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Grovel, Grovel


Date:  March 17, 2004
Place:  Bitra Hold Great Hall
Game:  PernMUSH
Copyright Info:  The World of Pern is copyright(c) to Anne McCaffrey 
l967. The Dragonriders of Pern(r) is a registered copyright.

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Kassi's Note:  I'sai has arranged a trip to Bitra for the Weyrlings
to enjoy before they graduate.  Other Weyrfolk are welcome to come 
along as well, which is what brings Kassi on the scene; and then, 
with bronzerider, greenrider, and Weyrling all on the scene, the 
chance for Kassima to fulfill her bargain with Juliri proves too 
good to pass up.  Poor Is. ;)  Unfortunately, Juliri may not find the 
chance to actually pay up quite as tempting.

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The Log:

<*> Lysseth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!

<*> Lysseth directs her trumpet as much to the moons as to the watchpair;
evidently she feels they, too, could stand to be informed of her presence,
and her flip of silvered wingtips is all for orb and crescent before she
swings into descent.

You descend to the Drum and Fire Heights.

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.

You descend the steps against the face of the cliff, open a metal-shod
door, and step back into the hold itself.

You choose the stairs leading down.

Lysseth> Caedoth welcomes Lysseth with a rumble.

Isawen scans the area with mild curiousity as she heads in, beelining for
her fellow weyrlings. She pulls up short as her name is mentioned by I'sai,
managing to get a quick salute off to his retreating back. "Good evening.
Oh... did I hear someone mention food?"

"I wonder if I should have hidden some of the goods we already baked for
breakfast from him ..." The Craftmaster muses as she watches I'sai sidle
off into the kitchen. With another chuckle, she shakes her head and turns
back to the room. "Baker's and Bitra's duties." she replies to the
greetings. "Can I offer anyone anything to eat or drink?" Her hand sweeps
toward the fully stocked table.

Lysseth> Lysseth finds an unoccupied and slightly out-of-the-way place on
the ledges to settle, folding wings in neatly. The Telgar dragons present
are greeted with a rumble of her own, and with the greeting delivered,
she's free to rest her chin on her forelegs and begin goodness only knows
how long a wait.

Cailin will let a moment pass, or two. After all, there are more apparent
visitors. Yet when she turns to track I'sai's path to th kitchens, there is
someone... "Ack! Shim! Shards, how did you get there? Or here?" She gives
the apprentice an accusing look for startling her.

Kassima twirls her riding helmet around and around as she enters, the
buckle of the strap flashing on each pass. Though her eyes flick towards
the Even Odds immediately--it's more reflex than anything--politeness comes
before profit; she scans for the Weyrlings, finds them, and arrows more
that way, in order to tender greetings to them and their companions alike:
"Duties t'Bitra and her Lord, and anywhere else to where they may be due.
Looks like the sojourn's getting off to a good start." That's for Isawen
and Perone, along with a grin. "Has anyone lost their life-savings yet?"

Shimshon smirks just a wee bit at Cailin, "Believe it or not, I rode my
runner from the Hall." Shim drops into a chair by the herder and roots
through his saddlebag for a nicely wrapped (though small) package. "Someone
sent this to the main hall instead of here, and since I was supposed to
ride to the end of the valley /anyway/, I got saddled with delivery."
Shimshon looks no worse the wear for the trip. "After all, it's only a day
out of my way."

After a salute and a "Good day, Wingleader" directed at Kassima, Isawen
manages a wry grin. "Life savings? I should hope not, I just got here!" She
scans the area again, this time a little suspiciously. Of course, this only
brings the table into view, and the food is indeed a distracting sight. She
makes her way for it, eyes fixed. "Oh, that looks wonderful..."

Cailin quirks a grin at the apprentice and shakes her head, "Always got a
nose for getting in the thick of it, eh?" Not that she's really
complaining, "T'the Hall. Shards I bet it's been sitting forever. I've not
been back since the shower." She reaches out a hand for the package. "Just
a day, eh? How long are you hanging about then?" Back to the newer of the
arrivals, she calls a second round of "Bitra's duties." No one ever said
she was -good- at formal.

Perone salutes and greats Kassima with a broad smile. "I have only an 1/8
of a mark to my name, wingleader. Not much to lose." She decides she'll
wait until a bit later to nibble something. This place was so new, she
loved it. She absorbed it all fondly.

Shimshon just grins about where his nose ends up before lamenting to
Cailin, regarding the Hold, "Only tonight, sadly. Journeyman Kranal wants
to see me tomorrow night at his old man's cothold so we can ride back to
the Hall before next month." Shimshon doesn't seem too put out about the
distance of riding and fobs off the package. "Oh, Beastcraft's duties,
ma'ams," he follows up after the Journeyman.

Kassima nods a greeting to Cailin, another to Shimshon--though the latter's
accompanied by a wince. "Kassima, if'n you would," she says, "rather than
ma'am? I'm nay a ma'am. I promise. Ah, so I'm nay so far behind after
all--I meant t'come with the main slew," the greenrider explains to the
Weyrlings. "But the evening drill ran on longer than I planned, so... only
an eighth? Well, but you're at the right place t'increase it at least.
Mayhaps you'll be madly wealthy by the time you leave! Was drink mentioned
awhile back?" She's almost apologetic in asking that. "Would a mug of juice
be too much of an abuse of hospitality? I'm parched something terrible."

All the 'duties' being thrown about trigger Isawen into adding a quick
"Telgar's duties" that seems to be directed at the food table. It doesn't
preclude her from all of the conversation, at least. She glances away to
tell Kassima, "Oh, I was a little bit late myself. Had to run a quick
message first." She lets out a small sigh. "But I don't -think- they got
here much before me..." She looks to Perone for comfirmation of that.

Perone shakes her head. "You were pretty fast with that message Isa, got
here only a few moments after we arrived."

Cailin nods towards the serving table, "Might as well get a meal and enjoy
yourself for the night then, eh Shim?" The journeyman gives a grin and then
adds. You can stay the night in the guest rooms or my place tonight." So
she's not really going to keep tabs it seems. Then she looks over to
Kassima, "Help yourself. Plenty of juice and such t'go around."

Shimshon blinks a little at Kassima, and then enlightenment. The boy nods,
muttering, "Kassima, right then." It's possible someone's heard stories,
given the slight shift in his posture. He tilts his head at Cailin, "I like
/that/ order. Much better than 'Shim, go get more wood.'" He smirks and
gets up, leaving his saddle bag by Cailin. Hot diggity! "You guys have a
Master Baker posted here too?"

Kassima nods her thanks and searches the half-familiar Hall until she's
spotted the food. "Y'know it's been too long when," she murmurs to herself,
shaking her head wryly as she pours. "Don't think I've spent much time in
the actual Hall since Lord Tenefel lived--" But she didn't miss that shift
of posture before moving off, and that might explain the grin she can't
quite hide. "Didn't bring the Emasculator," she mentions, "if'n 'tis what
you're worried about. Though really, I should. See if'n waving it about
would make men pay more attention t'keeping an eye on it and less to the
cards they're holding. Are many of the others here yet?" That's to the
Weyrlings.

Vorlin pauses as he enters the hall and takes a moment to brush lightly at
each shoulder before he steps forward and addresses all present with an
even toned, "Good evening. Welcome to Bitra hold." After he speaks he looks
over the assembled group, perhaps curious.

Isawen rolls her eyes skyward, but she shoots Perone a tiny grin. "Well,
you know Aldenth... He could hardly wait to go, all excited about seeing
another new place." She grabs up a meatroll, then transfers it to her mouth
so her hands are free to grab more food items. The mention of the
Emasculator nearly causes her to lose her grip on one, but after some
frenzied fumbling, she seems to get everything under control. She nods at
Kassima, waving in the direction the weyrling group were. Before they
started dispersing. Meatroll still in her mouth, she turns at Vorlin's
greeting to try and answer around the 'roll, the result coming out
unintelligible.

Shimshon, the dusty young man, is making time with the meal table. "Eeeee
Beastcraft's duties, sir," he says, a little surprised to Vorlin. Who knows
WHAT the word originally was.

Cailin cracks a grin at the apprentice, "Aye, well, Just don't get into any
trouble I need t'bail ya out of or have t'explain t'Master Learan, eh?" But
she's actually grinning as she says that. Must have a soft spot for the
trouble makers,"And try Craftmaster. That was her just here a minute ago,
but don't you go boasting about the food too much back at the Hall. I'll
have half the apprentices thinking they should be posted here. Wanting the
benefits with out the work." When she looks away again it's a more
collected and serious Cailin who stands to greet formally, "G'eve, my Lord.
The Telgari weyrlings and their escort are here, as expected."

