The World of Pern(tm) copyright (c) 1967 by Anne McCaffrey.
The Dragonriders of Pern(r) is a registered copyright.
An online session, recorded by permission of the author for the benefit
of members unable to attend.
=======================================================================

December 3, 1998.  PernMUSH.  E'vrin's POV.
--
Your location's current time: 23:02 on day 21, month 4, Turn 25, of
the Tenth Pass. It is a spring evening.
Cast:  E'vrin, Ceria, Aelin, Kassima, Aurian, A'lex, D'ton, Laurene.

E'vrin brings a Turnday gift to Kassima, who models pink lace for an
appreciative crowd that includes Laurene -- which means trouble for
Our Hero.
=======================================================================
Telgar Weyr's Living Cavern(#750RJM$)
This huge cavern is sufficently roomy to hold a large portion of the
Weyr's population without feeling cramped. There's always a bustle of
activity here. Fragrant dishes are constantly in prepartion for
mealtimes: currently for the late meal. Drudges are always present,
either cleaning under Pierron's watchful eye, or helping fetch and
carry. A myriad of glowbaskets and many ever-lit hearths make the
cavern warm and inviting despite its size. The scents of cooking
meats, baking breads and pastries, and the pungent aroma of spices
hang mouthwateringly in the air. It is little wonder that those
seeking to relax nearly always find their way here to do it. The
tables are decorated with a multitude of bright spring flowers.
A short tunnel jaunts northward out to the bowl and the merry sounds
of cooking, chores, and laughter echo from the kitchen at the
southeast end of the cavern near the easterly passage to the rest of
the lower caverns. Within the lower caverns is an entrance to the
infirmary weyr to care for injured dragons and riders.
Contents:
Aelin
Aurian
Kassima
Ceria
Pierron
Big Ol' Sign
--

E'vrin pushes ahead of him, hugged to his midriff, a great wicker
basket trailing twigs and bits of leaves under a hastily arranged
cover-cloth. He peers around it, searching, uncertain.

Ceria chuckles. "Goo?" she asks. "Now that's different." She glances
toward the bowl entrance as a rider enters, carrying a basket. "Can I
help you?" she calls, standing up.

Aelin slowly shakes her head. "Nooo. I've only see one or two before
and then only from a distance."

E'vrin lifts his chin. "Just looking for--" He breaks off from
answering Ceria, looks about again. His eyes visibly brighten. "No,
no, I found her. Thank you, though."

Kassima, currently seated at her Wing's table and sipping with
unaccustomed daintiness--pinkies extended, even!--from a cup of tea,
shrugs amiably at Ceria. "We're all goo, y'know, if'n you get down far
enough. Everything in the world is made up of goo. Well, this being a
Weyr, be prepared t'see a number more; you can't get away from the
things here." At Ceria's call, she looks over, and startlement flashes
in her eyes for a moment before she offers a smile that might, just
might, hold a touch of wariness. "Hey, E'vrin. Duties to Igen and her
queens and all that... what in Faranth's name are you carrying?"

Kirina walks in from the bowl.

"A basket," E'vrin answers gaily and deposits it, in a fresh shower of
twigs and leaf-bits, before her on the table. The cloth flutters; the
bearer beams. "Happy Turnday, my lady, from Sharath and from me. Well,
/he/ doesn't care, but I do, of course."

Kirina walks off towards the kitchen.

Aelin;s smile widens a bit. "I think it's exciting being to close to
dragons and there riders and all."

Further astonishment widens dark green eyes; Kassi peers first at the
basket, then up at E'vrin, and her smile broadens to a grin that's a
degree or two more sincere. "E'vrin, how in Faranth's name did you
ever find out 'twas m'Turnday? Almost nay anyone knows!"

Ceria raises her eyebrows. She certainly didn't know that it wsa the
greenrider's turnday.

E'vrin gestures brief deprecation. "Father," is all he says, then
drops back in demeanor to glance apology around at the others. "Sorry,
I didn't mean to ignore everyone." He just ... got caught up. The glow
is obvious, isn't it? /Wuv./

Aelin looks from Kassima to E'vrin to the box.

Ceria eyes E'vrin curiously, a slight smile playing about her lips.

Yes, the glow is obvious. And that may be why Kassi's looking slightly
nervous again. Rather like a rabbit who's about to spook, in
fact. Still, her smile doesn't waver, and she asks, "May I open it?
'Twill confess, I've never received a gift with leaves and twigs
featured as part of it a'fore."

E'vrin looks abashed. "Shards -- I didn't have time to strip them out;
they aren't part of the present, of course. But be my guest, please."
He thrusts his hands behind his back: go for it.

Kassima wiggles her fingers, rings a-glitter in the glowlight, before
sloooowly tugging off the cloth--after all, she's given nearly-lethal
gifts before; you never know--and leaning to peer inside the
mysterious basket.

Ceria watches curiously as Kassima opens the gift.

Aelin tries to look in too, without look to nosy.

...Kiwis. Visible beyond the table ... kiwis. A basket an arms'-circle
around holds a great mound of freshly picked kiwis, still lingering
with the scent of Southern upon them, and poky twigs and leaves from
various foliage adding piquant decoration, as if the picking had been
done posthaste and possibly a-dragonback.

