Logs:Of Celebrations 2

From NorCon MUSH
Of Celebrations 2
"May we never forget them."
RL Date: 14 May, 2007
Who: Anais, Birgitte, Caitlyn, Charis, Dassah, Divya, Eleria, Gr'din, K'len, Llany, M'wen, R'hin, Rodric, Rylla, Satiet, Shanlee, Tavrie, W'red
Involves: High Reaches Weyr
Type: Log
When: Day 28, Month 12, Turn 11 (Interval 10)

Your location's current time: 17:38 on day 28, month 12, Turn 11, of the Interval. It is a winter afternoon.

You stroll into the tunnel to the living cavern. Living Cavern, High Reaches Weyr(#1000RIJs) 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.

Rich swathes of fabric in shimmering blues, crisp white and velvety black have been carefully twisted together to form rivers of the Weyr's colors along the caverns walls. Bunching at intervals into rosettes formed and held in place by wrought iron brackets. Echoing the fabric along the walls, blue, black and white sisal have been cleverly draped from around various points high up on the cavern walls. Dipping lower along their paths to rise together again at a central meeting point high above the cavern, a floating canopy of elegance is created. Glows turned low and placed at strategic points add further to an atmosphere of style and subdued festive indulgence. The flickering light from wrought iron candlestick holders on the tables, lend further soft illumination that manages to provide an intimate dining and dancing atmosphere even amongst the press of Turn's End revelers and cheerful laughter. Contents: Caitlyn Birgitte Anais Rylla Dassah Shanlee Satiet Jemah Obvious exits: Kitchen Bowl Lower Caverns

Birgitte arrives alone, a slim figure in hues of forest and sunlight against the decorations hued for stone and sky. She pauses at the entrance and looks around.

With a flair for exuberance that characterizes the young, Anais steps in from the lower caverns entrance, and looks about her for any sign of a familiar face. She sashays farther into the room, enjoying the atmosphere of an upcoming celebration.

The Weyrleader, notably, isn't amongst the first to arrive, and nor does he arrive with the Weyrwoman. R'hin, however, does show up, and in finery like many of the other occupants of the living caverns, cutting a dark and colorless figure as he steps inside. A heartbeat of a pause, and he heads for the wine table, greeting various residents and riders with equal casualness.

The hearth being kept well banked, adds to the inviting atmosphere with a few standing around it, drinks in hand warming winter numbed hands and catching up with each other. Serving girls from the kitchens bustle to and fro with trays of snacks, smoothly and efficiently replacing emptied trays with new before it's even realized. Yet more, circulate carrying trays filled with glasses of champagne and wine on offer to those gathered together in celebration. A table off to one side holds the rest of the beverages enjoyed by many including various juices for those not given to alcohol.

For a second longer, after the assistant's left, Satiet allows her pale eyes to linger at the ceiling, watchful of how artfully the fabric's been strung up like a canopy, before the weyrwoman pulls her gaze away and then down. Quickly, with a sense of purpose in the cool gaze, the blues search the crowds, before rousing herself up off the side of the wall to step forward. A breath is taken in, and then exhaled slowly, steadying the flush of pink on her cheeks, before a charismatic and polite smile shapes her mouth, though doesn't quite reach her eyes as she begins to meet'n greet.

Rylla's lips twitch when she spots the one she was watching for, grey slate eyes taking in the Assistant Headwoman's attire then nodding her approval. A few steps carry her to Dassah's side where she curtseys most graciously. "Darlin' Your breath taking." Though she just can't let it rest there and turns a frown on the woman. "But late. I all most came looking for you to carry out my threat."

Hand tucked into the crook of the arm of Icicle's wingsecond, Shan drops it a moment as he helps her remove the grey cape that's afforded some warmth thus far. Using the time, to take in the change wrought in the cavern by the decorations, the greenrider grins upward at a comment made by J'tin "Ever the charmer aren't we?". Hailing one of the serving girls for a drink to keep her hand company and with which to celebrate this evening, the redhead cuts a svelte figure of blue and gold.

Caitlyn fusses just a little with her airy, cool-rainbow-toned dress as she warms her body before the fire, serruptitiously looking around at all the people in their finery, her face a mix of hesitancy and pleasure. And when they come to rest on the only one she recognizes, Satiet, Cait arches a dark brow at the Weyrwoman's form. Mhmm. She redirects her golden-brown gaze towards the pretty decorations, letting it drift to the food and drink tables. Yes, those will likely be next.

Pale green eyes finally spot a familiar face, and the blonde curls bounce a little as Anais dashes over towards Shanlee. A carefully manicured hand is raised to her lips, and the petite girl fairly squeals with delight. "Oh Shan you look /gorgeousa/!" She twirls twice, enjoying the swirl of her own black dress. "Well, what do you think? Not bad for last minute huh?"

Birgitte shifts herself from the entrance, focusing her attention from the decorations of wall and ceiling to the decorated Weyrfolk. "How pretty," she says as if to herself, moving further into the weyr. Her own gaze, as blue and cool as ice, follows a few Riders about the caverns; she nods, she smiles, she even waves her hands a few times, but she heads for Satiet first. Meet and greet; weyrs' duties.

Dassah casually lifts a wineglass from a passing server and downs it in one long, flush-inducing drink. And just in time, because Rylla is then approaching her and she turns to look at the greenrider, expression apprehensive. "You owe me for this, Rylla. And had I known you were serious, I would have waited. Would have been a lot less irksome than being out here." Her voice is edged with tension as she looks again at the growing crowd. Unconciously, she shifts closer to the greenrider. "Thank you for the dress." She says, in a sudden shift of topic and tone.

A squeal will always do it. As one both J'tin and Shan turn in the direction it emits from. A fine brow arches upward when Anais is recognised "Like my 'towel'?" a smirk forming across the greenrider's mouth as her dress is complimented. "Friend of yours?" the Icicle wingsecond at her side asks as the blonde girl twirls around "Very becoming if I may say so." he drawls in amusement for the girl's antics. "You look lovely Anais." is confirmed by the redhead "So glad you could make it." her smile widening.

The harpers quietly begin to set up in the corner, testing the intonation of their strings and playing light ditties to warm up.

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

'I owe you Darlin'?" Rylla purrs out ever so sweetly then tosses her hair as she gaily laughs. "I considered it payment in full for the... gift of the dress. We're even Darlin." Pausing to look about again, an angelic smile curves her lips as a few other familiar faces are spotted.

R'hin secures a glass of wine, taking a sip before he turns to survey the crowd from the wine table. Pale eyes settle on Satiet with a little curve of his lips, though he makes no effort to cut through the crowd to her as yet; instead, he - like her - does the dutiful thing, moving amongst the occupants. The Istan Wingleader catches his attention, and the Weyrleader alters course to intercept the woman, "Wingleader," is his easy greeting of Caitlyn, "'Reaches' duties to Ista."

"Why thank you sir." Anais says with her typical charm. "I'm so glad I could make it. I never would have known if Shan hadn't said something. You know, she's just a sweetheart." This last is said towards J'tin, just before a hand is extended. "I'm Anais of Nabol. Came in with my da on the tithe train." She heard the musicians warming up and her toe begins to tap. "Oh I hope they start the reels soon. I haven't danced in /ages/!"

In avoidance of the drinks and food being served by serving girls and lads, as well as the large setup of drinks somewhere along the walls, Satiet skirts towards a pair of minor holders that look to Crom, only to find herself on a collision path with Birgitte - intercepted or intercepting, it's all the same to her as she fixes pale eyes onto the former Reachian, and now Eastern junior goldrider. Recognition sparks life in her blue eyes as they scrutinize the other woman's face before they sweep up and down to take in Birgitte's attire. The polite smile makes an appearance and a gracious little nod accompanies her cool greeting, "High Reaches duties and Happy Turn's End. It's a long way from home for such an occasion."

Giggling, doe-eyed girls cluster together in groups whispering behind hands to each other over the dapper young men who, equally aware of the attention encourage it with winks and charming smiles. Here and there friends sit in groups, heads together, news and gossip exchanged. Wingriders of the various wings stand in small knots, tensions slipping off as laughter and easy banter are shared. A raucous round of laughter from one such group draws attention to one of Icicle's wingrider's who has been the unfortunate recipient of a good-natured prank played by another involving ice cubes down his back. Much hilarity found in this action by his wingmates.

Caitlyn knew this would likely come...she'd expect it of herself if the situation were reversed, after all. Her smile is warm and congenial as R'hin greets her formally, and her light alto chimes in, "Ista's duties to High Reaches and her queens, Weyrleader. Nice to finally meet you." And, with a sudden, impish thought, she lifts her hand to the young man, letting it sit there on the air before him.

"I had a dress." Dassah replies shortly. "So wearing this one counts as a favor. And I will, I promise, collect on it, my pet greenrider." She sends an almost vicious smile at Rylla. "Perhaps soon. But, I see Shanlee, and I should be saying hello to her. I'll find you later, pet." She turns, moving briskly off in the direction of the wingsecond.

Divya strolls in from the bowl, skirts held up a bit until she reaches the stone floor. She smooths down her sleeves, adjusts her collar and looks around to see who else is at the party. The fact that her gaze lingers near the meal table for an extra moment is sheer coincidence.

Brie's smile to Satiet is self-conscious but warm and she ducks her head to hide a glance beneath the tumble of her unkept curls. "Eastern's duties, Weyrwoman. And a Happy Turn's End to you and the 'Reaches. I hope you don't mind? Sililith wanted to celebrate the end in snow. She says its not the same when the weather never changes and its hard to tell one season from the next."

J'tin can't help but laugh at the assessment of his companion by Anais "Not a word I would have used, but then you're new around these parts." as he takes the hand offered giving it a gentle squeeze, ignoring the narrowed green eyes on him from Shan. The laughter of some of his wing has him quickly making his apologies "Something needs my attention." a mischievous light behind the brown eyes and without further ado he moves off to join them. Shan's mouth opens then shuts as she seems to be abandoned by what presumably was her date for the night "Typical." she mutters. Turning back to Anais a thin lipped smile appears "Well you're welcome to dance with him." a hand waves in the direction the blonde man left.

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

Rylla's smile continues as she watches Dassah move off, her hand reaching for a glass on one of the passing drink trays. "Pet is it now?" she purrs to herself contemplating the other woman then shakes her head with amusement. "And this coming from the woman who doesn't do petnames. How interesting." Preparing to make the rounds herself her eyes catch on one rider she doesn't recognize with hand in the air. Stepping over, she grasps the hand and turns it over to kiss Caitlyn's palm. "Darlin', so marvelous you could come join us this evening."

"And you," R'hin's warm, low voice answers Caitlyn, pale eyes fixed on the woman, lips curving in a slow smile. The offered hand is observed for but a heartbeat before he takes it up, gallant in the extreme as he bends as if to kiss the back of her hand, but stops short with a low chuckle. "Formalities out of the way-- would you like a drink?" he invites expansively, gesturing towards the nearest server with a wave of glass-laden hand. "I'd hate for you to think poor of 'Reachian hospitality, after all."

Anais seems to miss the allusion in J'tin's words, Shan's never been anything but sweet to her. She waves him off with a good-natured grin and turns back to Shan. She moves to stand beside of the greenrider and links her arm through Shan's. "So, you really must show me around. I'm sure you know the most fantastic people." This seems to take over her previous inclinement to dance.

"It's not," Satiet agrees, accosting a passing serving boy and plucking one slim flute of bubbly wine off the tray. This then is extended to Birgitte. "Snow makes the end of the turn somehow seem more real, more fantastical. A veritable winter wonderland." Poetic rambling aside, the slight goldrider turns to observe the mingling Weyr, catching sight of R'hin with an Istan wingleader and pursing her lips faintly in would-be disapproval as she gives the pair a look much longer than they might actually deserve. "Turn's end is also a time to spend with family and friends."

Dassah comes up to her friend and offers her a tense smile in greeting. "Shanlee. Please explain to my why the shell I am not back in my room, or at least in the kitchens or stores being useful?" She asks in a wry voice. "I think this may have been a bit more ambitious than I am ready for." A thin smile at an aquaintance as they pass, though there's not much in the way of warmth in the recognition.

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

It's not that Shan's deliberately ignoring Dassah but rather that she doesn't seem to recognise her in the formal attire. Again, that brow arches as Anais claims her arm surprise for the familiarity shown by the girl evident "Sure, sometime between midnight and dawn." a faint smile takes any sting out of the words. And it's then that Dassah's voice cuts in causing the greenrider to battle to keep the ridiculous grin off her face when the evening gown the assistant headwoman is wearing is gone over inch by inch "Because you look just to gorgeous to hide away?" Complete innocence affected with lift of bared shoulders.

Caitlyn starts some at the unexpected turn her playful ploy has taken, staring at Rylla with slightly appalled confusion, glancing to R'hin as he's interrupted. After withdrawing her hand, it takes a few seconds, but her features compose into something more wry than offended, though her eyes still glint. "I see one turn deserves another," the short woman quips, her tone equally divided between irritation and humor, hands settling to her hips. "Seem like 'Reaches overflows with said hospitality." Smirk.

Birgitte accepts the glass with slim, cool fingers and holds it up against the soft glowlight to admire the color. "To the Turning, Satiet, with my thanks. And I'm hoping to find them, tonight." Friends, that is, if not family. She toasts the Weyrwoman with the champagne flute and shifts aside, her duty done. Ice-blue gaze goes back to admiring arrivals and outfits.

Divya is approached by a helpful server, and lifts a glass of bubbly wine off his tray, as well as a tiny canape. She walks over to where Satiet is standing and offers her greetings. "Good evening, Weyrwoman. The party seems to be going well."

The blonde Noblese laughs musically at Shanlee's witticism. She looks about to say something else, but someone else beat her to it. When she turns and sees another Reachian her surprise turns to delight. "And who is this? Your gown is gorgeous dear." A beat and then. "Oh I've forgotten my manners. I'm Anais of Nabol. A pleasure to meet you." She tucks a strand of blonde hair behind her ear and extends her other hand in greeting.

