A Slip in the Living Cavern

Kaylira, whom Zynassa has know since they were babies together at Benden, has come to Ista to see Qirith's eggs and to meet this brownrider Nassa is so taken with. the whole story eventually comes out, as Nassa tells the embarassing tale to Kay.

Ed note: The pose the drives Zynassa and Kay out of the living cavern was actually a 'mav' - I'd meant to type tt before it, but you can't exactly take something like that back. And it proved amusing, so we just ran with it. The pages that were flying behind the scenes were hysterical.

Zynassa - Wednesday, May 16, 2001, 6:06 PM
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Zynassa looks up at Radar and grins. "I'm good. How're you, Radar? And have you met Kaylira? She's a cradle friend practically, from Telgar. Well, first from Benden, then from Telgar, but that gets a little long, telling that tale."

Kaylira smiles at Radar, "Well met."

Ekaterina beams at Pulyn, smoothing the front of her skirt with a bright grin. "Why thank you. I made them myself. Well -- except for the embroidery. When I try to embroider I get my thread all in a knot." Pout. At hearing Kaylira's name she whirls again, somehow not spilling the juice in her hand. "Kaylira? Oh, you -are- back!"

Rhianwen shrugs at Langley's silence and smiles "Well, that's good then. So does that mean you are staying permanently, Chaia?" is wondered. "Or just coming to visit as often as possible? I suppose he could go visit you too, of course..and much easier at that." She ponders. "But it would be ever so much better if you were at the Weyr, don't you think?"

In the corner, Kaylira frowns slightly. "I talked to Yaz, and he says to tell you he isn't cheating on Tamina."

Zynassa grins goodnaturedly at Kati. "I haven't let her go home yet. I was going to impose on Yaz for a ride for her, but I can't find him anywhere."

Pulyn grins even more at Ekaterina, then peeks his head around her to check for Alaida.

In the corner, Zynassa snorts, keeping her voice low. "Not *yet* he means. That little weyr-wrecker's after him though. Even Brin's somewhat sympathetic to her."

Kaylira ohs. "I saw /him/ but I dont think he's gonna give me a ride home. I kinda yelled at him just a little." This to Kati and Nassa.
Ekaterina aah's softly, then settles into a chair. Better to finish her juice while sitting down -- she's less apt to spill it that way. "You yelled at him? Whyever did you do that?"

An alarmed expression flits across Chaia's face. Permanent? No one said /anything/ about permanent. "We...haven't really discussed much beyong the now," she evades.

Radar says, "It's nice to meet you, Kaylira. I'm the Weaver posted here."

Kaylira's cheeks mark with a fine flush of pink. "Oh, I had reasons. Anyway, I haven't gotten to leave yet Kati. Do you still need the clothes?"

Rhianwen looks surprised 'You haven't? But I thought you were in love. Don't you want to handfast and have children and all that?" Isn't that the way it usually goes? Seems Rhi's a bit clueless about how things work at a Weyr. "That's what my cousin P'tod did, you know. He and Fluria love each other, and she's having his baby." So maybe it does work the same at a Weyr.

Ekaterina shakes her head, indicating the ones she's wearing. "No -- my sister found out through the dragon-vine and brought me what I'd need." Sip.

Pulyn's ears perk up at the word 'weaver'. He gets up, and moves towards Radar, extending his hand. "Hello there, I'm Pulyn. I was wondering if maybe you could fix up my gather shirt for me, it seems to have developed a little rip." Realizing he interrupted, he backs off momentarily.

Kaylira turns a smile on Radar. "I'm only visiting Nassa here. But if you ever get to Telgar, you should say hello."

Chaia's blush gets deeper, "I...I think I love him," she admits reluctantly, knowing if she doesn't say /something/ Rhi will keep babbling. "But let's face it - giving your heart to a bronzerider isn't exactly the most brilliant plan."

Rhianwen blinks, her smile fading and her confusion returning "It isn't? How come?" she wonders. "Is there something wrong with him? And if that's how you feel, why'd you fall in love with him in the first place?" Seems rather senseless to fall in love with someone when you don't think it will last. Oh...and Rhi will babble anyway. Muahaha.

Chaia tries to reassure her friend, feeling suddenly way older than she should. "No, Rhi, it's okay. Really. He's...really nice, and very gentle...um, usually...and it's good, okay?"

Zynassa grins at Pulyn and offers, "Radar, this is Pulyn. And he stole a little business from you. Made me a new pair of low boots and at a *great* price." She gives both men a sly smile.

