand up anyway, to make sure he still could. Probably needs a drink refill too," C'len says with a slight smirk twisting the corners of his mouth. As for Shanlee's question, the rider nods and shrugs, then leans toward her to offer a moment's advice. "I do. But if the Weyrwoman offers you cookies, I suggest finding some way to decline." He settles back in his seat, taking a drink from the wine brought by the greenrider, his attention shifting momentarily to the heavily-laden meal tables then back.

Talien shifts, glancing over her shoulder to Seramara. "I-" Looking back to Satiet, Talien's lips purse into a small 'o', then thin altogether. A quick beat elicits another hesitant smile, "Never had it in my head to get married. Wouldn't do anyone any good." Slender shoulders lift and fall as her words are intended more as a peace-offering between the two then anything else.

Charis smiles at Kendal, but furrows her brows a bit when she is put back down on the ground, "We? Did Lychen or Seth come too?" She looks over at Amilin and Eleria with a smile, "This is my brother Kendal." She smiles at W'red, nodding, "Yes I suppose dat we will W'red. Congratulations." Her words are cut short though when a hulking man steps forward, almost lunging at the bluerider, slapping her sharply across the face. "I didn't think ya would be much better than your mother. I just had ta come here ta make sure that ya weren't lyin about it."

"I could have Rilsa or Sria lead it. They'd likely do a better job than I," R'hin observes a tad dryly to Josilina. As the harper's music resumes and attention drifts from them, the Weyrleader gives a bland sort of smile to the goldrider. "You said -later-," he reminds her in an undertone, draining his glass. His hand drifts down to hover at the middle of the Weyrwoman's back, gesturing towards the table where R'sel and Jorel are seated.

With the formailities over, B'yan refills his glass once more before looking reluctant to step away from the protection of the drinks table. Eyes scanning through the cloud closely, he finds the one person who is probably in the same mood as him: I'daur. He strides over to the weyrlingmaster, the smirk lingering on his face, "Glad to be free?" he asks, not specifying about what in particular with a tip of head.

Amilin's wine gets sipped, the new arrival gains a greeting too in the form of a nod, a friendly smile and an arched brow at Charis' enthusiasm. But she allows her self to be partly distracted by W'red, offering him a hand and a smile of his own, "Congratulations on your graduation and yes, we're pleased to have you join the wing as well." His toast is greeted with a raising of her glass and sip to complete it. "As I was telling Charis, don't worry about drills tomorrow at least. You get a day off before they start up for you."

"Dear Faranth yes," I'daur retorts to B'yan, looking up at the weyrling from his seat, and tugging that dress collar again. Despite not making any more speeches at present, he still doesn't look comfortable out of his usual work clothes. "You, son?"

"Freedom?" B'yan flicks his free hand away with a snort, eyes lingering on the crowd as he stands by I'daur. "I lost that at the hatching. This... is something different." Hazel eyes narrow as he allows casually cool expression to settle over his features, "But, as always, I'm along for the ride." Taking a long drink of the whiskey, "So, what now? For you, I mean," the bronzerider asks of the weyrlingmaster as he holds up his glass and peers at the liquid within.

"You're the Wingleader, not them," Josilina reminds R'hin, wry. She frowns, slightly, "And I meant /later/." She shakes her head, as if clearing it, even as she wiggles her fingers to Jorel, who's fidgeting and being plied with dinner by a patient R'sel. "I'm really not sure, alright? Maybe - after. When we don't have a new wingrider - a bunch in all the wings - and all."

Shanlee returns Samialla's smile if it's seen as the newly knotted bluerider is scooped into an embrace by what looks to be her mother. Only just catching on the words spoken by the young man with Charis, the redhead watches with careful interest pleased that her friend's family had made it. "I've seen the Weyrwoman attempting to make muffins with B'yan, Sir." a chuckle "That was enough warning in itself." the words are spoken in a low aside to C'len, her own gaze following his to the food tables.

As the congratulations and chatter swirl around, C'len's lured back to the food table, and this time there's no shooing him away. He fills a plate and returns to his seat before tucking in, sharing food, drink, and stories with wingmates old and new alike.

Seramara is still waiting, with the same utterly neutral courtesy, for Satiet's answer. But if the goldrider can't/won't answer, she'll talk to Talien instead. "Getting married's overrated anyway, you've got no chance to see or do anything. Weyrs are better, no one really *expects* you to do something--you get to pick for yourself."

Charis blinks a few times, bringing her hand up to her mouth, gray eyes stormy now as she looks at her father. She glances around the room briefly, glad that they are closer to the back of the room and not the center of attention. Kendal, looks at his father with a shocked expression, taking a step away now. The bluerider hisses out softly, "I think ya need ta leave or ya might find dat you are outnumbered."

The upward hitched eyebrow look lingers long on Seramara, patiently waiting until news of Talien's lack of marriage aspiration sinks past the wait-filled threat of a sarcastic response and sketches surprise across Satiet's face. "Really?" There may be hope yet and while she doesn't smile, per se, the slight woman's coolness diminishes. Then again, this is her second, visible, glass of bubbly that's fast disappearing. "What's brought you here?" where 'you' apparently directs to both Talien and the offending Fortian, as evidenced by a brow knit of more mild version of that wait-filled patience.

I'daur leans back in his chair, studying B'yan. "S'pose so," he agrees vaguely with the rider's earlier words. Then: "Killing time, I guess, until next time around."

Having still been watching the scene unfold around Charis, Shan's eyes narrow as her father slaps her. Rising swiftly to her feet, she takes a few steps in their direction, keeping back just out of the way so as not to intrude but closer enough to come to her friend's defence in a heartbeat should it be needed. Anger flicks around her petite form, but for once words are stilled.

Eleria has to look twice to make sure what she thought she saw out of the corner of her eye just happened. She frowns immediately once she comes her momentary shock is over, and she quickly places herself between the hulking man and Charis, not really caring who he is and want he wants. "More than outnumbered," the assistant headwoman agrees, "so you might just want to take your leave, before we have someone show you the way out, and trust me it won't be with the amiable quality you received upon your entrance." She glares a moment more at the man, then looks at Charis, "are you alright?"

W'red smiles at Amilin, "Well if there are no drills tomorrow then it's time to party tonight," Ditracted by the sound of a slap, W'red looks quickly in Charis's direction. He takes half a step forward, and stops, straitening to his full height, "Charis," he asks putting his glass down on the table, "Is this gent bothering you?" a glint of anger in his blue eyes.

R'hin's brow quirks in brief surprise at Josilina's emphasis, pale eyes shifting towards R'sel, noteably. "-Jos-," he says, exasperatedly, perhaps a little louder than he meant. There's a hint of irritation in his demeanor, gesturing briefly with his empty glass. "You'll always have some excuse, and you know it. R'sel does, too." He stops, abruptly, cutting off whatever else he was going to add as the commotion near Charis garners his attention with a frown.

