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Who In Their Right Mind Would Call Kassima a Lady?


Date:  May 17, 1998
Places:  Benden Hold's Courtyard and Great Hall
Game:  PernMUSH
Copyright Info:  The World of Pern is copyright(c) to Anne McCaffrey 
l967. The Dragonriders of Pern(r) is a registered copyright.

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Kassi's Note:  I am thoroughly convinced that the Imp of the Perverse
bent events to this end to get even with Kassi for her vow not to dance 
at Benden Hold's Celestial Ball--either that, or the powers that watch
over Pern have one heck of a sense of humor.  Though one of the most 
ill-fitting words one could assign to Kassi is 'Lady,' she becomes one
in very deed for a night... and the results are something she's not 
likely to live down any time soon.  The log begins during the lunar
eclipse (whose poses were done by Triene of Starcraft), somewhat in the
middle of things; if any logs are available of the part of the event 
that preceeds the point at which this one starts, I'd be most grateful
to learn of them.  Many thanks to the people of Benden Hold for the 
fantastic Gather they ran; I can quite honestly say that I haven't had 
more fun at one in over a year. :)

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The Log:

Reed grins slightly and nods his head to Rodin. "My dear sir, good evening 
to you as well." He said that with such prestige, it's hard to tell that 
beneath the magnificent clothing and fair of firelizards, he's a meek 
teenaged man.

High above, A last wedge of an orange Belior remains, a good three fourths 
of the moon obscured by the darker shadow. The moonlight is much 
diminished, mostly coming from the cresent Timor, hanging low in the sky.

Solan says "look, he's almost caught her!"

Rodin looks up at the moons. "Quite a sight."

Teelis nods, watching. "The big sky's her hatching grounds, Solan?"

Kindre, now faced with, escencially, two Lord Holders, smiles at Rodin's 
arrival. "Telgar's duties...uh...Sir. And to you," the latter is directed 
towards Reed as she inclines her head. Chuckling again, she smirks as she 
says, "I'll take serenity over battling with that beast of mine any 
sevenday," and winks. Whistling quietly as the eclipse is nearly full, she 
sighs. "Quite a sight indeed..."

Solan nods "she lays her eggs on the moon she carries and then carries 
them with her while she flies

Teelis grins, "To protect them." She can add to the story too.

Reed inhales deeply of the splendorous Benden air and turns his head 
skyward. "Yes it is something.: He turns towards the others and smiles 
every so slightly. "Benden's duties to Telgar and her queens?" he says 
awkwardly. "Ahem. Enjoying the festival?" he questions after a moment of 
gathering himself.

Lara is chatting away with another guest to Benden, looking up at the 
moon. If she could hear what Solan is telling her foster-daughter, she'd 
no doubt be tempted to wallop him a good one.

Rodin nods at Kindre with a smile, affirming 'Lord' Reed's greeting.

Kassima tears her eyes away from the moon upon overhearing Kin. To make up 
for her belatedness, she curtseys--yes, curtseys--to the two men. "Our 
duties indeed t'your Hold, Lords," she echoes with a somewhat sheepish 
smile. Straightening, she murmurs to Kin, "Methinks 'twill stick with 
Lysseth's eternal chaos, m'self... at least she guarantees that life is 
ever interesting." And perilous for others, when it comes to proddy-time, 
but that's beside the point.

Serliden walks through the gates to the south, entering the courtyard.

Reed nods towards the greenrider and manages a little smile. A little 
bronze croons gently from his perch on the boy's arm. "Yes yes I know" he 
whispers, moving his free hand behind the 'lizards eye ridges for a good 
scritch.

"It's a lovely evening at a lovely Hold," Kindre returns to Lord Reed and 
smiles. "We thank you for your hospitality to we sky-gazers, Lord," is 
added as an answer to his query. Giggling a bit at Kassima, she nods. 
"Well, chaos isn't always bad, I suppose. Though," she points out, "you've 
a bit more experience than I." Again her gaze is drawn upward as she 
nearly gawks at the welkin sights.

Triene watches the orange cresent thin, glancing down at her notes 
briefly, by the light of a dim glowbasket.

Reed grins and shakes his head a bit at that. "The sky is such a place for 
beauties like you, no need to thank us" he says gently. Chuckling to 
himself he stands up and walks over towards the great hall.

Kassima smiles and whimsically quotes, "'Chaos is unbroken, for order can 
unfold; razor truth, that savage sleuth, a lie in sequence told.' That's 
part of one of Grandsire's old ballads... I have *nay* idea what it means, 
but it seems appropriate enough." Staring skyward again, she gives Kin a 
light nudge and V'dan a notably sharper one. "Look... 'twill nay be long 
now ere 'tis full-dark."

Mirala opens the doors and walks out of the Great Hall.

High above, The last sliver of orange, ever so slowly, disappears from 
sight, being swallowed by the darker shadow, growing thinner and thinner 
until you are truly convinced it is gone. You can still see a faint 
outline of Belior, muddied a dark brown by Pern's shadow.

Telarin smiles at Mirala from his spot near Rolan.

Teelis grins, "Look! He catched her!" Okay, she could use a few more 
grammar lessons.

Acaline blinks, "He caught her, well, i'll be shards."

Mirala nods to her brother, and reluctantly to his friend, stroking the 
white fur in her arms.

Solan says "looks like it!"

Kindre grins a bit at Reed's words and notes, "Seems as charming as a 
Lord, I say," before giggling a bit. The nudge from her friend calls her 
attention fully back to the sky as she blinks at the near-shadowed moons. 
"It shouldn't be long by the looks of things, I agree Kassi. Jays, this is 
just too lovely..."

Telgar Weyr> K'tyn ponders going to yon Benden thing. hm.

Telgar Weyr> Kindre says, "You should, Kiat! They're going to do dancing 
next, I think..."

Triene grins faintly at the stories being passed around, and shifts her 
skirts around. She softly comments not too loudly at all. "And thus, 
totality begins..."

Kassima nods her agreement. "He must be gifted with natural poise... ah, 
look! There it goes!" Even though there's not much more than darkness to 
see, she continues to stare, a smile curving her lips upward. "Trie said 
we might see unusual things now, I think... though I've nary an idea just 
what."

Telgar Weyr> Kassima swoons at Riche, snugs Kiat, and seconds Kindre (yay, 
alliteration). :) They're having an eclipse now; the Celestial Ball is 
next.

Lara pushes her way over towards Triene, smiling warmly at the Starsmith. 
"I'm surprised Beldaviar isn't here with you to see this," she mentions 
quietly. "It's quite fascinating... even to someone as unschooled as me in 
stars and whatnot."

Teelis sits up now, shifting Baby a bit. Lucky Solan that this happened, 
she's forgotten about being mad at you. "Now what happens?" she asks the 
trader.

Reed opens the metal doors and steps into the Great Hall.

Solan says "uhm when the flight is over she will fly on"

Acaline asks bluntly, "If they're in flight, why aren't they falling now? 
'lizads fall about now, when they flight."

Kindre's eyes widen a bit more, if that is possible, as she watches the 
silver wisp that remains of Belior all but vanish from the skies. "Oh," is 
wondered of Kassima without tearing her gaze from above. "Like lights or 
something? The stars look just incredible...so bright..."

Krystyna watches the sky with fascination.

Solan says "Well, they are falling, but they are so far away we can't tel"

Triene chuckles. "I'm sure he'd want to be... unfortunately, some 
apprentices decided to cause a little upstart, and he had to go deal with 
it. I'm sure he's poking his head out every so often to see."

Acaline frowns, but accepts this.

Teelis helps Solan, "'cause they so far away, so they not gonna hit Pern."

Telgar Weyr> Richenda smooches all and wonders if Kiat's seen her pretty 
new Gather dress, hmmmmmmmmm?

Telgar Weyr> K'tyn grins. :)

Telgar Weyr> Kindre has one, too, so there ;)

Telgar Weyr> Richenda bets Rennick wonders if Kiat's seen Rennick's pretty 
new Skinning Knife.

Solan nods at Tee "Which one definatly be a bad thing...cause these aren't 
normal dragons they are jumbo sized dragons"

Krystyna smiles at Solan's story...

Telgar Weyr> Kassima has one, too, because she's a descing freak. ;)

Telgar Weyr> K'tyn snorts. Just let him try it:)

Teelis giggles, "Really? How big?" she asks the trader.

Acaline says "I guess they'd have to be, to carry the lights? Can they 
withstand heat, like normal dragons withstand cold?""

Lara nods to Triene. "I know how that is. Styphnal ran off to take care of 
something a candlemark ago and I haven't seen him since." She pauses a 
moment before asking the Starsmith, eyes cast upwards, "Does this kind of 
thing happen much? I can't recall seeing one before."

High above, As if it had waited for this moment, a streak of light shoots 
out from under the darkened moon, almost startling in its moment of 
brightness.

Solan says "well, imagine how a firelizard hatchling would look next to a 
full grown bronze....well that same full grown bronze would look like a 
firelizard hatchling compared to one of the moon dragons"

Serliden gazes up at the sky, her head tilted at an angle.

Teelis wows, "That big!"

Solan nods

Lara brings a hand to her mouth in surprise, murmuring "Amazing," behind 
it.

High above, Glancing up, you almost miss the dark brown mockery of 
Belior's normal slivery face. You can barely make out the familiar 
patterns, dimmed as they are by the planet's shadow.

