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Bubblyfest Gone Wild


Date:  June 25, 2000
Places:  Benden Hold's Great Hall, Courtyard, Kitchen, and Baker 
Training Center
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:  A long, long log, but fun from the first minute to last.
Kassima stops by the Bubblyfest for a day's Gather-going and it begins 
with some quick cross-Craft classes, proceeds to the Extreme Baking
Competition, then an enormous feast, then a topless K'tel eating pie,
and finally Kassi and Mirala doing a circuit of every booth available
and probably leaving some vendors disturbed in their wake.  Good times!
This is one of the best events I ever attended. :)

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The Log:

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

Sauscony peers at the questioner before she sets her box down and stretches
slightly. She pulls out a sheaf of notes and considers them for a moment
before stuffing them back into a pocket.

Demid glances around, and wonders aloud, "What's going on? Got a lot of
folks coming in now..."

Banit nods "Thats what i want to know too"

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

Sylvara walks in, nodding to quite a few people.

Ofira hovers about at the front of the hall, making sure the podium is
correctly set and fussing about the display items, "Is there anything I can
get you, Crafters?" she asks the class instructors.

Sylvara mutters to Ofira, "... animals... in the Courtyard,... it's...
send... out..."

Ofira leans over and nods to Sylvara, "Alright...now...which of you is
going first?"

Kiara glances to Conn and Dendra, "It's a crowd,"

Demid looks up, and shrugs. "I guess we've got speakers or something...
should be interesting."

Conn nods. "I think there are some classes now"

Sauscony glances between the others, shrugging slightly. "I don't have a
preference...do you?"

Dendra nods and says, "I tihink they're gonna give talks to us."

Sylvara mms quietly, "I think I was supposed to go first so that I could
return the animals back to their pens before they got too fidgetty."

Dendra steps up to the baker riddle booth, puts down a fourth of a mark,
and has a go at the questions.

Ofira nods to Sylvara, "Very well, first it is," she smiles, "Shall I
introduce you?"

The baker at the riddle stand passes Dendra an eighth of a mark for
answering two riddles correctly.

Demid grins, and holds out a hand to Conn. "Hello... Demid of Tillek,
gardener..." He quiets as he sees someone get to the podium.

Kassima slips in and gives the crowd something of a blink, as well as a
murmured good evening. "This should be interesting," she observes, slanting
a wary glance towards the Healer Journeywoman.

Dendra grins at the riddles, and takes her prize.

Sylvara nods, "Yes. You can introduce me and then suggest they go out to
the courtyard." She shifts as though she's nervous.

Sauscony glances over to spot Kassi's look, her own expression turning a
bit puzzled before she sighs softly. "One would think." She murmers to
herself before shrugging it off.

Banit makes a stop at the dragonear booth and comes away with a large sweet
pastry.

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

Dendra says, "I wonder what the woodcraft will have to tell us? That could
be intersting...Baking With Wood."

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

Ofira steps up to the podium and clears her throat, "May I have your
attention please? We're about to begin our cross craft classes. I'm
delighted to introduce Apprentice Sylvara of the Beast craft. She will be
speaking to you today about the Proper Selection of Animals for Choice
Cuts. This should be of interest to anyone at all who ever cooks a dinner
in his or her cothold. Now...Sylvara?" she steps aside, smiling at the
beastcrafter.

Demid snickers a little at Dendra's comment. "Hey.. maybe something about
fires?" He smiles at her. "By and by, I'm Demid... Tillek." He holds out a
hand.

Kassima has the grace to look slightly sheepish, if only slightly. "Well,"
she defends, though whether she can be heard by the Healer is questionable,
"how'm I t'be knowing you'll nay want me t'assist in something messy
again?" But oh, the classes are starting, and it's time to find an
unobtrusive place to stand and listen.

Banit shakes his head , finding it dificult to believe his friend can be so
bold

Demid shrugs to Banit. "It's a social event... got to try to make some
friends, don't I?"

Banit nods "No i just .... could never be as bold as that , Although
sometime i wish i could"

Dendra shakes Demid's hand and says, "I'm Journeywoman Dendra, posted to
Igen Weyr. Nice to meet you."

Kiara glances over to Demid and makes introductions of her head, "Senior
Apprentice Healer Kiara," she smiles.

Sylvara smiles and nods to everyone. "Hello. Um... the animals are out in
the courtyard, if you all would like to travel outside..."

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

Demid smiles pleasantly. "Oh? Journeywoman... is that weavercraft, then?"

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

Dendra shakes her head and says, "I'm sorry, I forgot that part. I'm a Baker."

Ofira follows Sylvara, announcing as she goes, "As apprentice Sylvara said,
the class will take place in the courtyard, where the animals are. Follow
me...come along...this way...follow me!" she order as she moves through the
crowd.

Sauscony has apparently not heard Kassi as she rearranges her displays,
more from needing something to do than the fact that they actually needed
to be rearranged.

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

Demid drops his chin to his chest. "Sorry... no good at reading knots. I'm
a gardener, myself. Shall we step out, then?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conn grins amusedly. He mutters to Kiara, "Here... are, cold again,...
even... up..." 

Teryla comes out of the Woodsmiths' Gather Tent.

M'teh slips on his neck warmer, recently purchased, against the cold.

Kiara rolls her eyes to Conn, She mutters to Conn, "Shush,... happen...
Master... that,"  she grins, moving a little closer to the apprentice.

Teryla shivers a little, and hugs herself, trying to move into the middle
of the crowd for warmth.

Kassima shivers a bit in the cold, herself, and settles for wrapping her
braid around her neck. There.

Demid looks in concern at Teryla and Kassima, and shrugs off his jacket.
"Either of you need this? You can borrow it until we get back inside.." he
says, gruffly.

Banit chuckles "Its so cold at Tillek , we dont feel it here"

Dendra tucks her hands into her pockets and hunches a bit in her wool dress.

Teryla blushes, and shakes her head quickly. "No.. thank you, I'm fine..."

Sylvara trots over to the few animals contained in a rope baracade. She
hops up onto the large wooden platform and calls out, loudly over the
crowd. "Sorry for the weather, and I promise this won't be long." She hops
down a moment and leads the first animal, a herd beast out, tying it before
the podium so people can watch.

Kassima blinks in surprise, and shakes her head with a wry smile. "Thankee,
sir--'tis generous of you--but I'll be fine once I've been out a bit."

Demid goes into the pack he'd brought along. He mutters to Banit, "So many
sharding snowstorms, I practically brought my cot..." He holds a fur out to
Dendra. "Put this over your shoulders, ma'am..."

Teryla shrugs. "The offers there..."

Conn slips his fingers into Kiara's. Not even the crotchetiest Master can
object to that, surely

Demid grins, and hands Teryla a fur. "That's right... here you are."

Teryla accepts one of the furs, and wraps it around herself. She blushes a
quick thank you then turns to the podium.

Kiara smiles, giving Conn's a quick squeeze before turning back to look at
the talking herder. She does shiver slightly whilst looking at the herdbeast.

Dendra takes the coat gratefully, and pulls in on with a big smile of relief.

Corla strolls briskly into the courtyard, nodding to a few of the herders
before staring at the apprentice on the podium and the herdbeast. She gives
a mint stick in her hand a quick chew and starts to pay attention.

Demid harumphs. "See that it doesn't get dirty... and stay warm," he adds,
gruffly.

Dendra mutters to Demid, "... living at Igen thinned... more... realized..."

Demid mutters to himself, "... do it... by the... fine,... you..."

Demid mutters to Dendra, "... would... it... living... the... I'm...
I'll... you... to... it back."

Sylvara clears her throat and says, "As you all well know, this is a herd
beast. For passes and intervals, Herd beast meat has been a primary meat
ingredient in the foods that have graced our halls, holds and weyrs.
However, choosing a good beast will allows you better meat, tender and
juicy, where the wrong beast will give you more grissle and tough meat."

Ofira stands back, listening, nodding in agreement as Sylvara speaks.

Teryla watches the herd beast sadly, then nods at Sylvara's words.

Corla nods to Sylvara, listening carefully.

Conn mutters to Kiara, "... the... could... to..."

Sylvara hops down from the podium and walks so that the beast is between
the crowd and herself. "One of the most important cuts of meat that is
often used for our meals is called the rump roast." She steps up on the
block so she can be a little higher. She gestures to the hind quarters,
"Choosing a good herd beast for a rump roast cut is easy. First thing
you'll want to do is look for proper -rounding-. Rounding is the shape of
the hind quarters. A chisled rear end suggests a good breeder, but doesn't
have the muscle development or fat content that an animal with a good
rounding does." She gestures to the well rounded quarters of the beast.

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

Ofira blinks and then restrains a laugh, mostly. "I must tell Jorenan
that," she murmurs to herself.

Kassima finds a wall to lean against, hands in her pockets and eyes on that
herdbeast. Hmmm. "I wonder," she murmurs, "how this fits in with R'ehn's
idea of rump honor."

Kiara mutters to Conn, "... depends... want..."

Dendra grins and makes a note to ask Celie about 'rounding' back at Igen.

Conn smiles at Kiara. "Well, for the moment, I was thinking of warmth"

M'teh looks up at the sky. "Well, I'd better be getting back," he says to
himself, and heads up the steps to the fireheights.

M'teh follows the steep staircase up to the fireheights.

Demid sighs, and watches the beast. "Could go for some rump roast right
now..."

Sylvara lays her hands on the back of the herd beast, "A second cut of meat
that is very popular for sauces is the loin. The loin runs along the lower
back of the herd beast. They can be removed in strips, sliced, and
marinated to make many mouth watering dishes." She moves towards the front
of the beast, "A third cut, one that plays a large role in selecting a good
animal is what is known as the Picnic shoulder." She gestures to the
foremost meaty area of the animal's shoulder. "Knowing the quality of this
part of the animal will give you a prelude of the rest of the shoulder and
neck area, as it often reflects the development of the creature."

Ofira nods thoughtfully as she listens carefully.

Kiara grins, "Sharing warmth is good, especially in this weather," she
snuggles a little closer to the harper, pulling her coat a bit tighter with
her free hand. She uses her other hand to squeeze Conn's again.

Demid glances around quickly. "I think I'm going to go find some food, I
will be back to see if they've cooked that beast yet." With a wink, he
weaves out of the crowd.

Conn slips his arm (and thus his cloak) around the Healer's shoulders,
moving her hand with it

Corla seems pleased as she finds a wall to lean against. Again mint stick
is inserted into mouth and chewed.

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

Dendra tightens her grasp on Demid's fur coat, grateful that he let her
keep it.

Sylvara returns the herdbeast back to the pen and then leads a small ovine
out, freshly sheered and thus revealing its body for display. "Ovines are
much the same in this matter. Look for proper rounding, strong back, and
good picnic shoulders. Another thing you may wish to inquire about when
purchasing an animal for slaughter is what it was fed and reared on.
Grain-fed animals will have a greater marbelling, or fat content, of the
meat. This makes for more tender, juicier meat, but also more fattening.
For a leaner, healthier meat, for all those out in the audience who are
health conscious, inquire of a beast that was fed more roughage than
concentrate, concentrate being grain foods, and roughage being your hays.

Kiara smiles at the warmth the cloak provides, slipping her other arm
around Conn's waist, without interrupting the flow of the cloak, "Thanks,"
she whispers to the harper.

Kassima repeats dutifully, "Rump, loin, picnic shoulder," while watching
the herdbeast with sympathy. "Poor thing. If'n 'twere in its place,
methinks I'd be disturbed." Her eyes dart momentarily towards Corla and her
mint stick--more towards the mint stick, truth be told.

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

Corla glances over to the Telgar greenrider, namely Kassima, and shifts off
her perch towards her, "Heya again," she says to the person who got her
addicted to the mint sticks in the first place, "Like a mint stick?" she
offers from the ever-full herder bag.

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

Conn smiles, and - before he returns his attention to the Herder - murmurs
to Kiara, "You're always welcome"

Sylvara scratches the ovine between the ears as it bleats pitifully.
Sylvara chuckles and says, "If you've any questions, see me afterwards and
I'll be glad to answer them. But thank you all for coming and I hope that I
was able to teach you all a little of what I know." She smiles and leads
the ovine back to it's pen.

Ofira smiles and raises a hand, "Apprentice Sylvara? Could you address the
effects of different feed and living conditions on the tenderness of the
meat."

Sauscony nods her head thoughtfully at the lecture before her attention
drifts across the others there. Ofira's question drawing her attention
before she spots Kiara.

Kiara claps her hands quietly, before quieting when the Master asks a
question, she turns to Conn, "Did I tell you I splatted her with a cream
pie," she mutters to the harper.

"G'day," Kassi returns, blinking from stick up to Herder. "Oh--'tis Corla,
isn't it? The one who slimed I'sai? I certes would, if'n you wouldn't
mind." She reaches for one, but pauses to instead to listen for the answer
to Ofira's question. "Glad naught's being cut up," she murmurs sotto voce
to Corla. "Kaylira would never forget me for letting her miss that."

Banit turns to wave to the newcomer , seeing its Lela he smiles unesaily
and carefully says "Hi , Lela"

Dendra leans over and asks, "You got Ofira? That's great!"

Corla ohs, holding out the mint stick, "Yeah, that was me. Was a while ago
now," she chuckles, before pausing, "Who's Kaylira?"

Lela looks around her hands folding behind her back she looks over at Banit
and closes her eyes for a second then opens then and heads his direction
"...Hi..."

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

Sylvara smiles over at Ofira and nods, hopping back up to the Podium. "Of
course, Master Ofira. Living conditions have a great deal of impact on
animals. Animals that live in a more rugged landscape will often harbor a
more tough, stringier meat, as they produce more sinew than muscle. In
rugged areas, similar to around here, the food they eat is usually a tough,
prairie-like grass, an intense roughage. This is a good thing for
Herdbeasts, health wise, because they have multiple stomachs and are able
to get the needed protiens and vitamins out of the available landscape."
She continues, "With feed lots, they may look disgusting, but they aren't
able to move much and are fed heavy concentrates, which allow for grander
marbelling and a greater quality of meat."

Ofira nods thoughtfully and then adds her applause. "Thank you very much
Apprentice Sylvara! Shall we go on to the next presentation?"

Sylvara nods, "Yes, thank you!" She steps off the podium.

Conn murmurs to Kiara, "It's about my turn to go on duty, I'm afraid.. "

Corla starts a quick applause for her fellow harper from where she stands
by Kassima.

Kassima accepts and tucks the stick into her cheek, a brief expression of
bliss crossing her features. "Mmmm, mint," she mumbles. Then: "Kaylira's
m'daughter, eldest of m'children. I'm here t'buy gifts for 'em,
mostly--found a knife that should suit her well, if'n I can find a Smith
t'sell it t'me." She darts an interested glance back towards Sylvara.
"Multiple stomachs, like dragons? 'Twas never knowing that a'fore." She
lifts her hands to applaud the speaker and her animal assistants.

Kiara quirks her mouth into a pout, "Can I keep your cloak?" she pleads,
shivering.

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

Ofira smiles and steps up to the podium, "And now, to keep you all warm,
we'll move back inside for Craftmaster Malia's presentation! We'll be going
through the hall and into the kitchen! Follw me everyone!" she says
authoritatively.

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

Banit looks over , seeing there are few seats left he offers Lela his seat

Sylvara looks over at Kassima, catching the questions. "Four to be exact.
But they are connected, not seperate. The food goes through each and into a
different stage of digestion..."

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

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

Mhaul blinks a few times, deciding to follow the crowd inside.

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

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

Conn smiles, undoing the brooch and settling it around her shoulders. "Of
course" Now, with hands free, he joins in the applause. "I'll see you
later, Kiara?"

"Oh," Kassi replies, blinking. "That is different. A bit like the food
going through intestines in people, isn't it?"

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

Kiara glances around before giving Conn a quick kiss on the cheek, "See you
later. If I don't get trapped in the healer tent,"

Lela shakes her head at the offered seat "no thank you..." she then looks
around quietly again.

Banit nods and sits down again carefully

Conn smiles at Kiara, then heads for the Harper tent

Corla nods to Kassima from the side, "Like that,"

Sylvara shrugs a little, "Sort of... Not really. See, ruminent animals have
intestines just like everyone else, but they are able to get more vitamins
and nutrients from roughages where as simple stomached animals can't and
often have to be fed supliments

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

Kassima nods a vague understanding. "Humans certes can't be feeding only on
hay," she quips, "or grains either... thankee, Apprentice." Flashing a
smile, she bobs her head once and starts for the great hall at a trot.

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

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

Dendra makes a stop at the dough dot table and comes away with a plate of
them.

Dendra munches on her snack and goes into the kitchen to see what is
happening there.

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

You walk under the wide archway into the kitchen.

Dendra walks over to Craftmaster Ofira and whispers her question, "Who is
teaching this class?"

Corla walks under the archway from the Great Hall.

Malia waits until everyone is fairly settled down before beginning. "The
WoodCraft plays a small, but I think important, role in the Bakercraft.
They use quite a few of the wooden utensils that we make" she starts. As
she talks, she picks up a small plank of ash that has been sitting on the
counter along with a small hatchet. "By the way" she adds, grinning. "This
is one of my Journeymen, Residue, who will be helping me today"

Sauscony waits quietly as she considers her notes.

Keara looks quietly attentive and nice and neat.

Corla walks into the kitchen, muttering, "Wondered where everyone went,"
she finds a spot next to the greenrider again, peering over to the
CraftMaster.

Girad walks under the archway from the Great Hall.

Kassima seems to find that hatchet fascinating, at least, since she spends
a moment or two gazing at it in appreciation before registering any
comment. Once she does, she nods politely to Residue and finds another
convenient wall. "Good contrast to that cold outside, this," she remarks
quietly to Corla around her mint.

Girad is in agreement with that, and post-haste sets about brewing up a new
pot of klah. Oddly enough, he seems to be putting some different items in it

The plank Malia has picked up is about two handlengths long and a handwidth
wide...but is only a fingerwidth thick. As she begins her small lecture,
the craftmaster strikes the plank with the hatchet, taking off chunks of
wood in even strokes. "Most of the wood we use is oak or ash...though for
Craftmasters..." she says, nodding to Ofira.. "we'd likely use walnut...a
rarer wood. Oak and ash are easier to shape and don't spoil cooking with
any oils or tastes"

Corla glances between the greenrider and hatchet, taking a small step away,
"Definately. Though Sylvara gave a good lecture," Corla nods, turning her
attention to the woodcraftmaster, "I thought we ate walnuts," she mutters
back to Kassima.

Ofira nods to Malia, listening quietly.

Keara looks absolutely fascinated. How odd.

Qinan smiles leaning against a wall his arms cross over his chest as he
watches.

Residue waves nervously at everyone and holds up one of the walnut planks.

Sauscony listens quietlym her head tilting slightly as she considers the
plank.

That plank is being shaped into a sort of triangle at the moment. Malia
continues "Right now, I'm using a plank of ash...a usually easy to use wood
that has few knots." She spares a glance at Residue before she goes on.
"Mostly we make long handled spoons and two-pronged forks. But we also make
a variety of other utensils that some take for granted." As she talks, she
still makes quick cuts into the plank with practiced ease. The form in her
hands takes on a long handle with a diamond shape attached to the end.

Residue picks up a few of the pre-made utensils that Malia talks about,
peering at one of the peculiar shaped spoons and then scratching his chin
with it curiously.

Dendra raises her hand with a question.

"Wood from a walnut tree, I'm thinking she means," Kassi asides to the
Herder. Her voice is a bit distracted; she's watching Malia cut up the wood
with great interest. Something's being cut up; of course she's enthralled.

Setting down the hatchet, now that she has the general shape she wants,
Malia picks up a knife and starts whittling. She's just about to continue
when she notices Dendra's hand and smiles. "Yes?"

Girad selects nutmeg and adds that to the klah. Then drinks. Huzzah, he
feels human again!

Dendra asks, "What makes walnut wood better than oak or ash for cooking
implements?"

Girad comes over to look at the work. "Whittling? Great"

Corla takes another small step away from Kassima, glancing at the greenrider.

Residue sets the spoon down and listens quietly, holding his hands behind
his back until he's needed again.

Ofira mutters to Keara, "I've got to remember to order those napkin rings I
wanted, speaking of walnut."

Keara whispers quietly back, "For your handfasting, or just for in general?"

Ofira murmurs, "The handfasting. I thought it would make a nice
tablesetting to have something special carved. What do you think?"

Malia nods "Good question..." she says, thinking her answer over for a
moment. "Walnut is rare, which makes it a wood that is expensive...which is
why usually Masters have them. But...walnut also has great qualities that
are good for cooking...heat doesn't release any oil or flavors when used
for cooking...an important quality if you don't want to spoil the taste of
your cooking. It's also strong and sturdy and won't crack or warp from heat
or pressure"

Ofira raises a hand now too.

Keara just nods approvingly, and turns her attention back to Malia.

Malia glances at Ofira, even as her knife smoothes out the shape of the
object in her hands. "Yes Ofira?"

Girad sips the klah and mumbles, adding more sweetener. He is making a few
mental notes here

Ofira asks, "Other than ash, oak and walnut, are there other woods,
particularly luxury woods that you would recommend for table accessories,
as opposed to something exposed to high heat?"

Malia nods once "Oh sure...any of the fruitwoods are rare...Maple is also a
nice wood that we don't use much of...but looks very nice on a table
setting. I myself use a lot of apple wood"

Girad eyes Ofira. "Darker woods would match your colouring more."

Ofira nods thoughtfully, "Apple wood. Thank you Craftmaster Malia." She
looks at Girad in surprise. "Does that matter?"

Amazingly, Girad uses a word he learned at Harperclass "Well, it does.
Aesthetically." Then he sips his klah and looks smug.

"My pleasure, Ofira!" Malia says, smiling at her fellow Craftmaster.
"Now...as I said, we do make other utensils that are used by the bakers,
including bowls...tenderizers for cuts of meat...spatulas of all
sizes...even those large ones used to take bread out of ovens...pasta
forks...even strainers." Malia lists all of the utensils that she can think
of. "Oh...bread boards too...for cutting the bread." The object in her hand
is now obviously becoming a long-handled spoon. It's in a rough shape
still, though.

Ofira gives Girad another surprised look, and then turns her attention back
to Malia.

Girad chuckles "The whole matching ensemble. You have the right pan, and
why not the right utensils, in colour as well as practical purpose?"

Residue holds up a bowl, spinning it around so people can see. He gestures
to the various spatulas with a flourish, obviously having fun with it now,
and then holds up a strainer. He peers at the people through the holes
before he sets it down. He picks up one of the bread boards.

Corla glances towards the Woodcraft journeyman, "Unusual," she comments,
biting off a corner of mint stick.

Ofira nods to Girad, "I agree, but it doesn't have to match -me-," she
laughs quietly, not to interupt the class.

Girad shakes his head firmly. "I think it should do. A tool personalised
for your use should match your personality. Like my rod...I'd spent a long
time choosing the right one. They seemed the same to other people, but it
had to be the rod that matched ME"

Malia holds up the rough-shaped spoon "All I need now is to scoop out the
bowl of this spoon and sand it really good. That's the main thing I insist
on when my woodcrafters fashion cooking utensils. Absolute smoothness. I'd
never live it down if I found out someone had splinters in their mouth or
food" she says, grinning. "Are there any other questions?" she asks.

Residue's tongue sticks out as he blehs at the mention of splinters in the
mouth.

"Mmm," is Kassi's only commentary. She's still watching the spoon come into
being, with her admiration for the hatchet clear. Miraculously, she manages
to resist the urge to ask about the price of said edged weapon.

Ofira shakes her head to Girad and then turns back to Malia, "Splinters, "
she agrees, "Would be a disaster."

Sauscony takes a deep breath as it seems at thought Malia is finished.

Corla does glance at the hatchet now, "Might be useful for tough saddles,"
she comments, "Or fixing some of the fences though apprentices seem to
handle that okay," she shakes her hair, "Interesting,"

Girad watches, less interested by spoons and more by the general art of
whittling

Keara smiles reassuringly over at Sauscony.

Residue starts to clap for the craftmaster in appreciation for her class.

Sauscony glances over at Keara before she eyes her box thoughtfully.

A few other people in the crowd join in with the applause, smiling and
chattering amongst themselves.

Keara applauds politely as well, and calls quietly, "Thank you for a
wonderful class."

Girad tops up his klah mug. He's really got into this klah stuff recently.
Maybe that is why he can never sleep. "Most informative"

Malia blushes a bit at the applause and nods "You're welcome...thank you
for listening"

Kassima comments, "I do wonder whether Khari might like something like
that--though she prefers paint, really," and likewise applauds quite heartily.

Ofira slips out briefly to check on arrangements.

Ofira goes toward Baker Training Center.

Corla nods, joining in the clapping. calloused herder hands making loud
noise, "Do all your kids like knives?" she asks, "I only have the one knife
and that's for working saddles,"

Keara grins and nudges Sauscony, glances over at Ofira and stands. "Thank
you, Malia. Next and finally, we have Journeyman Healer Sauscony to give us
a fascinating presentation on herbs."

Residue clears his throat, "Utensils that were on display for Malia's
lecture can be commissioned and or purchased in the Woodcraft Tent after
Healer Sauscony's lecture!" Typical male salesperson...

Sauscony laughs softly as she pads towards the front, setting down her box.
"I won't say just how fascinating it will be." She begins before she starts
to set out her props, a couple of herbs and two bowls. "Herbs form the
basis for our craft, but many of the herbs that we use everyday are also
used in baking. I have brought 5 to illustrate."

Kassima gives Corla an odd look, the sort she might give someone who asked
whether the sky was blue. "But a'course! Well, 'tis a bit early t'tell with
the twins and Kris, but Kay's shaping up t'be a fine knife-fighter, and
Khari's looking forward to when she can learn t'throw. She's more an
artist, though; I thought she might like trying whittling sometime." Relief
crosses her expression at Keara's announcement. "Oh, good. That shouldn't
involve forceps or mess."

Malia steps down, smiling at Sauscony...then joins her husband off to the
side.

"For you, Kassima, I could send for some," Soz offers, "If it would make
you feel better."

Keara muffles a laugh as she takes her seat again.

Corla shrugs, "I've never tried using knives for fighting. Had no time to
learn while I was an apprentice, have even less time now," she shrugs, "Why
do you need to learn to knife fight?"

