Storm on the Horizon (Hatching Feast)

[Kitsuneko]

The kitchen had been busy all day when Wapitith's clutch hatched. They may not have known exactly when the clutch would hatch, but they knew it would have to be soon, and the weyrfolk had been busy preparing the less perishable food so the Feast could get started as soon as possible. As the announcement had come of the clutch's hatching, messengers and transport dragons had been sent out to bring in the guests from Holds and Weyrs.

Maybe Berengar was still a little bitter about not Impressing. If only that last egg had hatched, maybe...He sighed and shook his head as he got back to work. Earlier in the day, before the Hatching, he had been asked by the Weyrhealer to go out to the woods and gather some of the plants used in medicine, since he was one of the only candidates who knew enough to know what to look for. He had done so, but halfway to the Infirmary, he had been waylaid by the cooks and drafted into helping prepare the Feast.

Now he was stirring the huge pot of spicy soup simmering over the fire. He hoped he would be able to get away long enough to deliver his bundle to the Healer, but at least this drudgework was enough to keep his mind off the hatching and the fact that he was still a candidate. Well, it mostly kept his mind off it.

He took a moment to look around at the part of the dining hall visible from his place in the kitchens. The tables were set up and the regular weyrfolk were starting to arrive, as well as the guests. Perhaps it was because it was the first green's clutch to actually hatch successfully, but many high-ranking crafters, Lord Holders, and even a few Weyrleaders from other Weyrs had come to see what would hatch from Wapitith's clutch. With that garnet dragoness, they weren't disappointed.

He didn't recognize many of the guests on sight, but rather by the fact that he didn't immediately peg them as weyrfolk. Still, there was one group that stood out to him: Lord Kalgar of Southern Hold and his family. Berengar scowled into the soup he was stirring. Just what he needed. A reminder of his past.

The weyrlings would be arriving soon, the guests of honor, once the hatchlings had been fed and cleaned and put to bed. Then the Feast would start in earnest. Berengar was released from his soup-stirring duty and told to go join in the fun, even if he didn't really feel like it. The nineteen-turn-old slouched his way into the Dining Hall proper.

----------------

Sitka felt like she had flitters flying in her stomach. She'd never been in this situation before, and she always had hated giving speeches. Still, she was the rider of the clutchmother and the closest thing they had to a Weyrwoman at the moment, so it was sort of expected of her.

Faranth, what if that garnet dragon turned out to be a clutcher? She didn't think anyone would be happy turning the leadership of the Weyr over to an inexperienced sixteen-turn-old woman. They'd been through that once already with Kolyka. Ah well, she supposed they'd probably leave it up to her rider to decide whether or not to have the garnet chew firestone when she was old enough.

The dining hall was getting pretty full and M'cant would probably be arriving any time now with the weyrlings, so Sitka stood up and gathered the room's attention. "Welcome everyone to the Hatching Feast in honor of Wapitith's first clutch. I'm sure you all are eager to get to the food," she said, smiling, "So I'll try to keep this quick. Four of the eggs hatched into perfectly healthy dragons who found their riders, while the other one was a dud. Still, it was a very good first clutch for a green and a good omen for Alietran's future, with two more greens getting ready to clutch their own eggs."

Now came the tricky part, what was on everybody's mind. "One of those hatchlings seems to be a previously unknown color. Apparently, Amaranth is a garnet of middling rank. We don't know much more than that at the moment, but for anyone who wants to know more, I assure you we will let you know as soon as we find out ourselves. That's all." Speech finished, she sat back down and began to eat. She skipped the soup, deciding it was too spicy for her taste, but there were plenty of other dishes to choose from.

Just a couple seats away from her sat Lord Kalgar, the often dour Lord of Southern Hold and a frequent guest at Alietran's hatchings ever since his daughter was picked out from the stands by Gold Eynalth. Even though Kolyka was dead now, the Weyr still tried to court his favor, and the Holder didn't seem to mind. He was silent, not bothering to speak much to anyone else unless spoken to, instead choosing to focus on the bowl of soup in front of him.

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(OOC: Weyrlings are expected to attend the feast once the hatchlings have been fed and cleaned. M'cant will accompany them to help whoever needs help. The hatchlings are allowed to attend the feast as well, if they want to, but most of them will probably be sleeping. Tomorrow is when the real work for the weyrlings begins.
All characters can attend the feast. NPCs are available for creation to be played during this plot, as explained in this thread. I'll let you all do some posting and then start the major plot sometime tomorrow. I'd prefer if you all didn't start threads set after the Hatching feast until I've posted at least the next plot post in here, probably sometime tomorrow.