Rodin watches the reappearance of the moon with a quiet smile.

Teelis spies the streak of light, "What was that?" Fit that into your 
story, Solan.

Kassima cranes her head to ask of Trie, "Will you give him m'regards, if'n 
you'd be so kind? It's truly been ages since I've seen either of you, 
which I know is m'own fau--shells, shards, and Faranth's kidneys afire, 
look at that!" This seems directed to Kin rather than Trie, which is 
probably a happy thing for Trie. "Lights indeed... what *was* that 
thing?"

Solan says "the bronze was breathing fire to show off and celebrate 
catching her"

Acaline nodnods quickly, "Yes, what is that? Didn't she just whip her 
tail.. and it's got a silver sheen?

Kindre blinks and nudges her friend a few times. "Kassi, look," she says 
unnecessarily, "I think we're supposed to make a wish or something." Lips 
wrinkling in thought, she shrugs. "Dah said he used to see them when he 
was sailing a lot, and that you make wishes on things in the sky like 
that...I think..."

Acaline seems impressed, "Moon dragons breath silver fire?

Teelis hmmms, thinking, "But he was careful notto hit her, right?"

Triene thinks, "It's not often, but it's not rare either. We've two moons, 
which makes the alignment that we need a bit more frequent. It's neat that 
it happened during Gather though." She grins at Kassi, "Indeed I will. 
That... was a meteor, I hope."

Solan says "oh course, to both qustions Silver fire and he was /very/
careful"

Teelis grins, "That's good, 'cause it's yucky to get hurt."

Solan says "His Silver Fire also shows up as lightning"

Kassima obediantly closes her eyes to make a wish, quite superstitious 
enough to believe in such a thing. "Lovely, 'twas... though startling. A 
meteor?" Kassi rifles through her severely limited knowledge of Starsmith 
terms. "Are those what we call shooting stars?"

Kathall opens the doors and walks out of the Great Hall.

"You hope," Kindre can't help but query of Triene. "Could something such 
as that be, well, dangerous?" She then bobs her head to Kassima's 
inquiries while turning her attention between the sky and Triene.

Kathall slides outside, hugging herself against the cold, and joins the 
crowd's periphery.

Rodin moves over to Kathall while still watching the sky.

Triene noddles, turning her gaze up towards the sky. "Shooting star, 
right." She blinks and glances at Kindre. "Well, if you were up around 
where it is, yes. It's a little rock that burns up when it comes too close 
to Pern."

Teelis snatches up a trundlebug that was crawling across the ground. 
"Look, Solan." She grins, holding it up.

Carria opens the metal doors and steps into the Great Hall.

Kathall shifts her weight. "Lord Rodin," she murmurs when he's in range.

Solan says "Tee, you can catch a trundle bug any day, how often do you get 
to watch a moon dragon flight?"

Serliden walks through the gates to the south, and follows the gently-
sloping ramp down to the Upper Road.

Teelis blinks, "Thought it was over.." She let's the trundlebug go and 
looks back up into the sky.

Solan says "Well now we get to watch the bronze reappear from behind the 
gold"

High above, Slowly, the dark cloud leaves Belior's face. A sliver of 
brighter orange shimmers appears on the right side, where the shadow once 
advanced.

Rodin speaks quietly to the baker. He mutters to Kathall, 
"... preparations... there anything..." 

Teelis grins, "There it is. he's letting go of her."

Solan nods

Kathall frees a hand to scrub it over her tied-back hair, frowning. She 
mutters to Rodin, "... think... sir. For... ball,... been... all... 
everything's coming... along..." 

Kassima blinks slowly as the moon starts to brighten again. "Remind me 
t'keep m'eyes on the sky on m'way home, then; 'twould be just m'perverse 
luck t'get beaned on the head with a meteor just a'fore we can land on our 
ledge. At least 'twould be an unusual way t'go, eh?"

Mirala smiles idly at the sky and slips back inside.

Mirala opens the metal doors and steps into the Great Hall.

Triene grins at Kassi. "Nah, I don't think you should be worrying too 
much. It's far far higher than dragons go."

Kindre blinks a few times at Kassima before laughing quietly. "Shards," 
she murmurs and grins, "an odd way to go indeed." The Craftsecond's words 
seem to put whatever small ill she had about the meteor to rest and she 
smiles. "I'm glad to hear that," she remarks as her eyes slip back to the 
amazing shadows on the moons above.

Announcement: Lara announces "The Celestial Ball in the Benden Hold Great 
Hall is about to begin. (+go Benden CY-GH) The emits for the lunar eclipse 
will still be occurring if you want to put a +watch on the Benden-CY. :)"

Solan says "hey tee, You'll save me a dance tonight owon't you, between 
all the other boys lined up to dance with you"

Teelis blinks, her nose wrinkling, "Dance?"

"And frighteningly fitting, considering all the throwing games I've been 
playing," Kassi mutters, glancing in the direction of the Grounds. "You 
don't suppose fate has a sense of humor, do you? Oh... well, then, that's 
a good thing, Trie." She tries not to look *too* relieved. "Beautiful, 
'twas, wherever it came from or is going...."

Lara decides most of the excitement over the eclipse has occured and 
starts inside the Hall, waving for people to follow her. "The feast is 
laid out and the harpers are gathering. Why don't we move inside?"

Serliden walks through the gates to the south, entering the courtyard.

Lara opens the metal doors and steps into the Great Hall.

Serliden opens the metal doors and steps into the Great Hall.

Solan stands and dusts himself off

Solan opens the metal doors and steps into the Great Hall.

Teelis will go in, as long as there's lots of bubblies.

Teelis opens the metal doors and steps into the Great Hall.

Kassima asks Kin, nodding towards the Great Hall, "Shall we, then? I may 
nay be one for dancing, but I'd nay miss the sight of the finery for all 
the lemon bread on Pern."

Telarin opens the metal doors and steps into the Great Hall.

"True enough," Kindre remarks to her fellow rider and smiles. Lara's words 
and departure draw her looks towards the main hall. "Well, shall we," she 
wonders of Kassima and even curtsies before giggling.

Rodin nods with a smile to Kathall and, with one more long glance at the 
sky, heads for the Great Hall."

Kassima groans as Kindre reads her mind again, and just heads for the Hall 
in answer.

The metal doors slide open at your touch, and you step into the Great 
Hall.

Kindre steps in from the courtyard, the metal doors sliding shut behind 
her.

Telgar Weyr> Kindre baps Kassi...my brain cell! ;)

Teelis makes a beeline towards the table and looks for..what else?..
bubblies!

Solan says "greetings Lord Reed,"

Rodin steps in from the courtyard, the metal doors sliding shut behind 
him.

Rylle steps in from the courtyard, the metal doors sliding shut behind 
her.

Reed nods to Solan. "Greetings Solan."

Solan says "Greetings...lor..Are you still Lord Rodin sir?"

Rylle's mouth gapes in wonderous fascination as she takes in the 
marvellous decorations.

Solan smiles innocently

Reed chuckles softly and smiles to the true Lord Holder. "Hello Lord 
Rodin."

Teelis grins and reaches a dirty hand towards cookies instead of bubblies, 
so she couldn't make up her mind, she's entitled.

Rodin smiles and greets as he moves around the Hall to stand next to Lara.

Lara speaks up to be heard over the crowd. "May I have your attention, 
please?" Giving the people a moment to quieten, she then goes on. "Before 
the eatcing and dancing starts, I'd like to announce something. As you 
know, names were drawn in the Lord and Lady for a Day Raffle 
yesterday..."

Kindre walks slowly within the great expanse of the Hall, taking in the 
banquet tables and sights as she does so. A quiet whistle escapes her lips 
as the rooms decor seems to overwhelm her a bit. "Glorious," she might be 
heard to whisper before hushing completely to listen to Lara.

Teelis grabs a handful of sweetener cookies and goes to find a seat 
somewhere incospicuous.

Everin skulks back further into the gathering, though he keeps his chin 
lifted to see the woman speaking.

"Y'know, Kin... that brain cell is *mine*. And 'tis the only one I've got, 
many would tell you--so quit stealing it, eh?" Kassi's tirade is 
interrupted dually by Lara's announcement, which she quiets to listen to, 
and her first sight of the decorations, which she seemingly can't help but 
stare at. At least she doesn't gape, which is more than can be said for 
V'dan.

Lara continues after clearing her throat, glancing briefly at Lord Rodin 
before looking back to the crowd. "We have a new Lord... Lord Reed here." 
Pointing to the man, she waves him forward to join her.

Reed turns his attentions to Lara and smiles, stepping over towards the 
Headwoman. "Greetings all" he calls out loud enough for the entire room to 
hear.

Lara waves for everyone to quieten again. "We also drew a name for Lady 
Holder, but I've been informed that she in unable to be here this evening. 
Thus, another name was drawn, and I know this 'Lady' to be here for 
certain." With a wide grin, she raises her voice even more, "Lady 
Kassima!?! Will you do us the honor of your presence up here?"

Tel quietly works his way around the room, and ducks out while no one's 
looking.

Rodin leads the applause for 'Lord and Lady' Benden."

Telarin walks under the wide archway to the west, going into the kitchen.

BendenHold> Lara waves to Lady Kassima. :)

Kindre's eyes nearly fall from her head as they widen in surprise over the 
announcement. Curtsying again to her friend, she grins wide. 
"Congratulations Lady Kassima," is remarked as she straightens.