"Enjoy yourself. Perhaps you'll find Shalyn on the dance floor later." Sincere in that at least, though a backwards appraisal follows the Eastern junior, Satiet again attempts to navigate the path towards the Cromian minor holders and instead finds Divya in midnight blue, the dress garnering instant appreciation out of a notoriously picky weyrwoman. "Beautiful coloring. Beautiful dress. Good evening," in a beat of silence where most assuredly she's being helped out on the name, which then follows lacking a lilt of inquiry: fluid, "Divya. I... we're," she again seeks out R'hin and when failing to do so turns a careless shrug and faint smile at the brownrider, "Hoping it'll provide some much needed relaxation. How are you faring?"

Dassah can't hold back the slight growl that escapes her at Shanlee's teasing. "Greenriders." She says, in exasperation. "I need to spend more time with people who aren't greenriders, clearly." She smoothes the dress she is wearing again, then gives the greenrider currently in question a gentler look, almost timid. "It looks good? Really?" Her gaze moves to Anais at the greeting, and that brief moment of timidity passes. "Dassah, headwoman's assistant here. It's int... Umm.. A pleasure to meet you." Her voice, starting off harsh, manages something closer to polite by the end of the introduction. "Welcome to High Reaches, I hope you enjoy the evening, Anais."

A flash of annoyance crosses R'hin's expression at Rylla's intercession, but it's gone soon enough, the polite, easy shift of shoulders conveying carelessness. "It seems so," he agrees easily enough with Caitlyn, tipping his glass towards her in silent toast before taking a gulp.

Rylla is quick to note the Weyrleader's close proximity and curses under her breath as she takes a step back giving him leave to speak with the visitor. "Sharding men, always ruining a girls bit of fun." She pouts prettily then flashes R'hin her angelic smile. "I suppose Darlin' if I had to lose the lady's interest, it was worth it to be to you."

Gr'din wanders in from the tunnel to the bowl. Gr'din has arrived.

Using this opportunity to carefully disengage herself from Anais, Shan's lips twitch in amusement at Dassah's grumping. "Need a drink perhaps?" already reaching for a glass off a passing tray, her own coming to her mouth as the other is handed to her friend. "Anais, Dassah - Assistant Headwoman here at the Reaches." the introduction made of the two women. "You look wonderful Das." the wingsecond finally confirms a softer smile on her lips. Green eyes flit around the room, touching on each, a little longer at the entranceway and then with a faint frown coming to settle on Anais "Is your father in attendance too?" the question holding a slightly distracted note to it.

Rodric comes in from the Bowl and pauses for a moment just inside, a pleasant smile on his face as he scans the crowd. It doesn't take the Masterharper long to spot the Weyrleaders. Stopping a passing serving person, he murmurs a quiet word of thanks and liberates a glass of fizzing alcohol from her tray, then he steps through the crowd in a meandering path towards the Weyrwoman, nodding here and there and pausing to offer greetings to those he knows.

Birgitte will, tries, does. She too moves off into the crowd, listening more than anything else. She but sips her drink, if that, moving through the multi-colored throng on booted feet to pause and offer the Harper a toast before continuing her spiral about the room.

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

"I'm afraid not." Anais says with the first touch of sobriety she's had in her voice all evening. "He's turning in earlier and earlier these days. Complaining of some really odd pains. I told him to see a Healer while we're here but you know men." And here her tone lightens and she give the women a conspiratorial smile. Her pale eyes wander about the room, much as Shan's do. The girl has the spirit of a debutante, and she's on the lookout for new and interesting people.

Gr'din is swept in by a small chattering crowd of Telgari weyrlings, all younger than he, and Therese, their nursemaid for the evening. Therese shoos them loose and disappears into the crowd. Alone for the moment, he spies the server that had just helped the Masterharper and watches after with a wistful look that is all too easily read - particularly for those who've been through the enforced abstinance of apprenticeship or weyrlinghood. A tug at his tunic and he's off, obviously looking through the crowd for someone, though just whom it isn't clear.

Tavrie steps into the living cavern before pausing to survey the rather large crowd of people. For a moment, it looks like her outgoing nature might fail her as one foot slide back as if to slip right back out the door again. Then, the young woman inhales deeply and fastens on a pleasant, if somewhat mischievous smile, strolling casually into the fray. Tavrie scans the crowd and, having nearly run into a man offering around drinks, accepts one gratefully and marks a course for a familiar face, Dassah. "Hey," she says as she approaches.

Caitlyn snags a flute of the bubbly wine as a server passes, thanking the girl softly, then lifting it in toast to R'hin. "Here's to a better new Turn than the previous one." A deep sip of the stuff earns Cait's smile, and she finally does truly smirk in humor at Rylla. "They're only sharding bad part of the time. But Weyrleaders do seem to fit the bill better than others, usually." A wink to R'hin. "Nice to see snow at this time of the Turn, too. Much more proper."

Divya says, "I'm beginning to feel my age, actually. Jedi wrote that she is expecting her first child, and it took me aback. I don't feel old enough to be a grandmother, but J'han assures me I am." She sips her wine and smiles in appreciation. "Oh, the dress. This is one Doran made for me some time ago. I'm glad you like it." She eyes Satiet's dress and says, "Yours looks great as well. From the Weaver Craftmaster?"

"You flatter me," R'hin says to Rylla, but the words are deliberately bland, hands spreading outwards. Angelic smile or not, the bronzerider's smile is brief. "And, you're... ruining nothing." He lifts his glass at Caitlyn's toast, giving a tip of his head. "To better times," he adds, letting some of the banter between the pair pass without any comment on his part.

"Thank you." Dassah says with relief to Shanlee. "I just... Can't help feeling silly and out of place here, y'know? A drink... Yes, another drink might help." She looks around to find one of the servers and claims another glass of wine, though this one is only sipped. Tavrie's arrival earns an apprehensive smile. "Wey..." She pauses, and starts again, "Tavrie, hello. I've not seen you in a very long time. You are well?" There's a mechanicalness to the questions, practiced pelasantries that lack conviction.

Shanlee latches onto that one word from Anais, snorting lightly a sound totally unbecoming of the elegant attire and upswept hair the greenrider sports. "Men....indeed!" a glare flashed in the direction of J'tin whom now it seems has found someone else to regale with his tales of wit and charm. The sound of another arriving contingent causes her to turn, stance poised with interest for what seems to be Telgari weyrlings one of whom at least is vaguely familiar to her. Tavrie approaching swings her attention back again "Tavrie." a wide smile for the junior goldrider. "Hey, easy on that stuff. You still owe me another top remember?" the redhead delivers a playful reminder to Dassah as the drink is accepted.

Rodric nods politely at Birgitte as she passes. "Good evening," he greets her pleasantly and then it's not long before he's drawing up in front of the party's hostess and sweeps a bow, his drink held carefully to avoid a spill. "Good evening, Weyrwoman. Harper's duties to the Reaches and best wishes for Turnover." He straightens and smiles at Divya. "Long time no see, Divya. Still singing and playing?" The Master flashes both women a bright smile.

K'len meanders into the cavern from the lower caverns. K'len has arrived.

Charis steps in through the lower caverns, weaving through the people in the room with a smile on her face, walking carefully about. She reaches out and takes one of the glasses off a tray from one of the passing servers, offering her thanks to them. The gray eyes scan the room for familiar faces

Satiet's stare as it swivels again to Divya might be construed as impolite, especially as it sweeps up and down again to get the full measure of the brownrider and what age she might actually be as opposed to what she looks to be. Pale eyes flick surreptitiously down to her pregnant stomach and then lift up to give the older woman a weak smile. "Kids, they grow up, don't they." The thought, clearly, hadn't occurred to her until that moment, signified further by a wrinkled nose and a furrow of her brows in a complete: oh crap, moment. "Ah, no. Journeywoman Lindel, I believe." Relief at a change in subject, the weyrwoman waves her hand about, "She's been known lately for her designs and creations for expectant mothers." When further relief comes in the form of a Masterharper, the uncertainty flees in lieu of a pleasant twist of her lips and a slim hand held out. "Sir. Good evening. Happy Turn's End."

Rylla's gay laughter rings forth before she lifts her own glass and joins the toast then turns and heads off across the cavern. Its then that she spots the HarperCraftmaster and her smile beams as she allows her grey eyes to run over him briefly as he speaks to others. "What a Delicious boy he is." She purrs to herself again then continues on to end up back near Dassah Shanlee and Anais. "Darlin's..."

A new face has joined their little group, and with a snap her attention is refocused. A serving maid passes with flutes of bubbly and Anais snatches one with a word of thanks. She takes a judicious sip and turns to the newest lady, extending her free hand. "I'm Anais of Nabol. Your gown is lovely." She says with warm conviction. "I'll remember to be more colorful next time." She says, gesturing to her own black dress.

Birgitte nods again, slipping sideways past a banner of blue and black. Her drink is slipped onto a side table as she scans the caverns once again, her foot tapping lightly in time with the background music. She doesn't brave the knots of people, not yet, but shifts along the edges and then towards the out. "I'll be back for the dancing," she promises herself and goes in search of a suitable partner, or Shalyn's.

Birgitte strolls outside to the bowl. Birgitte has left.

Tavrie's eyes sparkle merrily and she shakes her head as Dassah begins to address her formally. The young woman's expressive smile brightens when the shift is made and the metal of the greeting is ignored. "I've seen you a few times, though you or I were always in a hurry. So dreadfully busy lately," the junior weyrwoman says, offering a playful wrinkle of her nose and sigh of exasperation. Brown eyes shift to take in the redhead as well. "You look lovely, Shan. You're hair is enviable," Tavrie notes with a hint of longing in her voice and a sheepish smile as she fingers an escaping lock of her own plain hair.

Gr'din apparently finds the person he was looking for, for he ends up near R'hin and Caitlyn, clearing his throat politely and waiting for an opportunity to offer, "Telgar's duties to Ista and High Reaches. Sir, if I might have a word?" An apologetic look is given to Caitlyn before his blue eyes flick back to R'hin.

"Two glasses won't ruin your dress." Dassah replies to Shanlee, rolling her eyes. She offers Tavrie something resembling a genuine smile and nods. "Everyone is busy these days, there is a lot of work to do. With Sirana and Eleria gone, especially, we've been hard pressed to keep up. And yet, it seems there is still time for Shanlee to try to socialise me." Rylla's approach sees her tensing. "Or for my pet greenrider to make me want to flee in terror." She admits quietly to the women she was a candidate with.

Caitlyn gives poor R'hin and the departing Rylla a big grin, then taking another sip of her bubbly wine. "Mm, this stuff is very good. Haven't had it in awhile." Her politely wandering eyes spy Tavrie, whom she also recognizes, and gives a bouncing wave to. Not that she'll be seen in the crowd, however. Overhearing Rylla's description of someone, the bluerider peers around people to see the Masterharper. A quick smile, and a little nod agree with Rylla's assessment.

Divya smiles more widely at Rodric. "Hello, Masterharper. Yes, I'm still singing but not playing as much these days. Too many turns of Riding have finally taken a toll on my fingers. They're not as nimble as they used to be." She eyes his doublet, shirt and pants and gives a soft whistle. "Very nice outfit, sir. Are they teaching style as well as music at the Hall these days?"

K'len is late, and is quite aware of his tardiness. He shuffles into the living cavern, wringing his hands with what appears as nervousness at first - then steps further into the room to get a look at who's gathered. First he eyes Caitlyn, of course, but oddly just looks past her with indifference. Then he notes Charis and starts making his way towards her since she wasn't too far in front of him. He offers a quick, "Fort's duties to High Reaches and her Queens." To whomever he runs into first from there, but doesn't go along repeating it afterwards to others.

R'hin's pale eyes track Rylla's sudden departure with the briefest twist of lips, before his gaze shifts back to Caitlyn. "And how fares Ista? I heard you fought your first fall not too long ago. It went well, I hope?" It's polite talk, and the Weyrleader makes no attempt to make it seem anything but. Gr'din's approach earns a shift of attention, and brief furrowing of brow. "'Reaches' duties to Telgar," he responds automatically. "I trust E'tyn is well, and your Weyrwoman?" A brief pause, then, "Certainly," he says agreeably to Gr'din's request for a word, hands spreading as if waiting.

The arrival of Rylla serves to have Shan lifting her chin "Shanlee, not Darling." is coolly corrected with a faint smile. Raising a hand in an unconcious movement to her upswept hair, the greenrider delivers a wry smile to Tavrie "It's either up or down, no in between with this." eyes flick downward along her dress then back over to the goldrider "Thanks Tav, you look just lovely yourself." a warm smile appears which moves onto Dassah. "-Someone- has to push you out there. Aren't I right Rylla." deftly bringing the other greenrider to her aid in this instance.

Rodric takes Satiet's hand for a moment, squeezing her fingers lightly. "You look radiant, Satiet. Red suits you well." A sympathetic look creases his face at Divya's remark. "I'm terribly sorry to hear that, but I do hope you might grace us with a song this evening. There's certainly plenty of harpers about to accompany you." A laugh, merry, shakes the Master's frame and he brushes a hand along the pile of his doublet. "I don't know about teaching style at the Hall, but they certainly do a fine job of it at the Weavercrafthall which eats up far too many of my marks." His glass tips upwards when he finishes speaking, some of the bubbly sliding down his throat.

Set aside for the purpose of dance, the centre of the cavern seems to be alive with the color and movement of the couples taking this rare opportunity as the Harpers provide music, that changes from lively celebratory jigs to more graceful waltzes. Skirts of evening gowns sway and swirl in time, as men deftly guide their partners through the steps of each dance. A few of the more nervous young men cast hopeful glances in the direction of those they'd like to invite to join them on the dance floor.

Rylla is in a rare good mood as she flashes another smile to Shanlee and nods. "But of course Darlin'. She's a gem and needs to show off some. Told her if she didn't make an appearance I would search her out and carry her in here myself." A kiss is blown to Dassah before she sips her wine.

Caitlyn manages to make out K'len as her eyes return to present company, a slightly disagreeable cast slipping over her features. It smooths out, though, when she listens intently to R'hin, then again alters - this time to something pensive. "It was...bad," is all she'll say about that Fall. Having missed Gr'din, she blushes just a little beneath her tan, and smiles up at the Telgari. "Ista's to Telgar and her queens. Sorry, I was woolgathering."