Kassima finds it a politic time to hide a grin behind her raised mug when
Isawen fumbles that meatroll. A shame she can't do much about dancing eyes.
"So long as Juliri hasn't lost all *her* marks, if'n she's among 'em--she
owes all those marks t'me, one of these days. Duties t'your Hold and
yourself, Lord Vorlin." That's a bit more formally expressed, yes, and
accompanied by a respectful nod. Whose poise is somewhat spoiled by another
grin at the eeeee-ing. At this rate, that mug is going to see plenty of
exercise tonight.

One of Lord Vorlin's eyebrows raises slightly while the other slants down.
He makes a small throat clearing noise and rubs one finger lightly over his
mustache, after which his eyebrows regain their former positions. A nod
follows the return greetings and then he offers, "Please, make yourselves
comfortable. I hope that the dinner and the gaming and other distractions
available tonight will all be satisfactory for you all. Do feel free to ask
if you require anything else." He glides over to his favorite chair and
takes a seat.

Isawen is probably lucky that the Weyrlingmaster is off in the kitchens at
present. After a moment of frantic adjusting - her face getting redder the
whole time - she manages to clear her mouth without dropping anything.
After a more proper and intelligible greeting is rattled off to Vorlin, she
retreats to settle her food on a table before any winds up on the floor.

Shimshon attempts to covertly regard the Lord Holder. His expression is a
mixture of awe, respect and 'I'm too cool to be checking out this guy.' Or
maybe that's 'He's too cool of a guy for me to check out.' Either way,
Shim's got a small case of the glories on Vorlin. Plate filled the way only
a teenaged boy can, Shim returns to sit by Cailin. "That's Lord Vorlin?" he
asks, in a near whisper.

Cailin seems to take her own cue from Vorlin and retakes her own seat.
Giving a small smile and a nod to Isawen when she sits, then leaning over
to give an amused reply to Shimshon, "Aye. That's him alright." It's after
she has a sip from her own mug she ventures to ask, "How are you, this
evening, my Lord?"

Kassima inclines her head again, this time in thanks; she then elects to
follow Isawen to the table. Perhaps in interest of scooping up any fallen
food bits discreetly before they can be noticed? Nah. "Relax," she murmurs
to the blue Weyrling. "I'm fair sure the Lord wouldn't want you t'choke for
formality's sake." Pause. "I'd add a joke about 'Unless 'twere gambling at
the time and left marks in the pot t'be claimed when you died,' this being
Bitra, but the mess of what t'do with the body probably wouldn't be worth
it." Her tone's openly--if gently--teasing.

Juliri comes in the large eastern doors from the courtyard.

Shimshon looks a little impressed with Cailin's casual attitude with Lord
Vorlin, but 'covers' it. If by covering one means 'hides behind his meal
and hunches his shoulders so that, hopefully, he can evesdrop.' He gives
the riders a polite 'Duties,' again as they sit, forgoing the ma'am on
Kassima's behalf.

Sudas comes away from the Gambling Den.

Isawen answers Cailin's nod with one of her own, giving the journeyman
Herder a curious glance as she arranges her food. "I didn't catch your
name? I'm Isawen..." Kassima's words bring a twisted smile to her lips, and
she manages to fad to her usual pale color after some fiddling with her
meatrolls. "Well, no, but I guess I should've taken it -out- of my mouth
first, at the least..." A glance is shot Shimshon's way as well, and she
asks "Haven't I seen you before at Telgar?"

Shimshon blinks at Isawen as he swallows and then tilts his head to one
side. "Oh, you're the one with the brother who ran off to get a dragon?" He
looks rather pleased at remembering that fact.

"Cailin, well met." She gives in simple answer and then adds another small
smile, "Your first visit t'the Hold?" An arched brow is given to Shimshon
at his seeming recognition of the weyrling, but she doesn't comment farther
as she takes the chance to eat a bit more.

"Well, and next time you meet a Lord or Lady, you will," Kassi assures,
amused. "It could be worse. I'm told that the first time I met a Lord, I
bit and drooled all over one of his fingers. What's a delay while you
swallow your food to that?" Shimshon gets a thankful look for the lack of
the M-word. "You two must've met in Candidacy?" she asks after his
question, glancing between them. Another nod for Cailin; a bit sheepishly,
she thinks to introduce herself too. "Kassima, green Lysseth's perpetual
source of discontent. 'Tis a pleasure."

Juliri walks into the great hall, looking somewhat lost as she peers -
squints, rather - around in a search for someone that she knows. Then,
there's Isawen, and Kassima; now looking as though she might know where
she's heading, she strides over towards the other weyrling and the
wingleader. "Ma'am," she directs with a teasing smile to Kassima, and a,
"Hello, Isawen," to the other weyrling. Now, though, that she has greeted
them, she nods towards Shimshon and Cailin, as well as any others. "Juliri,
weyrling to gold Malaith." There. She's done.

Sudas enters quietly, leaving the gaming area with a composed face, tinged
lightly with satisfaction in his mostly bland eyes. He strightens his
tunic, and walks over to where his Lord sits in his favorite chair.

Isawen carefully chews her bite of meatroll before trying to answer.
Shimshon's choice of words gets a bit of a grin from her, and she nods.
"Yes, that's right. Only somehow I got a dragon instead." She shrugs that
off as she turns to smile at Cailin. "Well met. Yes, it's my first time
actually being at the Hold. Wasn't one of the places I had to deliver
messages to." Her eyes widen as Kassima talks, and finally she can't help a
small chuckle escaping. "Bit and drooled? Oh, I can't even picture that!"
Juliri is given a quick wave, unintentionally with a meatroll. "Hey Juliri."

Shimshon looks between Isawen and Kassima, "I wasn't a candidate, just
visiting the Weyr on Craft business." He manages to sound a little lofty at
that explanation. Isawen gets a nod and a chin-jerk at her knot, "Yeah, I
can see that. Shimshon, Senior Apprentice at the Beastcraft." The last bit
is to anyone he didn't already introduce himself too (ie everyone but Cailin)

Cailin nods first to Kassima and then Juliri as she joins them too, "Well
met." And added for the latter, "And Bitra's duties." Funny how she drops
mentioning Beastcraft as well now and then, but the pair are a mouthful to
say together perhaps. She gives a smile then, "Ahh, well there are plenty
of things t'see while your here."

Kassima grins as she admits, "In m'dubious defense, *'twas* only a few
months old at the time... but d'you think the old Lord let me forget, the
first time I happened t'meet with him after a sweep over his land? Right
glad 'twas that 'twas a solo sweep and nay a paired. Juliri, d'you *have*
t'do that while we're on foreign soil and 'twould be unseemly of me t'make
a rude gesture at you?" She has to settle for a crinkled nose instead.
"Good t'see you made it. Oh, pardon--I didn't mean *as* Candidates, just
while Isawen was a Candidate. My gaffe. Likewise a pleasure," and that's
for the introduction.

"Telgar's duties to Bitra Hold," Juliri responds respectfully at Cailin's
introduction, nodding to both her and Shimshon. To Kassima, Juls smiles
cheekily, and retorts with, "All the better to do it here, and not at
Telgar, hmm?" Isawen is chuckled at, and given a head-tilt as well. "You
didn't tell me your brother tried to get a dragon, too."

"I think I was a candidate at the time," Isawen clarifies. She does glance
at her knot when it's gestured to, mumbling an "Oh, right" before stuffing
her mouth full with more meatroll. While chewing this, she nods at Cailin's
statement. "Oh, I'm glad. By the talk I've heard, I was worried that
there'd be nothing to do except gamble!" Eyebrows furrow as she turns back
to Kassima and she protests "Well, -I- think that sounds like a good
excuse. Not being old enough to do much else." Whereas Isa had no such excuse.

Shimshon nods at Kassima, in acceptance of whatever it is they just went
over. He catches Juliri's name and arches an eyebrow at her (looking rather
like his mother there), and murmurs a greeting to the new-comer. "Are you
allowed to gamble?" This is mostly directed at Isawen, but partly at any
weyrling.

Sudas heads north into the hold kitchen.

Isawen continues, adding to Juliri. "Didn't I? He wasn't actually Searched
or anything But that's the whole reason he came to Telgar. And, well, me
too. Since I had to come after him." Shimshon's question is given little
consideration, just a tiny shrug as she adds, "Makes no difference to -me-.
I don't approve of gambling."

