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Garnets Are a Girl's Best Friend


Date:  June 7, 2001
Place:  Ista Weyr's North and South Beach
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:  Now that Kisai has been born, Kassi's free to do 
something important:  visit Kaylira at Ista, where she's a Candidate
for Qirith and Tuoth's clutch, and give her a good luck token.  (She 
also ends up playing romantic counselor for her daughter, but that 
wasn't quite as planned.)  Like most Kassima/Kaylira scenes, this 
one's pretty heavy on the mother-daughter sappiness; you have been 
warned. ;)

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The Log:

You fly to the widest part of the beach and land.

<*> Kaylira sits upon the beach, staring out at the water. Deeply
contemplative.

<*> Lysseth skims across the sky with rapid wingbeats, a quick
twist-and-spiral carrying her down to the red-touched beach; polite, or
rider-commanded, she lands daintily a sufficient distance away to avoid
getting anyone sprayed with sand. "How *convenient*," her rider calls over
to Kaylira, her voice teasing. "I come a-visiting you, and you're right
where we decided t'be parking. Should I give you duties t'Ista and her
queens, d'you think?"

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.

Kaylira's head turns, though who she was expecting clearly wasn't what she
sees. A shocked, and surprised, "Mum!" escapes the girl's lips, and she's
getting up to go greet Kassi.

Kassima straightens upon hitting the ground. Her hair is damp and a bit
mussed, but it frames a brilliant grin. "So Lysseth *didn't* tattle on me.
Good! I owe you one, beast--" The green snorts her amusement as her rider
opens her arms in invitation for a hug. "How've you *been*, Kay? You look
so tan!"

Kaylira smiles brightly at her mother, flinging arms around the woman for a
hug. "Oh, its been ever so great. Well, not all of it, but .." Her flurry
of words disappears in a smile. "I am so glad to see you. And Lysseth too!"
Not one to forget the green.

Hugging her daughter back tightly--and indulging in a fond hair-muss for
good measure--Kassi informs in an attempt to sound stern, "You're going
t'have t'be telling me *all* about it a'fore I'll go home, you realize. And
a'fore I'll even think of giving you your gift!" She pulls away to let
Lysseth have her turn, though the dragon settles for a whuff at Kay's
curls. "Likewise, minx. Likewise."

Kaylira draws out of her mother's arms, ostensibly to fix her hair - though
the difference is negligeable. "Well, chores. Chores. Chores. More chores.
Sleep. Chores." She giggles at her terse, but definitive summing up of her
stay at Ista.

Kassima hooks her thumbs through two of the rings of her belt and fixes Kay
with a *look*. "I remember the chores, aye, but I also remember that
there's more to it than just that. 'Nassa told me some things--mentioned
some insane prank involving a herdbeast, and a lass named Jai, and some mad
idea that 'twere worried I'd be disappointed in you if'n you didn't Impress."

Kaylira rolls her eyes. "Sharding idiots! Someone actually thought it funny
to bring a herdbeast into the living cavern stinking of perfumed lotion and
wearing a bow." She shakes her head, the memory still enough to get her
dander up. "Serves them right to be mooing for as long as they did.
Wouldn't be tolerated at Telgar, thats for certain!" Sounding ever so like
the many times she's heard scoldings back at home. Which, apparantly, she's
listened to, despite what it appeared.

"Did I ever tell you that Kindre and Thera once pulled a trick a bit like
that? They dressed poor old Pranceth in sheets trussed up t'look like
skirts and frills, y'know. But at least Pranceth was an intelligent being
who'd given his permission," Kassi agrees, making a slight face. "Different
with a herdbeast. Should I even hope that the local influence has gotten
you over *your* tendency towards pranks, evil-child mine?"

Kaylira makes a noise of extreme (put on) hurt. "Me? Pranks?" Laughing
softly, she reassures her mother, "I've been trying to do you proud.
Besides, some of these candidatesare enough of a handful. I know better
than to stick another log on the fire when its ablaze." Softer then, she
sighs, "You really won't be ashamed if I dont impress?"

Kassima reaches to try to snag and tweak one of Kay's curls. "You haven't
been sent home, so trust me, I'm proud," with sincerity behind the teasing
tone. Then all jest fades: "Kaylira, the thought hadn't even occured t'me.
I'll be disappointed, aye--disappointed for you. You've wanted t'be a rider
as long as I can recall, and I'd love t'be seeing you get that dream if'n
you still desire it. But disappointed *in* you... shards and shells,
whatever for?"

