Difference between revisions of "Logs:(Less Than) Celebratory For Some"

Living Cavern, Fort Weyr

Fort's enormous living cavern is a vast, echoing space, with deep set windows carved into the outer wall to let in light and fresh air. Large enough to house the entire human population of the Weyr with plenty of room to spare, the most common use of the living cavern is as a communal eating and gathering space. Long tables with benches usually line the main part of the cavern with a four-seater table set aside for the Weyrleaders as well as other smaller tables set along the walls for quieter dining. Tapestries depicting historic moments in the Weyr's history and scenery from the coverage area decorate the walls and lend the space a warmer feel than bare stone.

To the east, a large doorway leads out to the bowl, with a sturdy metal door that can be closed during inclement weather or Threadfall. The nighthearth is tucked away in a little alcove near the door. The large main hearth is used for cooking and for heat, sharing a wall with the kitchen's big hearths and banks of ovens. Chairs are often pulled up by the hearth for the Weyr's elderly to enjoy the heat. A swinging door allows easy passage back and forth between the caverns and the kitchen. To the west, a passage opens up into the Weyr's inner caverns.

As always with hatchings, the caverns are alive with visiting nobles, families, and folk who just enjoy watching slimy dragonets fall on children. Azaylia has managed to recover from the heat with a glass of water, soon replaced by a flute of something bubbly. It's now that her choice in attire doesn't seem so foolish, long sleeve falling to her elbow as she lifts the drink to her lips. "It was a very nice hatching," She'll comment after, mostly to Brieli. "There weren't even any injuries." Which, to her, is a surprise!

Dryly, "I don't recall any injuries at mine, either." Brieli is drinking what Azaylia's drinking; she said she was following the other junior's lead, and seems to be taking it literally. As short as her skirt is, she might have liked the heat better, but at the very least, she's bowed to the winter enough to wear tights besides. After a sip, "It was interesting." Her gaze flickers around the caverns and crowds, restless.

When E'gin emerges from the crowd he's already got whiskey, and his riding helmet has been hidden away somewhere. "Ladies." He grins as he pulls up next to the two weyrwomen from his home. "Not a bad hatching. Not as goodas any of ours." Based on what criteria he doesn't say, except perhaps simple home pride. "There was one at mine." He nods towards Azaylia and lifts his glass a little.

Azaylia will separate her lips from the glass enough to chirp, "E'gin." It's something like a squeak, surprised but pleasantly so. Her smile is soft, "Maybe it's just High Reaches' dragons, then." Since Iesaryth is from Monaco and all, turning her smile onto Brieli. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there for it." But of course she had her own dragonet to deal with at the time.

"Hello, E'gin. And I'm hoping that ours sort-of-counts as one of High Reaches', if only for me and Riahla." Brieli isn't bothered by the Reachian bias, nor is she bothered by Azaylia's absence at the time - just her apology for it now. "Don't be ridiculous," she says, dismissively. "Don't apologize - you couldn't have gone if you'd wanted to, Meara would never have it." Never mind that she had her own odd trip early on. But: "Did you notice people... talking after the gold Impressed, either of you? It seemed... less than celebratory for some."

"Reachin' dragons are a rowdy bunch." E'gin offers with a grin to Azaylia. Brieli receives a studied look for a moment before he slowly nods at her, "Ali didn't seem too thrilled." He shrugs, "Wonder why they would let someone stand if they would be ... 'less than celebratory' if she impressed." He quotes the junior weyrwoman.

"Of course they do." Azaylia reassures, though even she knows it isn't really necessary. She still does. The young woman is still energized, fidgeting where she stands though she doesn't look bored, or nervous. It's an echo of what will be felt from Hraedhyth, her joyous blaze making it easy to brave the weather outside. "Ali?" Only vaguely familiar, a golden thread of thought reminds her. "Oh, the Fort junior." A glance between Brieli and E'gin, "I didn't... notice." Not hard to believe, given her behavior in the galleries. "T-though now that you mention it, there was a feeling after the gold impressed." One which is still carried in the faces of those crowding the caverns.