E'vrin explains after a moment, "Father said it's what you'd like,
though he wasn't very sure, naturally, being in a different wing...."
You say "Should I have gotten you a knife?"

Aurian takes a deep whiff of fresh kiwi, "Dear Faranth he's won her."

E'vrin's eyes cut over at Aurian's comment; some dim hope struggles
through uncertainty as he looks back at Kassima.

Aelin mouth falls open and eyes go wide at the sight of all that kiwi.

Kassima's eyes widen to roughly the size of one of those
kiwis. "Kiwi!" she doesn't *quite* shriek in delight, though said
delight is visible on her face; oh joy, oh rapture! "E'vrin, you're a
marvel! I *adore* kiwi." Truth be told, it's more like she worships
the things. "Wherever did you find so many? Southern?"

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath sleepily comments from the bowl's
center, << He had me fly over half the Southern Continent to get those
fruits, and then he scratched up my hide in picking them from /among/
the trees. She had better appreciate it. >>

E'vrin nods quickly, settling into a seat angled between her and the
others, and scoots up to the table. "We flew to a half-dozen places
after sweeps today, going on rumors and suggestions. Finally found a
little cothold and its orchard, and ... You like them?" Can he faint
from relief now?

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth replies with a thrum of amusement,
<< Oh, she does. The small green fruit are a favorite of hers,
especially now, and yet there never seem to be any. >> Solicitude:
<< You are not badly scratched, I hope? >>

Ceria chuckles at Kassima's reaction and E'vrin's reaction to
that. She quietly continues to sip at her hot cider as she observes
the scene before her.

Kassima manages to tear her eyes from the glut of kiwi to beam at
E'vrin. Never mind that this probably won't help her goal; she can't
but be thrilled when kiwi are about. "You have *nay* idea," she swears
fervently. "Kiwi are m'favorite... I've dozens of knives, but d'you
know how hard 'tis t'find a good kiwi? Thankee, E'vrin. I owe you a
forfeit, I think."

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath permits the touch to sink past
crystal-prickly edges and begrudges, << I'm fine. He wants her to like
them, and him, and I want him to be happy. It suits. >>

E'vrin looks down, but briefly: he has to keep his eyes on Kassima if
at all possible, especially now, and never mind the flustered glut of
emotions playing merry havoc with his mien. "Then I'm glad," he says
softly. "You don't owe me anything, either -- how can you, with all
you've done and are doing for me?"

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth brushes against crystal spines
with a mindtouch like deep stained glass, or better, wine--through
which a flicker of light provides feeble illumination. << She likes
them, and him, though he confuses her greatly at times. >>

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath's reply is dry as chilled white
-- light or wine, it's all the same at this level. << He confuses
many, including me. Why should Kassima-- >> and his formulation of the
human-name is easy and familiar, touched with E'vrin's own malachite
and bronze << --be excluded? >>

Aelin is still staring at all the kiwi.

Kassima laughs quietly and shakes her head, braid snaking to and
fro. "Think nay of that, m'friend; you owe me naught, either."
Glancing at the others, she remarks in good humor, "Now I can stop
plaguing you daily about kiwi, can't I?" Her arms absently loop
themselves around the basket. Kiwi, and they're hers, all hers! Yes,
this is a happy day for the greenrider.

E'vrin takes sidelong note of Aelin and crooks half a smile. "Did you
want one? I don't know if Kassima can be parted from them--" fond,
appreciative scolding "--but I might have more in Sharath's strap-bags
somewhere."

--
Before you is a girl of about 14 turns with less than average height,
though she's not quite short. She has long dark auburn hair and hazel
eyes with gold flecks that dance when she laughs. She has sunny smile
that fits her full mouth, freckles cover her small nose and her
cheeks.
--

Ceria finishes her cider and mumbles something about work. She stands
up and heads toward the kitchen.

Henrala reaches close and tries to snatch at one of the kiwis with
intent to thieve

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth acknowledges with a flare of wry
red-gold amidst garnet facets, << Point. It is rare that one manages
to confuse my rider so thoroughly; yours is quite talented. >>
Compliment, or no? Possibly. The green does not seem critical, by any
means.

Aelin smiles at E'vrin. "Really? Can I?" She says.

Kassima folds her arms and protests, amused, "I'm nay *that* bad!
A'course, Aelin, you may. Auri, would you care for one too? I wouldn't
give away gifts, normally, but I'm assuming E'vrin wouldn't mind just
this once?"

E'vrin shakes his head. "Not at all! It is," he notes ruefully,
"rather a large basket. Plenty for all."

Aurian chuckles, "Just give me a half and that way you get all the
more."

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath floats lightly, like smoke, or
the chime of thin silver bells, << He is mine, after all; I make
excellent decisions. >> A brush of fondness, half-remembered and
wholly genuine, rings with the exultation of flight, chase, and
consummation not too long past. << ...It's no ill thing to sow
confusion, if it leads to clarity. For E'vrin, it does. For yours...? >>

Aelin smiles at Kassima. "You sure?" she says eyeing the kiwi.

Kassima plucks a kiwi from the basket and rolls it towards Aelin,
producing a knife to cut another in twain and proffer a half to
Aurian. "Sure as stars. And the basket's perfectly sized, believe me;
you wouldn't believe how quickly I'll be able t'go through these
things ere long. E'vrin, by the by, I do owe you a debt; those herbs
of yours were devoutly useful this eve."