[Akira]

Akira smiled as she watched her dragoness make herself comfortable in the small room that was her current home. Though, the two of them would be moving to the weyrling barracks soon, and then Amaranth would have more room to make herself comfortable in. I am quiet content Akiramine. Amaranth's clear voice rang through Akira's mind, and had the girl relaxing more than she ever thought possible. Thank you Ama. Amaranth crooned to her rider, glad that she was happy. Akira sighed and continued packing all of her belongings once again into the boxes that she had kept from the first time she came to the Weyr. Amaranth watched Hers with quiet interest as she packed her belongings, the garnet dragoness full of curiosity.

Akiramine you should get ready for the feast. Amaranth's voice entered Akira's mind right as she finished packing her meager belongings into the last box. I guess your right Ama. She sighed and grabbed the package that her mother had sent her from Torrel Hold. She carefully unwrapped it, and giggled when she saw the color of the dress inside. I wonder how she knew Ama. The dress was very long, and a deep, garnet red in color. It almost matched the color of her dragon, but the dress was a little lighter. It is beautiful Akiramine. Akira nodded her head at her dragon's words, and quickly changed into the dress. It reached her ankles, and was a very clingy dress, which showed off her feminine features.

Akira looked herself over, and saw that there was a long slit in the side of the dress that started at the top of her right thigh, and ended at the bottom of the dress, showing off her right leg. Well, it isn't exactly what I would have picked out, but I guess it works. Amaranth crooned at her rider, and didn't quite understand why Hers seemed so embarrassed to go out and be seen in such a dress. Akiramine, you look fine. Akira smiled at her dragoness, and scratched her eye-ridges affectionately. Alright Ama, ready? Akira knew that there were going to be people that wouldn't like the fact that Amaranth was different, but Akira knew she would be able to handle it as long as she had Amaranth by her side.

Akira took a deep breath, and left her room, Amaranth close to her side. They made their way to the feast, unfortunately they were too late to hear Sitka's speech, but were just in time to see people start eating the food the Weyr had prepared. She swallowed the lump in her throat and looked around at everyone, before calmly walking to the table. Amaranth crooned quietly to Hers, trying to make the girl feel more comfortable. She didn't sit down yet, she didn't know where she should sit. So, she walked over to Sitka, and bowed politely, before waiting for the woman to tell her where she wanted Akira and Amaranth.

[Night]

What did one wear to a hatching feast when they hadn't even impressed? Freya sighed as she looked in the mirror at the dark violet dress with silver trimming. It laced up the front to keep her figure nice and tight, but it didn't bother the candidate. Shards! She was still a candidate. At least Tai had impressed though. That was good. Trilling happily to see His, Thor fluttered down onto the girl's shoulder. His dark bronze wings folding against his marked sides. "Hey boy." Sighing, the girl brushed her fingers through the almost black wavy hair. It went all the way down to her waist, perhaps inefficient for a candidate's chores, but she wasn't about to change it.

Deciding that she wouldn't get any better, Freya fingered the necklace her mother had given her before she died. Would she be upset if she was here to see her fail? Shaking herself mentally to clear the thoughts, the candidate headed out the door and met Taikin..not Tai'n. The boy was well groomed and his dark eyes sparkled with happiness as his blue dragonet appeared out of his old room behind him. "Hi Freya!" The boy was dressed in a dark blue vest over a slate gray shirt. Black dress pants finished the outfit. She had to admit, he looked good.

The pale blue crooned happily to see one of His' 'siblings.' Freya looked away from Braith though. She couldn't handle them right now, and the girl did something she never thought she would. "I'm sorry Tai'n....I'll see you later." Moving around the pair, Freya shook her head and headed outside.

----------------

Poor Freya. Tai'n felt bad for his 'sister', to be left standing all alone. That could have been him. It was not though Mine. Don't worry, she'll be fine. Come on now, we have a party to attend! Crooning happily, the blue pulled Tai'n down the hall and to the decorated hall. "Wow." The room looked great, and the smell of food lingered from the kitchens making his stomach growl. He was starving and tired. He listened to Sitka's speach. So, no one knew about the Garnet then? Well, surprises were fun he supposed.

Come on Braith. Nudging his blue toward the Garnet pair, Tai'n smiled at Akira. Braith warbled at his larger red sister. Greeting Amaranth! "Hey. How are you two?" The weyrling kept one hand on his blue while the other pushed his wayward bangs from his eyes. Out of the corner of which he spotted Freya moving through the crowd with Thor on her shoulder still. It made him wonder where Skye was, only to figure that out when the blue popped beside him. "Hey you." Tai'n rubbed the flit's chin gently as the blue crooned.

