Sunburns and Blushes

Zynassa and A'zric take a trip to the Reaches, not long after Gelth loses to Tuoth in a Leadership flight for Ista. There she meets up with G'rad and Kallrina, a bronzer and candidate for High Reaches.

Zynassa - Tuesday, April 24, 2001, 10:08 AM
-------------------------------------------

A'zric hops off Gelth, the bronze back to his bouncing self, "Heyla Nassa, we're going up to Reaches, care to go see the eggs?"

Your location's current time: 12:08 on day 11, month 9, Turn 35, of the Tenth Pass. It is a autumn afternoon.

Zynassa is just coming out of the caverns, her expression one of extreme indulgence, as she holds two sweetrolls, one in each hand. "Sure! I want to see if they have snow yet. Want one? I was going to give one to Yina, but..."

A'zric reaches for it, "She hardly needs more sweetner before her afternoon nap." he grins, "Gelth's decided that Temornath needs some Istan fish."

Zynassa rolls her eyes. "At least he's in better spirits. Has he already forgotten?" The roll is handed over and she quickly licks fingers clean before dusting them on her toursers.

A'zric nods, his mouth full for the moment and then after some chewing, "He's forgotten."

Zynassa nods. "That's good. And you've other things to worry about just now, with Mina expecting. Do you know when she's due yet?"

A'zric shakes his head, "Havent heard, I dont think she's too far along yet, she's still too green around the edges."

Zynassa grimaces. "That's one thing they really should fix about breeding." She pops half the sweetroll into her mouth and chews reflectively. Finally she asks, "So are we going, or going to stand here all day?"

A'zric finishes licking off his own fingers and then swings up onto Gelth, "Let's go."

A'zric hops onto Gelth, with the aid of the straps to land comfortably 'tween two neck ridges.
A'zric has left.

You hop onto the bronze's back and settle yourself between his neckridges.

You rise into the air.
Ista Weyr Lower Bowl Sky

> Gelth disappears into Between.

Between
You gasp as the icy black nothingness of Between surrounds you! You hear nothing, see nothing, and feel nothing. The trip takes five heartbeats...
Black...
Blacker...
Blackest!
You suddenly emerge...

Sky High in the Bowl, High Reaches Weyr

> Gelth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!

> On the Star Stones, Teranth warbles a greeting to Bronze Gelth of Ista Weyr.

Zynassa laughs, wind ripping it away. "You may stand around, Gelth sure doesn!"

A'zric snickers, "He likes visiting, and he figures now he doesnt have to be restrained because he's not Leader anymore."

You fly lower in the bowl, towards the west wall.
Sky above the Western Bowl, High Reaches Weyr

You wing down to a quick landing on the ground.
Western Bowl, High Reaches Weyr(#880RJs)
Standing on the western side of the bowl, the high crownlike spires of the Seven Spindles on the north wall tower magestically above the roughly ovoid bowl floor. Near you, a large boulder stands, placed almost exactly in the center of the bowl. This side of the bowl is busy with the constant flow of residents and visitors around the entrance to the living cavern to the southwest and the lower caverns to the west. To the north, the large opening on the upper wall leading into the hatching grounds catches your eye. Directly below it, the ground entrance to the same area seems almost tiny. Northwest, the weyrs belonging to the junior queens of High Reaches are accessible from a short set of stairs. To the south, a few ground weyrs remain unoccupied, in case any visiting or injured dragons need them.
The morning is clear, and the sun shines with a few small clouds floating past. There seems to be a light breeze and the fall air is pleasantly warm.
Views: Junior Queen Weyrs
Contents:
Lazryth
Behemoth
Nepenth(#4050JVaps)
Tezcath(#11475JQaeps)
Minecraft Tent(#11335Je)
Dalrianth(#3773JMQaes)
Corineth
Kerilinth

A'zric climbs down from Gelth's neck.
A'zric has left.

Zynassa unclips, not at all worried about the speed of the descent, and is in the ground almost as soon as Gelth furls his wings.

You slide off Gelth onto the ground.

Zynassa grins up at the Istan bronze. "As always, a thrilling ride, Gelth, dear." Cheeks are reddening in the chill air. "So where's he need to leave that fish?"

Gelth has left.
In the sky directly above, Gelth rises effortlessly into the sky from the ground below.

A'zric watches Gelth head back up, "He delivers it right to Temornath so she doesnt have to go anywhere."

In the sky directly above, Gelth wings into the tunnel to the hatching grounds, high in the northern bowl wall.

Zynassa laughs, offering a hand out to her brother. "After the cold of between and now the air here, I'm dying to warm up. Shall we invade the living caverns?"

A'zric eyes his sister, "It's not /that/ cold here, shards you havent been at Ista that long!" he grins, teasing, "C'mon, let's go warm you up."