Talien glances at Seramara again, more for the woman's actions then being directly addressed. "I suppose," she offers, "I never really thought about it...just that I never wanted it." Her attention whiplashes back to Satiet. The question recieves a small grin, "My feet?" Another little pause brings forth the truth, "Family duties."

B'yan's eyes flick down to I'daur, nodding slowly. "Killing time," he echoes wryly, a small grin breaking his cool features. "I can imagine how, or where." Another drink before he adds "I might have a bottle of whiskey to your enjoyment, seeing as how we enjoy the same-" and he pause in mid-sentence, eyes narrowing suddenly as something catches his attention towards the back of the room along with some of the others.

"I - " Josilina cuts off her argument as her attention, too, is drawn towards the commotion around Charis. "What the shards-" On the raised platform, it's easier to look out over the situation, but she takes it in for only a moment before stepping down and hurrying across the room. "Charis," she calls out before she's even made it all the way to the back, "what's the problem here?"

For the answer, there's a flicker of more surprise in Satiet's gaze and a considerable warming for the teenager. With an absent gesture that moves to smooth the folds of her dress and the loosening of tense set shoulders, the goldrider flashes Talien a quick, dry smirk. "I asked what. Not how. And feet," she glances down at the girl's boots, "Are generally how." A beat passes, the pale eyes cutting quickly to the scene unfolding a few paces distant and a frown pulls, and without further words towards the two girls at her side, the slight weyrwoman begins pressing her way towards the drama.

Amilin generally misses little, but this time her back was turned. Still, she's close enough she can't miss something amiss, the sound of the slap, the look in W'red's eye just after and the woman is turning around with the words tumbling quick from her lips, "Wingrider. Report." Even as she steps alongside the young woman and turns her gaze on man before her.

R'hin is at the Weyrwoman's side immediately, pacing her towards Charis and her family. His expression is schooled to cool politeness, eyes flickering from one to the other, expectantly.

"Y'think so?" I'daur arches a brow, looking up at B'yan still, and taking another drink of his particular flask. Other commotions escape him; he's free tonight, after all. "Have to take you up on that some time. The Weyrleader's already promised me a party some other night."

Charis holds up her hand, feeling those around her now having attention on her, narrowing her eyes dangerously at the man in front of her. She nods to Eleria without looking at her, keeping her eyes on Beldan, taking a step in front of her friend now. "Father you need to leave, and it should be immediately. And don't return here or try to contact me ever again." She sets her shoulders straight and proud, "This is my home. Leave." With those words the man looks around now realizing that indeed he is quite outnumbered. He sneers at the bluerider, "Fine with me." He turns on his heal and leaves the room, Kendal glancing back with hurt for his sister written on his face, but follows none the less

W'red is not one to back down and as the whole gathering seems to now be distracted by the goings on, he doesn't step back, but waits for Charis to make the next move. W'red is quite surprised when she says 'Father' why would a man come into a situation such as this and slap his child in front of so many. W'red shakes his head as he watches the two leave, retrieves his glass and relaxes a bit, the tenseness leaving him as quickly as it had come.

"Yeah, I do," B'yan answers I'daur distractedly, too far from the commotion to see what was happening. He notices the Weyrleaders heading over there as well, his brow furrowing slightly. He looks back down at the weyrlingmaster and his non-chalance, a brow raising at him. Then back at the crowded commotion, "The whiskey's a good blend," he murmurs low enough for I'daur to hear while he strains his focus over towards the certain area. "I'll share it. Sometime. Excuse me a moment," and, his curiosity finally getting the better of him, the bronzerider leaves his side and makes his way slowly towards the commotion.

"The Weyrwoman at Fort is much nicer than she is," Seramara comments to Talien, looking after Satiet's retreating back with a little sniff. "If she didn't have cavern girls to do her dishes and mend her clothes, she'd be pretty poor off." The commotion is only vaguely interesting to her, since its participants are strangers. "Are you here because one of the weyrlings is related to you? I'm just visiting with a friend, she said I could come because I've never seen a graduation."

Shanlee relaxes the tension that had been sitting across her as the older man leaves, concern for Charis now replacing the anger. She herself knew what a confrontation with one's father felt like and now should have been a happy time of celebration for her friend. Taking a step toward her now, a slim hand reaches out to the bluerider's arm "You going to be okay?" the words softly spoken. A glance goes toward all that had stepped to Charis' defence "We're all here for you."

Eleria turns her head for a moment to watch Charis's family leave, most likely to make sure they do indeed do so, then looks back at the grey eyed girl, one of her hands reaching out to gingerly touch the angry looking welt on her cheek with gentle fingers. "I knew your father was, well nevermind sweetheart, are you okay? Shall we go take care of this?" A nod towards her injury, and a soft smile to help start the healing.

Josilina stops just behind Charis, watching the girl's relations leave with narrow eyes. "Charis?" She doesn't look towards the bluerider until the father and brother are gone. "Can you tell us what that was about, please? Or - " now, glancing at the girl, "if you'd rather, a little later, if you need some time to sit."

"Have a good night," I'daur tells B'yan easily, not bothered to see the weyrling go: after all, he's still got his flask for company.

Satiet doesn't get very far, her lips quirking a beat as news travels through the gathered folk. P'mar's parents are quick to draw him close into their ever loving and over-protective embrace. Two steps front and then one step back, lips pressed thin and her attention quite distractible as with the drama, her gaze falls on Josilina and just beyond her, R'hin.

R'hin quirks a brow, briefly, expectant gaze still on Charis. As the man leaves, the Weyrleader half turns, gaze briefly distant, and a couple of Glacier's riders casually trail out after the pair.

Amilin lifts her gaze to scan across the crowd, and catches a set of eyes along the path of the leaving family. A nod to that one, perhaps unaware R'hin does the same, and she turns her attention back to Charis, "I can see why you left," is remarked to the young woman under her breath.

Charis finally blinks and takes a breath once the man leaves, keeping her eyes on the doorway a moment longer before looking around her. She nods her head slowly to W'red and Shan, "Yes I think so. Thank you." she says in a controlled voice, yet not quite steady. She turns her head when she hears the Weyrwoman though, "I'm sorry Ma'am. I'd rather later if ya don't mind." She looks around at the rest, "We're supposed ta be celebratin. No worries 'ere." She offers them a smile, finally looking at Amilin and Eleria, only allowing them to see the uncertainly creeping in her eyes.

The harpers playing had fallen silent during the escapade, quick words from the first gitar resuming their music in a more lilting brand: a jig variant that draws the closer folk's attention away from the spectacle across the caverns.

