Harper Hall Party (Part 2)

Harper Hall Party (Part 2)
Friday, October 5, 2001

The World of Pern(tm) copyright (c) 1967 by Anne McCaffrey.
The Dragonriders of Pern(r) is a registered copyright.

Log courtesy of R’kan
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Maeko laughs gleefully to herself, retreating past the dancing to hit a wall with her back. Here, the young feline is cuddled yet more.. is it allowed in here? Probably not, but the girl's keeping a close hold on it, so it shouldn't be /too/ bad. Not that the lazy feline has any intentions of leaving the warm, comfortable lap and attention it's getting from her. Eyes follow Aryion over to Shylo, and she beams happily- mission accomplished. She's just that good.

V'zan's gaze meanders from V'len and R'kan long enough to finally note the outfits worn by both Anki and P'tala. "Hmm," he muses aloud, "perhaps you two should take to the dance floor as well. You'd make a much more striking couple that that pair of proddy, overgrown firelizards." He grins wickedly.

Zinia smiles at the Masterharper and nods. "Yeah I think I like it." Another grin for the harper. "Well if you don't mind having weyrfolk in your hall, or training the Weyrwoman's daughter I think my mother won't mind me coming." Eyes light up at the music. "Yes! I want to learn to play all sorts of things. And..." Eyes twinkle "Some of the teaching songs. 'Bout rider duties. Mom would really like that."

Well, this is something they can bond over. "Riding a bronze is like nothing else, that's for certain. The feeling of power, of a responsibility to the Weyr and to the bloodline, the sacrifice that one must make - it's all quite under appreciated, I feel." There's a bit of a dramatic sigh as V'len attempts a spin, catching R'kan back around the waist again. "It's been so difficult to find someone who tritely understands what is asked of us. Instead, the candidates come to gawk and gossip, I sit out there /perspiring/, and who appreciates me?" There's that sigh again. "No one. Not a soul."

P'tala winces momentarily as she eyes the back of V'zan's head with more than a little pity. What are a girl's options here? She could retort cleverly, or find an opening to lift her knee up. But the Weyrsecond, surprisingly, does neither. Instead... she sympathizes. "Aye, I know what you mean. The workload is terrible, and..." A blink at V'zan, then Anki. "Me? Anki? Hardly... I wouldn't unless you took us both by the arm and dragged us out there... and we'd make sure you had a fun time of it, too." Fun being the operative (and dripping with sarcasm) word.

The dance music continues, the gitars and fiddles weaving their tune, with the flutes ducking and weaving, sometimes hidden under the brass and then trilling and emerging on top and floating through the air.

Kishairyn quirks an eyebrow. "Oh, I think I meant exactly the same thing as you, but I do think he'd run, regardless." She shakes her head as well, looking amused. She blinks once over at R'kan, tilting her head covertly. "Well. He really does know how to butter up V'len, doesn't he?" she murmurs, amusement playing across her smile. She nods once. "If that's the gown she's wearing now ... then you really do underestimate yourself."

Atsuro responds to the circling greeting with wide eyes and an open mouth- will they never cease to surprise him? So easy to take advantage of. A strangled "Erk!" is emitted from his throat, as he's spun about mercilessly. The other than, that which has not been clasped in evil Aouda's evil grasp, flails frantically to hold on to her wrist- if /she/ lets go, he's going flying. Straight.. into that wall. Or that crowd of people."Aouda!" He says pitifully, a near-whine to his tone.

Anki puts the glass down on a nearby tray before she rearranges her skirt minutely, smirking. "Thank you, V'zan. I bet you two marks that that pair of overgrown firelizards will have some sort of relationship before the week is out. At least they will, judging from the smile R'kan's using." A grin at P'tala as she straightens. "Oh, I don't know, P'tala. I might enjoy getting a few hops around the room from a pretty guy."

Caitlin grins at Zinia and nods "Indeed we do not mind and Tana would be happy to teach you a few lessons herself at the Weyr. We do not mind people traipsing through, the more visitors the merrier" She gestures at the crowd "See we open our doors for anyone.." She winks "Even riders, even though you have probbaly heard to the contrary"

"Indeed. I'm wondering if V'len /will/ run..." Arawn chuckles again, murmuring, "To /my/ eyes, it looks like he's even appreciating the attention." Amusement still hovers within the Weaver's gaze, before he shrugs a single shoulder, "I don't know if I underestimate. I'm not that poor, but it's not my specialty." He cants his head briefly, towards the two women with the Weyrleader, and he shakes his head, murmuring to Kishairyn quietly.

Liathano glances up at Gabriela before smiling and nodding. "True. My mother used to tell me stories of when the harpers threw parties or Gathers....seems most of Pern would come to them." Her eyes twinkle in recognition of the fact that her mother was probably exaggerating. "I'm Liathano, by the way....but everyone calls me Li. May I ask your name?" She inquires politely, holding out her hand as according to the now almost instinctive manners her mother taught her.

Aouda very much resembles the llamas she works with, stomping around and bobbing her head. She gives Atsuro a wild, evilish grin, but refuses to let go. However amusing it would be to see him go crashing into a wall, he's much more amusing up here, caught in her merciless grasp. Muah hah hah! "Wheeee!" she shouts again, some how urging the other two to go even faster. Round and round they go...they'll probably stop when one of them becomes ill.

Zinia smiles at Caitlin. "From what my mother has told me harper is one of the very few halls that still is proper in its honor to the Weyr. Though...nevermind." Girl won't get into politics. "At least it isn't herder. My mother won't even let me go without either my aunt or M'lan with me. Guess they don't like weyrfolk too much." She shrugs and tries not to bounce. "I'm really happy you will let me learn though. It will be a lot of fun."

V'zan remains firmly fastened to the wall. "I may possess the physical capabilities to dance... But capability does not equal reality. It is my solemn duty to make sure this wall stays in place. Hence, I shall remain here, but you two should go set that floor on fire. Give the men... well, the men other than R'kan... something to drool over and dream about."

Jarisha keeps a firm grip on both Aouda and Atsuro, afraid what might happen if she should happen to let go. She stumbles, then recovers. She's getting pretty dizzy, though, and they're going fast. She doesn't know how much longer she can keep this up.

R'kan nods sagely, dance moves eloquent as his flattery, responding to V'len's ministrations with steps graceful enough to make up for any moves the other man might just slip up on. The twirl is giggled at, and the man nods, finally replying, "Oh, yes indeed. There's always certain things to be upheld, and certain things that one /must/ do..." A blink at the bronzerider, and Karnie tilts his head to a side. "You mean Siani doesn't appreciate you?" he teases, squeezing V'len's shoulder lightly.

Caitlin grins and nods "Ahh some do some don't but at least they still tithe though they do not like to." She smiles softly and shakes her head "It is a party, lets not talk about politics. Why aren't you dancing Zinia?"