Kaylira shrugs, hands finding the pockets of her trous and shoving in
deeply. "I saw how happy you were when I was searched. Somehow all that
talk about only the egg knows, and your dragon still waiting..I don't
know." A quick flash of teeth, denoting a bright smile, and a glint of
silver in her eyes tried to hide her worry. "I'm getting nervous. Isn't
that just plain old stupid? And I should know better too."

Kassima makes a sound of quiet, fond exasperation. "Silly minx. A'course
'twas happy 'twere Searched. And 'twill fall off Lyss in delight if'n you
Impress, nay doubt. Doesn't mean 'twill be ashamed of you if'n you don't."
Her own grin is shadowed with a bit of concern; still: "Stupid? I shouldn't
be thinking so. I don't know many people who *weren't* nervous t'be
Standing, if'n they had the chance."

Kaylira exhales softly, her nerves showing in that simple gesture. "I guess
I thought you'd expect different. Course, thats just as stupid an idea as
puffing up my chest and thinking I've got it made." One hand escapes the
confines of her pocket and tucks a stray curl behind an ear, to no availl,
the unruly thing popping back out as soon as it is let go of. "How's Kisai?
Wish I'd been there - you've no idea how worried I was that you'd fly over
here and have her in the stands!" Laughing now that there is no chance of
that.

"'Tis silly, nay stupid," Kassi gently corrects. "I believe you'll Impress;
you'd make a magnificent rider, in m'nay unbiased opinion. But I know you,
m'lass, well enough t'know you'll be all right if'n you don't. Which is all
*I'd* worry about." One hand slips into her belt pouch; it's clasping
something when it comes out again, though whatever it is is hidden. "I'll
admit that I did something silly, too, and bought you something for luck,
if'n you'd like t'have it. Even though you probably couldn't have it on the
Sands... oh, Kisai's *beautiful*, she really is." Beam. Beam. New mother
alert. "Beautiful, and *loud*, only she doesn't have any *hair*--I can't
believe you told I'sai t'be *scolding* me!"

Kaylira's lips curl into a proud smile. "I'll see her soon enough! Can't
have the boys spoiling her before she gets to know better!" Of course, her
eyes can't keep away from the oh-so-close gift. "I'd love whatever it is,
I'm sure. If only because you brought it for luck for me!"

Kassima chortles at that, grinning broadly. "You'll have t'hurry, probably;
she has I'sai's eyes as it turns out, so she'll probably be the first of
you t'make me a grandmum with m'luck. I wish I could bring her to the
Hatching, but she'll still be too wee yet." Extending her hand, she slowly
uncurls one finger after another to reveal the gleam of the ring inside:
silver-banded, set with a dark garnet the color of old blood, it's an
elegant piece without being huge and flashy. "I didn't know whether you'd
like it or nay," she says a bit sheepishly, "but I thought the stone suited
you, minx. Vivid without being ostentatious."

Kaylira's eyes glitter as she takes in the proferred gift, reaching for it
to craddle it in her hand and explore the elegant statment it makes.
"Perfect..I don't know what to say, except, thanks." Leaning in close, she
kisses her mum's cheek. "I'll always keep it close."

Wendelle saunters along the beach, heading for the path.

Kassima gives her daughter a one-armed hug in exchange, her own eyes not
glitter-free. "Good," she says simply. "If'n you like it, 'tis all the
thanks I'm needing. With luck, you'll get a graduation ring of your own in
time t'be going with it." Caught up in her chat with Kay, a green dragon
lounging at her back, the rider doesn't immediately notice the presence of
anyone else--though Lyss has the courtesy to offer a cordial rumble.

Kaylira quickly wipes at her cheeks, lest she be caught in the unusual
position of tears upon her cheeks, turning to see who Lyss is greeting.

Alaida walks down the high plateau, and arrives down on the beach after
long minutes of hiking.

Kiharu walks down the high plateau, and arrives down on the beach after
long minutes of hiking.

Alaida heads down the trail to the beach. She pauses as she glances around
in the darkness at everyone around here.

Cailin walks down the high plateau, and arrives down on the beach after
long minutes of hiking.

Cailin follows Alaida and Kiharu down the to the beach.

Kassima may not have noticed one person walking along the beach, but a
large group is hard to miss; her brows attempt to climb into her hair, and
she comments to Kay, "Magnetic personality you must have, lass--either
that, or 'tis the beach."