Charis turns when she hears the voice, smiling warmly at the brozerider, "Well, 'ello. Its K'len right? Kalorith I believe?" She takes a few steps closer to him, the noise in the room probably becoming a bit louder with more people arriving for the festivities. "'ow are ya doin? I'm glad ta see dat you could make it 'ere for the Ball tonight." She grabs another glass of whatever is closest to her and offers it to him. "'ere ya might as well 'ave one? Its pretty good."

Feeling a little over her head as the icy reception of their newest arrival is noted, Anais does what she does best. She laughs pleasantly and nods. "And a gem she is indeed." She takes another sip of her bubbly. "And speaking of pushing out there, would you mind coming and introducing me to some of those dashing youn g men over there Rylla? I'm sure you know the most fascinating of the lot and I've an itch for dancing." She moves as if to leave, a questioning look on her face.

"Red suits any woman well. Except those with red hair perhaps." Speaking of redheads, Satiet glances over to the cluster of folk about Snowstrike's wingsecond and purses her lips. With sudden apologies in her gaze, the paleness swiftly moving past Rodric to Divya, she notes, "I don't believe the trays of food are moving swiftly enough, if you'll excuse me?" And then, directed to Rodric, with a turn of her body and hands that press down that doublet in a chase after his own brushing hands, she notes, with a dazzling smile flashed up at the Masterharper, "Perhaps you'll save a dance for me later." Beat. Then a sly little turn to her smile. "Sir." And with that, like any good hostess, the Weyrwoman is off to hurry along the food.

Llany has arrived.

Tavrie takes smiles and nods in reply, shifting her gaze from Dassah and Shanlee to take in Rylla when she comes up. The petite woman takes a moment to sip her wine daintily, though a hint of a grimace follows, leading one to deduce she probably doesn't care for the vintage. "I remember the first time I was at a fancy affair like this. I met Satiet and danced with my friend," she murmurs and then seems to gaze off, lost in thought. Jerking herself back to reality, Tavrie takes another sip and sighs, looking around in searching manner.

Dassah's jaw clenches at the blown kiss, her spine rigid. "I was coming anyway." She says firmly. "Threats or no. And Rylla, it would behoove you not to try to pick me up unbidden. I promise it wouldn't go well. Now, if you will all excuse me, I think I've had about as much of this as I can tolerate for the moment. Regardless, I need to check on the kitchens, perhaps I will catch up with you later. Tavrie, Shanlee, Anais." Her gaze lingers a moment on Rylla. "Do stop by later to pick up your dress, pet." She says, firmly, before she turns and moves towards the kitchens.

Satiet steps away from the tables and heads into the busy kitchen. Satiet has left.

K'len quirks a smile at Charis as she realizes he's lurking not too far behind her by now, and pauses when she steps closer to him. "You're absolutely right, Charis." He says with a quick practiced smile and takes the offered drink to sniff at it first before taking a drink from it. "I'm doing fine. Hey, is Shanlee here? I haven't managed to see her yet.." He says, looking past her just slightly to see if the greenrider he knows is around as well.

Gr'din nods. "Yes sir, they're both well, though I don't know if they'll be getting away to come." A brief grin and the weyrling adds, "Hard enough for us to convince Breena to turn those've us who've learned between loose on your unsuspecting weyr." He flashes that same smile to Caitlyn and offers, "She says the sandbar has to wait until after graduation." Then back to R'hin, "It was just some personal greetings sir. From my father - he's the Mineholder at that small firestone mine on the borders between Telgar and Reaches." The young man draws himself up. "He asked me to let you know that if the weyr has any problems with supply, just to send to him and he'd set it right for you."

Divya nods to Satiet as she leaves and turns to face Rodric again. "Speaking of singing, I hear you put on quite a concert a while back. I had sweeps and couldn't attend, but I've heard nothing but good things about it from people who did. What was that young woman's name again, the main performer?"

Llany enters the living caverns wearing her travel cloak and shivering from the cold mountain outside air.

Rylla's attention is torn between Anais and Dassah, the latter getting an amused chuckle. But the woman thankfully holds her tongue for once. "Really Darlin'?" Is returned to the first before casting her gaze in the direction of the menfolk. "Mmm... I much personally thank whom ever decided to throw this together. Why the sights alone are just what we needed to start the new turn with. Where shall we begin Darlin?"

Politeness fades, and genuine sympathy skitters across R'hin's expression at Caitlyn's words. "For us, too," he murmurs, fingers tightening briefly around the wineglass. Gr'din's comments earn a tip of head, and finally a rueful sort of smile. "I certainly have no complaints about your conduct so far. Your father's at the minehold?" Interest sharpens in pale eyes as he studies Gr'din for a heartbeat. "That's certainly very generous, and please be sure to let him know we're very grateful. What did you say his name was? And yours--?"

Shanlee blinks at Dassah's terse words and abrupt departure "Now -that-..." a look fixed on Rylla "....is certainly -not- what I had in mind in terms of Dassah and social gatherings." Tavrie's comment on dancing draws the greenrider's interest as the music provided by the Harpers swells through the various dances "Who did you dance with?" Looking up in time to catch the look from Satiet right before she leaves, the redhead turns her head quickly to hide the faint smirk that forms, now catching sight of the Weyrleader and the two standing with him. Anais asking for introductions, brings a smile curving her mouth upward "Oh there's plenty that wouldn't miss the opportunity to dance with such a pretty little thing as yourself Anais."

"Certainly," promises Rodric in return to Satiet's query and he bows again as she excuses herself, taking a half step out of the way. "Looks like an excellent party, eh Divya?" the Master inquires of the former Harper, eyes following the Weyrwoman briefly then passing more broadly over the assembled crowd. "I should find R'hin to present my duties to him as well," he scans the crowd for where he last saw the Weyrleader. "Llany and Emmi both performed excellent vocal pieces at the Summer Gather," he answers Divya's question.

Caitlyn nods softly at R'hin's rejoinder, eyes cast down to her champagne flute. "I remember. I flew with my Wing above High Reaches." A long sigh, and her gaze lifts to the Weyrleader, along with her glass. "To all those pairs who gave their lives to protect Pern. May we never forget them." A deep draught is taken, and the short woman makes an effort to get back into less somber spirits, smiling softly at Gr'din's words about The Sandbar. "Smart move, on your Weyrlingmaster's part. It's nice enough weather and company most times that you find yourself getting inebriated faster than a sailor on shoreleave."

Charis nods in answer to K'len's question, "Yes, Shan is 'ere somewhere. I spotted 'er when I got in da room." She looks around a bit, a nod here and a smile there to those eyes that she meets, "Ahh, over there" she points out. She turns her attention back to the bronzerider, letting her gaze look him over, "You look very nice. Not dat I know what ya look like most of da time." she says quickly, a blush creeping up.

Tavrie abandons looking for whomever it was she was hoping to see, lowering her eyes to gaze at the sanguine liquid that shifts smoothly in her glass. "It was L'sen," she says in a rather whimsical manner, tone unable to hide some feelings that are attached to that name. The weyrwoman's cheeks flush a faint pink and then she smiles, laughing rather nervously and wafting her free hand to dismiss the talk before it goes further. "That was almost 5 turns ago now, I think," she says. Noting Caitlyn across the room, a look of recognition sparks on Tavrie's face and she smiles, whether the bluerider notices her or not.

An attractive blush rises to Anais' tan cheeks. "Why Shan, you're too kind." To Rylla, "Oh anywhere you like, I must confess I wouldn't know where to begin." But it's then that a tall, well-built man catches her eye. "How about over there?" She gestures in that general direction, and smiles warmly. "Shan, I'll catch you later sweetheart." She waves smoothly and turns to Rylla. "Shall we then?"

Gr'din flushes. "I'm sorry, sir. I'm Gr'din, bronze Sareith's at Telgar. My Da's Ranulf." The minehold should be a fairly familiar one: small, but well producing. "Reaches has been too hard hit, and he's greatful for all the weyr's done." A rueful smile and a duck of his head to Caitlyn and R'hin both, "And well aware that sometimes red tape up at the Hall can delay what's needed. He's spoken to E'tyn as well, though Telgar's need's not as great." Polite message passed on, his lips twist ruefully at Caitlyn. "I /miss/ drinking. No one told me how /long/ it'd be until I could next drink. And Rei - that's my Sareith - keeps telling me just a sip won't hurt anyone..." A flick of his eyes upwards for patience and he catches Tavrie's smile at Caitlyn, though from his direction, and the uncertain 'oh shells, should I know her' look that flashes across his face, it's clear he thinks the smile's for him.

Divya coughs into one hand and says, "R'hin is enjoying himself immensely. When I got here he was the only male present, and very much looked like a feline surrounded by cream vats."

K'len returns his gaze to Charis to give her a look over, "You look lovely in blue." He offers in return, a compliment for a compliment. He reaches to try and take her hand in his and then murmurs to her, "I have to see Shanlee for something." He says, but it appears he doesn't want to go alone towards the greenrider. A couple others are noted along the way, the weyrwoman in pink, as well as the gathering around where Caitlyn is. But, once he gets to where Shanlee stands, he arches a brow, "I've come to collect." He says, hoping she'll know exactly what he's talking about without him having to elaborate.

Silent contemplation follows R'hin's toasting of Caitlyn's words, exhaling slowly. "Gr'din," he finally says, "Yes, I remember your Impression. And Ranulf." He echoes the name, perhaps to enable him to tuck it away for later reference. "Red tape is a polite way of putting it, indeed. They haven't been too put out by the unexpected demand for firestone, have they?" A wry twitch of lips, as he eyes his own glass with relief. "If you do," he murmurs in an undertone, "Just don't tell me. E'tyn's a good man, and I respect him." The way he says it almost conveys the impression that this is a rare thing.

Shanlee affords Tavrie a warm smile "Fond memories?" the query not really needing answer for the blush says it all for the greenrider. Finishing the last of wine, another glass is taken off a passing tray the empty glass replacing it's position in the slim hand. It seems there were just blushes everywhere now as Anais to carries extra colour to her, amusement shows up for that "One compliment deserves another." given to the blonde girl in a tease right before she's moving off in the direction of her chosen quarry. The arrival of the Fortian bronzerider and his words elicit a low chuckle from the redhead "Oh you have, have you?" a sly smile appears sending the unspoken message that indeed she hasn't forgotten what was said to the young man.

Rylla offers Anais her arm, and tosses her hair before leading the lass back across the cavern towards the Reachian Weyrleader and the young rider with him. "Can't say I know that one, but you do have a good Eye Darlin'." Thankfully the pair are close enough to overhear the exchange of names. Even if Rylla won't use it At least Anais may have a slight advantage by the information. "Hello again Darlin'. Has everyone met?"

Caitlyn's small smile widens further as Gr'din speaks. "Well, nice to meet you, Gr'din. I'm kind-of a Telgari, too, coming from the SmithHall as I did. Not a drop allowed, eh?" A nitz from sensual lips. "A shame that is. I was allowed to have one drink with dinner the whole time, as long as no one got drunk." She can't help but follow the Telgari bronzer's gaze, and it finds Tavrie at its other end. Again, Cait grins and bounces a wave to the other woman, then gesturing her over.

Charis cants her head a bit, smiling again at K'len, "Why thank ya kind sir." she responds and does indeed take his hand. "Well then let's see if we can get through this crowd ta get to 'er?" The bluerider walks along with K'len, her hand in his, watching the group around her, taking in the beauty of the dresses and the sharp dress of the men. Once they reach Shanlee her features turn into a curious gaze, "Good evenin Shan"

Llany sheds her cloak revealing plain harper issue, standard traveling boots, grey slacks and a long sleeved harper blue sweater. The deep tan suggesting that perhaps this is not her usual wardrobe. After hanging up her cloak amongst a row of several she scans the crowd and spies a few familiar faces. As she makes her way through the gathering she offers waves and smiles to those she knows, eventually though she approaches the Masterharper and a brownrider unknown to her. "Good evening sir." she politely greets her master with a smile and a nod of her head.

Tavrie's expression turns to surprise and then amusement when she her glance takes in Gr'din next to Caitlyn and his expression. A dainty hand lifts to hide the smile that she can't push back at the misdirected greeting and the man's look of panic. The petite woman's shoulders rise and fall ever so slightly as she laughs. Lowering her hand now, she smiles more directly at Gr'din. "Hmm? Oh, yes," Tavrie replies to Shanlee, turning back to her from her moment of distraction.

"Is that so?" remarks Rodric with humor playing about his mouth as he finally spots the Weyrleader again. "Well, it /is/ a Turn's End party, isn't it? The Weyrleader /should/ enjoy himself at his own party." Diplomatic of course, the Masterharper's response and he takes another drink from his glass. "Ah, here comes more harper support," he nods towards Llany. "Good evening, Llany. Harper's duties to Ista. Do you remember Divya?" he indicates the rider with a smooth gesture of one hand.

Anais takes the proferred arm and follows Rylla across the room just in time to hear some names. She smiles warmly to those assembled in the group. "Evening to all. Isn't this a lovely party?" She leans towards the unfamiliar woman. "Your dress is absolutely darling." She offers, the smile genuine as she turns to each of them in turn.

K'len nods sharply at Shanlee's question, obviously standing there waiting for /something/ but not stepping any closer to her to attain it. Instead, it seems he wants her to take the initiative. He keeps his hand curled around Charis' in the process, offering her a quick smile, before adding, "And then you, or Charis can introduce me to your friends? Maybe?" He asks, since there's a familiarity there that he doesn't have. He again looks at Tavrie, offering her a quick smile as well, but returns it to Shanlee expectantly a moment later.

Gr'din blinks a bit in chagrin as Caitlyn reacts to Tavrie's smile. Apparently it wasn't for him, though he inclines his head politely to the blonde weyrwoman before shaking his head at R'hin, "Oh no, sir. My da's favorite word is 'efficient'. He'd gotten production ramped back up to full throttle the sevenday after first fall. And I'd not break the rules again. Learned my lesson early. Got /reamed/ by Nimiriel for a hangover in candidacy. And E'tyn," he says with a hint of pride, "Is very worthy of respect, yes sir. But, I didn't mean to take up too much of your time, sir, Ma'am." This last to Caitlyn and he grins. "That would've been nice, but Breena's a stickler. And since I had a 'reputation'..." He trails off and shrugs, that same rueful twist back on his lips.

Llany smiles, "No I do not belive we've had the pleasure," she extends her hand in greeting, "but I think I've seen you before, the last couple of times I've had the honor of singing in your lovely Weyr."