Zynassa protests, "I *have*! And with this sunburn too - that wind is *so* cold."

A'zric strides through the archway, into the lower caverns.
You meander into the tunnel to the living cavern.
Living Cavern, High Reaches Weyr(#1000RJs)
The impressive living cavern is seemingly as large as the bowl that cradles the hatching sands. Rivers of polished wood tables and benches arrow towards a raised platform crowned with a compact version of their sturdy design. Neatly crafted pegs, some fancifully carved, are tapped into holes in the wall and support clothing dangling like lazy sleepers. Woven baskets, both useful and decorative, hang along another wall. Bundles of autumn foliage in brilliant reds and oranges mixed with sprigs of crimson berries have been thrust into the baskets on the wall. Pickling spices and the tang of smoking meat fill the air. Banners worked with the designs of Holds and Halls beholden to the weyr cascade down the walls high above, interspersed with several brilliantly colored tapestries. People move briskly about their business, the chatter of children and creeling of hungry firelizards in counterpoint. The aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air.
Contents:
A'zric(#11364PJOUce)
Amilin
Yenne
E'lan
Talene
Falrillya's Journal
S'dar
Caurin
Jemah
Falrillya

Caurin smiles broadly as the lizard dives and plucks the egg from his hands, watching her go back across the cavern to munch at it. Satisfied that he hasn't lost his talent for that yet, he lowers down onto a chair and continues to watch Zale's behavior.

Yenne is busy writing carefully on a large sheet of paper.

Amilin is sitting at a table working on some mending.

A'zric enters from the bowl with Zynassa, the pair talking, "How'd you get a sunburn? Didnt you get some of that stuff from the healers?"

G'rad meanders in from the busy kitchen.
G'rad has arrived.

Skye flutters around the upraised hand. Egg! Egg! Feeeed meee! He creels.

Zale finishes with the one egg and flitter her wing with a croon, melodious. She dives down and take's Fairly's egg, landing on the girl's shoulder.

Zynassa nods to A'zric, "I did, but that was a bit after the fact. Fell asleep on the beach when Jae came to visit." Her tone is a trifle sheepish, and she clears her throat, offering a bit louder, "Ista's duties to the Reaches and her queens."

Skye goes up to the rafters to sulk, now.

G'rad carries himself well considering he's a bronzerider coming out of the kitchens, and therefore, either stuffed with pie or beaten senseless by the kitchen staff. He approaches his usual seat jauntily

Falrillya reaches up and shyly strokes the little queen.

Br'nal strolls in from the tunnel to the bowl.
Br'nal has arrived.

Br'nal looks flustered and out of breath as he arrives in the cavern, his eyes sweeping the room.

Yenne quietly excuses herself. She kisses both Br'nal and A'zric on the cheek after gathering her things up and heading back out to the bowl.

Yenne strides outside to the bowl.
Yenne has left.

Caurin glances around the cavern for a moment, smiling at the queen decides that the offering was enough for her satisfaction. The young man's eyes go up once again to spy Skye, who he grins a little at before reaching over to pluck a strip of meat from the table. After chewing off all but a tiny piece for himself, he grins up at the lizard in the rafters.

Talene smiles at Fairly and Zale. Krypto croons pathetically and she feeds him an egg ad Zale croons more at the pettings. She trills a little tune to her excitement and calls Skye down for the rafters in the unmistakable tone that leaves no room for misbehaving.

G'rad nods "Reaches duty to Ista, I am sure!" and he sits with a grin "I'm G'rad, bronze Behemoth's rider."

Br'nal looks startled, though he smiles to Yenne as he passes, and drops down in a seat next to A'zric, sand falling off his clothes as he settles himself. "Is it true?" he rushes out.

A'zric smiles after Yenne and then waves to Br'nal, "Heyla." he chuckles to the Istan brownrider, "Is what true?"

Br'nal jerks a thumb over his shoulder, "Yanaleth just said that Gelth told him that you're not leaders?"

Zynassa looks after Yenne with arched eyebrows, and then leaves Yaz to talk to Br'nal. G'rad's given a grin and she offers, "Zynassa. I'm A'zric's sister."

A'zric nods to Br'nal, "Utterly. Well mostly. Qirith went up, Tuoth caught." he boils a very long day down to a few quick words, "S'ris tapped me as Weyrsecond."

G'rad rises, bows and extends a hand "I am delighted to meet you, ma'am. Seldom do we see such fine visitors to our humble weyr." he grins, impishly

Br'nal smiles brightly at this news, though it seems only to be a reflection of A'zric's happiness, and the smile falters a little bit towards the end. "That's wonderful."

Skye chitters pettishly at Zale, unhappy with her for stealing his human, but flutters down to Fairly's other shoulder.

