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Following the Leader, the Leader, the Leader


Date:  December 29, 1999
Place:  Benden Hold's Meadow
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:  This was fun. :)  As part of the Benden Winter Festival,
Delia of Igen ran a contest wherein blindfolded riders had to navigate
through an obstacle course with the aid of their dragons.  Given that
Kassi once made her Wingriders do a similar exercise, it may be poetic
justice that a mischievous Lysseth made it so difficult for her. ;)  It
was quite an entertaining event all around.

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The Log:

Public announcement: Delia announces "Now's the time! All Riders and and
their lifemates are welcome to compete in the Dragon Lead Your Rider Game.
Dragons will lead their blindfolded riders around an obstacle course.
Points are scored for correctness and orginality, the prize is a matched
set of straps and leathers. Firelizard owners, we still need your help in
being a part of the game! It's all happening in the Benden Hold Meadow: +go
benden-cy, out, meadow"

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

Dropping off the cliff and flapping your wings, you begin to fly up into
the sky.

Slanting downwards, you slowly descend to land on a wide spot in the road.

You go toward Meadow

<*> Delia waves a greeting to Jasmyn, and has a big grin for Alane, "So
glad you could make it!"

<*> Mirval beams a broad grin at Jasmyn. "Great! See, this'll be fun.
Umirieth'll enjoy it."

<*> Alane swats Radar's behind. "Dream on little boy."

You slide off of Lysseth's neck to land beside her easily. She rumbles,
cocking her head down at you, and you rub her eyeridges gratefully.

T'ris smirks at Radar and shakes his head, turning to Alane and giving her
a pleasantly affectionate kiss. "Thank you love."

Radar dodges the swat and says, "Oh, I do, I do Alane! Just wait until I
finish growing up, and then I'll chase you someday!"

Miritha arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

Carissa smiffles and pulls the edges of her jacket closer with numb fingers.

Virroth arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

Kassima swings down from Lysseth's straps with a bit of a bounce, favoring
her lifemate with a filthy look. "When we get home, I'm going t'let the
kids *finger-paint* on you," she threatens the green. Lyss seems somehow
unimpressed. "Duties to everyone, everywhere, and their Lords, Ladies,
Masters, or queens."


---

Set up, in this part of the bowl, is a strange collection of objects, all
laid out to form a winding path. A sign (+detail obstacle's sign) off to
the side gives instructions and details the judging and prizes. Four main
areas are set up, utilising different challenges. The first is a plank that
spans a deep hole full of powdered snow (+detail obstacle's snowwalk).
Following that are pairs of barrels arranged in a zig-zag pattern (+detail
obstacle's barrelrun). Then the course turns 180 degrees and many
firelizards wait on perches to either side of the path (+detail obstacle's
fldive). Finally, a tall wall of split planks towers (+detail obstacle's
wall) before the goal - a line of dangling ribbons that hang to face height
(+detail obstacle's goal). All around the outside of the course, a rope
marks the edge at waist height, to help any straying Riders.

---


Farlioth arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

Delia looks about the bustling crowd, and raises a hand to draw attention,
lifting her voice, "Everyone here. Quiet for a moment, please."

Kharty arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

Tovith arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

Alane finds a place to stand out of the way near Quin.

Tovith lumbers over to stand behind Leya, he sniffs at her hair and Leya
pats his nose. He then peers around at all the people and dragons gathered.

Keira smiles at Tovith and Leya, trying to withdraw out of the crowd a bit.

Kassima leans back against her green's shoulder in order to be comfortable
while listening, giving her braid an absent tug. A cheerful wave is
directed towards the other Thunderbolt riders present.

Jasmyn leans against Umirieth watching Delia.

Delia takes a deep breath, smiles, and begins, "Quickly, it's all fairly
straightforward. Riders, ou have to get around the course losing as few
points for mistakes as possible and gaining as many as you can for style.
Riders are blindfolded, no dragons on the course, Please. All those with
Firelizards, you can help by joining in part 3 of the course. Just to help
my sanity, which is often called into doubt," she grins, "Those with
firelizards please make a line to my right (please page Mirval if you're
in) those Riders who are going to participate, make a line to my left
(riders page me, please)."

Quinaeth looks with longing at the obstacle course, but stands quietly
while Alane perches on his foreleg.

Keira looks doubtfully at her pair of firelizards. "I think these little
flitters are still to little to help out."

Radar looks around and asks, "Okay, which one of you is Mirval?"

Mirval shakes his finger at his mother. "_You_ stay out," he says. "You can
send the fair if we need it." He grins at her, despite the words and even
the tone: half-amused, half-stern. He then holds up his hand. "That's me."

Jasmyn grins and slaps her green affectionately. "Yes dear, for once you
can tell me exactly what to do, and I am not going to complain.

Kharty waves to Kassi as she walks closer to the group. "Hey, wingleader.
You and Lys in on this?" comes her question with a playful grin and wink.

Miritha chuckles at Mirval. "You are," she says, waving one hand languidly,
"no fun, sometimes." Her tone is all amusement, and that's the only comment
she makes before climbing onto Farlioth's front leg.

Carissa heads up to Mirval, "Uh, I'm in.."

Leya grins at Jasmyn, then walks over to stand beside Tovith in the line to
Delia's left. "Yes, I trust you. Just don't get distracted, I don't want to
break a leg or anything doing this," she can be heard to say quietly to
Tovith.

Kassima steps towards the leftmost line, but pauses to flash Kharty a
rueful grin. "Aye, 'twould seem so--at Lysseth's insistance. She was very
firm on deserving a chance t'be steering *me* about for a change. I'm
half-afraid she'll get everything wrong on purpose just out of the evil of
her heart. You and Virroth are in, too?"

Rolan goes toward Main Road.

Tovith rumbles and snorts, blowing Leya's hair back.

Kharty gives her blue a sidelong look then laughs. "Must be the Lys
influence. Yeah, we're in.."

Radar goes to stand behind Mirval and grins.

Mirval gives Radar and Carissa both smiles, and points out at the course.
"We'll be needed once they're out to that clear area, coming back. It's
only clear _now_, after all."


---

     Dragon Lead Your Rider Rules and Judging

- Riders are to remian blindfolded from when they're palced on the course
to when they grab a finishing ribbon. Officials will help anyone who
becomes confused.
- Dragons aren't to enter the course
- The Rider-pair's turn is finished when the Rider pulls a finishing ribbon
from the goal
- Five points are awarded for the skill in negotiating each obstacle (four
in total)
- Five points are awarded for each obstacle for the style they are
completed in
- The winning pair receives a voucher for a matching outfit and set of
riding straps from the Weavercraft, courtesy of Journeyman Janie and
Apprentices Doran and Deresh. All finishing participants may keep their
ribbons as a memento!

---


Carissa raises an eyebrow, "What are we going to do?"

Delia quickly jots names on a slate, noting the pairs, "Who's first?" she
asks.

Radar mutters to Mirval, "... out..."

T'ris raises his hand. "Yeah, I'm in! I'll go!"

Delia grins at the High Reaches Bluerider, "Ok, name and dragon, please!
And then line up at the beginning of the course."

Delia turns and checks with Mirval, "Are our firelizards ready?"

Alane hollers at the top of her lungs. "Go, T'ris Go! Wheeee!" She looks
down at a bunch of strangers regarding her with curious eyes. "That's my
weyrmate. Go, T'ris!"

Miraeth arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

Julanna takes up the riding straps in one hand and swings a leg over
Miraeth's neck, gracefully sliding to the ground.

T'ris steps forward. "T'ris with Green Mimenth."

Mirval shakes his head at Radar. "All we're doing is having our firelizards
be obstacles - flying, moving obstacles. They're not to touch the riders at
all, and the dragons will need to keep the rider from running into any of
them as they fly across the course. Here, Ryna will show you." The green on
his forearm leaps up and flies across the course and back again, a quick
zigzag. "I think so, Delia."

Quinaeth bugles loudly for Mimenth and T'ris.

Jasmyn leans against Umirieth, watching carefully. She waves to Julanna.
"Hey Juls, over here."

Mimenth BUGLES!

Carissa ahs, "I think he cun handle that.

Julanna swings herself down from Miraeth's back, as rider and dragon pick
their way over towards 'Myn. "Hiya," she greets her friend and fellow
greenrider. "What've I missed?"

T'ris peers out at the course and turns to Alane. "Kisses for luck dear?"

Radar nods and says, "Siri can do that. Uh, do we have bribes for the
firelizards just in case?"

Alane wraps her arms around T'ris and smooches him soundly.

Tirel arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

Miritha wraps a cloak around herself, leaving free only her blond head, the
hair so like Mirval's that it's obvious they're related. Several
firelizards pop out of between around her, flying out onto the course.

T'ris dips Alane in a kiss and stands back up. "Thank you." He turns to
everyone and raises his hands. "Ready!"

Alane giggles and returns to stand out of the way.

Mirval says to Radar, "I had a rider bring some spiderclaws this afternoon;
would those work as bribes? They're probably dead now, but still..."

Kreolin arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

Alane pulls a bright blue and green scarf out of her pocket and starts
waving it around like a flag.

Delia looks at Mirval, "Are the firelizards ready?" She shoots a grin at
the assembled owners and pairs.

Kreolin races up, looking around. "Am I too late?"

Carissa snorts, "Just tell it you'll give it a kiss!" She grins.

Radar nods and says, "That'll do it. She loves any and all shellfish."

Kassima leans in to murmur to Kharty, her eyes glinting with both amusement
and trepidation as they scan over the course, "Care t'be taking any wagers
on how many times each of us winds up falling on our rumps? Quarter-mark
says nay less than three for me." Lysseth responds to this with a
halfhearted indignant snort.

Jasmyn waves to Kreolin, a genuine smile on her face.

Keira shivers off to wone side, watching and waiting for the show to start.

Mirval gives Delia a quick nod, and waves enthusiastically at Kreolin.
"Kreo! Good to see you again. We're all set, Delia."

Radar lifts up Siri, ready to toss her into the air.

Alane grins over at Kassima. "I can't take the beat. Mimenth won't let
T'ris fall."

Kreolin looks over at Jasmyn. "Myn? Hey, Myn, what are you doing here?" she
calls, waving.

From on the course, Delia invites the Firelizard pairs onto the course.
"Ok, everyone, let's get the firelizards over here."

Kharty throws her head back and laughs at Kassi's wager. "Ever known me to
turn down a bet? Quarter-mark says no less than two for me." Her wingleader
gets another wink as she stuffs her gloves into her jacket pocket, then
watches as the first rider begins.

Leya grins at her her wingleader, but doesn't say anything to her. Instead,
she whispers to Tovith. "You'd /better/ not let me fall."

Jasmyn smirks and pulls her flight jacket around her. "I was just asking
myself the same question."

From on the course, Radar hesitantly walks onto the course and tries to
figure out where to stand.

Grombie arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

Br'del arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

Grombie pulls Br'del, "Now all you need is Haeth."

Kreolin laughs, then heads onto the court. "I'm onto becoming an obstacle,
now! Me and my firelizards." She waves Grombie over. "Beat you!"

T'ris takes one more look at the course and jumps up.

Haeth arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

Grombie sticks her tongue out at Kreol, "Youleft without me, it wasn't
fair!" And she stops to pat Haeth.

Farlioth warbles a cheerful greeting to Haeth, while Miritha waves at
Br'del just as brightly.

Kassima gives her belt-pouch a light smack, and winks at Kharty to
acknowledge the bet. "Bargain struck. You're a Thunderbolt rider without a
vindictive, evil dragon--you'll do fine, as will you, Leya. Me, now...."