Rylle claps wholeheartedly for the winners.

BendenHold> Kathall sniggers and dips a curtsy.

Blink. Blink blink. Blinkety blink blink blink. Kassi didn't gape at the 
decor, but she *does* gape at that. "*Me*?" she half-squeaks, stepping 
over to Lara and the others half out of reflex. The idea of anyone calling 
her a lady is apparently providing some sort of shock to her system.

Telgar Weyr> Kindre says, "Fear! Kassi is now Lady Holder of Benden! ;)"

BendenHold> Teelis waves a muddy greeting to Kassi, err Lady Kassima

Telgar Weyr> Caitria says, "Uh. What?"

Telgar Weyr> R'val peers.

Reed grins wickedly and looks over to the greenrider turned Lady Holder. 
"Well dear Lady" he says, eyes twinkling in delight as he holds his arm 
out for her.

BendenHold> Kassima waffles to all and sundry, and just *groans* at 
Kathall. Has anyone told you lately that you're evil? :)

Telgar Weyr> Kindre says, "The festival appoints a Lady and Lord Holder 
for a day :) Kassi won :)"

Telgar Weyr> Aurian says, "Are they Mad?"

Solan mutters to Teelis.

BendenHold> Reed grins.

Everin blinks, too, at the announcement, and he rises higher on the balls 
of his feet for a good look at the new ... Lady Holder.

Talev play cringes with a smile on his face.

Telgar Weyr> Jaynelle laughs "This is to fear!"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "Quite probably, yes. ;)"

BendenHold> Kathall O-:)

Telgar Weyr> R'val sets his wristwatch. I give it 30 minutes before the 
Hold's in ashes.

Telgar Weyr> Sandar cheers his congratulations :)

BendenHold> Teelis says, "Hey.../I'm/ supposed to be the evil one 
*sniffle*"

BendenHold> Kathall says, "I learned from the best, Kassi, including you."

BendenHold> Mirala is just hiding in a couch. There's NO WAY she's coming 
out now. ;)

Telgar Weyr> Kindre baps R'val and woohoo's! This is very cool, Kassi :) 
Can I be like Headwoman and get me a husband like Riche??? ;)

Lara is laughing and clapping as Kassi joins her 'Lord Holder'. "May I 
present the new Lord and Lady of Benden, for just this evening, Lord Reed 
and Lady Kassima!"

Telgar Weyr> Richenda won't marry you. :)

Telgar Weyr> Aurian says, "Who's the lord?"

Telgar Weyr> Caitria thinks Riche wouldn't make a good husband. ;)

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "You want a husband like Riche? Hey, if Riche 
and you want to marry, it's no skin off--augh, GOMH! ;)"

Telgar Weyr> Kindre args! :) Hee...Lord Reed :)

Solan applauds

Lyxia steps in from the courtyard, the metal doors sliding shut behind 
her.

Teelis doesn't applaud, she's keeping a low-profile.

Everin joins in the applause, awkward around the case under his arm.

Serliden claps, smiling. "Congrats Lord Reed, Lady Kassima!"

Carria applauds as well, giggling quietly to herself.

Kassima just shakes her head in utmost bewilderment. "I'd say I'm 
dreaming," she remarks as she dips another curtsey to Reed before taking 
his arm and winking, "except even m'dreams aren't *this* implausible. 
Thankee kindly, m'Lord!"

Way, way over in a corner of the hall, almost nearly hidden by a couch, 
Mirala claps.

Kindre's hands clap together as the Lady and Lord are introduced. 
"Congratulations," she calls within the murmuring of the gathered crowd.

Lyxia smiles and applaudes the Lord and Lady.

Reed chuckles and pats his hand on your arm. "I was kind of surpised 
myself to tell you the truth" he whispers before turning to give the crowd 
a regal nod and wave. "I think I can handle this" he says under his 
breath, grinning all the way.

Lara turns to the Lord and Lady. "And if you'd please do the honors of 
starting the Ball with a dance, we'd be much obliged."

Krystyna steps in from the courtyard, the metal doors sliding shut behind 
her.

Serliden opens the metal doors and walks out into the courtyard.

Kindre's hand covers the giggles threatening to escape her lips, knowing 
as she does her friend's "love" of dancing. The two look so charming, 
however, those giggles quickly pass as she moves back away from the dance 
floor to allow room for the Holders to enter.

Telgar Weyr> D'thon has to see this...!

The harper contingent comes forward, grinning to match Reed and Kassima. 
The trio of gitarist, piper, and drummer bow as one to the new Lord and 
Lady and then take up position and strike up a bright, stately waltz.

Lyxia turns and motions to Krystyna as she comes in.

Kassima murmurs under her breath, "You're one ahead of me, then... but 
if'n only for the sake of V'dan's amusement, I'll try." She nods towards 
the Telgar greenrider who is presently attempting to laugh himself to 
death. "I'll warn you now that I can't dance worth a shard, but if'n you 
lead, maybe we'll survive with nay more'n a broken toe or two... shall 
we?"

Krystyna walks over to Lyxia and watchs the ball.

Reed quickly smoothes a lock of dark hair behind his ears again, for it 
seems to keep falling in front of his eyes. Eyes gleaming, he looks at his 
'lady' and smiles. "I would be deeply honored dear lady" he says, leading 
you out onto the floor, placing one hand on your waist and grasping the 
other with his right hand. "I'll let you in on a little secret, I'm not 
the most graceful dancer either." With that, he leads off and starts 
around the dance floor, slowing himself to keep pace with you and the 
music.

Lyxia sighs wistfully and whispers to Krystyna "Oh that dress is so 
beautiful..."

Solan waits for the Lord and Lady to officially begin the dancing then 
approaches Kindre "Would you honor me with a dance?"

Rylle deftly squeezes between the gatherers moving towards the dancing 
squares. She slips off towards the banquet tables, but her eyes dart 
around her observantly.

Teelis watches the adults curiously, laughingly even.

Kindre blinks a bit before smiling at Solan. "I can try, but," she begins 
to admit, "I'm about as graceful as a newborn bovine on the floor."

Krystyna smiles at Lyxia "Yes it is isn't it...

Rodin leans over to 'Lord' Reed. "Be sure to greet the Telgar Weyrleader."

The piper floats the harmony line like gossamer over the underlying, 
steady quick-picked melody and thrumming rhythm. The gitarist appears to 
have his eyes, their brown faded with age but still sprightly, attached 
permanently to Kassima's drifting form, and the other two musicians share 
a long-suffering eye-roll.

"Then we're well-matched, then, aren't we?" Kassi asks mischievously, 
following Reed's lead as best she can... which just isn't saying much, 
alas. She may be dressed for the part, but possessed of born grace, she 
isn't. In a less confidential voice, she adds, "The honor is mine 
entirely, sirrah!"

Solan smiles and leads Kindre to the dance floor, bow slightly and begins 
to lead her in a dance

Everin waits another beat while his fellows get into the waltz's rhythm, 
and then he makes his way slowly towards Lara, his expression muddled 
between excitement and apprehension.

Kindre manages to curtsy to Solan before taking one of his hands to be 
lead in a dance. As they pass Kassima and Reed, she offers her friend a 
beaming a wide smile. "I love coming here," she admits and chuckles.

Richenda steps in from the courtyard, the metal doors sliding shut behind 
her.

Teelis watches the man approaching her fostermother with the eyes of the 
best guard canine.

Rodin leans over to his Headwoman. He mutters to Lara, "Would... 
appropriate..." 

Mirala slips off her couch and up the stairs.

Mirala winds her way up the stairs to the second level.

Reed chuckles, and nods to Rodin as he hears his murmurings. Eyes scan the 
room for the man in question, but as he is not in sight at the moment, he 
looks back to Kassima. "You are quite a vision this evening, and I wasn't 
joking when I said you ladies belonged up in the stars, but they can't 
even compare" he whispers, continuing the dance as best he knows how.

Solan smiles "My name is Solan by the way"

K'tyn steps in from the courtyard, the metal doors sliding shut behind 
him.

Lara is all smiles from watching the Lord and Lady, and everyone else 
dance. Spying Everin approaching her, she meets him half way. "I'm so glad 
you could come. What a lovely song the harpers are playing."

Acaline steps in from the courtyard, the metal doors sliding shut behind 
her.

Richenda gestures toward Kindre and, tugging on K'tyn's hand, tells him, 
"Well, there she is. Don't keep a lady waiting, Weyrleader."

The waltz steps on, twisting its music around the dancers like the twine 
of a great shining net, grace notes given by the clear trill of the pipe 
and the purr of the deep-voiced gitar. The trio of harpers sway with their 
work as te song approaches the final measure.

"Well met, Solan," Kindre says and smiles to her dancing partner. "I'm 
Kindre," is offered in return. As they spin a bit on the floor, she 
catches sight of Telgar's Weyrleader and Headwoman. "Hi Riche! K'tyn," she 
calls cheerfully to them.

Everin manages a smile and half-bow, which bobbles his gitar case against 
his ribs, which makes him grimace and straighten up. "Thank you," he says 
under music and conversation alike. "Apprentice Everin, at your service. I 
was told I'm to perform tonight...?"

K'tyn stands near the doorway, his neck craning to look for the Lord and 
Lady of the Hall, and Kindre after that. "Uh?" He glances at Richenda. 
"But..." He moves forth, set on the right track, though he stops at the 
edge of the dancers to watch.

