We Didn't Start the Fire... K'tyn did.

We didn't start the fire...

K'tyn did

I don't know it all started as one of those usual just manic sessions, then it ended up something else. I blame Kassima its easier that way. ;) Still I have to thank her for sending me parts of the log I missed.

Southern Bowl(#396RJL$)

Towering above, the bowl wall rises in a curving three pointed arc as it shelters this southernmost point of Telgar Weyr's great cauldera. Sloping down to the north to a slight degree, the floor of the bowl channeled so that runoff might drain down to the lake beyond. There are several strategically placed evergreens that serve to baffle the biting mountain winds away from the southern entrance into the living Caverns. The odor of pickling and preserves emerging from the Living Cavern is strong, a sure sign that the summer fruits and vegetables are being stored for the winter. Northward, the center of the bowl spreads hugely, leading to the feeding pens, hatching grounds, weyrling barracks and the Telgar Weyr lake. The ground-level weyrs of the queenriders dot the mountain to the northwest. Use '+view queenriders' to view them. The bowl is quiet in the depth of night.

The skies are clear from horizon to horizon.

Contents:

Kassima

Liath

V'hryn

Lysseth

Vidarth(#353JMOQaepqst$)

Kvasith(#10999OVaempqs)

Tebrelth

Obvious exits:

Living Cavern Central Bowl Outer Infirmary Guest Weyr Records Room

Aurian walks to Kvasith, she hasn't noticed V'hryn yet. She starts scritching a very sleepy brown, "I know I know.. my fault.."

That's probably because V'hryn is behind Tebrelth, no one will notice he's there unless someone goes for a walk.

Aurian tilts her head, "Oh if that's Tebrelth.. then V'hryn must be about.." She tucks her hands behind her back and starts to investigate the area surrounding the reachian brown.

Lysseth watches Aurian somewhat warily. Her rider has warned her that this human is a bit on the bizarre side.

Is that so? A scrambling sound can heard, along with a curse or three as a hide flutters over Tebrelth's back. It's not long before V'hryn's head pops up above the brown's neckridges, eyes squinting to try and catch sight of the errant hide.

Aurian spots V'hryn, she bends down to pick up his hide, "I need to tell you something.." She smiles up at him with a little wave.

Kassima comes out of the LC singing a merry tune, just loud enough to carry a ways. "Ask him where the shells his clothes are, ear-ly in the morning...." Oh, it's just her favorite song again. At least she's not yet reached any of the seventeen verses involving leather. "Now, then, Lyss. Where'd I store that bottle, hmmm?" Being on the opposite side of her dragon, and distracted by the effort to walk normally and sing at the same time, she seems to have missed the presence of the others. It's times like this when it's very bad to be unobservant.

V'hryn's brows quirk at the familiar voice. Ruh-roh. "You do?" His voice is calm, even as he strains to catch at the hide that is intent on evading his grasp.

Aurian nods as she waggles the hide about, "Uh huh..tis important too.."

Lysseth merely yawns in response, teeth flashing in the moonlight. Hrm. Here's her rider, blathering as always... and there's Kvasith's rider, waving a hide at Tebrelth's as though it were some sort of weapon. This calls for further investigation. With a low warble of greeting to the brown in question, the green shifts to be able to watch the ensuing drama from a better angle. "Lyss," Kassi's voice can be heard to complain, "you're making it harder for me t'see! Is this--nay, that's something else...." This could take awhile.

Aurian places her hands on her hips as she waits for V'hryn to respond.

V'hryn vainly stretches towards the hide that Aurian's waggling at him, fingers almost clawing at the air to get to it. "What is it?" He asks, a concentrated look of consternation on his face as he reaches for the hide.

Tebrelth though, he warbles a happy greeting Lysseth's way. Always polite this one.

Aurian waggles the hide, "Come down here and I'll give you the hide.."

What, and actually let himself get into danger? Don't think so. V'hryn arches a brow faintly at the other brownrider, "Or you could deliver it for me." One good turn deserves another after all.

"Hrm... nay... nay... nay *quite*... ah! Ah-hah! Here!" The greenrider hoists her hard-found bottle of liquor in the sky, doing a small jig of triumph right on the spot. Of course, since her footing is rather precarious, she falls on her rump... which only causes her to giggle. Thank Faranth that Lysseth's bulk is preventing anyone from witnessing the Wingleader as she acts the wherry. "There, we've got it. Auri! Where'd you go?"

Aurian notes that he's in danger no matter what. "I suppose I could but would you mind if I climb up a bit... I'm not that tall..." She's quite short.

"Climb up?" That's got V'hryn puzzled. "What ever for?" See? He's still got his Inquistor badge hidden away. "If you're going to deliver it for me, you don't need to come up here." Such wonderful logic he uses.

Aurian flicks her hair back, "Will you trust me on this..."

Kassima calls, not really wanting to have to get up and hunt down the brownrider, "Aurian, if'n you aren't out there, then I refuse t'share the liquor with you." As though Aurian's that apt to drink anything from the greenrider's hands anyway, all things considered? "Who're you talking to, anyway?"

"What's trust got to do with it?" V'hryn blurts out. He may not blush, but he's definitely losing his sense of calm. The High Reachian rider inches himself up further on Tebrelth's neck, unobtrusively of course.

K'tyn comes down from Herath and Prometh's ledge.

Aurian calls to Kassima, "No one.." She whispers to V'hryn, "Look I have something really very important to tell you and I don't want to yell it in the middle of the bowl.."

Wandering through with a towel on his arm, K'tyn nods at the trio in the bowl and angles for the Living Cavern, not wanting to interrupt an apparently private conversation. "Evening."

V'hryn gives Aurian a curious glance, "Errr." Is all he manages to say before he's peering over towards Kassima, "That you Kassima?" He calls out. Don't have enough privacy in your life? Call Kassima on 555-Telgar. "Evening!" He calls out to K'tyn, not knowing who he's greeting of course.

Aurian bounces on her boot tips, "Please V'hryn."

Kassima waves to Kiat from where she's sitting beside her dragon, a bottle in one hand. "Evening, Kiat!" Upon hearing her name, she gets a thoughtful look, and starts attempting to get to her feet. *Attempting*, mind you. "Perhaps numbweed isn't the blessing I thought," she mutters, before calling back, "Aye, 'tis... who else? V'hryn, am I right in guessing?"

"What?" V'hryn directs at Aurian, distracted from answering Kassima at this point in time. "What's so important that it's gotta be told in private?" It's certainly got his curiousity piqued, but he's not budging an inch.

Aurian throws a general wave at Kiat before bouncing up at V'hryn, "Will you please believe me.. this needs to be gently told.." And not within certain ears hearing...

Brows rising with some astonishment, Kiat shakes his head. "I am not sure, but it does seem to be someone very close to being V'hryn, if that is his name... My pardon, but... is that what I think it is on your face, there, Aurian?"

Aurian glances at K'tyn, "Huh?"

Certain ears being Kassima's. V'hryn gives the Telgarian brownrider a curious look before glancing at K'tyn and back to Aurian. "You've something on your face?" Bluish eyes squint to try and get a better look.

"Ah! It isn't," K'tyn grins as the brownrider moves her head and the shadows fade. "I thought for a moment that Kiani had dressed you hair or tested her cosmetics on you."

"Probably is," Kassima agrees, *finally* managing to get to her feet. Her feet work, see. It's only her upper legs and their nearby demenses that don't. "Oaf! Could warn a person, y'know." Lysseth's flank receives a light slug, which the green of course ignores. "What's Aurian got on her face now? If'n 'tis a rose petal, it probably flew out of her bandages...." Yes, let's confuse the nice people, Kassi.

Aurian blinks, "Shards." She rakes her hand through her hair, "Never mind..." she holds up her hands to V'hryn, "you obviously couldn't handle it or know what to do.."

Aurian turns on her heel still carrying those hides with her as she stalks off.

You walk north.

Central Bowl(#298RL$)

A stony field is the center of this great caldera, the size of which is unmatched at any other weyr--for the whole complement of all the wings at Telgar could rest comfortably within its towering cliffs. Shaped in a perfect oval, the rock walls seem perfect for keeping the usual chill winds stirring about. The ground is mostly made of pebbles and rocks, some hued the milky shades of old quartz, though there are patches where softer dirt and even trees sprout up from the ground. Southerly, the bowl opens onto the living caverns and the weyrleaders' quarters; the immense entrance to the hatching grounds lies to the northwest. Heading southwest will lead one back out into the rocky mountain ranges around Telgar's protective walls. Dragons may be seen, relaxing or fresh from feeding, to the north, as well as the soft lapping sounds of Telgar's lake touching the sandy shore. The weyrling barracks, always aflutter with activity, is to the direct west. Fall leaves cling around the edges of the bowl, and the trees near the lake are bedecked with bronze and red splendor.

The skies are clear from horizon to horizon.

Contents:

Jericho

Obvious exits:

Weyrling Barracks Southern Bowl Lake Shore Hatching Cavern Feeding Grounds

Runner Pasture Weyr Entrance

Kvasith> K'tyn says "Rose petals and bandages? That's a new poultice from the healers, then?" Concerned, Kiat takes a step closer... then stops as Aurian moves off. "Or not. Best you go after her, V'hryn, if you so inclined.""

You head in the direction of the shimmering lake, leaving the central bowl area of the Weyr.