Alane is flashed a grin. "Mayhaps nay. 'Twill see shortly, I'd surmise!"

Haeth rumbles cheerfully to Farlioth, swishing his tail excitedly.

From on the course, Siri chirps and looks around at all the pink-things.

From on the course, T'ris takes a moment to look at the ramp leading up to
the snowwalk, takes a step back and runs. He hits the walk full force and
half runs, half slides across it onto the ramp on the other side, arms
flapping like a wherry to maintain his balance.

OOC: Sorry all, there's a long MP to type, so I'm going to shortcut.
Firelizards and their owners are welcome on the course to be part of the
third obstacle, Mirval's helping with that, so please page him, if you
haven't already. Riders here with their dragons who want to participate,
please page me, if you haven't already. Apologies for the delay, code
glitches now fixed! Now we can get on with the show!

Kharty huffs at Kassi then says, "Vindictive? He's not that at all, but
playful, yes. He'd think it was just plain hilarious to see me fall into
all that snow over there."

OOC: Delia said all that. Sheesh!

Mimenth warbles content that her forst direction pointed him in the right
direction.

Alane cheers, waving her green/blue scarf furiously in the air.

Leya grins at Kassi, "Thank you. Despite what you say, I'm sure you'll do
well too." She nods Kharty, "Tovith'd want to join me in falling in it."

Kharty laughs then nods to Leya, her hand slipping back into her pocket to
pull out her gloves. Smacking them on her thigh, she tugs them on again.
"Definitely not as cold as Telgar, but still, lucky gloves are always a
plus at such things."

Br'del turns to Grombie and grins. "Think I should go through with this I'm
afraid Haeth will decide to play a trick and make me bang in to something."

From on the course, T'ris stumbles down the end ramp and gains his
ballance, bringing his hands up to his head to check the blind. He makes
his way into the alleyway containing the barrels. He edges forward,
reaching out to feel the first barrel. He turns around and inches forward
thru the zigzag maze, bumping the last one slightly as he exits.

Grombie laughs, How bout Rascal leads you? He'll be nice..I think...

From on the course, T'ris turns out onto the firelizard dive path and
pauses. He lunges forward.

From on the course, Siri chirps and pumps up her wings as the weirdly
moving pink thing with the sock on its face gets closer and closer. Then
she dives straight for him!

Delia watches intently, slate pencil paused as she watches for mistakes.

From on the course, From Grombie, Sir Rascal is winging off before anyone
can say anything. He darts right for T'ris, hovering just above his nose.

From on the course, T'ris ducks suddenly, coming back up behind the diving
lizard, takes another two paces straight into the side of the next lizard.
Ooof.

Keira laughs, covering her eyes. "I can't watch this..."

Leya leans against Tovith's side, watching closely and doing her best to
commit the course to memory.

From on the course, Ryna, waiting for the rider, suddenly dives across the
course, right about at his eye level and just where her course and his will
intersect if he keeps up his current speed. Koli, another green, is only
five feet down from Ryna, and crosses at the same time, making it easier to
slow down than to speed up in order to pass Ryna safely.

From on the course, From Grombie, Sir Rascal chitters and goes back, only
to be replaced by another blue

From on the course, T'ris manages to duck and run his way out, getting
pecked by a couple of lizard as his reactions isn't nearly as good as those
of the divebombing lizards.

Alane groans as T'ris gets flitted.

From on the course, From Grombie, Sapphire rumbles in delight, this is /good/

From on the course, Br'del mutters something, then takes a few slow and
cautious steps forward. Not so bad...A stumble, and a few more wobbly
steps, and then he appears to get the hang of things.

From on the course, Timor swoops down towards T'ris, and begins to glide
next to her. At a hissed command from her 'pet', she zips in front of the
rider, and begins to hover around chest level.

Quinaeth rumbles at the firelizards, but Alane on his foreleg keeps him
where he is. "It's just a game, for fun. They'll not hurt him."

From on the course, Siri misses T'ris and shrieks in frustration, coming
back only when Radar starts calling "Spiderclaws!"

From on the course, T'ris jogs out of the lizard run and up to the wall,
nearly colliding with it as he misjudges his speed and stopping. He feels
around and finds the first hole and begins to pull himself up. When his
feet find purchase against the holes, his feet do the work and push himself
along. He clears the wall and makes his way back down, slipping down the
end and turns slowly.

From on the course, From Grombie, Wishbone oohs, hello, more people, ooh,
did someone say-Spiderclaws?

From on the course, T'ris dodges around, hearing a firelizard about his
head still.

From on the course, Timor leaves off as T'ris exits the run, diving back to
the next rider, to hover some more.

Mimenth warbles excitedly, her eyes whirling a yellowish green.

From on the course, Ryna and Koli circle around, adjusting themselves so
they're ready to provide another distraction.

Alane watches with one eye as her beloved makes his way through the course.

From on the course, Br'del stops in his akward walk, then takes off his
blindfold and grins over to his brown. "Think I need more practice, or was
that enough?"

From on the course, T'ris takes a few extra moment to get himself back on
track and hits the twisted rope, climbing it with his legs working to
assist the climb. He feels around and finds a ribbon twisted into the rope.
He grasps it and drops down to the course floor and takes a few steps out
into the grounds.

Delia calls out, and starts clapping, "Well done T'ris and Quinaeth!"

T'ris steps out and removes his blindfold, holding it and the ribbon high
in the air, his chest heaving as he looks back at the course. "Pesky
'lizards."

Jasmyn cheers. "I am glad he went first!!

T'ris runs forward and hugs Alane. "Oh, that was dificult."

Alane claps and cheers waving her 'flag' for her Man. "T'ris! You did it!"
The bluerider climbs off her perch to wrap her arms around the greenrider.

Julanna jumps up and down, and Miraeth joins in her rider's cheering by
flicking her tail and rumbling happily. "Wonderful, T'ris!"

Mimenth BUGLES! as T'ris leaves the course.

From on the course, Radar claps and cheers for T'ris after feeding Siri a
couple of bites of spiderclaw.

From on the course, Grombie claps a bit. "Going next, Br'del?"

Leya claps for T'ris and Tovith rumbles his approval as he rustles his wings.
Delia grins widely, checking her slate, "do we have a volunteer for next?"

From on the course, Br'del shrugs. "I dunno...Haeth says I need more
practice." Grin.

T'ris runs his fingers through his hair. "Ohh.. My... It's like running
blind with someone telling you what you should be seeing."

From on the course, Grombie laughs, "Your as good as you'll get!"

T'ris shouts down. "Watch those lizards is all, Br'del!"

Miritha, from her seat on Farlioth's leg, says, "Go for it, Br'del! It's
about as much practice as you'll get, anyway."

Alane pats T'ris on the back. "You were wonderful. Especially on the ramp.
That was classy."

T'ris smirks. "Mimenth said straight forwared, run. So I did."

Kassima grins and lifts her hands to applaud the duo, even managing a sharp
whistle, to her dragon's vague disgust. "See that, Lyss? His dragon didn't
make *him* fall in the snow."

Alane pats Mimenth on the shoulder. "She was wonderful too. I had to keep
Quin from going firelizard chasing when the dived at you."

Delia turns, grinning at the course where Br'del is apparently ready, "This
is about all the practivce you get. You're next. Your name, Haeth's Rider?"

T'ris rubs his forehead. "I think I hit one square in the head."

Jorenan arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

From on the course, Radar says, "Come on, Alane! You can do it!"

From on the course, Br'del starts, then turns. "Ah, Br'del, from Fort," he
calls.

Jasmyn shakes her head. "Amazing.. "

Alane shakes her head. "Radar, I can't climb that rope with this belly!"

Alane kisses T'ris's hurty.

T'ris pulls Alane in. "Oh no, no rigorous activity for my Alane or the baby."

From on the course, Grombie gives Br'del a bit of a shove out, "Get in there!"

Alane giggles and puts a finger to her lips. "There goes Br'del."

T'ris turns to watch.

Delia laughs, "Br'del, got it. Blindfold on and go for it!"

Alane leans against T'ris to watch.

Julanna turns towards Jasmyn, lowering her voice. "You and Umi going to
have a run through?" she wonders, and then her gaze is drawn to watch the
Fortian brownrider. "Go, Br'del! Go, Haeth!"

[Editor's Note:  Got disconned briefly here, so a pose or two may be 
missing.]

Jasmyn nods, looking up at her lifemate. She mutters to Julanna, "... says
I... it..... confident.... is pretty good..." 

From on the course, Grombie looks back at Br'del's lifemate, "Haeth, what
are you doing to him?" She asks through giggles.

Alane bites at her lower lip. "Oh, I hope there's not sharp rocks or
anything under that snow."

From on the course, Moltres and Tokoz, Br'del's lizards, circle the pit,
chittering to their humanpet encouragingly.

T'ris looks down into the pit. "Oh, I hope not. They probably cleared them
out."

Mirval slants Alane a quick smile. "In the hole? Shards, no; we were
careful about that."

Alane smiles with relief at Mirval. "Good."

From on the course, Siri sees Br'del enter the 3rd part of the course. She
bugles and starts to dive and swoop in a zig-zag pattern around his head.

From on the course, Grombie giggles as a whole faire of random 'lizards
circle the course, ready to get in the poor rider's way.

From on the course, Br'del finally reaches the plank and pauses a moment.
He slips a foot on, then slids it over to make room for the other, arms
held out for balance. He continues this slow process, one foot, then the
other, one, then the other. Finally, he reaches the middle, and goes off
balance, wobbling dangerously. "Which left" he shouts. More flailing, and
then he regains his balance and finishes the slid across.

Jasmyn nudges Julanna. "You should go for it.."

Alane murmurs to T'ris. "I liked your run and jump better."

Julanna shrugs. "I'm content to just watch for a bit," she tells Myn, "But
I agree with Umirieth. You two should definitely go for it."

T'ris shakes his head. "Now that I see him going across, I'm necessarily
sure I like the running."

From on the course, Tokoz and Moltres chitter delightedly, flying a little
ahead of the poor rider as he moves towards the barrels.

Alane smiles. "You looked awesome, though. I don't know if I'd try this if
I wasn't pregnant!"

Jasmyn grins. "Oh come on, Juls.. show the Igen Spirit..." She blinks.
"Whatever that might be.."

Leya grins over Alane, "Yes, you would. Everyone would threaten and cajol
you until you agreed to do it."

From on the course, Br'del finally reaches the barrels and right away stubs
a toe on one. A grunt, and then he begins to move in the right direction,
following the zig-zags pattern without too much trouble. As he moves
forward, he swings his hips back and forth, weaving from here to there. A
bit of a slip, and then the odd swinging continues, as if he's doing some
new dance craze or something...

From on the course, Artie loses interest fast, lolling on one side of the
course, making snow'lizards.

From on the course, Siri flies a little close to Br'del, close enough for
the cold wind her wings are stirring up to ruffle his hait each time she
makes a pass.

Alane chuckles. "Why me? Besides, I don't look good in black and blue and
that's what I'd be. Not that Quin wouldn't guide me, but..." She turns back
as Br'del approaches the barrels.

T'ris chuckles. "I'd be scared to death with you out there, Alane."

"Isn't that always the way?" Kassima wants to know, looking away from the
obstacle course to grin at the two female maleriders. "The less you want
t'be doing something, it seems the more other people want t'see you do it.
There must be some rule about that."

Mimenth warbles sofly in agreement with her rider.

Miritha laughs as she leans forward a little, looking down from her seat on
Farlioth's leg. "Ah, but Kassima, if you want to do it, sometimes you get
told not to!"