[Zara]

Banalii hadn't Impressed and she wasn't the only one, but it still bothered her. She looked in the mirror and turned to make sure she had gotten all her laces pulled tight as the dress hugged her figure. It was a red dress, simple with just the slightest god trim. It laced up in the front. Her skirt fell to around her ankles. Her straps came off her shoulders, neatly framing them. It showed her shape very well and just how petite she really was. her hair fell in a slight curl down around her shoulders, but she didn't leave it down. She normally didn't. She pulled it up on one side so that it fell down over one of her shoulders. She had freckles on her face, neck, shoulders, and arms.

She sighed. She supposed that she just had to try to have fun anyways because that was all she could really do. She was glad for those who had Impressed, including her friend, Aela.

She started walking to the Dining Hall, her steps conservative as always when she walked, everything with a purpose, everything conserving her motion and her energy. She walked in quietly and looked for someone, anyone, to talk to. She was, for her knowledge, the oldest Candidate. It made her feel a little bit at odds in a way, but she would never say anything about it.

Banalii walked toward the tables of food. she could easily have just approached someone and talked to them, but she didn't wish to at this point. She would rather she were approached, though, at this point. She felt rather disappointed about not Impressing.

---

Raevin frowned and walked into the Dining Hall. He wasn't exactly happy about not Impressing, but he wasn't going to let it keep him from having a bit of fun. Dancing with a few pretty ladies. He was 20 Turns old and only just searched earlier that Turn. He was not one that took things too lightly. He looked around him. He was pretty sure he was going to ask someone to dance.

---

Jaysarrae wore a silver colored dress that hugged her figure and showed her coloring significantly. But that wasn't entirely good, what with a large black birthmark over one eye and the significant part of her neck, shoulder, and chest. She hated going to feasts and things when she was surrounded by other people. Her black hair was braided neatly and fell down over the shoulder that had her birthmark. Her long sleeves flaired out around her wrists and tightened around her elbows. The dress came off her shoulders. The black trim of her dress was simple. It wasn't the fanciest or shiniest dress in the world...

---

Zarria walked into the Dining Hall wearing a blue dress that nearly matched the color of Voriacessiath's hide. Her black hair was tied up in a way that kept it out of her face. Three seperate braids that were then braided together into a single braid down her back. She turned her eyes on those around her and moved through the crowd, recognizing some of the Candidates she had Searched to the Weyr for this clutch. Not all of them had Impressed, but htey still had plenty of chances left in their future. Even in just the next few Hatchings. What with two more clutching Greens getting ready to clutch, one of them already egg heavy.

---

K'rec walked in, his blond hair was long, as ever, but tied into a tight ponytail at the base of his neck. He walked over to where he saw Zarria. "Hello Zarria." He said. She nodded to him, and they continued on his way amongst the crowd. The Blue Rider was wearing his riding gear, though he wasn't wearing his jacket. He looked around him, not really speaking to anyone. He wasn't a particularly outgoing person. It was just how things were, he supposed. He would be more than willing to talk to someone if they approached him first.

---

D'nalis walked into the feast, wearing his Riding Gear. He walked over to Sitka. "Congratulations on a successful clutch, Sitka," he said to her, grinning around his straw that he was chewing, as he usually did. He walked with his typical slouch and stood in that way as well. He had his hands in his pockets as he stood, surveying the feast with inerest.

---

Cass stood in front of the mirror in the weyr that she shared with her weyrmate, A'lik. She was wearing a green dress. It was a sleeveless gown. The color of it was a rather simple green in color. She put on the necklace that she had had from the time she was young. The little firelizard form was silver and done rather simply overall. She was messing with her hair, trying different styles now, debating how she should wear it for the feast. She knew, of course, what A'lik would say. But she wasn't sure she liked her loose blonde ringlets loose around her like that. They tended to get in her face and bother her.

((Whole bunch of short posts just to get my chars introed here... ^^'; sorry.))

[alyx]

Navir had buried his disappointment in unpacking; even though the young man had walked onto the Sands clearly knowing that his chances of being one of the few Impressed in such a small Clutch, it still left a stinging in his chest to walk off them alone. He had changed back into something a little less... 'stainable' and unpacked his stuff back into the trunk at the foot of his Candidates' Bunk.