The instruments finish the final trill and then pause. The musicians look tired from playing too fast numbers one after each other so after a breather and some musicians stepping out and being replaced by others the music starts again. This time a gentle slow sea ballad, the bowed instruments gently playing the wind and the waves, the flutes playing the calling birds, the music washing throughout the room.

Gabriela raises an eyebrow at the girl next to her, nodding slowly as she fidgets with a loose strand on her shirt. "Oh, yes, the harper Gathers are always quite an event, I've heard," her quiet soprano mumbles. "Lots of festivities, songs... and wine." She chuckles softly before smiling and nodding. "Yes, you may. I'm Gabriela, or Gaby," she replies as she shakes her hand. "And well met to you, Li."

Caitlin must realize that Zinia is still in that in between stage of boys are icky, I want to corrupt one. "True. Though smith seems to be warming up to us." Two of the top smiths are also weyrmated to riders. ;) "I don't like to dance."

Kishairyn purses her lips in thought and shakes her head. "But you are good at it," she points out, head snaking around for a covert look ... this time, at Caitlin, inspecting the gown for a heartbeat before both brows shoot up at his whisper. "Interesting isn't the word for it! I see claws and blood ..." She chuckles softly. "You have no shame, weaver. And ... maybe the knitter will be snared by the ... the ..." What does one call R'kan? She exhales a sigh as the music changes. "Mmm, lovely."

Shylo eyes Aryion, flames of fire dancing about in her eyes. Before replying to Aryion, a brief side-grin is given to Maeko. Eyes afix back to him. "Yes... my name is Shylo. But before we go dance, what is your name?" And hopefully she won't need to bandage her own feet after this next song.

Caitlin smiles and nods "Ahh but dancing is fun." Caitlin slips and settles on a bench to watch the dancers "Seems people have interesting people to choose to dance with." She catches Kishairyn's look but not her words and then she smiles "Certainly glad people decided to come."

Anki snorts. "You're no fun, V'zan, for which sin I'll leave you here until Penta drags you out onto the dancefloor to dance with." Gifting the two of them with a smile, she steps away and back to the business end of the room, peeking at the still-unattached males circling. Mmm, who to blackmail into dancing with her? A worthy question indeed.

V'len has got to correct /this/ misconception. "Oh, Siani was very, very pleased, you understand. She made sure she commented on it a number of times. Apparently I'm a natural at all that." He beams a bright smile, just so there's no mistaking. "But she's got a weyrmate, so she had to limit herself to just the evening of the flight, poor woman." There's a sage little not there, just so that R'kan understands. "I do appreciate loyalty and virtue. It's just... unfortunate that she has to possess them in such a high degree, seeing as she's the only woman that I've..." there's a pause and V'len blushes bright red. "The only woman that I've ever called Sr. Weyrwoman." There. Did he buy that?

Arawn hmms, "Fairly, I suppose." He dismisses this, never one to sing his own praises, instead continuing onwards, eyes twinkling, "/I/ think it would be. Though I admit, V'len and the other fellow would be more humorous." Trailing off, his light tenor drops, and he nods, "Aye, much slower, and nicer."

Atsuro probably can't keep up the spin much longer, either- that threat of becoming ill is soon forthcoming. Eyes roll as he attempts to stop, with little success.. any idea how hard it is to stop two bodies other than your own from spinning? Law of physics, you know. An object in motion wants to stay in motion. "Gouda.." He whines, giving Jarisha a 'please help me' look. As if he hasn't gotten enough torture already in the day. They're nearly missing beaning several people, including Maeko, just to name a single person- A quick "Sorry!" Is called over his shoulder, as he again tugs on Aouda's arm to get her attention. "You're a hazard, m'dear!"

P'tala shakes her head at V'zan, wrinkling her nose. "You'd be better at it than I am, Weyrleader." See? She's respectful. She doesn't hit her those on her own team in public, for example. "And Anki and I... Well..." A glance at the candidate, and eyebrow arches with an intentional suggestiveness that means that the two dancing might not be the wisest thing. Anki leaves. Stuck with V'zan. Oh, crap. "You and me? Hah. Even worse."

Liathano responds with a firm shake of her own, then smiles. "Yes, well met Gabby." Her eyes once more flicker towards the door. Recognizing the girl who walks in, she gives a slight wave of her hand to signal Tora over before turning back to Gabriela. "I wouldn't know, as this is the first harper event I've been to, but my mother and father used to go to them a lot when they were younger...And are now full of stories." That's half the reason she ended up in fort, anyways.

Tora moves over to the wall and takes a seat. She isn't exactly a great dancer and she feels uncomfortable in the dress. Tora isn't used to wearing anything but breeches and she is still a little wary of strangers. She grins and gets up when she sees Liathano signaling to her. At least she knows someone here. The girl walks over to her friend. "Hi Liathano." Things are looking up a little.

Jarisha wants to stop, has to stop, or fall down and bring the rest of the trio with her. The only reason she is even still going is because of the momentum that's already built up. She sees a plea for help in Atsuro's eyes, but can't help a bit. She's too tired to stop the thing. "Aouda..." she croaks. "Got.....to......stop........"

Aouda halts abruptly, simply planting her booted feet firmly into the ground. Her shoulders recieve an unpleasant jerk...but the spinning has stopped. She lets Poor Atty and Jari recover...but just for an instant. In the following seconds, she begins to move again, this time in a slower, sort of jerky combination of motions as she attempts to adjust to this new song. Her knees bend and her arms go up, she takes a step to the left, unbends and puts her arms down, then repeats the process. Lurvly moves...chuckle.

Kishairyn shakes her head. "Whatever happened to the staid, traditional hold couple? Mom and dad with tiny knee-high little ones a-cluster around him ..." The false nostalgia in her voice trails away into a choke. "Oh, you're too modest. Someone is going to have to snap you out of that ..." She smiles once, relaxing into the new tempo. "That it is."

Aryion beams down at Shylo, his most charming smile upon his face. "Aryion, formerly smith apprentice, currently candidate of the weyr at your service my lady." Extending his hand again, "would you care to humble this poor candidate with a dance and the presence of your company for a time?"

The bowing is slow and delicate and the gitars only play every now and then, the echo of the water and the sea swishing under a boat, the flutes still call above the waves and wind produced by the fiddles and other bowed instruments.

V'zan merely smirks. "If you weren't so dangerous, m'dear Penta, I might actually consider a brief twirl. But I know I'd live to regret it. We're too reminiscent of oil and water. Or perhaps parchment and an open flame?"

Arawn shrugs lightly, and grins towards Kishairyn, "Still here, but as they're from the weyr, they really don't qualify." He glances briefly towards the side, then smirks at Kishairyn again, "Snap me out of it? Hardly, it's my one true refined characteristic."

Gabriela smiles and nods at Liathano, the fidgety young woman then returning her eyes to her survey of the room. Two bronzeriders dancing. That makes the 33rd thing on her Why Fort Weyr is Too Odd list. A smirk crosses her lips before she turns back to Li. "I know few people who don't leave a harper with a story," she replies with a chuckle. "And I know few harpers who don't have stories..." She quiets now, biting her lip, lest she continue rambling.

