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Juliri's Search


Date:  January 14, 2004
Places:  Igen Weyr's Center Bowl; Telgar Weyr's Southern Bowl
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:  Whether it's blankets for Kassima's new son or a sire 
for Yselle's next child that the two greenriders and their dragons are
really searching for, what they find is something different--or so one
would presume.  If Juliri ever does end up getting Yselle pregnant, I 
may have to retract that statement. ;)  Lysseth claims another 
Candidate for the Telgar eggs, Dianneth shares a secret or two, and 
Juliri declines the chance to be a father.  Imagine that.

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The Log:

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

You furl your wings slightly to glide lower into the Bowl.

You carefully wing lower into the Bowl.

You land just below in the center of the Igen Weyr Bowl.

<*> Yselle swings down from Dianneth's neckridges, and slides down her side.

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.

"I remember his name now," Yselle says, as she slides down Dianneth's side.
"It was Denvin. The softest blankets you ever saw, might help Kaisan sleep
better. You know I'd mind him for you if you wanted though, Kassi."

Kassima slides down from Lysseth almost soundlessly, an echo of the
dragon's just-finished descent; even her greeting to the watchdragon was
muted, and she's chosen a landing site that's a bit out of the way. "You
are *strange*, dragon," Kassima murmurs. The response is an impassive
rumble. Sighing, the rider pulls her helmet free and knuckles a
shadow-ringed eye. "This Weaver of yours, Ys--she lives in the Caverns? Or
should I be saying he? Ach, he then. Believe me that I appreciate it, Ys,
but he's screaming when anyone but me or Is tries t'hold him right now.
Thrilled m'mother when we visited last, let me tell you."

Seated near the middle of the central bowl, the Igenite seamstress seems
alone, except for the company she finds with her rather small pieces of
material; however, it seems that the company isn't too favorable, as Juls
extends a finger to prod a scrap into place. However, the arrival of some
newcomers directs Juliri's attention away from the rather dusty fabrics and
towards the dragonriders. "Igen's duties to ---" her eyes narrow as she
looks at the knots "--- Telgar. Wait... Yselle?" A familiar face.

Dragon> Lysseth senses that Dianneth has been more and more disgusted at
the description of Kassima's baby woes. << And Yselle wants one of those! >>

Lysseth> Dianneth senses that Lysseth's mindvoice has a dry quality, like
fine grains of powdered silicon. << I'm of a mind these days--and
nights--to think that is not a wise wish. >>

Yselle grins. "Well you know, Kassi," she says. "I came across them one day
at a market and I thought it'd make such a soft baby blanket, you know, for
uh.... Kaisan or Kiveira, yeah, and uh... yeah so, I'm not sure /where/
he'd be, but the definitely said Igen Weyr and... oh hey Juliri, wow, I
haven't seen you in... Kassi, have you met Juliri?" she grins at the other
woman. "From Igen, which explains why she's here of course. Hey listen
Juliri, think you could find Weaver Denvin? Kassi's poor mother."

"D'you think 'twould make baby *clothes*? Kich and Merielan both gave me
blankets," Kassima admits, running a hand back over her hair. "But the
cradle could use a new lining, Faranth knows, so either way--oh, duties
t'Igen and her queens, a'course." She bobs her head to the unfamiliar girl
in a friendly fashion. "Met her? I don't believe so. I don't often come
t'Igen... pleasure though and all that, and I hope our arrival's nay
disrupting you at your...." There's a pause as she squints towards the
scraps. "Cloth-scrap-fiddling? I'm guessing," with a wry grin, "that's nay
the precise term, however."

Dragon> Dianneth bespoke Lysseth with << She already has a hatchling, and
she has /me/. And having hatchlings hurts. >>

Juliri brushes off her trousers, bending momentarily to pick up her fabrics
and stuff them into a random pocket. "It's been a while, hasn't it?" she
says to Yselle by way of an answering query before turning to look at
Kassima. "I'm Juliri, a seamstress here. Juls, Jul, Juli.." A pause then
ensues, and the young woman arches an eyebrow. "No. I often do that when
there's nothing else for me to do. And I fashion things for people who want
something that is in my abilities to make." Nod. "Hmmm. Denvin. I haven't
seen Denvin around for a while, but I heard that he's mostly around the
living caverns, eating mouthfuls of sweetrolls and the like." This comment,
said in a rapt tone, is accompanied with a quick nod.

Yselle grins. "Right. The living caverns. Shells," she says suddenly.
"Kassi, have you been there? I've only just got to the bowl, you know.
Never inside. And to the bowl only once anyway. I met one of the weyrwomen
just after I graduated, and you know, wanted to fly everywhere. Not that we
don't /now/ of course, but I usually go to uh.. Ista these days," her ears
pinken. "Hm. But you'd know, right, Juliri?"

Kassima's grin loses the wry quality as she nods to Juliri again. "Kassima,
Kassi, Kass," she offers in turn, with a gesture towards herself, "or just
'hey, you;' I answer to any. Well, then, I'm glad of it. Bloody
embarrassing t'get in someone's way on an errand." She slews slightly
rueful eyes Yselle's way. "I've been there. Nay for a time; but Is has
occasionally coaxed me, and I did stop in after U'yn Impressed... but y and
large I've nay spent much time at Igen since the E'vrin business. Should I
tease you about *Ista* in front of your friend, or would you be morally
obliged t'scoop up sand t'throw at me in retribution?"