More and more, his father's words rang in his mind, fresh from his last visit home. 'You can always come home to stay, you know that right? Your Mother misses you, and tell you the truth, so do I. We could use another hand on the boats come late spring...'

Laying on his back on his bunk, the weight of Dorian on his belly, Navir thought about taking that offer. He had been here... 3 years? Maybe? How long did one keep Standing if they didn't feel the drive anymore? Technically, he could stay till he was 20 turns, but he didn't know if he could take 4 more turns of disappointment.

The Brown flit chirped, peering at Navir. Already, the sounds of the Hatching Feast could be heard trickling in from above them in the Dining Hall - and it was no secret that the little Brown loved the feasts. Navir shooed Dorian off to the side, pushing to his feet in one motion. "Alright Alright - let me get cleaned up."

After a sketchy wash and a change into presentable clothing, the young man retrieved the Brown from his pillow and headed for the tunnels. He slipped into the Feast without much notice from those by the door - he was allowed to be here, Impressed or not. Still - he didn't want to cause a stir or such; he snagged a drink then threaded his way into the crowds.

Maybe if he was lucky, the Riders would be chatting about the Greens that had flown in his absence and he could pick up some information...

[Kitsuneko]

(OOC: Remember, at this point in time, no one knows Amaranth will be able to chew firestone and still clutch.)

Sitka smiled when she saw the first of their new weyrlings, Akira and garnet Amaranth. She was a little surprised that the hatchling had accompanied her rider to the feast, but not disappointed. "Good evening," she told her with a nod. "I'm not one to stand on ceremony, so sit wherever you'd like. We don't really know whether a garnet would do better as a clutcher or a fighter yet; we'll probably leave the decision of whether or not to have her chew firestone up to you. No need to decide that right away, so take your time."

She noticed the other weyrlings were beginning to enter as well, and she waved to them and decided to give Akira some time with her fellow weyrlings. Besides that, the greenrider had other distractions of her own.

She waved cheerily to D'nalis when he congratulated her. "Thanks. I don't think it could have gone much better." Well, there was that dud egg...she couldn't say she hadn't expected at least one dud egg from Wapitith's clutch, though. "I suppose we should be glad there was only one dud egg in the clutch."

[Akira]

Akira smiled shyly back at Tai'n when he came up to her. Greetings Braith! Were good thank you. How are you and Braith doing? Her voice was soft and quiet as she spoke. Even though Amaranth's clear voice was happy, and light as she spoke to her smaller blue brother. Akira smiled at the blue flit that had popped up from where ever it was that he had been. Akira wondered what it was like to have a dragonet, and a firelizard to take care of, though, she thought it was hard enough to keep Amaranth full, and that having another creature to feed would be too much. I don't eat that much Akiramine. She smiled, and giggled at her dragon's words.

Akira turned her attention back to Sitka when she spoke, and nodded her head. She waved to Tai'n, and walked away to look for a place to sit. She then noticed an empty seat by a candidate that she rememberded as the one that had winked at someone during their first lesson. She took a big breath, and let it out slowly, calming herself as she did so. Amaranth crooned to her rider, not really understanding why she seemed so nervous. May I sit here? Her voice was soft, but still clear and audible as she asked the boy if she could sit by him. Amaranth rumbled happily as she sat by Akira's side, her large red tail wrapped lightly around Hers' legs as she waited for Akira to sit down.

[tariala]

Jrolann watched attentively while Sitka made her speech. She'd have to be doing that soon enough and though she'd been a Weyr resident long enough to have a handle on how Hatching Feasts went, it wouldn't hurt to make a mental note of things from the clutch mother's rider's perspective. The greenrider was clad in a simple blue dress with some black embroidery trailing across the right breast and shoulder. It wouldn't do to upstage the stars of the feast, after all.

She stopped by Sitka long enough to give a quick congratulations on the (mostly) sucessful Hatching, but didn't linger. The other woman looked like she had enough to occupy her as she tried to eat and respond to social obligations at the same time. It was a bit alarming to know that that would be her next time.

You'll do fine. Marquitth's warm voice reassured her. The green had always felt her rider could do anything. It was alternately disturbing and confidence-boosting. And you can always pawn people off on Cherith's rider- he *is* the Weyrleader, after all.

Jrolann turned an abortive snort of laughter into a cough, with a murmured apology to her neighbors for distubing them. Marquitth had a good point, confusing as the Weyr hierarchy was these days. And likely to only get more confusing with the Garnet and her rider to add to the mix. She looked at the food offered at the feast, feeling no great urge to dig in to the undoubtedly savory offerings. Food had become less and less appealing in the last few days and she wasn't sure if the feeling came from the gravid Marquitth or herself. Some days there was little enough difference between them.