A brief smile crosses W'red's face as the Glacier riders follow the pair out shortly followed by some of his new wings riders he decides that there are enough following to ensure the pair leave Reaches. "That's what we are here for Charis, to watch out for each other," Seeing that she is still a little shaken by the affair he offers her a sip of his whiskey, if she would like some to steady her neves.

Talien, watching Satiet's retreating back, glances to Seramara at the other woman's reply. "I..." Her brows furrow before she smiles and shakes her head, "It's what we're here for. Mostly." A favored word, perhaps. Talien smiles again, "Can you excuse me?" Her gaze moves briefly, to some person of interest, before Talien heads off in that direction. It's a short while later that she resurfaces, now half-way across the cavern with a glass in hand. It's wine - it has to be wine - why else would she stumble into and spill said wine on I'daur for no other reason?

Talien mutters to I'daur, "... blood... your... nicely."

When the crowd steps away for B'yan to see the group congregating around Charis, his bemusement intensifies as he slows his steps. He got the story of it from one of the people passing by him, then he slows his steps, lets his eyes unfocus for a moment, before he turns and heads instead back to the drinks table to refill his glass.

Eleria meets those questioning eyes unblinkingly, her own firmly resolute as she slips the hand at Charis's cheek down and around the other girl's shoulders. She really hadn't been to aware of anyone else, but now sees them as she finally lifts her gaze away from her friend, nodding to W'red for his offer of whiskey, then to Amilin, Shan, a brief look at the Weyrleaders, then through the gathering crowd, as if trying to find some sort of escape route.

Talien's exit meets with Satiet's second step return, that latter backward step belated as she too follows R'hin's gaze to Glacier riders and then their imminent departure after Charis' father. Again, a brow hitches up, her attention returning to Seramara and a resumption of conversation, almost as if nothing had happened. Well, mostly conversation, as the weyrwoman remains silent in her regard.

Seeing the situation is under control, R'hin touches Josilina's arm briefly before leaving her to it. He heads for the drinks table, with the intent of refilling his glass-- however, the music, and the fact that his gaze settles on Satiet, changes his intentions, and his direction. The empty glass is left on a table as he steers towards Satiet, "Perhaps a dance, weyrwoman?" he graciously inquires, leaning close to murmur something.

Satiet senses "R'hin's tone holds a trace of amusment, "After all, it is a weyrwoman's job to remind people that this should be a celebration, no?""

Josilina gives a small nod, and smiles, "Just make sure you see us, alright? Or," she glances at Amilin, "if you report to your wingsecond, that's okay too, as long as we hear about it?" She makes it a question, seeking the greenrider's agreement. "And let us know if anything need be done." She nods once more to Amilin and, with a small smile, says, "Good. Thanks, Ami." She nods to R'hin, as well, as he leaves.

Being respectful of Charis' right to handle this anyway she wanted to and having noted with some sort of satisfaction, the riders silently slipping out after the retreating men, Shan nods slowly "You know where I am, if you need to talk Charis." W'red's offer of his whiskey brings a faint smile to her mouth, before she steps away and leaves Charis in Eleria's care for the time being.

I'daur is minding his own business, as he has been doing pretty much the entire night; he looks quite surprised to have a young girl stumbling into him. Automatically, he reaches out to catch her, frowning--he opens his mouth to say something to her before his expression turns mystified, and rather than replying he looks down and brushes a hand across his dampening shirt. "Ah," he finally says, and nothing more.

Seramara might--*might*, mind you--be about to risk further rudeness to ask Satiet about Charis's family drama, since the people at Fort need to be kept gossip-current. But R'hin speaks before she csn, and so she stays quietly where she is. She can't help but smile, though. Handsome bronzeriders asking pretty queenriders to dance, like a ballad!

Amilin's quick to give that nod of assent to Josilina's words, leaning in to say something more before adding to that last, "Anytime." She turns back to watch the handing over of the drink to the bluerider and she adds quietly to her, "Don't worry about them just now, shake it off and tell when you're ready. But make sure you do tell, like Jos said, hmm."

Satiet's expression, already tight as it looks upon Seramara, tenses further at R'hin's approach until his much louder question is followed by lower words. The raven-haired woman's lips twitch twitchily, as if unsure of where to settle, be it smile or smirk, until it sinks into somewhere in between: a crooked smile. "You'll be tricking our visitors into thinking you're something of a gallant, sir." But a hand slips down to catch his in tacit agreement, her slippered feet already light as they draw closer to the Weyrleader. But before she goes: "I'm good with numbers and I fish like a sailor," is imparted over her shoulders to the Fortian visitor.

Talien doesn't linger long after her faux paus. Drawing away from I'daur with a delicate little shudder, she turns and cuts a more direct path across the cavern. Destination: the exit. Just as soon as she can get there.

"You planning on having a liquid dinner tonight B'yan?" the tone quietly mocking as Shan steps up beside the man "Food looks good." a brow raises expectantly, while she busies herself pouring another glass of wine. Taking up the glass she leans back against the counter a faint smirk pulls at her mouth as I'daur's predicament is noted and the somewhat hasty retreat of the clumsy girl shortly thereafter.

Charis takes another breath, reaching up to touch the welt on her face, bringing a smile onto her face, stopping W'red in his tracks before he leave, "Umm a sip of dat would prolly be good right now actually." She glances to the door briefly, letting he hand slip over Eleria's for support, "Well at least there is good music ta lighten da mood." She nods to Amilin to let her know that she heard what she told her. "So what are we going to drink? Ami, how about ya lead da way and we'll all get somethin?"

I'daur just stares, befuddled, after Talien, then looks downward at his shirt again. He reaches for a napkin to mop up the worst of the mess, shoots another look after the girl, and then turns to retreat himself, well behind her and making no attempt to catch up. After all, he's got a good reason to flee himself--and get out of those uncomfortable clothes.

R'hin gives a low-throated laugh, pale eyes gleaming. "How do you know that isn't my intention, my lady? After all, too many within the Weyr know me better than is really beneficial." His hands spread for a moment, before Satiet catches one, eliciting a deepening grin from the Weyrleader. Though the goldrider's comment over her shoulder earns a puzzled sort of look, he doesn't wait for the weyrwoman to change her mind, leading her towards an empty space on the floor, his other hand settling at her waist as he sets a fast paced lead, appropriate to the music.

Seramara calls after Satiet, "My mum's in the fishcraft, ma'am, so if you ever want to prove yourself--!" The challenge is not yet complete before the greenrider she rode in with seizes her collar and starts dragging her--bodily, if gently--out and away. "I didn't say anything, Trini! Well, hardly anything, and she started it..." Her defense fades away.