There's a little purse of Brieli's lips as E'gin nods, speaks - maybe it's that moment of study, or what he has to say. Her tone isn't too wry when she tells him, "Well, as they say, 'the dragons know'." Unless everyone thinks they're wrong, that is. That's there in her brief smirk, one she's quick to hide behind her glass. Nodding to Azaylia at the idea of a feeling as well as a buzz - something they might all know too much about - she admits, "I don't know a lot about the candidates. Only a couple." Which doesn't explain her anxiety during the hatching, but oh well. "Who knows what it is."

"True." E'gin concedes quickly to Brieli, "They did let me stand." A self deprecating comment, followed by a smirk, to lighten the mood. Azaylia's fidgeting receives a grin. "You like this at all hatchings? How are you going to be at Hraedhyth's first?"

Azaylia drains her glass, lowering her arms to cradle it with carefully knit fingers in front of her. "The dragons do know." Except in her case, of course. That was just a happy accident. "She looked like a good, strong queen." Once again, Hraedhyth contributes to the conversation. "Maybe we could ask..?" About newly impressed Orialu. "Oh, that could be rude." She shrinks some at the thought, brightening at E'gin's question. "I've only seen two. Yours and this one." So maybe she is like this at all hatchings. "Hraedhh..." Does she look faint? "T-that's still so far off." She sips at her empty glass.

Ali glances sidelong at E'ten, chewing her lower lip briefly at his words. "Either way, that study will help, if she's staying on." Her steps are quick, in deference to the cold wind and the lightly falling snow outside, looking relieved as they make the cover and warmth of the bowl, the light dusting of snow starting to melt immediately. "I saw," she brightens, on the topic of Ralorin. "A'lorin. I have no doubt he /will/ get into trouble, but then- that's about par for the course, no?" Her fingers tighten briefly on E'ten's arm, giving him a knowing sort of look. "Shall we find a drink first? Props help with the rounds."

Standing in a quieter spot, off to the side where they're not all /too/ conspicuous, Brieli stands with Azaylia and E'gin, with a drink in one hand. She's a quick little smirk for E'gin, noting, "As I would as well, but... you have a point." As for the other Reachian junior's suggestion? The tall girl in white knits fine brows her friend's way before agreeing, "Rude, maybe. Yes. There's other ways to find out." And the talk of Hraedhyth's potential hatching has her quirking her lips, looking down into her glass. "So far. Not so, I think."

Certainly the first order of business was to change out of that robe. In the process, Selene moved her things back to her room. No need to deal with the dorms longer than needed. The teen's family met her with a subdued enthusiasm- certainly they had high hopes for her and, well. At the very least, they are not disappointed. Just not as excited as they were at the start. They've got to return and so, she's standing with a drink in hand as she sees them off with their ride back to the cothold. There's a sort of distant expression about her, hovering by the table they had all been at.

There is a passing look of guilt on E'gin's face as he causes the girl to stutter. "A very long way." He offers, even if it isn't all that honest. An agreeing look is cast toward to the taller of the two goldriders he's accompanying. "That approach might not be the best, but I couldn't think of another way of finding out." He sips at his whiskey as he stops to scan the crowd in a passing way.

Hattie is late to the party and not even fashionably so, only just reaching the living cavern following the settling of her queen and checking in with the Weyrlingmaster as to the state of the new weyrling class. There's snow in her hair and on the jacket that she abandons to the back of a chair, a pause made to straighten her skirts and a sigh given at the state of the slightly-dampened hem of her fiery dress. Where's a drink when you need one?

Hraedhyth had best be the only gold to never clutch, for the sake of her light-headed looking rider. Azaylia manages to recover, realizing with embarrassment that the glass to her lips is empty. "Yes." She agrees with E'gin, giving Brieli a little pout. The Reachian junior reaches over to place her empty flute on a nearby table. There will be opportunities to get another, later. Fiery red catches her eye, leading her to look over at the newly arrived Weyrwoman. She'll offer a delicate smile, even a wiggle-fingered wave of greeting- not yet brave enough to break off from more familiar folk.

"Listen. Pay attention." Brieli supplies these suggestions to E'gin. Eavesdropping? She certainly wouldn't suggest that. With another sip from a rapidly emptying glass, she merely shrugs Azaylia's way. "I'm not here to lie to you," she notes. Ahem. She'd say more, but suddenly the other junior is trying to flag someone down, and it's the Weyrwoman no less. Excellent timing. There's notably nothing more from her on any 'feeling' or 'buzz' or anything like that.