Pulyn still stands with his hand extended to Radar. He smirks back to Zynassa.

Ekaterina finishes off her juice and whirls off again, heading deeper into the caverns.
Ekaterina walks down the corridor.
Ekaterina has left.

Rhianwen frowns still. "No, it isn't okay. If he loves you, he should treat you right, no matter the color dragon he rides. Are you saying that he is only in love with what you give him, and not you?" is demanded. Yup...that loyal protectiveness is rearing it's inconvenient head. "Because if so, I'll....Oh, I'll - I'll stomp that mean old bronzerider! How dare he use one of my friends!"

In the corner, Zynassa mutters, "I'd wager it'd not be long again, before he'll be off again with that Yenne creature." Her dislike of the reaches weyrwoman is evident in her tone.

Radar hmmms and says, "So I've got a little competition now? I guess I'll have to be more careful in bargaining in the future." He shakes Pulyn's hand and says, "It's a pleasure to meet you. Please, have a seat."

In the corner, Kaylira's brow furrows. "I have no idea who you are talking about. Oh, and he wasn't very happy with me either."

Pulyn beams as he sits down, absentmindedly brushing something off his shirt once he reaches the seat.

Chaia blanches, "Rhi, really...it's fine. . .I don't think he'd hurt me. Not intentionally. Even in Keroon his reputation isn't a secret."

In the corner, Zynassa says "Yaz? Well shards and shells. He hasn't been terribly discreet about it." She shrugs. "So what do you think of Brin?""

In the corner, Kaylira chews absently upon a fingernail - or, rather, whats left of one. "I don't know what Brin coudl have done to make you so angry. He's absolutely stupid about you."

Zynassa nods. "He's absolutely stupid and that's the problem," she hisses. "Things were going so well - he'd taken me out into the jungle for herb gathering. And one thing led to another and he just *stopped*. And after I told him I'd take care of it if he got too frustrated. I've been listening to the caverns girls. I know what to do, since I can't just sleep with him."

Kaylira just /blinks/ at her friend.

Zynassa's remarks fall into an odd stillness, and somehow manage to echo across the caverns. The result is a beet red face, and she sinks down in her chair, not looking at Radar or Pulyn.

Kaylira blushes as well, She mutters to Zynassa, "Do... to maybe... somewhere else... this?... now I... everyone... interested... didn't do in..."

You sense Kaylira blushes as well, "Do you want to maybe go somewhere else and talk about this? Cause now I think everyone is interested in what you didn't do in the jungle."

Rhianwen looks horrified now, and stares at her friend in astonishment. "You...you did..../that/, and you don't even know if he's committed to you? How could he! " She seems entirely speechless - for her - and just stares, her attention entirely focused on Chaia to the exclusion of all else, though she does catch a bit of Zynassa's comment in the sudden silence and blinks. Geez..is everyone sleeping around? Her eyes narrow "He'd better not hurt you, Chaia...he'll have me to answer for if he does." And Rhianwen's usual happy attitude hides a rather drastic temper, it seems.

Kaylira mutters into the quiet of the room, "I'm not."

Radar turns bright red at this very frank and honest girl talk. He coughs a couple of times before saying, "Well, that's a good thing. I guess."

Chaia smiles, and says lightly, "My brother said the same thing, Rhi...but you probably have a better shot, seeing as Chan's only ten."

Zynassa just covers her face with her hands, utterly mortified. She dares a look at Radar, and then nods to Kaylira. Heck, it can't get any worse. "Go for a walk, Kay? I can show you the waterfall or something." The words are strangled.

T'mren walks in from the bowl.
T'mren has arrived.

Kaylira scuttles out from her seat - dinner untouched. Given circumstances, however, hunger is probably the least of worries. "Yeah, Nass, lets walk."

Kyrola walks in from the bowl.
Kyrola has arrived.

T'mren hurries into the cavern with Kyrola at his side. He casts a grin about the cavern, "Cev got another one." he says without any particular ceremony, "I'll introduce you all in a bit, but c'mon for now, Kyrola, time to get you settled." He casts a very quick wink at Chaia as he passes through.
T'mren walks down the corridor.
T'mren has left.

Radar says, "Good night, ladies!"

Kyrola gives the others a startled look and then she hustles after the rider.
Kyrola walks down the corridor.
Kyrola has left.