Maeko quickly pulls back a bit as the spinning trio shoot by, laughing at Aouda and the poor boy she's kidnapped, and winking again at Shylo before heading off, feline in her arms. Time to socialize- Maeko's changed since her stay at the Healer Hall, that much is noticeable. She actually searches for conversation, now. Eyes flicker between people, attempting to find a friendly face.. here's a girl that could be nice. Maeko taps Tora on the shoulder, and grins happily. "Hello!" Cheerful, Very, very cheerful. You can run, if you like. "My name's Maeko; temporarily known as candidate." Fairly confident she'll be heading back to the hall, you see? She's got much more learning to be doing.

R'kan looks absolutely enraptured by V'len's boasting, cornflower blue irises shining--V'len is /speaking/, and it's wonderful. "Oh, but of course you would be. And Siani isn't one to flatter meaninglessly, you know. She's a wonderful woman, and possesses grace and refinement enough to turn down one like you in favor of her... other." A pitying sigh empathizes with his partner, and the bronzerider smiles. "Too bad, though. It's hard to find a woman good enough that you can call... Senior Weyrwoman." Oh, /R'kan/ gets it. Thank Faranth he's gracious enough to not point and laugh. "That was the first dance, V'len-dearest. Thank you."

Zinia just shrugs at Caitlin then scampers off again to listen to the guitars. Yay.

Kishairyn blinks once and shoots a suspicious glance across the auditorium. "Where, exactly?" she wonders, though amusement hovers in his voice. "I don't see any ..." She lifts her shoulders in a shrug, expression amused. "Oh, modesty is overrated. Take me, for instance: I don't have any. Does that make me unrefined?" She pauses and frowns. "Wait. Don't answer that."

Bah. No one to prey on at the moment. Anki makes her way away from the dancefloor with a humorous smile on her lips. Sidestepping the crush of the crowd rather deftly, she pauses at the refreshment table to get another glass of wine before making her way to the exit. More of a breeze there.

Shylo holds out her hand, placing it in his. A grip is taken, and a formal curtsey given. Well? Aryion seems to be in such a pleasant mood, Shylo might as well honor it. "Greetings Aryion, I'd love a dance!" Rising from her lowered curtsey, eyes are widened and she dips her head in a nod as permission to lead her out to dance. This is the most proper she's been in quite a while. It's a bit of a surprise to even herself.

Jarisha can't keep this up another instant. Her palms are sweaty, her legs have turned to jelly, she has klah sploshing around in her stomach, and worse, she's going to be sick. The slower pace isn't helping a bit, either. Finally, she loses her grip and lands against the wall. She stumbles to her feet, not sure what happened to the other two, and at the moment, she doesn't really care. With one her to her forehead, and the other against the wall, she makes her way to the door. All she wants is to get back to her dorm to rest, and maybe regain her balance enough to return later.

Andrei comes back into the Auditorium, smiling slightly. Making his way over to Caitlin, he smiles, "Good eve again, MasterHarper... have I missed anything?"

Jenar follows Anki towards the refreshments, getting herself more juice. Smith then leans back up against a wall, letting her amuzed emerald gaze take in the room. And all the..interesting couples.

Arawn stifles a laugh, "I wouldn't call you unrefined, no." Amusement lurks again, as he glances around, asking Kishairyn, "Would you like to stop for the nonce, or keep dancing?"

Caitlin smiles from her perch on the bench where she watches the dancers and observes the orchestra, even now eyeing the harpers work "Just some dancing, Andrei" she says softly, listening to the soft sea ballad "This is a pretty song, even without the words"

P'tala smirks and bows deeply, twirling her wrist momentarily to show V'zan exactly how much she appreciates the comment. Expression changes for a moment at a voice inside her head, but the girl shakes it off insistently, nodding. "But who's the parchment, and who's the fire, I wonder?" she asks, the tone level, but a challenging smile creeping into her facade.

Liathano nods along with Gabriela's words, though she isn't exactly sure of what she's saying. A wave goes to Maxwell, letting him know where they are and also signaling him to come over. "Oh, this is Tora, Gaby. Tor, Gabriela." She says, making introductions as is proper when people meet. Uhhh....yeah. She really needs to get her mother's evil manner lessons out of her mind....'Fore she either scares or annoys everyone in Fort away.

Atsuro is /attempting/ to recover, thankyouverymuch. Heart rate and breathing are slowly but surely returning to normal, and he raises an eyebrow at Aouda- her actions are no longer regarded as 'evil', as her true nature has been revealed.. freakish. But a good kind of freakish, of course.. *cough* A worried glance is given to Jarisha as she stumbles away, but she disappears through the doors, and a stifled chuckle-cough is raised at Aouda's wonderful dance. "Such talent!" He exclaims, clapping hands together once.. as feet shuffle (inconspicuously) backwards.

Andrei motions to the portion of the bench next to her, "Mind if I sit, and take in the music myself, or would you rather enjoy it alone?" His eyes twinkle at the beautiful music, wanting badly to dance... but noone to dance with. But... no reason to let it ruin your evening, right? Right! You're playing tonight! Nothing can ruin that!

V'len steps back from R'kan now that the dance is over. Well, he's still alive. That wasn't all /that/ bad. And really, R'kan can be a rather charming ...um, guy. "Oh, I'm sure it's hard on her. I do have to pity her. After all, she's on the sands day after day, and I'm /right/ there. She /must/ think about it. Ah, but I'm a gentleman. I've not brought it up again." He glances down, rearranging his clothing after the dance, straightening his vest. Gotta get the look right. "I think I could use some wine. Quite a bit of wine, actually." In fact, he's heading there now.

Kishairyn makes a face at him, studying his features with a narrowed trace of suspicion before she smiles and shakes her head, slowing further. "I think I could use some time off the floor ... catch my breath," she replies. "Thank you ... and for not crushing my toes." This with a wink. "Who should we join?" Is there any place safe?

Aouda places her hands on her knees, laughing too hard to take due notice of Atsuro or Jarisha's absence. Uh oh. Now she is partnerless. Sigh...gigglesnort. Is anyone willing to continue her Demented Wherry Dance, as she dubbed it? She looks over the crowd expectantly, rocking up on her heels once more. Hm hm hm...she could go for quite a bit more, if anyone was up to it. And if they aren't, she may just have to go solo...

Caitlin shakes her head "Not at all Andrei, the benches are there to be sat on and no reason why your sitting here will disturb my listening." She grins as she watches the dances and shakes her head in wonderment at some of the pairings.

Tora puts out a hand to shake Gaby's. "Well met Gaby." She says grinning and then notices Maxwell. "Hey Max!" she calls and motions for him to join them. The dance isn't as bad as she thought it would be. At least some of her friends are here. Maybe someone will actually ask her to dance, not that she knows how but it's never to late to learn.