"Maybe he'll have better fortune," E'ten remarks, voice lending itself towards ruefulness, glancing down at Ali as they step into the much warmer living caverns as he looks for the ample supplies of wine. Guiding her in that direction first does allow him to view those present and their relative positions. "And, anything else I should know while we make the rounds? I can't remember the last time." He was likely only a weyrling.

"Listen." E'gin smirks broadly before finishing his whiskey. "You two let me know if you find anything out? I should get back to the Weyr. Early sweeps tomorrow." The brownrider nods slightly to each goldrider in turn. "Have a good evening." And then he ducks into the crowd, fighting against the general direction it is moving, toward the bowl.

"Be polite," Ali tries to admonish E'ten, though it fails rather obviously, given it's like telling a feline to be a feline. There's a faint look of relief as E'ten's steering takes them towards the drinks table, and she's quick to secure a glass for herself and him both. Whether or not she'll drink any of it remains to be seen. Since several people are looking towards the Weyrwoman, that draws her attention that way too, and while she offers a smile, seeing the Reachians hail her, she hesitates, her gaze continuing to sweep over the crowds. "There," she gestures towards Selene, tugging E'ten's sleeve. "Quick, before she can sneak away." Now she's the one leading them through the crowd towards the woman.

Sneak away? Selene looks prone to tripping over herself. Like a lost puppy or something equally off. At least she's not a sobbing mess like some- in fact, from the looks of it, she has not shed a single tear. No, she just seems a bit out of sorts and it's clear she's had a few drinks. She's due, one might argue. Ali and E'ten's approach is nearly missed, but not quite and she shifts a bit, looking uncertain what to do. Finally, she settles on a salute.

Hattie manages a flutter of a wave for Azaylia and a smile for Ali in response, not yet ready to weave her way through the crowd; not until she has a glass of something in her hand and has downed at least half of it. Her mission is partly accomplished in the next two minutes, glass of wine plucked from tray offered to her (presumably not the /whole/ tray) by one of Fort's caverns staff. Drinking and walking is an undignified affair, especially when she gets waylaid by anxious parents and has to pause to soothe them. Still, another minute and she makes it to Azaylia's side just as E'gin excuses himself. "Find anything out about what?" she asks, having only managed a sip or two of her drink.

Azaylia's smile strengthens some when Hattie responds, though she's easily pulled back to the other two. "Pay attention to what?" Thus she proves to Brieli she is hopeless, as far as listening is concerned. E'gin's departure has her giving a worried touch to his arm, "Be careful, in this weather." But he's gone soon after, and as the moments tick by is replaced by Hattie. "Oh, Weyrwoman." Here comes the gushing, "Elaruth's babies looked wonderful." In their own way. Caught up in the moment, it's no wonder she answers the Fortian honestly. "About why some people reacted oddly to that young woman impressing the gold."

Rolling her eyes after the brownrider, Brieli tells Azaylia, "You give people decent advice and they mock it." Seeing as she's speaking again, she may believe that Hattie's continued on with anxious parents or have underestimated the Fortian Weyrwoman's need for a drink. As she drains hers, there's Hattie, asking questions! Yay! And her fellow Reachians do, in fact, prove to be no help at all. She's all ready to give a perfectly believable answer, mouth open even... but then, it's all over. The tall girl doesn't even try not to look pained. She'll even look at the Weyrwoman apologetically. "They are quite lovely," she offers, as if that will help.

There's no missing the Reaches contingency as they pass with E'ten offering a bob of his head in greeting to those who are instantly recognizable to him. But with the drink in one hand and an arm given to Ali with the other, it's towards Selene that they venture towards and the first thing that is offered is a faint smile and, "You don't have to salute anymore, Selene."