Ceria walks off towards the kitchen.

A'lex walks in from the bowl.

Pierron gives a respectful nod to the Weyrsecond.

D'ton walks in from the bowl.

Pierron nods knowingly as the assistant weyrlingmaster enters.

Aurian bites into the bright green fleshed fruit. She mmmms at the
tang.

"The mint, you mean?" E'vrin settles his chin on a propped, flopped
hand, and watches the kiwi dispersal with bright eyes. "You're
welcome; the healer recommended them for an upset stomach. I remember
Thiorra -- that's my half-sister, back home -- having one for most of
her first pregnancy."

Aelin has reconnected.

A'lex comes in, looking a bit worn, "Telgar's duties to Igen and her
Queens."

Malachai has connected [and went home].

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth allows the color of crystal/glass
thoughts to change from garnet to deeper amethyst, glowing with warmth
and traceries of affectionate gold. << Do we all not? Kassima enjoys
sowing confusion, I think. But it is a new thing for her to be the one
confused. I'm not certain where it might lead. >> There's a brief
flicker of a chaotic image indeed: crystal shards caught in a
whirlwind, pattern unmade and slowly being rebuilt in a new
fashion. << Still, she is not bored with life, and that is always a
good thing. >>

E'vrin shifts his head on the propping hand enough to peer from
Kassima's table towards the entrance, then he sits up. "Weyrsecond,"
he replies dutifully once the knot's closer, "my regards to Telgar's,
of course." And he nods, smiling a bit, at the more familiar face of
D'ton.

A'lex looks to Kassima, accusing her of coaching him without saying a
word. Turning back to E'vrin he says simply, "A'lex, lifemate to
Nraith. Well met."

Aurian nods to A'lex and D'ton, "How went the celebration.

D'ton echoes with, "What he said. I mean, Telgar's duties..." He seems
similarly tired.

"I've the fortune of suffering that affliction only for the first few
months, or did previously," Kassi reports, even as she looks up to
snap a kiwi-laden salute to the Weyrsecond. "Evening, 'Lex, D'ton. Can
you believe what E'vrin brought for m'Turnday?" She probably refers to
the shardingly huge basket of kiwi fruit in front of her.

Aelin pushes back from the table and stands up. "I better go. Nice
meetin all of you."
Aelin walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.

A'lex snorts, "It was a blast... literally, the Smithcraft Hall
chemistry lab went up. We shuttled some healers over." To Kassima he
says, "Did I miss your turnday AGAIN? I'm so bad about that..."

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath observes from his vantage, << She
carries life, too; that is confusion in and of itself. >> A seed of
warmth nestles within the glowing veils of garnet and violet, sparked
by his own crystalline thoughts. << To sire new life ... this is well,
Lysseth. This is very well. I want to do it. >>

D'ton smiles and says, "Hello, E'vrin. Welcome to our Weyr this time."
He drops into a seat and says, "Happy Turnday, Kassi."
D'ton points at A'lex, and says, "Oh, and in addition to what I said
outside? Remind me also never to go near any of those Smithcraft
labs. They look bloody dangerous."

"Thank you, D'ton; it's good to see you again." E'vrin absently rolls
a bit of twig from the hastily plucked kiwi between his fingers,
frowns. "The lab exploded? Shards -- many hurt?"

Aurian hmms, "I think my sister said something about that happening at
Ista."

A'lex shakes his head, "Fortunatly no. Some burns, but only a few
serious injuries I think. Of course, I'm no healer."

Aurian says "Once before"

Kassima assures A'lex and D'ton both around a wedge of the pale green
fruit, "Thankee, and I don't mind. I don't expect anyone t'be
recalling it... ach, aye, I recall the mess at Ista. G'har mentioned
it t'me. Smiths even withdrew from the Weyr for awhile."

E'vrin blinks away vague apprehension. "I'll remember this.... Does
anyone know what happened?"

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth speaks with the sage recollection
of her rider's previous child-bearing times, << This is true. This is
very true. Whether it is true for dragons, I do not know.... >> A hint
of wistfulness? She, certainly, will never know what it's like to give
life to another. << It is well. But you will need to catch yourself a
gold to accomplish that aim. >>

D'ton rolls his eyes at A'lex's words, then says, "I get near one, and
she wakes up thinking she's Lessa. And so I go over to see how someone
else is doing, and she stops breathing! I tell you, I'd rather fly
Fall."

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath ripples his light-dark-light
shrug of thought. << Irrylath is bright; perhaps I may snare her for
my own. >> Unconcern keeps his aspect afloat in faint chimes and clear
warmth. << E'vrin would be ... bemused, but he may sire a child on the
Weyrwoman as well, and /that/ would be good. >>

A'lex shakes his head, "Should have stayed near the cute ones, like I
did..." He winks, so people KNOW he's joking.

[Boy, if he hadn't, I would've been utterly confused!]

Kassima shakes her head slightly, swallowing the last bit of her
kiwi-half. "Nary a clue beyond what I've said, I fear. But I've nay
inquired after Igen... how fare things there, E'vrin?"