Kassima manages, somehow, to become even paler than normal. "That's...
ah... quite generous, but methinks unnecessary," she hastens to assure the
Healer. "That spawning was enough of forceps and messes for me." In an
undertone to Corla: "For fun, a'course. Why else?"

Girad winks at Kassima "There's better ways to have fun with knives.
Skinning fish for one!"

Sauscony holds up the first of her displays, and herb that somewhat
resembles Queen Anne's lace, yellow flowers blooming at the top of a round,
grooved stem. "Anise is used by healers as a cure for indigestion, but in
cookiing anise goes well with klah and bay, and the seeds add a wonderful
flavor to meat. It has a licorice-like flavor, but much milder than any of
the similarly flavored herbs"

Corla looks puzzled, "Fun with knives. I've seen pain with knifes, when
I've slipped using one, but never fun,"

Residue's brow lifts curiously. He asks, "Indigestion? You don't say..." He
appears to be making a mental note of this, his brow furrowed.

Sauscony continues after a brief pause to set down the herb, "It actually
mingles well with eggs, stewed fruit, cheese, spinach, and tubers. The
leaves are also used as a garnish, or in salads,"

Kassima doesn't seem to more than twitch her hands, but two knives suddenly
appear in them. "Trust me," she assures Corla, "they're a *great* deal of
fun." Back into their hiding places the blades go. "Aye, truth, but
chopping meat's better yet," she opines to Girad. Then, after listening to
Soz, "Anise? I've heard of that somewhere."

Residue grunts a little as he fishes out a bit of note hide to take notes
on this information. "I've never been much of a fan of garnish. Always
considered it a bit silly, m'self."

Girad says "Meat is good, but nothing is quite the same as a fish cooked
fresh on an open fire...ah..."

Corla blinks at the quick appearance of the knives and takes yet another
step back. "Why do you like knives so much?"

Sauscony nods her head quickly to Kassima, "It has a very distinctive
taste. Even when you can eat it?" She asks Residue with a smile

Residue pauses in his scribbling and smiles at Sauscony,"Now that's another
matter."

Kassima nods to the Healer, her brow furrowed. "If'n 'tis licorice-like,
and goes with meat, 'twould think so. Born to it, I suppose, Corla--Da's a
retired Guard, and I've cousins who aren't retired yet."

Sauscony winks at Residue be she reaches for the second of her herbs, one
that looks vaguely 'reedy' to look at, with bulbous flower clusters near
the top. "Ammoniacum is found mostly on Ista Island as it requires
near-swampy conditions to grow. If you sniff the bulb, you will detect a
strong garlicky scent which is extremely potent when crushed. Additionally,
the sap of this plant also makes a strong cooking spice." With that she
sets the herb down before asking, "Any questions so far?"

Corla ahs and nods sagely, "My parents bred runners as did most of their
family. Not knives for a long stretch of generations,"

Residue shakes his head a moment before pausing. He raises his hand suddenly.

Keara shakes her head at the question, still brightly attentive.

Kassima tugs a folded hide from her pocket to follow Residue's good
example, though she pauses mid-scribble to raise her hand too. "I've a
cousin by handfasting who breeds runners, but I've cousins in nigh *every*
Craft, there're so many of 'em," she admits in the meanwhile.

Sauscony glances between the two, 'Yes, Residue...Then you after, Kassmia"

Residue says "Does Ammoniacum have any medicinal qualities?"

Girad wanders away. Herbs are not his thing

Sauscony nods her head quickly, "Healers will use a tincture of Ammoniacum
as a mild stimulant"

Girad walks through the archway to the east, into the Great Hall.

Residue ohs softly and scribbles this information down.

Corla nods, taking the last bite of the diminished mint stick, "Lots of
cousins, I've got a couple down South continent, a few around here and then
just one younger brother and my Mothers new twins," she turns her attention
back to the healer with an apologetic look for her chatter.

"Kassima?" Soz asks, her attention falling on the rider.

Kassima's brow lifts a trifle at the word 'stimulant,' but she asks a
different question: "You said 'tis a garlicky sort of herb,
Journeywoman--are there recipes in which 'tis better than garlic t'be using?"

"Sort of that klah would be." Soz replies to the unspoken question first,
"But it just depends. It grows better on Ista Island than Garlic does, so
there people will use Ammoniacum over garlic. It also depends on personal
taste. Some people prefer garlic, others Ammoniacum."

Kassima bobs her head in acknowledgment, and scribbles more notes.
"Thankee, Journeywoman." Her voice lowers to speak back to Corla. "I've
dozens. We're a prolific family; I'm an only child, but I've five m'self."

Sauscony waits a minute more before she moves to pick up a bowl full of
orange-red berries, "Barberries prefer warmer climates, and have smooth,
grey bark and 1-3cm long spines at the point where the leaves join the main
stem. When they flower in early spring, Barberry bushes have bright,
yellow-orange flowers, the fruit is ready to pick in the fall" She hands
the bowl to Residue, "Help yourself to some of the berries and pass them
around." She instructs before addressing the rest, "The berries can be used
wherever cranberries are used in cooking, for a fruitier flavor. They can
be used in jellies, jams, preserves, and chutneys, as well as for a dash of
color in syrups, soups, and stews."

Corla gasps, "Five, you don't look old enough to have five!" she exclaims,
"I've none, not that I've had much chance for that," She glances towards
the berries, popping one in her mouth, "Oops, mint and barberries don't
mix," she wrinkles her nose, "You may have met my younger brother, he's
fostered to Telgar at the moment,"

Keara perks up as the berries are passed, and asks through her chewing,
"And the healers use them for?"

"Chutneys," Kassi repeats in surprise. "Chutneys. 'Twill have t'be
remembering that one." With this wise advice, she holds onto the modest
handful of berries she takes while crunching away the last of the mint.
"Well, the last two are twins, just a Turn old. What's your brother's name?"

Qinan eyes the singular berry he picked out of the bowl, waiting to see
just what medicianl purpose it serves before tasting.

Residue tilts his head and scribbles this down. "Those berries look like
they'd make a nice stain..."

"Corin" is Corla's answer, "Twins? That's my youngest sisters, They're not
even a turn old yet,"

"The juice of the berry can be mixed with water to help ease a sore
throat." Soz begins "The root is used in various ways, It can be used as a
mild sedative or it can also be used to help control diarrhea."

Sauscony nods her head Residue, "Another use for the root, it makes a
rather fast yellow dye"

Qinan hmms glancing at Residue "That could be useful. Have to test it out
some."

Residue grunts, "I bet it'd bring out the grain of Ash rather well...'

Kassima mulls over this name. "Methinks I may have, but it's been such a
time since I've been about the Weyr much that I can't swear... oh, sore
throats!" She definitely brightens at this. "I must remember t'see about
making fruit ices from barberries, then, the next time the kidlets have
that affliction."

Sauscony grins at Kassima before her gaze sweeps the others for questions.

Sauscony glances at Keara for a moment, "And if there aren't anymore
questions?"

Qinan hnns and nods. More fun with wood, and dyes. he is an adult, yes yes
although from the gleam in his eye one might have momentary doubts.

Keara shakes her head, "Not from me."

Dendra shakes her head, to indicate she has no questions.

Corla shakes her head quickly.

Sauscony nods her head. "Thank you all very much for coming."

Qinan looks up at the healer and shakes his head "No, but an interesting
and informative presentation." he claps.

Residue applauds lightly for Sauscony, "Thank you, Journeyman Sauscony!"

Sauscony carefully packs her herbs away, offering a quick smile to Residue.

Residue goes toward Baker Training Center.

Keara rises. "And I have to get to the kitchen," she says. "Thank you
Sauscony! You are all welcome to come join in the next event."

Keara goes toward Baker Training Center.

Kassima smiles and applauds likewise, after tossing the berries in her
mouth, mint or no mint. "Mmrph mph," she says, which might--just
might--mean 'thank you.' Swallowing, "The next event... I wonder what that
is. Care t'find out?" she asks Corla.

Corla grins, "That sounds like fun. I don't have to be working the herder
tent for a while," She snorts, "Maybe it'll be knife throwing?"

Qinan goes toward Baker Training Center.

Kassima brightens. Lots. "If'n so, 'twill be the most fun I've had in
Turns," she quips, an sets off in the proper direction.

You go toward Baker Training Center

[Editor's Note:  These were the rules of the contest:]

---

The Extreme Baking contest is made up of five events:

Butter Churning - Each participant runs from the start line to one of the
butter churns. The cream in each churn must be turned into a lump of
butter. The first participant whose cream turns to butter wins.

Wherry Plucking - Each particpant runs to the next station where there is a
freshly slaughtered wherry. The first participant to remove all of the
feathers from his or her wherry wins. All methods are permitted.

Tuber Peeling - There will be a sack of one dozen tubers at this station,
with a choice of peeling implements. The first participant to successfully
remove the peel from the tubers, using any means, wins.

The Frying Pan Toss - Participants hurl heavy cast iron skillets to hit
wooden targets that have been painted to resemble proddy green riders. The
first participant to knock down three targets wins.

Apron Tying - Participants will be tied into aprons and immobilized. The
first participant to free him or herself wins.

Two points are awarded for each event won. The participant with the most
points at the end of the contest wins first prize. In the event of a tie,
there will be a tie breaking round of Cream Whipping.

OOC Note - This will be a rp'ed contest, using the guidelines above.
Participants will be judged on the basis of creative, interesting rp.

---

Corla arrives from Kitchens, Benden Hold.

Keara smiles in return, "Aye, it is. I'm - well, fairly well. Getting tired
though, this /is/ a lot of work." She doesn't answer the other question, as
they all stampede in.

Ofira waves to Kassima and then laughs suddenly, "Kassima, I couldn't have
designed this contest any better for you if I'd known you were coming." She
nods to Keara, "Ihope I have the energy to dance later on."

Corla glances to Kassima, "Maybe there is knife throwing then,"

Kassima beams at Ofira and asks hopefully, "Does that mean there's a great
deal of knife throwing and threatening men and chopping things up?"

Banit wanders in chatting casually with Mhaul as they come

Keara chuckles, "Don't worry, you will. I know I will - say, do I get to
participate, or would that not be fair to the non-bakers?"

Ofira grins at Kassima, "Close enough." She looks at Keara thoughtfully, "I
think I need yourhelp running it, actually."

Geoff says "excuse me, Ofira, but is it too late to sign up?"

Ofira smiles and shakes her head to Geoff, "We're just about to begin.
You're right on time."

Ofira looks around at the group and rubs her hands in anticipation,
"Well...you're a brave group of gather-goers I see! Are you sure you have
what it takes for Extreme Baking?" she laughs.

Geoff is confident he will rank well, as he baked a lot for his mother.

Keara nods and attempts to look respectable, presentable and responsible.

Dendra arrives from Kitchens, Benden Hold.

Mhaul looks arounf curiously, a wide grin spreading on his face.

Dendra quickly slips in and takes a seat. She plans to just watch this, not
participate.

Residue grins a little and chuckles, "If I win, I wanna take home what I do!"

Banit looks slightly worried by the grin "What are you planning"

Kassima stows her piece of hide back away, and rubs her hands in
anticipation. "This is promising. Master Ofira, I survived the class when
J'cob put a dead wherry on his hand and made it dance; methinks I can
survive *aught*."

Mhaul smiles over at Banit. "I hope they don't ask me to cook..."

Corla chuckles, "Extreme baking? I can bake a few things, but I'm in this
for the fun," she blinks at Kassima, "Dancing wherries? Catching live ones
is enough for me,"

Qinan rather hovers at the back of the group, listening to see what this is
all about.

Ofira chuckles. "Alright. The instructions. Listen carefully." She taps the
sign, "They're right here, but I'll explain them anyway.

Banit wonderes how he can fix that to happen "Hmmmm"

Mathin comes in from the barracks.

Mathin pokes his head out of the barracks and glances around before
stepping into the room.

Corla glances about the room, raising an eyebrow at the pile of dead wherries.

Mhaul raises an eyebrow over at Manit. "Are you any good at this stuff?"

Ofira explains, "There are five events in Extreme Baking. The first is
Butter churning." She gestures to the line of churns. " From there you run
to Wherry plucking. " Again, she points to another set of tables, with
wherries lined up. "Then it's tuber peeling, then the frying pan toss, and
finally," she winks, "The apron tying contest." Each event seems to have
it's own station, placed far enough from the others that running will be
necessary. When you complete the first event, you wait until I give the
signal to go on. Each event has a winner - whoever finishes first. Keara
and Dendra will judge, along with me. 2 points for each event. Questions?"

Banit grins "It seems to me it has nothing to do with baking , but to do
with speed and agility for that reason i dont see how i would find it hard"

"He was mental," Kassi explains succinctly, while reading the sign. "Churns
and dead wherries and tubers, oh my. These proddy rider targets, Master...
are they generic proddy riders, or should I expect t'be throwing pans at
someone I know?"

Residue wipes his sweaty palms on his trous and shakes his head, smiling
like a fool. "Doesn't look so hard..." he says, his foolish ignorance
shining like a fresh glow in the dead of night.

Mhaul scratches at his cheek. "This might be a bigger mess than the meadows
in Tillek right now.. After this is done, of course."

Geoff has a master plan to win, and grins smugly.

Banit nods "those women cant win though , like i said Speed and agility"
from the grin its obviouse he didnt mean it , but said it to stir a little
trouble

Ofira grins at Kassima, "Just generic. Nothing personal. But that's how I
honed my aim as an apprentice."

Mhaul chuckles under his breath. "I wouldn't say that too loud.. they might
make you a wherry for the plucking contest."

Banit chuckles ".....That might be fun"

Mathin leans back against the wall, enjoying the view of someone else
baking for a change.

Ofira looks around again, "Questions? " she asks once more."Or shall we
begin? Who's participating?"

"Ach, and here having a proddy V'dan t'throw things at would've given me an
edge," Kassi mock-mourns, with a wink.

Corla catches Banit's comments, glaring ever so slightly. Well, she'll
prove him wrong, she flexes well-toned muscles from many long turns of
herding, before smiling sweetly to Banit, challenge in her eyes.

Residue raises his hand, "I am, Master Ofira!" he says, his deep voice
booming with mirth.

Banit grins "Is it open to anyone anyway or only bakers caus i dont see how
on earth you need to be a baker to do that"

Mhaul looks over at Ofira, raising one of his arms. "Well, I guess it
wouldn't hurt to try."

Geoff nods

Kassima then raises her hand obediantly. "Wouldn't miss it for the world,
Master." She grins over at Corla. "Shall I place a wager on whether the
women beat the men?"

Banit grins accepting the looked challenge "Mhaul , shall we show these
girls some real Athleticism then"

Corla nods, "I've a mark I wouldn't mind better myself," she grins, "A mark
says the girls win,"

Banit chuckles "Im in"

Ofira grins at the brave ones, "Alright then...step right up here to the
start line." She points at a chalked line on the floor. "When I blow the
whistle, run to the churns. Call out when your cream has turned to butter.
When I blow the whistle, stop churning and freeze!"

Geoff grins as well. "let's do this."

Banit grins "Hmm, 2 marks say the boys do"

Mhaul flexes his muscles, grinning. "This could be interesting."

Banit grins as he takes his place

Qinan grunts, looks like to much work to him "I'll leave this to younger
energies I think." he eyes Residue and the rest of the competitors. Well
watching should prove interesting enough.

"Don't expect me t'be taking that bet!" Kassi laughs, strolling obediantly
to the line and cracking her knuckles in preparation.

Quarroul arrives from Kitchens, Benden Hold.

Mhaul moves over to the line, stretching his arms up above his head. "The
best one will win."

Ofira waits for everyone to ine up.

Geoff lines up on the starting line.

Quarroul toes the line as well, or something.

Residue moves into the line up, grinning.

Dendra urges Corla, "Why not give it a try? It'll be fun!"

Banit places one foot infront of the other preparing to sprint

Ofira nods, "Alright...ready..." She lifts the whistle, waiting another
brief moment.

The whistle shrilly sounds throughout the training Center. "Go!" cries Ofira.

Geoff makes a mad dash over to the churning station and pumps the churning
stick vigorously.

Banit grins and begins to run , his spead is incredable for a boy his
height but he pauses a good 5 seconds when he reaches the churn , his poor
stamina shown

Geoff drills a hole in the top of the churn, and places a broom handle
inside, and then pumps both handles

Banit grips the churn and begins to shake it so fast in blurs, however once
again his stamina is shown , by the fact he pauses every 30 seconds or so

Geoff keeps churning like mad.

Kassima springs from the line the second the whistle shrills, her braid
swinging out behind her as she grabs a pole with a throttling grip and
skids to a stop. Immediately, she begins... well, attacking the butter is a
better phrase than churning it. It's the Benden Dairy Massacre!

Mhaul stands ready at the line, ready to sprint to the churns as quick as
his two legs can take him. He jumps forward, covering a good distance as he
gets to a churn. He takes the pole between his calloused hands, and
proceeds to pump it up and down like a frenzied animal.

Geoff stops churning

Residue bounds over to the churning station, his large hands wrapping
around the wooden rod that sticks out of the bucket. He starts to churn the
cream as best he can, a thin sheen of sweat collecting on his upper lip as
works at it.

Geoff keeps churning like mad.

Geoff says "my mistake"

Geoff says "DONE"

Banit now moves it from various positions like a dance he smoothly moves
the blurring churn from above his head to his side and at his front

Dendra nods to Geoff and writes his name down on a hastily comandeered hide
scrap.

Geoff says "note my method. clever, no?"

Geoff says "two poles are better than one."

Banit begins to pant , seemingly unafected by sweat , however tyering fast
, he pants "Its too cold for me to sweat"

Residue grunts a little, slamming the rod up and down in the bucket,
gripping the base of the butter churner with his feet and legs as he does
so, obviously trying his best at the job of churning butter, though he's
obviously unskilled. His perspiration is beginning to raise in amount.

Kassima starts to sing, as she punishes the helpless cream with merciless
greenrider enthusiasm, "Oh, what d'you do with the drunken butter, ear-ly
in the morning? Churn it 'til your arms nigh fall off, churn it 'til your
arms nigh fall off, churn it 'til your arms nigh fall off, ear-ly in the
morning. Or late in the evening. Or sometime in the day...."

Geoff keeps churning like mad.

Banit tries something new and attempts to spin the churn as he shakes it ,
almost dropping it several times

Ofira shakes her head, watching all the activity,"What do you think?" she
asks Keara.

Banit chuckles "Hmmm , think i should have been a baker?"

Mhaul grumbles audibly, squatting down by his churn to get a better grip
around the middle of the pole. Since he's taller than most, this seems more
effective for him. His arms work like crazy, having a rhythm tha resembles
driving a shovel into the ground.

Banit grins slowly getting his energy back as he has been shaking a little
slower ecently , however now he befins once again shaking untill the churn
almost blurrs out of existance

Ofira suddenly blows the whistle loudly."Stop!" she calls.

Banit stops suddenly and almost falls over

Residue's churning slows, his arms growing tired. His breathing is labored,
and he licks his lips, obviously tired from all the churning. When he hears
the stop, he does so easilly, falling back to sit on his rear on the
ground, "Shells that was hard!"

Kassima adjusts her grip on the stick to wield it more effectively. Or
maybe just more enthusiastically; it's really hard to tell. To everything,
churn, churn, churn, there is a season, churn, churn, churn.... "Bonzaii!"
she yells at the churn, only to have her attempted slaughter halted... and
herself fall, ignonimously, to the floor on her butt to pant for breath.

Mhaul nearly falls backwards, trying to stop as the whistle is sounded. He
laughs heartily, standing straight near his churn. "I'll be nicer to the
person that churns butter at home."

Banit pants heavily "What! , that was easy" he falls flat on his face

Ofira chuckles as she approaches, "Not so easy to be a baker, is it?" She
begins to peer into the churns, "Let's see whose got some butter..."

Banit hmms "I bet bakers dont do it that fast though huh?"

"And I hadn't even threatened it with pink lace yet," Kassi mourns,
bringing her reddened hands up to blow on them.

Ofira winks at Banit, "We do it all kinds of ways." She peers into his
churn, "Well, you've got some here. But not much..."

Dendra says, "I don't do it at all any more. I make my cooks do it, which I
play with the desserts." Then she winks at him.

Banit looks crestfallen "Oh well... , ill try harder on the other events"

Residue lays back, letting them judge the amount. One hand lays on his
stomach, rising and falling as he rests, while his legs straighten out.

Mhaul rubs at the scar on his cheek. "I make a terrible woman." Amused, he
watches the churns being checked down the line.

Banit blinks "What?"

Ofira looks at all of the churns and then straightens, smiling, "Looks like
Kassima's won this round and two points! Good work Kassima."

Banit grins "Well.... guess i may be loosing 2 marks then"

Dendra says to Banit, "I make my cooks churn these days."

Residue struggles to his feet, congratulating Kassima.

Kassima peeks up, green eyes registering astonishment. "Even *without* the
threat of pink lace? Or even pink sisal? Bright Faranth--thankee, Master."

Banit nods "........ Well done"

Kassima nods thanks to the others, too, turning about as pink as the
aforementioned pieces of frippery.

Mhaul smirks wryly, shaking his head. "Well.. I make a better sailor than a
baker."

Banit nods "Yeah.... just someone beat me at dleivering stuff...." he chuckles

Ofira laughs, "Alright, enough talk! Time for the Wherry Plucking
Challenge! Line up! When I blow the whistle, run for the wherries and
pluck! Using any means! When I blow the whistle again, whoever has plucked
the most will be the winner of that round. LIne up!"

Banit lines up cringing slightly at the bird up ahead

Mhaul goes up to the line. "Well.. this is going to be interesting."

Dendra calls out, "Warning! The birds must still be there after all the
feathers are gone! Don't toss them into the hearths and call it even!"

Kassima gets to her feet slowly, scrubbing off her hands once more against
her slacks as she makes for the line. "I'm going t'pluck you, little
wherry," she threatens one of the helpless carcasses in a mutter.

Residue lines up and haunches over, his hands held ready for the plucking.
He grins a little, flashing a smile at those that have gathered around to
watch along with those who are participating in the challenge.

Banit grins "I hope so ,otherwise .... youd lose"

Ofira grins at Dendra and then blows the whistle loudly, "Go!"

Banit runs up and sets in quickly to pulling out the feather's his eyes closed

Residue starts to rip at the feathers, the fine hair-like covering coming
off in a fog of movement and a flurry of energy. Residue is only visible
for another moment before he is covered in the flying feathers, looking
like a giant wherry himself.

Kassima pounces! Well, all right, first she runs. But *then* she pounces,
seizing a wherry by the legs and tucking it under her arm to shanghai it
over to the nearest sink or just source of warm water. Into this source,
she plunks the corpse to soak. Rather impatiently, one might add.

When Banit opens his eyes he realises it isnt just feathers he has , around
the area that banit was pulling from a red circle has formed and banits
hands contain a disgusting red mush , he cringes and swipes his hands the
stuff goes flying , there is a small yelp from behind and Banit doesnt want
to look round

Mhaul pumps his long legs, nearly diving into the pile of wherry. His hands
grab a wherry quickly. Feathers start to fly everywhere as he rips them
with his hands... and his mouth?!? Holding it between his knees, he ravages
the carcass of its feathers.

Banit begins to pluck rapidly but more carefully , quickly removing the
smaller feathers , but the larger feathers making him pull harder....

Kassima lifts her newly cleaned dead thing from the water after only a few
seconds, and starts to use the 'mother rumpling her child's hair without
mercy' method on it. Poor thing. With five kids, she's an adept at this
treatment; if it doesn't wind up bald, it'll at least wind up with a hairdo
it wouldn't dare show its friends.

Banit grimices "...... Feathers" he grips a clump and pulls , and pulls
they give way edventually , and so does banit rolling backwards several paces

Banit blinks and quickly gets back to the animal this time pulling smaller
groups of feathers

Ofira steps back as feathers drift towards her, "I'll have to change my
dress again," she sighs, checking the time.

Banit rips at the feathers , a grin slowly forming and his eyes slowly
narrowing

Qinan covers his mouth with one hand lookign quite amused by the picture of
feathers flying everywhere about the contestants.

Banit now in full grin , unmercillously rips feather from the wherry's body"

Mhaul spits out feathers as best he can, his hands attending to the tougher
feathers in a crazy fashion. More and more feathers float all around. He is
totally covered and is starting to look like a wherry himself.

Kassima then seems to have--ah-hah!--a brilliant idea. She lifts the
pinkened and desecrated body in one arm, and starts to... whirl it. Above
her head. Quickly, sending loosened feathers a-flying. The glazed eyes of
the dead bird look a wee bit mortified, and who can really blame it? "Pluck
off!" she yells at the corpse. Yeah. That's encouraging.

Banit stops a second as in idea comes to him , he grabs a huge bunch of
feathers and twists them , weaking thier connection with the wherry , he
then rips at them , and they all come off obligingly

Residue rips at the feathers, patches of skin occasionally coming off.
However, with every handful that he rips out, another handful sticks to the
skin pastey skin, causing it to appear as though Residue isn't really
making much headway. A feather gets stuck up one nostril and he sneezes
loudly, a poof of feathers coming from him.

Ofira blows her whistle sharply, "Stop!" she cries, getting a mouthful of
feathers in the bargain.

Banit grins as the ground around him begins to turn red , from the little
mistake he made earlier , hearing the whistle he stops , looking almost
dissapointed

Banit pants and shakes his head , a menage of different sized feather
flying in all directions

And Kassi was just getting a good rhythm going, too! She slows the wherry's
spin, then drops her arm to where the bird, dangling by its feet, just
barely has its beak missing the floor. "I am never, ever going t'be
swinging a dead wherry above m'head again," she huffs and puffs out, using
the other hand to rub at her abused shoulder.

Ofira goes over to stroll by the wherries, picking each one up gingerly in
turn. She clears her throat, "Mmm...hmm. Dendra? If you would assist me?"

Mhaul coughs out some feather, dropping the wherry as he falls flat on his
butt. He chuckles, plucking feathers from his mouth as he looks over the
others' wherries.

Banit turns his wherry round so the bloodied hole sits on the ground

Dendra comments, "Donn't rule that out Kassima! It could make a wonderful
weyrling torture game!" She walks carefully around the contestants, trying
to keep /too/ many feathers from attaching themselves to her dress.

Kassima brightens at this notion, walking back over to thwap her bird onto
a table. "Y'know, that's nay a bad idea? D'you mind if'n I suggest it
t'Weyrlingmaster Maylia?"