Cailin gives Sudas a simple nod as he passes, then returns her gaze to the
guests, "Aye, there are other things t'do than gamble. Hold can't run just
on that, eh?" Does she seem amused? Well, maybe a little.

"Except for the part when I take revenge when we get back to Telgar," Kassi
points out to Juliri, matching cheery for cheeky. "Just wait. You'll never
see it coming. 'Twill just spring out at you sometime, during the night...
and you'll wake t'find your bed has been filled with chewed-off eyebrows as
a warning. Or something. *Isawen*, what d'you mean, *worried* there'd be
naught t'do except gamble? You say that as if'n 'twould be a bad thi--oh,
dear Faranth, you don't approve. Excuse me. I have t'have heart failure
now." She clutches at her chest and rolls her eyes ceilingwards; but she
can't be in such dire straits, since she adds as an afterthought, "I'truth,
I do like the fishing here too. Of the bait-and-hook variety. For the record."

Vorlin gets distracted for quite some time in a soft conversation with the
wine steward about what's been offered tonight and what his Lordship thinks
should have been offered. That settled his attention drifts back into the
general coversation and he offers, "We do have excellent riding trails and
some of the best runners you can find in our stables, if you would rather
ride than gamble."

Juliri eyes Shimshon -- that expression does seem a little familiar --
before shrugging in response to his question. "I can't. I've already
promised my marks away to the Wingleader here," she says, thumbing in
Kassima's direction. "Ah, you wouldn't chance /that/," she replies, now to
the Wingleader in question, "since I still hold the marks. I can squander
them away easily here, and I still haven't seen you beg the Weyrlingmaster
yet." A smug grin flickers onto her face at this, and the weyrling arches a
brow at Kassi. "But still, I fear the chewed-off eyebrows." To Vorlin, the
weyrling offers a salute now that he speaks. "Runners? Oh.. I don't know
how to really ride well, sir." Shards.

To Isawen, Juliri offers a snicker, rolling her eyes at the other weyrling.
"No, you didn't tell me. I didn't know that is why you came."

Cailin sits up a bit straighter and smiles at the mention of her charges.
Giving Vorlin a nod with his comments about the runners, she then looks
back, "Ahh, well then. Maybe it's a good time t'learn t'ride them. If only
just for the experience?" Trust the herder to offer that.

"Er, well, yes," Isawen answers Cailin, with just a hint of embarassment.
"I guess the Hold couldn't entirely depend on it..." Despite trying to look
stern in her whole anti-gambling position, Kassima's actions have her
chuckling beneath her breath. "As opposed to what other kind of fishing?"
she has to ask. "The best runners..." Isawen repeats after Vorlin, as she
moves onto one of her Topics. "Some from Keroon, maybe?" Back to Juliri,
she shrugs helplessly. "Sorry, I just sort of thought it'd gotten around.
Wasn't exactly a fun reason to be there, anyway. And, well... I don't know
how happy Aldenth would be about riding on runners."

Shimshon perks up at the mention of runners as well, mostly since he
suspects work. "It's not all that differnet from riding a dragon," says
Shimshon. Though as a non-rider, who knows how accurate THAT statement is.

In tones that verge on the pedantic, Kassima intines, "Revenge, properly
desired, can wait many a Turn... but you've the truth that I don't wish
t'risk the loss of those marks. Shhhh, though! Y'never know when Is might
be listening, and his expression will likely be better if'n he doesn't see
it coming." More seriously, "Isn't bad, y'know, riding. So long as Malaith
doesn't mind. Some of 'em are said nay t'care for the idea." Despite its
simplicity, Isawen's question leaves her at a loss for words; she opens her
mouth, closes it, and finally says, "Tell you what, why don't you ask Is to
explain the other kinds? He brings them up every time I mention Ozy, so I'm
sure he knows."

I'sai has connected.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "I'sai, you really have the darndest timing. ;)"

Telgar Weyr> I'sai says, "What now? ;)"

Telgar Weyr> Isawen says, "Kassima summoned him... ;)"

Telgar Weyr> Juliri is complete innocent.

Telgar Weyr> Juliri says, "Kassima does that with Is, I do that with M'hon."

Telgar Weyr> I'sai says, "Question is, who has the greater Powers for
Destruction. ;)"

Vorlin rests his elbows on the arms of his chair and then taps his
fingertips together lightly as he listens to the ebb and flow of the
conversation. "That reminds me..." though there's no telling what 'that'
is, "There are some complimentary gambling chips available in the Even Odds
for all of our Telgari visitors. I suppose it is not really gambling at all
when you are not playing with your own marks." He gives an attempted smile,
but it doesn't really work with his features and it's doubtful anyone would
believe in it anyway so he quickly gives up on the expression in favor of
his usual composure.

"True, true. I'll keep it quiet, ma'am, I really will," Juliri says, once
more slipping in that oh-so-innocent 'ma'am'. "You'd wait to exact revenge
on me for Turns? And Malaith doesn't mind. She says it's fine as long as
she gets to eat them when I'm done riding." A sly glance is cast sideways
towards Shimshon, who has already identified himself as a beastcrafter.
"Oh. No, it didn't get around to me, but then again, I don't always hear
the things I should." Pause. "Just like riding a dragon?"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "Mine are the Powers of Destruction, I think.
Juliri's are the Powers of Flirtation. ;)"

Telgar Weyr> Dehlan regards you all oddly.

Telgar Weyr> Shara whispers to Dehlan, "It's just the rider folk. The rest
of us are normal. ;) "

Telgar Weyr> Dehlan phews ;)

Cailin's expression doesn't look much like she agreed with the apprentice,
but she holds her tongue on that matter as well. She does raise a brow and
Vorlin's offer of the free chips for the Telgari, but again says nothing
there either. She goes back instead to comment on something else Isawen
said, "From Keroon? You mean do we have runners from there?"

I'sai emerges from the kitchen, his low, satisfied whistling no doubt
thanks to a certain craftmaster and her talent with recipes, and looks
around to see who's where. He looks over his weyrlings with a thoughtful
eye, noting the young wingsecond's arrival, nods to Kassima with a pleased
smile - others will get a nod as well, if they catch his eye - and then
begins to saunter towards their host.

Telgar Weyr> Juliri phbbpts. I crushed him. ;)

Kassima confirms in a heartbeat, "A'course I would. D'you doubt it? You
need t'have a long talk with M'rgan--and just like might be stretching it,
but there are moments--" Hold that train of thought. Complimentary chips
have been mentioned. She brightens visibly, and says, "See, Isawen! How can
you disapprove when you aren't risking anything? 'Tis perfect! The Hold is
most generous, Lord; thank you." Another of those nods, this one the most
respectful yet. And to the Weyrlings: "You really should see the Even Odds,
y'know. 'Twas there for its opening. And beat Lord Carow at darts there,
once, if'n you can credit it." She starts a trace at I'sai's arrival, but
returns that nod too with a grin of her own--and then promptly hisses to
Juliri, "See? He's *everywhere*. He probably heard everything you *said*."

Telgar Weyr> I'sai doesn't line up to be crushed. Just for the record.

Telgar Weyr> Juliri snaps her fingers. Darn.

Telgar Weyr> I'sai sees about lining up... R'var, though. How's that?
Except he's not on so it's not fair really.

Isawen raises eyebrows at Kassima's loss for words, shrugging a bit.
"Alright. Not that fishing seems that terribly interesting." Even the
complementary chips comment doesn't seem to tempt her. She shakes her head,
muttering - but quietly- "Gambling... It doesn't matter if I'm not risking
anything. It's the -principle-." Especially once she hears Cailin's
question, she's lost in another topic. It's not that Isa actually knows
anything about runners, it's just that she'll shamelessly plug her Hold of
birth and any livestock produced there.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima is still all thrilled about this summoning thing. I'm
a summoner! Now I just need a pretty pretty princess stick to wave around
and some Guardians.

Telgar Weyr> Juliri says, "He said hedgehog butts are cute. So, that's
grounds for crushing. Yessss."

Isawen says "Yes, do you have any runners from Keroon here?"

Telgar Weyr> Shara holds out a glittery stick with ribbons all over it for
Kassi.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima beams. Yaaaay! Now all I need are the Guardians, and I
can go defeat Sin! Or go team up with Sin and conquer the world. Tough
choice, really. ;)

Juliri hunches her shoulders -- if only slightly -- as Kassima hisses to
her, and she promptly hisses back, "Maybe he /didn't/, though. He only just
arrived, y'know." And, with that, the weyrling is prompt to offer a salute
to the Weyrlingmaster. "I'll ask M'rgan, then. I want to know just how far
you'll go for revenge." At Lord Vorlin's offer, the weyrling brightens.
"Complimentary chips? Thank you, Lord."