Telgar Weyr Lake Shore

The vegetation thickens near the lake, becoming a meadow that runs along the edge of a narrow, sandy beach. The sands spill down into a crystal lake to the north, lapping against the crater walls to the north and west. A fence runs northwest-southeast, blocking off the lake from the feeding grounds. The grass and trees around the lake resound with the bright green of summer. The lake, and the meadow around it teem with life and activity. Warmth -- the gift of summertime -- seems to lift the spirits of everything around here. Firelizards zip about the lake, taking full advantage of the season. The lake is cast into dark shadows, though it reflects the lights from the weyrs and the sky overhead, making a constellation in the waters.

The skies are clear from horizon to horizon.

Contents:

PLAYERS: Aurian

OTHER: Compound Equatorial Farviewer Time-Weathered Boulder

Obvious exits:

Lake Bowl

Kvasith> "What bug crawled up *her* pants and died now?" Kassima wants to know, watching after the woman. "Oh, 'tis one of Ushu's madnesses, Kiat... you *know* how demented that Healer is. He wanted t'give me rose petals instead of numbweed once." She looks about to say more, but clamps her mouth shut. No, best to avoid the subject of Ushu.

Kvasith> V'hryn looks blankly after Aurian as he watches her stalk off, "What'd I do?" He dumbly asks of the other two, blinking as he hears K'tyn. "Go after her?" That'd involve endangering himself. With a faint grimace, he slides down Tebrelth's side, striking off in the same direction that Aurian took. Poor boy.

Kvasith> V'hryn walks north.

V'hryn heads over from the central bowl.

Kvasith> "Ah? Oh, that one," K'tyn says with a commiserating glance that follows after V'hryn. "It's a wonder that the healers let him treat people. Kassi, do tell me more about this -- if you know more, that is. I've the opinion that Aurian .... and the 'Reaches rider are...well, are they?"

Aurian is leaning against a boulder as she stares out across the lake.

Kvasith> Kassima muses thoughtfully after the duo, "Aurian keeps insisting that she's nay pregnant, yet she drags Vah off for a private conference... mightily suspicious, if'n you ask me. I could almost feel sorry for the man." Poor, naive greenrider. "Hmm? Oh, I don't think so. She just dressed him up in pink lace once--completely a tormenting sort of thing."

Hides are still grasped in V'hryn's hand as the brownrider catches sight of the other. "Aurian!" He shouts, heading the direction of the boulder.

Kvasith> "Well, maybeso... do you think that she can be trusted not to harm him, then?" Black brows are knotted in confusion as Kiat tries to puzzle this out. "I mean, twould cause an incident, if she did. Hurt him, that is."

Kvasith> Kassima adds thoughtfully, "She *did* seem terribly flustered when she said he'd kissed her, though. It could be that she's sweet on him. Harm him, though, I really wouldn't expect her to do." Though, Kassi's definition of 'harm' is a bit loose at best when it comes to psychological trauma; that much would be common knowledge. "At most, she might make him blush a bit. The sort of thing that's done to 'Reaches brownriders all the time. They're so *tormentable*, y'know? Must be something in the air out there."

The redhead blinks startled as she see's V'hryn coming her way, "Oh dear.."

Kvasith> A grin twitches at K'tyn's lips. "So I have heard," he says with quiet amusement. "But do we let them do whatever it is they intend to do privately? Or should we hare off after?"

V'hryn doesn't hear the 'Oh dear', which could be lucky -- or not. "What's gotten into you?" It almost sounds as if he cares. "And what is it you've got to talk to me about?" Just because he's no longer blushing doesn't mean he's not past fainting.

Kvasith> Kassima advises cheerily, "You should find out for yourself sometime, Kiat. There's naught like abusing a brownrider t'brighten one's day. 'Twould suggest waiting a time, I think... if'n she *does* intend t'confess a deep and abiding love for him," and here Kassi makes an exaggeratedly disgusted face, "I for one don't want t'overhear it and retch all over the place. I doubt whoever takes care of keeping the Bowls clean would thank me."

Aurian blinks up at him, after a moments consideration she leans up and kisses V'hryn lingeringly. Its a soft and gentle kiss, as she pulls back she murmurs, "Kassima's pregnant. Congratulations."

Kvasith> "I'd be interested in hearing something like that. Tis been a time since I've seen young lovers in love." Pointed words for so mild mannered a man. "But then, the world turns, and times change. Come Kassi -- Tell me true. What is it that you're keeping in confidence? Is it anything I need to know?"

V'hryn just blinks. It's all he can do. First the kiss, then The News. "Pregnant?" The young man's voice squeaking noticeably as he stares at the brownrider, "Kassima?"

Kvasith> Kassima rolls her eyes towards Kiat, favoring him with a droll expression. "Must you remind me that everyone else is young compared t'me these days? I'm keeping several things in confidence, Kiat... but about those two, nay much." Frowning thoughtfully, she begins to recite, "She met him at the Lava Lounge, where he was drunk from being flight-lost, and proceded to doll him up in pink lace and drag him off t'her weyr so that he'd freak out when he woke up there. He fainted a few times, but eventually escaped. I don't *think* aught else happened. He kissed her on a visit here once, though, according t'her. That's all I know of what's gone on between them." Odd that she knows so many details about the lace incident, isn't it?

Aurian nods as she continues to gaze up at him, "That's what the healer said."

Kvasith> Yes, very strange indeed.

Kvasith> "Lace, I see. I take it you were there at the Lounge, as well, and ..." A telling pause. "Assisted with the torment?"

Kvasith> K'tyn blinks, smiling mildly as he regards Lysseth's rider. "Err, The dressing up of the rider in pink lace that is."

V'hryn's mouth opens as the young rider strives to say something, only to find that nothing comes out. A wide-eyed look is awarded as he stares down at Aurian. His voice failing him, the brownrider shakes his head; slowly at first before it quickens in pace, as if to deny the news.

Kvasith> Kassima grins somewhat sheepishly at Kiat, reddening just a trifle. "Aye, well... transparent as that, am I, then? I didn't actually do the dressing, but I did procure the various lace things. I have a cousin who's crazy enough t'make 'em for a *living*. The pink lace robe belongs to her husband."

"Its what the healer said.." Aurian rakes her hand through her hair, she looks rather sorrowful about this.

Kvasith> "Well, I'm not one to worry over a makeover, even if it is in pink." Kiat leans close, as if revealing a state secret, such is his solemnity. "It's not really his color, Kassi. Try violet or lavender, I think. Pink makes his face far too red."

Kvasith> Err, would make his face too red.

Kvasith> Kassima grins at Kiat, eyes sparkling. "But 'twere afraid that'd make him look too dignified, y'see! Pink... pink looks *silly*. Especially since the thing didn't have any way of closing. Have you ever realized just how many shades a single person can blush? It really is quite astounding."

V'hryn is still shaking his head as he steps away to the side, giving the lake a long look with his arms crossed over his chest. "The healer is wrong then, she can't be pregnant."

Kvasith> Tinya comes out of the short tunnel from the living cavern.

Aurian walks over to V'hryn, "Why do you say that?"

Kvasith> Tinya strolls out of the living cavern. She seems both happier and less abstracted than earlier in the evening. Waving, she calls, "Heyla, Kassi, Kiat!"

"It was only once!" V'hryn vehemently insists, "Besides, it can't happen the first time." Or at least that's what everyone says.

Kvasith> Does she know to whom she speaks? This is the man who could not tell Kindre his love for her for years because of a stutter and a tendency to turn the color of freshly chopped wherry... "Ah Kassi, you've a hard edge to your character. I wonder what you would do, if the chases were the other way, hm? Evening, Tinya," Kiat says slowly, carefully. "But He's come to no harm--I have a feeling that this may well not turn out as you think it might."

Kvasith> Kassima wiggles her fingers greetingly to Tinya, flashing the woman a smile. "G'deve, Tinya!" To Kiat, she replies with a quiet laugh, "Turn them *back* around, I should wager. Remember, m'war eternal with Mart used to involve him provoking me and me getting revenge... now it just seems t'involve thinking of new things t'do t'him. Sad, really. I miss there being an equal balance of evil. How d'you mean?"

Kvasith> Tinya says as she passes, "Don't dawdle too long collecting those bottles, Kassi; I'd hate to leave without your getting them."

Aurian sighs, "V'hryn I used to be a healer. It happens often on the first time.. and often on the one time.." she pushes her hair out of her eyes, "I wish I could tell you differently..." She bites her bottom lip, "It won't be so bad..Vahsima or Vahsim will be a lovely child."

Kvasith> Kassima blinks at Tinya, distracted from her conversation. "Leave? You're going on another visiting-trip?"

Kvasith> "I am not sure, but... I have a feeling that he may be about _far_ more often than you'd wish." K'tyn grins at Tinya. "Bottle collecting? Tis easier than boulder collecting, I am sure."

Kvasith> Kassima's attention switches back to Kiat for a moment. "D'you know something I don't?" she asks, with reasonable suspicion.

V'hryn looks.. shocked, surprised, mortified, terrified, petrified and scared to boot. "Nonononono!" His Ma will be so angry, knocking strange women up and then leaving them to rot. Poor boy. Bluish eyes narrow slightly as he glances slide long at the other rider, "You're not just saying this to get back at me for before, are you?" Looks like he's paranoid too.