Residue stops and stands there, feathers sticking out of his hair, his
ears, and his clothing, appearing like a giant wherry. He doesn't
understand why the people are laughing at him and just stands there,
blinking owlishly. He looks down at the wherry he plucked, the feathers no
longer attatched, but still sticking to the creature.

Banit wherry looks a little like a bullseye , red on the outside .... white
in the middle

Keara watches and chuckles, staying a bit back from the proceedings.

Banit grins "I need to do this more often"

Dendra discreetly hands Banit a nice dark towel to clean himself up with.
The kind that doesn't show wherry bloodstains so well.

Mhaul rubs more feathers from his face, his hands picking up the
defeathered corpse of his wherry. Poor thing even has his teeth marks in
the hide. Considering he went at it like a dragon, he doesn't look too messy.

Banit thankd Dendra and begins to vigerously scrubb where his dark green
clothes show red , being only partially succesfull

Ofira wipes some feathers off of her dress, putting down Banit's wherry and
going to look at Residue's. "Goodness...the butter and feathers make an
interesting combination..." she notes.

Kassima grins over to Banit, while vainly attempting to pull feathers out
of her hair. "There's naught like mutilating wherries," she cheerfully agrees.

Residue's cheeks flush, and he blows slightly at a feather sticking out of
his nose. It flutters a little, wheezing through the air, but doesn't
budge. He swallows and tries to look dignified despite that.

Banit nods "Oh i have to agree with that , you havent lived untill you have
mutillated a wherry"

Mhaul looks over to where the churns are, then at his wherry. "Maybe
later.. it'd make a good roast."

Dendra giggles as she returns to her spot on the sidelines.

Kassima dips her chin in a nod. "I mutilated--really mutilated, nay just
plucked--m'first wherry when I was, oh, sixteen or seventeen, it must have
been." She sighs a wistful, reminiscent sigh. "Those were the days! Now you
can't send wherry heads bouncing through a Living Cavern without being
yelled at. Such a shame."

Banit follows slowly and flopps down on the ground panting , trying to get
his energy back for the next round

Dendra asks Kassi, 'What about sending one through the Weyrlings barracks?
You could say you're testing their dragon's reflexes at spotting food?"

Ofira finally steps back, smiling, "Well, all of you have done well. There
are certainly plenty of feathers no longer on wherries. However, I'd have
to say that for superior technique and the most intact bird...the two
points go to Banit!"

Mhaul sneezes out some feathers, chuckling. "Good going, Banit."

Aine arrives from Kitchens, Benden Hold.

Banit whoops and dances about remembering he needs to conserve energy he
stops "......thanks"

Kassima taps her chin in thought. "The only problem with that would be if'n
the dragonets all tried t'pounce it at once; 'twould be a massive pile-up,
and the head would be squished shamefully... felicitations, Banit!"

Residue congratulates Banit with a smile, "My wherry looked like it still
was feathered." He chuckles and moves over to the next competition.

Banit grins , looking a little tired as he prepares for the next event

Kassima gives her poor, mistreated wherry a final, fond pat, and leaves it
behind to line up for the next event.

Ofira watches Banit dance about, further mashing wherry feathers and blood
into the floor. "Yes...well...let's just move right along to tuber peeling.
You know the rules. The tubers must be mostly intact. When I blow the
whistle, whoever has the most of the dozen peeled will win..."

Banit nods grinning , ready

Mhaul gets back to his feet, smiling broadly. He's covered from head to toe
in feathers. "Ah well... so much for being tidy about it." He goes up to
the line.

Kassima grimaces at each mention of the T-word; her nod is grim. "Aye,
Master. Nay mutilating the tubers." Oh, woe.

Residue grins, "Now this is something I'm used to... Carving, peeling, I
used to do this all the time as an apprentice." He doesn't mention how it
was in direct result to his behavior.

Ofira gives Kassima a sympathetic look, knowing her aversion to the root
vegetable, "Alright...line up...ready...set..." She blows the whistle
loudly, indicating that they should race over to the next event.

Mhaul nearly slip on some of the wherry blood under his feet. Scrambling to
the tuber peeling section, he grabs a tuber carver and big tuber, peeling
it with expert skill and precision.

Kassima takes a deep breath to steel herself before doing something she
never thought she'd do: race *towards* tubers, rather than away. And once
she's reached her sack, it's another breath before she can bear to thrust
her hand inside, coming up with one. In the other hand is one of her own
knives, and she takes this to the defenseless vegetable with as much speed
as she can manage. "I'll teach you t'be the most disgusting thing on Pern,"
she snarls to it.

Residue makes a mad dash for the tubers, skidding to a stop. His feet,
however, are covered in wherry blood and feathers and his legs fly up into
the air as he slips and falls onto his back with a loud oof. He is only
still a moment before he scrambles to his feet and grasps for a carving
knife, starting to peel the tubers and putting them in a seperate pile as
he finishes each one."

Banit begins to run the Peeler in swift horizontal strokes along the tuber
peeling the Tuber in six steps

Banit grins as he carefully makes sure he takes of as thin a layer as he can "

The Speckled skin falls slowly although steadily from Banits hand , as he
is carefull for some unknown reason to try to keep the peel i bit making a
pretty pile on the ground

Mhaul peels with his right hand, holds the tuber by his thumb and
forefinger. He rotates the tuber as he finishes a section, moving very
quickly as tubers start to pile up near him.

Kassima runs her knife swiftly over the tuber, dropping it with distaste as
soon as it's peeled; she repeats this process with the next, and the next.
She's very speedy at knife-work. But she'd be speedier if she didn't take a
moment to cuss out each tuber before stripping it of its peel and dignity.

Banit grabs for several more Tubers , and begins to peel them , this time
more confidently and with a litlle more speed

"Awww" Banit shouts as he cuts his finger with the peeler , the Tuber soaks
it up giving it a large 'Red' spot (Does he need to get blood on
everything) he continues non the less

Banit looks at the other impliments as he peels , formulating whether they
would be faster....

"May Faranth curse your eyes, and may you boil into mush in water boiled on
the very surface of Rukbat," Kassi wishes on one vegetable before stripping
it without mercy. Maybe this is what certain bronzeriders mean when they
say greenriders can strip faster than anyone else. Anyway, the unfortunate
root joins its friends in the tuber nudist pile.

Residue continues to peel the tubers, setting them to the side as he does.
The shaving gather around his feet and on his lap in a pile, the distinct
scent of tuber filling the air about them. His tongue snakes out of his
mouth and licks at his cheek as he concentrates on stripping each round orb
of its skin, and setting it to the side. The pile of peeled tubers begins
to grow and the pile of unpeeled tubers begins to shrink, peeled slowly
surpassing that of unpeeled.

Banit grins as he cuts out patterns onto the Tuber , slowing slightly he
stops and continues his rapid removal of the Tubers fine brown jackets , As
he realises thats not the most efficient thing to do

Ofira blows her whistle sharply, "Time's up!"

Mhaul smiles broadly, deskinning the helpless tubers as he races along.
"Shards, this would make a good meal..." He grabs another tuber, slicing
his knife along its surface. He manages to chug out another tuber before
the whistle is blown to stop.

Residue stops, dropping the half peeled tuber gently onto the pile of
shavings between his feet. He looks over at Ofira, brow lifted as she speaks.

Banit changes his carving direction from horizontal to vertical ,just as
the whistle goes , he id dissapointed as he will not discover if it was
faster , he places the one he was working on down and steps away

Banit grins "Well , i have to say thats the least tiring of the three
events we have done"

Kassima drops her latest tuber immeditely, and sets to a fastidious
wiping-off of knife and hands. Not that this help much in getting rid of
the tuber scent that goes so well with her feathered appearance.

Banit grins and asks looking from the churn to the wherry and to the tubers
"Can i take these back to Tillek when were done?"

Mhaul picks off tuber skins off his old shirt, popping them into his mouth
to munch on.

Banit makes a face "..... they were raw"

Dendra nods and says, "They peel better raw. No shrunken skins to deal with."

Ofira heads over towards the tuber mess, stepping gingerly, as Dendra and
Keara take up their judging duties as well. "My,my...what have we got
here..." She eyes Banit's pile and then moves on to Kassima's...then
Mhaul's and Residues..."Sorrya bout all of this Kassima..." she murmurs,a s
she pauses by another contestant. She finally steps back and exchange
glances with the other judges.

Banit nods "I know ... but he just eat the skins"

"Nay worries, Master," Kassi assures, scooting back from the tubers. "Just
please tell me these are going t'meet some sort of unpleasant fate. Mashing
would do."

Residue watches, listening...waiting.

Banit thinks remembering the next event "Hey , you lot have an advantage
over us in the next event....... some of us dont have a severe hate for
.... proddy green riders"

Ofira chuckles and looks up from her huddle with Keara and Dendra, "The
winner of the tuber peel is...Residue!"

C'ley comes walking into the Center and looks around before pausing when he
see's all the bakers and hrms slightly "Uhm is this the baker fest 'cause
well I was curious to know 'cause well I mean to say is that well I am
looking for the bakerfestival 'cause well I heard there was bubblies and
well since I heard there was bubblies I wanted to have some bubblies 'cause
well I mean I do."

Banit grins "Well done!!"

Qinan considers. Hmm better watch what goes on the meal tomorrow and
definitely avoid the wherry. His gaze measures the various tuber piles
waiting to hear the results of this part of the contest, clapping for his
journeyman. Yeah!

Kassima quips drolly, "I'd like t'assure everyone that I am *nay* proddy,
so anyone who throws a frying pan at me is going t'get kicked.
Congratulations, Residue!"

Residue grins broadly, flashing a smile at the others, "Thanks..." he says,
rubbing his arms that are beginning to tire from all the work. He chuckles
a little, cheeks flushing at the victory.

Banit looks ahead at the frying pand , "Can we break the handles of? and
use them like frisbies?"

Dendra chuckles at Kassi and says, "Yo mean you won't skin them with your
knives?"

"'Twould be too damaging t'Weyr-Craft or Weyr-Hold relations," Kassi
answers with regret.

Dendra shakes her head to Banit. "No, they're made of iron. And we need the
handles anyway."

Banit nods "Oh .. well" and grins and then blinks "You sound like you
though i was serious?..."

Dendra grins. "Just trying to be the straight woman tonight, so I don't
steal Kassi's fame."

Ofira looks around the messy room and shakes her head amusedly, "Greetings
rider, "she says to C'ley. "We're having a bit of a contest now. You're
welcome to watch. And there are gather booths in the hall..." She looks
back at the contestants. "Let's sum up...Kassima has two poins for the
butter churn. Banit has two for wherry plucking. And Residue has two for
the tuber peel. Obviously, the next event, the frying pan toss, will be
important."

Residue nods, accepting a drink of the cool cider happily from one of the
drudges that offers them to the contestants. He takes a deep breath,
obviously refreshed, and makes his way over, preparing for the next
competition.

C'ley goes toward Hold Kitchen.

Banit walks over and grins evily at the thought of the next event

Aine goes toward Hold Kitchen.

Kassima inquires, amused, "I have fame? Will wonders never cease." She
inclines her head in acknowledgment, then, of Ofira's summation. "Throwing
'em at proddy greenriders," she mutters, getting to her feet. "Mayhaps if'n
I pretend that one's V'dan, and one's K'nan, and one's... hmm... Maylia,
say; she's *awful* when proddy...."

Ofira brushes her dress off uselessly, sighing a bit, "Alright...now for
this next event, you take the heavy frying pans over there, and you'll toss
them at the targets...whoever's knocked down the most when I blow the
whistle will win this one. Line up and get ready to run and grab the frying
pans. And - a warning. They don't all weigh the same amount."

Residue alrights quietly...

Dendra quickly takes a spot on the sidelines.......behind Ofira.

Kassima bobs her head, and crouches in preparation to sprint.

Mhaul chuckles excitedly, approaching the line. "This sounds somewhat
easier, and cleaner, than the other events."

Ofira looks around, "Ready...? Go!" She blows the whistle loudly.

Mirala strolls in from the kitchens, peering around. "Heeeeelllo bakers!"
she croons.

Ofira calls out sharply, "MIrala! Watch out! It's the frying pan toss!
Duck! Duck!"

Dendra shouts out a warning, "Watch our for the flying frying pans!"

Mirala's eyes widen and she hits the floor, literally.

Kassima runs for the array of pans, picking one up and immediately yelping
as its weight is a bit too much for that already-abused shoulder. Dropping
it--and narrowly missing her toe--she takes up another of a more agreeable
heft, takes aim.... "This one's for V'dan!" she hollers as she gives the
pan a fling.

Ofira lets out a sigh of relief, "Oh Faranth! That was close!"

Mhaul runs over to where the pans are kept, his hands grabbing the first
handle he touches. Inhaling a deep breath, he hurls the pan way /over/ the
target. Cringing for a moment, he gets another pan to try his luck again,
using a little less strength this time.

Sarai arrives from Kitchens, Benden Hold.

Residue heaves a frying pan, grunting as he lets it fly. He watches it soar
not too far and he tilts his head, gauging the weight and the distance
along with the torque he used on it. He nods and then grabs another,
holding it like a hide, and then spins. He then lets go after the third
rotation, sending it flying high into the air, not using the handle.

Mirala crawls along the floor on her hands and knees, making her way over
to hide behind the craftmaster.

Sauscony arrives from Kitchens, Benden Hold.

Dendra shouts out, "Be careful, Weyrwoman! The fry pan contest is on!"

Ofira groans, "We'll have half of Pern's leadership out cold like this!"
She waves herhands in a desperate warning.

Sarai walks in and her eyes widen at the flips, "So I see!" laughs Sarai at
Dendra and she moves to the side, where it looks safer. "Goodness. That's
impressive." Sarai chuckles and says to Ofira, "Oh please, I'm a rider. I
know how to duck." She raps her knuckles on her head and winks.

Kassima watches that pan fall just at 'V'dan's' feet with an expression of
disgust. "You never *could* let me win aught easily, Val." Another pan,
better aimed, clips him in the shoulder; he wobbles. It takes a third pan
to smack him sound in the head. At least she hasn't hit any of the
passers-by. Yet.

"Don't worry, 'Fira, probably just some minor head injuries," Mirala
offers, helpfully.

Ofira nods weakly to Mirala.

Sauscony slips in on Sarai's heels, she quickly takes heed of Dendra's
warning and stays clear of the others.

Keara eyes the throwing form of all the males appreciatively.

Residue continues to throw the pans in a discus manner, getting greater
range than he did when he first tried throwing it via handle. He grunts
with each time and after the fourth pan thrown, he pauses a moment, holding
his head. "Dizzy..."

Ofira smiles apologetically at Sarai, "How are you Weyrwoman? I hear you
have a fine clutch on the sands at Igen." She says, as she watches the
contest.

Banit who has been relitivly quiet so far , begins flinging the pans
sequentially from either hand , bent over he grabs the handles from where
they are set in a pile at either side of him

Dendra grins and says, "Welcome to the Bubblyfest, Weyrwoman! Glad you
could make it!"

Banit grins as he looks up seeing most of them sail wide , but he flings so
many a fair number still hit the target , he slows to get more acurate throws

Mhaul decides to use the two-handed technique this time around. With a pan
in each hand, he launches each pan, one at a time, towards his greenrider
target. He wonders for a brief second if it really looks like a dragon.

Kassima kneads briefly at her shoulder before gingerly taking up one with a
bit more heft to it. "Hey, K'nan! Duck!" she calls out to another of the
targets, letting fly. Her aim is remarkable this time. That heavy, iron
frying pan hits him... well, halfway between his neck and his knees, shall
we say? With a victory whoop--who cares whether he fell or not, with a hit
like that?--Kassi turns her attention towards delivering fried death to
each target, or at least having a heck of a lot of fun trying.

"Bubblyfest!" Mirala croons in echo.

gripping them by the handel , Banit spind them Verticlly , helping to keep
thier altitude as several of them sale and smack the target straight in the
face

Mirala hides behind a cabinet for a while.

Residue finishes his break and then picks up another of the steel frying
pans. He grunts a little and starts to spin, his arm held out as he does
so, gaining speed, and then he lets it fly forward, grunting again and
watching it fly.

Ofira takes a breath, stepping away from Sarai, so as not to blast the
whistle in her ears and blows. "Stop!"

Banit looks at the heavy metal frame mentally weighing up how much it would
hurt and grins hevier as they begin to sail from his hands once more
hitting ......... various area's of the targets anatomy , Banit looks so
sad when he hears the whistle its didicult not to laugh , but he stops anyway"

Kassima suggests between flings to the dizzy Residue, "Try using the
handle, only throw it like a really heavy knife--" Too late; Ofira's called
for a stop, and she lets her last pan fall with a clang and a sigh of relief.

Sarai inches around to Ofira, her eyes on the flying utensiles, "We've a
fine clutch on the sands, and thankfully the onslaught of candidates has
slowed to a drip."

Mhaul launches another pan as the whistle is blown. Blinking, he places
down the other pan in hand slowly, not wanting to drop it on his foot
again. "Shards.. that felt good!" He whoops.

Residue stops and falls to his knees, panting slightly. He wipes the back
of his hand across his forehead, coughing a little and smiling at the
others. "Hardly something I'd choose to do on my free day..."

Sauscony just watches with wide eyes, before she turns her attention to Ofira.

Banit looks up "Really ,its something id choose..."

Ofira goes over cautiously, "No more now..." she tells the zealous
contestants. She conferes briefly with Dendra and Keara and then nods to
them. "The most targets have been knocked down by...Mhaul! Two points to
Mhaul! Next round it the tie breaker everyone! "

Kassima grins at the other contestants, going back to massaging her
shoulder. "D'you see why knife-throwing can be such a relaxing, therapeutic
hobby? Ah! Congratulations, Mhaul--remind me t'avoid you when I'm proddy,
hey?"

Sarai grins, having NO idea what all this is, but as she sucks on her
candied fruit, she looks to be enjoying, "Bravo!"

Banit grins "Well done Mhaul , now everyone's in with a chance"

Residue grins a little and shouts to Mhaul, "Congratulations!" He tries to
surpress a yawn, but fails.

Mhaul pumps a fist into the air, grinning brightly. He smiles over to
Kassima. "I'll have a frying pan ready, if I ever find myself in that
position."

Dendra turns around (now that it's safe) and says, "This is our Iron Baker
contest. Five events, and the person who wins this last one will be the
grand prize winner."

Residue sets of Banit but he quickly stiffles it

Banit looks a little hesident "K , just dont give me a pink apron for the
next round"

Kassima abruptly looks horrified. "Pink aprons? They'd surely nay be *that*
evil...."

Ofira chimes in with Dendra, "Or Extreme Baking, as I like to call it," she
smiles to the Weyrwoman. "Alright...line up everyone! For this next event,
Keara, Dendra and I will tie you up in official craft aprons. When I blow
the whistle, whoever is closest to free wins. And I warn you - we're good
at this," she winks, "Weyrwoman...would you care to do the honors with us?"

Sarai blinks at Ofira and swallows the peice of fruit she'd been sucking
on, "Do the honors, Craftmaster?" Sarai looks a tad ovinish as she wipes
her mouth of the sticky sweet residue. "You mean blow the whistle?"

Kassima wonders, after a moment's hesitation, "Should I be giving up
m'knives, Master, or are we allowed t'use 'em if'n we can manage t'get at
'em?"

Mhaul shuffles over to stand in line, brushing off his hands on his
trousers. "Do want our hands held behind us?"

Dendra asks, "Or you could help us tie them up?"

Ofira grins at Sarai, "Well...if you'd like. I meant you might want to tie
one of the aprons." She nods to Kassima, "No knives this time."

Sarai grins at Ofira, "I can do that!"

Ofira laughs and hands out the aprons, "Line up contestants. Here we come!"

Dendra takes a stout canvas apron and approaches her chosen
vic....contestant. "Just hold still and I promise this won't hurt at all."

Kassima sighs with regret, and stands, sidling to a table to lay her knives
on it. Only after a pile of seven knives has found its way to the table
does she join the line, a bit trepidatiously.

Residue stands up and waits patiently to be tied up. He grins at some of
the ladies and says, "Any of them can tie me up any time." He chuckles
quietly.

Banit prepares shivering slightly

Sarai dries her hands off and picks up an apron, "Who'm I going to tie up?"
She grins at the Bakers.

Mhaul chuckles under his breath, holding still to be tied up. "Do we get
blindfolds too?"

Sauscony watches from her place by the door, she is the designated healer.

Ofira grins at Sarai, "Why don't you take Kassima...she's likely to be
tricky. And I'll tie up...Banit," she decides.

Banit grins and pretend daydreams "Tied up by a beutifull woman ....." he
grins and chuckles to show he was joking

Ofira chuckles and then says sternly, "Arms behind you..." She pulls the
ties tightly.

Banit obliges

Kassima affects a look of supreme and wounded innocence. "Tricky? Me?
Whyever would you think such a thing?"

Residue grumbles...

Banit grins "Enjoy it"

Sarai grins at Ofira and looks at the people, "Kassima, the one with the
knives?" She walks over to the greenrider and smiles, "I'm Sarai, Cyrath's
rider." Only fair to introduce ones self. "Oh, and I was a herder, so I
know how to tie a knot."

Dendra tightens the knots on Mhaul's apron before stopping back and asks,
"That doesn't hurt, does it? I'll retie the knots if they're cutting into
your skin."

Ofira chuckles and gets Banit trussed up nice and tight. "Did we miss anyone?"

Banit tests the knots with a slight stretch preparing for the contest

Banit humphs "I feel like that wherry over there .... except not dead!"

Keara glances up at an apprentice and slips out to check on something.

Keara goes toward Hold Kitchen.

Mhaul chuckles softly, testing the hold of the apron on him. "It's just
fine.. Thanks, though I feel like a tunnelsnake now."

"Well met, Weyrwoman," Kassi replies politely. "I'm afraid I'm nay allowed
t'have m'knives in this, for some bizarre reason. Just don't cut off
m'circulation too much, and I'll nay complain."

Keara arrives from Kitchens, Benden Hold.

Sarai starts to tie up Kassima, using some of those bizzare knots herders
use to keep the bovines from bolting when they sniff a dragon. "How's that,
then, Wingleader?"

Dendra grin and says, "Well, we'll kill any tunnelsnakes that dare to try
and come in here until you're free. And goodluck."

Ofira chuckles, "Alright...are we all ready?" she asks, lifting the whistle
and waiting.

Banit nods

Dendra backs off to stand with Sarai and Ofira. With a slightly evil smile
on her face.

"I feel like I've been trussed up for the cooking spit," Kassi replies,
"which I assume means 'tis fine; thankee." She nods to Ofira, taking
another deep breath.

Mirala crawls out from behind a shelf, somehow having managed to find a pie
while she was hiding. She stands up, gazing around. "Oh dear," she says,
"What now?"

Ofira grins, enjoying the sight, "Perhaps I should just...wait. To be sure."

Sarai chuckles and steps back to where Ofira and Dendra are. "This is jolly
fun."

Jasmyn arrives from Kitchens, Benden Hold.

Mhaul looks down at himself, shaking his head. "What a dilemma." He jests.

Ofira laughs again and takes pity. And blows the whistle!

Malia arrives from Kitchens, Benden Hold.

Banit lurches from one side to the other and then begins to roll ,
initially just a little , but he continues to roll all over the place
getting really grubby as he spins you can see he is fidiling with the knots

Dendra waves to Jasmyn and says, "Hi, there! You made it in time to see the
last Extreme Baker event!"

Residue starts to struggle about, but loses his ballance from his fatigue
and falls over with an oof. The knot shifts a little loose from the jarring
of his body against the ground and he starts to roll around, grunting and
arging like a while animal.

Kassima drops her head at once to the thinnest portion of apron reachable,
clamps her teeth on it, and begins to gnaw cheerfully away. "This isn't
*funny*, Lysseth," she mumbles around her mouthful. And meanwhile, her
hands immediately begin to writhe, her shoulders to twist, and her entire
self to wriggle. She looks, in short, like Marinda of Boll and her Dancing
Veils without the dancing veils.

Ofira watches, wincing occassionally, sometimes laughing, "Remember - it's
the tie breaker!" she laughs.

Sarai grins at the bakers and leans back, sucking on her fruit again.

Banit cant see anything and his hearing is reduced to a short rumbiling as
he rotates faster and faster the ropes begining to fray slightly from the
friction with the ground

Jasmyn chuckles as she walks in. "Oh, really?" She blinks, looking a bit
disoriented. "What is going on?" The Igen greenrider looks for a quieter
corner to stand and watch.

Mhaul twists from left to right, trying to use his muscled shoulders to
loosen the knot enough so he can free his hands some. Hopping in place, he
looks like he's performing some weird dance, shaking into all directions he
can possibly manage.

Sarai waves at Jasmyn, "It's a ... wriggle off, Jasmyn."

Dendra explains, "We tied them up with Baker aprons, and they have to get
free. Without knives."

Rolan arrives from Kitchens, Benden Hold.

Banit hearing Ofira's comment and realing wanting to win the .... he
realises he doent know what if any the prize is , but he doesnt care ,
gotta save his two marks he begins rolling faster , pulling at the knots
and also now stretches at the apron by pushing out his arms , he makes a
thud , thud noise because he has elongated his shape

Mirala cackles good naturedly, plopping down in the midst of the cluster of
bakers and other observers. She munches her pie and grins up at Jasmyn.
"Extreeeeeeme Baking."

Keara slips out again.

Keara goes toward Hold Kitchen.

Kassima tosses her head once, twice, still working with the teeth; her hand
turns so she can attack the bindings with one of her jeweled rings. She
drops carefully onto her knees, attempting to catch any loose apron-mass
beneath said knees--and, failing, flops back onto her back instead. Oh,
dear. It's gone from belly-dancing to break-dancing now.

Residue flips on his front and can't turn over, writhing in the dirt. He
grunts and complains.

Sauscony glances at the newcomers from her safe place, by the doot.

Sarai looks down at Kassima and points, "I tied the Telgari Wingleader,
Jasmyn." And a good job at that.

Banit now bumping and sporting a fine collection of bumps now shouting as
he spins round , the ropes frayed a little more , however still not broken.
One looks a little slack though perhaps a knot has loosened. Non the less
he still rolls about , several people having to move to avoid him as his
Titanic attempt to break free continues

Mhaul crouches down, leaping up powerfully as the knots pull tightly on his
arms. Landing, he tries to use his hands to pull on the edges of the apron
tails.