Seramara walks outside to the bowl. Seramara has left.

Holding out the glass for Charis to have some and then waiting around for a short time just to check that Charis is alright, and seeing Eleria take care of her, W'red decides it's time for another whiskey and with a nod to Amilin heads back to the drinks table to refill the empty glass once again. Catching the end of Shan's statement, "What, looks good Shan? Another whiskey for sure, a few more of these and we can all be twirling around the dance floor." A grin is flashed at B'yan as he stands never to far from the drinks table.

B'yan, standing by the drinks table once again, is already eyeing the exit when Shanlee approaches. The general coolness returns to his features now that the commotion seems to be over, his gaze falling certain people in the crowd when the greenrider speaks. "I intend to," is his answer to her, not yet looking in her direction and noting I'daur's sudden departure with a brief smirk. "Don't do well in these-" and he waves his free hand about, indicating the event itself. "Food's not going to do it." He grins over at W'red as well, but says nothing.

Josilina flashes Amilin a last smile, adding something in a murmur before crossing to where R'sel and Jorel sit, taking a seat with them and pulling her son into her lap and ruffling his hair.

Talien strolls outside to the bowl. Talien has left.

I'daur wanders outside to the bowl. I'daur has left.

Eleria gives Charis a gentle squeeze with her arm before letting it fall to her side and with a nod towards her, some sort of understanding between them passing, says, "its good music indeed, fine enough to dance to, which we all should do I think, but first, drinks do sound like just the thing." She smiles at Amilin and gestures for the Wingsecond to lead them on if she'd like to do so.

Steps light, dress airy and flaring just so, Satiet follows R'hin's lead in the whirling jig with the grace of too many turns practice. Or just an innate love of dance. Soon, the pair are joined by other dancers, mostly lower caverns people as well as a few riders as they disengage from their liquor. Perhaps she caught the quizzical look from before, or the words of the Fortian visitor have caught up with her belatedly, for a glance goes back to where Seramara was and finds nothing, then returns to impart lowly, "Apparently, I was quite useless before Impressing."

Another nod to Jos, a promised, "Will do," is uttered this time louder than the rest and with a smile then, Amilin turns back to trying to find the evening's enjoyment again after a nod for Charis' agreement. "Lead the way, is it? Well I was just drinking the white they were passing about, but did you want to get something here, or have me lead farther a field?"

Harley meanders in from the tunnel to the bowl. Harley has arrived.

Charis reaches down and takes Leri's hand in hers to squeeze it with a smile to her friend, "Guess ya can take care of my face in a little bit?" she says with a small laugh. The bluerider looks around the room and then to her wingmate, "'ow about we just see what's available 'ere for now and if we need ta find somethin better we will." She listens to the music a moment, letting a smile slip into place, gray eyes still stormy though, "And dancin might need ta be done too."

There's a constant stream of people who seem to be passing through the buffet lines in search of a nibble there or a larger meal, and a steady growth to the number of dancers in the cleared out center by the dais. Every so often, a look will cast towards Charis, some sympathetic, others just gossip-hungry, but more than not, the story of the night has faded in favor of celebration.

R'hin appears to be an adept dancer, and he sets a rapid pace as soon as it becomes clear Satiet is, too. More often than the dance calls for, he spins the weyrwoman out, pale, gleaming eyes fixed on his partner. The low words are met with a quirk of lips, and the dry query: "Ah, really? Then you have some use, now?" The bronzerider's amused look is sent after the departing Fortian, leaning close enough to murmur. "I see you're winning friends and influencing people as ever, lady of the spires." He precludes an immediate answer by spinning her away, deliberately.

When W'red steps over to replenish his own drink, Shan glances up at him "Well that would have been the food I was referring too W'red" a pause "That looks good that is." Green eyes flick back over to B'yan, his cool tone largely ignored for the most part "Not one for crowds then?" her gaze sweeps out over the people gathered around "So that." a glass filled hand waves at his own drink "Would be considered more fortification than dinner I presume?" The dancers on the floor are watched with some half interest, pushing herself away from the drinks table, Shan gives the two newly knotted riders a grin "Well I'm starving - have fun propping each other up then." With a faint whisper of skirts, the scent of sandalwood trailing behind her, the greenrider makes her way to meal counters.

Spun out and reeled back in, the flare of Satiet's striking blue and white skirts feathers out like a flutterby and then returns to swirl about her legs with the rapid movements. Another attempt is successful, but when it appears yet another might be imminent on the heels of his words, the slight weyrwoman catches hold of R'hin's shoulder easily, hooking her hand about his neck to delay further antics and flashes a deeply curved smile. "As ever," is the initial reply, terse and huskily spoken. "She was presumptive. I merely corrected a misheard eavesdropping she had managed to listen in on. And you?" A toss of her dark hair and a glance casts towards the exit. "How will -he- fare with -your- riders close at hand?"

"Of course," Eleria says gently, "whenever you'd like me to I will." Another smile for the grey eyed girl and then to Amilin, "I'm thinking something a little stronger than wine might be good, at least to start off with, I should have thought to bring some of my family's, um, potent brews down here to share, but got busy just dealing with the usual preparations for this and didn't give it a second thought. Barely got dressed as it was with a few last moment calamities and so forth." She lets her gaze, once more, flick over various people, and it hesitates, and she frowns slightly when she notes B'yan and W'red by the drink table, but soon enough, she's smiling again, a foot taping lightly in time with the music being played.

W'red lifts a brow, "So it's only the food that looks good then, Shan," He leans over towards B'yan and with a quirky smile says, "So B'yan and I dressed up for nothing then, only to prop each other up at a much later time in the evening."

"Fortification, yes," B'yan agrees with Shanlee, a nod given as he continues to watch the crowd on the dance floor. For the most part, it's perhaps no surprise that his eyes linger on one particular dancing couple for longer than most, eyes narrowing briefly before he turns back to the drinks table. Another refill his glass gets, "See you around and congrats, Shan," he drawls after the greenrider before he reclaims his glass and leans over to mumble something to W'red beside him.

Tavrie, in need of another drink as well, tags along after B'yan with her own glass in hand. She looks between B'yan and W'red, smirking faintly. "How does it feel to be real riders, not just weyrlings?" she asks them, arching her brows curiously. Tarie takes a sip from her glass, drinking the wine while waiting for a reply.

R'hin doesn't seem particularly perturbed by the foiling of his plan, if the curve of lips is any indication. His hand drifts from Satiet's waist to the small of her back, the fast pace barely interrupted. "They will see him safely off High Reaches' land. After that--" the Weyrleader's smile deepens. "Well, I wasn't specific in those instructions. I prize individuality, after all."