Telgar Weyr> Juliri would rather join Sin. ;)

Telgar Weyr> Isawen says, "Defeat Sin and then offer him a positon as your
sidekick?"

I'sai's not quite in time as the Lord busies himself with other things. He
returns the salute with a nod - no pushups in the Great Hall tonight, or at
least not from Juliri, or at least not yet - and sets his hands casually on
the edge of the table so he can lean over them and look. "What'm I missing?
All this whispering."

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "This has possibilities...."

Telgar Weyr> Juliri says, "Then what's the point of defeating him? He would
no longer be sidekick-worthy."

Telgar Weyr> Isawen says, "Just to show him who's boss and who's the
sidekick ;)"

Cailin nods in reply to Isawen, seeming content to let the other speak
about gambling. "Aye. We have some from Keroon's breeding, but we're quite
known for our own strain of racers here as well. In fact the new crop of
foals starting t'fill the stables that your welcome t'visit. Just not in
overwhelming numbers, please." I'sai's return gains another slightly longer
than normal look, but again, no comment.

Telgar Weyr> Juliri says, "True, true."

"That," murmurs Kassima over the rim of her mug, "depends entirely upon the
fisherman. As 'twere. What's wrong with the principle? I'truth? I once
didn't care for it either, but that's because 'twas stingy and had the
Star's own time getting a certain cousin t'actually *pay* me. Just arrived,
my eye. He's probably been hovering behind us all this time. Or hiding
under a table. *Listening*. So he can blackmail us with all our secrets."
Pause. "Oh. Wait. Mayhaps I'm thinking of me... by all means do ask; just
tell me what he tells you, would you? Oh! Is." Sunny, sunny smile. "Isawen
had a question for you!"

I'sai lifts slanty brows, looking from riders to beastcrafter and back
again, "Question. You don't say: go right ahead. And what's that about
complimentary marks?"

Isawen nods at Cailin, seemingly pleased the with answer. "Keroon's runners
are famous, of couse... But I wouldn't mind peeking at your foals." She
knows about enough about runners to tell them apart from bovines.
"Anything's better than this gambling stuff..." This said with a teasing
grin shot in Kassima's direction. "Depends on the fisherman? Hmm." Now she
can't help but notice the Weyrlingmaster, and she of course has to offer
I'sai a salute before she continues with "I was told to ask you about
fishing..."

"Well, it looks like he just arrived," Juliri mutters back, seemingly
unaware that I'sai is standing /right/ there. "And does he /look/ like he
would hide beneath a table, just listening, watching, waiting?" It's only
then that she returns her attention to I'sai, her expression one of
innocence instead of that plotting look. "Lord Vorlin said that there's to
be complimentary marks in the Even Odds."

I'sai mentions past all those whisperers, "They've excellent riding trails
out over the canyons. But you all, remember I said about -not- feeding
while you're here: if your dragons get hungry, go off for wild ones." -
"'Fishing'. For compliments?"

Cailin gives a crooked grin, "Aye. I lived at the Beastcraft long enough
t'know Keroon's strain well. I'd still be quite proud t'show off our own
little beauties." A quick look is shot to I'sai at his comment about no
feeding, and her expression is guarded, but she nods, "Aye. That would be
appreciated if the herds were left be." No way faster into a herder's bad
graces than to raid their stock.

"Compliments could theoretically be *involved*..." Kassima allows, sipping
from her mug. "And a'*course* he would hide beneath a table, just
listening, watching, waiting. He's *I'sai*." Which says it all, evidently.
On a different tack: "I remember how proud Lady Filliana was of Bitra's
runners, when she Held--I don't doubt the strain is a fine one indeed."

Juliri aims a glance towards I'sai as Kassima speaks, and the weyrling
furrows her brows together. "Would you?" she asks of the Weyrlingmaster,
not even bothering to really add more to the question that what she has
given. "Malaith's full, besides. I made sure she ate at the Weyr, so she
won't be having any of the fine runners here. Even if she /says/ she'd like
a little taste."

Isawen conveniently ignores this further talk of complimentary marks,
though she hastens to assure "Aldenth wouldn't go eating any of your stock,
I'm sure. He ate just before we came here, anyway. And as for runners," the
corner of her lips turn up, "He doesn't like tack as an appetizer. Uh,
compliments?" Isawen glances towards Kassima for an answer to -that-, and
her answer causes some confusion. "Um, well, I see that compliments don't
involve bait and tackle, but... I'm lost."

I'sai watches with approval at what seems to be the junior wingleader
making small talk with the herder; he assures the latter, "We don't want
another repeat of Keroon, believe me. The greens shouldn't look glowy for a
few sevendays yet at the very least, but if one looks precocious, we'll
send 'er home." He pauses to slide a look sideways to Kassima at her
contribution. Then, "Would I what, Juliri?" - "And bait and tackle and a
look at Kassi makes me think of Ozy and really, that's not... fertile
conversation for a Hall such as this. Although I'm told scaling knives were
involved, which could have been entertaining."

Cailin turns an appraising eye on the weyrlings, sizing them up before she
simply nods in reply. For Kassima she smiles again, though lightly, "Aye.
I've done my best t'maintain and improve the line. Though of course, we all
strive for another Majestic some day." One could gather him to have been
well known from her tone at the mention of the runner. Another nod is sent
to I'sai, "Yes. I don't think the former Craftmaster, Leara, ever fully
forgave that encounter."

"Would you hide beneath a table, just listening, watching, waiting?" As
Juliri asks this seemingly important -- to her -- question, she takes on
quite an expectant look. Then; "Who is Ozy?" She's curious, really; her
hands are clasped together in that 'I'm ready to hear this story' fashion,
peering from the wingleader to the weyrlingmaster. "What encounter?" This
is aimed towards Cailin, at her words. "Some greens overran the herds?"

Isawen glances between I'sai and Kassima, putting in, as if to be helpful,
"That's what she said," her head tilts towards Kassima, "something about
Ozy... whoever that is." The more said, the more confused she seems to get.
"Scaling knives.. Entertaining? Maybe I don't really want to know?" Though
with what information she -has- been given, it's obvious that she is
starting to get quite curious. "Not fertile conversation?"

Kassima narrowly avoids getting juice in her sinuses at 'fertile
conversation,' and outright chokes at 'scaling knives.' It's a moment or
two before she regains enough composure to protest, "There were nay
*scaling knives*! Faranth, Is! Have you ever known me t'use a knife to--"
Stop. Pause. "Don't answer that." This would be a good time to refill that
juice mug, wouldn't it? Yes? All right then. She's no longer spluttering by
the time she returns, and that's something. "Another Majestic. A prime
stallion?" she inquires. "Or broodmare? And I don't blame her for nay
forgiving, personally... Ozy is O'wyn, bronze Baeth's rider of Southern,"
she answers Juliri and Isawen. "Kaswyn's father; m'second-youngest lad."

"It was before my time in the craft, but more like turned proddy. And it
was some of the best of the breeding herds, as I recall the story, that
feed the blooding for the resulting flight. It ruined the trust in
Craft-Weyr relations for some time I believe." Cailin then turns back to
the easier subject, at least for her, "Aye a stallion. He only ever lost
one race, no matter the distance he was set t'run. His few daughters make
the best broodmares to be found."

Juliri glances towards Cailin as she clarifies the incident, making an 'ah'
in understanding. "I see. Yes, I think if I were the Craft, I'd be most
unhappy, as well." Isawen gets a nod, as she echoes 'fertile conversation'.
"I happen to think that whatever it is would be most interesting to hear,"
she says with a nod to both I'sai and Kassima. "Oh. So that's who Ozy is?"
And here she thought it would be someone much more interesting that the
father of one of Kassima's many children. Then, the weyrling scoots over
towards Isawen and Cailin, lowering her voice.

I'sai's not above looking intensely gratified at Kassima's reaction, and
indeed he doesn't comment further about knives beyond muttering something
about Mart. He nods between her and the herder at the explanation of long
ago, then. "Wasn't it a queen who flew, though, so even more bloodshed? Or
am I wrong? Anyway. Wretched." - "Does Kassi's explanation satify you,
Isawen?" And for Juliri, with a note of surprise, "Certainly I would, if
the cause were good. Used to quite a lot, particularly back when I was
ducking my fosterer, but there are just some times when it's better to play
mum."