Ofira nods, watching the contestants squirm, "This is always my favorite
part," she says mildly.

"You know," Mirala muses, waving the scrap of pie, "Next time we ought to
throw things at them, to make it harder."

Jasmyn giggles, watching the antics. She covers her mouth, trying to
restrain outright laughter as Kassima's attempts. "Oh dear. I am kind of
glad I came in late."

Kassima shakes her head about like a spit canine with a tunnelsnake now.
"Grrrr. Grrrr." Her braid wriggles like a discombobulated snake. She rolls
onto her knees, onto her side, kicks up at the air, jerks and yanks and
pulls, and generally makes an utter fool of herself.

Dendra says, "Or we could make them strip first next time. So they'd have
to worry about protecting their anatomy as well as gettting fre."

Sarai coughs at Dendra, "I think I'm glad I'm only watching."

Mirala turns and gazes at Dendra adoringly. "What a *wonderful* idea," she
coos.

Ofira sighs, "Well...I hate to say it...but all good things must come to an
end." She takes a deep breath and blows the whistle "Stop!"

Residue wiggles around on the ground, biting at people's feet just because
he can. He bounces and tries to roll over, but he can't. He whines and
stops writhing.

Dendra grins back at Mirala. Obvously she's been with her mentor too long.

Banit shoes come off as he continues to spin , he grimaces as he purposly
moves to ground a little more rocky , so the ropes will be frayed quicker ,
a series of yelps can be herd as he bumps about it , as he hears the
whistle he stops compleatly mudy covered in bruises and sporting many cuts
, he grins non the less for his injuries

Kassima lets go of the soggy piece of chewed apron to yell, "Nay anyone's
making *me* strip!" And curses as she tries to get the piece back in her
mouth. This involves a great deal of rolling, until finally she can roll no
more and flops back on her side to peer up at Ofira with pathetic eyes.

Dendra asks Ofira, "Should we just cut them free, since the aprons are
pretty well trashed already?"

Mhaul hears the whistle while in mid-jump. Surprised, he loses his footing
and falls onto his side. He starts to laugh. "I think I might need a hand
up, after this."

Mirala half-closes her eyes, basking in the thought, "Or they could strip
AND we throw pies." At the sound of the whistle, she opens her eyes to peer
at the, er, apron-victims.

Rolan wanders in and blinks in confusion as his feet are biten at..."pardon
me, are you quite alright?"

Sarai says "Oh, I can free Kassima easily, Dendra."

Ofira chuckles, "I suppose so Dendra...but first..." She beckons the baker
close so that they can confer.

Jasmyn blushes slightly at the mention of stripping. "Ah, isn't there some
other way?"

Ofira straightens, laughing,"YOu were -all- great sports! But the winner of
the apron tie and of the Extreme Baking contest is....Kassima, Green
Lysseth's Rider!" She applauds, smiling.

Sarai grins at Kassima, "She was certainly entertaining to watch. Want a
hand getting out, Wingleader?"

Banit grins and cheers "Well done "

Dendra laughs and goes to get a knife to free Mhaul. Unfortunately, she
can't quite remember how to untie him.

Mirala looks up at Jasmyn and shakes her head, "Nope. It has to be
stripping." She hoots and cheers and makes a racket for Kassima. "The
greenrider sure can wiggle!"

Ofira goes over to help with the untying. "As soon as you're free Kassima,
I'd like to present you with the prize."

Residue chuckles and congratulates Kassima.

"Wooo-hoo!" Kassi yelps, and tries to do a victory dance. Only, well, she
can't. The best she can manage is a victory wiggle. "Please?" she implores
Sarai. "Or just hand me one of m'knives from there on the table and I can
cut m'self free."

Rolan chuckles as he sort-of figures out whats going on and offers to
Residue "I think you've lost, would you like a hand?"

Mhaul continues to lie on the floor. "So much for those 2 Marks..." He
chuckles amusedly.

With three quick knife-strokes, Mhaul is a free man. Dendra grins and
returns Kassi's knife to her with a quiet thank-you.

Ofira waits for Kassima, the prize in hand.

Banit nods "Id give them .... but i cant move" he chuckles because its not
for the apron

Sarai simply walks over, takes a hold of one strnd of her knot and tugs.
The entire knot falls apart like a cake when you slam the overn door. "Why
would I need a knife," quips the weyrwoman, looks far too pleased at her
knot handi-work, "Nice to know I've still got that in me."

Jasmyn applauds and peers at Kassima. "Hey, wasn't she the one who won the
obstacle course a couple of turns ago?" She grins. "You do get around."

"I walk in on the most interesting things sometimes" Malia says as she
enters, surveys the scene for a moment, then joins her husband.

Mhaul gets up to his feet, removing the apron from his being.
"Congradulations, Kassima."

Kassima collapses onto the floor once unbound, and manages a dazed,
"Thankee, Weyrwoman." Climbing to her feet, she bows to Sarai, grins
sheepishly to the others, and walks over to Ofira. "'Tis one of the more
interesting competitions I've ever been in, Master."

Banit is so covered in bruises and cuts he cant get up "........... Just
give me a minute"

Ofira grins at Kassima, "From you , Kassima, I take that as high praise.
And now...I'd like to present you with this fine apron..."

Ofira dropped Extreme Baking Prize.

Someone from the back says "Tie her up in it!"

Sarai grins and walks around to teh otehr contestants, helping them get
free with a deft hand (and a timely used belt knife when needed).


Extreme Baking Prize:
The prize in the Extreme Baking Competition is an authentic bakers apron,
made of top quality heavy white linen, starched and stitched expertly. The
front of the apron reads in bright red lettering, "I survived Extreme
Baking, Turn 32, Tenth Pass.


Banit grins "Thank..you" he gets up but simply stands swaying from side to
side "I think id better go home .... ill definatly be coming back tommorow"

Kassima then nods wryly to Jasmyn. "'Twas me--with nay help from *Lysseth*,
who's currently laughing herself sick and berating me for nay letting her
watch." As Ofira presents the prize, she has to cover laughter. "Oh,
*my*... thankee, Ofira. 'Twill treasure it, I promise you."

Ofira laughs, "As you'll see...it's a top quality official baker craft
apron. And it reads, "I survived Extreme Baking. With today's date." She
displays the apron and then hands it to Kassima. "Congratulations
greenrider! " she grins.

Dendra laughs and congratulates Kassima!

Banit stagers away

Ofira smiles and turns to the others, "And now...I'd like to invite you all
into the great hall for our "It's Summer in Winter Baker Bikini Picnic!"

Jasmyn applauds again.

Ofira goes toward Hold Kitchen.

Dendra oohs and runs to the Hall to see what food is being served.

Dendra goes toward Hold Kitchen.

Mhaul smiles brightly, rubbing at his wrists.

Residue sits there, relaxing. He rubs his arms and smiles, "That wasn't easy."

Sarai says "Bikini? I've GOT to see this..."

Mhaul looks after Ofira, blinking. "Bikini?"

Sauscony glances around to make sure that noone needs her before she heads
towards the hall.

Kassima folds the apron neatly, and starts to head for the hall... but
pauses to wonder, perplexed, "*'Tis* only Bakers who're supposed t'be in
bikinis... isn't it? Oh, shells, tell me about it." That to Residue, with a
grin. "The hardest part's going t'be getting free of feathers!"

Sarai goes toward Hold Kitchen.

Jasmyn goes toward Hold Kitchen.

Sauscony goes toward Hold Kitchen.

Mhaul grins mischeviously, following the crowd.

Mhaul goes toward Hold Kitchen.

You go toward Hold Kitchen

You walk through the archway and into the Great Hall.

C'ley steps in from the courtyard, the metal doors sliding shut behind him.

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

Sarai grins, "That sounds like Mirala, you know."

Jarlan arrives a little late, gitar swung over one shoulder and his riding
vest still on. He takes a quick look about.

Bentnor rrives behind Jarlan. He seems to be alone, and a bit shy.

Jasmyn wanders in from the kitchen, still shaking her head. "Stripping? Now
bikinis?" She sighs, nudging a fellow Igen rider. "If I hadn't promised
Dendra..."

Mirala walks out of the kitchen.

Beca glances around after she attempts to slip into the Great Hall unnoticed.

Kassima agrees, as she follows the crowd in with her folded apron in arm,
"I recall her modelling a certain swimsuit at one of the Weaver fashion
shows that I'm nay certain wasn't nigh worse than a bikini. She went for
good money at the auction, though."

"Now this is what I was looking for 'cause well I mean I heard about this
and well I mean this is cool 'cause well I mean it is and so I mean to say
is that well I mean cute girls and bubblies is paradise 'cause well I mean
what else could you want 'cause well this is cool." says C'ley to nobody in
particular.

Ofira makes her way into the hall, self conscious in the swim suit. "Are
you sure about this Keara?" she says unhappily.

Rolan walks out of the kitchen.

Mirala makes last minute adjustments to her bikini as she trots in,
thinking, of course, all Pern is watching her. She glances over at
Kassima's last comment, then croons to the hall in general.

Ducere flashes a bright smile at both Keara and Ofira. "This should be fun!
You guys look so silly!"

Jasmyn peers at the tall Southern rider. The greenrider quietly makes her
way up to the man. "Excuse me, might you be C'ley? I think my cousin has
made mention of you?"

Ofira eyes Ducere, "Watch what you say apprentice. Now...is the food all
set up?"

Bentnor looks over to C'ley. "My thoughts exactly, ahhhh..." He struggles
for a name.

Beca walks over towards a small table where no one is sitting and she sits
down with a small sigh and looks around again.

Jarlan surveys the room and suddenly realizes that people are... lest than
totally dressed. A blink. Another blink. Uh oh, a young apprentice harper
loose with all these pretty... faces?

Sarai tilts her head and looks at Ofria, "Well ... it's a nice swimsuit?"
offers Sarai, smiling politly.

Ducere shifts his gaze to the floor concentrating on his feet. He still
smiles, though, glancing at the two bakers out of the corner of his eye.

Mirala bounces over to Ofira and croons again, this time at the
CraftMaster. "Master Ofira, if I may, you look splendidly baker-beautiful!"

"I could loan you a knife, Master," Kassi mutters to Ofira helpfully. "'Tis
a pretty suit, truly... Mirala, did Weaver Dela by any chance design the
one you're wearing?"

"Cousin? 'cause well I mean maybe 'cause well I mean it might depend on who
your cousin might be ;cause well I mean if I know your cousin then prob
your cousin would know me and so I mean well then they would be talking
about me but well you knew my name 'cause well I mean that prob means that
you do know me and well I mean of course it is me 'cause well I came here
to look at the cute girls 'cause well I did, well that and the bubblies
'cause well bubblies are bubblies after all." babbles C'ley.

Ofira smiles weakly at Sarai, "I've had it for turns...suited me as a girl
of 16. I don't know about now. The truth is, when I swim, it's usually
wearing nothing at all. There's been no cause to replace it." She winces at
Mirala, "Thank you Master Mirala, I think." She laughs suddenly, "Not quite
like the last gather you and Iwere at together, hmm?" she winks.

Sarai grins at Ofira, "I know what you mean. Swiming for me usually
includes swiming with Cyrath. I don't think I've worn a suit in turns."

Jasmyn giggles, beaming."You -are- C'ley. Just as she described!" Holding
out a hand, she smiles. "I am Jasmyn, rider to Green Umirieth, from Igen
Weyr and Kayjay is my cousin."

Ofira nods to Sarai, "And for me, it's usually a very private affair!" she
smiles. "Still...if it amuses the young people...you should have seen me
with pie all over my face this morning."

Mirala plucks at the berry-like fabric on her chest, grinning at Kassima.
"Actually, I designed it. Can you tell?" She teasingly bows to smooch
Ofira's hand, "Truly! Bikinis should be standard Baker attire," she says,
with a note of dreaminess in her voice.

Mhaul takes a seat on one of the benches, grimacing at the bruises he feels
under his skin. With a crooked smile. "At least, this will be less hazardous."

Beca looks around again, taking her time to shift her glance from person to
person.

Sarai hmms at the craftmaster, "I'm sorry I missed it, but weyrs are weyrs.
The candidates are griping that they can't come."

Ducere nods in understanding. "Lotsa people are going to have lotsa fun
tonight! I can see why they would want to come!"

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

Jarlan just stares. The young harper has obviouly bit off a bit more than
he can chew, so to speak. Slack-jawed, he watches all the girls, blinking
again a moment later, trying to compose himself. You're here for the hall,
you're here for the hall... just keep telling yourself that.

Kassima admits tactfully, "It does seem very pie-like," as she finds a
place to sit. "Very, ah, you, Mirala. I'm just glad 'tisn't everyone who's
dressing in swimsuits, as fine-looking as all of the ones being worn are."
She's taking no chances.

"Oh well meet and well hi and well I mean to say is that well hi and well
meet and Southern's duties and well everything so I mean to say is well I
mean hi to you and well I mean to say is that well I should've known 'cause
well I mean you look like her 'cause well you do." says C'ley

Rolan looks around for a bit, before movinf towards the door.

Jasmyn tries to keep from staring at the scantily clad bakers, looking
relieved when C'ley speaks. Then she just looks confused. Very
confused."Umm, well thank you, I think?"

Ofira nods to Sarai, "Well, we can fix them up a care package," she
promises. "That should cheer them up," she smiles.

Sarai grins, "Would you? I thikn they'd love it."

Servers check the tables one last time to make sure everything's in place,
then nod.

Mirala looks down and beams at the apprentice. "A Baker gather IS the event
of the Pass," she agrees. "Fun!" Mir chuckles at Kassima, tilting her head.
"Oh, thank you. Pie-like and Mirala-ish were just the effect I was going
for." She bounces up and down on her bare feet a little, scanning the
tables with a more business-like eye.

Ofira smiles, "I'll go see to it right now. Things here seem to be under
control."

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

Jarlan doesn't have so much luck with not staring, but he eventually
manages to get his feet working again. Toward Master Ofira, he goes, not
without a few more distracted looks around at the various bakers, though.
Then a frown a she bolts.

Mhaul looks around at all the lovely Bakers in bikinis, smiling broadly as
he leans back to relax some.

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

Sarai sits down to watch all the bakers.

Kassima folds her arms and lays her feather-studded head down on them for a
moment. "Quite, quite welcome, Mirala, truly."

Alieanna, the journeywoman, smiles cheerfully at everyone attended. She
glances around at all the stacked pies that she would later see on many
people's faces. "Hmm...Keara, Mirala! I think everyone's hungry now."

Not one to not look at cute girls in bikinni's, C'ley joins the crowd and
sits down where he can have a good view of the ladies before saying to
Jasmyn "Well I mean of couse 'cause well I mean to say is that you are cute
'cause well I mean you are but well I mean I don't know if you are as cute
'cause well I mean you would have to blush 'cause well I mean she looks
really cute when she blushes 'cause she does."

Keara blinks, "Oh! Yes." She clears her throat, "Please! Step up and help
yourself." The table seem ready to burst with the assorted food items.
(OOC: Menu is now in the room desc.)

Ofira walks out of the kitchen.

[Editor's Note:  Here's that desc:]


Residents dress in their warmest clothes, and gather around the cheery
fires burning in the hearths. The Baker Bubblyfest is going on! The Hall
bustles with bakers and visitors alike, filled with warmth and the aroma of
food. Currently going on is the Bakers' Summer In Winter Picnic: long
tables filled with food line the hall, filled with delicious picnic food
and fruit from the southern warmth. (Dredged Porcine sprinkled with Cayenne
- Poched Quail stuffed with Rosemary - Smoked Clams dipped in Mustard sauce
- Shredded Herdbeast seasoned with Salt - Marinated Roasted Wherry -
Eyewatering peppers - Sliced Cabbage - Grilled Garlic - Boiled Beans -
Steamed Onions - Flower-Cut Radishes - Stacked Blackberries -
Semi-sweetened Rasperberries - Halved Pears - Plump Blueberries -
Scrumptious Honeydew) Also present is a long table with several seats and
multiple pies stacked up, marked with a sign, "Reserved for Pie-Eating
Contest," and beside it a similar table with large mugs, marked, "Reserved
for Klah-Drinking Contest." One more table makes a trio: this one with
bowls and bowls of mashed tubers, with the sign, "Reserved for
Tuber-Sculpting Contest."


Ofira heads over to Sarai , "There's a large package in the kitchen...you
can pick it up when you'r eready to leave," she smiles. She looks at the
people milling about. "Please everyone," she calls, voice carrying, "Help
yourselves!"

Jarlan ahs as Ofira comes back in. Quickly, he turns (from staring at
another baker, of course) and heads toward her rather briskly.

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

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

Ducere steps up to the long table and picks about in the fruit section,
returning with a large piece of honeydew.

Sarai grins and takes a plate to fill up with vegetarian fare. "Master
Ofira, you're a wonderfull woman. I owe you one. Any time, just let me know."

Jasmyn looks towards the door as K'tel and Shayne stride in. She frowns
slightly, just a little disappointed but does wave in their general
direction. Overhearing Sarai, she smiles. "A care package for our candidates?"

Ofira hovers by the table, "The fruit looks wonderful," she praises the
bakers who worked on the display, "And this quail...just lovely! Perfect
amount of rosemary." She helps herself to some beans and onions as well.

Kassima pushes herself up from table and bench, only to stop dead in her
tracks at the sight of all the food. "I," she declares faintly, "am going
t'be too fat t'sit aboard Lysseth after this evening, I just know it."

Shayne keeps her arm linked with K'tel's as she scans the room, chucking
softly when she sees a few familiar faces. "Look, there's Sarai," she tells
her companion, pointing to the Weyrwoman.

Sarai nods at Jasmyn, "We're having a lecture for them tomorrow, I'll
surprise them with it. They'll love it."

Ofira nods to Sarai and offers her a plate, "My pleasure!
Now...please...why not help yourself? There's so much here!" she exclaims,
smiling.

M'verick steps in from the courtyard, the metal doors sliding shut behind him.

Mirala merrily helps with serving, mostly in the dessert section. She
serves a lot of pie, not surprisingly, while beaming and jiggling and
generally being a very perky Baker in a very tight bikini.

Sarai grins, "I will, did Dendra have a hand in this? I can see her touch."

M'verick fixes his tunic gingerly as he comes into the warmth, then rubs
his hands briskly together.

K'tel pauses to take in the crowd, seeing Jasmyn, he waves with his free
arm. He looks where Shayne points, "Oh, good. We should give our duty to
Master Ofira first. Then eat!"

Jarlan stops behind master Ofira and stands, quietly, youthful eyes still
searching around the room.

Ofira nods, "She certainly did. So...things are working out alright with
her at Igen?" She leans over to murmur, "We have our eye on her for
promotion you know..." She glances at Jarlan, as she turn to reach for
another dish, "Can I help you?"

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

K'tel does a subtle double-take as he takes in Ofira's outfit. He shoots a
quick grin at Shayne, "This was a good idea."

Ofira catches the look of the Igen Weyrleader, "Oh dear," she groans
quietly. "It wasn't my idea!" she tries to call to K'tel across the crowd.

Jasmyn breathes a huge sigh of relief as she spots M'verick. Wandering over
to his side she chuckles. "You can put your eyes back in your head, dear."

"So uhm how do I get served 'cause well I mean do I say to outloud to
somebody 'cause well I mean to say is that well do I have to get something
by myself 'cause well i am curious." says C'ley.

K'tel waves cheerfully at Ofira, not catching the words. He takes Shayne
along and dives into the crowd, heading over.

M'verick's mouth is open, he's staring. Lots of Bakers. Lots of bare skin.
Only when Jasmyn touches his arm does he notice her and snap his mouth
closed, "Myn!"

Jarlan gives a quick nod, forcing himself to look away from all the others.
Poor kid. "I've just arrived from the Harper Hall, and wanted to ask what
they've got us setup to do for the festival? They didn't really tell me
what I'd be doing."

Shayne is snickering as she is pulled along by K'tel. "I never expected the
Craftmaster ta wear a swimsuit too. This is a riot."

Sarai thinks about that for a heartbeat. She mutters to Ofira, "... the
most fantastic... anything she... but... She cooks special... without
meat.... she..."  Sarai looks like a hopefull apprentice, wanting their pie
to be approved.

Ofira sighs deeply and piles some tubers on her plate despairingly. She
blinks and looks at Jarlan, "Oh...a harper! I'm sorry! Bakercraft's duties!
Well...we're having a dance at the end of the picnic. So we do need music
for that..." she smiles.

Jarlan's gitar is still slung over one shoulder. He looks back it, then to
Ofira, and smiles, nodding quickly. "I'm sure I could play something."

Jasmyn giggles at M'verick, kissing him softly on the cheek. "Maybe I
should get something like what Mirala is wearing? What do you think?" She
blushes automatically, just thinking about it. The greenrider quietly
answes the visiting Southern Rider, C'ley. "I think it is a buffet, you can
help yourself?"

K'tel sees Mirala as he goes through, grins again and calls a greeting,
"Master Mirala! Good to see you."

Kassima, with a plate, briefly hovers over a food table before determinedly
setting about her work. Just a little porcine; a bit of quail; a taste of
clam; a small pepper or three; a smidgeon of wherry; a handful of
blackberries; a sample of blueberries... no wonder she's worried about
being able to fit on her dragon. "Such a fine array of food, isn't it?" she
asks brightly of her nearest tablemates once she's sat back down.

Ofira smiles at Jarlan gratefully, "Thank you. That's wonderful! Please -
help yourself to the food and relax meanwhile." She listens intently to
Sarai, "I have no intention of reposting...there's a history there," she
smiles.

Sarai grins, "In that case, I endorse her to the extreeme, and I think I'm
going to try that pasta..."

Jarlan nods. The idea of food is almost enough to distract him fully from
all the bikinis, and he heads over to rustle himself up something to eat.

M'verick makes a little strangled sound at Jasmyn's suggestion and stares
at a passing baker, even turning his body slightly to look after her. "Myn.
You couldn't." he blushes deep burgandy and ducks his head to avoid looking
at anyone but his weyrmate.

M'verick mutters to Jasmyn, "... kill me"

Mirala raises a hand to wave at K'tel, one which has the ever-present pie
in it. "Weyrleader! Glad you could make it! Glorious, isn't it?" She looks
down at the expectant and hungry holder, smiles her apology, and hands him
the pie she was waving about.

Ofira chuckles and nods to Sarai, moving off a bit to adjust her suit and
abandoning her plate, looking down at her hips ruefully. "Ten turns
younger, I wish i were."

Alianna raises a slight eyebrow at Ofira, a small grin spreading across her
face. "Oh, but look at the people who think you look just marvelous!" She
presses through the crows with a tray in her hands bundled with fruits. She
flashes a bright smile at Shayne and Loffer,"Blackberries? Or maybe some
fresh raspberries?"

K'tel laughs in agreement then squeezes through a group of people, turning
to make sure Shayne can get through as well.

Jasmyn hugs her weyrmate as she looks around the room. "Well, you can look
all you want, just don't touch." Her own eyes widen as a very scantily clad
male baker apprentice walks through holding a tray of drinks in one hand.
"Oh dear."

Shayne mutters something about there not being enough male bakers before
she leans in to tell K'tel, "Shards, I feel over dressed." Sensing someone
is talking to her, she smiles at Alianna, " Ooooo, blackberries? Don't mind
if I do. Thanks."

Ofira smiles at the Alianna, "Make sure everyone has plenty," she murmurs
to her, "I know it's crowded in here.."

Sarai grins and walks over to K'tel and Shayne, "Evening, Weyrleader,
Shayne." She winks. "Nice view, isn't it?"

Mirala glances over at Alianna's words and nods her head firmly, "Aye, aye,
Master 'Fira, you are the jewel of the bikini ball."

Kassima gives Ofira a droll look from over her own plate. "Don't even imply
that you're old, Master Ofira--you're nay, y'know, so very much older than
*me*. And at any rate, they're right in saying you don't look it!"

M'verick slips his arm around Jasmyn and chuckles at her reaction. A
warning, "don't even think about it," is whispered into her ear as he
inclines his head. "Thre's no way I'd wear that little." The slightly
impish smile can't escape his mouth though.

Alianna nods to Ofira and moves through the crowd offering her tray to the
rest of the Igen riders and then to the Telgar greenrider, and then moving
on, pressing fruit and pastry and other delicacies on each guest she
passes, pausing by the harper and then by the other bakers.

K'tel is distracted by the blackberries too but then Sarai appears. He
grins at her, "Weyrwoman. It certainly is! It's a good reminder of what
summer will bring."

Shayne has berries in one hand and her other resting on K'tel's arm when
she notices Sarai. "Have ta agree with you there. You look like you're
havin' a shardin' good time."

Ofira chuckles at Mirala and Kassima, "Well...Perhaps. Certainly Jorenan
was not overly impressed with my appearing this way. So if he's a bit
jealous, I suppose it's not a bad thing."

Sarai grins, an evilly playfully grin at K'tel and Shayne, "I got to tie up
a wingleader. She didn't get free."

Grabbing a good stock of food, Jarlan wanders off into a corner and settles
down there to snack, trying tokeep out of the way of all the important folk
wandering about.

Kassima is, despite her full plate, quite happy to accept a bit of fruit, a
bit of pastry from that tray. "Nay anyone tell m'children about this
feast," she implores. "They'd enver forgive me for nay bringing 'em. How
*is* Jorenan these days, Master? Methinks I've only seen him once since he
left Telgar, and that in passing."

K'tel laughs, reaching over to steal one blackberry from Shayne, "Somehow I
can see you doing that. Who was it?"

Jasmyn mock pouts. "I think you could wear that much better than he ever
could." She sighs, disappointed. "Well, come love, shall we grab
something... to eat>"

Mirala gets caught up in serving desserts, flinging fruit and berries onto
the waiting plates with pinpoint accuracy... save for the times the berries
hit the holders, but nevermind that. She chuckles at Ofira, "Well, that's
to be expected. All the more reason to wear it... the rest of us certainly
approve."

Shayne laughs and shakes her head at Sarai while offering her some of the
berries too. "I don't think I wanna know. Ya look like you enjoyed it way
too much."

Ofira nods to Kassima, "He's well, but he's been very busy. First it was
studying for the master's exam. He finally took that and passed of course.
Now he's finishing up his posting at Igen Hold, and that keeps him busy -
training his replacement. And tonight he's been working non-stop in the
kitchen. He has a strong sense of duty, you know," she says with a quiet
smile.