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

Skye flicks his wings and vanishes <<between!>>

S'dar wanders back from the Kitchens and offers a friendly greeting to the new arrivals. "H"Duties to Ista," he offers politely. "And many welcomes to all of you."

Muttering. That's what announces the arrival of Rilsa. Not very dramatic as harpers playing a ballad but it will do. "Morning." she says as she heads immediately to the serving table.

Zynassa laughs, perhaps more amused at the 'ma'am' than the courtesy. She moves to cross palms with G'rad's offered one. "Please. Someone says ma'am and I look for my foster mother or Germaine. Zynassa's fine. Nassa if you're feeling terribly informal." She keeps half an eye on Br'nal's getting the 'news', and gives S'dar a friendly nod."

S'dar also offers friendly smiles to the High Reachians in attendance. Seeing Rilsa, his smile is extended toward her.

G'rad smiles broadly "Nassa. Pretty name." he smiles "Would you care to join me in some cider, klah, or other beverage? Since I was making it anyway?"

Br'nal takes a moment to grin, a little more earnestly, at Zynassa's reaction to the word ma'am, before waving to Rilsa, though doubting she's seen it, and then turning back to A'zric.

Zale seems quite happy with the current situation. She chirps reprimandingly at Skye and butts her head into the young girl's cheek. Fun, fun.

Falrillya blushes and looks down. She strokes Zale, crooning reassurances to her, then strokes Skye, who's feeling left out and croons reassurances to him. She returns to her seat. What was she working on? Oh yes, the trous with holes in the knees.

Rilsa takes her mug of tea in hand and turns to survey the cavern. "'Reaches duties to Ista!" she calls out then smiles briefly. "Welcome back, Yaz. How're you?" Her greeting extends to the 'Reachians as well with a 'how goes?"

A'zric laughs, "Relax Br'nal, I doubt I'll be in the position long, S'ris will be sick of me soon enough." he grins to Rilsa, "Wonderful, got that big knot off the shoulder."

It's a good think Zynassa has a sunburn - no easy way to tell is there's any blushing going on. "I'd love some hot cider, G'rad, if you'd not mind? Gelth took us between before I could even blink twice." A grin is given to Rilsa, and a bob of her head to acknowledge the greeting.

Amilin gathers up her basket and moves into the kitchen as the little Firelizard on her shoulder stirs at all the food that's been being given out in here.

G'rad nods and makes the cider as requested "I know how that feels. Being thrown across the world can do that to you. Although it can be good to get two dinners after a hard day."

S'dar grins.

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

Your location's current time: 10:42 on day 11, month 9, Turn 35, of the Tenth Pass. It is a autumn morning.

E'lan goes home.
E'lan has left.

"Ah, the knot is slightly smaller, yes." Rilsa says, settling down in a chair, "But the responsibility is still there." She slides into a chair nearby.

S'dar nods to Rilsa. "A very good point."

Zynassa gives G'rad and S'dar a sly look. "Oh, you mean it's not lunch here yet?" Her tone is supremely innocent, "I never can get the time changes right."

Sadly, Br'nal's santan has faded, and his blush is noticable, though it's the first in a while that is. "I, ah, didn't mean..." he says, sheepishly.

S'dar smiles. "It is actually quite nice to be relieved of the duties, leaves you much more time for other things. Speaking of which, there's going to be a party in my pants tomorrow night."

On the perch, Belle chirps and tilts her head.

G'rad laughs "If you're hungry, then I can get you whatever you like"

Zynassa was in the middle of a drink of that cider G'rad had so kindly provided, when S'dar's statement rings blandly through the cavern. The result is a near choke. Yes, thank Faranth for sunburns. "No," she assures G'rad quickly. "I'm fine, thank you."

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

S'dar sips idly at his mug of klah.

G'rad doesn't rise to S'dar, despite the grin it caused "I noticed." he adds, to Zynassa

Rilsa laughs, giving S'dar a look. "Now I know why Laurelin never lets you out in public. Comments like that."

Kallrina enters carring a saddle, and a mending kit, she takes a seat in the conrner and studies it.

Kallrina nods at the riders. "Sirs...Ma'ams

Talene feeds Krypto another egg and caresses his belly, she turns to Skye and Zale, smiling as she sees them. As Krypto finishes up with his first egg, she feeds him another, tagging down a drudge and speaking quietly with him.

Caurin walks outside to the bowl.
Caurin has left.

G'rad nods politely to Kallrina, although his attention is fixed on Zynassa

S'dar grins innocently at Rilsa. "It's true though. It's going to be a party."

S'dar adds, "and it's in my pants."

Rilsa nods to Kallrina. She snerks at S'dar. "And your pants are going to be where?"

S'dar explains, "see, I pulled a joke on Rennick once, and hid all his pants after washing them... and then after a couple of days of him wearing the same ol' pants, I walked into the Living Cavern wearing them."