"I didn't drop her head or anything, I swear," D'ton says, not for the
first time. "Say, are you going to eat all that fruit, Kassi?"

E'vrin unobtrusively scoots away from the kiwi basket, for D'ton --
and for himself as well, since it means growing closer to Kassima in
/her/ seat. "You'd be bored," he reports to her wryly. "Nothing
happens. Ever. It isn't like this place, from all of Father's stories
and what I see of it in my little visits. Sorry."

"Nothing?" D'ton asks disbelievingly, "Seemed pretty lively when I was
down there."

E'vrin swivels his attention 'round with some dismay. "When? I must
have missed it."

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth's facets take on just a *touch* of
shadow; she's by nature a jealous beast, but only of what she truly
calls hers, something which can be said of no male. << Perhaps, if you
are clever. Though golds are so big and bulky compared to greens. It
is good to be sire or dam to many children, true. >> A streak of pride
as she notes, << Mine has two younglings already. They are... odd, but
interesting. >>

D'ton shakes his head, taking a kiwifruit, "Nah, you were there. I
mean the other day, with that girl, what was her name? The one who
kept kicking the tables?" he asks, and grants Kassima a winning smile
as he helps himself to her fruit.

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath idly strokes a thought's fingers
through the garnet veils, distracted in reassurance while he thinks
his own thinks. << This is E'vrin's first, but not his last, if I have
any say. >> A laugh chimes confident mirth. << I prod him to seed
others, you know, since this one pleases him so well -- more will
please him more! But he refuses, clings to the thought of Kassima. She
should be flattered. >>

[Isn't Sharath precious.  I was enjoying the dragon rp more atm.]

"Boredom? Horror of all penultimate horrors... oh, help yourself,
D'ton. I'll eat it all eventually, but 'twould be rude of me t'be
stingy with such a generous gift." A fuzzy fruit is lobbed in the
bronzerider's direction, with uncanny aim. "Telgar is interesting,
true. Nay so fine a place as Benden, but surely second. Nay that I'm
biased or aught, mind. But our lunacy isn't for everyone. You
should've *seen* that Trevor man in here earlier."

"Trevor," E'vrin repeats. "That madman everyone was talking about
earlier?"

D'ton says with dismay, "He's not still around here is he?"

"Aye," Kassi affirms to E'vrin--but to D'ton, "Nay. He said something
about leaving for Igen just this evening. I believe your Weyr is about
t'become much more interesting, E'vrin, though I might be wary of him
if'n 'twere you."

E'vrin chews on this news a moment. Then: "I'm sure we can handle
him. Our headwoman is young but ... formidable." Personal experience
hints at testimony in his voice. "What sort of trouble does he cause?
Is he dangerous?"

A'lex must have missed the part about whomever everyone is talking
about, because he looks at Kassima and asks, "Are YOU going to be
making he weyr more interesting??"

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth swirls veils through and around
fingers, silken-swift and gloriously fair. << Humans can be strange in
this fashion. Some stick to one mate, some fly many; some--as my
rider--fly none and remain alone. >> Puzzlement. She's never
understood that aspect of her rider. << I believe she is flattered,
but this is part of the confusion. It is seldom, if ever, that anyone
claims to think of her in such a manner. >>

Aurian licks kiwi juice off her fingers and sighs happily.

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath strips his thoughts of geegaws to
report simply, << Since you mention 'claims' -- he thinks of her as
his. >>

"Dangerous? Nay. Nay really. Foul-minded, aye. He's determined t'get
everyone in bed with everyone else," Kassi informs E'vrin
earnestly. "Tried t'sell Auri mirrors for her ceiling, and offered
t'pay me fifteen marks if'n I'd dance on a table. Very, very strange."
A'lex is only given a *look*. "Since when don't I, bronzeboy?"

D'ton says to E'vrin, "He has a big mouth, is all. How is your
headwoman, by the way?"

Aurian chuckles, "He was also trying to raise funds to buy you a
weyrmate."

A'lex looks startled, "Oh no, no, no... too much information
there... bad, bad, bad..."

D'ton says "Speaking of which, how's the Kassi in Frills fund going?"

E'vrin considers Kassima askance, through the lowered lattice of spiky
eyelashes. "Buy a weyrmate? My." He's mild. He's also sitting a tad
closer to the green rider. But he answers D'ton politely, "Lyria does
well, thank you. Should I pass along any message?"

A'lex says "You must have had sweeps D'ton... it was HYSTERICAL!"

Aurian blinks, "That's what she did a couple days ago.. all pink."

You say "Pink? Wait a moment, let's start over for a confused
listener, please?"

A'lex turns to Kassima, and clucks his tongue, "You didn't model if
for him Kassima?"

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth's facets go dark for a moment;
when relit, it is with fitful flickers of lightning. << She is mine,
>> the green replies in a troubled rumble. << I am not certain she
should belong to anyone else. >> Jealous beast indeed, and
over-protective.

Kassima grimaces at the conversers. "*Must* you remind me of that
ridiculous affair? Aye, E'vrin--Saskia collected marks, and paid me
forty-seven and three-quarters t'dress in pink lace for a
day. Everyone laughed themselves sick, but at least I'm rich. Buy me a
*what*?" Aurian is eyed with horror. "You're kidding. Please say
you're kidding." This, apparently, is news to her. "He
mentioned... but I didn't believe. Gah. Ah, well; if'n he took me
seriously, the more fool he, since nay anyone could ever collect
enough marks for that price."