Rhianwen is small, but she can pack a punch. Her little fists clench, and she nods, not amused at all - her gaze flicks to T'mren, eyes still narrowed, though she doesn't say anything, just tries to smile. "He's got some growing to do, then, Chaia" she murmurs, than laughs. "Of course, one could say the same of me, although I think I've stopped." She looks back at her friend, giving her a very direct look.

Zynassa hurries out, still beet red, and with an apologetic look at Radar and Pulyn for leaving so abruptly.

You walk outside, into the bowl.
Ista Weyr Bowl -- Southeast

Clusters of dragons group around the large entrance to the living cavern. Smaller entrances line up to lead to the lower caverns and the infirmary. Smoke issues forth from square holes cut into the mountain high above the living cavern. The bowl extends to the northwest, and high above, the southernmost points of the spindles reach for the sky.
The sunset bathes the northeastern side of the bowl in red light.
Thick clouds blanket the overcast winter sky, over the bustle of the active Weyr. A slight drizzle hangs in the air. Light breezes waft playfully around the peaks, through the forests, and along the beaches, causing frothy whitecaps on the surf. The temperature hovers in the warm range, while visibility is poor.

Weyrs and entrances to the lower caverns are visible on all three sides of the Weyr walls that bound you.
Contents:
Cevodnioth
Yanaleth

Kaylira walks out of the living cavern.
Kaylira has arrived.

Kaylira covers her mouth with both hands, and then giggles. "Shards, Nassa, whatever possessed you?"

Zynassa stifles a groan upon seeing Yanaleth. "I *thought* I was being quieter! It'll be all over the weyr by morning."

Kaylira ohs, the dragons quite obvious - especiallythe brown. "If its unbearable, you could come back to Telgar with me. Course, maybe it'll smarten him up? I mean, well, not sure what I mean."

Fluria walks out from the Hatching Grounds.
Fluria has arrived.

Zynassa sighs, perching on a boulder. "Shards and shells. Augh! Well, I just hope he talked to Mouse sooner rather than later. She's got a crush on him."

Fluria trots out of the grounds and waves absently to those she passes. Not stopping to really chat for she is on some mission or another.

Kaylira rolls that name around. "Mouse? This another girl he likes?"

Fluria walks into the huge living cavern.
Fluria has left.

Zynassa waves as Fluria passes and shakes her head at Kay. "One that likes him better than he her. But what had me so mad the other day," She rolls her eyes for her faux pass earlier, "Is that he tried to pretend it was for my sake at first. When it was for his."

Kaylira sighs, checking around. "Is here private enough?"

Zynassa considers, looking up to a ledge above the caverns. "Let's go down to the beach."

Kaylira nods succinctly. "Sure. Beach is good and maybe the sand-dragons will be there. I know Demilia will like them." She waits for Zynassa to leave her perch and continues, "Men are stupid, Nassa. I dont know why you'd want to do that sort of thing with him anyway."

Zynassa pushes away from the boulder, complaining as she goes, "Well, I never *have* before. And oh fardles. I don't know why. Don't ask me why, it makes no sense whatsoever." Still talking, she heads for the center of the bowl.

Ista Weyr Bowl -- Northwest

The golden light of the evening sun outlines the corral's fences to the west. To the southeast, the bowl widens out as it approaches the far side of towering black rock and the high fingers, five jutting peaks, high above. The black and gray rock of the bowl is devoid of any green or colour, except for the hundreds of dragons seen on ledges all along the Weyr walls. The Weyrling Barracks to the north open wide in a double-arch.
Thick clouds blanket the overcast winter sky, over the bustle of the active Weyr. A slight drizzle hangs in the air. Light breezes waft playfully around the peaks, through the forests, and along the beaches, causing frothy whitecaps on the surf. The temperature hovers in the warm range, while visibility is poor.

Contents:
Kalendrith

Kaylira heads towards you from the southeast.
Kaylira has arrived.

Kaylira tries to look sympathetic. "I'm in no hurry, thats for sure. Seems like you start doing that with boys and they stop treating you like people."

Zynassa sighs. "Good way to put it." She leans against the corral fence. "I was just *so* mad at him. I mean, pretending it was for my own good, like he knew better. Even if he does, I've a right to make my own decisions, don't I?" She sighs, deflating slightly. "And afterwards, I did something even stupider than blurting that out in the living cavern."

Kaylira winces. "Oh, please tell me you didn't go and sleep with someone else?"

Zynassa shakes her head. "Not *that* stupid." She pauses and then admits miserably, "But close."

Kaylira licks her lips and asks, "How do you come close to sleeping with someone?"