Solan spins Kindre around the floor dragging her making it look like shes 
danceing well wheather or not she is

Rylle watches all the dancing figures amusedly as she pops a cookie into 
her mouth. She leans against the wall, watching the entrance carefully.
Lara was followed by Lord Rodin and to his question she nods with a smile. 
"I don't see why not. Sir, may I introduce Everin first? He's composed a 
song for us this evening."

Kassima colors at that, lowering her eyes modestly. Yes, Faranth help us, 
there's such a thing as a modest greenrider... or at least, one who can 
pretend. "You cut nay mean figure yourself, m'Lord; m'mind much misgives 
that there's any man in here who looks t'be your equal." Glancing towards 
the door, she helpfully notes in a low voice, "There's Kiat--err, pardon, 
the esteemed Telgar Weyrleader--now."

Everin's expression stiffens, and his eyes fairly bleed anxiety. "My Lord 
Benden," he murmurs and tries another bow.

D'thon steps in from the courtyard, the metal doors sliding shut behind 
him.

Rodin waves a greeting across the crowded hall to the Telgar Weyrleader, 
then turns to respond to Lara. "Of course. Well met, Everin."

Reed spots the Weyrleader out of the corner of his eye and calls out a 
cheerful, "Benden's duties to Telgar and her queens!" Twirling his lady 
about and pulling her back close he manouvers them somewhat respectively 
across the floor over towards the man. A little smile and nod and he's 
back to paying attention to his partner. "And shards, I'm definately not a 
looker." With that, he winks and continues about, pausing to dip you.

Richenda steps gracefully to one side to allow K'tyn to pass, informing 
him with a wry smile, "It seems your entrance has won considerable 
attention, as it should, Weyrleader. Thank you for the ride, and my 
regards to Kindre." She then eases into the crowds, looking for someone...
or something?

--And the waltz ends. The piper, a plump blonde woman with a grin that 
could light the entire Hall, calls out in the caesura, "Harper's regards 
to Benden on this lovely night of stars and moons -- and please leave some 
wine for us when we've finished!" The younger male drummer ducks his black 
head and sniggers.

Kindre lets Solan lead her several times about the floor and manages to 
keep her boots clear from his feet. "You're quite good," is noted honestly 
as she smiles once the dance had concluded, "but if you'd not mind, 
there's a particular gentleman that I need to see." Her eyes fall on K'tyn 
and her smile brightens. Curtsying again to Solan, she adds, "Thank you, 
that was lovely."

Lara smiles up at Lord Benden. "Now, was that an offer to dance, Sir, or 
just a question if it'd be proper or not?" she asks Rodin. Hearing the 
music ends she shrugs and chuckles. "Ah well, looks like I missed my 
chance on finding out."

Solan steps back and bows again "I hope you'll save another dance for me 
later?

Carria snitches a roll from the table and begins munching on it.

Everin bows again, straightens, and shifts the gitar case to his other 
arm. "Yes. My song." He darts a look at the other harpers. "--Oh, we'll be 
starting up again, my lady. That's just Ginna, there with the pipes. She 
loves the attention, see."

Rodin chuckles at Lara's remark. "Not at all. The music will start again, 
I'm sure."

Kassima calls a brightly cheerful, "Benden's duties t'Telgar and her 
queens!" in echo, the old words sounding perfectly natural... as well they 
might. "Well, neither am I," she counters as she twirls, her aurora 
borealis skirt flaring. "At least, nay more than you are--so either that 
means you do yourself a disservice, or me one; take your choice!" She 
laughs as she is dipped, clearly enjoying herself. She actually survived a 
dance! With nothing broken! Or so one would hope, anyway.

D'thon locates the ever-present klah pitcher and pours himself a mug, 
gravitating slowly towards the front of the hall.

Teelis spies a nanny, who frowns at the mud on her. Teelis decides to 
retreat, ducking 'neath a handy table to hide out.

The eldest in the harper trio, the grizzled gitarist, leans over to his 
fellows, who nod and adjust grips on their instruments. Then he leads them 
into a stronger, faster tune that patters the drum alone for a few 
measures, before Ginna's pipes pick up the line and weave it around the 
shimmering dark gitar chords.

K'tyn gestures at Kindre, indicating that he intends to pay courtesy to 
the Lord Holder, if he can get to the man in time before a dance starts up 
again. A startled glance is swept over the crowd--that was not the 
Benden's Lord Holder's Lady?

Richenda, lost in the shuffle of dancers and people, easily slips out the 
door into the more spacious courtyard, her cloak wafting azure behind her.

Lara follows Everin's pointing, noting the harper before looking back to 
Lord Rodin. "Oh?" she chuckles out. "Maybe it should wait till after we 
greet some newly arrived guests?" she suggests, indicating K'tyn.

Richenda opens the metal doors and walks out into the courtyard.

Rodin offers his hand to Lara. "Shall we?"

Everin murmurs something about calling on him when the time is ready, and 
escapes to the tables.

Lyxia watches the dancers with amusement, while tapping her foot in time 
to the music.

Reed grins and releases Kassima with a little smile. "There now, we didn't 
do to badly at it!" He surpresses a chuckle and listens as the next tune 
starts. "Perhaps we could sit the next one out? I think if we reste 
between them, we might live to see tomorrow" he states slyly, leading his 
lady over towards K'tyn and a few others.

Krystyna watchs the dancers and sways to the music.

Lara nods then places her hand on Lord Rodin's arm, allowing him to lead 
her through the dancers over towards the Telgar Weyrleader.

Carria stares wistfully at the dancers.

Solan wanders over to Lord Reed and Lady Kassima "Lord Reed, are you going 
to be allowing others to dance with your lovely lady this eve or should I 
save my breath and not ask her to save one for me?

Krystyna looks at Lyxia "Isn't the music wonderful?

Everin ends up by Carria, whom he gives a diffident nod and smile before 
turning his own attention to the other harpers.

Kindre inclines her head to K'tyn and, while he formally greets people, 
she heads towards the banquet tables. "Hey there, D'thon," she says as she 
nudges the rider in the back. "I didn't see you come in...I was dancing, 
believe it or not." This seems to cause a chuckle to escape her lips 
before she points towards Kassima and Reed. "They had a contest...both of 
them were named Lady and Lord Holder for the eve."

Rodin stops with Lara in front of K'tyn. "Benden Hold's duty to Telgar and 
her Queens, Weyrleader. It's good to see you again."

Lyxia looks at Krystyna "Yes, these harpers are great."

K'tyn decides that waiting where he is, is likely the best thing he can do 
in this crush. He smiles pleasantly at those who greet him, offering 
pleasantries in return. "Ah! Lord Rodin. A pleasure to see you again; it's 
been some time, hm?" He smiles at Lara, including her in the greeting. 
"Telgar's duties, to your lovely hold."

The harper trio picks up the beat and rides it under gitar rolling and 
piper dancing towards the tune's precipice: no toss dance, perhaps, but 
fast all the same, loud and bright in the Great Hall's cavern.

Kassima winks at Reed, readily agreeing, "Survival is an important factor 
of life, aye... and so is nay pushing one's luck past the point of the 
possible!" She colors again, faintly, as she overhears Solan, and allows 
herself to be led willingly enough.

Reed grins and nods his head towards Solan. "If the lady so permits, she 
may dance with whom ever she pleases. Would you like to dance with this 
fine fellow?" he questions the 'lady holder' with a smile. "I have it on 
good athourity he's almost as good a dancer as me!" He throws back his 
head and laughs a little.

Carria stands, and winds her way towards the hold doors.

Carria opens the metal doors and walks out into the courtyard.

Lara bestows a welcoming smile at the Telgar Weyrleader. "We are honored 
to have you here, Sir. Welcome."

Rodin nods, smiling. "Thank you for your kind words."

Solan bows to Kassima "Will you honor me with a dance sometime tonight my 
Lady?"

Player Name        On For Idle  Doing
Kassima             10:09   0s  Lady for a day? Danger, Will Robinson...
76 Players logged in.

D'thon's eyebrows rise slightly. "Lady Holder? Her....?" The expression on 
his face is frankly mirthful. "Oh. Dear."

Styphnal steps out of the meeting hall to the north, letting the heavy 
door slide shut behind him.

Styphnal steps out, peering around for his wife.

Rodin waves at his steward from where he's standing with Lara and K'tyn.

Everin continues to investigate the banquet tables, his back to the crowd.

Lyxia looks around for some empty chairs, realizing it would be much more 
comfortable to sit. She spies two chairs not too far away and carefully 
sits down, motioning Krystyna to sit inext to her.

Styphnal spots them and heads over in their direction. "Sorry I'm late. 
Last minute things to tidy up."

Krystyna goes and sits by Lyxia.

"Certes, if'n you really *want* your feet bro--" Oh, wait. That's not the 
sort of thing Ladies are supposed to say. Kassi clears her throat and 
tries again. "If'n 'twould nay offend Lord Reed, good trader, then by all 
means 'twould gladly do m'duty by our guests."

"Twas not kindness, sir, but the truth. Benden Hold has prospered; There 
can be only one reason for that." Kiat offers the man a bow.