Kallrina looks up startled and peers over at S'dar. "Sir?

Br'nal makes an attempt to compose himself, and stands, getting himself something to drink before returning.

Rilsa laughs, shaking her head. "Are you sure you're not related to J'lor somehow?" she asks.

A'zric bursts out laughing at S'dar's comment before grinning to Rilsa, "Some of, not entirely." he watches Br'nal.

S'dar says "so, he's gotten me back... he stole all my pants and brought them to Telgar. And now he's invited a bunch of people to have a bit of a get together... all they have to do is get a pair of my pants from the door, and put them on."

Zynassa fans her flaming face with one hand, the other clutched around her mug. "My, this cider's warm, or my burn's heating back up. So, ah, how are the eggs?" This given to G'rad an Br'nal passing near. Subject change, anyone?

"Oh, I think I'm going to go to this party." Rilsa says, laughing. She shakes her head and turns back to A'zric. "So how do it feel to be mostly free of the reports and hidework?" She gives Brin an odd look.

Br'nal grins, a nice safe topic change, "Ever hardening," he says, and then goes crimson again.

G'rad smiles brightly "They're absolutely fantastic. Would you like to see them at all? We can go to the galleries. Sit there in the slightly cooler air." and he adds "Although you don't look like you suffer from bad air. A healthy complexion is a good sign I hear" he adds that impish element to his smile

A'zric's grin to Rilsa practically beams, "Wonderous, gives me more time to spoil my weyrmate, not that she's much of the spoiling type." he adds, "She's expected our second little one."

S'dar nods to Rilsa. "Everyone is indeed invited... fortunately, if we run out of pants, Kiani, Rennick's evil assistant in this it seems, also stole some other garments, so at least everyone will be able to dress like me." He hrms. "I'm not exactly sure what I think about a big group of people partying in my pants. But, there will be lots of ale there, and some good strong klah, so as long as I get them back at the end of the night, no harm done." Noticing that people are uncomfortable talking about his pants, he helps along the topic change. "Eggs," he nods. "Can't wait for the Hatching."

"She is? How wonderful. Congratulations." Rilsa says, smiling at the rider. She glances at Brin again and snorts, trying not to laugh too loudly.

Zynassa nods to Br'nal and G'rad, apparently missing any subtext to the previous statement. She starts, "It shouldn't be too much longer then, should it? - And I was a silly wherry, fell asleep on the-" as the brownrider colors she breaks off, and very nearly drops her mug. A fumble, the cider spilling on her trous, "Uh, on the beach."

G'rad nods "The beach? Oh that must have been sore. I hope you had some cold creamy numbweed handy?"

Rilsa hears her name being called and sighs, excusing herself.

Rilsa strides through the archway, into the lower caverns.
Rilsa has left.

Br'nal shakes his head at himself, all sorts of embarrased. Hearing yet more news from A'zric, however, this has him beaming, "Congrats to both you and Tamina!" he says, enthusiastically.

Falrillya blushes at all this talk of trous, and looks down.

S'dar nods to A'zric. "Wow, many congratulations!"

Zynassa just nods to G'rad. That's the safest thing to do. A hand brushes at the dark stain on her trous, the heat from her face a decidedly palpable thing. She offers, "I'm hoping it's a boy for Yina to torment though. Younger brothers are fun to torture."

Zale launches into the air and flies through to the Lower Caverns, running away from her pet.
Zale has arrived.

Talene watches Zale as the golden beauty prepares herself and launches into the air.

G'rad moves the game on slightly, teasing more. "They are, I know. Although I found that they lost their interest once I reached a certain age. Now, visiting brunettes, they became fun very quickly...2

Talene groans and stands up. She excuses herself, "I have to go catch her. She'll get me into lots of trouble."

Talene waves and starts off towards the Lower Caverns calling the name of her gold.

Talene walks through the archway, into the lower caverns.
Talene has left.

Peeping out from behind Fairly's ear, Skye scolds Fairly for paying so much attention to that Gold.

Falrillya finishes darning the little pair of trous, and puths them back into her basket.

Falrillya murmurs "Now, now Skye, don't fuss."

Falrillya gets up and heads into the kitchen.
Falrillya steps away from the tables and heads into the busy kitchen.
Falrillya has left.

Zynassa gives G'rad a quizical look, and then blurts, "Eggs. We were talking about eggs. How long till the hatching is it, Br'nal?" There has to be *some* safe topic here to discuss.

Kallrina studies the saddle a big more.

G'rad eyes Br'nal "Any idea? You've been closer than anyone else here I suppose, anyone who'd have experience anyway. Although Kallrina's actually been and fondled them" he eyes the candidate "What did you get out of stroking the eggs, 'rina?"