Isawen taps at the table as she tries to sort through all of this.
Temporarily distracted, she listens to Cailin's words with a tiny frown for
the blooding of Hall animals part. "Definitely wouldn't want that to happen
again." Finally, she can't help but ask, "But if there weren't scaling
knives involved, then what does it have to do with kinds of fishing?"
Juliri's whispering brings about raised eyebrows, but then a tiny head
shake. No minding here.

"Wasn't the only time that's happened, either," Kassi agrees, rueful. "Nay
even in m'riding lifetime. There was a different Gather where a green rose,
set off by another proddy one who shouldn't have been out--*that* was a
mess and a half. Never been gladder 'twas a greenrider m'self. Though I'd
nay be saying that if'n Lyss had been near enough t'get edgy. He certes
sounds fine... did he sire any sons who stand well? What sorts of fees do
they command?" To I'sai, "A queen 'twas. Sharath caught her." That being,
evidently, why she would remember. A mutter follows: if Mart said that too,
so help her.... His final words and Juliri's persistence alike just get a
brilliant grin, and Juliri's whispering, a curious look.

Cailin arches a single brow at the quiet comment made her but she simply
shrugs in response to the matter. Then she nods her agreement, "Aye. It's
happened on more than one occasion. And not something spoken of boldly in
the Hall while Leara was still alive. It was better not t'put her in a bad
mood."

"Fishing," I'sai says deliberately, "Has to do with the acquisition of
Kassi and Ozy's little boy. Which means that it's risque'. Which means that
you keep your nose out of it till you graduate." - "Sharath, you say? Ahh,"
as if that answered everything, or at least her tone. He leaves a moment of
silence for the departed craftmaster before adding blandly, "Remember what
you lot learned about whispering. Ready to share with the class?"

"Oh, sir, I was just asking a little question of Isawen and Cailin here.
Nothing really worth sharing," Juliri says at I'sai's question, though one
peeking hard enough could see a little crooking of a finger towards
Kassima, and a very slight tilting of her head towards the weyrlingmaster.
"And you /would/ hide under a table, watching?" Here, the weyrling's eyes
narrow, barely.

"Well, why didn't someone just say it wasn't -really- fishing?" Isawen has
to ask, glancing between Kassima and I'sai. "Would've saved a lot of
trouble, you know. And then I wouldn't have bothered you about it,
wondering what other ways there are to catch fish." As if that bothering
wasn't a bit prompted. Juliri's words get a thoughtful look, not just
because of that earlier whispering, but also because of what she says to
I'sai. Trying to be helpful, Isawen puts in "A table is probably not the
best place to hide. You might get kicked, or have food dropped on you."

Kassima doesn't deny it; says instead, "I daresay. I didn't have much
contact with Master Leara--did see her predecessor once after her accident,
at a wedding, but that's a whole other story--but her wrath was cause
enough for Searchriders t'walk wary at the Hall. --And after, unless you
have some sort of weird nose fetish," is her helpful appending to I'sai's
so-deliberate explanation. "But I do repeat: nay scaling knives involved.
At all. I'll remember you said 'twould be potentially entertaining, though,
Is." Her left brow quirks at the crooked finger. She's decent at getting a
hint when she wants to be, though; she sets her mug down and asks, "Say,
Is. D'you have a minute? And could you do me a favor and stand somewhere
with a bit of clear space in front of it? --Because that would be the
*easy* way t'do things, Isawen. The easy way is boring."

I'sai slings his thumbs in the crook of his belt and just looks at the
wingsecond, "No, I'm not saying I would," he says matter-of-factly - but
cooly. "These days, I don't much, whether I don't need to, or it's too
obvious if I actually care about getting caught," there's a nod to Isawen
here, "Or I'm just plain _not in the mood_. Or did you mean something in
particular?" Kassima gets a blunt, "Why?"

Cailin isn't much help in clarifying matters herself, but then what would
the Herder really know of what might transpire, despite whispers. She just
drinks from her mug, watches, and casts a simple nod to Kassima, "I studied
in the Hall with Leara as Craftmaster more turns than I care t'say an I
didn't really know her either."

"Well, because Juliri wants me t'do a thing," Kassi explains, "and since
she's paying the twenty-five marks, I'm trying t'accomodate. But I can't
really do it without some room. A'course, if'n this isn't a good time...."
Wry, that; it wouldn't even take so many Turns of knowing him, after all,
to catch that cool tone.

Lysseth> Dagraith flies down from above.

Lysseth> L'ren slides down from Dagraith's neck.

Lysseth> L'ren says "Good job Dags, I'll be back."

"Easy way. But-" Isawen starts to protest Kassima's statement, however
she's a bit distracted by the other stuff going on. She eyes Kassima and
Juliri questioningly, then to I'sai, then back. "Twenty-five marks?" She
frowns thoughtfully. "-This- doesn't have anything to do with scaling
knives, does it?"

Lysseth> L'ren descends the steps back down to the interior of the hold.

Lysseth> Taralyth rumbles drowsily at Dagraith over there, flipping his
wings back. Gettin' crowded.

L'ren climbs down the stairs from the second floor.

I'sai looks from the full-fledged wingleader to the weyrling wingsecond:
"Where the Shell did you get twenty-five marks - " asked nearly
simultaneously with Isawen - and he turns back to Kassima with an edge of
new interest, "And what's worth that much to her?" Not that he -does- make
room, not yet.

Cailin seems to view this batch of riders as just being an odd lot, and
maybe they are. But she stills says nothing as she looks on.

L'ren makes his way into the room, quietly smiling. He salutes the older
riders.

"Well, no, Isawen, but I suppose it could," Juliri says idly, settling
herself in a seat as to secure the best spot to watch the action. "Oh. Then
there's no reason for me to worry if you're beneath a table, listening to
all of my plans." For which she probably has no contrived anything. A grin,
however, is aimed towards Isawen and Cailin, before the weyrling turns back
to the Weyrlingmaster. "Well, I /do/ bet before Hatchings, and I /have/
worked at Igen for more than fifteen Turns." And the rest she filched from
unsuspecting candidates.

Kassima says with what sounds like complete honesty, "I haven't the
*foggiest* notion what about it's worth that much t'her. What exactly it
is, is perhaps better just shown than described, but--shells, Isawen, nay
in the *Great Hall*!" Someone's scandalized. Or affecting it. She doesn't
forget to salute L'ren back, though.

I'sai grunts something indecipherable and then says flatly, "Do I -look- as
if I'm currently beneath a table?" - "Kassi, go ahead and describe it, if
you want to be able to do it," in that particular sort of
might-have-to-split-the-take tone. Then, "L'ren. Say your duties to the
beastcrafter over here," and stay out of trouble.

Isawen frowns thoughtfully at Juliri's answer, and lack of more
explanation. "No, but it could? Does that mean yes or no, then?" Eyebrows
shoot up in surprise at Kassima's reaction to her comment. "But... You said
that scaling knives were -not- involved in that- other thing. Uh, fishing.
So what scaling knife activity is not appropriate for the Great Hall?"

L'ren looks around, looking as lost as only the tall blonde can.

Again, Juliri retorts with a, "Well, no, but you /could/ be if you wanted
to." Ever the logical one, and she tilts her head towards a table as though
to emphasize her point. "Maybe. It depends on what Kassima decides to do."
This is aimed towards Isawen, and a wave is aimed towards the arriving
L'ren. "Hi, L'ren." Then, to the actual beastcrafter; "What sort of strains
of runnerbeasts do you have here? I don't know all that much about them,
honestly." Kassima merely gets an arch of an eyebrow, and the weyrling
waits expectantly.

There's a long, terribly woebegone sigh, but Kassi obediantly describes--or
tries. "Juliri offered me upwards of twenty-five marks t'beg you for
something, on m'knees nay less, where she could watch and ostensibly point
and laugh at me. *What* I'm t'beg for went unspecified, except it can't be
about Juliri. Which put an end t'my plan t'beg you t'throw her in the muck
pile. I thought at first I'd beg you t'sing something for us; then I had
the brighter idea of begging for a third child t'see if'n you'd splutter
and because I've always wanted t'be Weyrleader of Benden," and that, of
course, makes perfect sense, "but after Lanisa--well, seems a bad time. So
I thought of something else. So will you please give me enough room for
begging and pleading properly?" Now there's a request. "Scaling knives,"
she tries for Isawen, "*were nay* involved in that fishing, but according
to I'sai here they at least theoretically *could be*, and what 'twas trying
t'say is, they won't be in this activity--even if'n they ever would
otherwise, which I'd guess is nay seven shades of likely--because I do have
*some* decorum, for Faranth's sake."