Kindre chuckles a bit as she nods to D'thon. "Indeed, but what fun, eh," 
she remarks and chuckles. "She and 'Lord' Reed just finished their first 
dance. Quite nice, actually. I've never met Reed before, but he's quite a 
charming young man. So, how fares?" The entrance of the Steward, albeit 
into a thick crowd, does catch her eye, apparently, as she calls, 
"Telgar's duties to Benden," in Styphnal's direction.

Solan grins "Thank you lady, I will look forward it, go and greet your 
guests now though"

Rodin nods and indicates his Steward and Headwoman. "Two reasons, 
actually."

Acaline slips out quietly.

Acaline opens the metal doors and walks out into the courtyard.

D'thon shakes his head. "Ceria's, er, indisposed. She's resting now - "

A final thunder of the black-haired harper lad's drums, a last flurry of 
expert gitar fingering, and Ginna the piper flutes the song's end. While 
she catches a breath, the other two put their heads together in 
consultation. Then the trio swings into a slower, lazier dance that wends 
around the dancefloor in serpentine softness, beckoning out the lovers 
(and would-be lovers) and other romantics.

Styphnal gives Kindre a wave through the crowd, grinning a bit, then turns 
to the Lord Holder and his wife and company. "I'm Styphnal.. Head 
Steward." he offers a hand.

"Is Ceria alright," Kindre wonders quickly, her expression touched with 
concern.

Reed chuckles and waves for the two to off and dance. "You won't offend me 
in the least. I could only dream of keeping such a lovely lady to 
myself." Ears perk up slightly as he thinks he hears something, but shrugs 
it off and takes a seat in a spare chair, his fair of firelizards 
attaching themselves to his nice new clothes. He bats at them a couple of 
times but to no avail. He's turned into 'lord holder, firelizard perch of 
the day.'

Solan smiles at the black haired drummer then the other harpers and turns 
to the food table

K'tyn grins. "Is that not how it is? Then you are doubly blessed, with 
able help. But..." As the music changes, he backs away. "Do not let me 
keep you from the dancefloor; with melodies such as this, tis nigh 
punishment."

Kathall steps in from the courtyard, the metal doors sliding shut behind 
her.

Lara releases the Lord Holder's arm to latch onto her husband's free arm. 
For once she doesn't chastise Styphnal on being late. Must be the company.

Rodin nods at K'tyn. "Please, enjoy the evening."

Everin sidles out of Solan's way, his hands full of gitar case and glass. 
After a drink from the latter, he offers a game smile. "Quite the event, 
isn't it?"

D'thon nods. "Tired, that's all. Rather tired." He glances back 
involuntarily. "She went to bed early."

Rodin smiles at Styphnal. "I had just asked your wife for a dance. I hope 
that meets with your approval?"

Lara had actually forgotten about that request to dance, looking from her 
Lord Holder to Styphnal, waiting to see what he says.

Styphnal places Lara's arm back on the Lord Holder's, "Please do.. I'll 
find someone to keep company with until she's returned."

Kindre bobs her head slowly. "I can imagine," she replies and sighs. "It 
was nice of her not to mind your coming, though. Benden gathers are always 
such fun," she notes and regains her smile.

Kathall slides through the crowd as a drab brown shadow, to take up a 
watching position near the food.

Rodin nods with a grin and leads Lara towards the dancefloor.

Solan says "indeed, " offers Everin a hand then notices his are full 
already so retracts it and just smiles "I am solan by the way"

The love song flirts just this side of cloying: The piper's eyes are 
twinkling above her instrument, and the men flanking her are rolling their 
eyes as she trills a sweet descant to the pacing, sweeping melody.

Lara is led to the dance floor by Rodin, but her eyes follow Styphnal, 
wondering who's company he's going to be keeping with.

Everin adds a smile of gratitude for retracting that hand. "Everin, 
apprentice harper. Well met, Solan. Do you live here?"

Kassima dips in yet another curtsey--she's getting a lot of practice at 
that tonight--to Reed, before finding a seat herself since Solan seems to 
be busy. "He's probably saved his toes, wandering off like that," she 
mutters under her breath, amused. Her own 'lizards seem content to stay 
perched on Lysseth outside, which suggests that the green herself has 
probably intervened. Catching Kindre's eye for a moment, she mouths, 'Can 
you believe this?' to her friend.

K'tyn makes his way to his weyrmate's side. Almost breathless, he stops 
some feet before her and simple regards her with a glowing smile. "My 
pardon," the weyrleader of Telgar Weyr says to Kindre's companion. "But I 
must address my lady...Always, heart of my heart, you leave me without 
words to describe what your loveliness does to me." Instead, he sweeps 
into a deep bow, then straightens again. "May I have the pleasure of the 
next dance?"

Lyxia looks at Krystyna "I'm going to get something from the food table, 
do you want anything?"

Rodin turns to face Lara placing his right hand on her waist and leading 
her into the slow rhythm of the music.

Styphnal wanders over to the food, and smiles to Kathall. "Evening to you, 
Kath.. I saw you walk in. How are you doing this evening?"

Krystyna looks at Lyxia "Not yet thanks... I'll save your place while you 
go.

Kathall leaves off giving Solan and Everin her wary baker's eye, and 
smiles at the steard. "Oh, well enough, thanks. Keeping track of the food, 
as usual. You?"

Lara stops watching her husband and smiles up at Lord Rodin. She mutters 
to Rodin, "... everything is... you? The... and... themselves." 

Solan says "for the next few days, then i'm off to travel with the 
Sebrings, Where are you posted?"

Rodin nods and smiles. He mutters to Lara, "... well, thanks... your..." 

Everin says "Oh, I'm still in training at the Hall. Fort," he adds, just 
in case, and with some just pride. "So you're a trader?"

Styphnal smiles to Kathall. "Seems I'm without a dance partner, would you 
care for a spin on the floor with me?"

Kathall flushes. "Dance? What about Lara?"

Kindre giggles as she sees Kassima's mouthed words and nods. "Incredible 
fun, it must be," she whispers back, her words draw dramatically by her 
lips so that the 'Lady' can read them. The Weyrleader's words cause a 
light pink to wash across her cheeks as her hand goes atop her heart. 
"Dearheart," she says quietly, "your words always sweep me out of my wits. 
I'd love a dance."

Reed smiles to the others and stands up for a moment, firelizars zipping 
every which way before they all pop *between*. He snorts softly and steps 
towards Kassima. "If you need anything, I will me just outside looking at 
the moons all right?"

Solan nods "just joined this summer"

Styphnal points to Lara out there with Rodin. "C'mon.. just one dance?"

D'thon quietly fades into a corner, a slight smile flitting across his 
lips at the Weyrleader's extravagance.

And the song keeps going, flowing its gentle way around and around the 
dancers, plucking at them and at the audience with delicate, inviting 
notes. Dance, thrums the drum; and enjoy, sing gitar and pipe.

Lyxia gets up and weaves her way through the crowd to the food table. She 
quickly smiles to Kathall before picking up a warm roll. She then returns 
to her seat.

Teelis steps out of the meeting hall to the north, letting the heavy door 
slide shut behind her.

Kathall bites her lip on a tentative smile. "I step on toes," she warns 
Styphnal, eyes fever-bright, and lets him lead her out.

K'tyn sweeps the slight goldrider into his arms and onto the dancing 
floor, the low rhythm pleasing. "You have ever stolen my heart," he 
comments quietly.

Teelis, having managed to outwit the nanny, returns to the ball.

Styphnal leads her out onto the floor. "Just follow my lead and we'll see 
where this takes us." he chuckles softly, as he begins the dance.

Everin nods slowly and takes another sip from his glass. "What brought you 
to be a trader?" he asks Solan, with another nervous look up at the dais. 
No, he can stay here awhile longer.

Lara sways slowly to the music, cheeks slightly flushed from what Lord 

Rodin just said to her. "It wasn't only me," she insists.

Kassima nods, smiling up at Reed. "By all means. Lyss says that they've 
returned to normal... but still, they're indubitably lovely." She gives 
Kindre a simple wink in reply, though not far from the goldrider, V'dan 
starts laughing anew (he hasn't actually *stopped* since Lara's first 
annoucement). The look Kassi shoots *him* promises that he'll probably be 
paying for this later.

Selan steps in from the courtyard, the metal doors sliding shut behind 
him.

Aiyanna steps in from the courtyard, the metal doors sliding shut behind 
her.

Reed opens the metal doors and walks out into the courtyard.

Kathall submits -- what else can she do? -- and tries to keep pace with 
him, with the music, with those around them. She mutters to Styphnal, 
"... Gather,... even earlier. How am..." 

Rodin smiles and shakes his head. He mutters to Lara, " Only you... 
have... together ." 

Solan says "My friend Danna, offered so I figured I'ld give it a try, 
explore Pern, make some marks, How long have you been a harper?"

D'thon slips outside for a moment.

Kindre continues to blush at her weyrmate's words, the smile spreading 
across her face so childlike despite her turns. "You, my dear, are much 
too sweet to me," she says quietly as she's lead through the music. I'm so 
glad you came. I thought mayhaps duties would have held you at Telgar."

D'thon opens the metal doors and walks out into the courtyard.

Selan oh mys! As he views the hall. "Must be a celebration of some sort."

Teelis watches not only Rodin with Lara, but Kathall with Styphnal, 
protective of her parents? Never..

Aiyanna follows behind Selan, quietly, inclining her head slightly. 
Nudging her husband, gently, she waves to those in the vicinity.