Kvasith> "I don't think so, Kassi. You've never collected boulders; don't know why you'd start, now." Winking at Tinya, Kiat dares to tease the volatile rider a bit more. "Just an observation of the way she-Aurian-was tugging on his arm and the way he was following."

Kvasith> Tinya stops walking and turns toward the others, shaking her head. Her expression is an odd one, half anticipation and half Faranth's-first-egg-what-am-I-doing. "No, I'm _going_. Eastern's changed, and I've been spending more time down there lately, and...well, to make it short, they want me back. So I'm going."

The Telgari rider sighs, "Admittedly I've done some odd stuff... but V'hryn..." Aurian touches his cheek, "I would never lie about a medical condition. I'm not that much of an idiot.. wouldn't want you to hate me.."

Kvasith> "Eastern? Who's he? And why does his changing mean you'll be going?" K'tyn asks reasonably as he looks at the bluerider.

Kvasith> "Oh, that. Well, if'n they want t'weyrmate, I suppose that's they're right, though it means they're both mad, and--what?" Turning, Kassi just *blinks* at Tinya. "What? You're transferring back, just like that? They want you to go, so you're going?" She snaps her fingers with a brisk *click*.

V'hryn lifts his head back, away from caressing fingers. "Odd? You call doing what you did to me only odd?" By the sound of his voice, it's almost as if he's accusing Aurian of it. "You do -that- to me and expect me not to hate you?" Not that he does, but then the whole incident did leave it's mark.

Kvasith> Tinya shakes her head again, more firmly this time. "Not 'like that'. It's been....oh, two turns in the making, really, this decision. Only hints and what-ifs till just recently, but.... It's not so sudden as it seems."

Kvasith> "Wait. Eastern's not a man, is it? Tis a place--A weyr?" Thoroughly confused, K'tyn shakes his head, saying at last "I can't say I'm pleased to see you go, but I am pleased to see you happy."

Aurian drops to a seat, as she reaches the shore she wraps her arms about her knees, "I'm sorry.. I was drunk ... it was my turnday.."

Kvasith> Kassima frowns, lips pursing somewhat. "Happiness is most important," she agrees. "I'm certain T'saren will regret your loss, as will the Weyr, but you must do what's best for you." She sounds... neutral, but not cold. "'Twill be t'Liath's delight too, I'm certain."

"Your Turnday?" Somehow V'hryn finds that oddly disturbing, "So I was your turnday amusment?" How nice is that, but it's not as if he remembers most of it.

Aurian leans her head agaisnt her knees, now she feels really bad about it, "I would have liked to have gotten to know you in a better fashion. But I was stupid....Kassima thought it would be a good idea... and with the amount of alcohol I had..I agreed. I'm sorry.."

Kvasith> Ro comes out of the short tunnel from the living cavern.

Kvasith> Tinya nods, still with that half-excited, half-scared look. "I think it's best. Honest. I've been missing it more than I used to, and now I feel welcome again....well, I've _got_ to go. Just have to." The smile turns to a grin as she adds, "Mostly that's right, on Liath's part, but he insists we come visit for snow. So you won't be rid of us entirely!"

Kvasith> R'val comes out of the short tunnel from the living cavern.

Kvasith> R'val wanders out, towelling off his hair. He smiles absently at the group.

Kvasith> Ro walks out quietly, seeming distracted. Yet she is aware enough to murmur to the riders "Evening."

Kvasith> Kassima smiles slightly, nodding. Her expression seems troubled for a moment, but perhaps it was a trick of the light; it certainly smooths itself out swiftly. "As you will, then, Tinya; if'n the Weyrwoman has given you leave, then... she knows best. Clear skies t'you and t'Liath at Eastern, bluerider."

Kvasith> Kiat previously arguing with Kassi, is now staring with concerted shock at Tinya, who has announced her intent to leave the Weyr. "Well, I think...I hope tis for the best indeed. G'eve, R'val, Ro," he says rather absently.

Kvasith> Ro looks at Tinya, startled, having caught the tail end of the conversation.

Will sorry cut the grade? V'hryn's brows are tightly drawn, his arms still crossed as he watches the water. "So what Kassima says you do?"

Aurian shakes her head, "Not all the time. Just on a couple things." She scratches at her splinted wrist again.

Kvasith> Tinya glances at the new arrivals, flashes a quick smile and an, "Evening, Ro; hey, R'val," then shrugs and says, "I'd better get to packing. Don't forget to drop by, Kassi; you can have what I've got left of Harper's Folly and the green stuff, since it'll be easier for me to get more."

Kvasith> Tinya, so saying, turns toward her dragon and mounts up.

Kvasith> Tinya clambers up the straps to a seat on Liath's back.

Kvasith> Liath takes flight, using the thermals rising from the bowl to carry him aloft.

Kvasith> Above, Liath rises up from the bowl.

Kvasith> Above, Liath lands on Liath's Ledge.

Kvasith> Ro stares after Tinya. Unmoving. Stunned.

Kvasith> "How very odd," Kiat says to no one in particular. "Very odd indeed. I do hope she'll be happy."

Kvasith> "A peculiar reason for transferring," Kassima mutters under her breath. "But, aye... I think it likely she'll be happy. There's that."

"Like kidnapping people and trussing them up in pink lace?" That's about as close to a gibe as V'hryn can make, the brownrider twisting his head slightly to look at the seated figure beside him.

Kvasith> R'val sighs softly, "I hope so too." He bites his lip.

Kvasith> Looking at his towel, and then at the others about him, K'tyn blinks. "I've lost my enthusiasm for bathing, but... I think ... I need some green stuff. Or something."

Kvasith> Above, Tierth flies over from the north end of the bowl.

Kvasith> Tierth backwings for a landing.

Kvasith> Kvasith rumbles warmly towards Tierth.

Kvasith> Tierth warbles a contralto note, at least contralto for a dragon, as she backwings for a landing not far from Kvasith.

She blushes this time and glances up at V'hryn, "I tend to go for her dumber ideas.." She maybe grins a little.

Kvasith> Kassima holds up her bottle of Black Gold. "Would this suit, Kiat? If'n you're off to the Lake, you might want t'watch your step, lest you run into those two. They've been gone an awfully long time. I fear what Aurian may have done to the man." See, she *does* have a faint hint of compassion hidden deeply in that black soul of hers. Awwwww.

Kvasith> Ro comes to her senses again, picking up on Kassi's words, and electing to remain silent and just listen.

Kvasith> K'tyn accepts the bottle of liquor, nodding his head in thanks. "Tis appreciated, Kassi, and you're right. Someone should check in on them...Ah, Maylia!" Brightening up considerably, Kiat waves to Tierth's rider.

Kvasith> Kassima lifts one hand to wave to her Wingrider. "G'deve, May! Have you your sweep report for me?"

"So I noticed." V'hryn mutters, the young man idly toeing at the ground. "So she's really pregnant?" Topic switch, how convient.

Kvasith> R'val mutters," Might not want to walk in on what those two are up to."

Aurian nods and repeats, "Its what the healer said..."

Kvasith> Ro glances at R'val, eyes wide, a stain of rose coming to her cheeks. Yes, she's figured out what he means.

Kvasith> "Oh, nay," Kassima says dismissively. "Their dragons aren't humming or crooning or aught. Really, people can be so fardling paranoid at times."

Aurian picks up a small rock and tosses it so it skips on the lake. Three hops and then it plops into the water.

Kvasith> R'val hrms, "I still wouldn't interfere. But hey!"

Kvasith> K'tyn laughs. "Dragons hum? Only when eggs are to crack," he says after a moment before turning to look up at Maylia. "My dear greenrider, may I entice you down from there with a promise of some of this?" He holds up Kassi's bottle of Black Gold."

Kvasith> From astride Tierth, Maylia smiles down from Tierth's shoulder as she removes her flight helmet and gloves, perhaps a look lingering on K'tyn for a bit. But, she's brought back to the here and now by Kassi's question. "Aye, Wingleader. Bitra Valley and north is clear, quite literally. Hardly a cloud, and the winds are calm but northerly."

V'hryn watches the rock flip across the water, "Is there anything else you have to tell me Aurian?" Or would like to, there's always the option of taking the 5th or not.

Aurian scratches at her splint again with her good hand, "Maybe a little something.." she glances to him.

Kvasith> Maylia slides to the ground, giving Tierth a parting caress and a tender smile.

Kvasith> Kassima arches an eyebrow at the bronzerider, and grins ruefully. "Well, humming, crooning... I wouldn't really know. One or the other." A frown flickers across her face as she glances between the two. "I take it you're going t'let me have some of that also, Kiat? Ah... good; 'tis as it should be."

V'hryn glances down at Aurian, a brow quirking slightly, "What happened to your wrist?" Talk about observant. But he shakes his head, "What is it?" First things first after all.

Kvasith> Maylia drps to the ground, rubbing her hands together. "Sounds appealing, Kiat," she says, "Might be pleasant weather down here, but sweeps were cold." A glance is cast towards Kassima, and she wisely refrains from any comment about temptations.

Kvasith> "I'll share, as always, yes. Let's get out of here, though, and into someplace a little more cozy." Kiat looks toward the other bowl significantly.

Aurian glances at her wrist, "I broke it..." She glances up at him, "I sort of like you... a great deal...a lot.." She glances back to her wrist.