Harley slips into the cavern quietly, walking towards the hearths, nodding and greeting those she passes. Reaching the tables, she asks for a glass of wine instead of her usual klah.

Charis walks over to the serving tables with Eleria and Amilin, reachig up to touch her face again, the welt there an angry red. She nods her head in agreement with her friend, "Somethin stronger than wine. Most definately." Her attention gets drawn to B'yan a moment, nodding her head to the bronzerider, "Congrats B'yan." she says before picking up a glass, "Well what will it be? Leri, I think dat your dads brew would 'ave been most welcome right now." she winks at her.

Shanlee half-turns at W'red's words and simply raises a brow in reply as it becomes evident he and B'yan have something on their minds. Later, she'd get one or both of them to talk. Another sweep of the festively decorated cavern brings a slight pursing of lips, before reaching out for a plate, the thought soon being pushed aside.

A nod from Ami after a moments distraction and she smiles at the two younger women, "Well I've not even looked to see what was set out. I wasn't thinking to go for anything stronger than what I have after all. You many be off, but I still have drills in the morning." She grins with that and then rolls a shoulder in a shrug, before gesturing they should pick what they like.

"Feels great," is B'yan's succint answer to Tavrie's question, though oddly enough his expression is not matching his words at all. He flicks a glance at her though, tipping his head briefly before adding "Yourself, Tavrie?" When the group led by Charis approaches the drinks table, the bronzerider nods to her, eyes going to her reddened cheek briefly, then "Congrats as well, Charis," he drawls, raising his glass to her. Finally regarding W'red, something said quietly between them gets a moment's flicker of approval, his smirk given with a slow nod before chuckling shortly at his words to Shanlee, then turning back to his watch of the crowd.

"You do, do you?" Satiet's brows tweak together, not altogether displeased for a moment later there's a nod, approval. "They've graduated, they're in wings. And you-," the song ends, though another is about to begin, slower, which causes the diminutive woman to pull away from the hand at the small of her back. "Now, what of the plans you wish to initiate?" The smile that's lingered pulls crookedly, favoring her right side, mocking. Her eyes, they shift away to glance at the many other couples that now litter the dance floor. "A weyrwoman's duty goes beyond remind those that this is a celebration. I thank you for the dance." In accordance with the last, overly polite words, her chin drops, inclined downward in what appears to be all the respect due to a Weyrleader.

Josilina gives Jorel a last hug before dislodging him from her lap, handing him off to R'sel. After a quick word to the both of them she heads for the drinks table, and smiles at Harley as she nears, "Evening, Harley. How're you?"

Eleria laughs softly and nods to Charis, before whispering something to a drudge who's attention she captures. "I don't suppose you thought to give yourself the morning off Amilin? You're Wingsecond, can't you do that?" is asked of the older woman teasingly, with a wink to highlight the jesting tone of her voice. "I think what the boys are drinking would be fine, not as fine as my father's concoctions, but we can break into that later." She glances at B'yan, and smiles at Tavrie, before picking up a small glass of the evening's seeming libation of choice and turning her gaze onto the dancers.

W'red nods to the newest junior weyrwoman, a glimmer of a smile, "Feels no different to when I walked in earlier, just the dropping of 'weyrling' is enough for me." He takes another sip of the whiskey, and steps slightly away from B'yan, a knowing look passed between them after the whispered words, no need to atract any more attention than needed. W'red turns his attention back to the festivities, and watches with interest R'hin and Satiet twirling gracefully on the dance floor.

R'hin moves his hand, perhaps begrudgingly, though he does lean close enough to Satiet's ear to murmur, "You would have all my secrets after a mere dance? You are talented, lady of the spires, but not that talented." The words, like her expression, are pointedly mocking, and the weyrwoman's respectful nod earns a twitch of lips. "The weyrwoman is most generous with her time," is all he says, bending to kiss the back of Satiet's hand, the picture of gallantry, before he releases her.

"I'm still not good at change. I don't know...I feel a little apprehensive about this one," she admits. "Being called 'weyrwoman' makes my stomach flop," she admits. Tavrie sets her glass down on the table a moment and smoothes her dress carefully with both hands. the vibrant orange color ripples as her hands shift it and the light hits it differently and her normally unbound hair, barely combed hair has been neatly combed out with braids tidying up the sides and forming a ribbon to keep it out of her face.

What would be considered a quiet table is found near the edges of the pressing crowds. Shan slips into a seat nodding in acknowledgement to the one or two people already seated at it. Finally, she has a chance to open the box given her at the ceremony. The ring inside is lifted out, eyes lighting with pleasure as it's carefully inspected, the words inscribed inside of it bring a warm smile, her mind reaching out to touch Kaylith's as she slips it onto her left hand. Pushing the waves of hair back over her shoulder, the greenrider sets about her meal in silent observation of her clutchmates at the drinks table.

It's the kiss to her hand that elicits laughter, a far too pleasant sound from the biting weyrwoman, and it draws further relaxation out of the slightly inebriated woman. Two spots of color rise to Satiet's cheeks and even after being released, the pale eyes fall to consider the held out hand. "Perhaps one of the parents," a nod to P'mar's voluptuous mother, "Would appreciate the Weyrleader's copious time and charms tonight." But without waiting to see what R'hin'll do, the slight goldrider takes two steps back and then pivots, skirts flaring again prettily. On her way out, she pauses by some of the gathered weyrlings in time to catch Tavrie's comment on titles. "Congratulations," is her cool comment with further advice, "And enjoy this night." Then, out she goes.

Harley smiles and nods to Josilina. "Doing great, thank you. The baby is in fine fettle as well. And you?" she asks, as she glances at the food and tries to decide if she's hungry or not.

Charis offers a smile to Tavrie before picking up a glass of something strong and then handing another one over to Amilin, raising it up in a toast to anyone who cares. "Ta good friends, a wonderful lifemate and graduation, finally." She winces slightly when she grins, but doesn't say anything more, looking out at the dancers, chuckling softly. "So why didn't ya take da mornin off Ami? I would 'ave thought dat ya would with such a celebration goin on tonight."

Satiet meanders outside to the bowl. Satiet has left.

Josilina watches R'hin and Satiet from the corner of her eye, smiling faintly. Her smile broadens at Harley's response, "That's good to hear! How old, now?" She collects a glass of wine, and purses her lips as she scans the food selection. "The kitchens went all out tonight, didn't they? Oh - I'm well, thanks. Happy to see this lot graduated, they're such a good group."

Undoubtedly as intentioned, R'hin's gaze follows Satiet's departure with a curve of lips. With an exhale as if steeling himself, he collects a fresh glass of wine from one of the passing drudges, and heads towards P'mar and his family.