"Mmm...I say we sit over there." He points to a place to the side, "And watch." If they join V'len and R'kan, they might interrupt their...ah...bonding. And he's not brave enough to interrupt the Weyrsecond. He's heard /stories/ about P'tala. And thus, Arawn gestures, leading to the side, and asks, "Want another drink?"

"Need you truly ask that question," V'zan wonders. "Few would equate me with anything more lively than a faintly-glowing ember, whereas you definitely share a few qualities with rampant wildfires, nearly as destructive as Thread itself." How flattering.

Andrei sits down next to her, closes his eyes, and takes in all the different sounds. The lilting flutes playing countermelody to the horns... the gitar's beautiful part playing around it all... he becomes enraptured in all of this... and doesn't notice anyone or anything.

Maxwell walks in, glancing around, then looks quite relieved upon seeing two people he knows. And fairly happy at seeing Tora....and in a dress. He waltzes up to the group, and grins charmingly at Tora. "Hullo Tor.....you're looking lovely tonight." He then nods to the others. "As are you, Li, and you...." He trails off, giving leave for Gabriela to fill in her name. He fidgets slightly, ready to take Tora off to the dance floor as soon as it would be polite.

Gabriela probably isn't exactly sure what's she's saying either. She does have a point; it just sometimes takes her a while to get there. She nods lightly to Tora, smiling and offering a "Well met to you, too" as she gives a handshake. She waves again toward Kishairyn, hearing the candidate's words. "You can join us, if you'd like," she calls... though Gaby's "calls" generally don't make it more than a few feet away. "Gabriela," she replies to Maxwell with a nod of greeting. "Or Gabby."

Aryion beams down at Shylo as he spins her quite expertly out onto the dance floor. Behaving as a perfect gentleman, one hand is resting lightly on her side, the other clasping her hand gently. "So, Shylo, what do you do? Are you in any particular craft?" Got to give the guy credit, he's trying to make conversation as he gracefully leads her around the floor, and yes, he can dance.

R'kan's skills aren't that great--he lets V'len go for the slow dance, but is determined to catch him for the next one. "I suppose it must be tough," he comments, smiling in the most coquettish way a bronzerider can when clad in tight gray pants. Which is probably pretty coquettishly. "She must be ever-so-tempted to have just a delightful and polite specimen of a bronzerider just standing nearby. Sometimes I think riding gold may be tougher than riding bronze." Can you imagine the agony? Poor, /poor/ Siani. "Oh, may I join you?" Karnie asks. It takes all his willpower to not flutter his lashes.

Atsuro has escaped. Watch the triumphant grin that spreads on his face, as he hunts the line of people once again- Aouda is watched warily, though he pauses momentarily. "Dance calmly, without the spinning and tossing," Tossing? Well, perhaps letting-go-ings, more like. "And I'll join you." Tough terms, hm? Take it or leave it, or he'll find another partner- he's not too bad at dancing, though careful his ego doesn't get too inflated.

Kishairyn laughs and shakes her head at Arawn. "We certainly don't lack for things to watch, at that ... you don't want to say hello to P'tala?" she wonders, entirely clueless on that count. She performs a small curtsey, looking amused. "Would you be so kind? I'd love some ..." Her ears are sharp, honed by turns of eavesdropping, and she flashes a grin over at Gaby. "How you holding up?"

Tora blushes slightly. Maxwell actually thinks she looks good in a dress? Hopefully she'll manage to dance, if he asks her to of course. Good thing she just wore her old wherhide boots, other wise she wouldn't be able to walk in the dress. Maybe if she watches the other couples she can catch on to the dances. Yeah, that'll work.

Not hearing Gabriela's call, but harkening to Kishairyn's words, as they're closer, Arawn glances towards the young woman, and nods with a smile. He nudges Kishairyn, "Go on," before turning and quickly grabbing two glasses from a passing server, and again wending his way through the crowd to join the group. "There you go. This doesn't look terribly bad, does it? Seems like the Masterharper planned well.'

Aouda furrows her brow, laughter coming to a halt almost as abrupt as her dance. Now it is she who assumes the whiney voice..."But Atty...I don't know /how/ to dance." she says piteously, shrugging. Look at her, for Faranth's sake. Tall and lanky, with ill proportioned feet and hands...definitely not the dancing type. Giggle. The Demented Wherry Type.

The slow sea ballad comes to an end and the lead fiddler stands up and bows at the crowd "Now you have heard our pieces, I ask if there are any requests from the crowd, any special songs that you would like to hear." He waits to hear what people would like to dance to.

P'tala snorts at V'zan lightly, rolling her eyes and holding her palms out. "Don't forget, you Noswaith's won a couple of Celaenoth's flights. I know how fiery you can get... And you're no dimglow yourself. You may think you're cultured and controlled... But you've got an inside that rivals even my temper." That might be a compliment or an insult. Take your pick.

Maeko keeps a watchful eye on Aryion and Shylo, smiling to herself as she moves on again to hunt some more. As she nears the door, the feline is loosed out into the hall- she's native to the area, promise. She'll find her way home easily enough. An ask for requests is heard, and she pauses to listen; she has none of her own, never being able to remember titles of any song she's heard. But she'll listen easily enough.

Liathano smiles teasingly up at Maxwell. "Thank you for noticing me second..." Of course, she's not really mad, only joking. "Well, shoo, you two. Stop shooting love glances at each other and get out on the floor." She tells Tora and Maxwell, making waving gestures with her hands. Honestly. You'd think they'd have better sense....She turns towards the new arrivals and smiles. "Hello...I'm Liathano, or Li." She smiles at them, waiting to hear their names.

"I'm a Healer Apprentice... like Maeko." Shylo's light slippers tap the floor gracefully, but the music ends abruptly. Bah. "That was too short... I demand another." Chuckling, the remark a joke, although she intends on upholding it.   She wants to dance... more. "Are there any songs you want to request, Aryion?"

V'zan eyes the offered palms as if they concealed daggers or might turn into tunnelsnakes at any moment. "Purely Noswaith's influence," he lamely contends. "His influence overrides my better judgment and civil behavior. Whereas you manage to be rather obstreperous even without your lifemate's urgings."

Andrei raises his hand at the requests... "Harper, tell me?" He wants to hear how they play this one. Every harper seems to play it differently... according to how much he like his craft.

"Ah, quite well," Gabriela replies to Kishairyn with a grin before patting the wall behind her. "And this is being held up pretty good, too." She has such horrid jokes... She sends quick glances toward Maxwell and Tora at Liathano's words, blushing for them, and quickly ends her own awkwardness with words. "What do you think of V'len and R'kan? Next thing you know we'll catch them cuddling by the fireplace." She grimaces at her words before turning to her fellow candidate, eyes twinkling. "Do you think we should request 'Lift Her Sails', Kisha?"