Kvasith> "Cozy?" Kassi repeats, but since she assumes the bronzerider is speaking to her as well as May, she doesn't sound suspicious so much as puzzled. "Well, if'n you say so. Central's as good as South t'me."

Kvasith> "A bonfire by the lake, maybe?" Kiat suggests, looking about at the others. "I've the mood to see something burn."

Now that's news for this little brown duck. "How did you break it?" V'hryn asks, oh-so conviently ignoring the last part.

Aurian glances down at her boottips, her hand rubbing her cast, "I was thrown from a bronco at the rodeo.."

Kvasith> "Ah, to consume all of someone else's earthly possessions in flame!" Kassima says facetiously, striking a dramatic pose. "But sure, I'm up for fire if'n you are."

Kvasith> It is Rosarrah's turn to blink at Kiat now, odd is the behavior of the riders tonight. Whatever errand she had been about seems completely forgotten now.

Kvasith> K'tyn walks north.

Telgar-Bowl> K'tyn walks here from the south.

Kvasith> Kassima walks north.

Telgar-Bowl> Kassima walks here from the south.

Kvasith> Ro finally speaks, saying in quiet tones that can be clearly heard "What was that all about?"

Telgar-Bowl> "Hold it, hold it, hold it, Kiat," Kassi calls, jogging-stumbling-sprinting after in what's a decidedly awkward gate. "Oof!

This numbweed does have a few disadvantages after all. Do we have aught t'be burning?"

Kvasith> Maylia walks north.

Telgar-Bowl> Maylia walks here from the south.

Telgar-Bowl> Maylia finishes easing Tierth's straps, and hurries after, whether to catch up with the people or the bottle is difficult to tell. Or, perhaps the idea of a bonfire.

Telgar-Bowl> "I thought we'd gather some of the fallen wood near the lake. There's always a branch or two on the ground, yes?" Ambling along, Kiat stops and looks back. " Or we can get something else."

Kvasith> Ro walks north.

Telgar-Bowl> Ro walks here from the south.

Telgar-Bowl> Kassima suggests hopefully, "We could burn all the hidework? I could have a delightful vacation from it for a few sevendays?"

Telgar-Bowl> Ro slips nearer, silently, her curiosity piqued, but unwilling to get in the way. She easily keeps herself lost among the shadows.

Telgar-Bowl> "Or mayhaps," Kassima suggests secondarily, somehow figuring that her first suggestion isn't going to be accepted, "hay, from the barn? There's bound t'be some old moldy stuff, and that burns terribly well. We'd have t'be careful with it, but it'd provide excellent tinder."

Telgar-Bowl> K'tyn looks up at the sky then at the bowl, and then where he's going. Yes, he's still angling for the lake, but tis a rather round about way to go. "Kassi," he asks suddenly. "Have you anything you _want_ burned? Hay? Hay it is, then!"

Telgar-Bowl> Kassima repeats cheerfully and hopefully, "Hidework first? All the reports? Let's char those!" She sighs then, amused. "I imagine M'hryn would just make me copy them over, though. I'd offer m'old maternity clothing, but that'd probably be bad luck, so 'twill just have t'stick with hay. What of you? Have you aught you want t'see consumed by flame? Or you, May, or Ro?"

Kvasith> R'val walks north.

Telgar-Bowl> R'val walks here from the south.

Telgar-Bowl> R'val follows after the others, hands in his pockets.

Telgar-Bowl> Maylia gives Kassi an odd look at the mention of burning maternity wear, a little of a smirk reminiscent there. "Anything I wish to burn? Not that I can really think of, unless it's a certain bluerider's boots." Her nose wrinkles. "And those'd stink."

Telgar-Bowl> Ro blinks owlishly, not having expected to be spotted. She recovers her composure and offers "I have some work clothes that I've outgrown, that really aren't suitable enough to be handed down."

Telgar-Bowl> "I can think of some things I'd like to burn, but I don't think they'd go too well. Get rather charred, and Kindre might have a fit because of it." Kiat grins slowly. "But perhaps certain items of a certain bronzerider's clothing? Undergarments, mayhap?"

Telgar-Bowl> Ro lifts an eyebrow, her expression readable from a distance. Oh my.

Telgar-Bowl> R'val looks down at his boots self-consciously.

Telgar-Bowl> Kassima says firmly, just in case there was any question, "I am *nay* torching any underclothing of anyone's. What you lot want t'do is your business, but don't expect me t'contribute *that*. Hrm. Hey, how about V'dan's manuscript? That story about G'rignr? Though he'd likely kill me."

Telgar-Bowl> Maylia grins, slowly at Kassi's suggestion. "Not if he didn't know it was you who burn it?" She suggests. A few sevendays in Thunderbolt, and she's fast becomming aware of just how deep the reasons for shuddering at that riders' name really are.

Telgar-Bowl> K'tyn looks at Kassi, smiling a little. "It was," he says with that same air of quiet precision that is his trademark. "Just a suggestion. So. Hay it is. And that manuscript."

Telgar-Bowl> Ro contributes "You have to be careful burning hay, or it will smoke terribly." She speaks to noone in particular.

Telgar-Bowl> Maylia nods to Ro, keeping pace with the other two riders. "True. But we're used to smelling like ash, and there's the lake to bathe in after."

Telgar-Bowl> Kassima assures May with honest regret, "He'd know 'twas me. I'm the only one whom he's been reading it to. Ugh... such a horror 'tis, too. 'G'rignr reached down into the weighted leather pouch dangling at his side and drew forth the scintillant red emerald.' Ugh. I still can't believe he doesn't realize that emeralds are *green*. Can nay anyone spare me this horror?"

Telgar-Bowl> Halam comes here from the direction of the runner pasture.

Telgar-Bowl> Ro quietly asks "Would you like me to get some hay and take it down to the shore, then?" It seems directed at Maylia.

Telgar-Bowl> Halam walks up from the stables draging his feet. It's obvious he's tired by the slowness of his progress.

Telgar-Bowl> "I think it would be best to see the manuscript complete, yes? Else, he may simply re-write it... As for Hay, let's all get some. I'm in the mood to see some real fire." Strangely said, but intently said for all that, Kiat ambles toward the stables.

Telgar-Bowl> Ro follows soundlessly behind. The stables are a quite familiar place for her.

Telgar-Bowl> Ro opens the gate and enters the runner pasture, closing it behind her.

Telgar-Bowl> K'tyn opens the gate and enters the runner pasture, closing it behind him.

Telgar-Bowl> R'val opens the gate and enters the runner pasture, closing it behind him.

Telgar-Bowl> Kassima opens the gate and enters the runner pasture, closing it behind her.

Telgar-Bowl> Halam opens the gate and enters the runner pasture, closing it behind him.

V'hryn winces at the thought, "Isn't that sort of dangerous?"

Telgar-Bowl> Maylia opens the gate and enters the runner pasture, closing it behind her.

Aurian murmurs, "Now I know that.."

Aurian glances at him again and sighs. She glances back towards the water.

The water is *awfully* interesting, isn't it. V'hryn furthers his study of the aqueous solution, before sneaking another glance at Aurian, "Why?" No explaination given, just 'Why?'

Aurian murmurs softly, "Why do I like you?"

Telgar-Bowl> K'tyn comes here from the direction of the runner pasture.

Telgar-Bowl> Kassima comes here from the direction of the runner pasture.

K'tyn heads over from the central bowl.

Kassima heads over from the central bowl.

Telgar-Bowl> Maylia comes here from the direction of the runner pasture.

Maylia heads over from the central bowl.

Ro heads over from the central bowl.

With his arms full of hay, Kiat stumbles along the lake shore, keeping an eye open for that tree that fell earlier. "Ah! There!" he says with a satisfied smirk. "Here it is!"

Maylia stumbles down twoards the beach, her arms filled with kindling of a rather grassish sort - hay. Just like the others. "Alright," she calls over the mound of it, "Where'll we burn it?"

Ro follows the bronzerider's voice.

V'hryn's shoulders twitch slightly with a shrug before the youth silently nods his head, his gaze firmly fixed on the ground in front of him. So therefore, he notices not the entrance of K'tyn and his entourage of followers.

"...So, just how big a fire are we talking here, Kiat?" Kassima inquires--at least, one would assume that it's Kassima, going by the color of the jacket, the brogue to the pleasant voice, and the long rope of hair. Her face is somewhat hidden by the large armful of hay. "Just point the way, and make some vocal notice too. All I can really see is this stuff. Gah. Moldy hay has the most unpleasant sickly smell!"

Halam heads over from the central bowl.

Aurian is next to V'hryn. She is seated on the ground and staring at the water...she looks like she is about to say something, but silences herself as she notes the crowd.

"Here it is, you see? Well, if you don't, you'll feel it fast enough. Rotted right through, and perfect for burning." Kiat thumps the log with a booted toe. "This way, hm?" He directs. "Just drop the hay in the open end."

R'val heads over from the central bowl.

Maylia manages to push her armload of hay down from her face enough to see and not trip over the tree. Glad of a chance to rid herself of the hay, she stuffs it down into the open hole, and tries to brush loose bits, and the smell, from herself.

Kassima drops the hay, as directed. "Mayhaps we can also burn the blueri--*achoo*!" Her words are cut off by an abrupt sneeze. "Oh, bother. I hate that stuff. Oh... here's where you got to, Aurian, V'hryn. Did you get that business with the hide resolved?" She seems to have decided that the whole brouhaha must've been about that piece of hidework that Aurian was holding captive.