M'verick gives the greenrider on his arm a little wink, "Food sounds good."
No more talk of getting dressed up like that. At least, not now. "I'm
starving."

Kassima makes a noise of utmost bliss as she places a forkful of quail into
her mouth. "This is *marvellous*, if'n I may say so... oh, he's a Master
now? Will you pass on m'felicitations to him? I do recall that sense of
duty; 'tis something that should serve one well in life, as indeed it has
him. And what about the children--how are they?"

Jasmyn grins. "And it is not all icky sweet things" Scouting the buffet
tables, the greenrider points. "Nice spicy stuff too. I thought I would
starve over here. People can have their bubblies and pies but give me spicy
rivergrains anyday."

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

Ofira smiles, "I will do that," she promises to Kassima, "Of course he's
passed...we couldn't have considered...a relationship if he had not...oh,
well, Girad is quite a handful. Iraval and Dora are growing up nicely.
Iraval seems to be unusually bright which is sometimes not easy...Dora is a
sweet little girl."

Alianna smiles, quite content as she replaces the taken fruit with a fresh
supply of honeydew, blackberries, blueberries, and pears. She wanders back
into the crowd, offering the assortment to anyone who might want more.

M'verick looks at the serving table, "Bakers do make things other than
those dripping with sweets." He reminds Jasmy in a teasing voice. "River
grains? I thought you were more fond of vegitables?" he motions to a nice
spread of fresh greens.

"Must've gotten his brains from you," Kassi teases while forking up a piece
of wherry. "Kris has a bit of the same thing; he just Turned six, y'know,
and he's been reading for two Turns, writing for one. If'n 'tisn't uncouth
of me t'ask, are you and Jorenan thinking of having more children?"

Sarai sits down at a table and hapily eats pasta and vegetables.

K'tel says "I don't want to know either Sarai." He smiles at Shayne, "Shall
we get some food? Everything looks wonderful."

Jasmyn hmms. "I love vegetables,even some meat, just nothing too sweet."
She peers over at Sarai's selection. "Now that looks tasty."

Jarlan eats quietly in his corner... you get the idea.

Zuliah wanders in curiously, peering around. She seems a little excited,
and waves to the large amount of gathered people. "H'lo! So, this's the Big
Baker Bubblyfest?" She gazes at the assortment of food. Mmmm...

Shayne has polished off the berries she was given already, and is licking
the juice off her fingers while she nods to K'tel. "Sounds like a good
idea. I'm famished. Didn't eat all day."

Ofira nods interestedly, "Kristine you mean? I didn't know that. Ishould
speak with her. Iraval seems obsessed with learning every little detail of
things like insects and so forth...what a memory. Almost frightening...as
for children...well. I don't know Kassima. I'm getting on towards 40 turns.
And he wants to be a father to the three I have...I think Iraval and Dora
could accept that. They don't see R'val and D'ru all that much. Girad
doesn't remember Padraig, but still - it might trouble him. So - I really
don't know," she ends with a rueful smile.

K'tel zeroes in on the bubblies, of course, then turns to blink at Shayne,
"All day? You should have something more substantial." He reluctantly looks
around for the real food.

Mirala exhausts the supply of berries, and sidles over to serve the quail
while the apprentices refill the fruit. She waves over at Zuliah, "The Big
Baker Bubbyfest, Bikini portion! Welcome! Have some food," she croons
across the hall. She glances over at K'tel and the bubblies and grins.
"Filling up on bubblies?"

M'verick selects a plate and hands it to Jasmyn while she continues to look
over the selections. "Everything looks so good. It's difficult to decide
what to sample." He makes room for someone beside him after snatching up a
plate for himself.

Shayne shakes her head quickly at K'tel, her dark curls bouncing. "Oh, no,
that's alright. I've been dyin' ta have some bubblies, and hopefully
there's some baklava around here too."

K'tel looks relieved. He grins at Mirala, "Of course! Which do you
recommend?" He pats Shayne's hand then frees his arm - the better to carry
more bubblies!

Kassima shakes her head emphatically. "Oh, nay, Master--Kris, m'son;
Keveris for long. I don't know when Kristine started reading and writing
and such. Mayhaps Iraval will be an Archivist someday, if'n his memory's
keen." Setting down her utensils for a moment, she offers a sympathetic
smile. "'Tis a good man that he is. If'n 'twere you, I might try,
but--well, for all that I complain, I love babies and having 'em. Having
one with a man I loved would be wonderful... but you did already have that,
didn't you, with Padraig."

Sarai watches her Weyrleader curiously.

Jasmyn grins, looking over her shoulder. "Definitely." She teases.
"Especially over there.." She winks a she spots the young apprentice once
again. With a surprised giggle at herself she places a couple of items on
her plate before looking for a quiet spot to sit.

Mirala hands the quail off to an equally eager Journeyrank, then flounces
over to her domain, the pie table. She waves a hand grandly at K'tel.
"Well, they're all wonderful, of course, in my non-biased opinion. Oversaw
the lot of them. But the mixed berries and tropical mix pies are very
popular. Special blend, for the Bubbyfest, you know."

M'verick blinks a couple times at Jasmyn, watching her move away from the
serving area. "You can't sample those." The reminder warm with teasing as
he quickly transfers a few baked goods to his plate

Jarlan takes his gitar and starts to tune it quietly. If there's to be a
dance later, he may as well.

K'tel watches the flouncing with appreciation but the pies quickly return
to priority, "We'll take five of each." He smiles at Mirala, "I always
trust your opinion, biased or not, when it comes to bubblies."

Jasmyn coughs and ducks her head, blushing, not before commenting."Why
sample inferior goods when you have the best?" Yeah, he should buy that one.

Sarai chuckles as she watches the comotions.

Shayne rolls her eyes ever so slightly from where she's standing behind
K'tel, then she chuckles and nudges his arm. "Hurry up, handsome. I'm gonna
die of hunger here while you're oggling the baker."

M'verick takes a seat, not looking as though he's swallowing Jasmyn's line.
He winks to her though and enjoys some of the eye-candy himself. Afterall,
Myn did say he could. Just no touching.

Mirala inclines her head in a teasing bow, "Well, 'tis my humble service to
Pern, to make sure that all can feast upon the crust and berry perfection
that is pie." She deftly piles a huge plate up with bubblies, and smooches
at Shayne. "And you're not oogling any Bakers?" she winks.

K'tel takes the plate and turns to reassure Shayne, "I'm not oogling them
any more than I am you, O beautiful greenrider." He smiles at Mirala again,
"Thank you very much, Mirala."

Sarai's eyebrows arch. She's watching K'tel and Shayne with interet.

Jasmyn offers Ric a ripe berry from her plate. She grins at K'tel's comment
and blinks innocently at her weyrmate. "Well, dear, it is nice to visit the
neighbours, don't you think?"

Ofira nods to Kassima, smiling, "Yes I did. And a very good turn that was.
I'm glad we had it. And I'm glad I have another chance with Jorenan now.
Perhaps we will try...it's somethign we have to talk about. There are so
many things he and I have to talk about. So much waiting until we could be
together...we have to catch up. Tell me more about your son then?"

Mirala adds, "I would hope that I'm being oogled, too." She grins at K'tel,
waving her hands grandly. "Enjoy, and come back for seconds if you have room!"

Shayne winks right back at Mirala, then up at K'tel. "I'm just oggling men,
be they bakers or not." Sniffing at the bubblies, she quickly covers her
stomach with a hand. "Mmmm, those smell so good my stomach is growling in
anticipation."

K'tel says "Mine too!" He whisks the plate over to the table Sarai chose,
telling the Weyrwoman with a grin, "We're not sharing!"

M'verick blinks and notices Jasmyn's offering something to him. A berry?
"Neighbours? I guess you can call them that. Perhaps we should visit more
often?" Winking he nibbles the berry from her hand. "I haven't been to a
gather in a long time it seems like."

Mirala chuckles at Shayne. "Ah, but the Bakers are more scantily clad than
other men. Or women, for that matter." She grins and resumes serving,
opting to stay near the pie table.

Sarai looks at K'tel, curiously.

Kassima's smile is wistful; she drops her eyes to the plate, absorbing
herself in cutting meat. "Love is a wonderful thing t'have," she agrees
quietly. "Or so I've heard told." Looking back up, she grins broadly at
mention of her son. "Kris is the bonniest little lad; six, as I said, and
as quiet and thoughtful as his elder sisters are rambunctious. He likes
t'solve puzzles. Metal ones, wooden ones, the more complex the better--have
you considered getting Iraval some of those? Mayhaps he'd like 'em, too."

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

Shayne chuckles at Miral. She then waves a hand at K'tel while settling
herself and her skirts into a chair near Sarai. "Oh, ignore him. I'll share
my portion, but ya gotta be quick because I'm starvin'."

Jasmyn quirks her head. "No, you haven't, have you? It has been a good turn
since the last one I was at, and once the eggs hatch, I won't be getting
out from the weyr at all for a while." She giggles as Ric's mouth brushes
against her skin. "Sweet, aren't they?" She gestures to the berries, but
does keep an eye on K'tel and Shayne.

Sarai grins, "Oh no, I have my own. You two though..."

Zuliah glances down at her own clothes as she looks over the others, and
shifts uncomfortably. "Oh, I feel underdressed..." she mutters, but shrugs
it off and heads for...food! She loads her plate with wherry, herdbeast,
tubers, berries, and more berries.

Ofira reaches out suddenly to try to place her hand on Kassima's wrist
gently, "Don't - that is...don't give up on it. It wasn't until I was 38
turns that I found the right one," she says quietly. "And in the least
likely of all places." She nods and says aloud, "Puzzles are a good idea.
We have some. I should get more complex ones."

K'tel sets the plate of bubblies down and sits, picking out a bubbly, "Oh,
I might share. If there are enough left over there..." He pauses before
taking the first bite and asks Sarai, "What?"

Sarai arches an eyebrow at K'tel. "Am I missing something?"

M'verick tsks to Jasmyn, "it won't be as bad as all that. You'll have time
to get free." He follows her eyes towards K'tel and Shayne then gives his
weyrmate a puzzled look, "Sweet?"

K'tel looks at Sarai's plate, "Baklava?"

Shayne is all involved in trying to eat without dropping any crumbs or
juice onto her gown. Her gaze moves back and forth questioningly between
K'tel and Sarai, but she has too much in her mouth to ask anything.

K'tel returns to munching on the bubbly, making enthusiastic noises about
how good it is.

Sarai rolls her eyes, "Men." And aplies herself to her pasta and veggies
before jumping into the desert.

Mirala just blows kisses over at the table where the weyrleaders are
sitting, flipping pies onto plates.

Jasmyn shrugs, and continues to pick at her dinner. "I know, but for the
first while, I guess I will be mostly in the barracks." Glancing over at
the weyrleaders table, she grins. "Well maybe ..interesting?"

Shayne is nodding to K'tel in total agreement and she's seen smiling before
her juice covered lips are obscured by a napkin.

M'verick nods and chuckles to himself, "interesting is a better word." He
pushes some of the spiced river grains around on his plate before taking a
bite.

Kassima's mouth twists in a rueful smile, and she attempts to cover the
Baker's hand briefly with the other of hers. "I already have. Or so I keep
trying t'convince m'self. I'm going t'be alone all m'days; 'tis just the
way of things." Shrugging off that topic, she resumes the other: "The
Smiths sell 'em; methinks 'twas Loren who sold me a whole bag.
Brain-teasers are good, too. And logic problems--Kris can't really grasp
most of those just yet, but he seems to enjoy trying."

K'tel ignores Sarai's comment and takes another one, "What'd she say these
were? Tropical berries? We should ask Mirala to make these regular fare
back home."

Alianna announces "Now that everyone's settled and comfortable, it's time
to make a mess! If you're willing, we'll start the pie eating contest." She
flashes a bright smile at everyone and winks at Keara and Mirala. "Each
person sits down at the special pie-eating table and folds there arms
behind their backs. You have to keep you hands away from your face so you
can't cheat," she says, glancing at K'tel.

Zuliah waves over to the girl who has just arrived before taking her full
plate to put down on a nice table with people that are for the most part of
her age. She doesn't hesitate to start attacking her food once she's fully
seated, leaning over the table to avoid staining her plain dress.

Ofira shakes her head to Kassima, but lets it go. For now. "Perhaps we
should get him and Iraval together. I find he can't get along easily with
some of the other children. He's impatient at times...oh...another
contest," she laughs, "More pie! Not on me this time I hope."

K'tel turns to listen to Alianna, blinking when she looks specifically at
him. He looks back at Shayne and Sarai, "Pie eating contest?"

Jasmyn blinks and a look of half horror crosses her face before she schools
it to a more polite decline. "Ah, thank you Alianna, I think I shall pass?"

Shayne shrugs her shoulders, reaching for another bubblie. "Don't remember,
but it sure was tasty." Hearing the announcement, she laughs softly and
pokes K'tel with a clean finger. "Oh, you should do it!"

K'tel looks tempted, "It sounds messy..."

Kassima agrees, "It might do--and mayhaps he and Khari would get along;
she's bright in a more creative way. You should see some of her sketches!"
Turning her head towards Alianna, she rattles her tongue. "Oh-oh. Mess,
i'truth--mess all *over* the place. Will you be trying, Master?"

Mirala, who has been shamelessly eavesdropping on the weyrleaders, catches
K'tel's words, and beams. "Just saaaay the words, Weyrleader. I'd be more
than happy to make more bubblies for Igen," she croons. She looks over at
Alianna and cackles. "Oh yes, I'd nearly forgotten," she chirps as begins
to ferry pies over to the pie-eating table.

M'verick puts his hands on his stomach, "oh no. I don't think I can do the
pie eatting contest."

Zuliah glances up from her feast innocently, gazing down at her plate. Oh,
and she was just starting to enjoy the place. She glances back up and
stands with a dangerous grin on her face. "I'm in!" she announces, whiping
berry stains from her mouth. Dinner can wait.

Sarai shakes her head, "Count me out. I'd have to ask what was in each pie..."

Ofira places a hand on her stomach, "Oh, no , no, no!" she laughs, "But you
go on!"

Shayne sets down the pastry she just picked up, her hunger distracted by
the idea of watching K'tel participate in the contest. "Oh, I'm sure
they'll give you a bib or somethin'.Ya gotta do it, K'tel. She then
restorts to begging,, smiling sweetly at him. "Please?"

Sarai grins, "Hey could do it bare-chested, eh Shayne?"

Ofira grins over at the pair from Igen, "Go on! " she urges Shayne and
K'tel. "There's a prize, I hear!"

Kassima asks with mild alarm, "Me? Ach, Ofira, I'd like as nay explode! And
then who would look after m'lovely apron, I ask you?"

Jasmyn chuckles, leaning against M'verick. "Oh come now, you can't fit a
pie in there?"

K'tel awws, "Berries, Sarai." He smiles as Shayne begs and agrees, "Oh,
allright. I've only had one so far. Plenty of room." He gives Sarai a look
then stands up, "They've talked me into it. Where're the bibs?"

Mirala gazes at Sarai, adoringly. "Bare chested. Everyone has the most
wonderful ideas tonight!" She slaps K'tel on the back as he stands up, and
ushers him over to the table. "Right this way."

Alianna nods to Shayne and points at the napkins on the tables. She smiles
quickly as the secret is suddenly pronounced by Ofira. "Yes, there will be
a special prize for the winner!"

Ofira calls over to Jarlan, "How about you harper? Come on!" she urges,
laughing.

Shayne lets out a laugh at Sarai's idea. "Shards, that's an excellent idea!
C'mon, K'tel, let me help ta take that nice clean shirt of yours off," she
teases, pretending she really going to do it by picking at a sleeve.

K'tel grins at Ofira then sticks his tongue out at Shayne, "Only if you
join the contest." He follows Mirala.

The young harper looks up, having finished tuning long ago and now just
sort of watching. "Huh? Wassah? What's going on?"

Sarai grins and winks at Shayne, "Off with the shirt, K'tel!"

M'verick shakes his head, "Oh no Myn. I think I'll just sit here with you
and enjoy the show. I think you have to eat more than just one."

Alysia stands off near one of the walls, taking in the events unfolding in
the Hall. A slight smile rests on the girl's lips, slowly being overcome by
the general merriment of the events. Her ears perk up at the word 'harper',
and she starts looking around the room at the sound of a familiar voice.

Shayne decides to simply ignore K'tel's suggestion she join in. She
chuckles and chimes in with Sarai, "Off with the shirt!"

Jasmyn giggles. "I suppose you are right. And K'tel looks like he could
lead Igen into victory."

Mirala leads K'tel over to the table, producing an apron, which she offers
to him. "Covered, or bare?"

Ofira catches sight of another harper, a woman and heads that way, "Come on
now.." she urges, smiling, "Why not join the contest. Show them what Harper
Hall can do," she winks to Alysia and Jarlan.

Jarlan manages to catch sight of Alysia and stands up, beaming instantly.
Leaving his gitar where it is, he trots over, waving with obvious
enthusiasm. "Aly! Hi!"

Ducere smiles happily at Alianna. "A pie eating contest! I could do it!
I've got a big tummy!" He grins and points at his stomach.

Kassima asks in an aside to Mirala, "D'you think the Weavers would be
willing t'make embroidered shirts for this occasion? Say, ones that read 'I
Saw Igen's Weyrleader Eating Pie Topless and All I Got Was This Shirt'? I'd
buy one, just t'disturb the folk back at Telgar."

K'tel looks over at Shayne before he answers and raises his brows,
grinning, "Going to play, Shayne?"

Shayne is laughing as she shakes her head at K'tel, both hands up in
protest. "No thanks. I'll do a drinkin' contest, but I haven't a chance
winnin' against you with bubblies."

M'verick chuckles and claps to encourage K'tel into 'battle' as it were. He
loops an arm around Jasmyn and tilts his head to see who else is joining in.

Sarai starts to pound the tables, "Take off teh shirt, take off the shirt."
Such a proper weyrwoman she is.

Giggles ensue from Jasmyn and she chuckles at Kassima. "Oh dear.. I think
it would disturb Igen as well."

Jarlan turns slowly back toward Ofira, as soon as he's caught up with the
other harper. "Contest... I dunno." He looks around, noting the
dragonriders and other various people. And then there's the shirt thing...

K'tel blinks over at Kassima, face turning slightly pink. Hearing Shayne,
he nods to Mirala, "Bib, please."

Ofira nods to Jarlan and Alysia, "It'll be fun," she says briskly, "And you
can wear an apron. Can't they?" she checks with Alianna.

Mirala places a hand over her heart and nods reverently to Kassima. "I'm
sure Dela would. I'd need one, too." She helps seat the other participants
as she grins at the waffling K'tel. "You're really really sure you want a
bib?"

Alysia beams brightly as the fellow 'prentice draws closer. "Jarlan! You
made it!" She gives the boy a quick hug before continuing. "Were you
getting ready to play? You need some help?" Her excitement has reached the
boiling-over point.

Ducere steps in front of Ofira and lets out a little giggle. "Come on,
Craftmaster, you can do it! I bet you could eat the most!" He smiles
broadly at her.

Shayne looks over at her weyrwoman, a surprised grin on her face. "Ya don't
wanna ruin that pretty shirt, K'tel," she shouts. "Ya heard your Weyrwoman.
Take it off!"

Kassima tries that innocent look again. Unfortunately, it's hard to look
innocent and snicker at the same time. "Ah, nay--Dela would write it on a
*swimsuit*, and that's going too far for me, methinks... 'twould like as
nay disturb all of Pern, Jasmyn. That's the beauty of it!"

Ofira shakes her head to Ducere, "Oh , no, no. " she smiles. "It isn't fair
for the craftmaster to play after all. I have to help judge."

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

Jasmyn covers her mouth holding back a snort and hides in the arms of
M'verick. She does peer out to shout to K'tel. "Now, we wouldn't want you
to be dirty, what sort of image would that give to Igen?"

K'tel gives Sarai a dirty look then bows gallantly to Shayne, "Very well,
lady, but there will be a price." He sweeps off his shirt, offering it to
Mirala.

Ofira starts ushering people over to the table, helping out Ducere and
Alianna, "Now...who's playing? Zuliah, K'tel...who else?"

Alianna nods to Ofira. "Of course they can wear an apron." She turns and
shushes everyone. "By a show of hands, how many people are going to play?"

Sarai grins, "Well he's got a nice body, Shayne. I think he should show it
off." And just like anyone else, Sarai whoops and tosses an arm up, waving
at K'tel.

Mirala tilts her head. "Well, I'm sure we can find SOME Weaver to put it on
a shirt." She laughs in agreement. "'Just want to make sure Bubbyfest won't
be forgotten." She just grins merrily at K'tel, taking his shirt humbly,
and stowing it away.

Jarlan smiles and looks down after Alysia catches him up in the hug, then
away, to the contest, using that as an excuse to hide his slightly blushing
looks. "Think I should join in?"

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

Zuliah walks over quickly and silently to the pie-eating contest. She gulps
exressively, and smiles to the other contestants. She doesn't /look/ like
one to be wolfng down pies, but looks can be decieving. She takes a deep
breath as she looks at the pies. She glances up to Alianna, and raises her
hand.

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

M'verick chuckles behind his hand as he watches, "Go Igen! Igen Igen!"
Getting ready to cheer his leader on.

Ducere bounds over to the table and winks at Alianna. "I'm playing!"

Banran looks over to Merielan once inside and can't hide a smirk. "Time for
you to change.."

Jarlan decides, for whatever reason, and with a final glance back at the
other apprentice he walks out, raising his hand. "Sure, I'm in... what are
the rules?"

Leigh pulls off her outer coat, shivering a little until she gets nearer to
the fire.

Alysia glances over at the assembling contestants. "You better hurry if you
want to." She grins up at Jarlan.

K'tel raises his hand, smiling at Zuliah.

Mirala looks over at M'verick and chuckles. "Igen: More nudity than any
other weyr! That's what makes it so grand..." She checks over the pie
supply a final time, handing out aprons to those who opt not to go
topless... cowards.

Kassima sits primly on her hands. She's already covered in feathers; she
doesn't need to be covered in berries. She will, however, cheer, "Go, pie!"

Alianna frowns slightly. "This is all that's playing? Well, it's enough I
suppose." She smiles at the few contestants that raised their hands.

Shayne is laughing loudly, clapping her hands and grinning from Sarai to
K'tel. "Didn't know if he'd have the guts," she tells the weyrwoman. "Oh,
this is too much fun.".

Merielan peers at Rolan and at Banran "Make sure he does it?"

Sarai is applauding the barecheasted Igen Weyrleader, looking far to
pleased, "I can't believe he did it eaither! He's got a nice body though."

Ducere sits down at the table, as was instructed by Alianna. He also folds
his arms behind his back and grins.

Jasmyn looks at Mirala wide-eyed and whispers to her weyrmate. She mutters
to M'verick, "She... mad you... quite... she... mad..." 

Shayne is close enough that she can lean against Sarai for a brief moment
and playfully tease her, "You'd know more than I."

Ofira nods to Alianna, "Alright - you should begin," she smiles. "The rules
are that they have to keep their hands behind their back, and they win if
they eat the most pie?"

K'tel sits too, pretending not to hear more than the rules. At Ofira's
words, he puts his hands behind his back.

Alianna nods to Ofira. "Hmm..I should think the first one done gets the
prize..?"

Jarlan goes over to the table. He looks a little confused, and looks to
Ofira, and then all the topless contestants. With a blink, he takes of his
jacket, and then the shirt beneath, and sets them off to the side, before
joining the others. Still has that south Boll tan.

Zuliah sits down at the table as well, a few chairs away from Ducere. She
brushes the hair from her face before sitting forward and places her hans
behind her back. She givesa nervous grin and waits for the starting mark.

Ofira nods to Aliana and gets out her whistle. "Alright...begin when I blow
the whistle! REady...?" Seh blows the whistleloudly.

M'verick chuckles and looks at Jasmyn, "What? Who told you that?"

Jasmyn blinks. "I know it,I saw her, she scared me."

Ducere dives his face into the pie, only returning above the pan for air.

Leigh walks over to stand near the fire, murmuring to the nearest person,
"Exactly what is going on with all this nudity?"

Mirala readies herself at the pie horde, making sure each contestant has a
pie in front of them, and awaits the whisle.

Kassima frees her hands to take up fork and knife again now that the danger
is past. "I hope we're safe from any mess over here," she comments.
"Y'never know. Someone could inhale a berry and have t'snort it out their
nose or some such thing."

Zuliah shoves her face into a bubbly pie promtly, covering nearly her whole
face as she attempts the pie.

K'tel grins over at Jarlan then hears the whistle. He turns his head
quickly, leaning down to get his teeth into the first pie. He tries to be
neat for about two seconds - then he follows Ducere's example.

Sarai rolls her eyes, "Twice, and I didn't look the second time." Sarai
elbows Shayne, amused. "Sides, I like him like a brother."

Jarlan digs in too, with all the appetite of a young man of only 17 turns.
And as any mother knows, that's a hell of an appetite indeed.

Ofira waves to Leigh while she watches them eat pie, "Oh, this is Keara's
idea...summer in winter picnic....with bikini's optional."

M'verick looks at the baker in question and then chuckles quietly. "Well,
I'll protect you Myn." As though he could.

Alysia follows Jarlan as far as the tables, and with a quick 'good luck',
she heads off towards the Harper's stand.

Banran rolls his eyes at Merielan as he disappears to go change. "Just as
long as you do.."

Kassima mutters something that could be, "Thank goodness," at the 'bikinis
optional' part.

Ducere smooshes his face even farther into the pan, covering each side of
his face with purple pie juice. He was almost half-way done with his.

Sarai says "Go K'tel! Get down at dirty for Igen!"

K'tel wrinkles up his nose as berries and juice start covering the lower
half of his face. He takes bigger bites, keeping an eye on his competition.

Shayne suddenly bursts out laughing when the contestants dive in. "Shards!
Look at 'em go! Oh, K'tel is gonna win, I know it," she tells Sarai
enthusiastically. "C'mon, K'tel," the greenrider yells out, urging him on.
"That's it, shovel it all in. Faster!"

Zuliah dives into the pie, coming up for air after a few seconds and a near
eaten pie, and licks her face before diving back in and disappearing
inside. She's all her concentration into this event, and nothing's going to
ruin it.

Merielan steps through the western archway, walking into the games room.