From on the course, Tokoz and Moltres' chittering grows louder, sounding
even more like laughter than anything else.

Alane smiles at Kassima. "I'll remember that and try to decide for myself."

Delia is keeping an eye on Br'del's progress, as she makes marks on her
slaie. As the chaos dies down a bit, and Br'del feels ettled in, she can
look around, "Julanna," she grins, "Why not?"

Leya laughs, "Yes, other people always do seem to love seeing other people
do things they would never do."

Keira grins a little at that remark. How true.

Leya giggles as she hears herself, "If that makes any sense..."

Jasmyn grins at Delia then looks back at Julanna. 'Yeah, why not?"

"Woo, go Igen," Julanna drawls, standing with her back against Miraeth,
arms crossed. "How's that for Igen spirit, Myn?" Hiding a smile, the
greenrider shrugs. "You know me. Usually I'd love to run the course, but
I'm feeling kind of tired tonight."

From on the course, Grombie laughs again, "Br'del, watch out for that-" and
she winces as he slipps a bit, "Ice." she finishes.

Kassima laughs, too, and bobs her head to Miritha. "Too right! Whatever you
want, the world seems t'work t'make you do the opposite. It must be some
sort of deep-seated conspiracy."

Tirel waves to Keira

Delia grins at Julanna, "Well, I can see why you'd rather not. But you're
going to do it for Igen, Jasmyn?"

Miritha nods solemnly, eyes dancing. "A conspiracy against us all," she
agrees.

Keira blinks, surprised to see someone waving at -her-, then she recognizes
Tirel and smiles, "Hi there."

From on the course, Br'del reaches the turn, grunting as he slips on some
ice and lands hard on his rear. He gets up and continues on, his drunk
toddle more of a steadier gate now. In fact, everything is finally going
well until he is divebombed by dozens of lizards waiting along the side.
With a startled cry, he begins to run wildly, squaking like a wherry and
swatting at his head and neck.

Alane listens to the banter quietly.

Jasmyn nods. "We will give it our best, Dee."

Tirel says "Want to go somewhere and get some hot klah?"

Alane chuckles. "There's one on there bums for your bet, Kassima."

Delia's attention is suddenly back on the course as Br'del finds the
firelizard obstacle. GRinning, she makes a note on her slate, commenting to
Jasmyn, "You have it a bit easier, at least, not going first."

T'ris grins. "Oh, going first wasn't THAT bad."

Tirel moves over to Keira and waves again, wondering if she caught his
question..

Keira considers the obstacle course, then those still waiting, and then
looks around at the snowy landscape. "Maybe in a little bit...I wanted to
watch Leya."

From on the course, Ryna shrieks again, gleefully, flying out fast almost
to Br'del and then slowing, to flutter past at her slowest flying pace indeed.

"With the dragons in on it, more likely than nay," Kassi decides, glancing
at her own lifemate. "I'd nay put it past 'em for a minute. Ach, Alane, I
can only bet on how many times 'twill fall on *my* rear--I don't know
anyone else's rear well enough t'be guessing how oft 'twill make contact
with the snow."

Tirel nods "Ok. " as he stands next to Keira and watches the race

Jasmyn smiles graciously to T'ris. "You will be a hard act to follow."

T'ris grins. "Thank you."

Alane giggles at the Telgari greenrider. "Oh, I didn't realize the bet was
on /your/ bum, Kassima."

"And Miraeth and I'll be cheering for you," Julanna tells Jasmyn. "In fact,
Delia and Mirval and I will carry you into the Living Cavern on our
shoulders. You can be the Hero of the Obstacle Course." She flinches as
Br'del is assaulted by the 'lizards, continuing to clap for the brownrider
in encouragement.

From on the course, Radar calls Siri back to give poor Br'del a little
breathing room.

From on the course, From Grombie, Wingmaster screeches and dives for
Br'del's face, just stopping a talon's length from him and then settles at
chest level.

Delia grunts at Jasmyn's suggestion, "Speak fro yourself!" she laughs.

Jasmyn blinks, looking quite horrified. "I should hope not.. I already made
a spectacle of myself in the living cavern once this sevenday."

Leya blinks and turns her attention to Keira as she hears her name. She
smiles wanely, "You don't have to, you know. I'll probably make a complete
fool of myself." Tovith just snorts, he seems to think differently.

Mirval, still watching Br'del, says cheerfully, "I promise we won't break
any mugs carrying you, Myn."

Keira grins brightly, "Why did you think I was waiting?"

From on the course, Br'del manages to escape the bombardment and reches the
wall--by smacking right in to it. Falling on his rear again, he gets back
up and reaches for a plank, missing the first three tries. Finally he gets
a firm grip on one plank, then places a foot on the other. This is one
obstacle he's actually doing pretty well at. Until he reaches the
top...then he falls off and lands in the snow with a thud.

Delia grins at Myn, blushing a little, as she remembers the incident,
"Well, yes. I wouldn't want to embarassas you any more."

Jasmyn scuffles the snow under her feet and winks at Delia.

Leya winces, but grins back, "Yes, but don't go tell everyone if I mess up,
all right?"

Doran applauds as Br'del races up the wall then winces as he falls down the
other side.

Keira smiles innocently, "Now would -I- do a thing like that, Leya?"

Jasmyn closes her eyes and shakes her head. "That -gotta- hurt."

From on the course, Grombie cracks up, "Good, Brandy, real good!"

Delia flinches as Br'del ends up butt first in the snow, just missing
JAsmyn's wink as she makes a note about the rider on her slate.

Alane winces, leaning against T'ris a little more. "Ouch. There's a hurty."

Leya narrows her eyes and makes big show of studying Keira, "I'm not sure."
She then grins wickedly, "If you do, just remember that I know where you
live."

Kassima intones, with a perfectly straight face, "I wouldn't presume to
place bets on anyone else's bum, Alane. Yeech!" She winces at the
snow-tumble, but starts to applaud anyway.

T'ris nods. "Yeah, I imagine so."

Julanna grimaces. "Oh, the poor man," she whispers to Jasmyn, gesturing to
the obstacle course. "He is going to be /sore/." And then a curious gaze at
the younger girl. "What happened in the living cavern?"

Merielan arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

Keira's attention is finally drawn back toward the obstacle course, and she
winces to see the rider on his back in the snow. But she turns back to
Leya, doing her best to look scared. "Yes ma'am."

Doran spots Merie wander in he waves. "Over here!"

Alane smiles and waves to the Weaver apprentice.

From on the course, Br'del takes a moment in getting up, then walkes sorely
towards the finish. A bit of a limp in his gait, he fumbles around for the
rope and grabs a tight hold of it. He inches up, but somehow makes it to
the top rather quickly. One, two, three, five tries, and he finally manages
to grab ahold of the flag! He lets out a triumphant cheer and waves it in
what he assumes is the direction of the crowd (which is actually the
complete opposite) and then slides back down.

From on the course, Grombie laughs, "Get out of there Br'del, your horrid!
Haeth, what are you doing to him, aren't you supose to be his /friend/?"

Jasmyn blushes. She mutters to Julanna, "... a argument. He broke...
against the... yelled, I cried, I... some terrible things , so... he....
Delia... and so did Mirval." 

T'ris applauds and nearly roars! "You got it! Yeah!!"

Tirel shakes his head "Someone gonna get that boy a healer?" as he smiles

Merielan turns when someone yells and tries to assess whether that someone
was talking to her. Seeing who it is, she promptly does three things.
Blush, smile, and walk over, giving Doran a shy smile.

Keira smiles conspiratorially, "I'm sure there are some lurking about
nearby..."

Leya winces as well as she sees Br'del's fall, "That's going to me..." she
mutters under her breath. She then grins at Keira, "Good." When she looks
back that course Br'den has finished, so she claps for him.

From on the course, Br'del takes off his blindfold, only to find that he's
facing the wrong way. He whirls around and gives Grombies a mocking look.
"Let's see you do better!" he calls with a grin, then walks out.

Doran gives Merie a little kiss on the cheek. "This is quite a sight. You
have to see it."

Delia cheers and invites Jasmyn up to the line to begin next, "Jasmyn and
green Umirieth!"

Merielan eyes the course a bit askance, blushing harder at the kiss. In
front of so many people! "What are they doing?"

From on the course, Jasmyn waves to Delia and mock salutes.

Keira shivers, keeping her arms wrapped tight around herself to ward off
the chill.

From on the course, Grombie laughs, "I don't have a dragon!" She says,
patting her friend on the shoulder. "You did some awfle stuff out there,
Brandy, are you okay? You were limping.."

Mirval says to Br'del, "You need a hot bath tonight, I think, after that.
Nice job." The blond head tilts, an exact mirror image of his mother, up on
Farlioth's leg, similarly tilting her head; both give the other Fortian
brownrider a grin.

Doran points down at Jasmyn. "She has to navigate the course blindfolded,
guided only by the thoughts of her dragon."

From on the course, Jasmyn takes a deep breath, winks at Umirieth and pulls
the blindfold over her eyes. "I am ready, Umi, when you are!" She peeks out
from under the blindfold and winks at her lifemate. "Please, please try to
keep me out of the snow, you know how I feel about that -white- stuff." The
petite green smugly wuffles her lifemate in the right direction.

Tirel trys to put an arm around Keira to warm her

Br'del limps over to Haeth and sits next to him, rubbing his sore behind.
He then turns to Mirval and chuckles. "I think you're right." Then, turning
to Grombie he calls, "I did just fine!"

Alane sighs with relief as Br'del finishes. "If not a healer at least
numbweed."

Grombie has arrived.

Minaka arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

Keira looks a little uncertain about Tirel's gesture for a moment, but it's
-cold- outside, and every little bit helps.

"Go, Myn! C'mon, Umi!" Julanna's cheering at the top of her lungs, and this
time Miraeth arches her neck and positively bugles for her clutchsister. As
Br'del leaves the course, the greenrider slides over towards him. "Good
job," she tells him, with a smile and a sparkle in her eye. "If I tried to
do that, they'd have to send in a rescue party."

A young healer apprentice bursts out of the crowd to tend to Br'del. "Let
me hlp you sir."

Tirel cuddles Keira up close to his warm self and lets his warmth radiate
to her and warm her as well.

Merielan nods distractdly, shivering a bit herself as she adjusts her
scarf. Looking out over the crowd she notes all the Igen Weyr knots and
grins. "Maybe my cousin Kat is here." Then she see's Julanna and waves in
the rider's direction.

From on the course, Jasmyn quickly walks towards the southern ramp of the
plank, stopping only for a split second. She takes a deep breath and
gingerly minces her way across the slippery surface. "No funny stuff now,
Umirieth, keep me out of snow, love." A look of surprise crosses her face
as she steps down the ramp on the other side. She loses her balance and
begins to fall backward, saving herself at the last moment, standing
upright. She gives a victory sign in Umirieth's direction as she continues
north towards the barrels.

Doran smiles and waves to Minaka, leaning into Merie. "That's the new
apprentice. She's a nice artist."

Grombie grins and turns to scratch the brown dragon's eyeridges, "Factor
out the ice, the 'lizards...Oh, good there's a healer. Hope you didn't hurt
youself too bad."

Umirieth warbles encouragements to her lifemate, her wings unfurl and then
tuck back against her petite body

"How nice..." Meri chatters between cold teeth, starting to shiver harder
as the snow gets into her socks.

Br'del grins at Julanna. "Thanks. It wasn't easy, that's for sure." He then
waves the healer off saying, "I appreciate your concern, but I think I'm
fine. I just won't be able to sit for a sevenday."