Ro moves blindly toward the log, having difficulty trying to get it into the log, but she seems to be managing all the same.

The sound of people voices and the odd smell alerts V'hryn to company. A tawny brow arches in surprise and perhaps in worry as he sees Kassima hefting the load of hay. "Hide? Oh, yeah.. the hide." The 'Reachian rider absently waving the hide in proof.

R'val drops his armload near the others, grimacing as he nearly falls over, "Ach. There we go, gang."

K'tyn looks smugly at the tree, and then grins at Maylia, Kassi and Ro, turning so that Vah and Aurian are in sight. "May I help?" he asks politely, pluckng stray pieces from the women. R'val can tend himself. :) "You all seem to have more than your fair share of the broken bits."

Aurian rests her head against her knees, she looks a bit dejected.

Ro looks at herself and ughs "So I do." she says, picking hay from her hair, her skirt, and even one from he bodice. She flashes an appreciative smile at the help ridding herself of it.

Kassima flicks a grin of gratitude to Kiat, before explaining to the two, "We were just going t'have a fire... 'twere going t'be burning our useless things--though I don't know why Kiat thinks underwear is useless, and frankly, I don't want to--but 'twas decided that V'dan might just mind the loss of his manuscript, among other things... more's the pity. Big as the thing is, it'd burn for a *long* time." A thought that's actually halfway considerate strikes her then. "We're nay interrupting aught, I take it? I *told* the bluerider that 'tweren't having some sort of tryst, but it hadn't occured t'me that 'twere discussing more than a piece of hide."

Maylia allows K'tyn to remove bits of hay from her clothes and hair, of course! "Very well, then. Can I assume someone has a means of lighting this mess?" A curious glance is shot over towards Aurian and V'hryn, but an innocuous question is asked, not the one she'd surely like to ask. "How's your wrist, Aurian?"

"Good. Now, for the lighting..." From his pocket, Kiat pulls a striker and some rather thin material, to use as a tinder on the hay. "I've got it taken care of," the bronzerider promises.

"Broken." Aurian's standard answer for that question.

Kassima starts to pull something out of her pocket, but ohs at the sight of Kiat's striker. "'Twas going t'feed one of m'lizards 'stone, but 'twill work as well... and faster," she admits, laughing under her breath.

Tryst? How could anyone ever think that of V'hryn! The tips of his ears pink faintly with embarassment as he shakes his head, maybe a tad too quickly in answer to Kassima's question. "Just.. er.. needed to get the hide back." Yeah, that's the story he's sticking to.

Maylia smiles appreciativly towards Kiat, before rolling her eyes at Aurian's succinct answer. "Wherry! I know it's broken. I meant, how does it feel? Any better?"

"A hide back, I see," Kiat say drolly, taking the firestone and chucking it into the pile of hay. "That's a new one." *FOOMF*

R'val glances at Kiat, "Need any help?" he asks, wandering over as the bronzer goes at the fire.

Kassima queries idly of Aurian, finding herself a roosting place, "Why'd you take it from him anyway? Aigh!" She shields her eyes as the fire blazes up, wincing at the sudden light. "Burns well, aye...."

Ro takes a step back, thankfully not singed by the heat.

"Itches. The numbweeds worn off.." Aurian says to Maylia, she then glances to Kassima, "He dropped it.."

And so Aurian had to run off with it. It makes perfect sense y'see. Or at least it does.. to some. Not V'hryn though. "Ack!" The brownrider lifts a hand to cover his eyes against the sudden brightness brought about by the fire.

"I see," Kassi muses, giving Aurian an odd look. "He dropped it, so you felt obligated to hold it hostage and make him follow you to the Shore t'get it, claiming that you'd something t'tell him. Makes *perfect* sense. Ushu didn't slip you any of the 'special herbs', did he? Kiat, pass the bottle... I'm going t'need alcohol t'understand this one."

Laughing a little more at the bright orange and gold flames that shoot up, Kiat blithely pulls out a bunch of .... well, material, it looks like, and drops it into the mess. "There. That should liven it up."

"Whoooo," Maylia takes a step back from the fire. "That's burning well, I'd say," the young greenrider says, watching a half-burnt peice of hay get lifted up the updraft, a glowing red line swirling into the sky. "That's the sort of answer I was looking for, Aurian. Now. Branches to burn."

Halam watches the fire flare up and steps back. Quickly covering a yawn with his hand."

Ro stares at the addition to the fire. Finally she ventures to ask "What is that about?" of the bronzerider.

R'val blinks and squints at the blaze, nodding in agreement, "Aye, that works nicely!"

Trina heads over from the central bowl.

Trina pads along silently, perhaps a bit out of place. A glance is shot around briefly.

"Just a little .... sanitary measures," he says to those about him, watching the fire in the cracked log burn. "Nothing to worry about. Hello," the bronzerider says to Trina. "Good evening."

Aurian stands at last, she tugs the reachian brownrider close so she can whisper into his ear. She mutters to V'hryn, "... you.... to... better. I... you're attractive... very... could fall... love... really..."

V'hryn senses "Aurian stands at last, she tugs the reachian brownrider close so she can whisper into his ear. "I like you. I'd like to know you better. I think you're attractive and very sweet. I could fall in love with you I really could.""

R'val glances at the new arrival and smiles amiably, "Telgar's duties, come to join us?"

From afar, to Aurian and V'hryn, Kassima starts singing 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight?' ;)

Long distance to Kassima and V'hryn: Aurian dies at the way that mutter came out

From afar, to Aurian and V'hryn, Kassima also whaps Auri. Traitor! Joining the Dark Side! Actually seeking a man! :P ;)

Trina blushes as she's noticed. "Erm, actually.." she mutters. Then a deep breath is taken. "I came to see Halam, but if y'all are busy, I can come back some other time."

You paged Kassima and V'hryn with 'It was an accident!'.

Kassima has very keen hearing... the result of many, many, many Turns of eavesdropping. She mutters to Kiat, somewhat less quietly, "Sounds like you may have had a point, Kiat. I'm glad I didn't make a wager with you on this one."

"A pity that you did not, Kassi ... oh! A moment. I almost forgot!" Kiat pulls the flask out. "To your health," he says as he opens the bottle and takes a good pull of the Black Gold. "Ah! Here. Have some, hm?"

R'val's eyes alight, "What /is/ that, K'tyn?"

"Kind of you t'offer, with the bottle being mine and all," Kassima returns drolly, though she seems more amused than anything. "To yours, similarly!" After draining off a measure of the purplish stuff, she offers it to Maylia. "Care for a taste, mentee mine?"

"It's Kassi's," Kiat says around a burp. "It's good. She knows what it is....Ah! Goes right to the brain, it does."

Maylia sidles up closer to Kiat, an arm filled with brances gleaned from the shore. "This should do, hmmm? Oh, my thanks, Kassi," she seems quite grateful for the bottle, and takes a drink from it. Descreetly, she's trying her best not to watch Aurian and V'hryn, or at least, not get seen doing it.

"Here, I'll take those," Kiat says as he tries to take Maylia's load of branches and all. "There. I'll just stuff them in, so.... Heh." Chuckling almost evilly, K'tyn smiles as the last of the material burns.

Maylia, her hands freed, extends them towards the heat of the fire. "It's sharding chilly here, even at this time of turn, you know?" She comments, not to anyone in particular.

Trina frowns as Halam seems busy with something else. "Poo." she utters to no one.

V'hryn blinks surprisedly at Aurian, so much so that he lets himself be tugged along, stumbling slightly. He mutters to Aurian, "You *like* me like that? You... know me!... could... drive... insane! How... you say... mean I... you,..." He's got too many buts going around.

You sense V'hryn blinks surprisedly at Aurian, so much so that he lets himself be tugged along, stumbling slightly. "You *like* me like that? You don't even know me! I could have terrible habits that could drive you insane! How can you say all sort of stuff? I mean I like you, but.." He's got too many buts going around.

R'val grimaces, "Kassi's?" He eyes the bottle distrustfully, "I know the stuff she brews..."

"Looks like you're going t'get your wish, Kiat," Kassi observes, smiling faintly. "Young lovers, as you wished... aye, 'tis of m'brewing. As Uncle Yrinnen says, you have t'*know* liquor t'be brewing it, and if'n there's one thing I know...."

Ro wanders back with an armload of firewood, which she carefully sets down in a pile a short distance from the fire.

K'tyn settles onto his heels, looking for the flask. "May Ihave more of it? I'm in need of a fire in my brain as wel." Kiat winks at Ro. "Thanks," he says quietly. "for the wood."

Aurian closes her eyes. She mutters to V'hryn, "... I... know... asking..." She then blinks her eyes open, "You like me?"

V'hryn senses "Aurian closes her eyes. "I said I wanted to get to know you better.. I wasn't asking you to be my weyrmate..." She then blinks her eyes open, "You like me?""

Ro looks more and more intrigued by Kiat's strange behavior, though she takes pains to hide it. She covers by noding and asking "Is there anything more I can help with, sir?"

Aurian hasn't let go of V'hryn's arm as she glances up at him.

Score one for V'hryn. "Say yes, lad," Kiat calls out, laughing abit. "Say yes. Oh, Ro, no, I'm all better now, really." He grins widely to prove it.