Mirala shoves fresh pies into place as the contestants finish their first
pies. She looks over at Ofira and Leigh and croons, "The bikini part was my
idea." She gets splattered with berries as someone lands face-first in a pie.

Ofira laughs, watching the participants, "Goodness...I never knew the
Weyrleader had it in him..." she calls to the Igen group.

Banran steps through the western archway, walking into the games room.

Leigh moves closer to Ofira. "Healer duties to the Bakers, Master Ofira. Is
the summer in winter theme the reason no one's fully clothed? I must have
been in Southern Boll for too long; I can't imagine removing my coat."

Ducere whips his head out of the pie, sending a blueberry flying across the
table. "Yoouw newwer gocae een!" He says, though quite not understandable.
He sends his face back into the pie for more.

M'verick whispers an aside to Jasmyn and smiles innocently at her.

Jarlan gorges himself rather gracelessly, getting a good bit of pie all
over, once he really gets into it. Bah, doesn't the harper hall get a
cheering section? Either way, he keeps going.

Alianna hops to the side to avoid the flying blueberry and chuckles. "Well,
they certainly look hungry!"

Shayne might be small, but she sure can yell very loud. "Woo hoo! Come on,
K'tel! That's it. Show 'em what ya got," she cheers from the sidelines,
clapping her hands and just about jumping up and down.

K'tel concentrates! He finishes the last major bites of his first pie and
starts on his second, still enthusiastic. Berry juice starts running down
his neck - and it's a darn good thing his shirt is off!

Ofira chuckles to Leigh, "That's the reason, Though how they talked me into
it, I'll never know..."

Sarai claps, "Oooh he looks so butch!" teases Sarai, "Alright K'tel!"

Zuliah licks the bottom of the pie plate thouroughly before shoving it away
hurriedly and snatching the next pan. No hesitation follows, and she's
flying through the pie. She doesn't pause to speak, just eating.

Mirala claps her hands, cheering in general, as she's the pie-maiden.
"Faster! Bigger bites, people, you can do it!"

Jasmyn blushes at Ric's whisper and chuckles. "Hmm, looks interesting
though, don't you think? Gives me a couple of ideas."

Kassima asks rather wistfully as she watches, "Why won't A'lex ever do
aught fun like burying his face in pie while shirtless? Oh, certes, he let
us dress him as a woman that once, but it just isn't the *same*...."

M'verick stares at Jasmyn and then shakes himself and watches the contest,
adding a loud hoot for his Weyrleader. Best not t ask what his weyrmates
ideas might be.

Ducere pushes his first plate away with his nose and starts on his second
pie, only a little behind K'tel. He slurps up as many raspberries as he can.

Good thing there're are berries and juice all over K'tel's face. No one can
tell if he turns red. He munches!

Ofira nods to Kassima, "I hear that the Weyrsecond at Fort wears a dress
from time to time. T'shar I believe? Perhaps they might get up a show
together sometime..." She looks back at the contest, "Time's almost up!"
she calls.

Alysia gets absorbed in the frentic action. After a bit, she heartily
cheers on her classmate. She's seen Jarlan tear into bubblies before, and
should give 'em a run for their marks.

Leigh leans nearer to the Master Baker, using their similar heights to
advantage. She mutters to Ofira, "... You... Healer or... but... I've...
them... an... or... of clothing." 

Ducere lifts his head up again and sucks in a huge breath of air and dives
back in, almost finished.

Mirala barks, "Come on! For Hold, Hall, and Weyr, for piiiiiiie! Eat like
you've never eaten before!"

Kassima offers hopefully, "If'n so, mayhaps they could get together with
Mart and S'dar and V'hryn too? The more Femalemen of Pern, the merrier.
Mayhaps they'd even do that dance with the high kicks for us."

Jarlan has still got that useful appetite. He catches up a little on second
pie, having the trick down for it now, and edges along to narrow the margin
between him and the others. Woosh. The second pie is gone in seconds. Go
harpers!

Jasmyn puts her full attention on K'tel. She says helpfully. "Go, K'tel,
eat that disgusting looking thing, think of it as nice plate of vegetables!"

Zuliah hurriedly digs through the pie. She doesn't pause this time, and
it's a wonder she's not sufficated. Just another bite or two...She's eating
like never before.

K'tel is down to the last few bites but they aren't staying in one spot. He
snaps at the slippery berries, managing to get one. He tries to corner
another but it slides around the rim.

Shayne gets up so she can get a better view of the contest, being careful
to keep enough distance so that her accursed dress doesn't get splattered.
"Don't slow down on me now, K'tel," she threatens loudly. "You're a
weyrleader! Show 'em what you're made of. Now eat that bubbly!!"

Sarai hoots and hollers, shamelessly, like a particpant in a porcine
calling contest. "K'tel! Igen!"

Ofira watches and then lifts the whistle, blowing shrilly, "That's it!
Time's up! Stop!" she calls over the commotion.

Jarlan looks up, his face a purple mess, from somewhere in the middle of
his 3rd pie.

Leigh stands a-tiptoe to see how much pie has been devoured by each
contestant.

Ducere removes his face from the mass and tries to blink, but his eyelids
are glued shut.

Mirala flings her hands over the remaining pies -- before snatching them
away to make sure she still has all fingers intact. "Let's see those pies,"
she calls.

Zuliah chomps down, a huge bite. She must pause to swallow, but quickly
recovers. She stops as soon as the whistle is blown, turning with a
berry-covered face from the finished pie-plate.

K'tel lifts his berry-covered face, giving that last bite a glare. He sits
back, bringing his hands out from behind his back to start clearing berries
off his face.

Kassima cranes her neck to try and get a peek. "Did they all survive?" she
wants to know.

Jasmyn looks at the mess and just shakes her head slowly. "Oh dear."

M'verick chuckles and covers his eyes for a moment, "Jays, I think they're
wearing more than they ate."

Alysia leans back, convulsing in a bit of silent laughter. My, what a show.

Ofira says, "The judges and I will confer, and give you our verdict
momentarily. Meanwhile...you might want ot clean up," she laughs.

Jarlan gasps, still pie-covered, and wipes enough berry-stuff out of his
eyes to find the pieplate, and offer it for inspection. Wow, almost
finished his 3rd.

Ducere uses his fingers to pry open his eyes and then removes a blueberry
from somewhere inside his ear.

K'tel grins over at Ofira then looks around for a towel, "I don't think a
bib would've helped."

Sarai grins and throws a damp clothe at K'tel, "Good going, Weyrleader."

Shayne is breathing heavily from all her yelling and jumping around. "Who
won?" she's asking rather loudly, never a patient one. "Shards, K'tel,
you're a disaster," the then observes.

Mirala scrapes berry filling from off of her chest and flings it at the
table, producing rags for contestants. "Good job," she chuckles at K'tel.
"Aren't you glad you went topless?"

K'tel catches the cloth, chuckling, "Why, thank you, Shayne." He starts
cleaning up - trying at least.

Kassima mutters at Mirala's latest, "Now there's a comment you're nay
hearing every day."

Jarlan finally gets around to wiping his face clean, for all the good it
does with berry-bits all over his neck and chest. My oh my, what a messy
eater.

Zuliah gazes down at her tunic, now more like a pie of itself. She looks
down in disgust, and whipes back the berry remenants on her face with the
rag. "Thanks," she mumbles sincerely, and begins scraping off berries.

Sarai says "Good thing we stoped the eaters when we did, they might have
eaten some of the bystanders!"

K'tel nods to Mirala, "Next time, I think we should make the women do it.
Much more fun." He grins, then looks down at his chest, cleaning off berry
juice.

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

Leigh, the smallest bystander within easy reach of the contestants,
protests. "I don't want to be a pie!"

Mirala towels berries off of her hair with a stray rag. She smiles impishly
at K'tel. "Well, if you and Sarai would agree to let me host one at
Igen..." she croons, winking.

Jasmyn blushes slightly at some thought going through her head.

Sarai grins at Mirala, "Well we'll see. K'tel in a biniki?:

Shayne heard K'tel and is chuckling as she goes back to be beside jokester
Sarai. "Funny. Ya know, I swear I don't recognize the man tonight. He's
actually having fun." She contemplates the weyrleader. "Hmmm. He might look
good in a bikini."

K'tel brightens, "Good idea, Mirala. I will have to bring it up..." He
looks over at Zuliah and chuckles. At Sarai's words, he shakes his head,
"No, no. I took my shirt off. The least you can do is wear a bikini."

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

Loren waits at the door for another smith, looking about the hall. He grins
when he sees Shayne and Kassima.

M'verick looks over at Jasmyn with a wide smile, "hum?"

Alianna points at K'tel, smiling. "K'tel is the winner! The special prize
that was won is a Handy Dandy Spoon!" She smiles warmly at all of the other
contestants.

Jarlan grumbles at how messy he got for nothing, and wanders off to find
his shirt, still quite a mess.

Jasmyn shakes her head. "Me, I didn't say a thing." She chuckles and
applauds as K'tel's name is allowed. "Yay Igen!"

Shayne happens to make eye contact with Loren and is giving him a wave when
the winner is announced. "Woo!!" she just about screams, jumping up and
down excitedly by Sarai. "He won! He won!"

Kassima chases a forkful of porcine around her plate, only to lose the
chance to spear it in favor of applauding K'tel. "Felicitations!" she
calls--and then silently mouths, 'A spoon?' With a shake of her head, she
glances towards the entrance, and offers a wave and smile to Master Loren.

Mirala cackles at K'tel, "Oh, I'll remind you, then." She grins at Sarai,
"He's right, you know. Bikini for the Weyrwoman." She woos, "Yay! K'tel!
SPOON!"

Zuliah thinks a moment. "I think it'd be fun to do a pie-eating contest or
something at Telgar. Hm." She shrugs and applauds lightly for K'ten. What,
like she /needed/ a spoon in the first place?

Sarai grins, "What now? I don't have a thing to wear!"

Alysia abandons her perch, and approches Jarlan, grabbing a clean cloth on
her way. She hands the cloth to Jarlan, complimenting him on his
performance. "...would give Joran a challenger, honestly..." she chats,
grinning away at his appearance

Sarai takes a moment to collect herself, "He won?" She shouts and hugs
Shyne, "We won! We won!"

M'verick nods to Jasmyn after a loud aray of hooting and shouting for the
Igen win. "I thought you were going to say something. Nevermind."

Ducere grins at K'tel and pats his own spoon. "They're quite handy, ya know!"

K'tel looks startled, "What?" He laughs at the cheers, "Umm...Thanks, I
think." He turns to the other contestants, "If any of you would like to
come to Igen for the next one, I'll supply the bubblies."

Loren leads Annik along the farther wall, well clear of the crowd. "Looks
like we missed a good show." he murmers to her.

Jasmyn whispers to M'verick. "I will tell you later." She continues to
whistle and applaud for her leader.

Mirala calls, "I could lend you one of my bikinis, Sarai," she teases. And
prances -- yes, prances about the pie-covered table. "Igen! Spoon!"

Ofira chuckles as the Igen crowd celebrates, "Thank you everyone for
playing..." she calls, "And now...if our harper doesnt' mind playign while
covered in whipped cream...it's time for our dance!"

Sarai laughs and hugs K'tel, pounding him on the back, "Alright, K'tel,
that was an impressive eating!"

Annik blinks as she sees the number of people. "Hmm. Didn't know it'd be so
full in here," she says quietly. She nods as she follows. "Yeah, too bad."

K'tel lets himself be pounded, grinning. He looks over at Mirala, "Where'd
you hide my shirt, Mirala? I can't dance like this!"

Jarlan practically spins around as Alysia appears again, grabbing the cloth
to wipe himself off. "Thanks," he says, quiet enough as he walks away from
the table, muttering about Igen dragonriders, only to get called back
again. Still toppless. "Huh? Play?"

Ofira calls over to Jarlan and Alysia, applauding, "What do you say
harpers? A few dance tunes?"

Mirala eyes Sarai, "Should I give the shirt back?"

K'tel narrows his eyes at the baker, "Why are you asking her? Didn't we
have a deal going about a bikini?"

M'verick grins to Jasmyn and nods to her, "I'll be sure to remember to
ask." He pushes his plate away from him, "dancing? Feel like dancing Myn?"

Sarai says "Oh let him have his shirt back, he earned it."

Zuliah grins, and looks back to her tunic. Anyone have a spare tunic? Or
/something/? I can't dance in this state, anyway..." She looks helplessly
at the crowd, then her tunic.

Alysia looks over to her companion and shrugs. "Shall we?" she
asks,starting back to where she just came from.

Jasmyn's eyes brighten at the thought of dancing. "You realize, Ric, we
have never danced together?"

Shayne is right there beside Sarai, grasping onto K'tel's bicep. "I knew
you could do it," she says confidantly, smiling up at him, squeezing his
arm. "Shards, when did your muscles get so big? Hmm? Bikini?"

"In this weather?" Leigh murmurs to herself, though probably audibly to
others as well. "He must be joking."

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

Mirala grins and offers the shirt to K'tel, "Sorry, sorry. Just remember:
Igen Topless Pie Eating Contest."

Kassima shakes her head slightly at the mention of dancing, and applies
herself to the scraps left on her plate. "Seems a good way t'be freezing
off relevant portions of your person," she agrees with Leigh. "Though the
folk wearing 'em in here appear comfortable enough."

Jarlan parts from Alysia for a moment, to go over and pick his gitar back
up and then wanders back. Shirt! Yes, he should probably put that on before
he plays.

M'verick smiles over at Zlysia in sympathy, "The weavers should have a
change of clothing for you." Then he turns to Jasmyn and nods, "I know. We
never have had the time I guess."

Sarai smiles at K'tel, "I'm impressed. I didn't think your mouth was that
big,:

K'tel rolls his eyes at Mirala and Sarai but gratefully accepts the shirt,
"We'll test yours later, Sarai." He smiles at Shayne, "Having fun?" He
starts putting the shirt back on, tucking and buttoning appropriately.

Mirala calls over to Kassima, "You're not going to dance? But you're
already feathered! You must!"

Leigh agrees with Kassima, arms still crossed over herself. "They look
comfortable, although I don't know how. That one's from Igen, I know." She
points at K'tel, probably still not in his shirt yet. "I've only been at
Southern Boll for half a turn, maybe eight months, and I'm already losing
my ability to withstand cold."

Zuliah sighs, and says to herself, "Qulan could've beaten them all!"

Loren chuckles at some of the comments he hears and stops in front of the
food booths. "The tamales are good. Izett and I had some this afternoon."
he tells Annik.

Sarai smirks at K'tel, "Very funny, K'tel.

Shayne laughs, reaching up to fix K'tel's twisted collar. "Yeah, I'm havin'
fun. Looks like you are too. Didn't know if you still knew how ta do that."

Kassima favors Mirala with a dirty look. "I can't dance, or don't you
recall m'near-slaughterings of folk at that Boll Gather? Really, I
should've poked I'sai's eye out with a claw rather than go out there... oh,
aye, Healer; that's the Igen Weyrleader. And the Weyrwoman, and those three
riders are all from Igen too--and Master Mirala--" She points them out
appropriately. "M'self, I've been in Benden and Telgar long enough t'be
used t'cold, but I've never worn a bikini and don't plan t'start."

K'tel straightens the front of his shirt, dressed again finally. He shrugs
at Shayne, a little self-conscious perhaps, "This was just what I needed."

Leigh points out, "Yes, but only that one is undressed."

Jasmyn looks down at her simple dress."I would have worn a bit fancier
attire. You look smashing love."

Sarai grins, "I'm going to find my grandmother and my aunt, K'tel. I'll be
back in a couple minutes."

Ofira slips away from the crowds and noise and couples pairing off, taking
up residence in a quiet corner.

Mirala smiles cutely at Kassima. "Dancing, slaughtering, what's the
difference?" she calls back.

Alysia gets settled in one of the playing chairs, removing a set of pipes
from a small case. As she waits for Jarlan to find a shirt, she brings the
pipes to her lips and plays a few simple melodies, warming up for the night.

Shayne pokes K'tel in the chest, looking rather smug. "That's what I been
tellin' you for forever." Hearing Sarai, she gives her a bit of a wave and
a smile.

Zuliah sighs as she goes about brushing all the berries off her tunic with
the rag. That'll do, for now anyway. "I don't know if I'm up for a
dance..." she says, gazin about. First, she must set out to find a partner
if she does, anyway.

M'verick turns from very obviously listening in to the other conversations
around them and flashes a wide smile at Jasmyn, "I forgot to wear the new
gather clothes. I was in such a hurry to get over here I forgot." Jade eyes
sweep over the greenrider at his side, "You're beautiful. You don't need to
change."

"With me," Kassi retorts back to Mirala, "there isn't a difference, which
is just why I don't. Aye, 'tis mercifully true about the undressedness.
Saving Mirala in that swimsuit."

K'tel nods to Sarai then grins and tries to capture Shayne's poking hand,
"Now, now. No 'I told you so's' tonight. I'm still having fun."

Sarai leans over as she gets up. She mutters to K'tel, "... shirt..."
Sarai winks and pinches K'tel's cheek/

Jarlan dresses hastily, with an occasional glance back at Alysia. He puts
on his blue gather shirt but leaves the jacket, and wanders over to meet
the girl, gitar back in hand. Sitting down beside her, he looks out to see
if the crowd is ready to start.

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

K'tel blinks after Sarai then chuckles, "Shayne, we need to plot against
our Weyrwoman. She's far too uppity lately."

Mirala blows at kiss at Kassima. "Well, you SHOULD. I'll save a dance for
you should you change your mind, oh wherry dance master." She poses at the
mention of her undressedness.

Zuliah sighs, and wanders back over to her table to her waiting dinner. And
she's /still/ an appetite, as she digs in to her wherry and herdbeast.

Leigh melds into the crowd of faces, mingling with people from her past and
meeting new faces here and there.

Shayne links her arm with K'tel's while looking past him in the direction
Sarai just headed. "She is? Sure seemed laid back ta me tonight."

Annik nods and takes one, biting into it. "Mmm. They are good. I've only
been in the tent, so I haven't gotten a chance to try any of the food."

Jasmyn leans against M'verick "Well, love, shall we?"

Ofira returns to the hall after a few minutes, this time in an appropriate
gather gown, watching the dancers pair off.

Kassima answers, facepalming, "I'm afraid m'reputation would never survive
tales of me dancing with women in bikinis, Mirala--the time I danced with
'Lex in a loincloth was bad enough--but that's quite generous of you all
the same."

K'tel gives Shayne an amused look, "Oh, I see. Sticking together are you?
You were both anything but laid back."

Zuliah yawns a bit, and pushes the near empty plate away. She mutters to
herself as she wanders out.

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

Merielan steps out of the games room.

Loren heads for a corner table out of the way, but with a good view of the
hall. "This looks like s good, safe spot, Annik."

Banran steps out of the games room.

M'verick grins at Jasmyn and kisses her cheek, "Whenever you wish. I'm ready."

Banran returns to the room with Merielan. He is dressed in swim trunks for
the Beach party. He glances to her and remarks. "I don't suppose I could
have one dance with you tonight, for the lessons, hmm?"

Jasmyn giggles. "Isn't the man supposed to lead?" She winks.

Mirala mock pouts at Kassima, "That's too bad," she says, then grins. "Ah
well." Mir then trots over to Ofira and croons. "Even lovelier, dearest
Master! Will you dance?"

Shayne doesn't appear to be in the least bit ashamed of herself or Sarai.
"Yes, K'tel, we are stickin' together and you better watch your back
because you're not gonna be allowed ta stay holed up in the Weyr any more."
Waving a hand in front of her face, she comments, "It's a little warm in
here, isn't it?"

Jarlan sits, again tuning, and waiting for all the couples to finish
pairing off. A look to Alysia, here and there, but otherwise his attention
is out on the floor.

Merielan blinks at Banran. She sighs softly, shaking her head, shoulder's
hunched "I think we ought to head back to the weyr..."

Ofira blinks, surprised by Mirala, "Oh...I was waiting...well..." She
glances over at the kitchen indecisively. "Oh..of course, MIrala, I'd love
to."

Banran blinks at her and then nods. "Alright. Why are we leaving so soon? I
do something?" He knows he was teasing her, but not that bad.

Alysia leans in a bit to Jarlan as he tunes his gitar, briefly discussing
which tunes to play.

Merielan doesn't look at Banran's eyes "No, no...just..let's go."

K'tel says, "I don't stay holed up!" He catches the hint though and starts
for the door, "Definitely warm in here. Some fresh air is just the thing!"

Banran frowns once as he nods to her. "Alright."

Annik nods and follows Loren to the table. She sits down and smiles. "Ahh.
Feels good to sit down."

Mirala dips her thin skirt in curtsy, "I'm sure he'll be out later, 'Fira,
I won't take up all of your dances." Rising, she grins, and offers her hand
to the Master, waiting for the Harpers to begin their next song.

Ducere exits, still picking an assortment of fruit out of his hair.

Kassima glances towards Ofira, and grins. "Lovely, Master," she approves.
Finally setting down her eating tools for good, she leans back against the
back of her seat and watches the preparations.

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

Ofira blushes, "That obvious am I?" She laughs and takes Mirala's hand,
bowing in return.

Shayne smiles up at K'tel while letting him lead her outside for a spell.
"I'm gonna want a dance later on, so don't get any ideas about sneakin'
away early."

M'verick slowly gets to his feet and holds out a hand to Jasmyn.

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

Keeping her eyes focused on M'verick, Jasmyn rises to her feet, following
him out to the dance floor.

Loren takes a bite and nods to Annik. "Good food, too. I think I'll ask the
hall's cooks about adding tamales to our menu."

K'tel chuckles, "I have to dance with you tonight, Shayne. I won't sneak
away." He nears the doors and opens one just wide enough to let them slip out.

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

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

Mirala laughs, inclining her head. "As clear as an apprentice's soup,
dear." She perks up, and with a bounce, twirls Ofira out on the floor.

Ofira shakes her head, "Oh dear!" she laughs, not sounding particularly
worried as she follows Mirala, skirts rustling."

M'verick inclines his head slowly and whispers to Jasmyn, "Don't mind
dacing even though I'm wearing all my clothes?"

Keara adds, just loud enough to carry, "The booths are all still open, and
don't forget to enter the firelizard raffle!" She snags herself a man and
heads to the dance floor herself.

A final glance back to the girl beside him, and with a tap of his foot that
starts the beat, Jarlan starts in on his gitar, the wide motion of his hand
meant to signal the other apprentice to come in with him. And off they go
with a lively dance tune, something lighthearted, to start the evening.

Ofira smiles as the music begins, "Oh, they're quite good,aren't they!" And
they're off and away, dancing to the sprightly tune.

Jasmyn blushes, hiding her face against her weyrmates' chest. "Oh, I think
I can get over it soon enough."

Annik smiles, "That's a good idea. I think the apprentices are getting
tired of eating the same meal, even though they are delicious."

M'verick slips his hand to the small of Jasmyn's back and draws her in
flush against him. "I'll make sure you're happy."

Mirala bobs her head approvingly, smiling as she glances over to the
Harpers. "Splendid," she coos, and she twirls her Master around merrily.
"Perfect music for the perfect gather."

The melody of the pipes filter in a half-measure after the gitar, adding
the sharper notes in a jaunty counter-melody. Alysia's features portray
little of the concentration she is exerting.

Kassima watches the dancing for several moments, a faint smile marking her
face, and then excuses herself with a murmur to head towards the gaming area.

You walk under the archway and into the games room.

[Editor's Note:  There was a fortune teller code toy in the game
room, and since Kassi posed about it later I'm leaving in the 
reading.]


Standing beside Hisspah is a thin, dark-haired lad, no more than ten turns,
who waves you closer and whispers, "Give me a 1/32 mark and she'll
'predict' your future by looking at your hand. But don't ask anything more
of her, or your luck will turn bad."
  Hisspah studies your palm while tracing a line upon it with a gnarled
finger. When she speaks, her voice is low and raspy... 
  "Not every tragedy spells disaster. Misfortune will touch you, but rising
from the ashes you will find great joy." 
  The surprisingly tight grip on your hand releases and Hisspah sits back
in her chair and closes her eyes, effectively dismissing you now that she's
made her prediction. 


You step through the archway into the Great Hall.

Lara watches the dancers enjoying themselves for a while longer, a soft
smile playing about her lips. Eventually, she remembers something that
needs to be taken care of, so she silently leaves the Hall, first nodding
to the Benden guard standing at his post, keeping a watchful eye on
everything.

Lara walks through the eastern archway and into the work cavern.

Jasmyn breaks into helpless giggles, trying to keep some semblance of grace
as the dance continues. "Oh we are totally ridiculous. They might start
believing us in a moment." As they whirl around the floor, she spots Lara.
"Oh my, the Lady of the hold..."

Mirala peers over at Jasmyn's tittering from Ofira's shoulder, and giggles
herself. "Oh, there went Lar-- Lady Lara," she coos.

The first song draws obviously near a close, a quick look from Jarlan to
Alysia all the communication necessary to convey as much. Speeding up a bit
at the end, the song comes to a hectic conclusion of stamping feet and
heavy strumming, all of which probably leaves dancers and harpers alike
with a little bit of sweat for their efforts.

Ofira nods, watching Lara disappear, "Goodness knows what she thinks of the
mess we made in her hall," she murmurs to Mirala.

Kassima steals back in wearing a slightly disturbed expression. "I need
t'find better uses for thirty-seconds," she murmurs. En route to the
courtyard, she pauses... oh, a *bit* more quail won't hurt. So with about
half a bird, she sits down to munch. "Sadistic Harpers," she approves with
amusement.

Alysia finishes up with a final trilling note, nodding to her companion.

Keara coughs loudly, trying to get everyone's attention.

M'verick finaly spins Jasmyn to a stop and laughs softly to her. "Who is
going to say anything?" He looks around, "Lady Benden?" He doesn't spot her.

Mirala laughs, twirling Ofira to a frenzied halt. "Oh, I'd think she'd be
used to it by now. I lived here for turns, after all, and then having the
entire Crafthall... ah well, I suppose the apprentices will have fun
cleaning it up," she says, grinning.

Jasmyn takes a couple of deep breaths, resting her forehead on M'verick's
chest. "The room is still spinning, and yes, she just walked through here,
really she did."

Ofira laughs, twirled and then steps back a bit, clapping, "Thank you for
the dance Mirala!"

M'verick chuckles and escorts Myn from the floor. "Should I take you
outside for fresh air?"