Minaka walks up from the path, trying to feed a creeling brown- "I'm
feeding you, silly!" - manage a large bag with something or another in it,
and not trip over her own feet. Hearing a friendly voice, she glances up
-after shoving the last of her meatrolls in the brown 'lizard's mouth- and
grins, "Oh, hello, Doran!"

Grombie nudges Br'del with the toe of her boot, "Don't do that, your hurt
and you know it."

Haeth rumbles, wrapping his tail aaround Br'del and looking down at him
mischieveously. He then nudges Grombie for more attention.

From on the course, Radar strokes Siri's eyeridges and gets her ready
to.....distract......Jasmyn.

Keira shifts a bit, stamping her feet to try to force some feeling back
into them.

From on the course, Jasmyn walks towards the barrels, pausing to get the
the images needed and carefully begins to weave her way through, first to
left. Her hands outstretched in front of her, almost make contact with a
barrel. Umirieth clearly disapproves by the clicking noise she makes and
Jasmyn blushes, tucking her hands down by her sides. To the right, down the
center of the alley she goes, this time in no danger of hitting anything.
Being thin has its advantages or so it seems in this narrow passageway. She
turns south, wrinkling her nose as she heads towards the firelizards.

The healer argues for a moment then heads off. "If you say so sir. You're
behind, not mine." She mutters as she wanders back into the audience.

Leya smiles at Keira and Tirel, then turns her attention back Jasmyn and
the course.

Tirel looks at Keira and tisks as he takes his jacket off and wraps Keira
up in it "Be right back, I'll go get my other." and takes off across the
meadow toward the Sebring Camp.

Alane watches the Igenite make her way through the course. "She's doing
pretty good!"

Doran smiles and wavers to Minaka. "Heya Minaka! How are those sketches for
Tamina?"

Br'del shakes his head. "That's what behinds are for, Grombie. I've had
worse...ever been kicked by a llama"

Grombie grins and goes bad to digging her fingers into Haeths's
hard-to-scratch-himself spots.

From on the course, Ryna chatters loudly at Koli, and the pair take off
again, into a circle around Jasmyn - wide, several steps' distance across,
but enough so that several times they pair up in front of her, right in her
way. The entire time, on all sides, they're carolling in sweet voices.

Keira looks more than a little surprised at that, turning to say something
Tirel as he takes off. "Wait, you don't..."

From on the course, Jasmyn ducks, almost crouching as she tries to keep out
of the way of those pesky chittering, chattering, chortling, infuriating
adorable firelizards. Not exactly the most graceful way of getting through,
but at first it seems to be working. She abruptly ducks to the right little
too abruptly unfortunately, and lands uncermoniously on her rear end.
Blushing, she scrambles to her feet. "No.. " She calls back to Umirieth.
"Bugling so the firelizards disappear would be cheating!"

T'ris nods. "I might have some competition in her."

Julanna shakes her head. "Not the best ailment for a rider to have --
unable to sit down," she says to Br'del, her voice amused. "Well, you still
did a good job. I think the firelizards had it in for you, though."
Flipping hair back over her shoulder, Julanna notices someone waving at her
and peers. "Who's that? Oh...Merielan, right? Nice to see you, dear." Then
her attention is drawn back to the obstacle course, and the friend who's
weaving her way through it.

Tirel returns a short while later wearing his brown one "Don't worry,
Keira, I do own two for a reason." as he pulls his jacket around her tight
and buttons it then cuddles her back up close against him..

From on the course, Siri launchs herself off Radar's arm, and starts to
swoop back and forth in front of Jasmyn, bugling as loud as she can.

Minaka looks like she would slap her forehead, *if* she had three hands.
"Oh, dear, I'm sorry, Doran! I haven't had the time to do anymore. . .
First I Impressed this brown, then I had to sort out all sorts of yarn that
Lunshanks tangled. . . I promise I'll work on them tonight!"

Alane nods to her weyrmate.

Doran smiles. "S'okay. I have a few done that are nice. I'll let you see
them before I send them out."

Merielan laughs to herself softly as Julanna finally noticing her. Hunching
her shoulders up she shivers harder, giving Minaka a teeth-chattering smile.

Haeth humms quietly, eyes half-lidded as his rider joins in the scratching.

Keira looks more than a little top heavy now with Tirel's heavy coat piled
on over her jacket. She giggles a little, "Just don't make any sudden
moves. I might fall over..."

Doran looks at Merie. "Cold?" He offers an arm to wrap in.

From on the course, Waving her hands over her head, Jasmyn charges forward,
missing Siri by mere inches. By sheer luck she gets through the diving and
chittering cloud of firelizards relatively unscathed, except for a snowy
imprint on her rump.

Tirel nods as he smiles at her and holds her gently in his arms. "I just
don't want to see you get sick. Colds are not fun.."

Grombie sighs, "Still, Br'del, maybe you should get back to your weyr,
think Haeth and you would mind giving me a ride home? My shift ended this
afternoon, and I'd like to get back to Keroon."

Delia cheers Jasmyn on, not biased at all. Nuh-uh.

T'ris yells out. "Go White Tail!"

Alane thumps T'ris in the shoulder. "T'ris!"

From on the course, Jasmyn blushes and swats at her rear.

Br'del shrugs. "No prob. At least it was only my rump I landed on...Hop on
and we can get you out of here."

T'ris leans away from Alane. "Oww! Sorry." he grins.

Merielan cuddles agaisnt Doran's side, red-cheeks, wind-blown and freezing
slowly turning back to a more peach color. Risking her blushes, she gives
Doran's cheek a kiss.

From on the course, Jasmyn's blush ebbs as she heads for the next obstacle.
Quickly, surely she makes purchase against the wall, foot here, hand there,
pulling herself up slowly. Her fingers miss the last handhold and she
slides down the wall. Shaking her head at her folly, Jasmyn quickly
scrambles up the wall and jumps down the other side, landing in a crouched
position.

Keira nods and smiles to Tirel, "Especially not right now, since I'll be
popping back *between* with whichever rider consents to take me home."
Grombie grins "Thanks."

Alane wraps her arms around T'ris, bringing him back close. "That wasn't
nice, but your my body warmer. Come back here."

Grombie climbs up Haeth's extended forearm, scooting in between the
neckridges on his back.

Br'del climbs up Haeth's extended forearm, scooting in between the
neckridges on his back.

From on the course, Radar sneaks up around the wall, and christens Jasmyn's
rear with a new coating of snow.

Tirel nods to Keira "I am suprised you didn't borrow a rideding jacket,
they are quite heavy."

Doran smiles at Merie's kiss, holding her close in his arm.

Mirval elbows Delia, then leans over and kisses her cheek. "Silly," he
admonishes; one of the firelizards still perched on Farlioth chirps
questioningly, and the youth rolls his eyes. "Not _you_, Silly!" he says to
the blue, with a laugh.

Sitting easily astride Haeth, Br'del snaps himself in, then helps Grombie
do the same. "Ready?"

T'ris smiles. "Was just getting into the fun of it all!" He cuddles in
close to Alane.

Keira sighs, reaching up to pluck at the collar of her jacket. "It is, but
it's -old- The lining's nearly worn away, and the hide's not real thick
anymore, either."

Sitting easily astride Haeth, Grombie touches the riding straps with a
smile, "Why on Pern do you have that written there, anyway?" then she nods.

Delia blushes as Mirval notices and kisses his cheek, too.

Alane smiles up at T'ris. "Me too, love."

From on the course, Jasmyn jumps forward as the snow hits her rump yet
again. She grumbles to herself and its a good thing that no one heard her
mutter.

Sitting easily astride Haeth, Br'del grins, then winks. "Why not" is the
short answer.

Tirel nods to Keira and hmms softly, he looks over at Doran "Doran, mind if
I bug you a moment?"

Haeth goes toward Main Road.

From on the course, Jasmyn takes off at a sprinter's pace and jumps up,
pulling her self hand over hand up the rope, barely grabbing a ribbon
between her fingers. Umirieth's bugle of triumph drowns out Jasmyn's giggle
of relief. She pulls off the blindfold, smoothing back her hair as she
trudges back to the other riders.

Minaka smiles back at Merielan and nods, then retreats to the side - all
the better to watch the fun!

Alane claps and cheers for the spunky Igen rider. "Yeah, Jasmyn!"

Merielan eyes Tirel with a look that says he'd better not take away her
human-jacket. Of course Doran is more then a jacket..of course..

Delia woowoos for Jasmyn, noting her marks for the greenrider on the slate
with a flourish.

"The Hero of Igen!" Julanna calls to Jasmyn. "You did it, 'Myn - you and Umi!"

Leya grins and claps for Jasmyn, as Tovith adds his own bugles to Umirieth's.

From on the course, Still blushing, Jasmyn makes for the safety of Umirieth.

Doran looks down at Merie and flags Tirel over.

Tirel moves Kiera over with him "You got a riding jacket that will fit
her?" as he points to Keira...

Mirval whoops as Jasmyn comes up, and as he takes the blindfold back, he
leans forward and kisses _her_ cheek, too, forgetting or ignoring the
recent admonishment to Delia.

Lara arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

From on the course, Radar claps for Jasmyn as well, then feeds Siri another
tidbit.

Kassima applauds heartily for the greenrider, calling a cheerful, "Good
show, Whateveryournameis!" It's sincere, if somewhat confused. "Leya," she
wonders, looking towards the brownrider, "are you going next, then?"

Jasmyn discreetly steps behind her lifemate and brushes the snow off her butt.

Keira blinks, following along willingly enough, though she looks a little
surprised by Tirel's question.

Delia grins at Mirval and Myn, and then turns, looking at who's waiting.
Her brow furrows, "Kassima, isn't it? Sorry, I don't remember your dragon's
name?"

T'ris smiles and applauds Jasmyn. "Good run, Jasmyn."

Alane calls out, "Lysseth!"

Leya just shrugs and wrinkles her nose, "I hope she mutters." She grins in
relief as Delia calls Kassima instead of her. "It looks like it's your turm."

Miritha looks down at Mirval, eyebrows quirking upwards together in an
expression quite familiar to the Igenites: it's an echo of his own amused,
pointedly curious looks. Nevertheless, the much-older rider stays quiet.
Farlioth, on the other hand, rumbles a bit, prompting a sudden laugh from
his rider.

Kassima starts slightly at her name, turning about to blink. "Hmm? Oh!
Shells, it can't be our turn already...." She steps forward, though, her
expression slightly trepidatious. "That'd be green Lysseth, Dragonhealer.
The lump over there radiating smugness."

Jasmyn smiles back at Tris. "Thank you.."

Alane waves her green/blue 'flag' for Kassima.

Delia waves Kassima onto the course, "Lysseth and Kassima!" she announces.

"Faranth help me," Kassi mutters, with a last worried look at her smug
dragon before stepping onto the course.

You step onto the obstacle course.

From outside the course, Leya grins and claps loudly for Kassima as she
enters the course.

From outside the course, T'ris hoots and hollars! "Go Kassima!" His
enjoyment in the event obviously not keeping him from cheering the others on.

From outside the course, Merielan leans in closer to whipser in Doran's ear.

From outside the course, Miritha calls out, looking away from her son after
a few moments, "Now taking bets on the number of times Kassima ends up on
her rear!" Her voice is teasing, obviously not quite serious.

Radar laughs at the prospect of fresh meat.

From outside the course, Merielan mutters to Doran, "I'm... to... in
Doran,..."

From outside the course, Doran nods to Merie. "Shall I come with you?"

From outside the course, Alane chuckles. "Bets on Kassima's bum? That's
tempting."