A'zric grins at the various congratulations, "A boy would be nice." he admits to Zynassa's earlier comment.

Br'nal seems just as eager to latch onto one, "I'd say about another 2 sevendays, but that's just going by what Yanaleth says," he scratches a cheek. "But then, he's more concerned with trying to figure out what's in them."

Kallrina looks up and smiles warmly. "Twas wonderful Sir...I never thought they would all feel so diffrent...

S'dar smiles. "Excuse me a moment," he says, then heads off for a few.

S'dar meanders outside to the bowl.
S'dar has left.

G'rad says "A good egg in the hand really brings Candidacy home, I've noticed. You always remember the first"

Zynassa's eyes go a trifle rounder - she just can't keep up with the word play. The mug of cider is brought up to her chin, a defensive barrier, though Kallrina's words bring a wistful smile. "So you'll be back home soon, Br'nal? Or have we lost you up here forever?"

Br'nal chuckles softly at this, in a somewhat pleased. "I'd imagine so. Do you know if anyone's looked after my weyr?" he asks. "It must be loaded with spinner webs by now."

G'rad grins and tops his cider off "You want to come see them? It's not far you know"

A'zric chuckles, "Have no fear Br'nal, it's clean and waiting."

Kallrina smiles and nods warmly. "I shall ner forget it Sir

Br'nal grins at A'zric, and then at Nassa, "Would you?" he asks, waving a hand towards the exit.

Zynassa opens her mouth to answer Br'nal, and shuts it at her brother's statement. Instead, she nods to G'rad and the brownrider. "I've only had a glimpse before. We didn't get to stay too terribly long. How about you... Rina? Was it? I'm Zynassa."

G'rad extends an arm "Care to walk with me then? I shall escort you on a guided tour of the finest orbs on display at High Reaches. Including a highly unusual one. We have..." he lowers his voice "Invisible eggs"

Kallrina smiles shyly. "I try te look at them every day Ma'am

Br'nal groans, and hides his head behind his hand again. Softly, "I was hoping those wouldn't be mentioned."

Kallrina looks down at the sadle in her lap and giggles softly.

Zynassa goes to accept G'rad's arm, but also holds out her own towards Rina. "Invisible eggs?" The inquiry is given to everyone in earshot. "And you'll come with us Rina? Yaz?" Br'nal is given a quizzical look.

G'rad pats Nassa's hand "Yes indeed. Laid by the Invisible dragons, or so we are reliably told by Temornath."

Kallrina looks up at G'rad, "May I Sir?

G'rad nods "Yes, Kallrina - the more you see the eggs the better at this stage, I expect"

Br'nal stuffs his hands in his pockets and prepares to bring up the rear.

Kallrina hefts the saddle under one arm and stnads

G'rad leads the way to the hatching grounds, smiling softly "They're a pretty impressive sight"

G'rad strides outside to the bowl.
G'rad has left.

You stride outside to the bowl.
Western Bowl, High Reaches Weyr(#880RJs)

Behemoth rumbles sleepily to his lifemate as the crowd passes by

G'rad points "This way then" and leads to the galleries

G'rad strolls north into the tunnel to the hatching grounds.
G'rad has left.

Zynassa can't help an arched eyebrow at the bronze's size, as she is escorted on into the galleries.

You stride through the tunnel, emerging in an enormous cavern. You walk up a short flight of steps into the galleries.

In the Galleries of the High Reaches Weyr Hatching Grounds(#510RJas$)
Tiers of stone carved benches rise uniformly above the hatching sands, set against both the southern and western walls of the enormous hatching grounds. The warmth radiating from the sands make the cool stone benches a welcome change, especially for sand baked feet. One section of the galleries has been roped off for special spectators, and the seats within have cushions done in the dark blue and black of the Weyr. To the east, the cavern narrows and short flights of steps lead down to the cavern entrance or to the sands themselves. From the galleries, the many dragon ledges are visible, scattered all along the hatching cavern walls.
The sands stand empty now, all evidence of the last hatching has been cleared away except for a stray riding glove forgotten on one of the benches. Echoes fill the empty cavern at the slightest noise. Occasionally a firelizard will guard her own clutch at the edge of the sands, an ideal place for a clutch of any type.
To see things down on the sands, you can 'view', or to see a specific object you can 'view <object>'. +viewhelp gives you egg specific viewing help.
Contents:
G'rad
S'dar
Refreshment Tray

Kallrina walks up into the stands from the entrance to the bowl.
Kallrina has arrived.

S'dar extends his good afternoon to Zynassa and Kallrina.

G'rad arrives, Zynassa on his arm and with Kallrina and Br'nal not far behind "What ho, S'dar. We've come to egg gaze"

S'dar grins at G'rad. "Sounds like a good idea... the suns are hitting them just right, it's beautiful."