Keara speaks up, "If you all want, we can play some games! Klah-drinking
contest, or Musical Chairs, or a licorice string limbo? Or we can just dance."

Mirala bows again, chuckling, and rests against a table. "My pleasure, my
dear Ofira. Now, if Jore shows up, you can scold him for not..." she trails
off and peers over at Keara. "Oooo! Klah drinking!" she calls.

Jasmyn blushes and slaps a hand on Ric's chest teasing. "Oh, my weyrmate
might have a thing to say about that."

Jarlan looks to be preparing for another song, re-tightening the strings of
his gitar. A short question seems to be whispered to the other harper.

Kassima perks up, swallowing a bite of bird to call, "Klah drinking! Let's
see if'n anyone sicks up *this* time."

Ofira winces, "Oh no. NOt more games," she murmurs. She gives Mirala a
quick hug and then slips out.

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

M'verick slides his hands up and down Myn's sides, "Oh, forget about him."

Mirala blows a kiss after the Craft Master and cackles, trotting over to
the klah table.

M'verick grins and teases, "you know you've always loved me."

Alysia lays her pipes on ther lap, turning to face Jarlan. She looks a bit
flushed from her playing, but not too badly. She leans in to Jarlan, and
whispers back.

Keara chortles, "Two for klah-drinking! And the rest of you can dance
away." She waves those who want to drink towards the klah tables.

Jasmyn takes M'verick by the hand. "Oh... I do believe some fresh air might
be in order?"

Mirala plunks herself down at the table, eyeing Kassima. "Oh Faranath," she
exclaims, "I've gotta drink against YOU?" Then she grins, and peers around.
"No one else wants to down some klah?"

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

Kassima asks, squinting towards the mugs that she's hesitantly approaching,
"Can we spike the mugs with aught? Brandy, say? Bourbon? White Lightning?"
A grin to Mirala as she quips, "I can drink anyone under the table when it
comes to alcohol, but I've never tried klah, so...."

M'verick grins boyishly and tangles his fingers in Jasmyn's. "Lead on
lovely lady."

Jarlan smiles and nods. "Yeah... I'm actually a little drained from that
one." A grin to the girl, and he rests the gitar lightly in his lap,
beginning to play some quiet background music.

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

M'verick opens the metal doors and walks out into the courtyard.

Mirala peers at the klah pitchers, blinking. "You can spike YOUR klah, I'd
a little afraid to see what would happen if I got drunk AND had three pots
of klah..."

Keara blinks at an apprenticw who walks up to her, grins, and goes to take
her shift in the dunking booth.

"You'd get drunk on only three klah-diluted pints?" Kassi asks in surprise.
"Oh, dear. Mind, the last time I tried t'prove I could out-drink someone, I
wound up pregnant with twins, so mayhaps this isn't the best idea...."

Mirala wrinkles her nose questioningly. "I've no idea. The last time I did,
it was gathers ago, on Benden Red. I lost count of the skins. I'm afraid
I'd be no match for your fabled abilities, though."

Kassima wiggles a finger at her. "'Tis all a part of being a Benden rider,
y'know--our tolerance is famous. It has t'be, or we'd be laughed off the
face of Pern! And if'n we wind up dancing without pants on bars, or
throwing sandwiches, or playing the glass hats, well, that's just part of
the price we pay."

Jarlan notices things winding down and eventually does the same, his music
dying away. Finally, still a little flushed from playing and what not
(topless pie-contests included, perhaps), he turns to Alysia. "Heh, beat
you here, imagine that. You wanna go look around?"

Mirala tilts her head, "Dancing pantless on bars doesn't sound at all bad,"
she comments. Then she grins. "I bow to your superior Benden rider-y
skills, then." She looks around. "Shards, but it's gotten quiet. Do you
want to drink, or would you prefer a crowd to witness the fierce
competition? 'Could always go and poke at the booths."

"You've never had a bronzerider accusing you of having a droopy rump just
because you didn't want t'shake it for his amusement," Kassi grumps. "Oh,
I'd been meaning t'try the booths--see if'n I can win aught for the
children. Or the weyr, depending. After you, O Mistress of the Pie."

Alysia looks a little reluctant to put the instruments away, but the idea
of walking around a bit after working all day siuts her just fine. "Love
too," she says, placing the pipes back into the case.

Mirala shakes her head, "Nope. Then again, I'm usually shaking it for my
own amusement." She smiles cutely, "Did you punch him?" And grandly leads
the way to the first of the booths, with many hand gestures and bows.

Jarlan rises and finds a place to stash his gitar, and then goes back for
his jacket. Thinking twice, he decides not to bother, and waves the other
apprentice over. "Here, how about we go and check out the tents?"

Kassima shakes her head. "Slammed a sandwich in his face and hid behind
R'ehn," she corrects. "Then nearly got squished when 'Lex tried t'jump
R'ehn for defending me. Poor R'ehn... where d'you think we should start?
There are quite a few." That's said appreciatively. This close to the
booths, Kassi just radiates 'Gather game addict.'

Alysia nods, gathering herself to go. With a quick smooth-down of her
dress, she joins up with Jarlan. "Sounds good to me." She grins, and holds
out her elbow. "Shall we?"

Mirala nods approvingly. "That's as good as punching," she coos. And peers
from Kassima to the booths; a slow grin forms, and she points to the
closest, "Dunk the Baker". "You might try soaking Keara."

"This," Kassi observes brightly, "is true," and evidently decides to do
just that.


Dunk the Baker:
Sitting on a board atop a large tank of water is Baker Keara. The game is
set up so that by hitting a target to the side with a provided ball, the
baker will fall into the water. The baker working the booth smiles at you
and calls out, "Give it a try! Dunk one of our best bakers! Only a
sixteenth of a mark for three balls!" Well, why not have a 'try'?


Keara winces. "No!"

Kassima calls back as she pays her sixteenth, "Aye! Call it getting revenge
back for being tied up earlier!"

Kassima passes a sixteenth piece to the baker working the Dunk-the-Baker
booth, and chooses three balls.

Mirala lifts a hand innocently, "I don't know if I should try it, as I
might have to take a turn later... but then, I AM wearing a bikini, so I
suppose I'll try after you do." She smiles sweetly at Keara.

Kassima throws the first ball - it misses by a mile, thwonking into the
wall behind the booth.

Aiming carefully, Kassima lets the next ball fly. It knocks the edge of the
target and the board rocks, but it's not quite enough to dunk the baker.

Kassima throws the last ball, and it narrowly misses the baker working the
booth, and he squeaks nervously.

Kassima makes a face as the last ball misses, and rubs at that shoulder.
"Whirring that wherry about earlier's thrown off m'aim," she explains
ruefully. "Go on ahead, Mirala."

Mirala shakes her head, "Ach. My turn," she says, stepping up.

Mirala passes a sixteenth piece to the baker working the Dunk-the-Baker
booth, and chooses three balls.

Mirala throws the first ball - it knocks the edge of the target and the
board rocks, but it's not quite enough to dunk the baker.

Keara laughs. "Ha. You missed...no..Mirala! No!"

Aiming carefully, Mirala lets the next ball fly. It thwacks solidly right
into the target. Keara splashes into the water! Good throw.

Mirala throws the last ball, and it misses by a mile, thwonking into the
wall behind the booth.

Kassima applauds. Heartily.

Keara climbs wetly out. "Shards. Shards, shards.

Jarlan grins, looking pleased as could be, and links his arm with Alysia's.
"Right then, off we go." He starts off toward the exit, since the tents are
probably outside.

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

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

Mirala can't help but laugh as Keara goes plopping into the tank of water,
and makes wide, innocent eyes at her. "Sorry, darling... it's for the good
of the Bakers, ah, isn't it?"

"I bow down t'your mighty dunking powers," says Kassi, bowing indeed.
"Yours is the ability t'get Bakers soaking wet with a mighty throw. We can
but live in awe of your amazing powers."

Keara wipes water out of her eyes. "Time to move on to the next booth," she
begs.

Mirala holds up a hand and inclines her head. "I'm going to be decent and
not make the obvious comment on my abilities to get Bakers wet," she says,
and modestly grins. "Ah well. I'm probably going to get mine tomorrow...
next booth?" she asks, shooting a pitying glance at Keara.

"Why should I have seen that coming?" Kassi demands. It's rhetorical. "Aye,
Keara, since you beg so nicely. But later... later I shall return and
avenge m'failure. What *is* that next booth, Mirala? Doesn't look like
aught I've ever seen."

Mirala smiles brightly, "I don't know," she offers, "You should have." And
looks around. "Next... next, ah, face painting. Er. Do you want your face
painted?"

Kassima's brows attempt to climb up into her hairline. "I don't know," she
says, sounding dubious. "I've never tried. Unless you count the time K'nan
and I painted each other's faces, in which case I'd definitely have t'say
nay as that turned out somewhat demented."

"Ah well then," Mirala chirps, dragging the greenrider over to the booth,
"You should. And do I want to know?"

Kassima meeps as she's dragged, but doesn't dig in her heels to stay
behind. "Well, I painted 'I Am a Giant Wherry Named Fritz' in purple on his
face," she offers, as if this will be helpful.


Face Painting:
To one side of the Hall, a small booth is set up, with gaily painted
pictures laid out on a table. Upon enquiring, the working baker tells you
cheerfully that it's a face-painting booth. "Only one eighth of a mark! And
we do fabulous work." She displays her own cheek, with a picture of a
firelizard executed in food dyes. Care for a face-'paint'?


Mirala leads Kassima over to the booth and grandly presents the stool for
her to sit on. "Again with the wherries," she shakes her head, then purses
her lips. "I suppose they could paint a giant wherry on your forehead," she
offers.

Mirala pauses, then, "Fritz?"

Kassima points out, "I'm famous for doing things with wherries," and never
mind how bad that sounds. "You'd best be willing t'do this, too, if'n *I'm*
going to--" But she does start to climb onto the stool. "Based on what I
told Vidarth his name was when 'twas colossally drunk once," she explains
before turning to let the artist work.

"We'll do whatever you want, if we can," says the cheerful baker. "We'll do
a 'dragon', a 'fire'lizard, a 'flower', or even something 'special'!"

What color dragon would you like? Type 'color'q, i.e. blueq, greenq, and so
forth.

Kassima sits down at the face-painting booth and the baker carefully paints
a green dragon on her cheek.

"Oh, of course," Mirala assures. "I'd get a... pie... or a bikini," she
chirps. "Though they'll probably just paint a flower on me." She grins,
shaking her head again, then looks over. "Ooo, pretty."

"I considered asking for a dead wherry," Kassi admits cheerfully as she
pays the painter. "But I thought that might be a bit much. Still, I do have
another cheek, so mayhaps later... your turn!"

Mirala plunks down on the stool, "Actually, you have three more cheeks, but
you might have to get the booth Baker drunk as well..." She cranes her neck
over to let the flustered apprentice paint.

Mirala sits down at the face-painting booth and the baker carefully paints
a blue firelizard on her cheek.

Kassima replies, dryly, "You'd have t'get *me* drunk for that. Ah, now,
that's pretty! Too bad the 'lizard's nay wearing a bikini."

Mirala chuckles, then snaps her fingers, "Wonderful idea," she chirps
again, and thrusts her cheek back at the apprentice. "Now I match."

Kassima can only cover her eyes with one hand. "What have I done?" she
mock-mourns, as the painter in all likelihood gives her a dirty look.

Mirala straightens up, alternating between puffing her cheek out and
sucking it in. "The firelizard bikini dance of DOOM!"

"Mayhaps," Kassi suggests, peeking between her fingers, "you could get
Marinda of Boll and her Dancing Veils painted on the other cheek, and they
could dance in unison?"

Mirala's eyes practically fill with stars, then she blinks and nods. "I'll
get that done tomorrow morning," she says. "Splendid."

Kassima agrees, sympathetically, "Best t'give the painter some time
t'recover a'fore you ask for that. Now, what's this next booth? Arts and
crafts, 'tis?"

Mirala looks over at the next booth, "Arts and crafts, yes. With food!
Faranath, but I love my craft..."


Arts and Crafts:
Children cluster around this booth, as well as some adults. The baker at
the booth waves a hand at you, "Come and make something! It's free!" Well,
what're you waiting for? Go make 'art'.


Mirala strolls over to the booth, empty now that most of the children have
gone to bed. "Pasta necklaces. Just what I need."

Mirala, at the arts and crafts booth, takes a length of string and begins
to make a necklace out of pasta.

"Did I ever mention, I used t'be an amateur cook for our cothold?" Kassi
wonders. "Didn't Apprentice, though, and so the dragons snapped me up. Just
as well; I'd likely have specialized in food for pregnant mothers... oh,
that would match m'feathers splendidly."

As you take a seat, the baker smiles over the heads of a few children.
"We're making 'pasta' necklaces right now, but you can also make 'rock'
candy jewelry, 'grain' pictures, or 'carve' a tuber.

A large bowl of already-made chunks of rock candy in different sizes is to
one side, next to a bowl of cheap 'ring', 'bracelet', and 'necklace'
settings to place them in.

Choosing pieces of rock candy from the bowl at the arts and crafts booth,
Kassima slips them into the settings of a bracelet and puts it on her
wrist, admiring it.

"...But this suits even better," Kassi decides. "And I can take it home to
the children, and give them a sweetner-high, and be killed by their
foster-mother. Too perfect t'resist."

Telgar Weyr> A'ser shrieks, "What is this?! 'Attend or else?!' You can't
threaten me like that! I have rights!!

Telgar Weyr> Keara says, "Oh, /yeah/? See this dead fish? You end up like
fish, see."

Mirala grins. "A baby baker-wouldbe, were you? Food for pregnant mothers...
food for proddy greenriders, you could've done Pern a favor and slipped
drugs into all of your dishes," she says innocently. "But now you have the
best of both worlds, here at Bubblyfest. I only wish Kazeth had come," she
says mournfully, her eyes lovesick. "Maybe he will tomorrow." She nods
approvingly. "Sweetner is a wonderful thing."

Telgar Weyr> A'ser gasps, in fear!

Telgar Weyr> A'ser .oO(Salmon!)

Telgar Weyr> Kichevio whimpers pitifully to Kea. "I _can't_ go. I'm a
Candidate. Please don't sic the fish on me, pleeeeease!"

Kassima attempts to look modest. "I make a mean fried egg-chili-chutney
sandwich," she explains with pride, "and I'm the only living soul with the
recipe for M'kla's klah, the perfect drink for the proddy. I've turned
t'mixing alcohol as m'new specialty, though. I put together liquors that'll
knock a strong man unconscious with one gulp, and people pay me handsomely
for it after flights. Kazeth--he's Schmitt's blue, isn't he?"

Telgar Weyr> Keara pats Kich. You're excused.

Telgar Weyr> Aurian arches an eyebrow.

Telgar Weyr> A'ser says, "What? No fair! Give 'im the fish! Give 'im the
fi--Aurie-mo-bean! :D *hug*"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima decided to be safe and attend. As a result, she's
covered in feathers, has a green dragon painted on her cheek, is wearing a
bracelet made of rock candy, and has an apron reading 'I survived Extreme
Baking.' You'll fit *right* in, A'ser. ;)

Telgar Weyr> Aurian snuggles Ash.

Telgar Weyr> Kichevio wishes to heck she could come. :(

Telgar Weyr> Erdrick says, "Come to what?"


Kassima:
	Kassima's choice of finery today might seem peculiar, but any rider 
would be apt to realize that her garb has been selected with practicality 
in mind.
	Kassi has donned what she affectionately terms 'glorified riding 
gear.' A sleeveless sable longvest, worn over a blouse of midnight sisal, 
flares out slightly at hips and shoulders but otherwise fits comfortably 
close; the edges have been embroidered with entwining cords of deep crimson 
and gleaming silver and make her black wherhide slacks seem plain by 
contrast. Polished ebon boots reach up to the rider's calves, lending a 
touch more height to her 5'10" frame.
	Kassi's hair has been pulled back in a long braid that falls to her 
knees, so truly black that it shines with deep blue highlights; the style 
reveals dangling earrings, onyxes and rubies set in silver. On one shoulder 
of her blouse is pinned the knot of a Telgar Wingleader, with a cord of red 
to honor her Benden Weyr origins and a single strand of dark green to 
indicate the color of her lifemate, Lysseth.
	At the moment, for whatever reason, Kassi is covered in feathers. She 
also has a green dragon painted on her left cheek and a bracelet made of 
rock candy around her right wrist. One must consider the possibility that 
the woman has been drinking.


Telgar Weyr> Keara says, "The Bubblyfest."

Telgar Weyr> Erdrick ohs.

Mirala hides a grin behind her hand. "Well, with qualifications like those,
you've got to come and stay at Igen for a few days sometime, and bless us
with your... uhm, creations." She nods sadly. "And my dearest love, well,
dragon-wise. Schmitt's grounded, but I wish he'd come anyway."

Telgar Weyr> A'ser is tempted by the apron.

Telgar Weyr> Lanryi wonders- Are we supposed to dress up gather nice, or is
that something else?

Telgar Weyr> Keara says, "You can if you like. For the formal dinner
tomorrow, definitely, otherwise it doesn't matter."

Kassima sing-songs, "Blessing or curse, I'll take whatever comes first...
mmm. Methinks I'd heard about a Baker who was in love with a dragon." She
is polite, and doesn't say 'Ewww' or any such thing. "What's Schmitt
grounded for? Don't tell me she's spawning now."

Telgar Weyr> A'ser should be allowed to go to any formal dinner on Pern in
his briefs.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "Please, A'ser--at a dinner, people would be
trying to eat. ;)"

Telgar Weyr> Aurian shakes her hair, "Not unless Proddy and only at Telgar.

Telgar Weyr> Kichevio gets a mental image of A'ser in briefs and collapses. ;)

Mirala folds her arms and clears her throat, "Don't go around that with me,
I'm Kazeth's PET," she grumbles. "All good pets love their, ah, dragons.
Kazie's my dearest blue love." She smiles far too innocently. "Schmitt and
'Cami, her weyrmate, were caught, ah, diving on the beach... and they gave
Celie and Siara's names instead of their own." She makes a face. "And they
yell at ME, for being too bikini-like, they should talk..."

Telgar Weyr> A'ser shuffles hopefully. "Can I....just wear the Scarf instead?"

Telgar Weyr> Tika says, "/Just/ the Scarf?"

Telgar Weyr> <A'ser> Shuffleshuffle. "Yah. Why not?"

"All good pets love their dragons," Kassi choruses dutifully. "I suppose
that's true. Lysseth used t'have a 'lizard, after all. Ach--that's nay the
wisest thing, nay 'tall! They should've made up some names, or claimed they
were from another Weyr mayhaps. Shells, you never tell people you're
someone who actually *exists*."

Mirala makes an extremely mournful face. "If only I GOT caught on the beach
like that..." She looks tragic. "They've got all the luck, stupid lovey
weyrmatey.... heads," she mutters.

Telgar Weyr> Tika says, "No reason. ;)"

Kassima makes a disgusted face. "Lovey types drive me up the proverbial
wall, 'twill tell you for truth. Flouting their good fortune in front of
the poor spinsters. 'Tis enough t'make you want t'toss 'em head-first down
a latrine sometimes."

Mirala nods. "And I'm a pet baker." She nods, "You'd think." She bobs her
head again in sympathetic woe. "And I live with them... get yelled at for
walking in when they're, well, it's not they put a sign up! Smooching and
hanging off of each other... ach." She places a wrist to her forehead.
"Wooooe is... us." She snaps out of it quickly. "Ah well. Hopefully, amidst
all of these bikinis, 'can manage to get, ah, lucky."

Mirala brightens, "Next booth?"

"I find that making loud gagging sounds at them gives 'em a hint
sometimes," Kassi offers, ever-helpful. "G'luck in getting lucky, at any
rate. You could always try being auctioned off again... aye, by all means.
Which is this? It looks sweetener-intensive."


Cotton Candy Booth:
Two apprentices man this very popular booth, the one scrawny kid making the
bright, messy stuff and the other shouting out, "Spun sweetening! Get it
while it lasts, three fluffs for one eighth-a-mark!" You know you want some
'cotton' candy!


Mirala laughs. "I usually just pull up a chair and beam at them until they
stop; and thanks, there's another fashion show tomorrow, so I do believe I
shouldn't have a problem." She strides over to the booth proudly, waving a
hand, "Spun sweetening! I helped in the design. I told you, sweetner is a
wonderful thing."

Mirala buys some fluffy brightly-colored spun sweetening.

You pass over your money and receive a genuine hunk-o-goodness, the pink
and blue and yellow fluff of spun sweetening a wonderful Gather treat. The
apprentice eyes you and says, "For a half mark you can try 'making' your own!"

Kassima buys some fluffy brightly-colored spun sweetening.

Mirala takes the fluffy candy from the apprentice and twirls her tongue
around a strand, making it melt. "It's such an odd candy.... eh, want to
try making some?"

"Oh, Farath," Kassi murmurs as she accepts her large installment of candy.
"This would have the younglings in rapture for at least five minutes. I'm
half of a mind t'try the making of it--this Gather's turning me broke, I'll
tell you... there's another fashion show?"

Kassima then adds, with a quick grin at the identical brain-waves, "Certes.
If'n you want t'take the first go, I can hold yours while you're at it, and
then vice-versa?"

Mirala grins evilly, "But it's a good kind of broke, with a full belly
broke." She nods, "Tomorrow night, about the time the dance was tonight.
Volunteers still needed!" She laughs, and nods. "I did a few runs on the
test model, but I haven't manned the booth yet..." she hands Kassi her
stick, then steps up to the machine.

Mirala passes her money to one of the apprentices at the spun-sweetening
booth, then steps up to have a go at making some herself.

Kassima supposes as she holds each hand out just far enough to keep the
stuff from her hair, "I suppose I might if'n I'm here, but I don't know at
this point whether I will be. And if'n they're going t'auction the models
again, there's nary a chance--I can't afford t'buy m'self again!"

Mirala twirls the stick quickly around the inside of the bowl, the sticky
stuff attaching to the stick as Mirala moves it. She straightens up, and
nods at the apprentice, "'Can keep it? Ah well... your kids will have a
whole mess of this stuff," Mir says, as sends one of the apprentices for a
bag. "Yes, it's Master Mirala, or have you forgotten what a knot looks like
on a bikini? Thank you," she says, gently placing the wad of fluff in it.
She looks over, taking both sticks from Kassima and stepping down. "I don't
know if they're going to auction again... that was some pricey bidding,
last time."

"I should know," Kassi mutters, "after spending two-hundred and
ninety-seven marks. Still, y'never know when owning a brownrider and a
bronzerider might come in handy."

You decide to take a stab at it and pass over a half mark to the
bright-eyed kid, who then shows you what to do. It's harder than it looks,
be careful not to get it all over you.

Kassima passes her money to one of the apprentices at the spun-sweetening
booth, then steps up to have a go at making some herself.

Keara slips out.

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

Mirala grins and nods, nibbling a bit more of her candy. "Ooo...
gingerbread hold making, next."

Kassima does manage not to get the cottony stuff all over herself, but only
through long practice with working with messy substances. "Where'd you get
that bag?" she wonders as she steps down with her lopsided fluff. "And I
should send--" A pause; her eyes narrow in concentration for a moment, and
then a slew of 'lizards pops from *between* with a basket of considerable
size gripped between them. "The Gather basket. Good! Knew I shouldn't have
forgotten it."

Mirala holds out the bag, "Oh, I got it so you could put it... in... for
your kids..." She blinks at the fair. "Shards, I miss fairs. Don't see them
around anymore."

"Oh!" Kassi beams with delight, and does so. "That's lovely of you,
thankee! Kay and Khari will be delighted, and mayhaps even Kris will try
some--I'll be right back." She trots off to retrieve her apron from its
safe stashing place--seated on a bench--and tucks it into the basket, then
adds the bag. "Over m'life, I've had sixty-six 'lizards. Only eighteen of
'em still with me, alas--get on back, you lot." The 'lizards, chirpling, do
so after a quick circle of Kassi and Mirala's respective heads.

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

Mirala laughs, "Oh, you're welcome! I just want to bless them with the
wonder of pure sweetner, I'm sure their foster mother will thank me as
well," she grins. And nods. "I used to have twenty-six, two baker's
dozen... but I spend a couple turns in Boll, and they managed to go wild."
She looks innocently at the ceiling. "Which isn't surprising, looking to
me, but still. Like to get another one of the beasties eventually, as
they're so... useful," she motions place they popped out. "And because it's
hard to keep a canine in a weyr.... kasplat!"

Kassima gathers up her basket in one hand, and holds out the other to take
her stick of candy back from Mirala. "Simaeva will hate us both forever,"
she answers brightly. "She hates me forever at least once a sevenday. Mine
mostly stayed home at Benden... but aye, 'lizards are useful. Better'n
porcines or ferrets, which I can say with authority, believe it or nay."
She pauses a moment to nod amiably to that arriving Steward, en route to
the next booth.

Ouryn blinks as he happens to catch the last of this conversation, making
his way through the Hall. The large young man almost trips over a bench,
but manages to catch his bulk with one hand upon a table.

Finding a small group of apparently familiar folk, the large Steward ambles
his embarrased way towards them, trying not to look to foolish before the
two women whose talk made Ory trip in the first place.

Kassima offers over a bright smile to the young man, which does odd things
to the green dragon painted on her cheek. She is also, it is worth noting,
covered in feathers and has a large amount of cotton candy in one hand.
"Duties to Ista and her queens, Steward," she greets.

Mirala grins, "Oh, good." She walks with the greenrider to the gingerbread
booth. "Oh, I believe it. I've had llamas and chickens, when I was here in
Benden, along with more hold-friendly pets. I suppose it's a
spinster-thing," she chuckles. "Beasties." She turns to nod at the Steward,
realizing who he is. "Bakery baking duties to delightful Ista," she chirps
guiltily.

Dela strides in with several other weaver apprentices, laughing and
giggling with them. Each heads their own way, and Dela pauses in the middle
of the room trying to decide where to go to next. Mirala gets a wave as she
spies her and she heads toward the bubbly booths.


Gingerbread Booth:
Slabs of gingerbread are piled high on a table near the end of the Hall:
the Master relaxing in a chair by this booth occasionally calls out, "Come
and enter our Gingerbread Hold 'contest', fourth a mark to enter, first
prize three marks, second two, third one, well worth your while! Or just
come by and look at the 'entries'!"