"A reputation? Mm." R'hin seems to dismiss that with a twitch of shoulders, as pale eyes drift around the crowd, settling for a moment on the Masterharper. "I'd best keep moving. If the lady of the spires catches me monopolising your time, she'll get ideas," a wry twist of lips, as he inclines his head to Caitlyn and Gr'din both. "Do be sure to take advantage of our hospitality; I'll be sure to do the same next time I'm in either of your Weyrs." The words are spoken with a grin, but seem to be blandly honest just the same. Turning away, he heads to refill his wineglass before he resumes the role of host.

Divya extends her own hand to shake Llany's. "Divya, Konnevath's rider and former Harper. I haven't had the chance to hear you sing, but I've heard a lot of compliments about you from those who have. Is your specialty voice, or are you an instrument-maker like Master Rodric here?"

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

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

The throng of people at the entrance to the cavern get gently but firmly nudged out of the way as W'red and Eleria enter the cavern hand in hand. The tall brown rider scans the crowd looking for familiar faces, heading over to the drinks table first to get something to drink for the two of them before settling into the night of mingling and having fun.

Shanlee raises a brow as the exchange between Tavrie and the Telgari weyrling is noted "Friend of yours?" asked in idle curiosity "Perhaps he might appreciate you going over there to say hello?" is prompted toward the junior goldrider. Lips curl into an almost apologetic grin that's sent to Charis as the redhead steps right up to the Fortian bronzerider. Glass hand held away not wanting to spill any of it's contents, and proceeds to do exactly what he was expecting and that is to kiss him rather soundly. Stepping back again, green eyes flash with amusement "Happy Turnday bronzerider." a low chuckle spilling out as with complete nonchalance the glass of wine is lifted to her lips and a slow sip taken as if nothing had happened. "No offence Charis, just a promise I made to him." a wink follows to show it had all been in good fun. J'tin happened to turn at that precise moment a look of query passing over, to which the greenrider merely raises a brow and tips her glass in his direction. That'll teach him to abandon her.

Tavrie, having caught Caitlyn's glance as well, hold's up a finger indicating that in a moment or so, if permitting, she'll make her way over. However, Caitlyn's current company, R'hin, then receives a scalding look and the junior weyrwoman turns her attention to Charis, greeting her with a warm smile and her guest with a polite head bob. "Who's your friend, Char?" Tavrie queries mischievously, then slants a glance at Shanlee as the man seems to know her, too. The weyrwoman smirks faintly.

Caitlyn 'ahhs' softly at Gr'din, smirking up at him. "Probably for the best, then. when you graduate, you should come down and imbibe with one of my clutchmates, M'duk. He loves his ale." Intent ears listen to R'hin, and he gets a soft laugh. "Dangerous, having a pregnant weyrmate. Thanks, Sir," she murmurs, finger-wiggling him off. Looking back over to Tavrie, she catches only the scalding look given to the departing R'hin, the bluerider whincing a little.

"Never seen him before," Tavrie notes to Shanlee, pursing her lips in mock disapproval and shaking her head for emphasis.

Rylla gives Anais a wink before purring out honey sweet and overly loud for Caitlyn Gr'din and R'hin to hear. "Again Darlin' you have a good Eye. The lass's dress is breath taking." Her gaze lifts to look at the group before she smile flashes again. "Have you all met Anais?"

Rodric smiles first at Divya then at Llany. "You should sing together tonight. Maybe one of the ballads about Moreta? One of you could do Orlith and the other Moreta. That'd work out rather nicely," the harper proposes with a sunny grin.

Charis glances between K'len and Shanlee, curious to the hidden meanings behind the words that the bronzerider says to her friend. She is standing in a group, Shanlee and Tavrie are closeby, the bluerider is actually holding K'len's hand, a smile on her face as she speaks to the others. When the greenrider moves over to kiss the man though she snicker softly, shaking her head, "I should 'ave known something." she says with mirth dancing in her gray eyes, 'None taken Shan. K'len and I just figured we would meet up because it would be nicer ta 'ave someone ta be with then alone. Good way ta get ta know each other."

Gr'din is running hot and cold tonight, apparently, as Tavrie's welcome to Caitlyn and then the scalding look come, just as R'hin's moving off. He blinks a bit in confusion, the consternation plainly showing on his face at the apparent brush off. He leans in a bit to murmur to Caitlyn, "Who /is/ that woman, and what'd I do to her, if you don't mind my asking? - And M'duk. I'll look for him. Ale's my drink, actually. Miss it terribly. hard being the old man of the weyrling group." A bittersweet smile to the Istan before his gaze wanders back Tavrie-wards.

Llany blinks in surprise then smiles, "You've heard of my performances? I'm flattered, really." she says with honesty, "Thank you very much, it's always pleasant to know others have enjoyed my singing as much as I enjoy singing for them." she tries, in vain, to place a few loose hairs behind an ear, "I am indeed a vocalist, thank you for asking. What did you specialize in before your Konnevath found you?"

A smile lights up Llany's face at Rodric's suggestion, "Oh! That sounds like a lovely idea! Would you honor me with a duet?" she asks Divya.

K'len stands where he is, without even attempting to wrap his arm around Shanlee as he's given his turnday kiss. He has quite the broad smile on his face afterwards, and squeezes Charis' hand to let her know she's not completely forgotten either. "Thank you, Shan. I was looking forward to it." He says politely, even giving a bit of a bow to the greenrider afterwards with a bit of a twinkle in his eye. He then tugs Charis closer to him if she allows him and quirks a smile at Tavrie. "I'm K'len, rider of bronze Kalorith of Fort." He offers to the goldrider, even if he doesn't know her. He doesn't ask, either, letting her decide if she's going to introduce herself or not.

It's hard to miss that feeling when you're being looked at, and R'hin glances just in time to catch Tavrie's look. Apparently it's just as puzzling to him, given the furrowing of brow as he watches the weyrwoman for a heartbeat or two. He continues moving through the crowd soon after, slowly making his way to where Divya, Rodric, and Llany are standing.

Eleria shivers slightly as she strolls through the crowd along with W'red, the cold of between slow to leave, though the drink in her free hand does seem to be helping warm her. She too, begins to look for familiar faces, and most likely one or two in particular, her slate blue eyes flickering lightly over different people, her gaze lingering on some, passing over others, and more than a few get a warm smile and a some sort of heartfelt greeting, as it has been awhile since she's seen most of them. The group with Charis gets her attention soon enough, and its towards them that she moves to, giving the brownrider's hand a gentle squeeze before heading that way.

Caitlyn blinks over at Rylla's arrival with one of her friends, giving them a saucy smirk. "Hello again, Rylla... ma'am," she adds for the other woman's behalf. "Thank you," are her next words for the compliment about her dress. "I traded a piece of jewelry I made for it from a Weaver Journeyman. We both fell in love with each others' works." Gr'din's confusion, and latter words earn him a cocked brow, a smile. "I like mixed stuff, and The Sandbar is great for those. I was the oldest in my group, too. Thank goodness Balinne was just a few months younger."

Divya finishes off her bubbly wine before answering. "My specialty was composition, with voice a close second. I nearly managed to compose myself right out of the Hall, but luckily Master Shirana had more of a sense of humor than she was normally credited with." Her jaw sags slightly when she hears Rodric's suggestion, but she manages to rally soon enough. "I'm a bit rusty, Llany. I haven't sung for a crowd in a long time. But if that doesn't bother you, then I'd be happy to sing with you."

Shanlee reaches over with her free hand to tap playfully at Charis' arm "Glad you know me better then that." Lifting her glass back up to her lips, the greenrider chuckles at K'len's words "MmmmHHhmm." her reply non-verbal amusement. The disapproving look coming from Tavrie "Just asking?" lips twist in thought "Very briefly met him before he impressed. Was actually speaking to one of his cluctchmate's at the time....Ronari that's it. W'red and I went over to look at the eggs when they were still on the Sands." explanation provided easily enough. Another sweep of green eyes around the beautifully decorated room, still doesn't provide what she seems to periodically be looking for.

Good food, drink and music abounding, those in attendance of this function are clearly taking the opportunity to relax and unwind. The atmosphere, one charged with a sense of fun and celebration as all concerns are set aside for this one night. With almost as many on the dance floor as are standing about or sitting in groups the cavern is a cozy cocoon of warmth from the bone chilling cold outside that is a winter at High Reaches Weyr and the scourge of thread falling during an Interval.

"If you wait long enough, everyone will be drunk enough to forgive a touch of rustiness, Divya," says the Masterharper with a wink. "And aye, Shirana had a far better sense of humor than most would credit her with. After all, she survived having me as a special apprentice." Rodric's grin widens and he drains the last of his drink and casts about for a server to get him another one. "However, if singing isn't in the offing, might I at least beg a dance of you Divya?"

Finally, some progress. Not understanding the animosity between the two women, Anais extends her hand to Caitlyn. "It's a pleasure to meet you Caitlyn." She pauses for a moment, thinking. "Have we met? I swear you look vaguely familiar." She turns to the tall Weyrling, her brilliant smile flashing. "I've heard of that place, though I confess I've never been there. Are the drinks good there?" She asks inquisitively.

Gr'din's attention is diverted from gnawing over whatever his faux pas might've been with Tavrie to nod politely to Rylla and Anais. "Telgar's duties to High Reaches, ma'am. Miss. Gr'din, bronze Sareith's at Telgar." And at Caitlyn's revelation he grins. "I think the next oldest in my class is all of nineteen." As Anais asks he grimaces, "Have to ask Caitlyn here. I'm not allowed to drink until after graduation."

Llany smiles, "Oh it's no bother at all! It's not always the quality of voice that matters but the enthusiasm of the performer. Why don't you sing the lead? Seems appropriate that you sing the role of Moreta, I'll sing counterpoint as the voice of Orlith. The overture of the second act when the two are arguing about how best to deliver the serum would be perfect. What do you think?" she looks between brownrider and master with a smile. "But if you two would rather have a dance I'll warm up my flute."

Charis chuckles softly again, a curious look given to K'len, squeezing his hand back and takes a small step closer to him. Anyone else entering or leaving the room have gone unnoticed by the bluerider, her attention draw to the conversation at hand. "'ello Tavrie. And Shan." She takes a sip from the wine in her hand, "This is nice. Its great ta be able ta 'ave a night ta celebrate, even with everything goin on."

Tavrie inclines her head politely, her eyes merry and bright again. "Well met, K'len. I'm Tavrie, lifemate of gold Nabrimeth of High Reaches," she introduces herself in reply. Turning back to Shan, Tavrie smiles sheepishly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound so touchy. But even I get twitchy in crowds," she offers apologetically. "He looks a friendly sort. He just intercepted my smile to Caitlyn. And I think he also ended up with my immature glowering at R'hin," she admits under her breath and sighs. "Great," she groans, burying her face in her hands a moment.

R'hin, full glass now in hand, finally makes his way to the small grouping of harpers - and ex-harper. "Ah, some saying about birds of a wherry springs to mind. 'Reaches' duties to the Harper Hall," he says, giving a nod to Rodric, and an easy, polite smile for Divya and Llany. "Did I hear something about a duet?"

"Wherries of a feather?" replies Rodric, turning slightly as R'hin approaches, with a broad grin and he inclines his head politely to the Weyrleader. "Harper's duties and happy Turn's End, R'hin. I was just trying to cajole these two fine vocalists into a performance and if not that, a dance with at least /one/ of the lovely ladies."

Caitlyn offers Anais her own hand out of courtesy, palms meeting. "Anais? I don't think so. I've been, uhm, laid up for months." A weak smile and a shrug, and her eyes slip to Gr'din, then back to Anais. "Mhm, very good, and in our lovely tropical atmosphere, too. Just a roof with a bar, chairs, and tables on the dock."

Amusement carries in Rylla's eyes as she watches the young lass with the riders then feeling her job is done lifts her wine glass in another toast before backing away to let the three get acquainted. Its then that one of the Aunties taps the Greenrider on her shoulder and whispers in her ear. Rylla quickly nods and follows the Auntie out to tend to her daughter who seems not willing to settle down and sleep without saying clear skies to her ma. "I'll return shortly Darlin's."

K'len offers a warm smile in return to Tavrie, giving her a bit of a bow as well and a nod. "Save me a dance for later?" He asks, giving her a faintly sheepish smile as he realizes how it must sound with him collecting Charis, then kissing Shanlee, now asking Tavrie to dance. "I must dance with Charis now." He says, looking at her to confirm that's what she might like to do. "I hope you wore hard toed shoes, I am a /terrible/ dancer." He says with a quirk of a smile, but with enough of a sympathetic expression to assure that it's probably true.

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

Llany curtsies to the Weyrleader, "Ista's Duties sir. May the new turn hold joy and happiness to you and yours."

W'red smiles and nods as they head through the crowd, softly saying to the ebony haired woman, "Seems we are a little late," as she squeezes his hand and heads off to a group of people. Non alcholic drink in his hand W'red, eyes follow her and then he himself follows to join the small group. "Shanlee, Charis, Tavrie, good evening," is said with a broad smile, a nod of the head to the unknown rider.

Divya says, "Good evening, Weyrleader. You did hear something about a song, but I owe Master Rodric a dance first. If you don't mind?" A well-timed server takes Divya's empty glass, leaving her free to offer her hand to Rodric.

The girl sighs, closing her eyes as she pictures the scene described. "Oh it sounds /divine/. I'll certainly keep it in mind if I ever go back south." She turns to the departing Rylla and waves before returning her attention to the Weyrling. "Gr'din, was it? I know just the thing to get your mind off of that drink. I hear the harpers striking a tune, and it's very hard to drink and dance." She extends her hand palm up, and offers a sweet smile. "Would you honor me with a dance, bronzerider Gr'din?"

"And to you," R'hin replies easily to Rodric, tipping his glass into the Masterharper's direction in wordless toast. "Cajole? If I could sing -I- would. We're all past due for a bit of fun, I think." His smile deepens at Llany's curtsy. "And yours. You've played for us before, I think, Harper--" the brief pause at the end indicates a lack of a name. "Please, be my guests." An easy nod and a gesture of hand indicates his blessing at Divya's query, attention shifting back towards Llany.