"Thank you," Hattie answers both Azaylia and Brieli, her small smile genuine even if it doesn't break any records for being the happiest grin ever. "She's very pleased with them - I'm sure I'm going to have to keep her from checking in with them all too much over the next few sevendays." And beyond, but those early days are the most difficult. She's not had enough of that wine yet for her shrug to truly be as carefree as she would like it to be, but Hattie does so all the same, trying to be nonchalantly dismissive of any worries about Orialu's Impression of the newest queen. No apologies necessary, or so she'd have it seem. "Well, she's a few edges to her, but we all step up to the challenge, don't we?" Goldriders. "I'm sure Llofruddiaeth is happy with her choice." This being where having a sister with the double L at the beginning of her name comes in handy. "We're not all born the weyrwomen we become." Not worried at all. Really.

The salute, if anything, earns a puzzled look from Ali, though the junior's effusive enough that she breezes over that quickly enough, "Good to see you, Selene. Did you manage to find a drink, yet?" She touches the woman's arm lightly in, presumably, quiet reassurance, glancing at E'ten, then back. "Did your family make it? I'd love to meet them, if so." She's clearly playing the part of hostess, though there's a genuine warmth underneath the polite request.

"I... suppose I don't," Selene admits, looking a bit embarassed by it. She hasn't replaced her old, Beast Craft knot yet. Nor is she wearing her candidate knot. An evening between worlds. At Ali's question, she lifts her drink. Some kind of dark liquid is within. "I've had folks wanting to feed me liquor all evening," she admits, lifting the vessel to take a slow sip. "Ah... they had to leave. There's fences that need mending and their ride was departing..." Perhaps, also, she didn't wish to keep them around. Lots of awkward back-patting, as it were.

Brieli's pained look earns her a curious, confused glance from Azaylia. What did she say? Pulled back to Hattie, her fingers twine and remain folded politely in front of her, "I'm so glad. Elaruth certainly seems like a wonderful mother." A gentle nod is given to go along with soft voice, "I'd like to think we do." Which is, of course, more of a comment about her own abilities than Goldriders as a whole. A passing caverns staff catches her attention, replacing her earlier drink and adding in after a sip, "The dragons know." A repeat from earlier, for the Weyrwoman's sake.

"Is that difficult? To stop her from worrying over them? Or is she just /interested/?" Brieli's interest might be partially out of relief, but likely due to her own dragon, always so curious, willing to find answers. With a flash of her own smile for Hattie's - and possibly for not taking that badly (and who would blame her), "That is certainly very true. And I'd imagine a few people said a few things at Monaco, especially given... how I was." Which is to say, a mess. The name is likewise a relief, she repeats it to herself, still unsure. If she's noticed the lack of ease, she doesn't show it. Azaylia just gets a little shrug - what? - then, "That's what they say. I don't know that anyone would expect us to get on well enough to work together, but we do. Everyone changes."

"Probably a better mother than I am," Hattie jokes dryly, needing another sip (or more) of her wine to try and loosen the tension running through her. "Elaruth remembers that they're hers and wants to mother them to some extent," she attempts to explain. "Look out for them. She knows that they must have riders and that's how it is, but she likes to make sure that they're okay. If you asked her who Isyath was, she'd say 'my daughter'." Another mouthful of wine. "But yes, the dragons know." Agreement with Azaylia and another small smile. Perhaps if they all keep saying it enough, it'll make everything better. "We have to change. I think they change us in ways we don't ever realise, not until someone we once knew obnoxiously points it out, of course."

"They would be rightly so in offering such, but they're likely thinking it will help in some measure." It's how E'ten sees it, though something sent by Adiulth must have distracted him as he faintly smile and adds, "Adiulth thinks you did well, if that helps. It was simply not your time, but he's confident that it will happen. In the meantime though... did you want us to keep you company for a little while," he asks, looking to Ali as if to confirm this particular idea. "I think there may be some rounds to be made for us but.. the offer stands. Have you eaten since?"

Ali examines the drink Selene holds up with a mixture of uncertainty and (perhaps), disapproval. "Maybe- maybe switch to something lighter. There'll be music and dancing, later, and you don't want to miss that." She, at least, sounds particularly enthusiastic about it. There is a brief grimace, confirming E'ten's question about the need to do rounds, but, "I'm sure no one will begrudge us some food, first. I hear they're trying a new sauce on the meat that's particularly appealing."