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath slips through the lightning like
light itself, counterbalanced cool and clear. << Of course she is;
even he does not seek so high a place in her esteem. >> Although he
might wish it, suggests thoughts' subtext. << No, E'vrin wants to
claim a stake on her, as humans do when they find each other likely
and amusing to each other. >>

D'ton looks upset, and thumps the table, "You did it when I was
out-weyr? But I paid good money for that!"

Aurian glances to Kassima, "Can you at least wear a lace ribbon for
D'ton.."

E'vrin chews on /this/ news now. /Then,/ very quietly but firmly: "I'd
like to see this lace, Kassima. If you wouldn't mind."

A'lex bites his lips and looks smug.

D'ton knocks his head against the table and says, "Aww, no. How could
I miss that? "

Kassima's expression is one of almost horror. "You want me t'wear it
again?" 'Without payment?' is the unspoken addendum. Peering at the
kiwi, guilt flickers across her expression. "I... I suppose I *could*,
but only for a moment. The stuff is hideous, I promise you. Made me
gag t'see it in the mirror."

E'vrin keeps his gaze steadily on her, for the moment letting the rest
of the cavern drop away. "It would not make me gag. Nothing could,
from you."

Aurian folds her hands on her lap, "Suppose we do it by the lake. Away
from prying eyes..

A'lex looks from Kassima to E'vrin and back.
A'lex leans over and sniffs, He mutters to D'ton, "... bit..." 

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth's hints of stormy temper fade to
something more calm, though wary lightnings still occasionally zing
from panel to panel. << It is a thought, >> she replies slowly,
stained glass lightening to glow again. << She has not thought much of
it, but *I* have. She is too often lonely, and I could use a
ledgemate. >> A flicker of whimsy there. After all, every other green
seems to have one.

Aurian mutters to A'lex.

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath insinuates brightly, without hint
of shadow or misplay, << I am warm. Small, but I hoard my heat
well. >>

Aurian tiptoes up to the weyrsecond. She mutters to A'lex,
"... you... love for..."

A'lex nods, "Thought I smelled that cooking..." He grins.

Aurian chuckles and wanders back to the redfruit bowl.

Kassima grimaces, and tries not to look *too* alarmed or
sickened. "Well, I imagine Simaeva's still got the thing," she
mumbles, shaking her head. "Only for a moment, though, because I can't
stand the stuff. All right, everyone?"

D'ton chokes for a few seconds. Apparently on nothing. He beams at
Kassi.

A'lex nods eagerly, "I can't wait."

E'vrin sits back -- squints belatedly, warily at the muttering -- and
contents himself to a nod and carefully restrained smile.

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth replies simply with a glimmer of
stardust, starlight, night wind, warmth and fire and ice in lightened
darkness: << I remember. >>

Kassima can be heard to mutter on her way out, too: "Just how do I get
m'self into these situations...?"

Laurene walks in from the bowl.

Kassima walks towards the inner cavern.

A'lex nods to the Igen rider, "Telgar's duties..."

Aurian glances to the entry, "Duties to Igen and her queens."

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath's thoughts diverge suddenly.
<< Idrelth's rider--! >>

A'lex leans over again, He mutters to Aurian, "... must be
in... on..."

E'vrin sits up at Thunderbolt's table, and gaze swings around from
following Kassima's exit to widening at Laurene's entrance. He doesn't
even make the attempt to hide sudden confusion, worry, dismay.

Aurian laughs brightly.

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth asks, crystal confusion reforming,
<< This is a bad thing? >>

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath is silent, out of touch, for a
breath. Then he returns, thick with human's jade forboding. << I don't
know. He told her he does not love her, but she loves him still. Why
is she /here/-- >>

Laurene smiles at Aurian, "Igen's duties to Telgar and /her/ queens."
Then, for the benefit of those she doesn't know, "Laurene, Brown
Idrelth's rider." And, finally, "G'evening, E'vrin."

D'ton stands politely, "Telgar's duties," he says to Laurene, "And
welcome."

A'lex stands as well, "A'lex, lifemate to Nraith."

Sharath> Idrelth senses that Sharath reaches out a careful touch, wary
with human's jade and burnt bronze. << Is something amiss, that you
come here? >>

E'vrin doesn't stand. "Laurene," he says. "Good evening to you and
Idrelth. I trust nothing is wrong back home...?"

Aurian tilts her head, "Aurian, Kvasith's rider."

Laurene waves the assistant weyrlingmaster back to his seat, "Please,
don't get up on my account." A faint bit of color touching her cheeks
as A'lex rises as well, "D'ton, A'lex. A pleasure to meet you."

A'lex smiles and sits back down, "Welcome to Telgar."

Dragon> Sharath senses that Idrelth's mind voice is all the lazy soft
colors of complacency. << I don't think so. She just wanted to visit
Telgar. >>

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth's suggestion is simple, calm; she
has little stake here and so can afford to be. << Ask Idrelth? >>

Sharath> Idrelth senses that Sharath's touch eases back. << Ah. Well,
that is well, then. He worried. >>

D'ton adds to A'lex's statement, "Which is finally warm enough to be
habitable again."