Cailin tucks long hair behind her ear and shifts to lean back in her seat.
Conversly she is as comfortable as only a long term resident can be, "Oh.
Don't worry much about being a spectacle in here. Odd things happen all the
time." Ok, they have her interest, there can be no doubt. To Juliri she
answers, "Racing, mainly, and then some for fancy and regular riding as
well as working."

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "Someday I want someone to explain to me how
Kassi always seems to end up in these situations."

Telgar Weyr> S'dar says, "because she is trouble?"

Telgar Weyr> S'dar says, "looks like Someday came earlier than you might
have expected. You're welcome."

Telgar Weyr> Kassima snerks! That... sort of works as an explanation this
time, actually.

Telgar Weyr> Juliri says, "Because someone can always wiggle her into them.
;)"

"I could, but there's no point to it, not unless you get more specific and
- you wanted _her_ to _beg_?" I'sai frowns - something apparently is wrong
with that in his version of the universe. But Kassi doesn't seem too
perturbed; he listens to this whole long list with a very straight face but
for the slight widening of his eyes, saying tersely at the end, "You can
-try-, but I can't promise I -will-. Jus... just don't take a long time
begging, Kassi? Because that's just not right." - "And let me further note
that there is to be no knifing 'Isawen was here' or 'L'ren was here' into
the tables here, with scaling knives or any other kinves."

"Ahhh. I -see-." Isawen responds to Juliri's answer. A look is shot towards
the Weyrlingmaster. He's going to let Kassima do something to him? But then
comes Kassima's further explanation, and she swings her gaze back to the
greenrider, to see this begging thing. "Oh," is her answer to the
complicated explanation on scaling knives. "That wasn't what I meant
anyway. But, scaling knives..." She seems to be considering just how they
could be used for a moment. "Oh, hello L'ren!" She directs a wide-eyed look
towards I'sai. "Me? Knife my name into a table!"

I'sai snorts. "Yes, you." No promises on -letting- Kassi do something to
him, absolutely none.

Juliri cants her head with interest towards Cailin, all the while listening
to Kassima's words with an odd smirk on her face. "On what sort of ground
do they race over? Grass, or any type?" Snapping her attention back to
I'sai and Kassima, however briefly, she then says, "Yes. I wanted /her/ to
beg. For reasons that she has already stated." Yes, Juliri wants to point
and laugh at the wingleader. And, from her expression, she seems quite
willing to let Kassima beg I'sai for as long as the greenrider would like.
"Ah. No scaling knives, then, Isawen."

L'ren looks around, and then looks to "sai, "Am I missing something, Sir?"

I'sai beckons to L'ren there, "You are missing a great deal. Come here.
Meet the beastcrafter. And then... shells. Shells, shells. Kassima." -
"Make sure Juliri here pays out her marks, L'ren. I'm not sure if it's
better or worse that she's a weyrling - fine. Go ahead. But no touching."
He steps away from the chair. We repeat, Houston, I'sai's away from the chair.

Telgar Weyr> Juliri snickers. Yes, always make sure the weyrling pays out
her marks. ;)

Kassima nods and abandons her chair, to find a good place for kneeling
before I'sai; she clasps her hands, but before she can swing into truly
pitiful mode, murmurs more for him than the others with a little, quirked
smile, "Nay such a hard thing to agree to, when 'tis someone I can trust
with my dignity--" Unlike, say, L'cher, to whom there probably aren't
enough marks on all Pern to make her beg. This explained, she can look up
at him with her very best large, pleading eyes. "Please, I'sai, oh please,
I beg you for your mercy. For your forgiveness for the hair, and that
business at the Hatching, and other recent events, and probably too many
things in the past t'even get into if'n we don't mean t'stay here a full
month or so. I beg that you spare me most of your most rightful revenge and
kill me nay, for the sake of our children if'n nay m'self, and because if'n
you *did* kill me you'd get stuck with them both full-time and probably be
deaf within the Turn. I grovel before you, in hopes you'll leave m'hair
intact and m'trousers free of sandwich material. Please, Is, will you be so
generous? Please? Please?" Pause. Helpfully, in a more normal voice,
"A'course, if'n you want t'do one or both of the other instead, or even
*too*...."

L'ren moves forward nods to the beastcrafter, "Good evening." He looks
between Juliri and I'sai, "Pays her marks for what, Sir?" He blinks,
looking quite confused still.

"No, no scaling knives!" Isawen actually looks insulted, or at least as
insulted as she figures she can get away with looking in this situation. It
is, after all the weyrlingmaster. "I would -never- do such a ridiculous
thing! -Carve- my name in the -table-! As if people would want to look at
it while they ate or something? Really, I'm not some childish girl who
doesn't know bet-" Wait, he's going to let Kassima do this? Isawen snaps
her mouth shut and focuses on the Thunderbolt Wingleader. "Wow..."

"Depends on the race. Endurance covers all terrains, while the flat races
are both on turf and on a dirt track." Cailin gives a nod to L'ren then, as
he's pointed her way, "Bitra's duties and g'eve." But her amused gaze can't
help but be drawn back to I'sai and Kassima.

Juliri looks smug as Kassima begins the process of the grovelling. Indeed,
that smug look just gets bigger by the moment as the wingleader continues.
"Oh, Kassima's begging." And then, the weyrling brings out her pouch, and
dumps all of her marks -- just a tad over twenty-five -- onto the table
before her. "Maybe I can see one of these races," Juliri comments idly to
the beastcrafter, before again peering towards Kassima. Snickers are
already coming forth from the weyrling.

I'sai slews a sharp look at Isawen over there, but then... very large eyes.
Remarkably large, green eyes. He looks increasingly suspicious, then
eventually tired, and then veering far too closely to a twitch of a laugh.
But the occasion is owed at least a pretense of decorum, and enough time to
allow the spiel plus a little longer so the mark can feel her payment's
gone to a good cause. So, "I promise not to kill you," he eventually
obediently says, "For a very long time. Because you're quite right about
the littles. And nobody else gets to kill you either," he further
instructs. "Unless you want. Fair 'nough?"

L'ren quietly watches.

Cailin, however, will allow a crooked grin, then shakes her head before
polishing off her glass. And for what ever the reason, her mood seems
lighter than before as she simply comments to Juliri as if nothing just
happened, "Wrong time of the turn, but your welcome back in a few months
t'see them."

And Kassi's eyes take on more of a shadow at the tired--looking up at him
thus, she could scarcely fail to notice it--but she doggedly finishes what
she agreed to do, woman of her word and bargain as she is. And perhaps that
twitch makes it worthwhile, anyway. "So you'll kill me *after* a very long
time?" she has to ask; but, "Naybody else is more than fair. Thankee, O
merciful one, for your forbearance. Can I have my marks now, Juliri?" She
stands as she says it, and makes a show of dusting off her knees.

I'sai senses Kassima says softly too as she dusts, "And I do thankee in
truth--but thank more for the other." For being bothered.

"You don't have anything /other/ than your life to beg for, Kassima?" Even
/if/ Juliri is laughing, she still seems apt to prod for more amusement.
"Nothing else? It /is/ twenty-five marks, after all." And she'll hoard them
until she gets her money's worth. "Just to help, too, you can beg for one
more thing. And it can include me, if you want." That should be tempting,
of course. "I will come back then," she says to the beastcrafter; then, to
Kassima. "Not yet. You can stand up, but you have to beg one more time.
That was too easy."

I'sai says dryly, "If I get around to it. I might not, you know. And you'd
just have to live eternally, even after my own bones were gone to
nothingness, coming up with and drinking new brews all the while."

All indignant table-carving thoughts are forgotten as Isawen watches
Kassima and I'sai with wide eyes. For a moment she just looks shocked. But
then, probably because Juliri is snickering, Isawen has to clamp a hand to
her mouth to avoid any chuckling of her own. Her eyes swing to Juliri when
the other weyrling doesn't seem about to pay up immediately. "That wasn't
enough?"

You sense I'sai whispers back, "I still don't understand it, even with so
many marks, but you seemed to want it - "

I'sai looks over, eyes flinty, "If you didn't decide the terms, they can be
interpreted as she sees fit - are you saying you'd do what she asks?"
because that might indeed be incentive for the wingleader.

L'ren says "Good thing I don't have to bed for anything."

"Oh, please," Kassima retorts. "Live eternally with your bones gone
t'nothingness? Who would I share them with then? That would be *dull*.
There's naught for it: you're going t'have t'live forever too if'n I do, so
I can have someone t'plague and periodically ask forgiveness from." The
look she turns on Juliri is absolutely droll. "What exactly were you
thinking I'd beg for, and isn't m'life worth twenty-five marks?" There's a
slight smile too for I'sai's answer. And some interest in Juliri's reply.