Everin answers Solan, "Almost a Turn, though it seems like much longer. Or 
much shorter, I'm not sure sometimes." He smiles crookedly. "Sometimes -- 
forever."

Lara lowers her eyes at the kind words the Lord Holder spoke to her. 
Instead of denying them, she continues dancing quietly, a smile on her 
lips.

Styphnal gives her an encouraging smile and nods, leaning a bit closer to 
whisper so she can hear him. He mutters to Kathall, "You're doing... of... 
right... how... evenings?" 

Solan grins and nods "I understand acctually"

Kathall's face transforms with a pleased smile that she directs up at him, 
still trying to match the rhythm. She mutters to Styphnal, "... well, 
thank... since... the... also..." 

Selan maneuvers himself and his wife through the crowd to Lord Rodin, 
"Lord Rodin, it is agreeable to see you again. May I present my wife 
Aiyanna."

Rodin mutters to Lara, "... eternal... for me..."

K'tyn looks down at Kindre, smiling gently. "I had to plead with Rina to 
let me go--and then, I can but stay for one dance. Twas all I could 
manage, but twas all that I could do, for thoughts of you have filled my 
poor mind these past few hours. And... I remembered another dance, one 
long ago." He glances at Kassima, then looks back at the goldrider in his 
arms. "Tell me now--what is this with Kassi? She is Lady Holder? I thought 
that Della..."

D'thon steps in from the courtyard, the metal doors sliding shut behind 
him.

The harper trio up front prance out the slow song's last measures, hold 
out the final notes, and then stop, like hitting a wall. The piper steps 
forward for another announcement, grinning again, but waits for attention 
first. Of course.

Telgar Weyr> Kindre wonders how long before we make Benden gag at our 
sweetness, Kiat? ;)

Styphnal grins over at Kathall as they continue to dance around the room. 
He mutters to Kathall, "... lovely tonight. I'm... snatched... up..." 

Teelis reaches into a pocket, searching for food. She finds a small 
meatroll and lowers her hand to Baby. The ferret darts over and snatches 
the meatroll, taking it to an isolated spot to devour it.

Telgar Weyr> M'kla grins and hands out barfbags?

Aiyanna slides her hand through Selan's arms as she tunes her ear gently 
to the music.

Telgar Weyr> Sandar snickers.

Telgar Weyr> A'lex says, "What, torture them cause we're not theirs 
anymore... :D"

Lyxia watches Teelis and Baby with amusement.

Teelis hides out in a corner, watching her parents protectively and 
playing with her baby.

Holding Lara's hand, Rodin realeases her waist and bows. "Thank you."

Solan says "So are you here on buisness or pleasure tonight?"

Kathall shakes her head rapidly and, when the song ends, steps away from 
him, although not acrimoniously. She mutters to Styphnal, "... 
Styphnal,... thank... alone still,... a... song,... it?" 

Selan smiles and takes slips his arm around Yanna's waist in a loving 
gesture.

Lara is a definite shade of pink now, stammering for some kind of a reply 
to what she was told, but comes up with nothing more than a quiet, "Thank 
you," as well to Lord Rodin.

Krystyna opens the metal doors and walks out into the courtyard.

Styphnal bows politely. "Thank you for the dance. Perhaps you can save 
me another spot on your dance card for later." he turns and looks for 
Lara.

Kindre traces one of her fingers over K'tyn's cheek as she smiles. "I'm 
glad she did," is reported quietly, "I'll have to do some extra scrolls 
for her for that." Letting herself be lead, she sighs a bit as the song 
concludes. "Oh, there was a contest," she begins to explain, "and Kassima 
was one of the winners. The prize was being Lady Holder for the eve! And 
she seems to take to it wonderfully."

Everin stares up at the silent harpers. "Business," he mutters at Solan, 
"and I think it's about time for it, too."

Kathall tries to bow back and then loses herself in the crowd again, 
flushed.

Telgar Weyr> Kindre notes, Lex, that Kassi is Lady Benden for the 
evening :)

Rodin leads Lara in the general direction of her husband as he continues 
to speak quietly to her.

Telgar Weyr> M'kla fears that greatly.

Telgar Weyr> Erdrick balinks, "Huh????"

Solan looks up at the harpers

Telgar Weyr> A'lex gets all jealous. *I* wanna be Lady Benden... err, 
wait...

Selan mutters to Aiyanna, "... dance..."

"Rather busy place... I see." Aiyanna quietly comments to her husband, 
smiling as she cocks her brow up, "Of course...!"

When she's judged they /are/ paying her proper attention (and she's all 
but preening, professional that she is), the piper of the trio calls out, 
"We'll return to dancing in a moment, but for now ... Benden commissioned 
a song from the Hall, to pay tribute to the joint efforts of Hold and Igen 
Weyr in turning in this fall's harvest." She lances a bright smile through 
the crowd. "One of our own will perform the song now. Everin?"

K'tyn chuckles. "Why is it That I am not surprised, hm? Kin--" He looks at 
the doors. "Dance out the doors with me, will you?"

Lyxia opens the metal doors and walks out into the courtyard.

Kassima watches Kiat and Kin with fond amusement, fortunately too far away 
to hear the vile slander that Kin's spreading about her. Looking towards 
the crowd, she makes out the flushed figure of Kathall and offers her a 
wry grin. 'Did you manage t'dance without killing anyone, too?' she mouths 
to her friend. It's probably not something a Lady would say, but then, she 
didn't actually *say* it... so everything's fine.

Telgar Weyr> Erdrick says, "So, who's Kassi's Lord if she's the Lady 
Benden...."

Solan applauds

Lara is smiling, cheeks flushed as she and Lord Rodin finally come up to 
Styphnal. "This song was specially commissioned," she tells the both of 
them in a quiet voice, "So pay attention."

Everin pulls in a deep breath and heads towards the dais, hands fumbling 
to free his gitar from the case before he gains the platform.

Rodin nods at Lara's instruction and turns his attention to Everin.

"Certainly," Kindre replies to K'tyn. "I'll be right back," she offers 
silently to Kassima as they make their way towards the door.

Kathall hides by Kassima, an eye on the harpers. "I did," she murmurs 
back, "and even was complimented. I'm not /used/ to this, I sweaer!"

Solan gives Everin an encouraging smile

Selan mutters to Aiyanna, "... this... anyway.... we have..."

Styphnal smiles to Lara, nodding, turning to watch the song.

K'tyn opens the metal doors and walks out into the courtyard.

Kindre opens the metal doors and walks out into the courtyard.

Telgar Weyr> A'lex says, "Lysseth, of course..."

Aiyanna nods to Selan, chuckling softly. Catching sight of a few familiar 
faces, she nudges Selan, "Isn't that Lara and Styphnal over there?"

Teelis picks Baby up, sho makes herself comfortable in Teelis' golden 
locks and walks over to her parents, she looks really out of place right 
about now, but, hey, you ever tried to get a 9 turn old tomboy to stay 
clean..let alone wear a dress?

Kassima smiles with faint wistfulness at the mention of Igen, and she 
stands in order to better watch the performing Harper. "'Tis the same with 
me," she agrees to Kathall in a low voice. "I'm still nay entirely 
convinced that I'm nay dreaming all of this."

Selan smiles, "Yes it is She

Nope. Just a pair of look-alikes. Seriously, Styphnal leans over and 
whispers to Lara.

Everin smiles back at Solan, then locks down his expression. "Thank you, 
Master Ginna," he says quietly, boosting his baritone through the Hall 
with only the faintest ring of strain around the edges. He's looking down 
at his gitar, while the other harpers wait for his cue. "I wrote a song 
about Benden and Igen working together on their harvest, and ... I hope 
you like it. It's called 'Hold and Weyr.'"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima grins. The Lord is Reed. :) *Pokes a 'Lex.* Hey! Lyss 
is *not* male, so there.

Kathall controls her expression admirably. "Indeed ... Lady Kassima."

Selan mutters to Aiyanna, "... is,... at Benden and... the... now..."

Lara is whispering in her husband's ear, but eventually she'll see Teelis 
and things won't go well for the girl.

Aiyanna nods again to Selan, "That's what I heard."

D'thon produces a coughcoughing noise at Kathall's overheard comment.

Teelis is a glutton for punishment, what can we say. Gotta love her, 
though. The girl puts one arm around her poppa's leg in a sort of hug, she 
must be getting a bit tired, 'cause she's turning into a 'kling-on'

The drum begins: a heartbeat's purposeful rhythm that carries the grizzled 
old gitarist's melody with it like life's blood. The pipes add soft, odd 
notes, and then Everin's gitar chimes in, lighter than the other, and he 
starts to sing, solemn and sincere.

Kassima smiles brightly up at the Harper, probably trying to be 
reassuring... but her eyes dart towards D'thon to favor him with a 
mock-glare, just *daring* him to say so much as a word.

     In greenest summer
     And winters sere
     Stand Benden's Hold
     And Igen's Weyr.


     Dragons choose
     And fields run gold
     On promise made
     Between Weyr and Hold.

Aiyanna leans against Selan, a smile curling upon her lips as she listens 
to the song.

Everin's light baritone deepens, rings out louder with the chorus and its 
reminder of symbiosis, of living and working together for all.

          Snow and desert,
          Sand and stone:
          Dragon's fire
          Guards its own.

The pipes gain strength, supporting the apprentice's voice as his gitar 
plucks more urgent chords: the song's heart.

