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.