Kiharu is close in following Alaida, tucking a stray strand of pale hair
behind an ear as she peers out from the end of the trail at the sun just
setting into the fire-tipped waves. Appreciatively she halts, whistling
beneath her breath at the sight, and silently reveling in the cooling
evening breeze. "This is just the right thing after a dusty day," the girl
remarks.

Kaylira smiles prettily, drawing away from her mother, slipping something
onto a finger - must be a ring. "The beach, I think. Everyone's looking for
stress relief. Much like the steam baths at home, I think."

"Only without, I hope, the tendency t'be turning people into stewed
vegetables," Kassi quips, glancing back over her shoulder towards the
waves. "Disturbing if'n they did--" Raising her voice and a hand to wave,
she greets the new arrivals with a cheerful, "Duties t'Ista and her queens;
g'devening and such."

Alaida moves down the beach, making her away from everyone before she sits
down silently.

Cailin sits quietly next to Alaida, "I've never seen a place like this
before."

"Evening, and well met," calls Kiharu from where she's standing. Doffing
her tunic, boots and breeches so that she shivers in the cool air, she'd
been wearing a pair of cutoff, close-fitted linen pants and an abbreviated
wrap beneath. Least here she seems more comfortable, and sits down on the
sand to cool her toes at the waterline.

Alaida nods lightly, pulling her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms
around them. She rests of her chin on her knees and murmurs. She mutters to
Cailin, "... here." 

Kaylira waves at Kiharu, pondering if the others didn't hear, or just want
moments alone. Shrugging, she turns back to her mother - its obviously not
a matter to worry about. "You want to go get refreshments, or take a walk
further along?" She points out the continuing expanse of beach..not that
she figures her mother has missed that. Its a large beach after all.

Cailin nods, She mutters to Alaida, "... is, I think I'd... spend...
someday.... an overnight..." 

Kassima, after a moment's curious survey of the others, bobs her head to
Kaylira. "Either or, whichever you fancy. Can't stay forever and a day, but
I know Kiss is in good hands and she shouldn't need me for a bit yet; nay
need t'rush off unless you'd like me to."

Kaylira's smile at her mother is soft and considered. "A small walk, maybe,
then I'll let you go. In truth, I'm tired myself, but /if/ I impres I won't
see you for ever so long and I'd kinda like to ..you know."

"What, you don't think I'd brave the wilds of Ista t'be visiting m'daughter
and meeting her lifemate? You have such a low opinion of me," Kassi
mock-scolds, Lysseth already getting to her feet behind her. "Lyss, stop
complaining; 'tis a short distance only. Honestly. Lead the way, Kay... I
don't think I've seen much of Ista since Jhor lived, and I've forgotten
what I knew of the layout."

Kaylira laughs softly, "I'm liable to get you lost, in truth. Course,
Lysseth should be aa help there. C'mon Lyss, I'll give a scritch before I
send you and mum off." And she heads south.

Kaylira heads to the south end of the beach.

Kassima waves amiably to the others before following Kay, the
long-suffering Lysseth lumbering in her wake.

You head over to the south end of the beach.

Lysseth comes up the beach from the north.

Kaylira wanders slowly along the sandy beach with her mother. "I miss
Telgar, but you know something? I'm really learning to love it here."

"...Lyss and I can always take the sky t'be finding our way back," says
Kassi's voice, drifting in from the north as the rider follows her
daughter. "D'you think you'll be staying if'n you don't Impress, Kay?"

Kaylira considers that question very carefully. "I dont know. Part of me
really wants to go back home to Telgar. But the other part of me really
likes this independance." Her expression bears wry traces of indecision.

Kassima blows out a low breath, trying not to let her expression change at
all. "'Twould miss you much if'n you didn't come home," she says, very
carefully. "And so would your foster-mother and your sibs, I'm sure. But
you're of an age t'be making your own decisions on where you live, Kay."

Kaylira nods, shiving her hands into her pockets. "You think its hard on
you? Try being me! My head is a mess inside thinking about it."

"At least it doesn't make you feel old," Kassi grumbles, running her hand
through her touseled forelock. "I'm nay going t'lie and say I'd be glad
t'see you go, but whatever you decide, 'twill be supporting it. Just don't
get yourself knocked up by any lecherous bronzers, all right? Or at least
pick *respectable* lecherous bronzers if'n you must." Yes, she's teasing, a
whistle in the dark.