Nearby, she spotted a man who seemed equally unenthused by the Feast. She thought she recognised him from the Sands today, in which case his mood was entirely understandable. Jrolann was always a bit surprised that failed candidates came to these things at all, unless it was with the goal of laying hand on some alcohol to numb their disappointment. There were few things worse than being around people in a celebratory mood when you were miserable. "Looking for someone?" She inquired lightly, glad to be of help if she could.

(tag to Raevin)

[Kitsuneko]

Berengar was slumped down in his seat with a plate of food, but he wasn't really eating any of it. Why was it that he still hadn't bonded a dragon? He'd been standing for clutches at Alietran for seven turns without success, and he knew time was running out. Would he just keep standing until he finally aged out? What would he do then? Ever since the day he was searched, he had counted on one day riding a dragon.

He drawn out of his morose thoughts by a girl--one of the new weyrlings, the one who'd Impressed the red dragon. He looked up at her and shrugged. She seemed rather shy, so he gave her a smile. "Sure, no one's using it. I'm afraid I haven't been the best of company tonight."

Semi was sitting on the table, munching on a piece of fruit from Berengar's plate, but he chirped happily at Akira. The blue fire lizard stared at her and Amaranth, and hummed in approval. "Ooh, you even distracted him from eating. He must really like you," Berengar joked.

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L'cal had never been one to pass up free food, and his plate was filled to the brim as he slurped down the soup. He was used to large meals, since it wasn't uncommon for him to skip one or two of them with his work. Fortunately, there was plenty of wine and ale to go around as well--the bronzerider was on his third cup, and suffice to say, for once he was a happy man.

"There's something different about the soup this time. The cooks have really outdone themselves this time," L'cal said approvingly to the rider across the table from him. That rider happened to be M'cant, who had just sat down after directing the weyrlings.

The greenrider shook his head. "I don't know, I heard it's really spicy tonight. I'm not sure I'd like it."

"Naw, come on, it's fine! Try it," L'cal insisted.

M'cant wasn't the type to disobey an order. He shrugged. Why not? He tried a bit of the soup and went for his glass, which was filled with water. It didn't help. "Y-yeah. That's pretty spicy." He choked out. Not bad, exactly...maybe in smaller amounts, though.

L'cal cackled in glee, drawing the stares of anyone close enough to hear.

[alyx]

Navir made his way threw the crowded room, trying to keep a low profile. He didn't really succeed at it though; several visitors to the Weyr that had been there for the Hatching remembered him from the Sands. He nodded and smiled as he got padded on the back by random strangers, muttering thanks to those that piped up with the well known mantra of 'There will be more eggs.' He remained polite, shaking hands and speaking with those that grabbed him. Still...

Ugh, maybe this had been a bad idea. Despite being invited and knowing he was allowed here; he felt extremely out of place. He had not seen any of the others that had not been Impressed today - only from a distance had he spotted the Girl with the Garnet and one of the boys; Navir thought it was the one who had been claimed by the lighter toned of the two Blues, but he wasn't totally sure.

Okay, that was it. He was gonna grab a plate and hide. He wasn't very hungry... the crowds were a little more then he wanted right now. He'd see if he could snatch something quick, enough for Dorian at least, then he was gonna get out of here.

[Zara]

Raevin looked up, blinking. "Not really... Just looking for someone." He walked over to the Green Rider. "My name is Raevin." He smiled and blinked as his little flitter decided to land on his shoulder at that point in time and chitter at him. "Oh... and this little bronze annoyance is Monerae." The bronze chirped again. Raevin grabbed him by the tail as he attempted to fly into Jrolann's face, still chittering. "Please excuse him. He tends to be rather jealous." He looked at the flitter sternly and, soon, he appeared very highly chastised and calmed down, settling onto Raevin's shoulder.

Raevin looked around him again. He wasn't overly excited to be here. After all, he hadn't Impressed and he felt pretty dissapointed with it...

He wasn't one to take out his dissapointments on others or anything of that sort. He bit his tongue, though in order to keep himself from saying anything that might indicate his unhappiness with the fact anymore than his expression already did.

---

"It seems to have gone quite well. One dud egg is pretty good. At least if flitter clutches are anything to consider. I think she did very well, and so did you. Your little speech was good as well," he said with a smile. "Where is G'kim this evening?" He counted the BlueRider and Sitka's current weyrmate as a friend. He was a good kind of guy.