     Now come, come all,
     To fertile ground:
     Hold and Weyr,
     Together bound.


     Crops await,
     Too much for one,
     So Weyr assists
     What Hold's begun.

Everin pauses, and the drums take their turn, rolling out like dragonwings 
on high, and then he pours his voice into the chorus, and he gains 
confidence and manages to meet the eyes of his audience.

          Sand and desert,
          Snow and stone:
          Holder's ware
          Feeds its own.

Lara finally sees the little scamp clinging to Styphnal's leg and the look 
she gives Teelis is enough to let the girl know she is in /big/ trouble. 
Lucky for her everyone is quiet and listening to the wonderful song Everin 
is singing, otherwise Teelis would be getting a talking to.

Almost, Everin smiles as the other gitarist picks out light, glittering 
notes in his own solo, and then the song spirals up, up into its 
triumphant coda.

     Harvest's made
     By mingled crowd
     With Lord and Lady,
     Weyrleaders proud.


     Harvest's done,
     And Igen flies:
     Grateful watch
     Of Benden skies.

All four harpers join their efforts, and the music's cloth vaults proudly, 
grandly across the Hall for song's reprise and close.

          Snow and desert,
          Sand and stone:
          Dragon's fire
          Guards its own.


          Sand and desert,
          Snow and stone:
          Holder's ware
          Feeds its own.

And Everin nearly collapses, but manages, "That's all. Thank you."

Styphnal starts to clap..

Solan claps again and pours a glass of juice

Rodin steps forward leading the applause with a broad smile. "Bravo."

Selan holds his wife close to him after such a wonderful song.

Kathall adds her own applause, murmuring sidelong to Kassima, "Sure, but 
they weren't /here/ for the harvest. Didn't go as smoothly as that, I 
assure you."

Lara claps loudly and for a long time. "Wonderful, Everin," she calls out. 
"Thank you."

Styphnal ruffles the hair of his daughter, after clapping, looking over 
and giving Lara a soft smile.

Selan smiles, "Shall we go over and say 'hi'?"

Everin bows over his gitar to the accolades, straightens, and holds out 
his arms to beckon the other harpers to take their due. All four bow, then 
the apprentice descends and heads back into the crowd, flushed and 
jittery.

Aiyanna grins, "Your lead, love, I'm no brave gal here.."

Kassima closes her eyes to listen to the song's finale, smiling broadly 
and adding her own applause to the clapping crescendo. "Admittedly, 
'twould nay know... I don't oft hear news from Igen," she confesses in a 
murmur to Kathall.

Solan holds out the glass of juice to Everin "that was fantastic"

Kathall says "Well, nor do I, but it wasn't all friendship and harmony." 
She shrugs, eyes lighting on Everin for another moment. "But it was a good 
song, for all that. Short."

Selan leads Yanna towards Lara and Styph, attempting to get their 
attention.

Styphnal wipes his hands on his trousers, wondering what Teelis got in her 
hair.. he leans over and whispers to Lara

Everin accepts the glass. "Thank you, Solan. I've never performed in 
public, and in front of this grand audience--" He breaks off, shakes his 
head, and has to take a long drink.

Aiyanna is lead and watches carefully as she chuckles quietly at Selan's 
attempts.

Lara closes her eyes, the look on her face one of displeasure as she nods 
to Styphnal. Opening her eyes, she looks at Teelis. "Where is the nanny?" 
she asks her fosterling in as calm a voice as she can manage. "And how did 
you get so dirty?"

Solan says "you did great, easily wqual to most journeyman performances 
i've heard"

Aiyanna mutters to Selan, "... like they're... love, let's wait a bit?"

The harpers still on the trio use this time to rest, themselves, with 
drink and snatches of food.

Teelis hasn't noticed Styph's ruffling of hair, but Lara's question is 
heard. "When I chased the piggy.." she explains, she just hasn't bothered 
to take a bath yet, too much going on. "I dunno where the nanny is." she 
says, at least that's fairly honest.

Selan smiles, "I think your right my love. Can I intrest the lovliest 
woman in the room, to have a glass of red wine with me?"

Everin shakes his head. "No, I lost the melody twice, and I kept flubbing 
one chord, but thank you anyway, Solan." He rubs sweat from his brow. "I 
think I'll go get some fresh air. Excuse me."

"Short's nay necessarily a flaw... it depends on the song," Kassi opines. 
"And 'twas performed well. I'll just thank Faranth 'tis nay Jerethan who's 
performing, if'n you don't mind. That man takes a great delight in 
tormenting me."

"Jerethan?" Kathall echoes. "I haven't heard of him. What does he do to 
you?"

Aiyanna smiles warmly at Selan, nodding slowly. 'Not too much, dear."

Solan says "want company or prefer to be alone for a bit?"

Everin says "I'd like to be alone, if that's all right. I'm leaving before 
the others, anyway, for classes in the morning. Thanks again, Solan, and 
fare you well."

Rodin steps over to Kassima and smiles. "You seem to be getting used to 
your new role."

Selan grinz, "Your not pregnant, let's enjoy ourselves tonight." The 
couple makes their way to the wine casks and purcases a couple of glasses 
of the rich red wine.

Solan waves "perhaps we will see each other when the Sebrigns get to 
Harper hall

Kathall hides a laugh in a cough, nods again to the Lord Holder, then 
peeks at her companion to see her reaction.

Teelis does the kissup thing, hugging Styph's leg again.

"Who said I wasn't?" Aiyanna teases her husband, watching him with 
apparent amusement.

Styphnal kneels down in front of Teelis. "Perhaps you might want to go 
take a bath and make yourself a little more presentable. Otherwise, I'll 
have to send you to bed, dear."

Kassima explains with a long-suffering sigh, "He usually sings songs about 
proddy greens or Benden Weyr that people, for some reason, get the 
mistaken impression that I inspired." She shakes her head ruefully, then 
turns at the sound of Rodin's voice and offers him a wry grin. "Well, sir, 
I'll confess 'tis a bit of a challenge. Most would agree that there's 
little about me that's ladylike by nature."

Everin murmurs something else pleasant and makes his way around to Lara, 
to bow over his gitar to her. "If you'll excuse me? I need fresh air and 
then to return to the Hall. Master Ginna and the others will remain, 
though, for your ball's music."

Kathall mutters about knives, eyes dancing.

Selan smirks, "I say your not."

Lara thinks Teelis should already be in bed, but isn't going to 
countermind her husband. Her look is one of disapproval though over Tee's 
behavior and appearance.

Teelis frowns, "Wanna stay and watch the dance.." she says quietly, it 
can't be that much longer, can it?

Styphnal shakes his head. "Go clean up first, then you can stay up until 
the dance is over. Deal?"

Lara stops frowning at Tee and smiles at Everin, taking his hand in hers. 
"Thank you so much for the song. It was perfect."

Selan chuckles, He mutters to Aiyanna, "I've... monitoring your cycle... 
supprises." 

Teelis really loves her fosterfather, oh yes. "I not hafta wear dress?" 
she asks.

The refreshed harpers resume their positions, return to their instruments, 
and wait while the old gitarist softly counts out a beat that leads into a 
quick dance resonant of the springtime that won't be seen in these parts 
for some months.

Lara gives Styphnal a nudge with her leg. He better know the right answer 
to that one.

Aiyanna nudges Selan, quietly and shoots him with a long look.

Everin ducks his voice under the music. "Do you think so?" he asks Lara, a 
little forlorn. "I never practiced it outside of class, and I didn't seen 
any Igenites here to tell me if I got it right...."

Selan grinz and leads Yanna out onto the dance floor.

Styphnal oofs at the nudge, then looks up and gives Lara a glare. Stop 
that. He turns back to Teelis, "Wear something nice. It doesn't have to be 
a dress, okay?"

Lara gives Everin a sincere smile and words of reassurance, "I honestly 
believe it was wonderful, Everin. In fact, if ever Benden needs another 
song commissioned, we'll be sure to ask for you special."

Nice? In Teelis' opinion? Oh that oughta be interesting.

Styphnal turns her towards the bath, and gives her a swat on the rear. "Go 
to it.."

Everin smiles helplessly. "Thank you, lady. I'll ... be sure to remember 
that." And tell all the other apprentices, maybe. Maybe. "Have a good 
night."

Lara nods to Everin, "Good night, and thank you," then turns back to 
Styphnal, muttering "...told you...wear..dress...last week."

Everin weaves his way out and gone.

Everin opens the metal doors and walks out into the courtyard.

Teelis is swatted, and shuffles off towards the bath with a pouty look, at 
least she doesn't have to wear a dress, though.

Solan approches Kassima " Can I take you up on that dance now my lady?"

Teelis pushes open the northern door and steps into the meeting hall.

Rodin chuckles at the remark he over heard, the replys to the one 
addressed to him. "I must disagree. You seem meant for this role."

Styphnal stands and hms? to Lara, apprantly not having heard a word she 
said.

D'thon positions himself by the edge of the hall and watches quietly.

The dance picks up its beat, calling out participants while each of the 
three harpers seems bent on proving to each other that his or her 
contribution skims faster, higher, better.

Kathall nudges Kassima with an elbow. "Lady," she purrs. "What does 
Lysseth think?"

Lara puts her hands on her hip, never a good sign. "You heard me, 
Styphnal," she says in a lowered voice. "Just last week I told you she had 
a dress to wear."