In her sweep of the room, Shan's eyes had touched on the rather unmistakable figure of the Masterharper himself amongst which she also recognises Llany, Divya and the Weyrleader. Coming back to Charis, she tips her chin in that direction "Seems our little shindig even attracted the likes of the Masterharper himself." a grin disappearing behind another sip of wine "I've heard Llany play gitar at The Sandbar in Ista when I tried to organise that reunion. Talented she is." Coincidence being what it is, it's then that W'red and Eleria appear and make their greetings "W'red, Eleria. Didn't think I'd see you two here?"

Rodric abandons his glass in favor of taking Divya's hand with a gallant bow. "Excellent, then if we may prevail upon the ladies, you shall have your song, Weyrleader," the Masterharper replies, with another smile. "This is Journeywoman Llany, and of course, the Weyrleader, R'hin, rider of bronze Leiventh." Rodric performs proper introductions before excusing himself. "And I do beg your pardon, but they're striking up the first measure and a gentleman should never keep a lady waiting." So saying, he turns to lead Divya onto the dance floor.

Llany smiles as she return's R'hin's query, "Llany sir. And yes, I performed at one of your hatching and provided chamber music at your last winter festival. Thank you for remembering."

Gr'din nods politely to Anais. "Certainly, miss. Caitlyn, it was a real pleasure meeting you. And Ista'd be a welcome sight in all the snow up north. I hope we'll meet again." He takes Anais' palm, tucking it properly into his arm. "So are you from 'Reaches, Anais?" He leads the young woman to the dance floor.

Caitlyn smiles at the departing Rylla, widening it to a grin as Anais asks Gr'din to dance. "You two have fun out there," she chortles, giving them a wiggling finger wave, hen setting off towards where she saw Tavrie earlier. The crowd doesn't let her see through to the junior weyrwoman, so the bluerider works on memory.

Tavrie smirks faintly at K'len, looking up and down and then giggling. "We'll see, loverboy," she chides him, winking. Indeed mischevious, K'len and Charis are spared any more mischief when W'red appears and greets the group. "Hey there, W'red," she returns his greeting. Tavrie downs the rest of her wine now, a healthy pink the telltale of a light drinker.

R'hin inclines his head towards Rodric, pale eyes lingering on the pair as they head towards the dance floor. Gaze flickers back towards Llany soon enough, however, and he offers a smile as if just recalling, "Ah. Yes, Harper Llany. Hard to forget - I do enjoy a good tune to dance to, after all. I'm grateful we were able to steal you away from Ista - if just temporarily."

"Just a bit late W'red," Eleria notes quietly to the brownrider, a single brow quirking at him as she glances up his way, before greeting the group they had approached. "Good evening Shanlee," is said through a warm smile, before nodding politely to the others, her eyes coming to a rest on Charis, though its to Shan she asks, "why is that?" Her smile broadens as it lingers on the bluerider, but after a heartbeat longer, her gaze lifts to look at the harpers and the Weyrleader.

Anais nods and waggles her fingers in farewell to Caitlyn as she is led out onto the dance floor. The petite blonde looks up ast her escort and shakes her head. "I'm Nabolese by birth, but a while back I left and went south--got tired of the cold I guess." She chuckles and shakes her head, platinum tresses bobbing slightly. "I'm not a big fan of the cold, but Turn's End just doesn't seem right without snow, so I came up to visit da and my brothers. Just so happens they were bringing the tithe train today, so I came along." She could hear the musicians finish their last piece, and begin to strike up their next tune, a giddy reel. "Oh I'm so glad I did, it's been ages since I've had the opportunity to dance!"

Eyebrows lift at Shan's comment, "Why not? I do live here, don't I," The little jibe being left right there, as W'red takes a sip of the juice in his glass, taking in the small group as they stand chatting. Seems that the unknown rider standing with Charis, will not be introduced so he takes the initiative himself, "W'red brown Tavaith's, Reaches duties, to you....?"

Divya walks with Master Rodric to the dance floor, and gives her skirts a quick shake to loosen things. "I hope you can keep up. I may be a grandmother-to-be, but Konnevath has helped me stay in good shape." She smiles and strikes a dance pose just as things begin.

Llany bows slightly as a flush reddens her cheeks, "I'm honored sir, thank you. I hope to provide some of the entertainment for dancing tonight. And perhaps a song or two. Would the Weyrleader like to make a request?"

"Oh, come now. It was only a turnday kiss. I'll be looking for you later, pink lady. So, go get your hard toed shoes for your own safety." K'len says to Tavrie, winking back at her and then blinking a bit at W'red and his company as well. "Oh, I'm sorry. K'len, bronze Kalorith's of Fort. Fort's duties." He offers politely to the man, and then offers a smile to his company as well - but it's just politely offered. "Charis, shall we?" He asks her, since the music is likely to kick in shortly.

"And I'm a grandfather twice over, but I do believe my feet still know what they're doing. It's not that easy to shake Master Edlin's training out of a harper after all." Rodric references one of the former Dance Masters at the hall as he takes the proper posture and position for this particular dance and after a brief pause to catch the beat, steers the pair off amongst the other couples.

"Just one request," R'hin answers Llany with a smile and an oustretched hand in offering, "A dance with the Istan Harper, before you're stolen away to entertain others?"

The pink glow growing on Tavrie, has Shan casting a careful eye of her clutchmate "Some fresh juice Tavrie?" the offer made with a chuckle and followed with a faintly pointed look at the glass in the junior goldrider's hand. Green eyes flick upward to try and meet the brown of hers in attempt to jog a memory there without words. Back to Eleria and W'red as she leaves the goldrider to consider that a moment. Bared shoulders lift and fall at the question from the Benden headwoman "Thought maybe Benden might have something on." cleverly covering whatever else she wasn't saying.

Charis turns her head, the woman's hand still holding K'len's lightly, hearing W'red's greeting, gray eyes falling on him a moment, "Good evenin W'red." she says in greeting before she looks to her best friend, "Leri! I'm so glad dat you could come." She squeezes the bronzeriders hand before releasing it for the moment, "Can our dance wait a few minutes K'len? Oh, this is Eleria, 'eadwoman over at Benden and W'red, brownrider of Tavaith." She moves over to offer the woman a warm hug, "I've not seen ya in a while. 'ope ya got all my notes. Ya know 'ow lazy Barley is."

Llany grins widely as she accepts the Weyrleader's hand and performs a formal stage bow. "Sir I would be honored to accept. Would you kindly lead the way?" she looks to the dance floor.

Gr'din chuckles. "Well, I hope you won't be too disappointed. I'm a fair dancer, but not a great one." He leads Anais into the patterns, deftly avoiding a teenage couple that has more exhuberance than sense. "Nabol, hm? We've not gotten there yet. Still learning all the weyrs and the holds in our coverage. And I completely agree, snow's only proper at turn's end." A wry smile, "Though this is not the turn's end I'd've pictured in my wildest dreams." He steers the girl past Tavrie, darting an almost apprehensive look at the Reaches goldrider.

Divya is forced to agree with Rodric's assessment of his dancing skills. His feet do indeed remember what to do. She throws herself into the dance, laughing with sheer joy.

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

Off to one side, is a knot of men and women standing about and holding what would seem to be a serious discussion of some sort. If one were to sweep past, it would be ascertained that while being seriously debated, the topic itself however is not one of a serious nature but rather some of Iceberg wing contemplating the best way to approach a lady or gentleman and ask for their hand in dance. A few wry chuckles coming forth in low, contained tones at some of the suggestions being made. Along with some faintly disapproving glances over to Icicle and Snowstrike who seem to be under no such hesitancies when it comes to enjoying the evening to it's fullest potential.

M'wen has arrived.

Tavrie tips her head back, laughing enthusiastically. "You win then, if you can find me again, by all means, I owe you a dance," she replies to K'len with a raucous grin almost too wild for the tame, gentile gown she's wearing. "Hmm, juice?" Tavrie once again finds herself being drawn back to reality by her friend. The tiny woman glances at her glass and then at Shanlee, eyes the growing wide as she catches on to the message. "Oh! Juice! No thank you, I think I'm fine for the rest of the evening," she assures the greenrider, cheeks changing from pink to an abashed crimson. Tavrie glances down at her feet and begins to fidget with a lock of hair hanging over her shoulder again. A dancing pair moves along not far from her and looking up, still in full blush, Tavrie notes the apprehensive look of the formerly look acosted bronze weyrling. She offers him a shy, almost apologetic look with petal pink lips and friendly, klah brown eyes.

As she's steered past the goldrider she had met earlier, Anais shoots her a smile. Then turning back to Gr'din she shakes her head. "Oh I'm not disappointed at all!" She assures him. "You seem to step light enough." The sweep close to the musicians, and she calls out to one she met earlier. He obliges with a smile and the tempo begins to pick up. She glances up to the bronzerider, a bit of challenge in her green eyes. She matches it effortlessly, kicking her legs up and swinging high. "Why didn't you picture yourself here? Seems a fine place to spend the last night of the Turn."

"Well, Benden doesn't have anything going on that I needed to be present for Shan, but perhaps you'd know more about that than I? Despite my position?" Eleria says laughingly to Shanlee as she accepts the hug from Charis, giving the bluerider a warm squench before letting her arm fall away, and managing to not spill the drink in her other arm's hand. "Well met K'len, and Charis, please, don't delay your fun on my account, may your feet be light and your heart merry. I expect I'll be about for just a bit. Oh, and yes, I did get your notes, I hope you got mine? I used, well, a friend's firelizard, who is very reliable for most, but the regular Hold's flit, is less so to be sure."

Rylla returns with an angelic smile playing on her lips. Having lost her drink somewhere along the way she stops a server and picks up another then steps in a bit further to enjoy a quiet moment watching the dancers and sipping the wine.

"But of course," R'hin replies as if it was a foregone conclusion. He passes his wineglass to one of the passing servers, expertly transferring Llany's hand into the crook of his arm, leading the pair into the midst of the dancers on the floor. He pauses long enough to catch the beat, hand settling lightly on Llany's hip as he begins leading her in the dance. He's an adept dancer, more than capable of keeping up with the fast pace, though doesn't try anything fancy just yet, grinning at the Istan harper.

Rodric spins Divya about ably as the music calls for it and then there's a shallow dip and they're off again in another figure of the dance, the Master chatting to the former Harper amiably the whole while. They thread through other couples nimbly enough, no near-accidents in sight until the rider excuses herself to get another drink and Rodric drifts to the sidelines, watching the dancing, eyes marking other faces in the crowd.

Caitlyn finally wades through the crowd, glaring at someone who impolitely elbows her trying to get to the dance floor, and finds Tavrie...and W'red, and Eleria, and Shanlee. Seems the goldrider's popular. "Hello Tavrie!" she pipes up brightly, smiling at the weyrwoman, nodding warmly to the others gathered. "Nice way to spend Turn's end."

Gr'din is light enough on his feet, yes, but he's still a large man, and the increased tempo has him working to keep up. It takes enough of his attention that he's concentrating for a long moment, conversation lagging. Then finally, "Oh - I was sure I wouldn't impress. Too old. And I had plans." A bit of a grin and he shakes his head depricatingly. "I'd never even been to a weyr before Telgar."

Llany places her hands on R'hin's shoulder and hip... perhaps a tad further back than is normal. A practiced dancer, her feet slip easily into the dance and she enjoys the dance. The smile on her face is genuine as she let's the weyrleader... well lead, she follows him across the dance floor, interweaving with the other dancers but dancing with her partner.

As the music calls for, Anais spins away from Gr'din, claps her hands one, twice, and then spins back in, laying slender hands on his arms in preparation for the lift that made this particular reel famous. "Oh? I'd been in and out with da's tithe train, I like it here." She pauses for breath. "What kind of plans did you have before you Impressed?"

W'red nods his head in K'len's direction, "Well met K'len," then he turns his attention briefly to Eleria, and Charis, a smile given for the two friends at the embrace. Putting an arm about Leri shoulders, he stands and watches as the people move about, the ebb and flow of the crowd as people move onto and off the dance floor. Tavrie seeming to be some what popular, this evening as every rider that walks by seems to give her at least some of their attention. The arrival of Caitlyn, in the small group gets a warm smile from the rider, who for the most part remains silent.

K'len gives a quick nod to Tavrie, "Alright, I'll hunt you down in a little while." He says, and crosses his arms over his chest as his hand is released by Charis, and narrows his gaze a little when Caitlyn comes over. But, he keeps his mouth shut and lets her address those around him as well - as he pays more attention to Shanlee, W'red, and Eleria. He's attempting to be patient, he really is, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out that not only is he getting uncomfortable but he's getting impatient.

Once R'hin's assured himself that Llany's capable, the bronzerider picks up the pace, grin deepening as he spins her away from him, only the firm grip of his hand in hers keeping control of the movement. "It's always nice to find an adept partner," he compliments her as he spins her back and around the dance floor.

On the decline of her offer of juice to Tavrie, Shan simply dips her head in quiet acceptance, lips curving upward into a grin for the deeper colour that touches her cheeks. Eleria's words in return afford a the smile to be turned on her "No, not that I'm aware of." then leaves the two friends to their greetings and exchange of words as Charis is hugged. The arrival of yet another to their group and one that seems to recognise Tavrie has the greenrider stepping back and slowly extricating herself from the tight knot of people with a polite smile for the other woman. K'len is afforded a sympathetic look as she backs away, neatly avoiding the pairs that twirl their way passed in the fast paced steps of the dance, J'tin seems to be the one that catches her focus now "Some date you are." is muttered low to him as she passes by, a narrowed look going the way of his wingmates who seem to find that amusing.

Gr'din hesitates a second for that lift, and as a result, his timing is off. The lift is completed, but he very nearly takes out a nearby pair doing it. "Sorry! Shells, I didn't hit anyone, did I? Are you all right, Anais? Haven't done this in far too long - um," he gets back to the conversation, the tips of his ears red, "I was hoping to open one of the emerald mines that'd been closed during the pass. But that was before thread."

"Hmm, it was Caitlyn, wasn't it? You have the dashing yet belly-bumped blue," Tavrie notes ponderously with a giggle. "I'm glad you could make it, Reaches duties," the junior weyrwoman extends politely. "I'm glad it sounds like you are enjoying the party. Satiet and the headwomen have made it something special this turn," is noted proudly. Noting someone passing by with a tray of nice little finger foods, Tavrie waves him over and takes one of the daintly baked bread and meat pasties, smiling sweetly and offering a polite 'thank you'. This is popped into her mouth, saving her from having to be too conversational. The man then offers his tray to the group of people chatting nearby.