I'sai senses Kassima murmurs, "It amused me, I suppose--she thought, I
think, that she was buying m'shame or humiliation, but she wasn't. I'm nay
embarrassed, unless I embarrassed you. She paid twenty-five marks for
something I don't think she even knows she didn't receive."

Juliri arches a brow at the weyrlingmaster; a moment of thought then
ensues, before the weyrling wingsecond shakes her head. "Depends on who she
begs, and what for. She can beg anyone in this room for anything or to do
anything she wants." A glance, at that, is cast around the room, and she
grins. "You don't think that your life is worth more than twenty-five
marks, Kassima?" To Isawen, she looks smug. "No, that wasn't enough. Not yet."

I'sai glances sideways at L'ren's non sequitur, blinks a few times with a
mutter about being more tired than he'd thought, and looks back. "You can
ask forgiveness as long as I'm living, every now and again," he allows.
"And of course it's worth much more. And it's no fun begging if they won't
-do- it; there's no -point-."

Cailin lets her gaze take in L'ren again and chuckles at the weyrling. Oh
yes, far more entertainment than she expected this night.

L'ren cocks his head, "What's with all the begging? What did I miss?"

Isawen eyes Juliri in response to her statement, shaking her head slightly.
"All this talk of the person having to actually do it. Are you willing to
risk it?" She tries to look cautious, but hasn't quite gotten over her
chuckling at the whole thing yet. She leans over to sum up for L'ren.
"Juliri's supposed to pay 25 marks for the begging you just witnessed, but
she doesn't seem to think it was 25 marks worth of begging."

"If'n m'life's worth more than twenty-five marks, that argues that *you're*
the one left owing *me* more than the other way around--doesn't it?"
Kassima inquires. "If'n I begged for something more precious than what you
bargained, nay less. I could swear that our witnessed bargain said I'd beg
for *one* thing; after a fashion, I've already given you three. But if'n
'twere game... I'sai? Methinks 'tis only fair that if'n I do this, it
should be for something you want, after you had to endure the other. So
if'n you wanted me t'beg you t'throw her in the muck pit after all, say,
just t'give you a worthy excuse, why, methinks I could see m'way clear
t'doing that." For the forgiveness, a genuine smile: "Then I'll remember
t'do that. Every now and again."

"Of course I am, if she chooses me. I /did/ suggest it, remember," Juliri
says to Isawen with a grin - after all, Kassima can't /possibly/ think of
something so humiliating that Juls would even ponder backing out. Then,
Kassima-logic kicks in, and an 'Oh, shards' look flashes oh-so-briefly
across her face. I'sai gets a look, and then the same look is aimed towards
Kassima. "Well, I /did/ say I'd resign myself to whatever she chose." Sigh.

Telgar Weyr> Kassima snickers at Juliri. Kassi has some talent for
embarrassing requests. She made a bronzerider stand up on a rock and dance
for her while singing 'I'm a Little Teapot' in order to get his Wing badge
once. ;)

Cailin glances at her empty mug and then places it on the table, folding
her arms before her now as she continues to, well, observe. Is that still a
grin? Surely not.

Telgar Weyr> L'ren makes a mental not of avioding being in Kassima's Wing.

Telgar Weyr> Isawen waits for Juliri to be declared Kassima's slave until
graduation... ;)

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "I promise she doesn't do that to everybody!
Last time, Javi and Taylin just had to bribe her in order to get tapped.
See the earbobs she's wearing? Nice, aren't they? ;)"

Telgar Weyr> Juliri says, "Poor Juls. ;)"

Telgar Weyr> I'sai says, "Which one was that, anyway? ;)"

Telgar Weyr> L'ren is just hoping they don't all turn on him next.

Telgar Weyr> Juliri says, "Juls' marks ran out. Maybe Juls can win more
marks with all of the complimentary chips. ;)"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "Which bronzerider? J'an. ;) He seemed to find
it amusing, which was why Kassi actually let him do it. :)"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "Rather than saying, 'Whoa, no, I was just
teasing.'"

Isawen glances between Juliri and Kassima, nodding her agreement of that
'oh, shards' look on the weyrling's face. "Uh, you definitely did..." She's
very helpful, isn't she? With one more look towards Kassi and I'sai, Isawen
says in an aside to Juliri "Good luck."

I'sai does smile, though there's little enough humor in it, for Kassima
now; and he nods about the ashpit, points out to Juliri, "That's not the
same as committing yourself - but that _last_, that is." But then I'sai is
still for a time, and at length he says in a clear, cool voice, "I don't
know that she has anything that I would want."

Telgar Weyr> Juliri fights back the temptation to search through all of
Kassi's logs, now. ;)

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "I think that one's entitled 'I'm a Little
Teapot, Short and Stout.' ;)"

"Heard and witnessed--again," Kassima says, of Juliri's bargain. "With more
of an audience this time." There is some humor, if wry, in the quick smile
she gives Cailin, Isawen, L'ren; but she's more solemn as she considers
Juliri. Her head inclines slightly to I'sai. Just so. "Well, then. Do any
of the others?"

"But still. She did want I wanted, and now this is all up to her," Juliri
says; then, she turns a pleading look to Kassima, and she makes a motion
across her throat. Not the muckpits, nor the ashpits! Anything but /those/!
"I'll need that good luck if she does decide to toss me into the 'pits.
It'll take ages to wash the stench away." I'sai's words bring about an
uplifting of brows, and the weyrling waits to hear the verdict - for her,
or for anyone. However, note that she still has the marks, right in front
of her.

I'sai does point out, "And I'll not have my weyrling assigned to any
duties, or embarrassments, or humiliations. When she graduates? She can
commit herself to doing a dance on the Star Stones, serenading Pierron in
nothing but a bikini made of tuber peels. But not now."

Cailin's brows raise too, but other than that, it's hard to figure what she
makes of this all, beyond that fascination with the events playing out.
Somewhere along the line she has learned to cover the rest, far too well.

"I did what you wanted," Kassi repeats, "and yet you refuse t'pay me what
you agreed, and with so many t'witness... are you sure this is how you want
it, Juliri?" Regardless, she turns to Is and inclines her head again. "I'm
nay begging to anyone else here." It's matter-of-fact. "If'n you want
naught of her, then--I'll collect for what I have done, or 'twill forfeit."

"Try living above the 'pits," Isawen mumbles to nobody in particular. She
has little else to say, simply watching Juliri, Kassima and I'sai as they
sort this out. Except, that is, for a comment of "Pierron?"

So, I'sai's goal is only to prolong the whole thing, and force any one of
the weyrlings to wait until after graduation? "You'll forfeit?" Juliri does
look a bit disappointed at seeing something so amusing - but she does push
the marks forward, bobbing her head. "Here." Maybe I'sai's being nice by
not wanting her to do anything - look at those big, wide, pale eyes. "I
trust you that your weyr stinks." This is aimed towards Isawen, and then to
Cailin, "I prefer runner much over the ash or muckpits." Even if she
doesn't know much about runners, she knows plenty about what comes out the
end opposite their heads.

L'ren quietly watches, looking uneasy at the tension.

Cailin grins crookedly, in the face of Juliri's comment to her, "Do you
now?" Just a simple question, for what would a herder know of the others,
but she daily deals with the first. Yet for what ever reason, this amuses
her as much as the rest did, on the surface anyhow.

Goal? Let's call it a pleasant side effect. "I might be able to think of
something," I'sai says slowly. "After graduation. ...But, Juliri, you owe
her something for what she's done tonight, even if you don't like the
results. Just now, though? I'm going to see to a certain weyrling who
apparently just clipped his talons on the 'heights. ...Excuse me, herder;
and again, my duties to Bitra." With that, he starts for the stairs.

I'sai climbs up the stairs to the second floor.

Kassima steps forward to take those marks and count them into her pouch,
one by one and without delay. "I do," she points out as she does, "have
pride, after all." To I'sai, a nod; maybe some gratitude with it, and a
call after of, "G'night, Is--g'luck."

Juliri salutes as the weyrlingmaster heads out towards stairs; then, the
weyrling takes a moment to eye Kassima as the wingleader counts out the
marks. "What? Did you think I would hide away a few, just so you don't get
what I agreed to pay you?" See? She's ignoring I'sai's comment that just
seems to spell out 'doom' for her, and she just nods. "Oh. Runner muck.
Ashpits and muckpits smell, even if you're at a distance. It's like the
stench just wants to stick to you, and not come off when you want to smell
fresh again."