From outside the course, Merielan squeezes his hand "No, No..you stay and
watch." And for a moment, forgetting her embarrasment, she leans up on
tip-toe giving his lips a kiss.

From outside the course, Jasmyn cheers as she leans against her hotwater
bottle. err dragon. "Go Kassima!"

From outside the course, Doran smiles and gives Merie a kiss. "Okay, I'll
look for you later, kay?"

From outside the course, Merielan nods, already trudging away as she gives
him a wave over her shoulder.

From outside the course, Merielan goes toward Main Road.

Kassima takes a deep breath as she looks out over the course one last time
before picking out one of the blindfolds and tying it securely around her
eyes. That done, she pauses to unbuckle two sheathed knives from her belt,
murmuring, "This had *better* be working, Lyss. All right, then...." Doing
her best to ignore any conversation about her rear end, she extends her
arms, one knife in each hand to extend the length of the horizontal and
thus--she evidently hopes--aid in balance. Very carefully, she steps out
onto the plank. One foot in front of another, slow and careful at first,
then picking up speed into something more like a normal stride. Lysseth, on
the sidelines, rumbles low comments--and does her best to look innocent
when her rider missteps once, having to windmill frantically to keep her
balance. "You did that on *purpose*, lump! Don't try to deny it!"

From outside the course, Tirel watches Doran and Merielan.

From outside the course, Alane laughs out loud. "Aw, Lysseth! That's a mean
trick to do to your rider!"

From outside the course, Keira has her eyes on Kassima for the moment,
giggling softly.

From outside the course, Leya can't help but giggle at Kassima's
exclamation as she gives Lysseth a look.

From outside the course, Doran smiles at Tirel. "I do have a set that I
made to display as an example for the prize for this event. Looks like a
close fit."

From outside the course, Tirel nods "How much?"

Radar snuggles Siri to warm himself up a bit before turning her loose.

From outside the course, T'ris grins at Alane. "Like running really really
fast over THAT isn't?" He chuckles and points at the pit.

From outside the course, Keira's attention is drawn back to Tirel and
Doran. She sounds uneasy when she speaks. "Tirel..."

From outside the course, Jasmyn shakes her head. "Don't get any ideas from
her, now Umi."

From outside the course, Tirel settles down to haggle, friendly like, with
Doran, pausing to put his finger on Kiera's lips gently.

From outside the course, Keagan arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

From outside the course, Filliana arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

From outside the course, Minaka grins as she watches the rider on the
course - not a good time to be her!

From outside the course, Keira subsides, looking troubled.

From outside the course, Doran smiles. "I'd say a mark and a half, for you."

From outside the course, Alane waves to the Lady of Bitra. "Heya, Lady Fil!
Kassima's on the course."

From outside the course, Keagan strolls into the meadow with Filliana on
his arm. He waves cordially to those he knows as he takes in the festivities.

From outside the course, Tirel nods and passes over two coins "Ok, have an
apprentice fetch it." and tosses in another half mark for the delivery

Of course, it doesn't help matters that Kassi is preoccupied by grumbling
at her dragon for a moment; she nearly runs into one of the barrels while
teetering her way off the ramp. The knives are dropped to her feet for
later retrieval, and she hunches up her shoulders, making herself as thin
as she can before stepping sideways into the barrel maze. Lysseth, perhaps
repentant, rears up onto her hind limbs with much flapping of wings for
balance to get a good look at the obstacle. "Left? What d'you mean, *left*?
You just said right! Oh... the *other* right. A'course. I should've known."
Can a dragon look sheepish? Lyss is trying to. With a great deal of
wincing, Kassi threads her way through the barrels with only a brush or
two, saved from worse collision only by ginger movements. Now past the Pit
and the Pendulums, she squares herself before diving into the fire-lizard
playground/route to rider torture.

From outside the course, Jasmyn winces. "I went through -that-?"

From outside the course, Doran nods. "I will have to wait until after the
event, or course, it being on display and all."

Siri bugles a challenge to the rider and launches herself into the air. She
proceeds to swoop and dive back and forth, first in front of Kassmia and
the behind her. Every so often at random intervals she lets out a loud
cheep, chirp or defiant bugle, determined to make the human land on her
tail in the snow.

From outside the course, Filliana smiles as her eyes skim the area, nodding
politely to those she knows. Seeing Kassi in the obstacle course, she
bursts out into laughter. "Kassi!" she calls out to the Telgari, "Watch
that green lizard!"

From outside the course, Tirel nods "At least before she has to go, she has
a ride home on a dragon, and the one she is wearing is so worn out it
wouldn't keep a werry warm."

From outside the course, Keira gapes slightly at Doran, mouthing, "A mark
and a half?" She looks up at Tirel unbelieving. No one would sell a such a
thing for only a mark and half.

From outside the course, "Yup, and beautifully, too," Julanna grins,
nudging 'Myn gently. "I wish we had some way to capture the event for all
time. Great job, greenrider."

From outside the course, Doran nod. "Aye, shouldn't be too much longer."

From outside the course, Tirel smiles and kisses Keira "Doran and I know
one another. He did a wonderful job making my Gather outfit..."

From outside the course, Cordella arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

From outside the course, Doran grins at Keira. "Nice to meet you."

Ryna times her own swoops across the course with Siri's, for a few passes
at least; farther out than Siri, she's still in the way, and her chirps and
creels are at odd moments, not at all at the same time.

From outside the course, Jasmyn shrugs. "At least I gave everyone a
giggle.." She turns around making sure all the snow is off her.

From outside the course, Cordella, attracted by the amount of commotion she
heard, looks surprised to see the amount of dragons that she does.

From outside the course, Keira narrowly evades the kiss, seemingly doing so
completely by accident as she bobs her head to Doran. "Nice to meet you, as
well."

From outside the course, Alane watches Kassima thread the course with
interest.

From outside the course, Filliana squeezes Keagan's arm much too tightly in
her excitement, then laughs again. "If anyone can tame those lizards, it's
Kassi. Don't you agree, dear?"

Kassima has been a rider over half her life, and fought Thread for nearly
all of that time. Her reflexes are thus honed to their utmost--and it
doesn't hurt that she has an enormous fair of her own to duck at feeding
time, either. And with these highly-trained reflexes, she... well, she
makes a fool of herself, mostly. Ducking, spinning, whirling, and flapping
her arms like a chicken as if *that* will help in some way, she could make
a watchwher in a tutu seem graceful by comparison, let's face it. "Green?
Where?" she shouts back to Lady Fil, spinning and ducking to try and avoid.
What this gets her is a fire-lizard in her hair. Literally. One of her own,
evidently thinking it would be fun to turn traitor, is clinging to her
braid and shrieking with great glee. Look at what *he's* got!
"Getoffgetoffgetoffgetoff!" the greenrider yells as she ducks and runs much
like a linebacker would did they exist on Pern. Lysseth is no help. She's
too busy snickering.

From outside the course, Jasmyn hides her face in Umirieth's hide. 'Oh..oh
dear "

From outside the course, Tirel holds Keira gently as he watches the mess
and sighs "lizard food, anyone?" as he smiles

From outside the course, Doran chuckles.

Radar chants, "Go Siri, go Siri! Get her! Plan B!" At this point, Siri
darts back to Radar, grabs a piece of dead, smelly, spiderclaw and flies
straight at the Rider. At the last moment she swerves up and drops the meat
bite right in Kassima's face.

From outside the course, Filliana claps her palm over her mouth, pointing
her finger at the greenrider who's now tangled. "Where's your knife?" she
calls over to her. "Brandish that and they might be scared off!" Not like
her advice so far has helped the rider much, but..

From outside the course, Keagan winces a bit at the firmness of Filliana's
grasp, but his attention is soon caught by the familiar rider traversing
the course at the moment. "Good show Kassi!" he calls, "The straight
forward approach is always best!"

From outside the course, Tirel says "Eww.."

From outside the course, Keira looks up at Tirel, shushing him frantically.
"Don't say that word. If my two wake up and I have to feed them again..."
Her tone is playfully threatening, but there's no doubt she'd think of
something suitably awful to do to him.

From outside the course, Alane calls out, "Stop, drop, and roll!" She heard
that advice somewhere.

From outside the course, Doran laughs at the lizard clutching to Kassi.
"Oh, look at that one!"

From outside the course, Ceara arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

From outside the course, Tirel smiles and nods to Kiera "Same for my one."
as he cuddles her gently

From outside the course, Cordella giggles, looking at Kassi, "Who talked
her into doing something like this?"

From outside the course, Alane waves to Ceara. "Lookee Kassima. Look!"

From outside the course, Feleyan arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

Radar sees his mother and shouts out, "Hi, Mom! Lookit me!"

From outside the course, Ceara stuints, and sees Alane. "Hi there!" She
then sees Radar. "Hey there, little man! Are you winning?"

From outside the course, T'ris laughs. "Radar, she's a bit occupied at the
moment... And blindfolded."

From outside the course, Mirval calls out, "Hey! No contact!" His own
greens switch their paths to snatch the bit of meat out of the air.

From outside the course, Ceara tries very hard to keep up with the race
shes stppped into. And then she realizes he's just helping out.

Oh, how *lovely*. Kassima is so very thrilled. No, check that--that would
only be true if gagging could be considered a sign of thrilledness. So busy
coughing and spitting and yelping is she that she runs straight into the
wall--kerthwap!--and keeps from falling backwards only by sheer luck in
catching hold of one of the pockets in the planks. "That's dis*gus*ting,"
she wails en route to the top. She actually does pretty well at the
climbing, though--but like distracted people do on stairs, the distracted
woman makes a mistake. She thinks there's more wall than there really is.
The result: a Kassi who loses her balance enough to be draped half over the
wall, feet kicking futilely, braid with its fire-lizard rider dangling on
the other side. "Will you *stop laughing*, you persnickety Star-spawned
demon beast bred of the depths of M'kla's klah!" Yeah, that helps. Lysseth
only rumblelaughs even harder.

From outside the course, Julanna bites down on her lip. Hard. She's trying
not to laugh, really she is, but the laughter bubbles forth from her throat
before she can stop it. Oh, dear. C'mon, she's a rider, supposidly with
some self-control. Yeah, sure. Julanna turns and hides her face against
Miraeth's hide, shoulders shaking with repressed giggles.

From outside the course, Jasmyn peers at the obstacle course, ooops big
mistake. She turns quickly away, her face a picture of pity and amusement.

From outside the course, Miritha bursts out laughing, too, at Kassima's
predicament; Farlioth, head looming over her, snorts his own amusement,
eyes whirling a faster green.

From outside the course, Alane doubles over in laughter holding her stomach
with both arms. Tears trickle down her face from laughter.

From outside the course, Keagan winces as Kassi *thwaps* the wall, "Ooo,
that's gonna hurt in the morning." he says, chuckling in spite of himself.

From outside the course, Keira doesn't even -try- to repress her laughter,
giggling so hard she gets wobbly and lightheaded.

From outside the course, Leya doesn't even tries to hide her laughter, she
just lets it all out. Besides, with everyone else laughing who'll notice?

Radar holds his stomach as he laughs and then calls Siri home. Then he
waves to Ceara and says, "No, but I'm having a lot of fun!"

From outside the course, Tirel sighs and winces "That had to hurt."

From outside the course, Filliana catches sight of someone she knows,
Alane, so she sends a wave and a smile toward her. "Look, Keagan, you
remember Alane? She's right over there." she points out, then her attention
is back on the greenrider. Releasing her hold on Keagan, she steps forward,
closer to the wall. "You need help up there?" she asks, one hand reaching
out for the lower pocket of the wall as she peers upward. Good thing she's
a female too, eh?