Atsuro moves back through the crowd to stand before Aouda, and waits for the music to begin again, grinning and giving a quick (if clumsy) bow as invitation. "I'll teach you, then. I may not be an expert, but I know the basics." A wave of the hand dismisses further questions; as if she could possibly /have/ any after such a definitive statement. Though feel free to try. "It's honestly not that hard." Hey, /he's/ the one with the oversized feet, here. If not very tall, he certainly falls under the lanky (scrawny if you dispose of niceties) category; if that doesn't constitute clumsiness, what really does? "Try?"

"Oh, please," V'len answers, pouring out a generous draught of the wine and then a second for R'kan - without even asking. He figures he needs it as well. Discomfort seems to be forgotten for the moment... this one /understands/! Not only that, he actually agrees. A soulmate. Well... kinda. "R'kan, I do believe you might be right. Being a goldrider might even be more stressful at times than being a bronzerider. Of course, with a dragon like The Magnificent Yevgeth, people naturally hold me up to very high standards. Farnath knows, I struggle not to disappoint. But a goldrider must deal with that as well... plus have to sit on the sands with a bronzerider that she's tasted the pleasures of, yet must remain unobtainable." He pauses, looking over to R'kan, understanding poor Siani's plight in an entirely new light. "Shards, Man. You're /sensitive/!"

Maxwell nods to Gabriela. "Well met, Gabby. I'm Maxwell, but better know as Max." He then glares at Liathano and would resort to sticking his tongue out at her, but, they are in a room full of people. So, he settles for bowing to Tora, then grinning up at her. "Care to dance, M'Lady?" He asks, a tinge of laughter in his voice that signifies his slightly joking manner. So what if Tora can't dance? He can dance fairly well....so he'll just show her how. Shouldn't be too hard, right?

Kishairyn peers quizzically over towards the riders. "Am I missing something, Arawn?" she wonders, accepting the glass with a wry look. Her eyes close, a deep silence ensuing as she draws in a breath. "Perfect," is her assessment. "Thank you, and for the dance." She's said this, but doesn't seem to notice. "And yes, she has. Lovely event." She flashes a grin over at the unfamiliar face. "Kishairyn. But just Kish or Kisha'll do. Pleasure to meetcha." She shivers expressively. "Faranth, I hope never to see a sight like that ... because I don't think anything could top it!" She shakes her head and turns the grin on Gaby. "Oh, yes, of course ... but you make the request."

Aouda quirks an incredulous brow. Oh, shells. Aouda can't resist a challenge...especially one that might benefit her in the future. How dancing would be helpful, she didn't know, but doing the Demented Wherry certainly wasn't going to get her anywhere soon.    "All roit then...I /suppose/ I'll give it a go." she says, hesitating a bit before bowing back. You won't catch her in a curtsy. "Just...don't go too fast."

The fiddler grins at Andrei and shakes his head "If you want that played you can help us play it later on." He winks and hears a few songs called out and he pricks up his ears "Lift her sails?" He smiles and shakes his head and glances at the other musicians who ready their instruments. He lifts his own fiddle and begins, just the one fiddle at first, plucking at the strings and then he begins bowing, over and then a few other fiddles join in, slowly at first but as one by one instruments join in, the music speeds up, quickening as first all the bowed instruments join in and then the flutes and other woodwinds and lastly the brass and gitars, all the instruments weaving and widing, some playing countertunes but they merge together into the requested song.

Liathano smiles. "Well met, Kisha." She merely grins and chuckles slightly at the glare, then fades away again as her two friends make their way to the dance floor, and Gabriela seems to have someone to talk to. Her crystal eyes scan the room, having worked up the nerve to ask someone to dance now that she has friends to fall back on should he refuse. Problem is, finding someone who doesn't have a partner.....

"I certainly shan't," Arawn replies, adding for Gabriela's companion, "Known as Arawn, it's a pleasure." He smirks, taking another sip, and glances towards Gabriela, chuckling lightly, and stage-whispers, "Look at that. That fellow seems to be sweeping V'len off his feet." Will wonders never cease?

P'tala shakes her head, crossing her arms and tapping her fingers gently, using the action as a mask to keep her paranoia in check--yes, the strap is still on, and no, she's not flashing anyone terribly. "I don't believe, V'zan, that that is entirely Noswaith's fault. He is rather enthusiastic about his kills and catches... But... No," she ends simply, obstinate and sure of her guess.

Tora blushes even deeper but smiles. She bows back, though rather awkwardly and nods her head. "I'd love to." She immediately regrets her words, she'd love to dance with Maxwell but is afraid she might brake his toes. Unfortunately she can't dance worth thread but maybe Maxwell can show him how to. The girl makes her way out onto the dance floor with her friend, praying to Faranth she won't hurt him. Maybe heavy wherhide boots were a mistake.

Aryion can't think of any songs that he knows. "None come to mind. Do you have any favorites? You don't mind if we dance one more time do you? Our first was very short." One hand lightly on her back, as the music picked up he leads her back out on to the dance floor, groaning slightly at the tune that is picked. He casts amused glances toward Gabby, Kisha, Taire and the other candies before turning back to Shylo and begins twirling her around in time to the music.

Hand falls on heart as Atsu winks with a grin, tapping his foot as the music begins again. Fast dances are a bit more complicated than slow, and he laughs aloud, holding out his hand to take Aouda's. "To put it simply," And here he supresses another laugh, "Just move with the music. Smoothly." He adds as an afterthought, pulling her to the right as he turns, holding his other hand on her waist to keep her from spinning out the other way. More laws of physics, you know. Every actions produces an equal and opposite reaction. "And step lively, of course!" The music demands it, you see.

Gabriela nods politely toward Maxwell, smiling. "Nice to meet you, Max," she replies before chuckling at Li. "Successful in your task, it would seem," she murmurs with a grin. Snickering at Kishairyn, she shakes her head. "I guess V'len just can't pass up a man in a dress..." Eyes widen and she shakes her head again, more quickly. "M'not requesting anything." Gabriela? Speak up? Oh, hardly. She grins toward the harper, looking a bit shocked as the music passes her ears. "Now I see what you all mean... It is a... very risqué song." She holds back a blush, grins toward Aryion and winks, then bobs her head at Arawn. "Gabriela," she replies before sending another raised eyebrow toward the bronzerider, shuddering and shaking her head.

R'kan clasps a hand to his chest, touching the lace and bobbing his head up and down like the little sycophant he isn't. Taking the wine and sipping, testing, he says, "Oh, yes. It must be tough trying to resist what you can't have. Can you imagine--all this time, the Senior Weyrwoman drawn to you like..." VTOLs to the midden? "bronze dragonets to perfect lifemates, and still reining herself back? Your standards should be high... That's a difficult reputation to live with. You do so well at it, too." Swoon. "Thank you. I try... Listening to women is always a good habit."