Laurene gives a shake of her head, "Nothing's wrong, no. Just felt
like being somewhere other than the desert and I met some nice folks
here last time I visited."

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath's reply comes lancing back with
the brown's touch lingering on it. << She wanted to visit, no more. He
is relaxing. >>

Laurene smiles to A'lex, "Thanks." She glances around at the open
seats, thoughtful.

A'lex says "Nice folks? They must have been visitors too..." He
winks. "Everyone here is too crazy to be nice..."

E'vrin shifts as if to guard the seat by /him,/ the one behind the
great wicker basket of kiwi on the table. "There are nice people
here," he protests pro forma, still distracted, still teetering on a
bewildered frown. "Everyone here--"

A'lex stands again, "But, if you'll excuse me, I've got a son to go
visit... good evening everyone."

Kassima walks here from the Inner Cavern.

Pierron humphs thoughtfully as the Wingleader of Thunderbolt arrives.

D'ton adds, "We have lots of nice visitors, who bring fruit and all..."

Aurian tilts her head, "Not going to stay for Kassima"

A'lex just grins as he heads to the Lower Caverns...

Laurene laughs, softly. "I'd heard that. Though, actually, I was
thinking of looking up a fellow by the name of Gannon?" She nods to
A'lex, "Clear skies!"

A'lex walks towards the inner cavern.

D'ton's response to Kassima's entry is immediate, "Wooo hooo!" he
yells, punching the air with one fist.

A'lex's howls of laughter can be heard echoing from the lower caverns.

Laurene blinks a few times as Kassima enters the cavern
again. "Uh. Nice, um, dress." Unexpected, certainly.

Aurian smiles contentedly, "My sister hated making that, but it was
good work."

E'vrin's own response is wholly inward, inside; only the fire that
leaps behind hooded eyes suggests more than the civil mask he wears.

A'lex's howls of laughter STILL can be heard echoing from the lower
caverns.

Kassima salutes after A'lex's departing back, though one who looked
very carefully might note that the form of her salute is technically
much ruder than the usual. "Go bite a bovine's butt, Weyrsecond!" she
yells, before turning to grace the rest of the Cavern with an abashed
and tentative half-grin. "Hideous, isn't it? D'ton, you paid good
marks for me t'wear this thing; you may now be appalled."

D'ton looks at Laurene, then back at Kassima. He dissolves into
helpless laughter. The sort of laughter that threatens respiration.

[I thought it more effective to display the outfit through the
 reactions it engendered, rather than just looking at the desc.]

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath comments through his human's tide
of amazement and desire, << My. He does excite easily. A shame you are
not rising again: such feeling should not be wasted tonight, don't you
agree? >>

Laurene shakes her head, "Dear Faranth, Kassima. I hope you're getting
something out of this besides, um, frills." The corners of her mouth
quirk up and she fights the smile hard.

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth rumblechuckles, agreement sparking
green and gold. << No, but Kassima is more mortified than anything
else. She does not believe the strange pink thing suits her. >>

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath supposes, << It is not /so/ bad,
for all that I should not care to look upon it directly. The color
does not fit her. >>

E'vrin clears his throat. Just that. He seems pinned to his seat.

Kassima favors D'ton with a filthy look before shaking her head to
Laurene. "Nay this time. 'Tis... a favor." A wry smile is flicked to
E'vrin, and she notes with some surprise, "You're nay laughing? You
have t'be the first one who hasn't, y'know."

D'ton slaps his knees with his hands, still laughing. He gets to his
feet slowly, "Kassi, you're the greatest. The best. This has made my
whole day. We love you," he says, "Absolutely wonderful."

Laurene can't help it. Laughter bubbles up and then out, "Oh shells,
Kassima. That's /horrid/."

"It's wonderful," E'vrin says dumbly. "I like it. I really -- I'd
never even imagined you -- Yes. We love you." The echo of D'ton's
words rings slightly off: bells muffled in Laurene's laughter. He
tries a smile. "We do. And it's wonderful."

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth agrees with a faint tinge of
disgust, << She does not care for *pink*. >> 'Pink' being defined,
apparently, as that singular bubble-gum shade; other hues may be
acceptable, but *that*.... << Nor do I. Vibrant, rich shades, and
darker... those are more to our preference. >>

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath inquires in a luxuriantly green
loop of thought, << Did she like the hair ribbon? >>

D'ton beams at Kassi, shoulders still shaking, "You bring light to our
lives. It was worth every mark. I go now a happy man.." he says, then
collapses into laughter again as he attempts to make his way out of
the cavern.

Laurene wipes at her eyes, taking a deep breath. "Shells. And here I
was thinking all I'd get at Telgar was some klah." She grins at
Kassima.

D'ton walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.

Kassima sticks out her tongue at D'ton, clearly able to tell
facetiousness when she hears it. Why not, being as adept in its use as
she is herself? "Bronzerider, you're ridiculous and you know it... and
aye, Laurene, 'tis." Incredulousness and surprise intermingle in her
sidelong look at E'vrin. "*This*? This doesn't suit me at all,
m'friend, I fear. Leathers, now--or," she laughs, abruptly amused,
"that dress of Ro's, perhaps, in its scandalous fashion, but this?"