From outside the course, Keira tries to say something reassuring, but she
can't get it out between fits of giggling.

From outside the course, Alane looks over to Lysseth, managing through her
giggles to comment. "Oh, that is one bad green."

From outside the course, Minaka resists the urge to fall over laughing, but
but she can't help it - soon she's cackling madly at the sight of the
unfortunate rider, so hard that she plops down in the snow/mud, unable to
prevent her eyes from tearing as she giggles.

From outside the course, Ceara stops laughing at Kassi long enough to say
to her son, "I can see why, ewith skill like that on the course." She then
wipes tears from her eyes so she can see better.

From outside the course, Tirel smiles at Keira "Though it was funny.." as
he snuggles her a little tighter

From outside the course, Alane manages a wave to Filliana, just holding her
sides now. "Oh, oh, that hurt."

From outside the course, Keagan takes his eyes off of the flailing Kassi
for a moment to seek out Alane and give her a smile and a wave before
turning back to see if Kassi has extricated herself from her predicament.

From outside the course, T'ris covers his eyes. "I am /so/ glad I got the
lizards before they got riled up."

From outside the course, Delia laughs and makes a note on her slate, wiping
a way tear that splashes on its surface.

From outside the course, Lara goes toward Main Road.

From outside the course, Keira hides her face against Tirel's shoulder for
a minute, shoulders still shaking with laughter. Eventually she gets enough
control to reply, "If it had hurt -that- bad, Lysseth wouldn't be so amused."

From outside the course, Alane waves weakly to Keagan, leaning back against
T'ris and trying to catch her breath.

From outside the course, Tirel nods "True, Keira, quite true." as he trys
to carress her hair gently as he holds her.

From outside the course, Miritha flicks a grin at T'ris. "They _do_ seem to
have taken a bit more of a hand than they had before, don't they? Or
perhaps a wing or a talon, rather than a hand..." Then the brownrider
inclines her head slightly towards Filliana. "Lady. Good evening."

From outside the course, Thorkald arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

From outside the course, T'ris chuckles.

"Nay--" Kick. Kick. "Nay, I'll be all right; just give me a moment--" And
Kassi does eventually manage to swing herself around so that she's sitting
upright, if a bit teeteringly. Very, *very* carefully, she lowers her feet
back into plank-holes in order to be able to grab the final rope. "Lysseth.
You. Are. Going. To. Die," she chants as she works her way across. The blue
'lizard flies a bit above, still clutching the braid, still shrieking his
joy. He still hasn't realized it isn't edible. "I'm going t'make you into a
*kilt*. A kilt for Mart! And you'll be sorry, oh, aye, you will
be--ribbons? Wha--" Kassi pauses her tirade to spit out a mouthful of
ribbon acquired by not stopping quite in time. "Oh." Snatching one for
herself, she drops, pulls off the blindfold, and swoops in a flourishing
curtsey to the audience... never mind that her airborne braid and blush do
detract from its dignity.

From outside the course, Keira leans a little away from Tirel's hand, her
faint smile apologetic. She quickly turns her attention back to the
obstacle course.

You exit the obstacle course.

Delia laughs and cheers Kassi and Lysseth, "Well played, good sport!"
Jasmyn cheers and applauds loudly, mostly in sympathy.

Alane cheers! "Well done, Kassima!"

Delia turns her head, looking at the que, heading over to Leya, "Sorry, I
didn't catch your name?" she checks.

Radar ducks under the ropes and goes to stand with his mom and Alane.

Leya smiles nervously at Delia, "Oh, I'm Leya, with Tovith."

Lara arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

Tirel sighs a little as he cuddles Keira gently

Delia grins at Leya, "You'll do great." She turns, calling out, "LEya and
Tovitnth, our last victs ... volunteers!"

Ceara claps for kassima. "Nice job." She wave s over To Radar. "A

Alane waves to the Lady of Benden. "Lady Lara! You misssed Kassima
conquering the obstacle course!"

Leya mock glares at Delia, then walks toward the course.

Jasmyn smiles shly at Lala. "Igen's Duties to Benden, Ma'am."

Filliana backs away from the wall, winding her way toward her escort and
fiance. As she passes Kassi, she pats the rider's back, offering a grin.
"There is no one who races quite like you, my dear Telgari." then moves to
Keagan's side.

Kassima grins with extreme sheepishness at the clapping folk, while working
at extricating the 'lizard from her hair. "Thankee... I think. Do better
than that, Leya, please? Someone has t'bring honor to Thunderbolt somehow.
Lyss, I want a *word* with you..." she adds as she stalks over to her
lifemate. "Most generous of you, Lady Filliana. I think."

T'ris laughs. "I'm not quite sure who conquered who..."

Julanna is hardly upright -- she's leaning against Miraeth for support,
laughing. She does manage to gasp, "Well - done, Kassima!" before the
laughter takes over again, and she's shaking her head, brushing tears from
her eyes.

Miritha gives Lara a sudden, bright smile, unwinding the cloak from around
her enough to lift a hand. "Lady Benden, this is quite the evening."

From on the course, Leya magages to smile around at everyone, grinning at
Kassi, as she walks up to take the blindfold, which she ties around her
eyes. She pulls in down just a tad so that she can't see anything at all.
As sheShe pauses for a moment, then strides toward the plank and stopping
just a few steps from it. She takes a deep breath and gingerly walks
forward until she puts her first foot on the plank. She puts one foot in
front of the other, letting her toes touch her heel. She walks entire
length of the plank like this, her arms out from her side for balance with
three of firelizards on either side chirping encouragment.

A burly Benden guard, renowned for his loud voice, moves in front of most
of the crowd and booms out the results from today's raffle which was just
drawn a moment ago by Lady Lara. "The winner of today's raffle of a
sumptious snack basket is... Tirel!"

Tirel blinks?! "Woo!"

Keira laughs, "Hey, congratulations, Tirel."

Tirel hugs Keira tightly!

Doran looks up. "Tirel! Great!"

Jasmyn jumps at the booming voice behind her then smiles. "Congratulations,
Tirel."

Alane cheers for the raffle winner.

Nakua squeaks in protest from somewhere under Keira's jacket.

Feleyan grins broadly at Tirel. "Way to go, Tirel!" he calls.

Lara grins and nods in total agreement with Miritha. "It certainly is. I
had no idea there would be so many people willing to brave the cold." As
cheers go up for Tirel, Lara laughs softly. "I guess I finally found the
winner of the raffle."

Keev creels pitifully, adding his complaint for good measure.

Siri joins in the cheers with a bugle of her own.

From on the course, Leya stretches her arms out in front of her as she
steps off of the ramp, then apruptly puts them to her side as if to an
unspoken command. She barely brushes past the first barrel, then zig-zags
her around others. She knocks one with her foot as she stumbles. Leya
mutters under her breath, but keeps going slowly making her careful way
though the barrels.

Alane smiles at Ceara. "Radar was doing a good job out there."

Delia cheers for Tirel and goea back to scoring for Leya, watching carefully.

Keira returns Tirel's hug, but pushes away abruptly as her two firelizards
start complaining. "Oh no...not again..."

Tirel eeps and reaches in to rub the little 'lizard's heads "Sorry little
ones.. " and then returns to cuddling Keira "Thankee all.."

Keagan smiles as Filliana returns to his side and calls to Kassima, "Well
done, Kassi! Or if not well done, at least done." He turns to Filliana and
says softly, "At least she didn't kill or maim anyone."

Kassima pauses in her Meaningful Discussion with her dragon to applaud for
the raffle winner. "Felicitations!" she calls, then turns back to watching
Leya and grumbling at Lysseth. "See, *Tovith* is being helpful. *Tovith* is
nay evil. *Tovith* will nay be a part of M'rgan's wardrobe when this is done."

Ceara beams with pride. "He was, wasnt he? I'm so proud of him for
branching out and getting involved in so many different things. Alittle
more outgoing that his mother, most certainly."

Jasmyn holds her breath as Leya weaves her way through the barrels.

Cordella finally spots a fammiliar head and trots up to Doran.

T'ris spots Kassima's 'talk' with her lifemate and chuckles, looking over
at Mimenth. "I am /so/ happy you are not so prankish."

As the next participant moves through the obstacle course, Filliana watches
with clasped hands. She smiles brightly, then catches sight of Lara.
Raising a hand in an energetic wave, she smiles toward her, then leans to
Keagan. "Look, Lady Lara." she whispers, nodding toward the Holder.

Alane nods. "He's very outgoing. I've seen him in Weaver Fashion shows and
now here." The bluerider chuckles. "He tells me to wait for him to grow up,
I'm the heart of his life, or something."

Tirel leans over to whisper to Keira ...

From on the course, Leya cringes as the noise from the firelizards gets
closer and closer. Her own firelizard fly around her in a flurry of color,
chirping and screetching at divebombing firelizards. Leya covers her head
with her arms and valiently stumbles into the line of firelizards.

Doran sees Cordella approach and lowers his gaze for a moment. "Hi Cordella."
Tirel mutters to Keira, "... is over?"

Keira sighs softly, but cuts off whatever comment she was about to make as
she listens to Tirel.

Radar asks his mother, "Can I go back to the tents, Mom?"

Jasmyn winces."Those firelizards are going to be hard to control after this
display. I am glad I left mine at home."

Ceara giggles, "Oh, that's cute. Maybe he thinks he'll make big marks as a
supermodel and then you wont mind being with such a younger man. Although
T'ris might, Im sure....." After muttering this to Alane, she says much
louder, "Yes, of course. Dont spend too much over there."

Keira nods to Tirel, smiling a bit. She looks back toward the obstacle
course and cheers for Leya, bouncing on her toes. "You can do it!"

Alane nods at Jasmyn. "Mine are busy scouring the feeding grounds for
tidbits."

Tirel nods and goes back to watching the course.

T'ris nods to Jasmyn. "I'd rather not think of what Velocity would be doing
were she here."

Alane chuckles. "He'll lose interest by that time, I'm sure."

Lara returns Filliana's enthusiastic wave with one of her own, but there
are too many people between the Ladies for them to do much more than smile
at each other. Just when Lara was starting to make headway through the
crowd to Lady Bitra, she gets pulled away by her assistant who needs her to
come back to the gather area.

Keagan says to Filliana, "Leya seems to be doing considerably better than
Kassi did. Of course she seems to be getting more help as well." At her
comment, he turns to look in Lady Lara's direction and smile.

From on the course, Leya trys to quickly walk it through the volley of
firelizards, but just as she reaches the ends one of the little pests slams
right into her makes her fall on her rear. Leya mutters, but gets back to
feet, brushing off her bum before making it out, only having to dodge one
more firelizard.

Lara goes toward Main Road.

T'ris turns back to Alane, catching Ceara's comment and blushing.

Jasmyn sighs. "Not a snow free butt amongst us it seems."

Radar nods and says, "Thanks, Mom!"

Miritha says to Jasmyn, with a quick, quirky smile, "Mine'll be fine. If
talking to Farlioth doesn't get them back under control fast enough, I'll
get one of the queens to talk to them."

Ceara nods. "Yeah, I know. He'll find a nice girl by the *nice* girl by
then." She grins.

Radar goes toward Main Road.

Cordella gives him a half smile, "Stop that, Doran, I didn't ask you to
choose me, didn't even ask you to choose, so it's okay, I'm not mad."

Alane watches Radar leave. "A nice girl his age?"

Kassima raises her voice to yell, "You can be doing it, Leya! Woo! Woo!
Woo!" She pumps her fist in the air a few times for further emphasis, never
mind that Leya can't really see this. When logic meets team spirit--sort
of--there can only be one, and logic ain't going to be that one.