---

Cassondra was walking into the feast now, a smile on her face. She would have to find Sitka and give her a big hug. She had so much to be proud of! She and Wapitith had done so well, so very, very well. She paused as she spotted a young girl who was on her own at the feast. She had a black birthmark. Cassondra's heart went out to her and she walked over to her. "Hey... you okay?"

Jaysarrae looked up at the Rider and nodded. "You can stay with me. Come on..."She pausehd for a moment. "My name is Cassondra, rider of Green Hasth. You are?" The girl answered her slowly, "Jaysarrae, I am a Canddiate."

"It is good to meet you, Jaysarrae." she walked over to other people and noticed a boy who was on his own, Navir. "Oh, hello. I am Cassondra, Rider of Green Hasth and this is Jaysarrae. May I ask your name?"

Jaysarrae frowned. This rider was friendly, but she didn't want to be meeting everyone.

((Tagging Navir.))

---

Ennayla walked into the dining hall, clad in a simple pale pink dress with black trim. She looked around her quietly, her expression serene. She spotted a couple someone's she knew, though, rather quickly and grinned, walking over. "Well, well, well. If it isn't The Weyrleader and the Weyrlingmaster." She crossed her arms in her teasing way, smiling at the two. "Enjoying the food?" She looked at M'cant. "Soup is spicy, huh?"

She grinned and came up to the two. "Been keeping busy, L'cal? How about you M'cant? What do you think of you young new Weyrlings?

She pulled her black braid over her shoulder and turned her nearly black eyes on them in turn. "How is Cherith fairing? And Papillionth?" She wasn't entirely sure of what to sya, but she was talking to her old friends all the same. Not that she got to talk to them much anymore. Especially L'cal ever since he brecame the Weyrleader, alhtough, she didn't know if the yever talked much before either. Which was a bit of a shame in her opinion.

[riki]

    Seana

Seana really didn't want to go to the hatching feast, it seemed like a waste of time considering she hadn't impressed, but she felt that it was only polite to go and attend to congratulate those that had impressed. Adjusting her blue dress the young woman stepped into the hall, moved over to the nearest table, and sat down. From her seat she could easily watch was going on around the room, and she reached over for some of the food. Seana wasn't sure if anyone wanted to interact with her, if they wanted to then she was fine with that, but for right now she was happy to be left alone to her own thoughts.


    Zanira

Zanira turned up after Seana, dressed up in the finest dress that she owned. Her cheeks where colored with joy as she looked to each of the newly impressed weyrlings. She was so proud of each and every one of them, and yet she felt sad as she knew that they where now passing into someone else's care. Of course, that person would take care of her 'children', but like all mothers knew it was difficult to let go of your children when the time came for them to leave.

Brushing her dress down she smiled as she saw a familiar face in D'nalis, and she walked over to stand beside the slouching bronzerider. She hadn't thought that she would see him, but it was a pleasant surprise indeed and she wasn't complaining at all! Closing her eyes for a moment she relaxed in the presence of the slouching man, and wondered what she would do in the coming days. Likely set out a new schedule for candidate lessons, and deal with any disappointed youngsters in the next few days.

[alyx]

Navir didn't really notice the Greenrider closing on him; he was too distracted by the cackling Weyrleader. Navir had never spoken with the man directly, but he did seem to be enjoying himself a bit 'too much' at this feast. Was he drunk, or simply overly happy? Navir wished he could have been a speck on the wall to see what was going on over there-

Cassondra's words reacted him, Navir turning to see who she was speaking to; realizing belatedly that it was directed at him. He was suddenly at a temporary loss for words, Dorian chirping against his ear. He shushed the little lizard, then offered a late little half bow to the Greenrider. "Sorry Ma'am Rider; didn't realize you were talking to me. I am Candidate Navir, Rider Cassondra. And this is Dorian. We are pleased to meet you."

He tried to be properly respectful to the woman, knowing very well that she outranked him as a Rider, but also the name of her Green - Hasth. One of the Greens that had flown while he was gone; a chance that he would stand for her Dragon's Hatching. Best not to start on a bad foot. Navir straighten the rest of the way, letting his smile take hold as he glanced at the girl with the rider. Family? Or -

"Pleasure to meet you too, Miss Jaysarrae." Unsure if Jaysarrae was a rider or a candidate, he didn't comment much more - she could simply be family visiting for the Hatching, like the Hold Lords. He wanted to know - but it was rude to simply ask. If she was a rider and he asked if she was a candidate, would she get pissed at him?