E'vrin sits quietly, hands folded on the table by the kiwi basket. "I
think," he says with deliberate care, "that anything may suit you, if
you desire it. It's about attitude, not appearance."

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth agrees, a trickle of laughter
flicking through, << Indeed. What is green--if it is a proper shade of
green, >> for olive simply will not do, << she likes. She has fine
taste in color, does she not? >>

Laurene winks at Kassima, "You should have someone run before you
crying out a warning. It'd be horrible to blind some poor rider with
all that /pink/."

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath pulses some dubious supposition:
<< She /will/ take it off, will she not? >> A sudden, human-shared
flash of skin, bare skin-- << --In favor of other clothing? >>

Kassima ducks her head, actually looking Turns younger than her
age--young and gawky again, almost; compliments are not something
she's accustomed to receiving. "Well, I don't think I desire it. Lace
isn't me. I can pretend that a dress is me for awhile, mayhaps, but
this.... I'll go and change, shall I?" Laurene is given a mock-dirty
look of her own, though clearly good-humored.

E'vrin blinks slowly. "Do you need any help? I mean -- all that
lace--" He breaks off, looks between the two women, and looks
down. Flush.

Aurian chuckles and mutters, "Its not a dress."

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth muses, rubies cast to scatter
through the garnet and amethyst and other deep colors, << I imagine
that she might. She believes she looks silly, and this is a situation
that needs rectifying. In favor of other clothing though, yes. >>
Kassi isn't precisely the sort of greenrider who'd actually prance
about a Living Cavern without.

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath expresses little doubt, politely,
on that underthought's score; on an upper level, he says, << Looking
silly is not a preferred form of confusion to be sown, certainly. Let
her get comfortable again, but it was pleasant of her to indulge
him. >>

Laurene covers her mouth, choking abruptly. Helplessly.

Kassima reddens some herself, which is even less attractive with all
that pink. Her coloration is pure and simply not suited to this
bubble-gum hue. "I *think* I can manage," she replies lightly, with a
flicker of wry smile. "Be back in a moment, in *decent* clothing." And
she turns to walk back to the Cavern with some relief.
Kassima walks towards the inner cavern.

E'vrin twitches at the sound of the choke. "I didn't /mean/ anything,"
he hisses over at Laurene, as helpless as she for his own
reasons. "You know that. Just -- wanted to be helpful, not ... not
/salacious./"

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth admits, << She is more pleasant
than many would give her credit for, but it does depend on how--and
whether--she is asked. Comfort is a thing greatly to be desired,
however. >>

Laurene collapses into a seat, covering her face, "Shells, I /know/,
E'vrin. It's just... shells." The words are muffled by her hands, and
broken up a bit by the laughter she hasn't been able to quite kill
yet. "I'm sorry!"

Sharath> I bespoke Lysseth with << Then by all means, she shall be
comfortable. Does she need more fruit, though? I don't want more
scratches. >>

E'vrin frowns. Frowns. "What's funny?" The question includes Aurian,
too: help a poor man's puzzlement. "Yes, red or green or black would
suit her better, but it /was/ lovely to look at. Not funny at all: I
doubt she appreciated it."

[He rallies to defend his love against being laughed at!]

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth assures, << The fruit will suffice
for now, I think, and she would not ask for more. >> There is an
underthought: this doesn't mean she wouldn't want more, only that she
wouldn't ask. Delicate boundary.

Reed has connected.

Laurene drops her hands, shooting E'vrin a helpless look. "It's /pink/
/lace/."

Aurian smiles at E'vrin, "I think its sweet. He loves her.. he doesn't
care if she wore sackcloth.

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath can tingle his amusement on
several levels, and does: << Thank you. >> No more fruit! << He brings
gifts without asking. >> Tea, ribbons, kiwi... << I trust that these
do not discomfit her. >> Not that she could stop them.

E'vrin blushes, helpless again, but nods, and his gaze is clear and
strong. "I do, and I wouldn't. What's a body, anyway? It's the spirit
inside that matters; even I know that."
E'vrin admits to Laurene, muted, "And I like lace."

Laurene gives a smile to E'vrin, "You should stop putting yourself
down all the time."

You say "I wasn't. Was I?"

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth's response is slow and thoughtful,
like molasses made of midnight: << No... not precisely. She
appreciates them, and likes them, but I am not certain that she is
certain what to make of them. >>

Selaye has connected.
Selaye goes home.

Laurene tilts her head, "'Even I know that'? C'mon. You don't give
yourself enough credit."

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath is simple, a chime off
crystal. << She should accept them, no more. >>

E'vrin's mouth tucks up, not entirely mirthful. "Or, I might have been
giving listeners a slight dig that I know something they are not
considering, that the physical form isn't important, in case they
forgot."

Kassima walks here from the Inner Cavern.

Pierron humphs thoughtfully as the Wingleader of Thunderbolt arrives.

Aurian grins at Kassima, "Feel better?"

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth echoes the chime, though in a more
complex tintinnabulation of crystal off crystal. << I will advise her
of this. >>

Laurene sighs, quietly, humor slipping away. "Whatever." She rises,
nodding to Aurian and Kassima, "Igen's duties and clear skies,
ladies."