Jasmyn nods."I suppose they will be chittering about how much they got away
with for days.."

From on the course, Leya walks toward the wall in some sembalence of a
straight line, she keeps her arms in front of her and stops once she
touches the wall. She feels for a foot hold, then climbs up, feels up, then
goes up one more. She repeats this tedious process until she reaches to
feel for a foot hold and there is none. She then lets herself slips over
the top of the wall and onto her feet.

Doran smiles a little. "You're not? I thought you would be. I mean,
well..." He is at a loss for words.

Jasmyn cheers Leya. "You did that great!"

Alane cheers for Leya! "Great job!"

Tirel smiles "Good... Better than the last two."

Jasmyn blushes, overhearing Tirel's comment.

T'ris cups his hands to his mouth like a megaphone. "You're almost there!"

Feleyan goes toward Main Road.

Alane chuckles Tirel's way. "I dunno, Kassima was... entertaining, most
entertaining."

Tirel nods to Alane "Yes, for us, but for her it had to hurt."

Delia cheers for Leya, "C'mon Tovith, you can get her there!"

"When did 'entertaining' become synonymous with 'hopeless wreck'?" Kassi
asks of Alane with a wry grin. "Ooh, she's almost through. Goooo, Leya!"

From on the course, Leya reaches out in front of her and stumbles for until
she runs into the rope. She then puts both hands around it and pulls
herself up, her legs wrapping around it as well. She feels around for a
ribbon, grabs one out when she finds one and lets herself slide down the
rope to the ground. "Done!" she yells out triumphants as she pulls the
blindfold from over her eyes, Tovith bugling in return.

Jasmyn cheers again. "Well done, Leya!

Alane claps and cheers. "Good job!"

Keira calls, "Yaaaay, Leya! Good job!"

Keagan turns to Filliana and whispers in her ear, looking over her shoulder
towards the hold.

Alane looks at Kassima. "You made it. More than I could do."

T'ris applauds Leya. "Good job!"

Mirval gives Leya a broad smile as she comes off the course. "Well done,"
he says enthusiastically. "All of you did well."

Tirel says "Congrads Leya."

Julanna whistles. "Wonderful navigation, Leya and Tovith!"

Keira looks up at Tirel as he whispers to her again, then shrugs one
shoulder nodding slightly.

Filliana nods, then smiles, sliding her hand into Keagan's arm. With her
free hand, she waves to those she knows as well as sending a warm smile to
the others present. "I know we have to, my dear. Thank you for reminding me."

Leya grins as she walks back over to Tovith, who is looking inordinantly
proud of himself, his chest puffed out as far it could. "Thanks," She then
pats Tovith's on the leg, "You were great too."

Delia grins at Leya, "WEll done," she says. And then begins to wave the
firelizards handlers and the officials over. She dissapears into a huddle
for a few moments.

Tirel nods as he heads off, hopefully Keira will follow, he calls over his
shoulder "Doran, do not forget that jacket, ok?"

Jasmyn scritches Umirieth and grins at Julanna."You should have given it a
go. I bet you would have gotten through snow free."

Tirel goes toward Main Road.

Keagan clasps Filliana's hand in the crook of his elbow and starts making
his way to the edge of the crowd, pausing to speak to friends and
acquaintances and waiting as Filliana does the same. Eventually the couple
make their way out of the meadow.

Cordella grins, "It's alright Doran, you like Merie better, it's fine."

Keagan goes toward Main Road.

Filliana goes toward Main Road.

"Pish," Kassi answers Alane. "You're spawning, and spawning women aren't
expected to go through obstacle courses. Spawning's enough of an obstacle
course in and of itself. Felicitations on the cheerful condition, by the by!"

Keira drifts off after a last wave at the other Telgari. She's looking a
little blue around the lips and ears, despite the two coats.

Keira goes toward Main Road.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Message 24                            Date Received: Wed Dec 29 22:47:49 1999
From:      Deresh
To:        Deresh
Cc:        Mirval, Lara, Leya, Kassima, Jasmyn, T'ris, Br'del, Delia
Subject:   Ribbon Prizes
==============================================================================
Red/Purple Ribbon

This ribbon is dyed red and violet from a hand dipping process. The colors
blend from red, to violet, and back to red again, down its length. In the
middle is stitched the words 'Through a dragon's eyes' and at the beginning
is the outline of the Benden Hold Shield, at the end the outline of Igen's
lozenge and dunes.

Gold/Black Ribbon

This ribbon is dyed black and golden yellow from a hand dipping process.
The colors blend from gold to black and back to gold, down its length. In
the middle is stitched the words 'I got blind at Benden' and at the
beginning is the outline of the Benden Hold Shield, at the end the outline
of Igen's lozenge and dunes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miritha holds out her arms; the five or six of her firelizards out on the
course come swooping over to her, and so does the rest of her fair, perched
as they were all over Farlioth. Covered in a wild swath of color, the
bright yellow of clothes and hair disappear from view. A laugh sounds from
within the swarm of firelizards.

Delia heads over to Mirval, asking him, She mutters to Mirval, "... of...
you think... best?" 

Doran nods slowly. "It doesn't mean I don't like you. I like you a lot, but
just not in that way. That make sense?"

Alane smiles. "Thanks, Kassima. I'd love to try it, unblindfolded perhaps.
You did a great job."

Mirval mutters to Delia, "... I liked little Radar... Siri,... that..."

Delia mutters to Mirval, "Is it excusable?"

Julanna winks at 'Myn. "Oh, don't flatter me, dear. You know as well as I
they would've had to send in a search party. And instead of helping me,
Miraeth would have been rolling in the snow, enjoying me floundering about."

T'ris smirks. "I think that maybe this would be good for non-riders without
a blindfold. Time their passage."

Kassima snorts with amusement at that, rubbing at her nose. "You're too
kind. Much, *much* too kind. But really, Lyss wasn't *quite* as horrid as I
suspected she'd be, so I should probably be counting m'blessings. I
could've wound up with a pound of snow down m'pants."

Jasmyn grins, looking up at Umirieth. "Sometimes it pays to have a lifemate
who mother's you."

T'ris laughs in response to Kassima. "Yes, that would be rather
uncomfortable."

Alane nods. "She could have had you in the pit, or worse. Don't make kilts
of her, she's really a nice dragon."

Mimenth warbles gleefully, bobbing her head back and forth from participant
to participant.

Cordella nods, "I still like you too, Doran, I just wish I hadn't done what
I did, I like Merie, she's been nice to me, and I went and screwed her
over..."

Doran frowns. "I'm sorry. It was just an odd moment and I got caught up in
it."

Kassima raises one hand, catching her lifemate's lowered chin to scritch at
it. "Lyss mothers me sometimes... when it suits her. But she's on a 'You
must get out and do things that make you look ridiculous for my amusement'
kick right now. I won't make kilts out of her, though--the kilt I want t'be
getting for Mart is pink, nay green."

Leya grins at Jasmyn, "Or one who's a perfectionist, though continuous
'just a little to the right, now just a tad to the left' can get annoying."

Cordella shrugs, "We can be friends now, then?"

Doran smiles. "I would like that. I really would."

Mirval mutters to Delia, "... he's... for now?"

Delia waits for Mirval's reply, and looks around the crowd, spotting Doran,
she waves him over, "Doran!"

Delia turns and nods to Mirval, She mutters to Mirval, "We... with..." 

Cordella grins and holds her hand out for him to shake, "Friends are as
good as anything."

Doran smiles and clenches Cordella's hands in his. "I, uh, gotta go for a
minute. Don't leave. Please?"

Leya grins over Kassima, "Well, then you'll probably have to go to weavers
as I've never seen a pink a dragon."

Alane assumes a surprised expression. "Faranth! I hope Quin never decides
that! He's just so wonderful, I couldn't put it into words. He's just
always there and makes me feel...complete. I imagine living with Lysseth is
interesting at any rate."

Jasmyn nods to Leya. "Yes, Umirieth just sent me images but they didn't
come fast enough when we were going through the firelizards."

Doran smiles at Cordella and walks over to Delia. "Yes ma'am." He holds a
piece of rolled hide in his hands.

Delia hands Mirval something small and glinting from her pocket, grins at
Doran, "WE made a decision," she says, softly, then raises her voice for
the crowd, "And the winner is ...." she says, suspensfully.

T'ris tenses a moment, his attention hanging on the pause.

Leya shrugs and nods to Jasmyn, "Tovith send me images too, but I was never
exactly at the spot. And I believe about those firelizards. They were just
screeching blurs."

Alane turns to look at the 'judges', grabbing T'ris's hand.

Kassima agrees rather wryly, "Interesting's one word. We've managed
eighteen Turns now without killing each other, I can say that for it. I'd
nay be able t'live without Lysseth, but there are times I *would* like t'be
living without her sense of humor." As Delia starts to announce the winner,
she shifts to face that-a-way, with interest in her expression.

Jasmyn idly scritches Umirieth, nodding in agreement with Leya.

Mimenth whuffles T'ris as he stands in suspense.

Leya nods to Jasmyn, then her eyes widen and she turns her attention to
Delia as she relizes she's announcing the winner.

Delia looks at Mirval, and then grins out at the crowd, "Lysseth and Green
Kassima. Doran is here to hand out the prize vouchers and tell you what
you've won! Come on up, Kassima and Lyss."

T'ris applauds! "Woohoo!"

Jasmyn giggles, 'They deserve it, after all she went through." She applauds
and cheers.

Doran smiles as he watches Kassima and Lyss approach.

Alane hugs T'ris tightly. "Oh, but you lost!"

Julanna steps up on Miraeth's foreleg to get a better view over the crowd.
She puts two fingers to her lips and whistles shrilly, cheering the winning
pair.

Leya laughs and claps as Kassima and Lysseth are announce as the winners.
"You did Thunderbolt proud yourself, it seems!' she calls out to her
wingleader.

Doran smiles and hugs Alane in return. "Oh, it was so much fun to do /and/
to watch, I'm not upset."

Kassima starts outright at that, eyes widening to roughly the size of small
green saucers. "We *won*? Despite my lump of evilness incarnate?" Lyss
gives her rider a helpful shove to get her going, and lumbers behind,
looking Smug. She was just helping her rider win all along. Riiight.

Leya continues to clap, then calls out yet again, "Do you think it'll
encourage to be even worse, Kassi?"

Alane smiles, "She did do a wonderful job, and with a handicap. You didn't
have a firelizard stuck in your hair." With that she turns and waves her
blue/green scarf, cheering loudly for Kassima and Lysseth.

Jasmyn giggles. "You deserve it, Kassima.."

Ceara claps and cheers. "Yay, Kassima!"

T'ris smiles. "She went thru so much, she deserves it."

Delia grins at Doran, "I'll let you hand it out."

Alane chuckles, nodding at her weyrmate. "Yeah, Kassima!" She calls out!

Kassima gives her Smug dragon a sidelong look. "Y'know, Leya... it just
might. Which is a very scary thought." Reaching the indicated place, she
smiles sheepishly at Delia and the judges. "You're really entirely,
entirely too kind... but thankee much, i'truth!"

Delia grins at Kassima, "We all ran out of style points to give you.
Congratulations."

Leya grins at Kassima and chuckles.

Doran smiles and approaches Kassima. "Congratulations. On behalf of the
Weavercraft, myself, and Journeywoman Janie, I would like to present you
with this voucher toward a commission for your personalized flying
leathers. It honors us to provide you with this." He hands over a rolled
hide emblazoned with the Weavercraft insignia.