W'red gets another look from the bluerider, her thoughts hard to judge, quickly moving back to Eleria, an affectionate smile given to her. "Well will 'ave ta catch up soon. Maybe I can spare some time and get out ta Benden? Its been to long." She gives her friend another hug before stepping back over to K'len, offering her hand back to him, "Well sir. Time for dat dance?" A smile tugs at the corners of her lips, a wink spared for Leri before she heads towards the dancefloor

Llany laughs merrily as she spins out then back into R'hin's arms, "All the better to make a well rounded performer. Thank you. It's equally a joy to have a partner who doesn't crush my toes, my compliments sir." she flows into the dip and recovery, "Where did you learn do dance so well?" she asks.

Walking into the Living Cavern with a furtive glance about, M'wen gives a little shiver, looking cold and weather-worn. The warm glow of the cavern, combined with the merry dancers and chatters gets a small grin as the brownrider leans against the nearest wall with the faintest sigh of relief.

Anais, grateful now for the years of practice that her foster mother had enforced, compensates for the bad timing with a rippling laugh. "No you didn't hit anyone, and yes I'm perfectly fine. Believe me, I'm used to rougher handling than that." She says with a smile that's just a little too bright. She notices his ears coloring, and can't help but smile. That's adorable. But his next sentence immediately captures her attention. "Emeralds? That's amazing! They were my mother's favorite!" She lets go with one hand and spins out and then back in, kicking her heels before grabbing her partner back. "You should do that, soon as Thread stops. REally, it sounds like an adventure!"

Rylla spots Rodric amongst the group of dance watchers and heads over to stand close by to talk. "Enjoying yourself, Darlin'?" She purrs out ever sweet before sipping her wine again. All the finery being admired by her calculating eye.

A polite mask slides over Rodric's face and he turns slightly to greet Rylla. "Good evening, rider. Happy end of turn. It's been an excellent evening so far. There's lots of good dancers out there, don't you think?" he nods towards the Weyrleader and Llany and one other couple cutting a rug.

Yes, Caitlyn was politely ignoring K'len, but his narrowed gaze draws a glower of brown eyes from her, too. Rather than spoil her time, she simply continues ignoring the bronzer further - finding the other company infinitely more appealing. A loud snicker for Tavrie's words, the woman nodding. "Yep, that'd be me and my Kintryth. And Ista's to 'Reaches." She too grabs a couple of the finger sandwiches, munching on one with hunger plain in her manner. The woman seems relieved as K'len departs to the dance floor, becoming less proper, less uptight. Huh? Whazzat? Did she hear someone out there say emeralds?! Cait's ear perk up towards Anais and Gr'din, though her eyes remain on present company.

"I'm not entirely sure if that's a compliment of my skills, or a comment on how many poor partners you've had," R'hin says laughingly, continuing the fast pace as he leads Llany around the dance floor. "Me? Oh, well. Many connections are made on the dance floor, so it always behooved me to learn."

Its K'len who gets an arched brow now, Eleria having noticed his impatience, her gaze moving from him to Charis and to the latter she says before the bluerider moves off with the bronzerider, "that would be nice girl and yes, it has been awhile, go on with you, have fun." She now turns her attention to the rest of the room, curious eyes seeing the rider from Ista W'red had smiled at, as well as noticing how popular Tavrie is, and with a lowered voice, she notes teasingly to the man whose arm is about her shoulders, "you'd better claim your dances with the ladies while you can W'red."

Tavrie grins all the more at the mention of the blue's name and nods. "Apparently, Nabrimeth finds that very funny," she passes along. The woman slants another glance at Shanlee, seeming to check in with her before her gaze drifts to the dance floor in a searching manner, brows lifting to give away curiousity. It takes a moment before she finds the pair she seeks following their progress for a moment. Then, unfortunate circumstances seem to change the course of her evening. One of the servers bumps into Caitlyn and proceeds to give Tavrie some more whine. The red liquid splashes down the front of her lavish gown and the young woman's eyes go wide with horror. Instead of getting irate, she apologizes profusely, eyes looking misty. "I'll, umm, be back...I have to err, change," she manages to stammer out, looking apologetic. Tavrie takes a few steps back from the group and then turns to hurry out.

"Quite." Rylla purrs having not missed the quick shift of the HarperMaster's features which causes her a great deal of amusement. "The same to you Darlin', but are you not dancing? I do recall you had a flare for the art last time we met." Either the wine or her earlier absence has taken some of the bite off the Rider.

K'len appears a little crestfallen when Eleria looks at him as she does, but he collects Charis' hand none the less and leads her away without a word to the Istan bluerider at all. He does spare a glance for Shanlee, but beyond that, he's got his attention more affixed on Charis and taking her to the dance floor to collect his dance with her as well. "Yes, we should before it gets too late." He says quietly, a little more subdued than he was before.

Llany smiles as her feet deftly weave their steps in the dances pattern she chuckles, "Rest assured good weyrleader, it is most defiantly a compliment. Though I must admit, it's been awhile since I've made a connection on the dance floor." she grins.

W'red smiles pleasantly at Charis, the look given taken as nothing, but friendly, he watches as the blue rider and the Fortian bronze rider head off in the direction of the dance floor. He says quietly to Leri giving her shoulders a squeeze, "Seems that Charis has an admirer." The tall brown rider seeing one of the serving trays flitting past stops the young man, "Would you like anything Leri?" Hearing Leri's remark he quirks an eyebrow at her, "Oh and that would be you then Eleria, the only one I'd like to twirl about the dance floor with, I have no claim to the other 'ladies'"

"My partner's stepped aside for a drink," replies the Harper smoothly, flashing the rider another polite smile. "I'm sure she'll be back presently. Are you enjoying some of the sparkling wine, or have you seen a red floating around?" Rodric catches sight of another tray passing and peers a bit more closely at the contents of the glasses.

Making her around the outer edges of the crowd, Shan halts as the exchange between Rodric and Rylla is picked up on, a faint line creases her forehead. Ignoring J'tin's calls behind her to go back and join them, the greenrider heads instead for the table of drinks and helps herself to a glass of amber liquid. Turning and heading back the way she'd come, the redhead pauses at the Masterharper's side a faint tip of head being all acknowledgement of Rylla "Good Evening Sir, so glad you could join us for the celebrations."

Caitlyn is rather aghast at the winey splash on Tavrie's pretty gown, too - looking sad then nodding and waving to the goldrider as she departs. Well, now that she's amongst strangers, the bluerider clams up some - quietly passing her empty glass to a server - taking a glass of juice, nibbling on her sandwich. As W'red and Eleria pair off mostly likely to dance, she simply smiles around, and putters off.

"It's been a long time since I was called 'good' anything," R'hin counters Llany's words with good humor twinkling in pale eyes. As the dance comes to an end and new partners move out onto the dance floor, the Weyrleader moves to expertly guide the harper through the crowd, "I do appreciate the dance, however," he adds in a low murmur, grinning at her as he angles for the side of the dancefloor they came from, where Rodric, Rylla and now Shanlee are standing.

Gr'din guides Anais into a spin and then back. "We'll see. Who knows how long thread may last, coming like this." He catches sight of Therese, his nursemaid for the evening, gesturing towards the bowl. "But gemstones were my primary interest. I thought I'd enough of firestone for ages. It's been very pleasant meeting you, Anais, but I'm being rounded up to go." He guides her to the edge of the crowd.

Charis catches the look from her friend, smiling reassuringly to her to take up conversation later when they can. K'len hand is given a warm squeeze, "Not a good dancer eh? Well then, I guess we'll 'ave ta try ta see if we can work on dat." She leans in close to the bronzerider, the room and music louder, "Something wrong K'len? I 'ope dat I didn't do anything?" she asks him.

Rylla contemplates the contents of her glass, swirling the white wine it contains before shaking her head. "The first I'm afraid, as the latter seems harder to come by now-a-days. But if you'd care for a glass I'm sure a bottle could be found Darlin'." She looks quite willing to even order one of the drudges to go in look for such a bottle should Rodric show an interest.

Caitlyn hangs around the periphery of the dance crowd, hopeful to overhear more tidbits from Gr'din and Anais. And when he mentions gemstones, the short Istan gives a quiet squeal to herself, eyes widening - her manner nearly bouncing with delight. She runs to him quickly and mutters, "Hey! Have your bronze talk to my Kintryth! I used to be with the Smiths, and the Miners! I love gemstones, too!"

Llany chuckles as he links her arm with R'hin's as he guides her across the floor to their previous companions, though the brownrider seems to have been replaces with two greens. When they arrive she's not overly anxious to release her dance partners arm leaving it to his discretion. "Well then savor it until I have another opportunity." she says coyly.

"Start off with something slow." K'len suggests, lest he end up fumbling too much. He doesn't look back at Caitlyn, not even when she scurries off towards Gr'din. Nope, he keeps his attention on Charis for the time being, quite seriously. He shakes his head at her question, and only answers, "It's nothing to do with you. It'll be fine. Let's just dance and enjoy the moment."

Gr'din beams at Caitlyn and nods. "Will do!" As Therese descends, he gives a light bow to both women, before being ushered out.

"It was a pleasure meeting you as well Gr'din. Nabol duties to Telgar and your Queens." She waves goodbye and then moves back into the mix of the crowd. She spies the Masterharper with Rylla and Shanlee, and moves to join them. She stands on Shanlee's other side, a broad smile on her face. "Good evening all." She offers, a little out of breath but still as perky as ever. To the MAsterharper: "I am Anais of Nabol, it's an honor to meet you sir." The girl says with a warm smile.

Gr'din meanders outside to the bowl. Gr'din has left.

"Llany, good to see you again." the smile from Shan one of warm recognition for the Istan Weyrharper as she arrives back off the dance floor "I enjoyed your melody the other day down at The Sandbar. Melancholy but stirring." Green eyes land on R'hin a grin now forming "Evening Sir. Looks like you're enjoying yourself?" Rylla's offer to Rodric gains an approving glance from behind the tipped glass that's been brought to the greenrider's lips. The arrival of Anais, swivels her gaze back to the Nabolese blonde.

Caitlyn grins hugely, giving the departing Telgari a wave, and then she, too, moves off into the crowd - towards the tables, in search of more substantial eats.

Eleria sighs softly and winces at the apparent ruination of Tavrie's gown, and was about to offer assistance when the goldrider hurries herself out of the cavern. "A shame that," is said under the Benden Headwoman's breath, her gaze staying on the other woman till her own shoulder's are squeezed, "hmmmm? Oh, yes, it would appear so. He did seem impatient to be with her, though she hasn't mentioned him to me, not that she would. Even the best of friends are allowed a secret or two from the other." She shakes her head at the tray and smiles politely to the young man holding it, though says to W'red, "no thank you, I'm fine, but you do as you'd like, and that includes dancing with whomever silly man. You like to dance I recall, and claim to do so well, no reason why the lovely ladies here shouldn't have the benefit of you as a partner to be sure."

Llany smiles as she approaches another familiar face, "Hello again Shan, good to see you too. I'm glad you appreciated the music, I've set words to that tune now. About a man's longing to return to the home of his ancestors." she explains why the tune was melancholy.

Armchairs have been brought in and placed in a loose semi-circle around the hearth as the evening has worn on. The older aunties and uncles now rest their weary feet here while still enjoying the antics of the 'youngsters' and recalling days gone by with each other. Stories of heroic acts and damsels of indescribable beauty abound as the tellers embellish them lavishly. Children that have as yet remained undiscovered by their Nanny's sit wide-eyed at the feet of living history, drinking in the stories as the really young are want to.

"I do try hard to enjoy myself," is R'hin's warm greeting of Shanlee, grinning at the greenrider. "And you look lovely-- as ever." He nods to Rodric again, eyes settling on Rylla with a brief, perfunctory smile. He slips his arm from Llany's, moving to secure a couple of wineglasses before coming back, offering one to the Istan Harper. Pale eyes settle on Anais, openly studying the new arrival with an intent scrutiny.

Charis stands off to the side with K'len until the music comes to a slower song, turning to face him so that he can start the dance with her. She offers her hand and places the other on his shoulder. "Well, we'll just take it slow then won't we." she quips back playfully, winking at the bronzerider.

M'wen meanders outside to the bowl. M'wen has left.

Anais notices the scrutiny with which she's being studied and turns to face the man who's staring. A smile breaks her face and she inclines her head. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure sir..." She turns to Shan with a grin and a wink. "Friend of yours dear?" To Llany: "Oh, so /you're/ the one I've been hearing so much about! A pleasure to meet you finally, and I've heard that you have a lovely voice."

Caitlyn meanders outside to the bowl. Caitlyn has left.

Llany smiles and accepts the offered glass and offers a silent toast to the weyrleader before takeing a sip and turning back to the group. "Mmmm, a Tillek vintage. Light and tangy, a good choice for an evening of revelry."

"Longing..." Shan muses over the word "Hhhmmm, that melody would likely have different meaning to each that hear it even without words set to it." returned to Llany with a faint edge to her tone. R'hin's words bring about a low chuckle for the compliment. Answering to the first "As you should. Work hard and play hard, I alway say." a wink following, then to the next "So kind of you to say so." but then Anais is speaking to her. A brow arches upward at the query, an amused look flitting back to R'hin "Weyrleader R'hin of High Reaches." is pointed out to the blonde girl "Anais of Nabol, came in with the tithe train." is explained for the Weyrleader's benefit.

K'len takes Charis' hand, and then slips his other arm around her waist to pull her closer to him. He starts to move slowly at first, gaze lowered to keep his eyes on his feet - for her own safety. He definitely isn't very good at dancing, and sighs a little when he realizes how little fun this must be. "I'm sorry I'm not a good dancer." He laments, and looks up at Charis to capture her gaze. "I can't sweep you off your feet this way." He says with a grin, his good nature starting to return.

Llany smiles at Anais's compliment, "I guess I am, at least I hope I am." she offers her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you to."