Azaylia is with her fellow junior, curious about Hattie's queen. "Does she really? That's unusual, for a dragon?" Or maybe it isn't, judging by her tone. Then again, what does count as normal for their lifemates? "That's so sweet, though." And this time, she manages not to coo. Just barely. Brieli's arm is given a faint nudge, fingers lingering, "If they said anything, it was probably about how lucky 'Reaches was to get you back." The blizzard is free to rage on outside, inside there's the sunshiny optimism of Azaylia. "Oh, Weyrwoman Hattie." She breaks away from her insufferable cheer, "Now that the eggs are hatched, do you think Elaruth would be alright with us visiting? Ah, I mean, visiting you? I'd like to talk more." When things aren't so busy, and everyone isn't trying to pull Hattie every which way.

Tilting her head, setting aside her own empty glass, Brieli has a trace of a smile for Hattie's joke, but that fades into seriousness as she listens. "I'd think they'd find that comforting. I found it very kind of... our senior queen to see after Iesaryth, as far as she was from her dam." She has no drink to hide the quirk of her lips at the echo of the saying, she skips over it to consider what the Weyrwoman says last, still sobered. "Obnoxious it may be, but... there's something to be said for perspective, I suppose." Azaylia's optimism might get the side-eye, but it's warm skepticism. She's pleased about and impressed with the other junior's request, it seems, though she'll add, "Not that Iesaryth - and I'm sure Hraedhyth - didn't appreciate her understanding. I certainly did."

"I ate a bit earlier," Selene says, in that vague way one uses when trying to avoid admitting that no, they've not really eaten at all. "And... tell Adiulth thank you. I... hope he's perhaps right, but... it is okay if he isn't." She's trying to convince herself. There's a glance to the drink and she admits: "I do prefer wine." There's a lull, then, and she doesn't meet the gaze of the riders for a moment. "I... thought I'd prefer this, but I don't think I do. Is that wrong?"

Hattie allows herself a quiet murmur of laughter as she confesses, "I'm not sure that I'd say that anything is unusual for dragons anymore. My best friend's blue decided to guard Elaruth once she clutched and I certainly didn't see /that/ coming." After draining her glass, she leans back a little to set it down on a nearby table. "I hope they find it comforting. Babies need all sorts of guidance, after all, so why not a mother's?" Azaylia's question makes her pause, something more guarded shadowing her expression (or is that just exhausting beginning to set in?). "I wouldn't think that she would particularly mind," she hazards. "You're certainly welcome, but I think we had better keep to making sure we know when you're here, don't you? Seeing as our N'rov is required to." She does /not/ look at Brieli then. "Just call ahead, as it were. I highly doubt I'll have any reason to turn you away." Or so she hopes. Even that minute or so without a full glass of wine is too long for today and she makes to excuse herself, telling the 'Reachian juniors, "I should go speak with more of our new weyrlings' parents." And drink more. Lots. Yes.

"He says that he's always right, so I'll believe him on this," E'ten replies as he looks between Ali and Selene with a fading smile but with more considerate as he looks around for an empty table. "I'll get plates for all of us, if the two of you want to get settled somewhere for a time. Rounds can't be delayed forever, unfortunately." But he can try. "Is there anything else we can do for you, Selene? You only need to ask."

"Man, what a day," Comes the quiet mutter as A'lorin ambles in from the outside, hustling into the living caverns to get out of the cold. Arms wrap about his body as he warms himself up. "Heya, Sel!" He calls cheerfully as he wanders over to grab himself some food and then something to drink and helps himself to a seat, plop. Some food is chewed, and it's only then that he seems to remember that there's probably something he should have done first. A hand ifts in a salute, "Err, sorry," give him a bit, he's getting used to this.

The look that Ali gives Selene is nothing short of dry: "Even I lie better than that, and I'm /terrible/ at lying." She looks grateful as E'ten offers to get food, pointing to a table with some spare seats, "We'll be over there. Food first, then rounds," she promises, not-very-convincingly as she steps in that direction. And as A'lorin approaches, her gaze brightens, laughter spilling out at his belated salute. "I think you'll be forgiven for getting, tonight of all nights, weyrling. Niyuth's asleep?" she asks, politely.