W'red smiles as pleasantly as possible, as the group around the table seems to grow, "Weyrwoman, that's the title you have and you'll just have to get used to it Tavrie." To Charis's toast, he lifts his glass, "To friends and lifemates he echoes," and downs a good gulp, in fact he'll just toast anything at the moment, good excuse to pour whiskey down his thirsty throat.

Once W'red steps away, B'yan drains his glass swiftly, giving Tavrie an encouraging grin at her words, "Well, you don't have to worry about -me- calling you any titles anyway," he drawls wryly to her with a nod. "You're just good ole' Tavrie to me." When Satiet sweeps by with her words for congratulations, his chin lifts slightly at her, perhaps something passed getting a raised brow before he returns his expression to one of non-chalance. It happens perhaps too quickly for anyone to notice, but the bronzerider watches her leave before he wordlessly joins in the toast with a raised mug.

The glass is taken, raised with the toast, "Friends indeed, and lifemates...' then sipped from, but Ami leaves it's contents be past that. "Now what kind of example would I be if I required some of the wing to report when I wasn't willing to do so myself?" Amusement is tempered with a bit of seriousness, "No. I'll be on duty tomorrow as planned. Some things must still go one regardless of what fun the Weyr is having."

Harley's eyebrows go up and she looks over the new riders. "I'm not sure I'd call all this lot 'good'. Not exactly. Then again, the group who impressed when I was on the sands, I'm not sure I'd call all of them good either." and her lips quirk into a wry smile. "They're fine. Leysen is climbing everything he can latch onto that's taller than he is, he's almost 2 1/2 now. And the baby is just being an adorable baby, she's 3 months old now. "

Eleria lifts her own glass to Charis's toast before downing her own glass, not even wincing as the liquid tickles across her taste buds and slides into her throat. She stays silent though, her gaze moving amongst the dancers again, and as time goes on, it goes more frequently to the serving tables, almost visable checking on what may be needed, perhaps Amilin's reminder about duties being heeded.

Tavrie cheerfully returns Charis' smile, retrieving her wine and sipping it again. She glances around at the people dancing and enjoying a festive evening. Brown eyes are caught by a swirl of skirts and she gazes at Satiet as the weyrwoman passes. For a moment, Tavrie looks lost, as if there were a turn of time passing between the two of them alone, warm earth tones facing cold blue. Tavrie's smile falters, her face taking on a serious if somewhat unhappy look for a mere blink before the Rukbat lit smile returns to her lips and she turns back to the other people. "I'll get used to it," she replies to W'red as if coming out of a dream. Then, her smile is turned on B'yan and she laughs. "As you like."

"No?" Josilina follow's Harley's look out. "I rather like them. And," she adds with a grin, "I'd say that even if they weren't Lhiannonth's." She puts bits of this and that on a plate, nodding, "That's wonderful! They're so cute, at that age," she smiles, and glances back to where Jorel's sitting. "Any age, really. But so cute, when they're babies."

As snippets of conversation between Josilina and Harley are overheard a slight frown flits across Shan's face at mention of some of her clutch not being considered good. A closer look is given the speaker from behind carefully gaurded eyes, but the Snr Weyrwoman's returned words bring a faint smile as another forkful of the food is carefully raised. The talk of babies just goes straight past the greenrider's interest level.

Charis throws back the drink easily, slamming it down on the table only to pick up another one. She grins at her mentor and now Wingsecond, "Well, I suppose dat duties need ta be tended too. Just next time on your day off we'll 'ave ta go out to da Lave Lounge or somethin. And this time as friends instead of mentor and mentee." She looks around the group of weyrlings and then back to her friend, "Are ya gonna dance at all Leri? I bet ya know 'ow." She swallows her second drink, obviously needing it.

R'hin finally stands up from talking with P'mar's family, his glass mostly empty now. He seems to be doing the rounds of the table, stopping here and there to talk to various riders. He catches sight of Shanlee, and angles towards the greenrider, settling uninvited at her table. "So," he says, cheerfully, "How are you feeling?"

Harley gives a slight shrug as she takes a sip of wine. "Maybe it's just me then. Just seems that some of them were attracted more trouble than others. And yes, they are. I'll just stand there and watch them sleep for I don't know how long at night. Sometimes I wonder if Leysen is going to be one of those. Someone who just seems to have trouble head right for him." The last is about the babies again and a soft smile touches her lips.

M'wen has since detached himself from the wall, heading slowly between talking cavernfolk in the direction of a pair of ex-weyrlings. Taking the slightest detour, he snags a near-full glass of wine, taking an experimental sip before arriving at his destination in front of Tavrie and B'yan. To B'yan, he taps fore and middle finger against the forehead in a casual salute. To Tavrie he gives a furtive nod, the tilt to his head almost imperceptable.

Amilin watches Charis with a certain level of concern despite the smile she gives, "We'll go out, another night I promise. To the Lounge if you like, but for tonight, well. We'll just stay here, enjoy as long as we like." She gives a pause, glancing at the faces of those remaining and then nodding again as she assures, "As friends, yes."

About to raise her glass of wine to wash down the meal, Shan almost starts at the Weyrleaders words, her attention drawn toward him, not sure to salute or not "Well not hungry anymore." Okay, she knew that's not what he meant, but still. The glass gets tipped his way instead "Bit early to tell to be honest. Guess reality will set in when we have to start drilling with the wing." a sip finally taken. "Think I'daur's glad to be rid of us though." a grin follows.

Another refilled glass and B'yan looks to be much more relaxed than before. His attention goes from one conversation to the next, not actively participating, and definitely not looking inclined to either. When M'wen approaches with a salute, he returns it lazily and nods a greeting. "Evening, M'wen," he drawls," grinning briefly at Tavrie as he raises his glass to his lips.

Josilina shrugs, taking a sip of her wine. "Maybe they are. Some. But you get those in every group. Just, I don't know, maybe notice them more now that they're smaller." She smiles in understanding, "I know how that is. And I bet it's a little early to tell, with Leysen. I mean, all things considered."

"I do know how," Eleria replies after whispering something to another drudge, who promptly scurries off towards the kitchens, "I might later, if there's music still about, and if I finish taking care of one or three things, we'll see how it goes." She's about to pick up another glass of whiskey, but thinks better on it, grinning impishly to herself, yet nodding Amilin's way as if there's some sort of acknowledgement of duties unsaid between the two gestures. "How about you Charis? You feel up to kicking up your heels a bit?"

R'hin's crisp blue shirt becomes less so as he pushes up the sleeves, deliberately indicating casualness. He drains the last of his glass with a brief grimace, before he grins at Shanlee. "I think I'daur's more happy at the prospect of drinking as much as he pleases, when he pleases." He pauses. "Not that he didn't seem to, before," he amends, with wry twitch of lips. Pale gaze drifts about the caverns, as he asks, "Is your family here? I should say hello. Did you meet P'mar's parents? Lovely people, but very talkative."