Kaylira laughs. "And if I did happen to get myself in that way? You know, a
bronzer is just a brown in fancier clothes."

Kassima shakes her head, making a face. "In most cases, mayhaps, but I've
*heard* things about one or two Istan bronzers... ach, but why do I worry?
You can take care of yourself. Better'n most, I daresay, even without the
knives."

Kaylira nods, quiet of a moment. "I think ..I'd like to kiss someone. Just
to see. nassa makes it seem like its okay. And, well, truth? I'm a bit
afraid if I wait too long I won't ever."

"Don't wait until you're twenty-one," Kassi half-agrees, half-advises. Her
fingers find and cup the chin of the green shadowing her. "If'n you want
t'kiss someone, and find someone worth kissing--who'd also like t'kiss you
back--then you should go for it. Just m'opinion."

Kaylira's nose crinkles, that advice not sitting as easily as it should.
"Well, if it was that easy.. how do you know? Far as I can see men are
walking offers to warm your bed. That or they don't see you that way at all."

Kassima asks, rhetorically, "You're asking me? Kay, y'know m'history. I
fall into the latter category; I can't advise very well on the former.
D'you know nay men whom you like just for themselves, whom you'd trust
enough t'be kissing?"

Kaylira gives a great sigh. "Thats not fair, mum. I can't as a candidate,
you know that. So when would I have been looking?" her tones don't quite
carry reproachment, but more a sadness, or maybe a disappointment.

"'Twasn't sure. Some Weyrs allow Candidates more freedom than others," is
Kassima's reasoning, accompanied by a crinkled nose. More seriously, "Kay,
m'dear, you're a beautiful lass--pardon, a beautiful young woman. You're
also intelligent, spirited, and fun. You *will* find someone worth kissing
someday if'n you want to."

Kaylira gives her mum a look that wavers between a half-glare and a hopeful
question. "If I don't makemistakes beforehand. I'd hate to be just another
notch - you know? Thats really what I'm afraid of."

Kassima's expression is one of understanding, combined with a healthy dash
of old regret. "Very wise. Being a notch sucks dead green eggs." Leave it
to Kassi to put it that way. "But if'n you wait for someone you *know*...
or know well enough, at least, t'know whether or nay you'd mean more than
just a notch...."

Kaylira asks, "Is it better if its a friend, or someone who makes you feel
a thrill?" her experience not even reaching as far as a kiss, the question
has a legitimate basis.

Kassima chews on a corner of her upper lip. "Jh'rin made me feel a thrill,"
she confesses. "He flattered me, as though 'twere a woman like any
other--*unlike* any other, better yet. E'vrin, now, he was a friend, and
later a love. In both cases, I ended up more a notch than aught else. Nay
much t'judge by. But I'd say that for the *first*, a friend would probably
be better."

Kaylira nods at that, growing terribly thoughtful. "Except, if I impress,
it won't be. And even if it were..." Her voice trails off. She needn't tell
you.

"Your first wouldn't *have* t'be a flight, Kay." Kassima reaches a hand to
rest on her daughter's shoulder. "I tell you true. Some Weyrlings find a
love-match even in Weyrlinghood, for all that they can't do aught about it;
or you might just find someone you'd be willing t'be with even if'n they're
nay a love-match. Circumstance may take the choice from you, but that isn't
definite."

Kaylira asks softly, "But I thought you couldn't ..you know, have sex when
you were a weyrling? So - well, wouldn't that mean that you're kind of
stuck in flight lust?"

Kassima confirms, "You can't. But nay all males win flights right away, and
nay all females rise. I know people who've been riders for *Turns* whose
dragons still haven't caught, y'know. And if'n 'tis a lost flight you mean,
there're other ways t'be dealing with that."

Kaylirablinks, then laughs. "Shards! here I'm thinking like I'll impress a
female. And it a brown - well, there's not a problem, is there?"
Suddenlyshe sees her own folly.

Kassima grins with relief at the laughter. "You could Impress a green," she
reasons. "But even so, 'twouldn't necessarily mean your first flight-lover
would have t'be your first, period. A brown or blue, likewise."

Kaylira's brow furrows slightly. "How? I thought you weren't allowed to
sleep with someone until your dragon matured? And if it were a green -
well, then its inevitable, no?"