Azaylia speaks with some obvious relief, "Hraedhyth isn't so against the idea, either." In fact, the queen is quite content to remain within Fort's territories this time. Perhaps she could find a generous dragon to share their ledge, at least during the storm and until it's time to leave. "In fact, we're very grateful to Elaruth letting me pop in that once." Following Brieli's lead, she glances at her friend, who is a much more frequent visitor. Hattie's words have her giving a quiet, though agreement, "Of course! I'd never dream of dropping by, unannounced." That would just be rude. "And it is only fair." Since her dragon is also one who demands that Vhaeryth announce himself. "Thank you, Weyrwoman Hattie." Azaylia smiles, giving a nod as the older goldrider excuses herself, "Have a good night." By some miracle.

Selene is indeed a terrible liar. She turns the cup in her hands a bit, giving a small nod to E'ten. "I... ah, I don't know. Thank you," she manages, her usual shining to the rider somewhat subdued this evening. She follows Ali's gesture to the table they'll be going to, starting to move in that direction. She stops, however, when A'lorin approaches and gives him a quick, curt nod. "Ah... Congratulations. He's... Niyuth? He's a good looking dragon."

Allowing an arch of brows for the blue's behavior, something clicks in Brieli's mind, something perhaps drifted over from Iesaryth, still watching from the rim. "Yes. She... noticed that. I think we met. Your friend and I." If she's ambivalent about that, it's hard to see why, though it does make her dark gaze flicker across the crowd. Even so, "Why not indeed. I hope it works out that well with us. It seems better than being bored." As for Hattie's last, she hardly looks shocked or surprised, merely nodding - even if the senior won't meet her gaze. Seeming sincere, "It's understandable. Given the givens. Do try to enjoy yourself this evening, Weyrwoman?" She'll even flag a passing waiter down so the time without a drink is shorter. Glancing Azaylia's way, she offers a quick smile, reassuring. All is well, she didn't mess up. Much.

A nod, another quick smile - this one much more forced - and Hattie heads off to do her duty, one of those now-closer drinks snagged on her journey to let parents and all sorts natter on at her for however long they may. Later, she'll dance and even /later/ probably drink more (lots), but, for now, she'll be the Weyrwoman she's supposed to be.

Azaylia's composure lasts about as long as the Fortian Weyrwoman stays. Once Hattie is gone, she's back to fidgeting in place and drinking more deeply from her glass. Brieli's smile is met with one in return, "I'm still so excited... I think," And it's now that her eyes turn to the crowd, scanning with a curiosity that isn't entirely innocent for once. "I'm going to see how these Fortian boys dance." And hopefull just dance, since Hraedhyth will want to go home as soon as the weather clears up. "See you tomorrow?" She'll give her friend a little one armed hug before nervous steps bring her further into the crowd. A glance back has her spotting E'ten, and the less familiar Ali. She'll lift her hand in a polite wave to both, as well as Selene and A'lorin. All too soon her palm is grasped by a partner, and she's swept off to dance the night away.

A'lorin laughs quietly and shrugs his shoulders, leaning backwards prop the chair up on its hindlegs. More food is popped into his mouth, "Yes, ma'am, alseep. Shards, it's so wierd." A'lorin grins as he looks ver towards Selene, nodding his head as he wiggles a piece of food in the air, "Yeah, Niyuth. Shards, you should've seen the scene that happened in the barracks. S'dan's bronze tried to steal Niyuth's food, plenty to go around, and he's budging in on what /we/ had. Kinda rude, y'know?"

"Congratulations, A'lorin." It's a welcomed tone to E'ten's voice as he pauses in his initial turn towards the line where plates of food are being served, nodding to the salute before adding, "You get to keep the ladies company while I go and get food or, you can come with me. It'll be easier to carry everything back," he suggests, stepping away once looking between Ali and Selene once more. The weyrling... might come or not, he doesn't seem concerned over that.

Not one for hugging, Brieli forbears under Azaylia's, nodding. "That sounds like a plan. And yes. Of course." With a smile for the other Reachian junior, she only waits a few moments before following behind, just making sure that Azaylia's nerves haven't gotten the better of her. She's able to notice the greeting to the small group, and follows it with a salute of her own - for Ali and E'ten at least - but she then rather suddenly veers off into the crowds at the glimpse of a scruffy dark-haired girl. It might not be the one she's looking for, but she has to /try/.