Ouryn grins lopsidedly, a sweet expression in his simple face, as he
excuses himself from his familiar knot of folk, and makes his way back to
the dragon-painted woman to properly return the greeting. "Ista's duties!"
he calls out, with a belated "T-to Telgar!" His thick country-brogue accent
always seems to creep up on the large lad when he is blushing.

Mirala catches Dela's wave, and she lifts a hand in greeting. "Dela! Have
you finished my fashion show costume yet?" she calls, grinning. "I do hope
it's good and risque," she croons.

Ouryn coughs and stumbles again as he holds out a hand towards Kassima.
"I-Ista's duties, ma'am," he offers.

Dela scoops up a blueberry bubbly, and several napkins, dont want to stain
the fur, and heads Mirala-wards. "I did, I just finished it, and it's very
short, just like you demanded." she giggles again, and "And it's in there,
in a little white box too."

"I can at least claim I didn't *mean* t'have a porcine and a ferret.
They're really Khari's and Kris's respective pets anyway. One I won in a
greased porcine-chase, the other was a gift...." Kassi shrugs
philosophically, and sets down her basket to extend her hand to the young
Steward. "Kassima," she amiably corrects, "or Kassi--never ma'am. 'Tis a
respectful term, and respectability gives me hives. I'm green Lysseth's
rider and Thunderbolt's Wingleader; this is Master Mirala of Igen... oh!
And Weaver Dela, specializing in the skimpy swimsuits. Duties to the
Weavercraft, too!"

Mirala coos delightedly at Dela. "Short, wonderful. Little white box?" She
bows to Ouryn, "I specialize in wearing Dela's skimpy swimsuits." She lifts
a brow, "Greased porcine chase? I won one of those, and they didn't give ME
a porcine... silly herders," she mock complains.

Dela blushes slightly at the mention of her 'speciality' and grins.
"Weavers Duties to you and Telgar too, Kassi, and to Ista, sir." she nods
to Ouryn flashing a wide grin his way. "Ayup Mira, and you're going to find
it hard to put on, cause it's tight too. I hope it'll all fit right. My
table is in there for the show tomorrow too. Oh, Kassi, I dont suppose
you'd be willing to wear a table at tommorrows fashion show for me would
you? It'd be a bit hastily tossed together, but it'd still be a table!"

"May I ask why ye hae feathers strewn 'bout yerself, Kassi?" the Steward
finally finds the courage to blurt out the first thing at the forefront of
his mind. Blushing even harder <though the color does make an adorable cast
to his features>, he dares not ask about "porcines", "skimpy", or "greased".

Kassima repeats, slowly, "Wear... a... table. If'n this doesn't involve a
painful hauling about of heavy furniture, and I'm here, and you're nay
auctioning off the models again, I don't see why nay." At the mention of
feathers, she glances self-consciously down at herself. "Would you believe,
'tis from the Extreme Baking competition? 'Twas trying t'pluck a wherry,
and, well, I whirled it above m'head for awhile, and all the loosened
feathers got all *over* me...."

Mirala rubs her hands together, her face stretching in a rather frightening
grin. "Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful." She blinks at the Steward. "You're
cute enough to smack, lad," she chirps. She pats Kassima on the back,
"Don't be so modest! Kassi here WON the Extreme Baking Competition. She's a
marvel."

Wherry. A wherry. Well, he's heard stranger things before. Since its not
possible for Ory to blush any harder, he runs a huge hand through his
cropped hair, and just smiles thoughtfully. Hoo boy.

Dela eyes Kassi for a long moment consdiering. "You spun it above your
head? What were you trying to do to the poor thing, make it airsick?"

Smack?! Oh, shards and shells! "I think m'friends are callin' me!" Ory
stutters out between gapes towards the Baker. He tries to turn, but catches
his heel, and again stumbles into a table. Embarrasement personified. When
did he become so shy around women?

"I'm hardly a *marvel*," Kassi protests, with a bit of color herself. "Just
because I escaped the best from apron bondage after the Igen Weyrwoman tied
me up... nay, nay--see, I'd soaked it in water a bit t'loosen the feathers.
Then I ruffled 'em like I would one of m'spawnling's hair, y'see? So they
were loose, and when I whirled him about, the feathers came flying off."
Her eyes hold a sort of amused sympathy as she watches Ouryn. "Methinks
mayhaps you've embarrarssed the poor lad, Mirala. We won't bite, y'know!"

Mirala comments, "It's like a trend... I personally think you should so up
at ALL gathers wearing feathers," she says to Kassima. She blinks at the
Steward, "Oh, I frightened him!" Lifting her voice, she calls, "Hey, don't
worry, I won't smack you! You're just smackably cute, like my brother. You
know. You can come back!"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima puts 'Just because I escaped the best from apron
bondage after the Igen Weyrwoman tied me up' on the top of her list of
Things I Never Thought Kassi Would Say.

Mirala shakes her head, "Too modest. This greenrider can WIGGLE."

Telgar Weyr> Aurian bwahahahaha's

Kassima smiles depriciatingly, and nibbles at her colorful cloud of spun
sweetner.

Telgar Weyr> A'ser Feels jealousy. If I weren't lagging and so stuck in
multi-tasking...

Telgar Weyr> Kassima also puts 'Too modest. This greenrider can WIGGLE' on
top of her list of Things I Never Thought Would Be Said About Kassi.

Ouryn does not know if he really wants to, but the flattery is enough to
bring him trudging back. Its not often he's complimented so-- most think
the large, quiet young man simpleminded for his cautious speech and
thoughtful airs. "I ah.. I see then," he concedes to Mirala with another
lopsided grin. Turning towards Dela with a sense of relief, the Steward
sees his chance to direct the attention elsewheres. "I've heard of ye!" he
exclaims, and repeats the advice of a friend, to seek out Dela for a
clothing commission.

Telgar Weyr> Aurian facepalms.

Telgar Weyr> Kichevio coughs. Kassi? Too modest?

Dela carefully doesn't leer at Mirala's outfit, but looks like she wouldn't
mind doing so, and muffles a fit of giggles at a combined factor of Kassi's
wherry story, her feather, and Ouryn's table-meeting by taking a large bite
of her bubbly. "Ooohh, say, that reminds me. Any of you know where I can
get some of that sunflower butter stuff and some celery? They ran out of
the sunflower stuff at the hall, so I must take back a pot or ten to secret
in my room. Oh? Really? Ya'have?" that last to Ouryn, her suprise apparent,
that /she/ of all people has been heard of as far away as Ista Weyr.

Kassima sneaks to the gingerbread booth as the others talk, sticking her
stick of candy carefully between two wicker twists of her basket-handle to
free her hands for work. "Nay a clue," she answers Dela, "but you might try
the tables. They've nigh *everything* there. The quail's delicious, and the
porcine, and the smoked clams, and...."

You sit down and start constructing a hold out of gingerbread and icing,
adding other foods as decoration as you think appropriate.

Kassima takes a seat at the Gingerbread Hold contest booth and starts to
build a hold.

Mirala looks at the returning Steward, smiling in the most non-violent way
she can muster. Then she turns to the gingerbread hold booth. "You know,
this was my Master's project," she says, pointing to the assembled panels
of gingerbread. "Not this one, exactly, but I built a grand recreation of
Benden Hold, gathers and gathers ago. Once you're done admiring these, you
can eat them!" That does seem to be the central idea around the Bubblyfest,
but Mirala just croons.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "Now, now. Kassi's modest sometimes. She doesn't
tell everyone that she can ride anything on Pern, for instance, even though
she can. ;) (Ask Auri!)"

Telgar Weyr> Aurian meerly sips her tea.

Telgar Weyr> A'ser's Scarf slithers. Anything?

Mirala glances at Dela's glances, and jiggles slightly, bouncing up and
down on her bare feet. Returning her attention to the hold of pastry, she
goes about setting one up. "If your little crawlies don't explode from all
the sweetner, you could take 'em one of these, too," she comments.

Mirala takes a seat at the Gingerbread Hold contest booth and starts to
build a hold.

Ouryn looks admiringly about, first towards Kassi, then towards Mirala and
her story of gingerbread Holds and such. Nodding in the right places <as
mostly he isn't sure what to say in response, so intent is he on his goal>
the Steward turns back to Dela. "Aye, not so far away as th' dragon flies.
Perhaps we could talk?" he asks of the Weaver, while holding out a thick
arm to her. "I've a commission I'm interested in.."

Telgar Weyr> Aurian says, "Yep anything."

Telgar Weyr> A'ser shudders.

Dela sticks her tongue out at Mirala, evil temptress that she is and then
returns her focus on Ouryn. Commissions are always welcome, indeed. "Why
certainly, good man. What sort of thing are you interested in?" she inserts
her hand in the crook of his elbow, turns back long enough to give a wink,
a wave, and a smile toward Kassi and Mira, and lets herself be led off to
whereever Ouryn leads. One must always allows the commissioner to be in as
private an area as they wish, afterall, who knows what special measurements
might need be taken.

"I could," Kassi agrees, tongue poking out of one corner of her mouth as
she works diligently. "After the contest, mayhaps... Khari at least would
be sure t'love it."

Mirala looks up from her careful building to gaze mournfully after the
retreating Dela, with a wink. She nods. "After the contest, yes..." She
studies her weyr. "Hmmm. It's been a while."

Its a sharding good thing Ory cannot think of what ideas pass behind the
innocent features of Dela, else he might not be leading her away. With a
respectful nod to the ladies building gingerbread creations, the Steward
makes his way out the doors to the courtyard.

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

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

Mirala straightens up, arching her back a bit. "That was fun," she says,
grinning and pointing to the miniature Igen. "Don't want to compete,
though, wouldn't be fair.

"I don't know whether I should, either," Kassi admits as she etches...
feathers?... on the roof. "I mean, 'tis going t'look ridiculous when I'm
done, but we have t'be exercising our sick senses of humor *sometimes*."

Mirala chuckles, "Oh dear... I'm afraid to guess. But yes, you should
enter! It wouldn't be fair because I'm a Baker... rather like entering a
pie-making contest," she tilts her head. "But there aren't that many
entries, you should definately compete." She mutters, "I just hope it
doesn't scare the kiddies TOO badly."

Mirala eases off of the bench and wanders over to a nearby booth, since
it's right next to the gingerbread booth.

Mirala steps up to the baker riddle booth, puts down a fourth of a mark,
and has a go at the questions.

The baker at the riddle stand passes Mirala an eighth of a mark for
answering two riddles correctly.

---

[Editor's Note:  The gingerbread contest involved submitting a 
desc, and this was Kassi's... um... yeah, I don't know what it 
is either. ;)]

Whoever made this thing had a great deal more creativity than skill. The
walls are vaguely square, the roof lopsided--and the decorations...
disturbing. The doors, dyed grey by some sort of food juice it's probably
better not to think about, bear as decoration two wherry heads: blood red
berry-segment eyes glare at the viewer, and those triangular chips of
clamshell used for beaks really don't help to give them a kindly
appearance. Similarly, bits of berry and shell give feature to the
white-frosted blueberries (more purplish in result than grey, but no one's
perfect) that are perched in each window, mad avian heads whose stare is no
doubt meant to warn away the unwary. The roof is layered thickly with more
grey icing, and this icing has had a pattern of 'feathers' etched carefully
if clumsily in it with something thin and sharp. In contrast, claws
decorate the thick columns that seal each wall-corner. And within the yard
bordered by peeled bread crusts... oh, the horror! The horror! A tuber has
been vengefully shaped into the inexpert likeness of a wherry--a wherry
that's missing something. Namely, a head. This head is perhaps an inch
away, another frosted berry, but with Xs drawn in for eyes. Raspberry juice
trails sinisterly from both ends of the severed neck, and has been
liberally splashed over the cake turned chopping block and embedded hatchet
of toothpick and clamshell.	(Kassima)

---

[Editor's Note:  And Mirala's!]

A sort of dome of gingerbread sits near the edge of the table, in a fair
representation of Igen Weyr. You can make out an icing lake, the bowl, the
entrance to the inner caverns, and even glimpse part of the grounds. On the
ledge of one of the individual weyrs lies a small blue icing dragon, hugged
by a tiny representation of a... baker? Is that Mirala? Even worse, itty
bitty little pink icing hearts surround the pair. A non-competing entry.
(Mirala)

---

Kassima scoots back from that booth once her work of dementia is done. "It
will," she assures. "M'works always do... what's this, now? Riddles?"


Riddle Booth:
At this booth is a teenage baker who obviously thinks he's the hottest
thing since cooked meat. The females do tend to swarm around this booth,
tis true, but there's room for you: "Hey, only a fourth of a mark, and for
every two you get right you get an eighth piece back, how about that?" He
offers to give you a go at the first 'riddle'.


Kassima steps up to the baker riddle booth, puts down a fourth of a mark,
and has a go at the questions.

The baker at the riddle stand passes Kassima an eighth of a mark for
answering two riddles correctly.

[Editor's Note:  There were riddles, but I cut them out of 
the log because I can't remember what the heck the answers 
were!]

Mirala crosses her arms, glowering at the apprentice. "Now, wait just a
sharding minute..." She grins at Kassima, "It's not exactly fair for me to
be doing these, either." Then she scowls again, at the apprentice.

Kassima grins back at the Baker as she pockets her eighth. "Three out of
four isn't bad," she philosophizes. "Did you get the answer to that first
one? You'd *think* I'd know that, but 'tis the one I missed."

Mirala shakes her head, flipping her eight about. "I suppose I'm not up on
Baker gossip, I only got three of four, too. But Tierigal calls LOTS of
women sexy, not just one," she rolls her eyes. Then pauses. "Who juggles
knives? Caralain."

Mirala sniffs, putting on the air of an old auntie. "All these questions
about about the new apprentices and little bakers, back when *I* was a
Journeyman, we did things differently," she gravels, then grins.

"Ahhhh," Kassi exhales, sounding disappointed. "I should've known; I've met
Caralain. Dare I even ask what you did then?"

Mirala nods, "I had the honor of witnessing one of the juggling attempts.
Dear little Cara, I wonder where that beast is today..." She laughs. "Oh,
juggled pans, got drunk in the gather tent, threw pies, and generally shook
things for our amusement. And firelizard pranks..." She shakes her head.
"Apprentices today don't cause nearly as much trouble as we did... they
just get caught more."

Mirala stretches her arms again, "How's that for auntie-imitating? Now,
what's the next booth..." She strolls over to it.

Mirala croons, "Fruit bobbing! Well, I'm in a bikini... Would you hold my
stick again?"

"Beast?" Kassi repeats. "D'you mean the Baker, or... my word. I could go
for the getting drunk in the Gather tent, at least. And throwing pies isn't
bad, and--oh, certes," and she holds out her hand to take it.

Mirala nods, "Caralain. Evil child, but has a lot of potential. But then,
he... she... doesn't really try." She grins. "Yeah. We were hiding from a
greenflight. Scary riders," she says, and winks, and hands the stick over.

Mirala dunks into the fruit tub. After a moment, Mirala comes up with... a
cluster of bright red cherries.

Mirala plunks her head down into the water, then comes up, shaking the
water from her eyes. She drops the cherries from her teeth, catching them
in her hands. Mir blinks down at the fruit, "Again, I'm going to be decent
and refrain from the obvious comment. Consider yourself lucky," she says,
breaking into a grin.

"Good at taking cherries, are you?" Kassi asks innocently--then adds with a
wicked grin, "You might refrain from the obvious, but who said *I* would?"

Mirala grins, twirling the cluster about before puts one between her teeth
and pops it into her mouth. "You might say that," she blithely chirps.

Kassima only snorts, and asks, "Going t'try again? If'n nay, will you hold
m'stick when I take a go?"

Mirala bobs her head, tucking the cherries into an apron pocket, and taking
the two candy sticks. "Try your luck at the fruit tub."

"If'n I come up with cherries, I'm going t'laugh m'self sick," Kassi
mutters before making her attempt.


Fruit-Bobbing Tub:
A large tub filled with water is surrounded mostly by wet-headed kids.
Bobbing in the water are many different kinds of fruit. Why not try to grab
a 'fruit'?


You step up to the tub and bravely dunk your head in.

Kassima dunks into the fruit tub. After a moment, Kassima comes up with...
a large redfruit.

Mirala laughs, tilting her head to brush her hair against her shoulder.
"Aww. No cherries." She looks over, "Want to go to the egg raffle before we
go to the food booths?"

Kassima shakes the water away from her face and hair without letting go of
the redfruit, and tosses said fruit triumphantly into her basket of goodies
before taking her stick back from Mirala. "I've already had enough cherries
for a mostly-celibate greenrider," she returns blithely. "That's fine by
me. About the last thing I need is another 'lizard, but I never could
resist a raffle."

Mirala cackles, trotting over to the raffle booth. "Well, then."


Fire-Lizard Raffle:
A short, stout Baker is excitedly chanting, "Buy your chance for a
firelizard egg!" Coming closer, you can see a gold hovering protectively
about her clutch. The Baker explains, "They should hatch any minute now!
Want to buy a 'chance'?"


Kassima pauses, though, once she's reached the booth. "Shells," she
mutters. "Too likely I migh nay make it for their Hatching--I'd best nay.
But you go ahead, Mirala. Mayhaps you'll get a brown, and you can name him
Pie."

Mirala buys a ticket for the firelizard raffle.

Mirala 's eyes widen as she turns, "Oh! I forgot to write brown on my
preferences. I like greens and blues and browns all about equally, just not
bronzes, the little buggers," she wrinkles her nose. "Not that I don't like
them," she amends, "But they're too fussy."

"I've never Impressed a bronze," Kassi agrees, "and just as well--I've only
had two browns, too. And Zabreneva's m'only gold. Blues are m'favorites;
they're a bit pitiful at Hatchings, y'know, with folk ignoring 'em like as
nay in favor of other colors."

Mirala nods her head in agreement, "I only had one bronze, fussy, fussy,
fussy. Blues are such sweetlings... heh! Maybe I'll get a blueberry, and he
can still be pie," she says, motioning to the color of her bikini.

Kassima suggests, "Or a green could be a kiwi pie, mayhaps? Kiwi are the
absolute *best* fruit, after all. Especially when one is pregnant. They go
well with ketchup *and* chutney."

Mirala wanders over to the food booths, sniffing about.


Food Booths:
Of course there are food booths. Interspersed with the other booths, they
seem to be wildly popular, and the smells coming from them are, naturally,
simply heavenly. Taking a closer look, you see that there seem to be two
main groups: Pastries and 'sweets', and 'meat' items.


Kassima sneaks towards the food booths herself. "I wonder how many of those
sweets I could filch for the children," she murmurs, "and how many meats
for me."

Mirala laughs. "Well, you've got Mirala at your side, so quite a few
sweets, that's for certain."

The feisty baker working the pie stands passes Mirala her klah pie and
accepts her money.

"Remind me never t'try and empty food booths with anyone else," Kassi
quips, with a wicked grin. "Now, let's see...."

After a moment of pondering you decide to find out what all the fuss at the
booth marked "Dragonears" is about. Turns out that they're large roundish
pastries, hugely sweet, marketed as "big enough for a dragon." You pass
your sixteenth mark over and receive a crisp dragonear in return.

Kassima makes a stop at the dragonear booth and comes away with a large
sweet pastry.

Except, of course, that Mirala didn't pay for the pie, instead giving the
woman a shocked glance as the baker stutters, "Master Mirala, oh, beggin'
yer pardon, terribly sorry, no, I know ye've been up since sunup baking,
can I get ye another pie?"

Kassima argues with the Baker behind the counter, "But dragons don't *have*
ears! Ach, never mind." And takes a bite of the pastry. Immediately her
eyes roll back in her head. "Mmmmm... ach, 'twere going t'have you *pay*
for that? That seems a bit much!"

Mirala nods soothingly at the ruffled journeywoman, and grins to Kassima.
"Been too long since dinner, eh?"

Mirala makes a stop at the dragonear booth and comes away with a large
sweet pastry.

Kassima mumbles around the pastry, "Mmm-hmm. I stuffed m'self, but I've
missed enough meals in favor of work and whatnay that methinks I can afford
a *little* splurge. Just a wee one. Oh, they have *ice cream*?"

Mirala basks, nodding her head, as she herself heads to the ice cream. "Oh,
of course you can splurge! Eating is good for you," she croons bakerly.
"And ice cream... I've missed all the cold treats, in Igen."

Mirala buys a cookie, iced with a I Am Mad.

Kassima is a good girl and finishes off her dragon-ear before approaching
the ice cream area, dusting the spices off of her hands. "Telgar's the Icy
Wastes, and ice cream's still rare enough. Now and then we take t'making it
ourselves just t'get some--Maylia headed a making of kiwi on the night
Khari was born. I blame the kiwi ice cream and ketchup for the labor."


Ice Cream Booth:
Even though it's winter, there's still a crowd around the ice cream booth.
As you join them the baker offers you your choice of flavors - peach,
vanilla, klah, strawberry, mint and a special flavor, cookie dough. This
booth should make Kassima happy. Have some 'ice cream=<flavor>'?


The baker dishes you up a bowl of mint ice cream and holds out her hand for
your money.

Passing a dish of mint ice cream to Kassima, the baker at the ice cream
booth grins and waits for the money.

Mirala clucks her tongue, "Rare? Ach, I think the children would attack the
hold, here, if the ice cream didn't flow abundantly. And a few adults,
too..." She nods at the tale, "Oh Faranath, sounds like it. I hope you
weren't kicking any of the ice-cream cans, inducing your labor," she grins.

Passing a dish of special ice cream to Mirala, the baker at the ice cream
booth grins and waits for the money.

Kassima practically shrieks as she sees the flavor list. "*Mint*! I *must*
have some--" She practically throws the money to the poor Baker, swooping
to scoop up the Bowl and spoon and hold them aloft much like a knight might
hold the Holy Grail. "*Mint ice cream*," she breathes, reverent. "I don't
know who made this, but whoever 'tis, I love them." Now pardon her while
she attacks the sacred bowl. "Mmmmph. Nay, but I always eat something odd
a'fore going into labor. 'Twas rivergrain pudding with garlic and vinegar
for Kaylira, and *something* with chutney for Kris... this is *good*. I can
die happy now."

Mirala grins at the ice cream Baker, "Money? Hey, first I've gotta taste
this.... special... flavor." She peers down, then nibbles. "Vanilla and
klah, oooo, yes, this is gooooooood," she croons as she spoons more, and
watches as Kassima has a sacred experience with her own bowl of ice cream.
She chuckles again, "Dearie. Remind me not to spawn, I get enough odd food
from the apprentices. Is it... good?" she teases.

"Worth killing for," Kassi mumbles around her spoon, though it may not be
comprehensible. "Worth the headache 'twill get from eating it this fast,
too... oh, don't spawn. Nay unless you want t'try odd recipes. The twins
drove me mad for mint, Kris for chutney, Khari for kiwi, and Kaylira for
every revolting thing you can imagine."

Mirala nods heartily, "I won't, I won't." She leans back and lazily nibbles
at her dish of ice cream. "Mmm. Shards, it's late, isn't it? I'm not used
to indoor gathers. I suppose I should head off here, soon... find someone's
bed... a bed, a bed, to sleep in, yes."

Kassima allows, "Getting there," her spoon already clinking against the
bottom of her bowl. "Aye, 'tis--and sleep, sleep is key. Shouldn't be too
long about it, m'self... don't forget your spun sweetner when you go."
Which has, we'll presume, since the sticks have kind of been lost track of,
been placed somewhere safe.

Mirala bobs her head, standing to stretch. "Maybe I'll go find Dela," she
muses, and grins. "Oh, I'll get fresh in the morning, I ate nearly all of
it, anyway. You've got your basket, aye?"

Kassima points over towards said basket with her spoon. "Aye--I might see
if'n I can win aught in the Gaming Tent t'take home, too, a'fore I go. And
then delight the kidlets with the booty in the morning. D'you think she's
still talking to the Steward about his commission?"

Mirala laughs, rubbing at her eyes. "I still say they're going to explode.
You're a good mother. I'll have to stop by the gaming tent tomorrow... so
much to so, as this is a BAKER gather," she toasts with an imaginary, uhm,
pie. Then Mir looks innocent. "Well, if she is, I'll just whisper in her
ear, as not to disturb her." She waves, trotting towards the great doors,
"I'll see you at the fashion show, if not before, then... didn't they go
into the courtyard?"

Mirala waves again, and pops out to check for herself.

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

Kassima snickers after the departing Baker. "'Twill wager 'Maeva won't
think so," she quips, passing the very empty bowl back to the ice cream
vendor and collecting her basket-o'-goodies.

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

Kassima trots out of the Great Hall with a large basket in one hand, a
stick of spun sweetner in the other, feathers all over her person, rock
candy around her wrist, and a green dragon painted on one cheek. Maybe
they've been serving alcohol in there.

Lanryi waves to Kassima with a smile for the familiar face. Taking in all
of the extra stuff on the greenrider she grins and says, "It looks like
you've had fun. How did you manage to get covered with those feathers?" she
asks curiously.

"Lanryi, g'deve!" Kassi calls. "Would you believe, in the Extreme Baker
competition? 'Tis a long story, but at least I won... and aye, it's been
quite the shindig. They have *mint ice cream*." Her tone as she says those
three precious words can only be described as reverent.

Lanryi grins and plucks off a feather absently and grins, "It looks like
you got in a fight with a molting wherry." she remarks, "Well, at least you
won. Mint ice cream, really? That actually sounds really good."

Kassima bobs her head emphatically. "*'Tis*. 'Twas worth coming here just
for that, though the booths are intriguing... oh, and I saw the Igen
Weyrleader eating pie topless and got tied up by the Igen Weyrwoman; those
were entertaining experiences, too." Hefting her bag, she explains, "'Twas
just going t'see if'n I could find the games area and win a few things for
the kidlets a'fore heading home. Have you perchance seen it?"

Lanryi raises her eyebrows on hearing the accounts of the days happenings,
"Oh, that sounds...interesting." she says sounding a bit lost and perhaps
frightened by the story fragments she's hearing. "I think there are game
over there," she says motioning too the Benden Gather Tent offering, "Good
luck, hopefully they'll have some good prizes."

Kassima is too tired to assimilate this fright, though, and instead just
beams. "Thankee! I'll do m'best--enjoy the Gather, yourself. You might
check out the gingerbread Hold competition; that was *great* fun." And with
that advice, she disappears into the tent.

You enter the Benden Gather Tent.