G'rad adds to Zynassa "He's a big one, but Behemoth's a real softy. He'd not hurt a trundlebug"

Br'nal strolls up into the stands from the entrance to the bowl.
Br'nal has arrived.

On the sands, Yanaleth lifts his head to share a croon with the egg-watchers.

G'rad waves with his free arm "Greetings, Temornath, Yanaleth. We come to admire your children!"

Zynassa nods to S'dar and then says, "Huge, I'd say. Much bigger than Gelth." She keeps her voice low, darting a look up to the ledges to make certain that Istan bronze doesn't overhear her. "Not that size is everything." The words are delivered matter of factly. "So is Yanaleth ready to have them hatch? He was always a little... precocious, wasn't he, Br'nal?"

Kallrina sets the saddle down and looks over at the eggs a twinkle in her eyes

Br'nal chuckles, "That's certainly a polite way of putting it, Nassa," he says, smiling proudly. "He's, well, I wouldn't say impatient, just curious, you know? He wants to know who is in which egg, and who they'll bond with."

G'rad chuckles "Behemoth us actually very nervous of his size, he finds it an embarrasment a lot of the time. But I think he's the biggest male around. Although, that will change in time. They're getting bigger every hatching, it seems"

G'rad adds "We all do. He's no more eager than I am"

Kallrina grins. "Tell him I stil think he he handsome G'rad

G'rad says "He knows, 'rina. He knows."

Zynassa ahs at G'rad. "He shouldn't be embarassed about it. Most queens prefer a big bronze, from what I've been told. *If* they don't have a thing for browns." She gives Br'nal a grin. "And I couldn't imagine /why/ he'd be so precocious. Just like his sire, it seems, even if no two eggs crack alike."

Kallrina smiles at G'rad. "Does he?

Br'nal grins, "I'm curious as well, but, I don't think I'm as anxious as the rest. I helped out the Weyrlingmaster at Ista, for Gelth's last clutch, and I still all too clearly remember the looks of disappointment on so many faces..."

G'rad laughs "He's not won a goldflight yet, but he's got quite a taste for greens of late. Got his eye on one up at Fort, and I've not even seen her rider." he winces "Handsome as the dragon is, I've met a few people who ride them who might not do badly with a bath and a toothpick."

A'zric meanders up into the stands from the entrance to the bowl.
A'zric has arrived.

Br'nal grins at Nassa's comments, and is about to respond, when he hears G'rad's comment, and nearly chokes with laughter.

G'rad grins "All part of the duty I suppose. I never go to a greenflight now without a clothespeg. JUst in case."

Kallrina giggles softly. "Rest assured G'rad, If I do get lucky enought to impress...my bathing habits wont change.

G'rad peers at Kallrina "Oh, that's good. I'd miss my early morning ogle."

A'zric arrives a little later than the rest, "Clothespeg?'

Zynassa nods to Br'nal. "The men are the ones in our family with the talent for impressing. For the girls, no one's so much as twitched an ear, so at least we're spared that." G'rad's statement gets a wrinkled nose. "The rider makes the dragon, so they say. And there've been times I've seen Gelth's breath bad enough to knock you down. Not just the greens. Or their riders."

Kallrina blushes a bit.

G'rad peers at the dragons "They're meant to have bad breath. Firestone, you know? But, all the same, waking up next to someone with whiteroot in their teeth is a little daunting. I got that on my first time. I didn't know where to look."

A'zric laughs, "As I pointed out to Jaeleka m'dear Nassa, I'm the only one of our family who's too old to Stand. Hardly an accurate sampling."

Kallrina gives G'rad a shy look and shakes her head before gazing out at the eggs again.

G'rad smiles at kallrina "I know you wouldn't do that"

Kallrina smiles softly. "Do what?

Br'nal nods with A'zric's comments, "I may just ask Yanaleth to give you a good sniffing, once Qirith's clutched, that is," he teases. "And I wouldn't so much say that you're 'spared' it. Candidacy can be a wonderful time!" he says.

G'rad says "Eat whiteroots in bed. C'obber is a nice chap, but his BREATH close up is stunning"

Kallrina laughs softly. "Nay, I can honestly say I'd ner done that..nor do I want to.

G'rad says "I bet you I could cook you a dish that might tempt you"

Zynassa mms at her brother. "We've a wager on about Zaemina, you know. Want to get in on it?" Always on the lookout for a way to increase her Marks is Nassa. "Jae's devoted to her craft. And the runners like me." She shrugs and grins at Br'nal. "So sayth the rider." She stops then, distracted, and peers at G'rad. "You cook too?"

Kallrina smiles. "Do ye now?

Br'nal grins, "He brought this wonderful cake in a sevenday back," he says, nodding towards G'rad.