Kassima shakes her head slightly. "Unless they do things differently
here--which is possible, granted--'tis either when your dragon's sexually
mature or when you graduate. Either way, you're old enough. And some greens
don't rise until months after graduation time." The voice of experience,
clearly. "I'truth, Maylia gave the Weyrlings tacit permission t'be seeking
out company after the first Fall they flew in as resupply. There could well
be opportunities."

Kaylira breaths a sigh of relief. "I know its silly, but I'd rather sleep
with a notch than have to face the morning after a flight knowing I didn't
ahve a choice."

Chewing her lip again as she considers Kay, Kassi eventually admits, "As
much as it still seems odd t'think of you with anyone--I'd hope you'd find
someone t'be with a'fore a flight, Kay. I've always regretted that I
didn't, and life's too short t'be inviting regrets."

Kaylira smiles softly at that. "I know. Thats one of the things I've been
thinking about. Our talk the last time. And, well, I don't want to regret
something like that. I don't want to be a walking bedwarmer, but the
alternative isn't much better. I'm hoping I can figure out something
inbetween - only..I don't know how."

"Nay," Kassi softly, darkly agrees. "Nay. 'Tisn't much better at all." She
clears her throat. "'Twould guess you'd do best t'speak with Zynassa or
someone who knows. Or Aunt Meli, mayhaps; Faranth knows she and your Da
were happy, and they're the pair 'twas thinking of when I mentioned people
who manage t'figure out who they love in Weyrlinghood."

Kaylira nods thoughtfully. "Maybe Nassa. I mean, she wont' laugh at me or
anything like that."

Kassima gives an emphatic headshake. "I know she wouldn't. She's the one
who told me about that worry you had about disappointing me, y'know, when
she came t'see Kiss at Telgar."

Kaylira comments only, "She's a good friend. Wouldn't lie to me."

"The best friends don't." Simply put. Kassi smiles, asks, "Is there aught
else you want t'be talking about, or telling me about? I'm all ears, y'know."

Kaylira thinks, then shakes her head. "No. Not unless you can tell me I'll
impress and what colour and..oh, mum, the eggs! I touched the gold first!
It was nothing like just looking at them."

Laughing, Kassima protests, "I can only *guess*, Kay! Only guess! Ah, but
that's good t'be hearing... Channie once told me that touching a gold egg
felt special. Go be figuring. Did any move or make any sounds? D'you have a
favorite?"

Kaylira nods. "One did.. it looks like a night sky peppered with stars."

Kassima inquires, "Move, or make noise? What did it do?"

Kaylirathinks, "It kinda moved - like it jumped or something. I was
surprised." Her smile shows her pleasure.

Kassima laughs again, her delighted beam easily taking Turns off her
expression. Though since her dark-circled eyes and the other signs of
exhaustion had *added* Turns, she probably ends up even. "That's wonderful.
Pretty special, too--'tis few enough people who ever get t'touch eggs, but
'tis fewer yet who have the luck t'be touching 'em when they feel like
moving a bit."

Kaylira moves closer, offering both hug and kiss. "Kisai's waiting, mum. I
love you. But its time you go."

"I hate t'be admitting it," Kassi sighs as she embraces her daughter,
holding tight for a moment, "but you're right. I love you, too, minxlet.
If'n I don't see you again a'fore the Hatching, know that we'll be there,
Lyss and I."

Kaylira nods, smiling happily. "it'll help. Especially if my egg isn't there."

Kassima draws back to rest her hands on Kay's shoulders. "If'n 'tisn't,
then we'll come down for you. And 'twill give you a ride back home if'n you
want it, or offer a shoulder if'n you need one."

Kaylira hugs tightly. "Thanks."

"Any time," Kassi promises, with a last hair-ruffle. "Any time. You'll take
care of yourself, won't you?"

Kaylira nods, letting go reluctantly. "I will. No matter what happens.
Promise."

Kassima steps back with an equal measure of reluctance, turning to walk to
Lysseth and take hold of the straps before she can change her mind. Though
she pauses, once there, to say with amused rue, "In case you ever feel
silly, Kay... I know you're a grown woman now, I trust you t'be taking
care, but I still wish I didn't have t'leave and leave you here. How silly
is *that*?"

Kaylira laughs softly. "I know. I know. And its natural. You take care too,
huh?"

"'Twill," Kassi echoes, cracking a grin. "I always do. Love you, minxlet."
And she *finally* climbs up.

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.

<*> Kaylira heads off, smiling to herself.

<*> Kaylira walks further north, towards the trail and the waterfall.

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

You leap up and are borne aloft by the winds.