Jaysarrae seemed... uncomfortable. Navir noticed it - just like the mark on her collarbone. She didn't seem like she wanted to be here; be it at the Feast or the Weyr, Navir didn't know. Still - he smiled at he smiled at her and the rider. "What can I do for you two? Or are you just making the rounds meetin' people?"

(Meh - not my best, sorry)

[Kitsuneko]

Sitka shrugged, glancing around the crowded dining hall. "Oh, he's probably around here somewhere. He never did like big events like this, so he may have decided to spend it somewhere by himself. It wouldn't surprise me."

"Hello, Zanira," Sitka gave the Candidatemaster a wave when she appeared beside D'nalis.

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Weyrleader and Weyrlingmaster both looked up. M'cant gave a weak, lop-sided grin. "Yeah...I've never been a big fan of spicy food."

"Bah, don't listen to him, Ennayla! It's the best soup I've ever had!" By now, L'cal was on his fourth cup of ale, which probably explained his friendlier-than-normal behavior.

"Well, this group of weyrlings promises to be an...interesting bunch," M'cant said. "I'm not entirely sure what to make of the garnet, but I guess we'll see. Papi's...her usual self," he added, using his pet name for the green. "She's getting snappy at the males, which usually means she's close to rising." M'cant scowled. He loved his green, but he couldn't say the same about her flights.

L'cal was opening his mouth to say something, but then he groaned, clutching his belly. "I don't think I feel too good all of a sudden," he said with a slight slur to his words.

M'cant rolled his eyes. "I knew it. Too much to drink, L'cal?"

The bronzerider scowled. "No, this is different. And I didn't have that much anyway." He gagged, covering his mouth with one hand as though about to vomit, and stood up. "Sorry to leave you like this. I think I should take a trip to the Infirmary."

M'cant got up as well, smiling apologetically to Ennayla. "I should probably go with him, just to make sure he gets there alright. If you'll excuse us."

"Shaddup, I'm not drunk," L'cal said, but he didn't protest the company.

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It was a few minutes after that when things really started to go wrong. Lord Kalgar was talking with one of the local riders when he began to wheeze as though unable to get a breath in. All nearby eyes turned to the Holder as he collapsed in a gagging fit on the floor.

"Kalgar? Healer! Someone get the healer!" Someone called.

Sitka stood to her feet, alarmed. "What's going on?" she asked, though she didn't really expect a coherent answer. Instead, she focused her attention on getting the ill Lord Holder to the Infirmary instead of leaving him in the still crowded dining hall.

They were met halfway there by the Weyrhealer, who went straight to Lord Kalgar, still doubled over and dry-heaving. "What's wrong with him?" That was the Lady Holder, wringing her hands beside her husband and looking a little green herself.

"You looked like you were on your way out here. What's going on?" Sitka demanded.

"I recognize the symptoms now. Fireroot--a fairly common plant. I've got two more riders in the Infirmary already, suffering from the same thing," the Weyrhealer explained as he continued his examination. "Not as bad as this, though," he said with a frown, and glanced at Sitka. "He'll live, but the next few days won't be pleasant."

Sitka didn't recognize the name. "Is it an allergy to something in the food?" she asked once they got to the Infirmary.

The Weyrhealer shook his head. "We use the leaves and sometimes the roots for making medicine, but it's not something that's meant to be ingested. I'm pretty sure it was in the soup, since the spicy flavor would have masked the bitterness of the fireroot. Otherwise it would have been noticed. I'm afraid we may be the victims of a poisoning, Greenrider."

Sitka gulped. That was the last thing they needed, right after a hatching. She turned around, running back to the dining hall. "Everyone remain calm," she said as soon as she got there. Inwardly she laughed, fat chance of that, with what she was about to announce. She told Wapitith to contact the dragons of some of the calmer, more reliable riders to help keep the peace as she continued.

"Your food may have poisoned. The healer found evidence of a poisonous plant in the soup served tonight. We've already got three cases in the Infirmary. If you feel sick at all after eating, please take a trip to the Infirmary. The healer says it's not life-threatening, so don't panic, but let's not take any chances either."

Where's L'cal? Sitka asked Wapitith.

In the Infirmary, came the reply. He was the first to get sick. Cherith says to put the Weyr on lockdown.

Sitka fought back a curse. How was she supposed to do that? They didn't even have a queen dragon! How were they going to keep an eye on over a hundred dragons, not even taking into account the human non-rider population and all the guests at the feast. Wapitith, get the watchriders to post a watch, keep anyone from leaving the Weyr.