Charis finishes the drink in her hand, only to pick up another one, looking down at the clear liquid inside the glass, not sipping from it yet. The bluerider, chuckles softly to herself, probably something said to her lifemate as she nods her head a bit. She addresses Amilin again, "I guess stayin 'ere won't be too bad. Easier ta get up ta my ledge." A look out at the dancers, watching the twirling and ease of movement from the group as a whole, screwing up her face she replies, "I'm not sure Leri. I don't think I'm dat good at it."

What was that now four or five more perhaps who is counting, W'red certainly isn't. The mention of dancing by Charis gets a quirky smile, "Charis, you dance don't you?" A lifted eyebrow, a brief smile sent Eleria's way as she busies herself. He notes out of the corner of his eye M'wen's approach, and gives a slight nod of the head.

Charis smiles when she hears W'red's question, "I'm not afraid ta try ta be sure though W'red. You know 'ow ta dance?"

Tavrie grins casually at B'yan and then nods her head to M'wen in return, smirking faintly as if amused by his greeting. The young woman nurses her wine a moment longer, then sets the empty glass down. Her eyes shift and she stifles a giggle behind one hand as Charis' question is brought back to her by W'red. "You should both go see," she instigates, clearly interested in seeing the outcome and finding out who would keep their toes.

Harley turns around to get a refill on her wine, her smile widening into a grin. "Oh, I don't know. I caught him trying to scale the rougher tunnel walls a few days back. You know that one cross section where the wall comes down and angles in just a little. He was trying to step up on that, even though it wasn't possible, and climb up." she rolls her eyes. "I'll grant he's at 'that' age and I'll have to wait and see. But I still wonder." A sudden mischievous grin appears. "I'll probably still be wondering when he's older and getting *into* trouble. Not my innocent baby." and she chuckles.

W'red smiles at Charis, "I sure do, and if you feel up to it," He offers a hand, if she would like to dance, he will oblige, if not he'll just have another whiskey, either is suitable to him.

"There is that. You're lucky. My class, well there were forty of us graduating. Some of us didn't even have weyrs yet. G'non and I barely did, but it had nothing moved into it yet so we ended up back in the barracks to sleep." Amilin replies of that with a chuckle, her gaze momentarily more distant before she gives a slow smile, "Who cares if you're good at it, Charis. Try it if you want to try."

Leaning back slightly in the chair, Shan swirls the wine around in her glass, a low chuckle escapes at I'daur's drinking habits "Well I did try to help him out with that. Didn't seem to make much of a dent in his supply though." P'mar's parents get a glance and a smile as she looks in their direction "I did yes, he all but dragged me to meet them." another nod at effusive waving coming from the family. "My family couldn't make it, but sent apologies and.." fingers touch the emerald fabric "as a graduation present." the greenrider shakes her head slightly, sending the hair tumbling about her "My Mother's been ill, father was called away on business. So that left Raiveen and Laylia to take care of things."

Eleria chuckles softly at the grey eyed girl and lifts her shoulders in a shrug, "I'm sure you'd do just fine, besides I'm not sure if the point of dancing is to be good at it Charis, though if you're really that interested? I can teach you sometime." She had managed to catch the smile sent her way, and returns it, with an eye roll, perhaps for some remembered something, then nods towards Tavrie, "that sounds like a good thought, I understand W'red's supposed to be an excellent dancer." She steps off to the side at the brownrider's offer and glances at Amilin again.

Tavrie strolls outside to the bowl. Tavrie has left.

M'wen goes home. M'wen has left.

"It's never our innocent babies," Josilina says with a grin. "I know what you mean." She takes another sip of her drink, and glances at the tables. "I'm going to go grab a seat, mingle, something." She says, nodding in a silent invitation for the assistant steward to join her before she heads for a large grouping of people and, picking B'yan out of the group, heads for the bronzerider. "So, how's it feel?" She grins, "Or have you been asked that too much, already?"

Charis swallows down the drink in her hand quickly, putting the empty glass on the table, sending the brownrider a grin hearing Eleria's words about him being a good dancer. "Well now. I guess I'll only be able ta 'urt a couple of your toes then if ya already know 'ow ta dance." She steps over to W'red with a smile, "Now I must apologize if I'm not dat good. My mum taught me ta dance when I was young, but I'm not sure I'll remember." She winks back at Eleria and Amilin, "Now don't laugh too 'ard you two."

R'hin's eyes continue to move, now keeping an eye out for a passing drudge as he twirls his empty glass. Shanlee's words garner a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry to hear that," he says, with a slight frown. "When they do come, I hope you'll introduce them to me." His gaze settles on Josilina for a moment, expression tight, before he focuses on Shanlee's dress. "It's lovely," he approves, "And a perfect graduation present."

Harley does follow Josilina though she seems to hang back a little at first. Her eyes go around the cavern, her expression almost, though not quite content. Apparently she doesn't find anything amiss in that look-about and returns her attention to the Weyrwoman and B'yan.

With the crowd slowly getting into the dancing mood, B'yan finshes his glass and finally sets it down for good. Everyone's at their respective groups, either in conversation or out on the floor dancing. Eyes now on the entrance to the bowl, the bronzerider is edging away from the crowd, about to make a run for it, when Josilina's attention stalls him. He turns around, looking like he was simply checking something nearby rather than sneaking off, and grins at the weyrwoman. "How does it feel?" he echoes blankly, stepping closer to her side. "I'm not sure, really," he admits, thinning his lips. "Maybe a few more glasses of whiskey, and ask me again?" Smirk.

As no drudges seem to be on hand, Shan gestures toward R'hin's empty glass "Could I get you some more?" his sympathy however brings a smile "Oh I'm sure mother will be fine." the light voice gets lowered "I think she was just trying to avoid having to come face to face with my new position in life." amusement in the tone negates any hurt over her words. "Thank you Sir." the greenrider glances down at the fabric "My sister made it I'm told." B'yan's last words are just caught, bringing about a slightly raised brow but no comment.

Josilina's brows lift, "You that anxious to celebrate? Or the other way around?" She cracks a grin, "Just don't celebrate - or, whatever - /too/ hard. I'm not sure if R'hin was kidding or not, about those morning drills. Though," she admits, "I'd bet he was." She cants her head, slightly, to one side and glances around, "Did any of your family or anything come?" And, with a glance towards Harley, she adds, "Have you two met? Harley, B'yan - B'yan, Harley."

"We wouldn't dream of it." Amilin replies with a wide smile as she watches Charis on her way and then takes the chance to trade her strong drink for more of the white wine she had before and then shares a grin and a low, joking comment for Eleria, "Well, probably wouldn't."