Kassima smiles and shakes her head, flushing just a trace. "You flatter 
me, sir, beyond what I likely deserve; I'm a simple cotholder's daughter 
by nature, and nay more." Glancing to Solan, she nods. "Aye, good 
trader... if'n you'll excuse me, Lord Rodin?" She just shoots Kathall a 
*look*.

Styphnal chuckles softly, shaking his head. "I think she was wearing it 
under that coating of mud. You don't honestly want her to wear that thing 
back out here after she takes a bath?"

Kathall grins merrily back at the green rider, but does not, at least, dip 
her a bow.

Teelis steps out of the meeting hall to the north, letting the heavy door 
slide shut behind her.

Rodin shakes his head with a warm smile and steps back to find himself 
standing next to Kathall.

Lara lets out a sigh of frustration. "She had a blue dress to wear. That 
was not it."

Selan smiles as he leads his wife in the spritly dance.

Kathall shifts her weight again, automatic with Benden's Lord suddenly 
near. "That was a fair song, wouldn't you say, sir?" she ventures, eyes on 
the harpers.

Solan bows and walks towards the dance floor

Rodin nods with a smile. "Indeed." He tilts his head to the baker. "Would 
you like to dance?"

Teelis trudges back out, holding the what was once white cord/belt up, she 
looks for Styphnal. "Poppa, need you to tie it."

"Me?" Kathall did not squeak. Did not. She swallows a breath, though, and 
comes up with a trembling smile that would do a woman twice her age proud. 
"I would be honored, Lord Rodin, although ... not for this song? It's too 
fast."

Styphnal turns her right around. "I said nice.. nice means new and clean. 
Back you go.."

Kassima follows Solan, warning him in a half-serious, half-amused murmur, 
"I really am terrible at this dancing business, y'know, so you've 
m'apologies in advance if'n you come out of this with shattered toes. Are 
you certain you don't wish t'be backing out?"

Teelis frowns, "Don't got nuthin else, it's all dirty." she says. "This 
nice."

Solan says "Kindre said the same thing and I lived through that"

Rodin chuckles softly. He mutters to Kathall, "I... songs... if... promise 
to... for..." 

Rushing, fleeting -- and then laughing, the dark-haired drummer, when the 
other two quicken their musical pace, staring at each other over their 
respective instruments, determined to outplay the other, or die. (And 
never mind the dancers' sore feet!)

Kassima points out reasonably, "Kin was exaggerating, whereas I'm all too 
serious... but they're your feet, good Trader. Just take the lead, and 
I'll follow as best I can."

Lara arches a brow at Teelis' appearance, grateful that for once her 
husband had sense enough to notice what she's wearing isn't quite 
apropriate. 'You have that blue dress in my wardrobe, Teelis."

Kathall lowers her head shyly. She mutters to Rodin, "... Lord." 

Teelis wrinkles her nose, "Poppa said I don't gotta wear a dress."

Styphnal mmhmms. "Go put on the blue dress for your mother." Shifting the 
blame is always helpful.

Solan grins and begins to dance and spin leaving poor Kassima to keep up

Lara gives Styphnal a bit of a glare, then turns to speak with some 
guests, leaving him to handle the Teelis situation.

Kassima gives a most unladylike glack as she's pulled into the dance, 
forced to exert all of her extremely negligible skill to keep up. "This is 
what I get," she notes, while trying frantically to keep from imperiling 
the feet of either her partner or herself (dancing the dance correctly is 
a purely secondary consideration), "for swearing 'twas nay going t'do any 
dancing tonight!"

Solan says "Forget Steps lady, just move and have fun, the reason people 
step on toes is because they are trying to perform half remembered steps, 
just enjoy yourself"

Rodin smiles again at Kathall and waits patiently for the next song.

D'thon coughs, glancing at the greenrider-turned-temporary Lady Holder 
with humor in his eyes.

/One/ of the harpers must run out of breath or finger strength, yes? Then 
again, they're professionals, they're masters, and their prides are on the 
line. So, when the song finally crashes to its end (and the drummer is 
still sniggering at his elders), piper and harper end together, stare at 
each other together -- and grin together. She puffs out a breath, he 
shakes out his hands, and together they start another slow song, dignified 
and sweet.

Styphnal assumes he appropriately handled the 'Teelis situation'. He looks 
around the room, hoping everyone is enjoying themselves.

Kathall leaves off staring anxiously at Kassima's ... dancing and twitches 
attention back to Rodin, shy again. "Will this suit, Lord?"

Solan slows and takes Kassima's arms, not letting her escape between songs 
and dances at to the new slower song

Rodin smiles at Kathall and nods. "Very well." He offers his arm to lead 
her to the floor.

Teelis disappears a moment and scuffs her feet as she returns, wearing 
that horrid dress. She does not look like a happy camper at all.

Teelis pushes open the northern door and steps into the meeting hall.

Kathall accompanies him giddily, unable to meet anyone's eyes, including 
his, as they begin.

Kassima observes dryly, "Then the fact that I don't know any steps at all 
will probably be of some help. If'n I can simply avoid doing either of us 
any injury, I'll be satisfied...." She does do her honest best to follow 
Solan's lead, though. Really, she does. But all the same, the change to 
the slower-paced song causes an unmistakable expression of relief to 
flicker across her face for an instant. "Now, this is considerably more 
dignified."

Rodin places one hand on Kathall's waist and takes her right hand with the 
other. He leads her across the floor in time to the music.

Solan grins "I've not known you to often worry about whats dignified

Teelis steps out of the meeting hall to the north, letting the heavy door 
slide shut behind her.

Solan says "Of course you aren't often a lady holder either"

Kassima grins ruefully. "Let's just say that I put concern for the 
security of m'feet above m'disdain for dignity... and aye, you've quite 
the truth of it there."

Teelis really isn't a happy camper, what kids will go through to be able 
to stay up late. Arms crossed, she heads over to her poppa, pouting and 
tugging at the skirt that keeps tripping her.

The pipes soar over the gitar, anchored to the steady melody line by the 
drum's thoughtful pace, which matches the dancers' around the floor. The 
young drummer watches them, wistful and apparently a little bored. The old 
gitarist gives him a look worthy of the Hold's new temporary 'Lady,' and 
the lad hurriedly pays all attention to his work.

Styphnal leans over and picks her up and gives her a hug. "You are getting 
so big! Would you care to dance with your father?"

Kathall concentrates, frowning, on her steps and then, after a moment, 
darts up a smile at her partner. She mutters to Rodin, "... yet!... though 
I... that... your title..." 

D'thon glances around for a moment, making a hmm-noise.

D'thon opens the metal doors and walks out into the courtyard.

Rodin smiles at the compliment. He mutters to Kathall, "I... but 
usually... such a..." 

Teelis continues to pout, big bully adults. "Dunno how." she grumbles.

Aiyanna inclines her head at Selan, smiling lightly.

Kathall's laughter chokes out over the music, making her skulk a guilty 
look around. She mutters to Rodin, "... sir,... really... suppose... 
event." 

Styphnal smiles, setting her down. "C'mon.. I'll show you how.. " he leads 
his girl out to the floor and attempts to teach her how to dance.

Rodin smiles as he speaks quietly to his dance partner. He mutters to 
Kathall, "... again Styphnal has... impeccable taste." 

Teelis follows her poppa, tripping over the too-long skirts. "Don't like 
dresses." she grumbles.

Selan leads his lovely wife onto the dance floor for another dance.

Aiyanna is led to floor, happy to dance with Selan.

The gitar slides softly down to thread around the drum's line, leaving the 
pipes alone at the song's zenith, there to trickle high notes like rain 
over and through the music while the piper half-closes her eyes and smiles 
with her instrument.

Kassima adds confidentially, "I suppose I *should* act dignified more 
often, so as nay t'shame m'Wing, but... life is simply too short." Looking 
over at the Harpers, she can't help but grin. "After this, if'n we both 
survive after all, methinks 'twill sit the next one out... I don't mind 
confessing that I'm dying for a glass of the wine and another look at 
those moons."

Styphnal spins around with Teelis, trying to help her be a bit graceful. 
"I think you're doing well, Tee.."

Lara finally has a moment to herself and happens to see her husband and 
daughter dancing together. Like a typical mother, she gets all watery-eyed 
while watching them with a soft smile.

Kathall shakes her head. She mutters to Rodin, "... He's... and... 
friend,..." 

Solan nods "that was incredible wasn't it, I certainly had a thought work 
out during it

Rodin nods agreement. He mutters to Kathall, "... as..." 

Teelis is anything but graceful, it's not her nature, she stumbles and 
trips over those sharding skirts.

Aiyanna nudges Selan, suggestively as she pulls him closer to her.

Kathall tries to smile and stay dignified. She mutters to Rodin, "... 
but... for dancing with..." 

Kassima grins at Solan. "I might have t'share that story with 
m'daughters... I suspect they would enjoy it." Stepping back with, yes, 
yet another curtsey, she skirts around the edge of the Hall, appropriating 
a wine glass from somewhere before heading outside for a quick breather.

Selan holds his wife close to him as he leads her around the dance floor.

Solan bows and waves

Styphnal slows down a bit for Teelis' sake. "Is that dress a little too 
big for you?"

Leaving the congenial atmosphere of the Hall behind, you open the doors 
and walk out into the courtyard.