V'zan's jaw clenches tightly for a moment; it takes concentration and an extreme act of will to relax the muscles enough for words to escape the man's mouth. "Are you implying..." He barks a sour laugh. "Working beside you is one thing, lass, but sleeping beside you is in an entirely different category. Don't mistake my willingness to do one for a desire to do the other." Eyes are firmly focused on P'tala's in an intense stare... or perhaps an attempt to not undermine his statement by admiring her *ahem* clothing.

Kishairyn flashes a jaunty salute to Liathano. "Quite a shindig, in'it?" she inquires with an amused grin. She snorts at Arawn's words. "Next thing you know, he'll do it quite literally, and wander out with V'len in his arms," she predicts with a shake of her head ... and then splutters with laughter at the tune the musicians have picked up. "Oh, that's *too* appropriate ..." She peers quizzically from Gaby to R'kan as she gets her wind back in a few gasps. Big ones. "But he's not even in a dress right now," she points out, whistling along with the tune as she rolls her eyes at Aryion. She flashes a smirk in Arawn's direction. "Honestly, this is the only song like that I know."

Aouda stumbles as she lifts her feet a bit too high...looking like a runner trying to pull her feet out of thick mud in an effort to appear "lively". She grunts irritably, as while it's perfectly okay to make a fool of herself when she wants to...when she actually wants to try something, it's a completely different story. Sigh. Right, move with the music. A bit clumsily, she adjusts her movements to follow Atsuros, her face fixed in a grimace of deep concentration. As her father used to say, she looked a bit like a "Mentally Disturbed Vegetable". No, she doesn't know what that means either.

The lead fiddler is still standing, his body dipping with the music, first fast and then slow, in and out the music goes. The other musicians rise to the challenge weaving in and out of the pace that the fiddle has set.

Arawn stifles a smirk, and nods towards Kishairyn, "Uh-huh." The Weaver's light tenor voice is amused, before he glances quizzically towards both bronze riders, "You just might be right." His gaze focusses on Gabriela, then, and he asks her, "How're you liking being a candidate? All the chores annoying, or have you grown used to them?"

Maxwell leads Tora out to the dance floor, then places one of his hands on her waist and the other clasping her hand. He puts her hand on his shoulder, then begins to move in a simple waltz, slowly at first so she can get the hang of it. Once her feet seem to be placed in the right spots, he speeds it up again. Smiling, he murmurs in her ear. "You're a natural at this.....lucky. I wish dancing would have come this easy for me." He sends a wink and a grin her way, partly admiring and partly amused.

P'tala eyes the reaction from the corner of her eye and smirks--ooh, made the Weyrleader all hot 'n bothered. Perching her elbow on the opposite hand, she idly rubs a lip with her fingertips and lets innocence drown into her eyes. "As I recall, you weren't beside me, or sleeping, all that much," she quips, then holds her tongue. No one nearby need know who, exactly, was on top. "Though whatever made you think that I was implying anything? I /do/ understand that prowess in bed is hardly determined by a mating flight."

Taire slips into the room, plucking at the odd thread that seems to have attached itself to her. She is fashionably late? Sure. Sure. That'll work. We won't call it dithering at the Weyr and taking up with a last-minute rider attendee. Fingers yank through her hair, it in the exactly same state as usual -she simply had not the time to even attend to such a frivolity. Lips purse as face squinches up, mostly for the express purpose to show her disdain at all the people, noise,and general chaos. Bleh.

Caitlin's foot taps with the tune and she smiles at Andrei "Harper tell me?" she says "you like that one?" She gestures at a drudge who knowing what the MasterHarper wants returns with a glass of wine and Caitlin sips at it gratefully "

Maeko mutters with an amused look on her face as she wanders the crowd yet again, pausing just past the doors as she considers heading out to secure a few more bits of leftover food- priorities, priorities. Pausing by various conversations, she continues to drift- none seem to hold her interest. Attention Deficit, anyone? Taire is spotted, and she offers a quick wave to a fellow candidate, before slipping into a chair near the back. She can wait for a.. *cough* appropriate time to ensue her next chaos. Plots, plots, plots stew within her mind.. most, if not all, ending in the thought of a rewarding pastry.

Gabriela blinks toward Kishairyn, shaking her head, face still a light crimson-- mainly because she's finally realizing what all the words to this sailor song mean. "Just as long as they don't share in the morning," she replies quickly before laughing and nodding. "Aw, that's too bad. He does look nice in skirts," she replies with a wink. "And suuuure it is, Kish. I know how your mind works... You probably studied up on every sailor song that includes lifting 'sails.'" She grins toward Arawn, shrugging. "I'm used to chores, so it doesn't bother me. Then again, I'm used to them at my own pace and schedule. I've learned many new tasks here, so I'm thankful for that. It's been an interesting adventure." She nods toward his shoulder. "Weaver? How are things at your crafthall?" She never passes up the chance to hear the news of different areas. Seeing Taire, she grins at the candidate, gesturing toward the harpers with her head, eyes twinkling. It's the Taire song.

Shylo is gracefull, although breaking into giggles during most of the twirls. The music quickens its beat, her feet keeping in time.   The groan is noted..."Don't you like this song?" But the question is left to the music. Taking a bit of strength into her own part of the dance, she keeps in nearly perfect time. Quite good for a healer, eh? But perhaps the constant beats from the Harper heard during her studies have trained her subconsciously. At any rate, she seems to be enjoying herself thoroughly.

V'len nods agreeably. "Ah, but I'm used to it. I've had practice, as no doubt you have as well. Men of our stature, well, we just have to get used to the whispers behind our backs. I've learned to pay it no mind and have come to learn that the barbs and insults that sometimes get thrown my way are merely the result of jealousy. It's perfectly understandable, and really, it's the only way to explain it, too." He takes another deep draught of wine, then blinks at R'kan's latest revelation. "/You/ talk to /women/?" He blinks, full of new admiration. "You know...that's something I've always wanted to practice more... but it seems that there's not so many woman willing to practice with me. They tell you to 'be yourself', but for some reason, with me, that just doesn't seem to work." He's clearly looking for suggestions. V'len comes to R'kan for help in ... picking up women?

Andrei snaps out of his trance of music listening to hear the MasterHarper call his name. "Yes, ma'am. It's always been my favorite ballad. While as short as it is, it contains a lot of truths and just... it's a great song." He smiles meekly, and chuckles.

Tora sighs in relief. Dancing isn't that hard, she was expecting something much more difficult. She hasn't even stepped on Max's toes, though she did get one of her own. "Thanks," she says softly back. This isn't has bad as the girl thought it would be. She's actually finding it rather enjoyable. Tora quickly catches onto the fast paced melody, letting Max lead her.

Atsuro suppresses a laugh at Aouda's attempts; amusement will not help the learning experience. This, my dear, is first-hand knowledge. "Try to relax a bit," He offers gently, moving fast and slow as the music shifts. "Just.. have fun." That's what it's all about, after all. Except.. he's not paying attention, and stumbles over his own feet, catching himself short with a laugh. "And you're not the only one with coordination problems, either."