Isawen watches Kassima collect with a small sigh of relief for this being
over. At least for now, anyway. "Oh, talons aren't fun..." she comments,
with a glance up towards the fireheights. Not that she can see anything
besides the ceiling of the cavern. "I hope they're alright. We're getting
close to finally be done with training." Catching Juliri's remarks, she
adds "Especially the ash. Yuck."

Kassima waits until she's closed her pouch, and then raises her head to
give Juliri a look. It's not exactly an angry look, though it's not an
amused look either. It's somewhere between droll and distant, thoughtful.
"A'fore a bargain is made, you've a lot of room t'wiggle. T'try and get the
best price you can, set all the terms the other will agree to, scheme and
fleece t'your heart's content--it may or may nay be ethical, but there's a
certain fairness to it as long as you never lie; part of the game, hey? But
after the bargain's made, 'tis *made*. The second you start talking about
nay paying even when you get exactly what was promised is the second people
start counting the marks, if'n you get me." Patting the pouch, she adds,
"I'm nay mad. But I do think that last part was a poor showing. Still, it
sounds as if'n the scales will tip even when 'tis done... so. Now." She
settles into her chair. "I suspect they're all right--are you looking
forward to it, the graduation?"

Cailin watches him depart as well, then tips her head, "I can't say about
the latter, but if the former sticks to a person so bad, I'm surprised
you'd all be willing t'share a table with the likes of me. Hardly a day can
go by with out having t'be involved with it in my line of work." With
Kassima's comments, she simply nods along.

"I never lied, and I did pay. There's even an extra 1/32 mark in there,
somewhere, since a rider asked for one of my pouches," Juliri says, a tad
uncomfortable. "Besides, you've more than likely the chance of seeing me in
the muck, after all." Pause. "A bargain is a bargain. I won't alter that,
and I'll set all the terms beforehand." Nodding accompanies all of this,
and Juliri retracts her now-empty pouch and tucks it into a pocket.
"Graduation? Well, it'll draw the pushups to an end, I suppose. But there
are some aspects of it I'll miss, I think." Pause, and then to Cailin,
"It's the dragon muck that is awful." She's quiet, then.

"Oh, I'm sure I'd smell like ash and muck now," Isawen assures, "if I
actually got to spend much time in my weyr. And then there's firestone
itself, before they even spit the stuff back out..." A sniff at her
clothing and the resulting wince seems to indicate there's still a hint of
that smell about her. "I think I'll be glad when the training part is
finally over. Only it seems like as a rider there'd be more
responsibility." A pause, and she's quick to put in, "Not to say we don't
have responsibility now. I-" Her eyes unfocus and another kind of
discussion seems to ensue. Occasional things are voiced such as "No,
Aldenth, not here!" and "It's supposed to be like a -break-." Finally she
gets to her feet with a resigned sigh. "I'm sorry, if you'll excuse me..."

"You never lied, and you did pay," Kassi acknowledges, bobbing her head
twice. "So we're more or less square. I'm nay sure what Is has in mind for
later. I'll probably find out about the same time you do. And if'n you want
t'bargain again in the future, then I'm willing t'entertain it." Bets on
her requiring a written contract next time, though? "Draw the push-ups to
an end? Shells, whatever gave you *that* idea?" she asks, and now she's all
big, innocent eyes. "You surely didn't think full riders don't have to do
*push-ups*. And ash and muck are utterly *horrid*, I completely agree.
Methinks I'd take runner muck over dragon muck, though I'm nay experienced
with the former. I just know the latter's awful." Isawen gets a sympathetic
look. "A'course. M'regards t'your blue lad, hey?"

Cailin nods to Isawen, "Of course," and then replies to the others, "I
suspect quantity can have a say in which is worse as well, but I'm sure
Lord Vorlin wouldn't be too thrilled with me continuing that line of
conversation in here."

And now, this is when Juliri appears sheepish; see, maybe she feels Kassima
still isn't exactly pleased, so she offers a "I'm sorry." Then, to the
pushups. "Well, no pushups for not saluting. I've gotten that so many times
during this weyrlinghood; I forget." Again, she looks sheepish, if only for
a moment. "I will see you later, then, Isawen." A wave is aimed towards the
weyrling, and Juliri bobs her head.

"Probably because of what dragons eat..." Isawen puts in on the matter of
runner vs dragon muck. She nods at Kassima, "Of course I'll give them to
him. Hopefully he won't go strain himself before I get up there." A more
general sort of nod is made to everyone around with a "Have a good
evening." A couple meatrolls are snagged on the way by the food table, and
then she's running up the stairs.

Isawen climbs up the stairs to the second floor.

Kassima's mouth curves in half a smile. "'Twill be all right," she answers
Juliri in a murmur; no significant emphasis on the tense of the phrase
there, but then, none's likely needed. "Methinks you *might* still get
that, though with the Wing you'll fly I'd think it less likely. There are
still some folk 'twill behoove you t'salute unless they say otherwise,
y'know. But *I'm* certes looking forward t'nay being saluted anymore!" She
waggles her fingers after Isawen in parting, then grins to Cailin: "Does
the Lord nay like talk of muck in his Hall?"

Cailin laughs lightly, "To be honest, I've never tried t'find out. I
suspect it might depend, for him, on the context. But I can't rightly say
for sure."

"True, true." Even though Juls still appears ill at ease for now, she moves
onto other subjects, biting her lower lip. "I'll salute those who wish to
be saluted, but many people I've annoyed by saluting to them. The
Weyrlingmaster wants us to salute, though, no matter what the preferences."
And, onto the muck, she nods. "I suppose I wouldn't like to talk about muck
in the Hall. It does keep one from gaining an appetite, sometimes."

"I haven't seen much of him," Kassi ventures, "but he didn't strike me as a
man who'd get into talks about muck often, nay. Bit different from his
predecessors--but, well, where's there a Lord or Leader or Master with whom
*that's* nay true?" Juliri gets a wry nod. "The annoyance is more for the
rule, I suppose. I don't enjoy the salutes, but 'tis part of being a
Weyrling and of living around Weyrlings. Of being a Wingleader, sometimes."

Cailin snorts softly, "Only in a weyr..." This more to herself, then she
looks up and grins, "Round here, not many would even think t' not show some
respect t'our Lord. And back at the Hall, much the same for our Masters."
But she nods, "Aye, he's different from what I expected of a Lord Holder, I
suppose, but not so completely distant as some might think." At least in
her view?

"Graduation will come all too soon," Juliri says wryly; a nod, then, goes
to both Kassima and Cailin, and the weyrling looks regretful. "Malaith is
calling me. She says I have to scratch her side, and talk with her. I'm
betting that some of her siblings are squabbling on the 'heights and she
wants me to stop them." Pushing her seat back, Juls then rises, and takes a
step towards the exit. "Oh, and much thanks to Bitra." To Kassima, the
weyrling aims one last 'sorry' -- she really does seem to be -- before
disappearing to appease her lifemate.

Juliri climbs up the stairs to the second floor.

Kassima just grins for Cailin's first remark; for the second, "Well, some
respect's almost a given, methinks--but then, I'm nay sure how formal I
ever was with Lady Fil past a point. As for our leaders, 'tis an odd thing
when you've known most of 'em as Weyrlings--shells, 'Lex and I had all
sorts of history. Including me putting him in a dress, with Channie's help.
*That* made his being Weyrleader an adventure sometimes. But I followed,
just the same... and speaking of following, methinks I might need t'follow
the others out. I've two wee lads t'be checking on, and drills always come
too early. It's been a true pleasure, though. Hope I can make it back
a'fore the Weyrlings leave." She stands and moves to put her cup away--but
nods to Juliri before doing so and before the other can leave, calling out
a good-evening, and shaking her head in bemusement only when she's gone.

Cailin inclines her head to Juliri as she moves to depart, then slowly gets
up from her seat and stretches, "I should check the mares myself, but aye.
It was hard for me when Learan moved up t'Craftmaster, when I was the elder
who started my apprenticeship first, and he the one t'give me my Journey
knot. Guess I should have behaved more, but now, well. Things are fine."
She gives a crooked grin. "G'night t'you. And I hope t'see you again, eh?"

"'Tis a bloody weird world, sometimes, in who moves up when," Kassi wryly
concurs. "I've been Wingleader for over twenty Turns now... but I don't
think I really regret it. And there's pride in staying in the role this
long. Anyway. G'luck t'you with the mares, and i'truth! It's been a
pleasure. Duties again t'Bitra," she says, and grins, and waves, and then
finally exits.

You enter the stairwell and climb up to the second floor.