A'zric laughs to G'rad, "Nothing wrong with whiteroots." he eyes Zyanssa, "You've a wager with Jae? On Zaemina!? She's only a turn old!"

Zynassa arches eyebrows at Br'nal and G'rad. "A cake?" Then she says placidly to A'zric, "I like planning ahead, Yaz. Want in on it or not? Jae and I think she'll be the only one of us girls to impress."

G'rad grins "I cook. My mother is the Masterbaker. I cook pretty well"

Kallrina smiles. "enought to eat whiteroots in bed?

G'rad says "Maybe. We'll have to find out sometime. Any takers?" he grins to the ladies "We could experiment"

Br'nal hrms, "May take you a while to collect, then." At G'rad's comment he ruefully shakes his head, "You are one up on me there, G'rad. Oh I could make something edible enough, but for sure, it would be lacking in taste. Now, if you need yourself a new tunic," he grins.

Kallrina points to the knot on her shoulder. "Are ye tryin te get me in trouble...or jes testing me Sir," she grins warmly.

Zynassa blinks at Br'nal. "And you sew? Why am I always the last to know this?" Her tone is bemused. "Experiment? Only if my fingers stay out of the mix. Anything I bake ends up like firestone ash."

G'rad laughs "Neither. If you ate whiteroots in bed, no matter how prety you looked, I'd leave you alone" He eyes Zynassa, and grins more "I promise. I cook, you eat. How about it?"

Kallrina laughs and shakes her head. "But I've already said I dinna do that

Br'nal snickers, "I don't think I'm yet allowed back in the kitchens here, since that baking fiasco last turn," he smiles at Nassa, "Tella, S'ris and I got in awful trouble from imprinting each others faces in cookie dough." He nods his head at the question of his ability to sew. "Mum was a journeyrank weaver, and I sort of picked it up."

A'zric snickers, "How about whiteroots out of bed?"

G'rad winks at A'zric "Shush, the bed part is vital"

Zynassa grins impishly and tells G'rad in a supremely innocent tone, "Only if it has whiteroots in it." Then she nods to Br'nal, "I just had a new gather dress made - but it cost me an arm and a leg. I'm still recouping my losses. And I need more shorts and things for the heat."

G'rad shakes his head "What an image. All the same, a good whiteroot and cheese pie is pretty delightful"

Kallrina smiles softly at G'rad. "Ye are ner going te change are ye?

G'rad spreads his hands "I couldn't. I love to cook."

Kallrina crosses her arms and looks up giving him a measured look. "I see.

Zynassa chuckles. "I'll eat it, G'rad, if it has whiteroots in it. Even if I'm not a greenrider." Her tone is amused. "Then again, anything's a good change from fish."

G'rad winces "Please, don't mention fish." he eyes the sands "not loudly"

Br'nal grins, "Well, when I return to Ista, let's see if we can work something out for a cooler wardrobe, shall we?" he asks of Nassa.

Kallrina giggles

You say "Has she already eaten what Gelth brought, Yaz?" Then Br'nal's question distracts her, "Oh, certainly! Long as I'm covered and don't have to pay Radar's prices. He's *good*, but Faranth's teeth!" She grins a bit, and asks, "Oh, and what was that about invisible eggs?"

G'rad says "It doesn't take long for a dragon to eat fish. And see, if you look down on the sands you can see a golden rock? That is where the invisble egg is meant to be""

A'zric nods to Zynassa, "Of course, I think she shared with Yanaleth though too, didnt she?" he asks of Br'nal.

Br'nal nods his head to the question. "Radar is incredible," he admits, "If you see Divya while you are here," he says, eyes twinkling with mischief, "Ask her about the work he does."

Kallrina laughs softly as G'rad talks about the invisible dragons

Zynassa nods to Br'nal. "I will at that. The dress he made me is just gorgeous." She gives G'rad a doubtful look. "Why is it invisible again?"

G'rad says "Well....the dragons think that all the people who don't impress are guarded by invisible dragons, and that they have laid eggs on the Sands.""

Br'nal hrms, "Speaking of cloth," he glances at G'rad. "How are the Candidates coming with their robes?"

G'rad says "Good question. I shall have to have an inspection. Have you been doing yours, Kallrina?""

Kallrina smiles and nods a bit. "aye, in the evenings

G'rad says "Is everyone working on them? Now is the time to really get them done, in case any need further alteration"

Zynassa laughs gently, "I think that's a wonderful idea. I have heard that candidates not impressing means that their dragon just hasn't been shelled yet. Maybe in this case, it's just not visible yet."

G'rad says "True, true. But the invisible dragons look after everyone who doesn't have a visible one. It should ve very crowded"

Kallrina titls her head. "I m not really sure Sir

Br'nal nods his head, knowing it's coming, "Especially with the one on the Sands."