R'kan runs a hand professionally through his hair, grinning smiles majestically. "It /is/ difficult being a bronzerider, having a coveted and powerful dragon, /and/ being beautiful, isn't it? There are so many ill-meaning feelings that can just ruin the mood when envy gets in the way of personal glamour. Then again," he sighs, "I can't blame people for being jealous of you. After all, you're so..." Think, R'kan, think. "V'len, rider of Yevgeth." By definition, by no one has to comment. "I try to talk to as many women as possible. They have an acute fashion sense... And as long as you don't let on that you /know/ you're prettier than them, they tend to have a wealth of information."

Kishairyn's lips tremble in a pout. "You don't believe me? I'm hurt." A hand clasps to her heart to emphasize this declaration. "We'll have to see. I wouldn't lay marks on it, but ..." she trails off, simply watching the pair for a moment. She clears her throat loudly. "Ahem! My mind is perfectly pristine, Gabriela, and I must say, I resent the implication that it might be otherwise." She lofts her nose into the air for emphasis. She smirks as she spots Taire and jerks her head towards the musicians. Listen to that!

V'zan is not so weak-willed as to be distracted by such an obvious ploy. Thankfully. "All concerns about prowess and proddiness aside, even if I had the inclination to attempt a relationship of any sort with you, which I don't, I would have neither the time nor the energy to tackle you currently. As you know from firsthand experience and observation, my duties leave me with little time for myself or anyone else." Yes, pity the poor bronzerider. "Perhaps if I were more suited to the demands of the position, it would not tax me so greatly, but as things currently stand..." He shrugs and sighs.

Aouda takes a deep breath and makes a feeble attempt to relax. Silly as she may seem, Aouda is always tense without thinking about it. Her expression softens and her movements become a bit smoother, but her eyes are still glaring fixedly at her feet...making sure they land in the right places and don't run over anything that isn't floor. Sigh...

Aryion twirls Shylo around the floor, displaying a dancing grace that even he didn't know he had. He listens to the words for the first time, idly remembering a past conversation, before beaming down at the girl. "Oh no.. I do, don't get me wrong. Several friends and I had a conversation about this song a few weeks ago, that’s all." Laughing to himself, he simply grins down at her, before twirling her around the floor again, thoroughly enjoying this dance.

Glass of wine nearly drained to the bottom, Anki joins those clustered around the drinks table, eyeing the little grouping with much suppressed glee. "Evening, gentles all. Having a fun time?" She means this, of course, for the Prettiest Men on Pern. The smile lasts just long enough to be smothered into a glass of juice hastily swiped for just that purpose. It wouldn't do to laugh in their faces and she's so desperately laughing inside.

Menacion strolls in, wearing his guard uniform and looking around curiously. Got delayed trying to get the wrinkles out of his uniform. And shaving, too. A few fresh scabs on his face are testimony to his effort, leaving only the mustache and goatee untouched. Now just to slip off unobtrusively to the side and watch for trou--oh, wait. He's not here to guard. Shoot. Now what's he supposed to do?

Taire fiddles at the doorway for a moment longer before a rather welcoming glance from Gaby sends a wash of relief through her body. She'd slump to the ground as well, only she pretty much well doesn't think that won't go over all that well. That and the stitches of her dress would probably split if she moves too much. And that would just frost the bubblie now, wouldn't it. Tongue dabs at parched lips as she meanders along her path this way and that, looking almost as though she has a serious case of packtail. "Uh... Yeah... Hi, guys."

Arawn smirks at Kishairyn, and murmurs ironically to her, "I don't, no." He shakes his head, and then /blinks/ over towards R'kan and V'len, catching a few brief snatches of their conversation, "Faranth...will you look at that. That 'rider has V'len eating out of the palm of his hand..." Wonder where else V'len will..urm, never mind.

Maxwell grins and nods. "'Tis nothing but the truth, Tor. Not many people get thanked for the truth." He replies. He takes another step in the waltz, then twirls Tora and dips the girl low before pulling her back up and placing his arm about her waist, drawing her so close their noses are about two inches from each other. He smiles at her and winks before resuming the waltzing.

Liathano moves towards the benches, finds an empty one and sits down. She watches Maxwell and Tora for a bit, grinning as he dips her, then turns her attention else where. Her ice blue eyes fall upon the pair near her when she hears the title 'Master Harper', but looks quickly away when she realizes she is staring. Though her curiosity has been struck, she maintains her ears and eyes carefully away from the two, not wanting to spy.

Gabriela snickers toward Kishairyn, a smirk curving her lips. "And I'm the son of a watchwher," she murmurs with a wink. "I swear, I never saw things as... other things... till I met you all, Kisha, and now I'm corrupted for life." Actually, she still doesn't get most of the jokes, but she won't admit that. She flashes a grin toward Aryion, chuckling softly. Another glance goes toward the attire of those around her and then to her own, but she passes that with a shrug. "How are you faring, Taire?" she asks the candidate with a smile. "We suggested a song just for you." Assuming Arawn doesn't wish to talk of his hall, she just nods lightly before sending a wave toward Menacion.

Kishairyn exhales a sigh and gives Arawn what might, in other circumstances and on a less cherubic face, have been taken for a baleful look. "I never get enough credit," she murmurs woefully. She shakes her head. "Amazing. Maybe I need to take tips from how to handle men from that one." She grins at Taire. "Welcome to the festivities," she greets. "What do you think we should ask for for an encore, folks?" She tilts an imaginary hat to Gabriela. "Thank you," she says. "I'll help you interpret anything else you might wish, on my honor." Chuckling to herself, she waves towards the arriving Menace. Step into our parlour ... trying to catch Anki's eye, she merely jerks her head towards the males and mouths, "priceless ..."

The music continues, instead of pausing between songs it segues into the next one, this time slower, a song of yearning and want, of eagerness and sadness. The fiddles and gitars take up the lament, their sorrowful sounds drifting through the crowds as the bass instruments echo the low notes, the deep mournful tones of regret.

Caitlin starts and eyes the orchestra and shakes her head "shards why are they playing that tune." She shakes her head and clears her throat, "Perhaps it is time to move onto the entertainment, be Rayne around anywhere?" she asks idly sipping at her wine.

P'tala smiles, nibbling her fingertip around her sudden giggle. "All that energy I remember drained?" she gasps, eyes opening to a width that could only be labeled 'mocking'. A brief concern flits across her face, however, and the woman looks upwards, aiming for eye contact as lips purse. "If the stress really is that bad, V'zan, remember that there are two Weyrseconds beneath you who are supposed to take a substantial amount of work themselves." Though they may not want to at the moment... Well, there's always M'lan left. "I think you've done marvelously," she adds with a proud grin. "Don't worry about whether or not you're suited to it. It's suited to you." There--see? She's nice.