She addressed the crowd again. "If you are not sick, please remain in the dining hall for now. I'm afraid no one is going to be able to leave the Weyr until we find out who is responsible for this. I will let you all know as soon as we find out more." As soon as she finished talking, the complaints started.

"What do you mean, we're stuck here? When are we going to go home?"

"Is it murder? Has anyone died yet?"

"I demand to know who's behind this!"

"That was Lord Kalgar I saw earlier. Was he the target? Is he dead?"

She almost didn't notice when the healer appeared again and pulled her aside. "What is it this time?" she asked him.

For once, the Weyrhealer looked nervous, maybe even a little guilty. "You know how I said I had seen the symptoms before? It wasn't just tonight. I didn't think much of it at the time, but Weyrwoman Kolyka's illness progressed much the same way I would expect of long-term fireroot poisoning."

Sitka's heart sank. "Oh Faranth. You think our Weyrwoman was murdered?" The healer nodded.

This was going to be a long night.


(OOC: As she said, guests are expected to remain in the dining hall, or at least within the Weyr, and no dragons are allowed to leave the Weyr for any reason. They don't know who's behind the poisoning, whether it was a rider or a non-rider or a guest. If your character ate any of the soup, they will soon display any or all of these symptoms:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headache
Dehydration
Loss of Appetite and inability to keep down anything they do eat
The effects are not fatal and will go away on their own after a few days.
People will not be allowed to leave the Weyr (though riders and dragons may be able to sneak out for a time, with no queen dragon to stop them; if they get caught they'll have a lot to answer for, though), a few people may be allowed into the Weyr, but no Searches will be conducted for the next few days--once word gets out about the poisoning, most Holds aren't going to allow their children to be taken to a place where a poisoner lives, after all.
Fireroot is a native Pernese plant; it and its symptoms was made up by me for plot purposes. I really hope I haven't made any really big mistakes with it. XD)

[Zara]

D'nalis nodded. "Well... I'll have to catch up with him later, I suppose." He smiled at Zanira when she came up. "You should be very proud of your Candidates, Zanira..." He reached over and gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze. "How is Xerith taking all this...?"

He frowned at the predicament that arose. He immediately tried to make sure that they had room to move and do what they needed.

He looked at Zanira worriedly, then back to Sitka. "Anything you think I should do...?" He still seemed relatively calm considering the current situation. He stood a little straighter, a little bit more alert, but still much calmer than most. Meanwhile, in the background, he could hear Aandielth becoming angry that someone had tried to harm this Weyr.

Such a happy day... Had been turned into a disaster.

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Ennayla blinked. "Well... Feel better L'cal. And M'cant, keep a good eye on him," she said, winking slightly as she grinned. "Best of luck with Papilionth's Flight... whenver it happens!"

Ennayla watched them go and started to walk away to go bother another friend when... When Lord Kalgar became sick. She did her best to remain calm, whic wasn't too hard. She looked over at Sitka and gave her a nod. She had yet to touch the food as she had only just arrived moments before. She was worried about her longtime friends and the family that was her Weyr.

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Cassondra smiled at Navir. "Jaysarrae is a Candidate here. I'm trying to get her to meet a few people. Especially people her own age."

Jaysarrae frowned and looked up at Cassondra, displeased by the woman's audacity.

"Well met, Navir," Cassondra said with a smile to the Candidate.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Navir... And Dorian, of course." Jaysarrae's tone was soft and musical, as it normally was, though she didn't keep speaking. "How are you doing...?" she asked him, just in order to make some kind of conversation. She looked up as Mal and Lan swirled down to land on her shoulder. "Oh.... These two are Lan and Mal... my two flitts.." She motioned to htem in turn. Mal, the Green, and Lan, the Blue.

Cassondra was distracted quickly as things started to get... well... things were bad. "If you'll excuse me. Please... Stay together." She walked over to Sitka, the current acting Weyrwoman of Alietran. "Sitka," she said in a faint whisper. She hoped she wasn't going to be getting sick, but there was that chance.

Mine...

I'm okay for now, Love. If something happens, I'll let you know...

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Zarria spit out the mouthful of soup she had the moment she had heard what was going on, she put a hand to her throat, regretting the spicy soup she had swallowed just a minute ago. She had only had one bite. And not a big one... was it enough to make her sick?

She looked over at her fellow SearchRider, K'rec, who hadn't been eating at all. He was watching those around him with a severe look, one that said he was ready to jump in if someoen was in need of help.

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((Raevin will come in a later post... ^^'; Sorry... ))