Maylia takes another sip from the flask, raising it in silent salute in the firelight to its' brewer. "Lethal stuff," she says, handing the flask over to Kiat. "Liquid warmth, and liquid temptation." That she's even said that is a measure of its effectiveness.

Kassima laughs abruptly, and shrugs off her jacket, opening it to display the interior pockets... most of which hold things that look suspiciously like vials. This must be an addition that dates after the time the jacket was used by Kassi-the-Weyrling. "Name your drink, Kiat, and there'll be enough t'go about!" Yep, that's Kassi for you: greenrider, knife-wielder, gambler, maniac, and now walking wet-bar. Looking over towards Aurian, she calls out good-naturedly, "Traitor! Turning to the side of those nauseating types! See if'n I ever trust you t'be tormenting men properly again!" She sounds amused, though, not serious. Perhaps even faintly wistful, but that's surely just one's imagination at work.

K'tyn swallows a good gulp of the brew, shaking his head at the fire that puddles at the base of his skull. "Need? You have that green liqueur?" he inquires of Kassi, winking at Maylia and Ro and waving (rather impishly) to Trina's backside as she leaves.

Maylia reaches out to poke Kassi, laughing. "Hey, now. I'm one of those types, I do believe, and I do a fairly passable job at tormenting some men I'd say." The alcohol in her seems to remove the ability to stand, and she sinks to the ground, crosslegged.

Kassima rests the jacket on her lap, investigating the various pockets. "I should still have some in here, aye... oh, sure, May. Your own weyrmate. But what's the point of being limited to one? Ah, here...." A slim glass vial is removed and tossed to Kiat. "Green stuff. Nay much, but I don't want t'try riding with a jacket that's weighed down with entire flasks."

V'hryn shoots K'tyn a 'You're not helping' look before he turns his attention back to Aurian, He mutters to Aurian, "... uh..... but... I... after what... just... of you."

You sense V'hryn shoots K'tyn a 'You're not helping' look before he turns his attention back to Aurian, "I.. uh.. well.. yeah I do, but I dunno if it's /that/ sort of like. I mean no offence and all, but after what you did, I should just keep clear of you."

Ro stands awkwardly to the outside of those circled by the fire, seeming like she feels out of place, and uncertain of what she should do about it. She does manage a not quite at ease smie for any who look her way, however.

R'val glances interestedly at V'hryn and Aurian, chuckling as he sits near the fire.

Maylia tilts her head back and chuckles, before nudging the legs of the bronzerider next to her. "I'd guess I could torment..." and her mouth hangs open for a moment. She's affected by alcohol, clearly, but not drunk enough to specify her victim as Kiat. "Others well, I'm sure of it."

"Me? You want to torment me?" Eyes glinting, Kiat laughs. 'Oh, there's no need for tormenting. I already am."

Kassima's smile to Maylia is a touch thin. "Best be careful of the means, though. There's torment... and there's torment. Some kinds *should* be reserved for weyrmates alone." Hint, hint.

Aurian cocks an eyebrow at V'hryn. She doesn't particularly like that, she stands on her tiptoes and tugs the Reachian rider down a bit. The redhead then leans up and kisses him quite warmly.

Maylia takes the hint, but whether or not she acts on it is another matter. "Oh, aye. For certain." Yeah, yup, sure, whatever.

Kassima lowers her voice to remind Maylia in a quiet and very sober voice, "I always keep my word, May. Remember." Referring, perhaps, to a certain vow she made one day at Shipfish. Sobered, she sits back in the shadows, drawing a vial from the jacket to sip at wordlessly.

"Weyrmates don't need to do much to torment other weyrmates," Kiat says rather thickly, settling onto the ground as he seems to be very wobbly. "Trust me on that one. S'got green stuff, righ' Kassi?"

That's the second time Aurian's done that to V'hryn this night. This time his ears blossom with a wonderful red shade as he tries to disengage himself from Aurian's clutches as tactfully as possible. "Uhh.." Is all he manages to say.

"I'll have to, won't I?" Kassima asks succinctly. "The vial I tossed you is green stuff, aye."

"Beware!" The toasty Bronzerider says in a creepy sounding voice to the pair nearby. "Beeee waaaare."

Maylia's clueless. She simply blinks up at her Wingleader, and nods. "Of course you do, Kassi, I'd not expect anything less of you." Her voice, while not exactly its soberest, carries a touch of bewilderment. What an odd thing to say.

Ro, seeing that she hasn't missed, takes one step back, then another, silently into a shadow. There she settles, waiting in case she might be needed for anything.

Aurian bites her bottom lip as she gazes up at V'hryn, maybe looking for something in his eyes.

Vial. Vial. Vial is here somewhere. "Ah! Green. Good," Kiat seems reduced to single sillables. "Mine, heh."

Kvasith> Jaralth backwings for a landing.

Kvasith> Jaralth has arrived.

Kvasith> K'ti dismounts from Jaralth's neck, sliding down his extended foreleg gracefully to the ground. A large blue head swings around to watch her with softly whirling blue eyes.

Maylia leans towards Kiat, apparantly debating whether or not the vial is his and only his.

Kvasith> K'ti walks north.

K'ti heads over from the central bowl.

K'ti rubs the back of her neck as she heads towards the shore.

R'val spots K'ti and grins, waving towards her.

V'hryn could be very glad that it's probably too dark for anyone to properly see just what his eyes are a-saying. The Reachian rider gives Aurian a.. hesitant look before calling out for something to drink.

Kassima nods to K'ti from where she's sitting in the shadows, nursing a vial of liquor. "Evening, Wingsecond." Another vial is extricated from one of her pockets and tossed neatly across the way to V'hryn, with a warning call of, "Catch, and don't let it get near the fire!" Ooh. Must be White Lightning.

K'ti stops, looking confused for the moment then her eyes catch dark forms over towards a dim fire. "Kassi? Y've got a small gather goin on?"

Anything but the white lightening.

Ro slips deeper into the shadows, then away towards the bowl.

"Burning things," Kiat says with a noisy hiccup. "Burning," he starts to giggle. "Lots of things."

Kvasith> M'hryn walks down the pitted ledge from M'hryn's weyr.

Ro heads in the direction of the central bowl, leaving the shimmering lake.

R'val glances at Kiat with a wry grin, "I think you're feeling your liquor, Kiat.:

Kassima grins briefly up at K'ti. "Nay *my* Gather, K'ti. 'Tis Aurian's, and V'hryn's, and K'tyn's, if'n anyone's. I'm just here t'rejoice in watching things consumed in flame. Though why Kiat wanted t'burn *underwear*...."

Kvasith> M'hryn walks north.

K'ti stops then says, cautiously, "Kiat's there? Um.. " She remembers the *last* time they drank together. Hopefully.. he doesn't. "Underwear?"

Aurian runs her hand across her eyes, "I'm sorry." She says to V'hryn. She walks further down the lake shore kicking a rock.

V'hryn's hand snakes out to catch the vial thrown his way by Kassima, "Thank you!" He calls out, before looking down at Aurian and offering the vial to her first. Such a polite lad, isn't he.

M'hryn heads over from the central bowl.

Maylia lifts a hand to wave to K'ti as she swings down to join them, before peering up at Kassi. "Shards, woman, have you every kind of drink known to pern in your coat?"

"Yea. Pay him back, it will," Kiat cackles in glee, taking another sip of the green. "Doin' sweeps without his briefs... chafe some, I think."

But V'hryn retracts his hand as he sees Aurian wander away, "Wait!" He calls out, scrambling down the shore after the brownrider.

"And then some," Kassima affirms, patting the jacket fondly. "Experimental brews of m'own, mostly, with a few favorites like the Green and the White Lightning. Kiat... what d'you mean, his? Those aren't *your* pants?"

Aurian stops as she hears V'hryn call her, she tilts her head back to glance at him.

K'ti continues down to the shore and sits on her heels there for the moment.

M'hryn steps quietly towards the lake shore, his riding helmet tucked underneath his arm, keeping towards the shadows until he's close to the bonfire. "Good evening, everybody," he says quietly as he steps into the light.

"I was coming back from a late meeting at the Hold and saw the fire."

K'tyn slaps his leg, laughing up at the greenrider with all the drinks. "Nay, not mine. He'd not -fit- in mine. He'd better NOT fit in mine," Kiat nods. "Had to do it. Had to..." The older bronzerider breaks off and just stares at M'hryn.

Kassima glances towards the Weyrleader, puzzlement replaced by formal seriousness. Peculiarly for her, she seems to have chosen a place in the shadows that's a bit of distance from the others. "G'deve, sir," she greets, saluting of course. Eyeing Kiat, she informs the bronzerider, "Kiat, I don't even want t'know whom you're speaking of when it comes t'fitting in your underpants. I *really* don't. Please, please, please, *please* spare me this knowledge, okay?"

"Toss me one?" Maylia wheedles, her rump in the sand, and fingers splayed out to the warmth of the fire. "Doing what? without - you're joking, Kiat? Right?"

The young greenrider asks, astounded might be the word, there. As the bronzrider looks beyon her, she cranes her neck to look over her shoulder. "Ah. Evening, Weyrleader!" Was that a waver in her voice?

M'hryn returns Kassima's salute sharply, seeming to stand up a bit straighter as he looks between the wingleader in the shadows and the bronzerider. Shrugging his shoulders a bit, he ignores the conversation about underpants, since that has no bearing on him and ventures, "Do you mind if I join you? Nights are kinda chilly up here this time of Turn."