W'red takes Charis's hand if she'll let him and leads out to the dance floor, one hand holding Charis's hand aloft, and the other arm around her waist, he leads off on the dance floor. Surprisingly agile and light on his feet for a man of his size, "Dancing, Charis comes from inside, it can be taught, but most real good dancers are naturals." Glancing at the welt on her cheek, "Is that still sore, or is the sting getting less?"

"I'll get some in a minute. You should get out of the habit of making that sort of offer, you know," R'hin says with a faint sort of smile as if to soften the words. Silence follows the greenrider's admission, pale eyes fixing sharply on Shanlee. "It disturbs me, how quickly the... honor... of being a dragonrider goes down during an interval." He rubs briefly at his chin, exhaling. "She did a good job," he says, of the dress.

"Harley and I know each other," B'yan drawls wryly, a glance sent the assistant steward's way with a small bow. "Evening, Harley." To Josilina, "I'm already celebrating," he adds in amusement. "In my way, anyway." Her words about morning drills tomorrow gets a brief look over to the Weyrleader, "I don't worry about too many things, Josilina," he states non-chalantly at the ladies with a tip of his head. "Whether he was joking or not, it doesn't stop me from drinking," in which he looks forlornly to his glass, sitting more than a few steps away from them. The last question gets a brief narrowing of eyes, keeping them on the crowd ahead of him as he answers, "It's me," dryly, a brow raised. "No one comes."

"Offering wine to one with an empty glass is a -bad- thing?" a brow raises in playful query. Shan frowns slightly at the next words "That's not the problem." a slightly defensive looks crosses her face "My family are very traditional. But mother is torn between the traditional expectations she had of me and her allegiance and respect to the Weyr." The wine glass gets reached for and the contents quickly emptied a faint smile going to the compliment of her sisters work on the dress.

Harley's full smile returns and she nods at B'yan. "Yes, we have actually. Back when he was still Bayan and Maja was very 'very' suspicious of what or why he was in the weyr. "Congratulations B'yan. And I think your family is here now." And her head tilts to one side in an age old habit. That wry smile quirks her lips again. "Whether you want them or not."

Charis takes W'red offered hand with a smile, moving out to the dance floor quite gracefully, holding up a bit of her dress to not step on it. She waits until the brownrider puts his hand on her waist and squeezes his hand, letting him lead her around. The woman does step on his toe once, giggling softly, "Sorry about dat." She does actually dance quite well though, the lessons coming back to her quite easily, "Its been a long time since I've danced." A small nod is given to the man, "It 'urts a bit still, but I think da drinks are startin ta 'elp." she replies with a grin.

"No, not too hard," is Eleria's reply to Charis, before W'red sweeps the other girl onto the dancing square, then to Amilin, "I think the key is not to watch? Just in case?" Of course that's said in a teasing tone, and she does actually watch the pair for a few moments, before turning her attention onto the tables, the lesser occupied of the tables that is, quietly continuing to issue kindly said orders to kitchen workers, while making sure the attendees to the celebration are still being looked to...

Amilin does laugh, but it's really to Eleria's reply rather than anything she's seen, "I think maybe that is a good loophole to use, really." She takes another sip of her wine, nursing the drink with no real hurry to finish it, her gaze going back out to the dancers as she watches them again.

"In your own way," Josilina echoes with a faint smile, not quite making it a question. "Well, that's good." She passes over his last remark, looking a little awkward as she adds, "Well, I don't want to keep you from your - celebrations, as they are. But congratulations, again. And I'll still be keeping my eye on you," that a little teasingly.

"You know precisely what I mean, greenrider," R'hin observes blandly, a dry sort of look accompanying the words. A slight furrow of brow is visible as Shanlee defends her family, and he offers a brief twitch of lips. "She walks a line we seek, too-- the very fine line between tradition, and the good of the Weyr. I hope she finds her way." He pushes up from the table, leaving the glass where it is. "I'd best keep doing the rounds, before Jos notices I'm hiding in the corner," he grins, a little.

Harley's head turns suddenly towards the lower caverns. "I think I'd better be going. The kids are in the nursery tonight but I just need to do that mom thing and check." she grins at Josilina. "Congrats again B'yan. Goodnight all." and she turns and heads for the lower caverns.

Harley strolls through the archway, into the lower caverns. Harley has left.

W'red winces just a little as the toe gets stepped on, but keeps smiling ever the gentleman, "Charis you were joking when you said you couldn't dance, why ma'am you are quite graceful." This barely said, he lets go with the arm around her waist to allow her to twirl gracefully, before the arm is placed back around her waist. "Whiskey generally helps to dull, a lot of things Charis, perhaps why some of us over indulge, at times." He looks down at her lips smiling, but the eyes not, hidden hurts perhaps becoming more apparent, in this time of celebration.

B'yan chuckles shortly at Harley's words, "I think Maja still is, for good measure," he drawls about the ex-guard, almost a fond note in his tone. "Everyone always thinks I have a nefarious plot for everything I do," and the words are accompanied with an amused glance at the ladies until he hears Harley's words about family. He just raises a brow to that, not responding. To Josilina, there's a lingering grin at her last words before he spreads his hands at her in a challenging gesture. "You're welcome to, ofcourse," he drawls to her with a nod.

An almost imperceptible nod from Shan to acknowledge the intended meaning "She'll come around." is eventually answered. As R'hin stands, the greenrider arranges a smile on her face "Thank you for the company." eyes drift back to the Senior Weyrwoman, then back out over the dance floor after having skimmed the room again, just to be sure. W'red and Charis' dancing gets a look of approval before Shan too stands and heads back to the drinks table to refill her glass.

"Any time, greenrider," R'hin replies sincerely, with a smile. True to his word, the Weyrleader does another round of the caverns, pausing here and there - notably stopping to chat with R'sel and Jorel as well - before he finally retreats towards the bowl.

Charis giggles at the brownrider, getting twirled easily enough, missing just one beat, but picking it back up quickly, "Well I did say dat I 'aven't danced in a long time, but I guess dat its like swimmin, once ya learn maybe ya don't forget." She keeps her eyes focused on the man, her dress swishing quietly as they move about the room. His words taken, catching the look in his eyes, "Yes I do suppose dat drink quiets da demons for a bit don't they W'red. Somethin dat I can understand." she says quietly.

"Not nefarious," Josilina objects. Then she chuckles, looking at B'yan questioningly, "Welcome to - keep an eye on you? I didn't know I needed your permission - though I suppose it helps." She catches the Weyrleader's exit, including a particular stop, and her eyes narrow slightly as she watches him leave.

You stroll outside to the bowl.