Kassima's stride when she walks in is considerably easier and more
comfortable, now that she's out of that ridiculous lace thing. "I
swear, 'twill never wear that again," she promises the world. "*Much*
better, Auri, thankee... oh, are you already leaving, Laurene? Clear
skies, by all means, and all the other appropriate parting stuff."

E'vrin sits quietly. Hands on table. Eyes on Laurene -- and then, with
finality, quietly -- on Kassima, as the moment slips irretrievably
into the past.

Sharath> Idrelth senses that Sharath asks suddenly, his crystalline
thoughts alight, << Does she love him? >>

Laurene smiles to Kassima, "I've trespassed against the sensibilities
of one far more evolved than I. So, lest I resort to the childish
action of punching him out, I'm going for a brisk fly and then a swim
back at Igen. Take care... hide that lace contraption."

Aurian tilts her head, "I always support punching."

Kassima remarks dryly to Aurian, even as she slips back into her seat
behind the kiwi basket, "Which is how you ended up with cracked
ribs. Ah...." She seems not to know how to react to this statement of
Laurene's. "'Twill," she decides as safe enough. "Nay fear on that
score."

Aurian chuckles.

Laurene grins, briefly, to Aurian. With a general salute given, she
turns and heads towards the bowl.

Dragon> Idrelth bespoke Sharath with << My rider... doesn't know what
she feels about your rider right now. Well. She's angry. But she wants
to hit him but she doesn't want to hit him so she wants to fly. >>

Laurene walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.

E'vrin's voice is low, tired. "I haven't decided if she hates me or
not. Or if I care."

Sharath> Idrelth senses that Sharath extends faint understanding. <<
Then fly. Flying is good. The wind sweeps away confusion, one can
hope. >>

Dragon> Idrelth bespoke Sharath with << We hope so. >>

Kassima offers hesitantly, clearly somewhat unsure of the situation,
"She doesn't seem t'hate you. Mayhaps she's simply quick t'temper? You
would know her better than I."

"Would I?" Now the harper-trained baritone is colorless. E'vrin shakes
his head, rubs at an eye. "She loved me, but couldn't wait and
weyrmated with someone else. And still loves me, possibly, even after
I told her I don't return it. And she comes /here/ and sees us--"

Kassima says slowly, after thought, "If'n I loved someone and knew
they didn't return it, and harbored resentment, 'twould try to avoid
them--nay joke with them. But she isn't me, so who am I t'be saying?"

E'vrin looks up and smiles faintly. "No, she isn't, nor you
her. Still, I think some of tonight's joy has drained out of me; I'll
be off to Igen again. I'm glad you liked the kiwis. If you ever need
more, you know whom to ask."

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath's mind drifts the most tenuous
suggestion, like shredding smoke, that sometimes the comforter, the
gift-giver, needs the gift of comfort himself--

Kassima offers forth a rueful smile of her own. "I'm sorry,
E'vrin. I'truth, I love them, and I thank you--though I doubt Sharath
would appreciate it if'n I asked." A pause, contemplative, and she
finally offers a hand. A gesture of comfort, no more. "And if'n you
ever need someone t'talk to... you know where I am."

E'vrin's hand brushes hers, as if suspicious, as if scared, then he
stands, and dons the mask of blank civility again. "Of course," he
answers. "And Sharath will live; he does complain too much, doesn't
he?" The mask smiles. "Good night to both of you. Don't eat the fruit
/too/ fast, hmm? The healers won't appreciate your patronage, I'm
sure."

Kassima frowns faintly, concern in her eyes. "I won't, but E'vrin...."
She knows a blank mask. She's worn it, after all. "If'n ever you need
aught... well. You'll be well?"

"I'll be well," affirms E'vrin. "When am I not, eh? I have sweeps in
the morning, anyway; must bow to Duty's call."

"Duty's a harsh taskmistress, as I'm certain m'Wingsecond is
discovering now," Kassi quips, shaking her head. "Thankee
again--m'regards t'Sharath?"

E'vrin mutters, "My poor, scratched bronze -- yes, of course. Good
night, again. Fare you well."

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth replies in a murmur of troubled
light and shadow, << But what can be given that can be taken for its
own value, and without the possibility of greater pain later on? >> A
rare flash of grey, like dim-lit fog: neutrality; uncertainty.

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath's tenor soaks in reflective
dismay. << He wants more; she cannot give more without inspiring more
hunger in him. I understand. He might, even. And yet... >>

[E'vrin walks out to rejoin Sharath.]

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth agrees, with silvery regret, <<
And yet. She is not used to offering much, my rider. Even if she could
offer more, I do not think she would know what to give. >>

Telgar-LC> Kassima lets a long, low sigh escape, looking back down at
table and kiwi. "An interesting evening," she comments, glancing at
Aurian.

Sharath> Lysseth senses that Sharath sighs an exhalation of clogged
sorrow. << No. Well, what is, is. They live; they suffer; they
grow. It will have to be enough. Winds bear you up and carry you well,
green. >>

Dragon> Sharath senses that Lysseth inquires, in a whirl of air and
darkness, << Is there growth without suffering? Laughter and light can
only take one so far. May your skies be clear and the wind sing
sweetly beneath your wings, Sharath. >>

[They left.  Log ends.]