W'red smiles at the Benden Headwoman, "Well I'm not that certain if my feet work as well sober as they do when intoxicated, I haven't done all that much dancing when not drunk." A light chuckle, escapes the brown riders lips, "Well I'll attempt it if you would do me the honour of being the first, the rest can stand in a line and take their chances." He does look around the cavern and there doesn't seem to any other woman in particular that catches his attention not that there could or would be, although they all have their own attributes that may well please others.

"Tillek's been good to us," R'hin notes mildly to Llany's comment, taking a sip of the wine. Shanlee's introduction earns a tip of head as pale eyes return to Anais. "Nabol, mm? I'm most recently of Nabol. You seemed a bit familiar. It's always a pleasure to welcome a Nabol inhabitant."

Rylla nods lightly in greeting as others seem to be drawn to the HarperMaster. She misses her Wingseconds approving nod, as she waits for Rodric's pleasure in wine choice. But the brief eye contact from the Weyrleader isn't so overlooked and she quickly casts a glance over her shoulder to see just whom he looked at, not thinking for a moment that it could be her.

"There's no need for extra effort on my behalf ... aha! There." Rodric takes a few steps away and claims a glass of red from a server. "Thank you, my dear. Thirsty harper needs red wine!" He beams at the server and then returns to his former spot. "Nicely danced," he compliments R'hin and Llany. "Good evening, Shanlee," the harper greets as he spots another familiar face nearby. "The Reaches certainly knows how to put on a good Turn's End party."

Her smile, which before might have shown a hint of wariness, now warms as introductions are made. "I've been in and out with da's train since I was little, so it's entirely possible that we've run into each other from time to time." She continues pleasantly. "And the Masterharper has an excellent point. This is an excellent gathering. I'm thrilled to be here." She then turns to Llany, and catches the extended hand in an enthusiativ grip. "I do hope we'll be hearing that lovely voice sometime tonight." She hints. "I must confess I'm a lover of music, even though I couldn't sing to save my life." She laughs lightly at that, memories of past attempts swimming in her head. [Anais]

Llany raises her glass, "I'll drink to that. Wonderful time, thank you!" she takes a sip of her wine again, "Ah but yes Tillek tithes to High Reaches doesn't it?" As the other woman shakes her hand she smiles, "I think I could be persuaded to sing a song or two, other than the traditional turnover song that is."

"And the Harper Hall certainly knows how to teach its Harpers," R'hin returns the compliment in kind, tipping his glass briefly in Rodric's direction. "Satiet, I'm sure, will be... pleased... that you chose the 'Reaches to attend." The Weyrleader lowers his glass marginally, offering easy smile to Anais. "I'm glad you've enjoyed it. You'll stay on for a while before returning, won't you? The weather's not exactly suited to travelling."

The choice of words from R'hin over his connection to Nabol are found to be of interest by Shan and filed away for later inspection. "Weyrwoman Satiet and the assistants certainly outdid themselves this time." the greenrider agrees easily with Rodric and Anais. A smirk playing about her lips as the next is directed at Rylla "Would you be the one responsible for getting Dassah into that dress?" not waiting for a reply "If so, congratulations are in order." a mischievous light playing behind her eyes. The return from Anais to the Weyrleader again gaining her attention "You must have travelled around quite a bit then Anais?" some reason for asking, hidden behind the polite question.

Charis steps into the space between them as he draws her closer so they can dance together, hand clasping his tightly, a smile on her face. The bluerider notices how much K'len is concentrating on his feet, looking into his face to try to get his attention, "Its alright K'len. I think ya are doin just fine." She laughs softly, holding his eyes with her gray, "Try ta relax. Just keep your eyes on my face and listen ta da music. Move with me instead of pullin." she offers quietly so no one else hears. Her grip on his shoulder tightens a little, a silent show of encouragement, the woman obviously enjoying herself.

Rodric returns R'hin's 'toast' in kind with a tip of his glass and a nod of his head. "I'm glad to be of service in keeping the lady pleased," replies the Harper with a slight quirk in his grin. "Now then, did I hear that you're from Nabol?" The Master focuses on Anais and offers over a hand. "Harper's duties in any case and well met." And then Rodric finally gets in a sip of his wine.

"I'm sure they'll work just fine W'red, given the right impetus to do so," Eleria says thoughtfully, following the brownrider's gaze around the cavern as she slips out from underneath his arm, "and they do seem to work just fine while your doing your duties, among other things, when you were sober, no reason to think they won't fall into line to dance just fine." She takes a sip from her nearly full glass, then adds, "I think I'll get something different to drink, I'm in the mood for something a little stronger, but you stay if you'd like, and if something catches your eye, feel free to go dance with it, give those feet a test run before I start stomping all over them and making it worse for you." A wink for her tease, before she looks over at the serving tables to take in what is being offered.

"Now that I did do." Rylla chuckles, her wine glass lifting to emphasize her admission. "She was most becoming in it don't you think Darlin'?" Then another sip is taken. "Though it wasn't an easy task." She adds answering Shanlee's question with a twinkle in her eye.

"I'd heard that about you," R'hin says easily to Rodric, a faint twitch of lips evident for a moment. "It's a much more difficult task these days, given her current state. I think she enjoyed the distraction of organsing this--" his free hand waves towards the caverns to indicate the gathering. "She always did prefer the hands on approach." His gaze, too, settles on Anais, curiousity lighting in pale eyes as he awaits her response.

"I look forward to it." Anais smiles to Llany before turning to the Weyrleader. "I certainly hope so. Da hasn't been feeling too well so I at least want to stay long enough to have him seen by a Healer. Is there one you'd recommend sir?" But then Shan asks her something and the blonde's attention is once again diverted. "Oh a bit, you know here and there. Why ever do you ask Shan?" She seems content to wait for an answer but the MAsterharper grabs her attention. She shakes his hand firmly and smiles. "You heard correctly sir. And well met indeed." Then in answer to Rylla's comment. "Oh Dassah? She looked simply darling."

K'len appears slightly uncomfortable again once Charis steps even closer to him, his gaze looking away from hers and he even drops his hands to take a step away from her rather than dancing. Funny how his moods can change, but he offers her a meek smile along with a faint blush. "I'm sorry, I think I really ought to get going." He says in an apologetic tone, but does lean to try and press a kiss on Charis' cheek. "Thank you for the dance, I hope your other partners are far better at it than I am." He says, and then stands there as though waiting for her approval for his dismissal.

"Indeed," is Rodric's single-word reply to R'hin's remarks, eyes twinkling a little. His handshake with Anais is firm and just the right length. "I'm terribly sorry to hear your father is feeling poorly. I wish him a swift recovery." Briefly distracted, the Masterharper looks around the crowd, perhaps looking for Divya amidst the swirl of people, before his eyes return to the group around the Weyrleader.

The glass of juice gets sipped at again, the ebony haired woman recieves a smile as she slips out of his grasp, "Well you can go and get yourself something stronger, but I doubt any other will be graced by my twinkling toes while you are gone Leri." As she moves away towards the table W'red does make his way over to where the Weyrleader and the harpers are chatting, "A good evening to all, W'red, Brown Tavaith's," Is offered to those he doesn't know, the deep rumbling voice carying easily over the din in the cavern, the brownrider towering over most in the small group.

Llany sips at her wine as she falls silent listening to the conversations around her with a smile and interest.

Shanlee can't help but chuckle at the image getting Dassah into that dress presents "Complaining and snarking the whole way through I'd imagine." Anais' added words on the assistant headwoman pull the chuckle into a delighted laugh "You need to get to know Dassah a little better, then come talk to me again." a teasing lift of brow in challenge to do so. That the Nabolese girl had been distracted enough not to wait for answer, suits the wingsecond just fine as she chooses not to revisit the subject again at this time. The banter between Rodric and R'hin has been carefully noted and again set aside for later inspection. Tipping the glass to her lips, the dance floor captures her idle interest which soon slips off and settles back onto Rodric "I owe you a visit sometime soon Master."

The Nabol blonde's earns earn dismay from the Weyrleader. "Ah, well, that's no good. Then I must insist that you stay until he's better." R'hin pauses a heartbeat, then, "Journeyman Artlan would suit, or Journeyman Kasiese if he's not around. She's more of a mindhealer, but she'll at least be able to evaluate him." W'red's arrival earns an easy smile from the bronzerider. "Good to see you, W'red. Was that Eleria I saw with you before?" he inquires, glancing past the brownrider for a moment.

Charis drops her hands from the bronzerider when she feels his drop as well. The bluerider looks at him curiously, not asking for an explanation though, not knowing the man well enough to need one. "its alright K'len. No worries." She does allow him to kiss her cheek, smiling warmly at him. She curtsies gracefully, "Thank you. I 'ope ta see ya again sometime." She stands there, letting the man leave if he must.

Rylla's laughter fills the immediate area as she nods lightly to Anais then laughs a bit more over Shanlee's aloud comment, but she holds her tongue and instead lifts her gaze to the towering brownrider. "Shard's Darlin', hows the weather up there?" Keeping her gaze diverted from the Weyrleader least he order her out of the weyr.

K'len gives a curt bow in response to Charis' curtsy, nodding at her, "Thank you for letting me dance with you." He says with a smile, and then nods once more, "I'll come back, I'm sure." He says, though not but a few moments later he's ducking through the crowd looking for the way out. A pause is given to look for Shanlee and wave in her direction, but if she sees it or not - that's a different story.

Anais nods to Rodric in gratitude. "Thank you sir, My father will be honored by your concern. I'll certainly pass it along." She snags another glass from a passing drudge. This time the vintage is a smooth BEnden white, and by the look on her face after the first sip, it suits her pallate quite well. "I'll certainly take you up on that Shan, she seems a very nice woman." But then R'hin is speaking, and she turns towards him. "I think it might be that he's pushing himself too far for someone of his age, but I would like to be sure. I thank you for your generous hospitality, and I'll certainly look them up." She gives Rylla a wink, enjoying the other girl's mirth, even through her own concern.

Another sip of wine for the Masterharper and he dimples over at Shanlee. "Since my partner seems to have vanished, perhaps we could discuss that over a dance, Wingsecond?" His eyes lift at W'red's approach and he bobs his head politely. "Well met, rider. Rodric, Masterharper." And he offers his hand to the brownrider along with the introduction. "Happy Turn's End." He nods at Anais as well for her response to his well wishes to her father, a kind smile on his lips.

K'len strolls outside to the bowl. K'len has left.

W'red tips his head slightly in R'hin's direction, "It's good to see you too Sir, in more pleasant surroundings," The brown rider's face creases into an easy smile, "Yes Sir that was Eleria that you saw me with, fetched her from Benden earlier." He grins at the rider who seems to think the weather maybe different just because he is so tall, "The weather up here is just as cold as the weather down there appears to be thank you." The rider accepts the Masterharpers hand, "Well met Sir, happy turns end to you too."

Eleria had indeed exchanged her current beverage for something stronger, and while at the serving tables, of course encounters several ladies, with whom she used to work with here at the Weyr on daily basis. She gets drawn into light exchanges of gossip, though offers none of it herself while politely listening and responding to what's offered to her. There's laughter, a tear or two for a sad story, and through it all the Benden Headwoman manages to send an occasional look a certain brownrider's way and seeing him occupied, stays put for the time being, not that she can get away, as several more women from the lower caverns come her way to offer greetings, greetings she happily exchanges.

Charis snickers softly and watches the bronzerider depart, taking a few moments to follow his movements with her eyes. She sighs softly, making her way to the tables to find something stronger to drink, spying Eleria has headed in the same direction as well. The rider looks around her, furrowing her brows a bit but steps over to the Benden Headwoman, "'ey there" she says softly, reaching out her hand to touch the other woman's arm, but not wanting to disturb any other conversation she might be having

Upon the arrival of her brown clutchmate, Shan's face breaks into a warm smile mimicking the Weyrleader's action of peering past him for Eleria. Which allows for her to catch K'len's departing wave, this bringing about a teasing wink, adding a playful kiss blown in his direction. Unfortunately J'tin takes this to have meant to be for him and waggles his brows in return. Green eyes roll as the greenrider abruptly returns to the company at hand. "Nice? Well if you have hide as thick as a dragon's then yes, Dassha's a love." in return to Anais. Rodric's offer of a dance however, does stop the redhead short casting an amused look over the Masterharper, then "It would be my pleasure Sir." whether this be to the visit owed or the dance is left a little unclear until the last of the amber liquid is drained and the glass set down on a tray that conveniently passes by.

R'hin doesn't seem particularly bothered by Rylla's behavior, or if he is, it's not showing. Instead, his attention is on Anais, saying, "You can speak to Sira-- wait, no. Hm. I imagine Dassah would be the one organising accommodations. That, or the Weyrwoman." The Weyrleader grimaces briefly, then agrees with W'red, "Indeed so. Ah, you snatched her away-- temporarily I take it?" he muses, glancing sidelong at Rodric and Shanlee, but not letting it distract from the conversation at hand.

"Oh thank you sir, but we'll be fine in the wagons for tonight." She says politely. Upon seeing the Masterharper leave with Shan, the blonde girl realizes that she has her wind back and her toes are beginning to tap. She smiles sweetly in the R'hin's direction. "Might I be so bold sir, as to ask for the pleasure of this dance?"

Llany finishes her wine just as her attention is caught by the journeyman on the dias, she nods. "If you all will excuse me I do believe it's my turn to play a few sets on stage. Thank you for the wine, dance and conversation. I'll see you all later this evening."

Rylla's mirth continues as she sips her wine and listens to the multiple voices merging in conversations. A mischievous glint shines in her eyes as she watches Shanlee and the MasterHarper head towards the dance floor. Then Anais gains her attention again. "Will you be staying on for a while then Darlin'?"

Rodric finishes off his wine and passes the glass off to a server, offering Shanlee a hand to lead her out onto the floor. The tune that's just starting is a little bit slower than the last, but not exactly a slow dance. "How've you been?" he asks the greenrider in a quieter tone of voice as they draw away from the group.

A tip of head bespeaks momentary surprise, before R'hin's low-throated chuckle bespeaks approval of Anais's boldness. "Indeed you may, and who am I to refuse such an invitation? Especially from a Nabolese." Another gulp of his wine is taken to finish off the glass, before he deposits it on a passing tray. He gives an easy nod of head towards Llany, watching the harper depart for a moment, nodding to the rest of the group before offering a hand towards Anais. "Shall we?"