Zynassa flushes. "By pretty much daring him to. But he backed out on me too. Maybe there's just something wrong with me."

Kaylira sputters between aghast and trying very hard not to giggle -whether for nerves of some other reason. "Nassa! You /didn't/! Did you lose your head in a runner wager?!"

Zynassa blushes. "lost my head in the jungle's more like it. I mean, he was mouthing off about me trying on those dresses, and I just lost my temper. And then I couldn't back down - you know what a bluffer I am in dragonpoker."

Kaylira nods with a wry expression settled firmly on her features. "That I do. and see what happens? Men aren't marks and chips, Nassa. And riders even less! They're /used/ to ...shards! You could have been hurt!"

Zynassa shakes her head. "Not bloody likely. And I couldn't even get a bronzer to take me up on it. Maybe I'm just not a proper enough girl for all this." She grimaces. "Runners are so much easier to take care of."

Kaylira holds up a finger, "Back up? A bronzer? Weren't we talking about a brown?"

Zynassa admits, "I tried on the dresses for S'ris."

Kaylira doesnt' seem to follow. "And were you trying to seduce him?"

You say "Well, not really? I mean, he started out talking big, and that got my bluffing going. But when push came to shove," so to speak, "He was the one that folded the hand."

Kaylira sums up the other girl and asks bluntly, "And if he hadn't, Nassa, were you going to sleep with him?"

Zynassa chews on her lower lip and admits, "Probably not. I owe Bitra too much." As if this weren't convoluted enough.

Kaylira sighs, and comes closer, resting one hand on each of the other girl's shoulders, "Then why are you so down on yourself because he was doing the same thing you were?"

Zynassa seems surprised at the question. "Well, cause he's a man. And men're always supposed to jump at the chance. He didn't. And Brin didn't."

Kaylira laughs softly. "I can't believe I'm doing this. But what if some men are nicer than others and remember that maybe, just maybe its not a good idea to bed anything that moves?" Her hands drop to her own sides now. "Worst thing, okay, you aren't what they wanted. Best thing? maybe they respected you a little too much to do something that wouldn't last longer than it took to put your clothes back on again."

Zynassa says drily, "Somehow, I don't think that's it. But." She admits, "It's nice to think about."

Kaylira nods, offering an observation, "Brin seemed pretty sweet. He blushed even, I'd wager a good mark he's not too certain what to do with you."

Zynassa chuckles. "Or with my temper, I'd say. I *do* have to tell him about trying on dresses for S'ris, before he hears it out of one of the gossips that saw me up to S'ris's ledge."

Kaylira's eyes close as she groans. "Nassa!"

Zynassa's tone is a trifle defensive. "Well! Honestly, Kay... I think I may actually be falling in love with Brin, and it scares the life out of me. He *is* so sweet - if he can just get over the fact I'm not a little girl - I met him when he impressed, and that was the first clutch Yaz was Weyrleader for."

Kaylira gets a lost look on her face, chewing at her lower lip. "Wow, falling in love?Gee, Nassa. I mean, all your talk about runnerbeasts and stuff- I know it was joking mostly, but in love?"

Zynassa sighs. "I don't know. Not like I have experience at this or anything!" She smiles wanly. "Runners are a lot easier to deal with. I mean, haven't you ever been the least bit curious, Kay?"

Kaylira shrugs her shoulders non-committally. "Not enough to do anything stupid like dare a boy to kiss me or worse. "

Zynassa's lips twist up slightly, "Kissing can be fun though. Though if you'd've told me that with all those holder boys hanging on me at a gather, I never would have believed you."

Kaylira shuffles her feet, trying to find something to look at other than Zynassa. "I don't want them t treat me all stupid. Its bad enough they're like that about other girls. Besides, who would I kiss?"

Zynassa chuckles. "You could always experiment with the twins. I bet they wouldn't act stupid."

Kaylira's nose crinkles as she makes a face."And they'd brag over the entire weyr about how they'd done that! No thanks."

Zynassa shakes her head. "They wouldn't if I told 'em not to. Well, at least Jarin wouldn't."

Kaylira snaps quickly, "Don't you dare! I'd never forgive you!"

Zynassa shrugs. "It was just a suggestion. There's nothing wrong with not worrying about boys. Who knows, maybe you really like girls? And there's nothing wrong with that either."

Kaylira makes another face. "I dont think so."

Zynassa laughs. "Well, it was just a suggestion."

Kaylira looks sheepish. "We're supposed to be talking about your problems, not whether I'm kissing boys or not. And besides, why does it matter so much if I kiss someone or not?"