Aurian hasn't noticed M'hryn's entrance since at this point she's a bit further down the shore.

"Why'd I be charring my own things, anyway, Kassi?" Kiat asks reasonably, pretty much three sheets to the wind. "COurse I did it. Had to. Sanitation, you know." He waves blithely at the fire, grinning at M'hryn. "Oh, hallo. Got sight of the fire, didja? It's a bright one, ain't it"

V'hryn slows to a halt as he sees Aurian stop, the brownrider's head held low as he notices just how interesting the ground is in front of him. He mutters to Aurian, "... I... you,... just... expect to hear... you. I... to get... you... but I don't...to..." Like children for instance, speaking of which, Vah glances over his shoulder towards Kassima, his glance narrowing slightly for a moment before turning back to Aurian.

You sense V'hryn slows to a halt as he sees Aurian stop, the brownrider's head held low as he notices just how interesting the ground is in front of him. "Aurian, I'm sorry if I upset you, but.. I just didn't expect to hear *that* from you. I would like to get to know you better, but I don't know what you expect to get from me." Like children for instance, speaking of which, Vah glances over his shoulder towards Kassima, his glance narrowing slightly for a moment before turning back to Aurian.

Kassima inclines her head towards the fire. "By all means, sir. Kiat's burning someone's underwear. We don't know whose, and frankly, I'm nay going t'ask. That's what *I* wanted t'know, Kiat!" she then protests at this question. "Remember? I said it didn't make any bloody sense t'deep-fry your pants. At least, I thought I did."

M'hryn nods at K'tyn. "It is," he replies, looking towards the flames. "Take some of the green off the slopes -- underwear?" He looks towards K'tyn. "Why would you be burning someone's underclothes?"

K'ti gets off her heels to go join the crowd around the fire and sit in the back from the fire.

K'tyn catches part of V'hryn's question to Aurian, and a peal of laughter rings out from him. "Ah! There you are, Kassi! They're going ta adopt you!" Kiat looks at the young Weyrleader. "For ..." He grins widely, barely aboe to talk. "S-s-sanitation. You know."

aboe=able

Kvasith> Above, From the Telgar Star Stones, Kl'loh's brick-brown Yoxath rears on hind legs and bugles a greeting to green Torinth and her rider, M'kla, welcoming them home.

Aurian sighs and slides her hands into her pockets. She mutters to V'hryn, "... don't... yet.... now... friendship... that... someday other things.... both young,... have..."

V'hryn senses "Aurian sighs and slides her hands into her pockets. "I don't know yet. I figured for now closeness. Or friendship if that is all. Maybe someday other things. Sheesh we're both young, and you have responsibilities and such..""

M'hryn shakes his head at the other bronzerider and shrugs. "I suppose this is something I don't want to know about," he says. "I hope someone doesn't come running to me tomorrow about not being able to fly sweeps because his undergarments are gone."

Kassima gives Kiat a look which can be neatly summarized as 'Huh?' "Adopt me? Um, Kiat... I have parents. And I'm a wee twinge older than they are." Yeah... eight Turns is only a wee twinge. Right. "Sanitation? What, were these underwear littering? Had someone flung them all over the Bowl? I've seen that a'fore... dreadful. Usually Weyrlings' work."

Maylia just sits, a little stunned, on the cold ground, her face turned blissfully unaware towards the warmth of the fire.

K'ti chuckles and quietly says, "fer not havin underclothes, we'd still fly sweeps, an like 'em even earlier 'n we've got 'em here."

V'hryn seems to relax visibly as he hears Aurian, his head nodding slowly. He mutters to Aurian, "... like... keep... as... friend... everything... way... and... I..." Hasn't he just got a wonderful way with words?

You sense V'hryn seems to relax visibly as he hears Aurian, his head nodding slowly. "Friends then? I'd like to keep you as a friend Aurian, but at the moment with everything the way it is, Kassima being pregnant and all, I don't feel comfortable with anything else." Hasn't he just got a wonderful way with words?

"Can't have it, no," Kiat mumbles, the workd running together. "Can't. Mine, all mine, y'see?" He leans over to look at Maylia ouwlishly. "Not sleepin' are ya? Not yet. Got to make sure S'all burned, yes." The scarred man looks at K'ti. "You!" He gets to his feet, listing at a thirty degree angle. "You pained my head!"

"Just *how* much of the Black Gold and the Green did he have?" Kassima asks of no one in particular, watching Kiat and trying desperately not to laugh. "And was he drunk a'fore he decided t'burn the pants? Mayhaps they're Pierron's. *That* would be amusing."

K'ti says, just simply, "Utoh..." and makes the fastest up and across the sands she's ever made, heading for the water. She just knew it was too good to be true.. and are those colors still there?

Aurian's lower lip quivers, she nods. She mutters to V'hryn, "Oh..." She runs her arm across her eyes.

V'hryn senses "Aurian's lower lip quivers, she nods. "Oh aye friends. I understand." She runs her arm across her eyes."

M'hryn looks over at K'ti and smiles. "It's not really like they'd be excused from sweeps because of a lack of underwear. Serves 'em right to get chafed because they ended up on the wrong side of a prankster." He looks at K'tyn and blinks.

K'ti hollars over her shoulder as the shadows catch her, "M'hryn, I'll remind ye of those words someday.."

"Oh, I can just hear *that*. 'Wingleader, I can't do sweeps today. I have nay underwear.'" Kassima shakes her head. "I can't even count the times L'cher's tried that trick."

"Hey!!! Don' go. I..." He shakes his head. "She pain'ed my head," he says to those about him. "Pierron said. I wan'...(hic) I wand her ta do it again. Not flowers though."

K'tyn siad that

M'hryn grins after K'ti and says to her retreating form. "Oh, I protect my weyr from pranksters," he grins. To Kassima he blinks. "You mean, somebody's /actually/ tried that?"

From the shadows near the shore, K'ti says, "Y'ain't mad at me? I mean.. fer the flowers 'n the moon on yer nose?"

Kassima asks slowly and carefully, as is wisest when speaking to a drunk madman, "You *want* K'ti t'paint your head again? With what? Fake hair?" Looking up, she nods to M'hryn, deadly serious. "L'cher has. You know him? Randiest rider of the North? Has twelve children and a thirteenth on the way? He keeps losing his underwear; you can guess why. Complains terribly every time I send him on dawn sweeps after he's run out of pants t'lose. One of these days, I'm going t'make him run dawn sweeps in a kilt when he makes that claim."

V'hryn tilts his head slightly to lightly press his lips against Aurian's forehead before giving the brownrider a faint smile, He mutters to Aurian, "Thank... feel like... back to... the... And... something..." Though isn't that the reason he ended up in that whole lace mess in the first place?

You sense V'hryn tilts his head slightly to lightly press his lips against Aurian's forehead before giving the brownrider a faint smile, "Thank you, feel like coming back to join the others now? And maybe have something to drink?" Though isn't that the reason he ended up in that whole lace mess in the first place?

"Tried it all, yep, I know cause I was there. I was Weyrleader too, ya know." Frowning impressively, Kiat looks at M'hryn. "I was." Moon on his nose. Oy. "No, Ise not mad. I wanna BIG...A big...heart on my head. You...c'n do that?"

M'hryn nods at Kassima. "I've heard the name," he replies. "Heard some of the stories, too. Out of curiosity, wingleader, do you always assign him sweeps on mornings when he's lost pants?" To K'tyn, he blinks. "A heart on your, uh, head? I can't do that."

Aurian nods wearily. "Yeah sure."

K'ti makes her way back into the light. "Um, yah, I c'n do that easily enough. I c'n even make little circles of dragonettes." With almost no pause she asks, Kassi? He'd pulled that on ye? I thought the last excuse I'd heard from 'im was bad."

Shambling away from the fire to the tiny red-haired bluerider, Kiat tries to demonstrate. "Right here. On my head," he points. "A big heart that says 'I (hic) love Kin'." *thud* Kiat trips and falls flat on his face, moaning faintly as all the air in his lungs is forced out. "Love Kin," he says with a gasp, falling asleep where he is.

M'hryn looks between K'ti and K'tyn. "Oh, he was talking to you. Sorry. Thought you meant me, uh..." He trails off, seeming to not really want to draw any more attention from K'tyn, whether because the man's drunk or because of the position he held before M'hryn, or a combination of both.

"Well, nay," Kassi admits. "I'm certain there're plenty of mornings when he's lost pants and had afternoon sweeps, and just nay figured 'twas worth mentioning. Let's face it; the man loses his pants five days out of the seven. Randy old coot." She just grimaces at K'ti. "I doubt he's hit the bottom of the barrel yet... ack. What a way t'go." That's observed of K'tyn. "Asking for your head t'be painted, and face-down in the sand. And he'll miss the burning of the rest of the pants."

V'hryn gives Aurian another brief smile before he starts heading back towards the main group around the fire.

M'hryn glances towards the fire, then back at K'tyn. "I don't want to hear about the pants. I probably already more than I want to, anyway." He sighs at the other bronzerider. "So you gonna paint what he wanted on his head?" he asks K'ti.

Aurian looks less than happy but walks with V'hryn.

A resounding snore starts to saw through the conversations at hand coming from K'tyn's prone form. Exhausted, he must have been, to make such loud sounds. He'd probably be much quieter on his side.