W'red laughs lightly, "Yes Sir, only temporarily unfortunately..." The sidelong glance at the Masterharper and Shan not going unnoticed by the brown rider, who is quite observant now days it seems. As the two head off to the dance floor he watches, and then glances out over the heads of the crowd trying to catch Leri eye even if only for a brief moment, offering a smile in her direction.

"I plan on staying til da is more himself. But I daresay that wagons will have to go back tomorrow." Anais answers Rylla before she flings back the rest of her wine and sets the glass near R'hin's. "Yes, I believe we shall." She allows herself to be led out on to the dance floor. With a pleasant smile she curtsied once as the music began. "Speaking of Nabolese, how long did you live there?"

"Charis," Eleria says, unable to hide the surprise in her voice at seeing the bluerider nearby, a glance given to the tug on her arm before she makes her excuses to the lower cavern women and gestures her friend to a more private area. "I thought I'd not see you the rest of the evening honestly, and was hoping to just catch up with you tomorrow," the Benden Headwoman notes in a lowered voice. Her gaze searches the gray eyed woman's face for a moment, before she settles herself against a table and lets her eyes focus on W'red, catching his glance and smiling warmly back for his smile sent her way. "Are you just taking a breather from dancing?"

Slipping her hand into the one offered by Rodric and missing any glances their way, the greenrider moves easily alongside him. The slower music appreciated for the chance it will give to talk, a thoughtful expression crosses the fine features to his query "Busy?" about the best way to sum everything up. A warmer smile appearing "Turn's End finds you well?" her own query couched with genuine interest to the Masterharper as the music begins to flow.

Rylla watches as another pair head to the dance floor then her eyes lift again and she chuckles catching where the rider's attention is. "Ask her to dance. Worse she'll do is bite ya and say no, Darlin' but judging by her smile that's hardly a possibility." She advises W'red before turning her attention to admiring the decorations and assessing their worth in marks.

Deftly, R'hin leads Anais onto the dance floor. The speed of the dance makes for less of a challenge, and he rests his hand on her hip and shoulder, head tipped down and lips quirking at her query. "My. The dance has barely started and the interrogation has begun. You don't waste time, do you, Anais of Nabol?" the words, rather than chiding, seem amused, the Weyrleader's pale eyes twinkling. "I was there for quite a few Turns, but not for a while now. Did you grow up there?" he returns, the volley with one of his own, curiousity keeping eyes on his partner.

Rodric's head inclines slightly. "It does indeed. Very well," replies the harper to the wingsecond. "And I'm sure that they're keeping you on your toes, though I hope that the colder weather has provided a respite from Threadfall?" His brows arch questioningly down at the greenrider. "Things are moving along well to support your plan for the firelizards at the Hall. Many of the apprentices are excited about it." There's a gentle turn called for in the dance and Rodric glides Shanlee around with practiced ease.

Charis seems a bit sheepish that Eleria excuses herself from the rest of the group to move over with her to a more private area of the room. "ya didn't need ta do dat Leri. I was just gonna join you is all." The bluerider also searches her friends face, turning her eyes when the woman looks for W'red, only keeping her eyes on the brownrider briefly, jaw a little bit clenced but takes a drink from the glass she has in her hand. "Yes I was dancin, but K'len 'ad ta leave. Not sure why, but its alright." she says with a roll of her shoulders.

The petite Nabolese placed her hands in a mirror reflection of her partner's. His words tickle her and she giggles softly. "I didn't mean to interrogate. Just curious." But as he begins to spin his tale, she seems genuinely interested, and is actually rather surprised when he cuts it short to ask a question of his own. "Well I suppose turnabout /is/ fair play." She teases. The dance takes them near Shan and Rodric, and Anais catches snippets of conversation. She tilts her head back with a smile. "Did I hear someone say firelizards?" The blonde laughs and rights her head before answering the Weyrleader's question with a nod. "I did indeed. But I left a few Turns ago. The cold didn't suit me much." She pauses to think a minute. "But somehow this year, the thought of Turn's End without snow just seemed--wrong somehow." She shakes off her thoughts with a shrug and grins. "So I cam home, just in time for the supply train and, well, here I am!" She says with a bit of a chuckle.

W'red also stands and watches the couples moving off to dance, and catches Rylla's comment, "I have, and hopefully she will, not bite me that is" The brownrider smiles as he looks down at the green rider, "But dance with me, Eleria, used to be one of the assistant headwoman here at Reaches and has a lot of catching up to do with friends and acquaintances. She'll join us/me soon enough though."

Finding Rodric to be an easy dance partner, Shan relaxes into his guidance and moves about the floor with the grace of one for whom dance comes naturally. Tilting her head upward to more easily meet the taller man's eyes, another smile forms for his reply "Always good to hear that our Masterharper is found to be well, especially amongst the oddities of late." Flashes of her own excitement glinting behind her eyes for the project at hand "Emmi's been wonderful to work with..." the words cut short as Anais and R'hin pass by but then the moment's passed and no reply is needed. Continuing on with what she'd been saying "I've a few from the Reaches who've promised their clutches in accordance with the Weyrwoman's request." Moving lightly on her feet, the redhead smiles fondly at an old aunty and uncle shuffling around the floor together "Kinda sweet that they still dance together." mused quietly to herself.

"Indeed it is," R'hin responds to Anais with a knowing smile. He guides her about the dance floor with smooth, practiced steps, turning briefly to follow the Nabol woman's attention towards the Masterharper and wingsecond with a twitch of lips. "Mm? Ah, yes. Our esteemed wingsecond has come up with a plan to warn the Holders when Thread falls-- using firelizards." His intention is not to sell her on the idea, so he's quick in returning to the conversation at hand, "Ah-- does that make you cool-blooded by nature, Anais of Nabol?" amusement laces his tone, teasing notes falling as he adds, "Does that mean you are a woman of the world now?"

"Of course I did, I haven't seen you in months and wasn't sure what your circumstances with the bronzerider were, so decided to spend what time with you I could," Eleria says quietly, dismissing the gray eyed woman's protests with a light wave of her free hand, "and if all we get is an exchange of news over a drink, that's better than nothing?" She draws her eyes away from the brownrider to look at the blue and playfully salutes her with her glass, before taking a sip, and noting with a husky chuckle, "has a bit of a kick to it," then, "so K'len had to leave? Probably something to do with duties at Fort, I'm sure he'll be back, if his impatience to dance with you is any indication."

Shanlee's natural grace is a pleasant surprise for the harper and they settle into the simple comfort of being a well-matched pair on the dance floor. "Mm, the oddities of late have been a challenge, though less than some of the challenges the Hall has had to face in the past. I'm glad to hear things are working well between you and Emmi. Have you heard? She's been promoted. One of our Masters stepped down and Master Gerand took her position, so Emmi is now in his, though she's still a Journeyman." He looks up briefly at Anais' question and smiles brilliantly at the Nabolese girl, then swings Shanlee around again. "Excellent. As soon as my green's clutched again, I'll turn over as many eggs as I can salvage too. Trill's not noted for her maternal instincts." A wry twist of the Masterharper's lips accompanies those words before his head turns to mark the older couple and his eyes crinkle up along with a warmer smile. "Yes. It's wonderful when true affection endures the test of time."

Rylla ahs as she listens to the half giant, again casting a look to the one W'red calls Eleria. Turning back she sweetly purrs our honey thick and with a chuckle, "Then Darlin' I suppose I'll simply just have to remain here and keep you company until she returns to your side. Though you look like you could stand alone if put to the test."

"Well that is really a brilliant system! I knew Shan was sweet, but she's smart too!" Anais utters in genuine awe. "Has anyone spoken to Nabol? I'm sure we've some clutches around we could donate to such a cause." His first question makes her smile, and his second one makes her laugh. "I prefer the term thin blood. Doesn't make me sound so mean. But as for being a woman of the world, I don't know if I'd quite go that far..." She lowers her eyes as a flattering blush creeps along her cheekbones.

Charis chuckles softly, "Well you've been a bit busy ta say da least with duties and well...a visitor as well." She shrugs her shoulders a bit, taking another long drink from the glass, gray eyes scanning the room as it slowly starts to thin out as people leave to head off to sleep or other things. She lifts her glass with a smile to her friend, "So got anything ta toast to?" A wave of her hand is given along with a roll of her eyes, "I just met K'len and we decided ta meet up tonight so neither of us would be alone is all. I don't think dat 'is impatience 'ad anythin ta do with me."

An eyebrow rises as the Rylla speaks, "Do you call everyone Darlin, Rylla?" W'red asks, of the greenrider, "You can stand here with me as long as you like." The brownrider smiles at her, "I have been known to stand quite well on my own yes." The glass of juice is again sipped at.

"Emmi's been promoted?" clear surprise and pleasure for the journeywoman showing through in Shan's tone "She deserves it." is the greenrider's decision on the matter. The music briefly catches her attention a faint smile hitching upward "I miss the music and dancing." idly mused outloud but not expanded on before the conversation is picked up again as easily as following the well versed Rodric's dance lead is. "Any and all donations are gratefully accepted." his words on maternal instincts cause a grimace to grace the fine features "Some are not meant for mothering." a slightly open ended statement made. The older couple don't last too long out on the floor, understandably so "Hhhmmm, a rarity in any setting." following on the Masterharper's words.

R'hin's low-throated laughter is his good-natured response to Anais' awe as they spin around the dancefloor. "Indeed she is. We're lucky to have her. You'll need to question her about the specifics-- she's taking the lead on contacting the Holders, but I'm sure she would-- we all would-- appreciate the contribution." A grin lights his lips as he murmurs, "I doubt many could mistake you for mean. Ah, so-- somewhat travelled," he says, perhaps to allay the blush that creeps across the woman's features, the faint twitch of lips betraying amusement.

Dassah strolls in from the busy kitchen. Dassah has arrived.

"Yes, she's in charge of the Apprentices now, sort of the way a Weyrlingmaster is for the Weyrlings at the Weyr," explains Rodric, his brows lifting a little at the somewhat out of place remark in the middle of Shanlee's words. "Has there been too little of music and dancing at the Weyr lately, Wingsecond?" There's a back and forth movement and then he turns the greenrider about once more. "I'll do my best to support the firelizard supply." His eyes track the older couple again and his voice lowers. "So cynical so soon, Shanlee?"

Dassah's return to the party is not marked with fanfare; it's more of a slink, slipping back into the bustling cavern from the kitchens. Her hair is notably mussier, indicating the time away was not spent idly, but she is oblivious to the disheveled look she presents. A look around picks out a few people she knows, though she manages to miss at least one person she'd rather not run into. Thinking herself safe, she sets out into the crowd and towards her friend, Shanlee.

Rylla thinks on the question for a moment, studying the contents of her glass then shakes her head. "No Darlin' not everyone. After all there is Beautiful Kae and my dearest Ny'ave. Other than that... yes." An angelic smile flashes then is hidden when her glass lifts and is drained before she continues ever sweetly. "Oh and lets not forget my Wild Feline."

Anais smiles. "I'll most certainly do that. Anything we can do to help, please never hesitate to ask." Her voice is pleasant but earnest. At his comment, the blush deepens instead of lightening. "Yes I suppose you could say that. What about you, you like to travel?" She asks as the dance carries them around the edge of the room.

"I love nothing better, than to travel," R'hin confesses with aplomb, guiding Anais smoothly around a more enthuastic couple on the dance floor. "Though circumstances being what they are for me, and for the Weyr, I don't often get the chance to indulge myself in that regard, any more." He trails off, looking distant a moment, then exhales. "Ah, it seems I'm being snatched away. But, since you're staying around, perhaps I can prevail on you for an uninterrupted dance in the future?" he queries with a smile to Anais.

Shanlee glances upward at Rodric at his explanation "She has a....way about her." pause, as the dance calls for another graceful turn out and then in back to the Masterharper. Choosing to go with what he understands of her comment rather, the greenrider offers a faint smile "No one really has time to dance much nowadays really, do they?" the tone carefully bland. "Your support is most appreciated Sir, your words and those of others in Leadership positions carry the weight needed to make this work." a warmer smile stars to appear then slips off when her cynicism is pointed out "Life has a way of teaching one it's realities." is all reply she gives in a slightly guarded tone. Not wishing to spoil the last bits of the evening, the redhead arranges a grin as she catches Dassah's re-appearance.

The tall brown rider chuckles, "Oh so it's not so much a term of endearment as a generalisation then? If every one except those closest to you are called Darlin. I take it you are refering to a feline you have in your weyr....I don't particulalrly like felines myself the only one I ever had I gave away." W'red sees Dassah re-enter from the kitchens and gives her a brief wave.

"I see," is Eleria's thoughtful reply to Charis' last, her eyes glancing at the bluerider's raised glass before answering her inquiry with, "well, how about to old and new friends, and all points in between?" She raises her own glass again and rolls her eyes a bit before taking a drink to the suggested toast, "I have been busy, with duties and more to be sure Charis, and yes, a visitor as you well know, not that I get to see that much of him, though this last month has been pleasant." She sends a pretty smirk her friend's way, cheeks blooming with a pale rose, before downing her drink, and then she winces a bit as the liquor slips down her throat. "You've obviously been busy too silly one, not able to come see me, but I have so enjoyed your notes and the like."

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

Anais offers him a sympathetic smile. "When you get some time, come find me. I'll show you some of my favorite places to go and visit." She alows herself to be stopped and nods with a warm smile, though her eyes are disappointed. "Of course sir, at your leisure." She says with a nod.

Dassah belatedly notices that to reach Shanlee would involve treading upon the dance floor - and that she's unwilling to do. A wave catches her eyes however and she turns towards W'red, offering a slight smile in his direction. She's halfway to her new target when she realises who he is talking with, eliciting a wince from her. But to change course now would be ruder than she is willing to be to W'red, so she reluctantly closes the difference. "W'red. Rylla." She says, by way of greeting. "I hope you are enjoying the evening?"

R'hin tips his head towards Anais, giving her a warm smile. "I certainly will, Anais of Nabol. I do hope you enjoy your stay at High Reaches, and undoubtedly I'll see you around." With a half-sketched bow to her, he turns and leaves the dancefloor, winding smoothly through the crowd and disappearing a short time later.

You meander through the archway, into the lower caverns.

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