Zynassa shakes her head and says soothingly, "All I'm saying is: it's kinda nice when you find the right person."

Kaylira's shoulders shrug lightly and dismissively. "When I find the right person I'll give it a try."

Zynassa says wryly, "It's the knowing if it's the right one that makes it hard. I mean, how do you know that?" She shakes her head. "It's just a mess. It'll likely all sort itself out once Yanaleth loses another flight."

Kaylira gives a dry look, "Do I look like I know how to tell if its the right person or not? Shards, Nassa, I dont know what to do with boys like you do, even if I wanted to."

Zynassa shakes her head. "Like I know. I just asked Lasora a few rather indelicate questions. But you could dress up a bit more at gathers. Just to see what happens," she assures quickly. "You never know when something might spark."

Kaylira's nose crinkles. "Dress up? You mean try to be like all those other girls?"

Zynassa shakes her head. "Course not. Find your own way of doing it. But your figure's a sight better than mine. You can wear all those low cut sorts of things that I haven't a prayer of filling out."

Kaylira's hands flutter protectively to her bustline, discomfort written on her features. "I hate it. People start talking to them. Do you know how insulting that is?"

Zynassa just stares at her friend and then bursts out laughing! "I'd love to have that problem! I have to *pad* mine. Do you know how embarassing that is?"

Kaylira blinks, then laughs. "Oh, Nassa. You live too far away sometimes."

Zynassa grins and sighs. "Well, at least I can come up for visits all the time. Not like I'm doing anything terribly important here. Changing glows can wait a day. Exercising the runners, not as easy to put off, but."

Kaylira flashes a bright grin back. "Well, I dont have runners to keep. Just odd chores here and there, so maybe /I'll/ have to visit you more often. That is if I don't run off and become a trader." Adding, quite seriously, "I've been thinking about it, you know."

Zynassa beams and hops up on the fence to sit. "*Really*? Why?"

Kaylira leans an elbow on the fence, standing to face the other girl."Well, I've kind of beenthinking about it for a while now. And the other day I'sai was asking when I thought I'd apprentice in some craft, or even what craft. Sooner or later I'm going to have to pick something, and I like the freedom." Her shoulders shrug.

Zynassa grins. "I *like* I'sai. He's awfully cute. -- You don't *have* to apprentice, you know. There's plenty of things to do in a weyr that you don't have to have formal training for. Like groundcrew leader, or nanny, or assistant headwoman - hey! You could ask Timbril!" She admits after a moment, "Though I suppose that's not really freeing, is it?"

Kaylira considers and nods. "No, but I dont have to be a trader for always either. So maybe it would work out both ways." A deep grin crosses her lips, "I could work in a tavern."

Zynassa teases, "Looks like you're going to have the figure for it! I can just see you now, putting those seacrafters in their places at the Hulk."

Kaylira laughs, "I'm not afraid of blustering drunks. And mum taught me to take care of myself. Besides, I don't think I'd /really/ do that, but isn't it fun to pretend sometimes? Like when we were littles and played at dragon." Another burst of laughter.

Zynassa laughs. "I just about died when Christine said that this morning. Course, we were never the greens. Always the ones that chased. I could see you in a tavern though. What else do you think you want to do?" She pauses and says, "I'm pretty sure I'll end up married to some minor holder to help Bitra out. But it's nice to think about it."

Kaylira looks a bit embarassed. "I don't know. I stil kinda think about impressing. I'm weyr-bred enough not to count on it, but, you asked. Maybe a headwoman. I never thought about that you know. I could do that."

Zynassa grins at Kaylira. "I've pretty much given that up as a sundream. And you could be a headwoman, you know. Particularly at a weyr. It can't be all that different than running a Hold, and Filliana taught me that."

Kaylira grins back, nodding. "I could, couldn't I? Anyway, Nassa, sundreams don't hurt. Only if you make them your life. Hey, you hungry yet? I'm thinking about that meal, and I still have to get home sometime."

Zynassa ohs. "Right! I almost forgot. I wish you didn't have to go. We'll catch a watchrider to take you back."

Kaylira nods, sighing. "Me too. I really enjoyed today. But, I can visit a bit more often - I'm old enough. Right?"

Zynassa laughs. "We both are. And we need to see each other more."

Kaylira impulsively hugs. "Things'll be okay with Brin. And if not him, with someone nicer. You'll see."

Zynassa hugs back. "Oh, I hope so! Come on. Let's get you a bite and a watchrider to take you back."

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