Atsuro chuckles again, snapping his fingers near his ear to raise Aouda's attention. "And don't worry so much about your feet- If you can maneuver a large crowd without stepping on any toes, you can dance without stepping on any toes. Unless you get nervous," Which she could very well be. His energetic dance is no longer appropriate for this next song, and he slows, and stops. With a wink, he bows again, rather comically. "Enough torture for you tonight?"

Rayna steps through the double doors into the auditorium.

Actually, Arawn was merely briefly distracted by the ... rather amusing going ons across the room. He turns to Gabriela and grins, "It's doing well, though the hall was surprised at some of the folks who were Searched..." He trails off, and looks towards Kishairyn, "No, I think I give you quite a bit of credit, and you well know it." With this statement, and a smile, he takes a slow sip from his drink, stretching briefly, and shakes his head, "That's still amusing."

Shylo grins, tilting her head into yet another twirl. The floor begins to continuously spin... oh no... not good. Firmer grasps are clutched on Aryion to keep her from loosing balance, but it isn't working. Her feet are soon finding themselves misplaced upon the moving floor. "I'm getting dizzy.. this isn't good.." Absently this is remarked to her partner, and she curses the spinning walls and dancers. Well good, the song has slowed. Perhaps the twirling will cease, and maybe the dancing between the two will become calmer.

Tora gasps slightly as Maxwell dips her. She wasn't expecting that... She rather enjoyed it though. In fact, she's enjoying this whole dance. Tora grins as the tune changes. Good, a slow song, she may be a natural but dancing isn't easy. Especially trying to keep up with the pace Max was setting.

V'len nods sagely. "So the trick is to act ... humble?" He says this as though it's a revelation. An entirely new concept. A dawn of new thought... could it be? "Naw... it never worked for me. They all saw right through it." V'len shrugs helplessly. What's a fabulous bronzerider to do? "I just think it's our burden to bear. And you? What about you? I'm very sorry to say, I know nothing about your dragon. Of course Yevgeth is one of a kind, but I suspect that a dragon that would chose you as a lifemate would be especially discriminating. He must have traits to recommend him." Whoa. Liked that professional hair move. V'len attempts a similar move, glancing over to see if the affect was as stunning in a nearby mirror. Well, maybe the girls won't talk to him, but R'kan will... and he seems to have a wealth of information as well. Quite a find.

Rayna stides in, looking much calmer than she had before. "Master when should I start my song? Dancing has been going on for a long time," she asks, finally fishing her gitar from its place.

Aouda grins, a bit amused at the fact that, for once, Atty has gained the upper hand. "Yes, I believe so." she admits, forming a lop-sided grin. "Perhaps we can give this another go at the upcoming Barn Dance?" Grin. "But if I do, you have to promise to do the Demented Wherry dance with me." Well...not really. But wouldn't it be funny? Surely they'd win first place in the dancing contest with /that/.

Taire smirks slightly in Gaby's direction, "Well, I didn't fall off the dragon. So, I suppose I'm faring well so far." She stand with legs splayed somewhat, not exactly the best posture for a femme in a dress to provide, but you didn't see her with legs bared to the world upon that blue.... just getting on that dragon was a feat to be commended. "Aye... festivities." Fardling well amazing. And such a sharding good time for all. She cranes her neck about, looking for the drinks and in a none to quiet voice, "Where's the wine?"

Andrei looks over at the MasterHarper, and then around the room. "Rayna? Ooh! There she is!" He looks at Rayna, then back at the MasterHarper. He's wanted to hear this song since he well... heard about it. "Knock 'em dead, Rayna. You'll do perfect!" Giving words of encouragement is good, right? Right.

Cera slips in through the doors, or tries to. However, it seems Cera has the good time to slip in after Rayna announced herself. With a sheepish grin, and a hint of a blush, Cera slides across the wall, in the direction of the klah pots. There have -GOT- to be some, somewhere... right?

Aryion is reluctant to end this dance, but, the music stops and he bows politely. "Thank you for the dances Shylo, I'm sorry if I got a little carried away there, they were alot of fun." He leads her over to a chair to rest and recover. "Here, sit and rest, I did get carried away there at the end. If you will excuse me, I need to talk to a few people. He smiles at her before departing to head over toward where the candidate girls are all clustered around the wall. When he approaches them, he bows gracefully before looking up at Taire, "May I have this dance Taire dear?"

Caitlin smiles at Rayna and stands "Let me see, this song is almost done." She crosses in front of the orchestra, the soulful song going its way and she bows, waiting for silence and then begins her speech "Thank you all for coming to the party, I hope you are enjoying yourself as much as I am, feel free to help yourself to refreshments. While the orchestra rests their weary hands and you your weary feet, perhaps you would like to hear a song especially composed in honour of the clutch soon to hatch at Fort Wery?" She pauses to see if people do sit down and she gestures at Rayna to take her place, to play the song.

Menacion returns the waves, drifting towards the familiar people. R'kan might be a friend, but he's a little too chummy with V'len at the moment. And that pretty much leaves his fellow candidates. "Hello people..." He directs at Kish and Gaby. "Interpret? Someone being incomprehensible?" Some old geezer speaking in a mumble?

Maeko yawns as she leans back in her seat, settling in comfortably to watch- all evil plots have long since left her mind, and she's satisfied to simply sit and watch the proceedings. A little giggle escapes as she gives glance to check up on Shylo and Aryion- whoops, Shy seems to be.. getting a bit dizzy; and the pair have separated as well. She waves to Shylo to catch her attention, and motions her over. "I'm lonely!" She calls with a grin, bobbing her head. "Come join me!"

Gabriela grins toward Kishairyn, shaking her head. "I'll probably need your services more," she replies before pausing, furrowing her forehead, and then turning toward the former messenger with a meek smile. "Actually, there was this joke someone was telling in the caverns the other day... and everyone was laughing... but it made no sense. I'll... um.. ask you about it later, though." She's too wimpy to mention things here. She raises an eyebrow to Arawn, nodding. "Most are, I'm sure. Crafters are valuable, but there are enough folks on Pern to spare a few for the Weyrs, I think." Poor Gabriela doesn't realize this is supposed to be a fun event where you don't talk about politics. Grinning toward Taire, she chuckles slightly. "Faranth, I would hope not. And I believe the wine is there..." She gestures to a few feet away, where Anki seems to be protecting the refreshment table. She waves again, this time toward Cera, before turning attentive eyes to the MasterHarper, smiling softly. "How nice..." She shrugs toward Menacion, chuckling. "Not really..."

V'zan rewards P'tala's flattery with another scowl. "Tis my duty, so it is only fair that I shoulder the worst of the burden, though I must admit that without the two of you, I'd have been crushed beneath the weight long ago." One hand straightens the primrose behind his ear before moving further back to massage a sore neck. "I may be doing an adequate job, but it leaves me time for little else. A brief respite here, half a day there... That is all I get to myself. And each moment away heralds even more work once I return to my tasks." A faint, but genuine, smile briefly graces his lips. "I'm pretty sure I've forgotten how to be intimate outside of mating flights."

Continued in Part 3

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