Zynassa laughs! "So do I have an invisible dragon?" She looks from Br'nal to G'rad and back again.

A'zric chuckles to Br'nal, "Is it just one invisible egg on the sands or is there a whole clutch? Gelth's hardly clear."

G'rad says "That depends." he shrugs "If you ever impress, no. If you don't, then yes"

"Just the one," Br'nal says, pointing, "Near that goldish rock."

Zynassa grins at G'rad. "Someone remind me of this when I'm old enough not to stand. I'd like to know his - or her - name."

G'rad says "By then the dragons might know better how to talk to them"

Br'nal hrms, "True enough. Hadn't thought of that," he muses.

Kallrina laughs softly

Zynassa asks reasonably, "How do they know they're there, if they can't talk to them, though."

Kallrina eyes seem to keep drifting back to one egg in particular.

G'rad says "You have a favourite, 'rina?""

Kallrina blushes and nods as she points. "Aye, the one that looks like it has the SpinnerWebs on it."

G'rad smiles "It's a little mournful looking, isn't it? Rather old and sad"

"You can tell by the fish disappearing from the river, or the like," Br'nal grins at Kallrina, "Thank goodness I've heard few people say they like that pink one..."

Zynassa gives Br'nal a doubtful look and instead says, "Well, it's still a wonderful idea."

Kallrina smiles warmly at G'rad. "Nay...tis beautiful, not that I like the real spinners mind you"she shudders just a bit. "Er since that egg was clutched something drew me te it." She grind at Br'nal "the one that looks like a pink eel" she says tone light and inncoently teasing.

G'rad coughs a little "It doesn't look like an eel." he says, wishing he believed it "It looks like that candy you can buy at gathers"

Kallrina giggles again. "Nay...tis a pink eel...Sir.

G'rad grunts "Anyway, it is good to feel empathy for one. Although, Behemoth was in an egg I didn't feel for at all"

A'zric nods in agreement with G'rad, "Gelth was the same, hiding on me, the little rotter."

Kallrina nods and smiles softly.

Br'nal nods, fingering the small charm at the hollow of his throat. "I'll admit it, Yanaleth's shell was...darkly colourful," he says, with a grin.

G'rad shrugs "I had to show Sheron my scar. He missed the lecture, you know?"

Kallrina mutters to G'rad, "... missed it."

A'zric frowns, "Sheron?"

Br'nal explains, "One of the Candidates. Would this be the "this is why you stay away from the hatchlings on the sands" scar, G'rad?"

G'rad nods at Kallrina "It certainly is, Br'nal. I'm reasonably well qualified on that, I believe"

S'dar smiles idly at the conversation, though he's still for the most part zoning while watching the eggs.

A'zric glances to Zynassa and chuckles, "Perhaps Mina and I can give the 'Thread is bad' speech for the weyrlings this cycle, we've got enough scars between the pair of us."

Zynassa rolls her eyes at A'zric. "You both should duck faster."

G'rad says "Heh. There's sadly enough of those around to fill the barracks many times ove"

Kallrina shuddrs and fingers her locket gently. "Aye.

You sense Br'nal winks.

Zynassa just gives a little grin, for no apparent reason and comments lightly, "I believe I'll just watch from the galleries. Much safer there, and no need to risk life and limb protecting all of Pern."

Br'nal grins at Nassa, "So long as your runners are protected?" he asks.

G'rad says "I agree. The one time I'm down there, I get rightly raked. Just my luck"

Zynassa nods to Br'nal. "Too right! I'll sack the stone for you all to use, just don't ask me to be around while you're flaming it. I don't really even like to groundcrew that much, though I always took my turn at Bitra."

Br'nal grins at this. "Okay, so you don't like ground crewing, what do you like?" he asks. "I mean, you came to Ista for a reason, and I don't think that it was just your brothers' charm," he says, grinning as he can now comfortably tease A'zric.

A'zric laughs, "Oh yeah, charm charm charm. Gelth's the charming one."

Zynassa says blandly to Br'nal, "Aye, Gelth's the one with charm. I dunno how Mina puts up with Yaz. But it's all the brownriders really. Don't see many of them at Bitra."

Br'nal can't resist a grin at this, "But of course," he says, playfully.

Zynassa grins a bit and slips slightly apart from the group to pay closer attention to the eggs.

A'zric rolls his eyes at his younger sister, "Brownriders. Not the be all and end all of weyrlife."

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All references to worlds and characters based on Anne McCaffrey's fiction are copyright © Anne McCaffrey 1967,2000, all rights reserved, and used by permission of the author. The Dragonriders of Pern™ is registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, by Anne McCaffrey, used here with permission. Use or reproduction without a license is strictly prohibited. For more information, visit the Many thanks to Alec Johnson for his assistance with this information!