Kassima watches Kiat snoozing for awhile... and then, of course, she simply can't resist. "Anyone happen t'have a spare dress handy?" she queries. Old habits die hard.

K'ti takes a deep breath then nods her head. "He asked for it.. aye. An here 'n now. Though I might leave th'.. inscription off fer now." With that she pads over in the sands to turn him over and cradle his head in her lap. Moments later a whole flock, assumedly summoned by Jaralth, of firelizards arrive with a pack.

M'hryn takes a step back, blinking. "Does he always snore like that?"

Kassima peers over at the unconscious one. "I certainly hope nay, for Kin's sake. seriously, K'ti... with your paints and a dress, think we could add Kiatynna to the roster? There's nay apt t'be a better time. And tomorrow is a good day to die."

K'ti chuckles, "last I knew, aye... 'n worse."

K'ti pulls some different flasks out of her pack, as well as some paint brushes and a small container, perhaps with paint flaking all over it.

R'val squints over K'ti's shoulder, "You actually gonna paint 'im?"

M'hryn shakes his head at Kassima. "Probably too much for information for me. I think I'll go to bed now before I become an accessory or have to stop you. Have fun burning whoever's underpants those are."

R'val chuckles, nodding to M'hryn, "Goodnight, sir."

K'ti chuckles, being gentle with that head. "It's fer his sake jus' as much. No need fer hurting him wi' what's buggin him this evenin." The fire might reflect a little softness in her expression at that, almost sad. "An aye, I've painted it b'fer, I c'n do it again."

Kassima advises cheerfully, "Oh, be an accessory, sir. Life is much more fun that way. You can move from accessory into full tormentor in nay time, and then you can collect your *own* accessories to train up in your own fear-inspiring image. It's the circle of life, you know. Now... a dress? Doesn't anyone have one?"

Far more quietly, Kiat drones on. Dark circles about his eyes and lines drawn from stress and weather seem les prominent as he sleeps. Oh, there'll be fun for it, aye. Tomorrow. Yes. tomorrow will be most interestng.

K'ti says "A dress? Fer M'hryn?"

Jalimax heads over from the central bowl.

Kassima shakes her head at once. "Oh, nay, unless he *wants* t'be... um... whatever his original name was, with an appropriate female-sounding modification. For Kiatynna here. Perhaps something in yellow?"

R'val chortles, "Should be amusing, then."

K'tyn is passed out, his head in K'ti's lap. She's patiently painting his round, bald head with a design that he requested. A big red heart.

M'hryn nods to V'hryn as he heads towards the bowl. "Duties to High Reaches," he says as he passes, then calls back over his shoulders, "No thank you, Wingleader. I prefer not knowing anything rather than knowing too much. And no, I'll do without a dress. I do feel for whoever's going to be needed some new undergarments, though."

M'hryn heads in the direction of the central bowl, leaving the shimmering lake.

Kvasith> M'hryn walks here from the north.

Kvasith> M'hryn walks up the pitted ledge and disappears into M'hryn's weyr.

Jalimax stretches a bit and looks around the shore, seeing where people are and what they are doing.

Aurian sits down on the shore near the others now. She rests her head against her knees.

Jalimax smiles, "Evening folks."

Eventually, it manages to percolate through Kassi's mind that no one has a dress. A quick note is scribbled and sent blinking off into the ether through fire-lizard express... and, in due course, an entire *flock* of 'lizards return, clutching the shoulders of what was once a very regal yellow velvet dress. It's a bit timeworn *now*, of course. "Ah-hah," Kassi approves, grinning. "I *thought* Jirel might have something... Aurian, will you kindly come over here and strip him, please?"

K'ti starts to outline a dark red heart with a fine brush, easily brushing the image onto his head. "Least this time I'm sober doin it... "

K'ti says "Jali.. Hello dear!"

R'val watches over K'ti's shoulder curiously.

Aurian shakes her head, having had nothing to drink is unfortunately clear headed, "Nah Kassima... I really don't feel like it." She goes back to watching the water, her hand reaching down for a stone and tosses it into the lake.

Kassima then asks, "And K'ti, you don't happen t'have any paints for his eyelids or aught? Mayhaps something t'make his complexion look more feminine-like? I don't really know the art of it...." Aurian's response causes her to sigh. "Oh, very well. A man, then. V'hryn, I don't suppose you'd be willing?" Hey, you never know, right?

K'ti says "well.. last time I did this it was wi' weaver dye. This is a herbal dye which'll wash a bit more evenly." She pauses and looks up, "I used ta do this for gathers, ages ago.""

Jalimax walks over and gives K'ti a hug from behind, "Hi love."

V'hryn gives Kassima what could only be described as a slightly disgusted look. "I don't think so Kassima, but thanks for asking."

Kassima returns the disgusted look with one of her own, and a sound pthbbbbbt for good measure. "Oh, you're nay fun." Another sigh, as she considers the dress and the sleeping pants-burner. "I suppose I'm nay in the mood for it either. Mayhaps 'twill just leave the dress here, as a reminder of what I *could've* done but didn't. Mercy's a virtue, right?"

K'ti continues with the heart then quickly pulls her hand back as she starts snickering. "OOooh, I c'n picture a pair of pants in th'center of this heart."

Aurian picks up another stone, she tosses it as far as she can into the water.

Kassima grins wryly at K'ti. "I'm certain he'll love that. 'Twill look as though he's meaning t'say he loves underpants with those symbols. I'm just nay going t'go into that one."

K'ti continues to fill in the heart with the deep red that fades to a lighter color at the edges. "So.. what were ye thinking of, dress 'n painting, Kassi?"

Jalimax hums softly to himself.

"Aye, but I'm doubting there's anyone t'do the dressing," Kassi sighs. "I only choose the costume and fiddle with jewelry and stuffing. Aside from which... I don't know. The mood doesn't seem right. You need a number of drunk people laughing their heads off a'fore it's truly funny--either that, or an arch-nemesis, and Kiat isn't *quite* that."

Aurian watches the ripples on the lake surface, she rubs at her eyes again.

K'ti looks down at the painting 'n makes a giggle. "Oooh now, he'd really be a killin me then. I might have t'pass on that, since he didn't kill me this time." In the center she begins a green looping vine with little leaves budding and unfolding.

Kassima grins and winks at the bluerider. "M'point exactly. If'n we just leave the dress... he'll know we're disposed t'mercy, and might look on us with less wrath." Watching the pants burn for awhile longer, she finally says, "I suppose I should get back to the weyr. I've had about all the romance-induced nausea and confusion and flame-broiled underwear I can take for an evening." Surprisingly, though, before she makes any move to stand, she turns her attention to Aurian and V'hryn and tells them seriously, "I hope you can work something out between yourselves. I don't think either of you are the sorts who are apt t'be happier alone. Clear skies, good luck... etcetera etcetera etcetera; fill in the blanks where you will."

K'ti lets the paint dry for the moment and looks up directly to Jali's chin above her head.

Jalimax looks down at K'ti and smiles, "Having fun ?"

Aurian blinks at Kassima, she blinks again. She pushes her hand through her hair.

K'ti says "'course I am.. though I'm glad I don' have t'rely on this fer livin. It wouln' be fun annamore."

V'hryn also gives Kassima a curious glance, but then he thinks that in her condition, anything if probably acceptable.

K'ti pulls out the gold tone with little metal flakes. She applies a very small amount, shaping it into a gold coiling dragon that lays amid the greenery. She's very careful with this color, treating it with utter care.

Kassima, for once the naive and relatively innocent one in the psycho-drama of the evening, doesn't realize that she's supposed to have a condition; little wonder that she acts as abnormally as usual. With something of a grunt, she manages to get to her feet. "Blessed be the Healers for their numbweed, and cursed be they for nay ensuring that it lasts. G'night, everyone." Taking up her jacket, she thinks to add, "And don't forget t'get those vials back t'me, or I'll find a way t'pull the marks from you t'replace 'em. They aren't cheap."

Kassima heads in the direction of the central bowl, leaving the shimmering lake.

Kvasith> Kassima walks here from the north.

Kvasith> Kassima climbs up to Lysseth's lower neckridges with the aid of the riding straps and the green's thoughtfully offered foreleg. She gives her lifemate a fond pat on the neck once she is aboard.

Kvasith> Lysseth springs from the ground, the air from her wings churning up dust as she takes to the skies.

Kvasith> Lysseth takes flight, using the thermals rising from the bowl to carry her aloft.

Kvasith> Above, Lysseth rises up from the bowl.

Kvasith> Above, Lysseth folds her wings and lands on Lysseth's Ledge.

Aurian selects another stone, this one she just bounces up and down in her hand.

K'ti hears the stone as she's painting and comments, "yer gonna fill up the lake, Younglin.

Aurian rubs her temple, "So I am."

Aurian fwings that one hard into the water.

Dragon> Jaralth bespoke Kvasith with << I don't know why she wants me to relay this and not herself... but my Rider wishes me to ask you to tell your Rider that if she should ever need to talk, her time is open. >>

Kvasith> I bespoke Jaralth with << My rider understands, and thanks your rider. >>

Kvasith flies in from above and lands in the waters of the lake.

Jalimax looks at Aurian and hmmms...

Kvasith rumbles worriedly. Aurian wastes little time she dashes to her dragon.

M'hryn's Pants Are Burning Kassima wrote this little ditty as a result of what happened.