Jasmyn oooohs over the lovely gift.

Leya covers her mouth as she yawns, then stetches. She looks around at
everyone and waves before climbing onto Tovith.

Jasmyn mutters to Delia, "... I would..."

Leya uses Tovith's leg to climb up, then sits between his neckridges.

Raimi arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

Kassima accepts the hide with a broad smile and slight flush, bowing
slightly. "Many thanks, Weaver, from both myself and Lysseth. Faranth knows
she's been wanting a new set long enough!"

Tovith goes toward Main Road.

Miritha looks over Lysseth. "Mmmm. I can see _definite_ possibilities for
an outfit to match her." She slides down off her brown's leg, landing with
a flex of her knees that keeps her balance despite the snow under her feet.

Delia looks surprised as Jasmyn approaches, "I, well. WE have one more
prize to award," she says, a roundabout answer.

Doran smiles and approaches Lysseth. "Lysseth, for you, we would like to
extend an equal honor and present you with this voucher for one set of
shiny new straps to match your rider's leathers." He hands over the
voucher, chuckling.

Jasmyn blinks. "Oh.. I didn't mean right now.."

Raimi appears and slips in next to Doran. "Congratulations Rider and Dragon."

Doran turns to Kassima and grins from ear to ear.

Jasmyn smiles at Delia. "Sure I am sure, I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't
sure."

Delia claps loudly, and says to the crowd, "the other Rider pairs can keep
their ribbons as mementos of their tremendous effort! IT really was
difficult to pick a winner. Now Mirval has a prize to award for our
firelizard particiapnts," She steps back, ending up next to Jasmyn.

Delia ohhhhs. Looking uncertain, she says, "Are you sure, then?"

Ceara touches her hand to both T'ris and Alane, "Well, that wwas worth the
trip. See you all back at home, I have to go and pick up Coralyn before she
misses me." She waves.

Ceara goes toward Main Road.

Lysseth very delicately takes the voucher, passing it with great dignity to
her rider to hold before her claws could do it damage. "She says that she's
certain she'll be honored to possess such a set of straps as the Weavers
can make, and further bids me add that they're sure t'be ten times better
than *my* clumsy attempts," Kassima reports with a roll of her eyes towards
the dragon and a rueful grin. "I actually have t'be agreeing with her on
this one. Should I be meeting up with you at Weavercraft when there's time
t'be collecting, then?"

Jasmyn looks at the lovely ribbon. "I am glad I didn' snatch the other one!"

Raimi allows Doran to answer, it's his show after all.

Doran smiles and nods. "I will be providing your leathers and Apprentice
Doresh will be working on the straps, under Janie's close supervision."

Ceara arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

T'ris looks at his ribbon as well. "Ahh the stories to tell the baby when
she grows."

Alane softly corrects her beloved. "Babies."

Ceara looks around, towards where she was standing and oh!s as she runs
over to get the glove she dropped.

Mirval looks around a moment, standing on tiptoe briefly to aid his
looking; he looks relieved as Ceara comes back. He says, "For the
firelizard owner whose firelizard I most liked, except my mother's," he
shares a sudden grin with Miritha, "because she had a dragon helping her
with them, and no one else did. My choice was Siri, since for _almost_ all
of the time she behaved well, and Siri's owner, Radar." He steps towards
Ceara after another glance around. "I saw you let him go back to the rest
of the festival earlier, so I'll ask you to give this to him for us?" He
holds out a small pewter token, resembling the Minecraft mark. "Craftmaster
Zanyr gives this in token that the winning pair would receive a pendant,
carved to resemble the firelizard in question."

Alane waves to Ceara. "See you at home!"

T'ris waves. "Clear skies, Ceara!"

Jasmyn grins and applauds for Radar.

Kassima mirrors the smile, bobbing her head. "I truly can't wait t'be
seeing what you can turn out. Nor can Lysseth, she wishes me t'be adding.
Thankee again--and duties to the Weavercraft and yourself, Master Raimi,"
she adds belatedly, with a respectful nod in that worthy's direction.
Glancing over towards Mirval, she grins brightly. "What a lovely idea!
Felicitations!"

Delia cheers for Radar. And then notices no one coming forward, "Is he
here?" she asks Mirval.

Ceara looks up, and smiles very big. "Oh, really? For Radar and Siri! Oh,
he'll be so happy, oh thank you very much!" She gets tears in her eyes and
statrs muttering, "Now which tent did he say he was going to, Oh, I have to
find him!"

Mirval shakes his head at Delia and gestures at Ceara. "This is his
mother," he says, "I heard him call her that earlier."

Doran bows. "Weavers' duties. I look forward to your visit."

Raimi smiles at the Telgari rider. "Your in good hands with Doran, or
rather you leathers and straps are." Somehow that still doesn't sound right.

Jasmyn winks at Mirval. "You need a lift home as well, later on?"

Doran laughs.

Delia ohhhs, catching on, "Right, not here. I remeber him, though. I
think," seh says, uncertainly. "Righto, thank you very much, Ma'am," she
says to Ceara, "That's all for tonight, folks, thanks for staying out in
the cold and having fun with us all! Benden and Igen wish you good night!

Ceara smiles over to Mirval and Delia. "He's right, I'm Ceara, Radar's
mother. Id very much like to thank yuo on his behalf! he's very proud of
all the work he has done with Siri, and shes remarkably well poised for a
firelizard. Thank you!"

Ceara says "now I ahve to find him...."

Ceara goes toward Main Road.

T'ris smiles. "Babies. We really should see a healer about that."

Mirval gives Ceara a quirky smile, then nods at Jasmyn, obviously caught a
bit off guard by the question. "Yeah," he says, "Mother would give me one,"
and the woman in yellow nods from Farlioth's side, "but I'd rather not give
her an extra trip if you're willing..."

Alane nods. "Perhaps after the gather, while I can still between."

Doran steps back by Raimi's side, grinning up at Delia.

Kassima laughs quietly, nodding her agreement. "If'n you say so, Master
Raimi, then well do I know it for truth. How fare things down at the Hall?
It's been a time since I visited Boll, to Lysseth's disgust."

T'ris nods. "Good idea."

Delia glances between Myn and Mirval, looking a tad disappointed. Noe her
master of ceremonies job is over, she heads over, first to Doran and Raimi,
"Craftmaster," she smiles, "Doran came to our rescue at the best possible
moment."

Jasmyn looks puzzled by the reactions of Delia and Mirval and shrugs, going
back to lean against Umirieth.

Raimi smiles. "You should visit us more often. I recall you did quite well
as a model for us. Actually, I'm planning an Open House so that everyone
can see our 'new' hall."

Raimi adds. "We have our own beach now."

Mirval elbows Delia just as she moves away, and drifts towards Jasmyn and
Umirieth, Ryna and Koli chirruping tiredly on his shoulders.

T'ris gives Alane a quick kiss on the cheek. "Wanna go find something to eat?"

"That, if'n true, was due more to the wonderful outfit you let me show off
than any art of mine," Kassi points out cheerfully. "'Twas m'pleasure,
though. If'n you ever need models again, and 'twould nay involve aught like
what Tas or 'Lex wound up wearing... oh, truly?" At the mention of a beach,
both rider and dragon perk up. "That is new. I may have t'be going t'see
it, if'n duties allow--actually, 'may' is too mild a word; I suspect Lyss
will see to it that we do."

Doran discreetly mingles back into the crowd with one last smile to Kassima.
Doran goes toward Main Road.

Julanna grabs hold of Miraeth's straps and swings up to settle between the
green's neckridges with practiced ease.

Jasmyn watches the crowds disperse, looking down occasionaly at the ribbon
in her hand. She doesn't seem to be in any hurry.

Jasmyn waves to Julanna.

Miraeth goes toward Main Road.

Raimi says "All riders are welcome to enjoy it's beauty. You'll be most
welcome at the hall, Kassima. Lysseth too."

Delia sees the CraftMaster is busy, and looks around the rest of the crowd,
spotting Alane. She heads over in the direction of her childhood friend,
"Alane! What is this I see? You're brining more little blueriders into the
world?"

Kassima smiles after Doran, waving, before turning to tuck her vouchers
safely into Lysseth's strap-pouch. "Our thanks for that, Master, you may be
sure. The Sky-Lady has a firm and fond preference for the beaches of
Boll--has since she was a Weyrling, in fact. And I myself have always found
Weavers and Bollians alike t'be among Pern's most congenial company."

Alane smiles and offers Delia a hug. "Blue, green whatever. I've not seen
you in so long, Delia. How are Auntie Cel and Uncle D'ew? Have you
met...well, I guess you have. T'ris is my weyrmate." She smiles up at
T'ris. "Delia and I grew up together at Igen."

Sauscony arrives from Upper Road, Benden Area.

Raimi smiles. "I hope we see you soon then."

T'ris grins. "A pleasure to meet you, Delia."

Raimi heads back towards the weaver tents, just in case there are more
gather goers that wish for new clothing.

Raimi goes toward Main Road.

Delia giggles at Alane, "More Riders! That's all that matters. It was great
to watch you, T'ris. You did a stellar job. It was hardest going first."

Thorkald goes toward Main Road.

Kassima grins and nods, waving after the Masterweaver. Looking back at her
lifemate, she remarks, "I suppose we should be heading back to the Weyr
ourselves, hmm, lump? Else there won't be time t'buy things for the
children on the morrow, and Faranth forfend I should neglect *that*."
Raising her voice, she calls over, "'Twas a pleasure t'be seeing you again,
Alane!"

Alane smiles. "We won't know that for awhile." One hand protectively
encircles her stomach.

T'ris smirks. "I always go first!" He looks about for the young weaver. "I
see you made the acquaintance of my brother's son. He's quite a handful."
Jasmyn nods, agreeing with Delia. "He was a lot braver than me."

Alane turns to wave to Kassima. "I enjoyed seeing you again, Kassima. I
hope it's not so long between times for us again."

Delia smiles between T'ris and Alane, and then looks over her shoulder for
Doran, "He was," she says, turning back, smiling at Jasmyn as she does so.
"You'll be grounded soon, Alane? I must come and visit you, then. And I
hear there's the added attraction of a clutch on Reache's Sands?" She
wonders, eyes glinting about her favourite topic, even from when she was
smallest.

"I'truth, you speak m'thoughts also," Kassi answers, while fastening her
helmet and preparing to swing onto Lysseth's neck. "If'n I don't see you at
the festivities tomorrow, mayhaps another time. Duties t'Benden, the
'Reaches, and their folk!" And with that, she climbs aboard.

You place one hand on Lysseth's neck and she warbles down at you fondly.
You grin and scratch her eyeridges once before climbing up onto her lower
neckridges, using the riding straps and Lysseth's thoughtfully offered
foreleg.

<*> Jasmyn gives Kassima a wave. "Congratulations again."

<*> Sauscony pauses at the edge of the meadow, curiousity drawing her in.

<*> Alane nods. "Yes, another two sevendays, and I'm weyrbound again. Oh,
do come and visit. I'd love for you to."

<*> T'ris nods. "Indeed. A nice clutch I must say and some worthy candidates."

Kassima grins and waves down to Jasmyn. "Duties to Igen and her queens as
well, a'course, and thankee kindly. 'Twill try to, Alane--mayhaps for the
Hatching, if'n nay sooner."

<*> Jasmyn nods. "I am sure you wouldn't be wanting for ride over, Dee."

<*> Lysseth spreads her wings to their full extent, bringing them down with
a rush of wind as she leaps nimbly into the air.

With sweeping strokes of your wings, you rise up into the sky.