Lysseth> Dianneth senses that Lysseth agrees with a serenity born both of
long experience and the belief--never mind that said belief could be rooted
in denial--that such things are over for *her* rider, << Oh, yes. They
scream and scream and scream, you know, bellowing worse than a bronze who's
been Threadscored. >> Gee, Lyss, aren't *we* helpful.

Dragon> Lysseth senses that Dianneth finds a kindred spirit to recount her
woes. << She even asked Faorath's rider to sire one on her. Now she thinks
he is too busy. Faorath's rider is all very well, and may sire good strong
hatchlings but it is just as well she does not expect me to share a ledge
with Faorath. >>

"I would know," Juliri says to Yselle while attempting to not grin. "Oh.
What else did she do at Ista?" comes the instant question, the seamstress
immediately facing Kassima in unmasked interest. "If she's done something
worth talking about, I think it'd be interesting to hear." Then, a glance
is cast in Yselle's direction, and her brows are brought together. "You
haven't been in the living caverns? But that's where all the fun is," she
points out quite needlessly, one might say, since there's probably a hoard
of people in the living caverns; that's where everyone hangs out.

Yselle glares at Kassima. "You don't need to tease me about anything at
all. Especially since I'd take Kaisan any time you and I'sai wanted a rest.
What E'vrin business anyway?" Her glance at Juliri says 'don't you start'.
"I'm sure nobody at Ista will have too many stories," she says. "Tel now, I
can't talk for what he might have done. And we haven't been to the living
caverns because we came to get cool in the beach."

Lysseth> Dianneth senses that Lysseth pauses, and that pause is probably
spent recounting this piece of juicy knowledge to her rider since her
thoughts become shaded with the resonance of stained glass laughter. << Did
she now. Faorath's rider does have a good... ah... pedigree, my rider would
have it, so he might make a fine sire for children. As good as any. Moreso,
since his name begins with K. >>

Dragon> Lysseth senses that Dianneth is rather grumpy about the whole
thing. << I am tired of it. All this fuss over a hatchling. Indrath's rider
should have given her one sa long time ago, or Faorath's rider or one of
them. It would make /my/ weyr noisy but then she would not be moping so
about it. >>

"I'm nay sure, but *something*--" Kassi starts to say, only to break off
and turn towards Lysseth with brows rapidly lifting. "...Oh, really? Well
now." Her voice becomes a decidedly amused drawl. "She did something most
singular at Ista. *Most* singular. Ask her about K'tdan; she might turn
colors. And remember, Ys, nay anyone can take him right now, so there's
just nay appealing t'my fine sense of opportunism." But in that, *she's*
teasing. She does, for the most part, relent. "The E'vrin business is an
old story nay worth recounting. And beaches have much indeed t'recommend
them."

Lysseth> Dianneth senses that Lysseth suggests, easily enough, << Perhaps
you should give Faorath a nudge about the matter. My own believes--though
she does not say--that Faorath's rider would likely enjoy siring hatchlings
on many women, though whether he would enjoy *being* a sire to hatchlings
she does not know. >>

Juliri then crosses her arms over her chest, peering at Yselle in
bemusement. "So... Who's this K'tdan?" Then, something else prompts her to
look mildly confused, and thus she tilts her head to one side. "I thought
you were here to look for a weaver," she remarks after a moment's
recollection. "But, anyways.. If Yselle won't tell me about K'tdan, will
you?" This question is now posed to Kassima, coupled with a hopeful
expression.

Dragon> Lysseth senses that Dianneth takes this advice to heart. << I am
very disappointed in Taralyth's rider. He walked past her many times and
did not sire a hatchling on her. He is a good strong clutchsire. Although
if his hatchlings are noisy we shall have to have someone else's. >> Slyly
she confides << Perhaps when some of those new white ones are graduated
there may be one in there to sire. >>

Lysseth> Dianneth senses that Lysseth now sounds droll. << There is
considerably more than walking past involved, >> and that, perhaps, is said
with a hint of fondness, even warmth; Kisai after all was a flight-child,
and Lysseth has her own fine memories of flights. << He is a strong
clutchsire, but his hatchlings are *exceedingly* noisy. At least this young
one does not beat on things as the elder does. Yet. I'm sure it's only a
matter of time. What, have you a Someone Special in mind for that already? >>

Yselle looks at Kassi "Oh come on now, Kassi, you know Kat and I..." she
turns pink. "Dianneth's talking to Lysseth isn't she? Shells, what is it
this time... no, please don't say. Tell me later. Shells Dianneth, why do
you have to..." she glares at the green who looks ever so innocent. "So
yeah, we were looking for a weaver for your baby who I /was/ going to mind
if I was needed, and could, Kassi. You'll meet Kat if you ever go to Ista,
I'm sure Juliri. He's not shy in meeting new people, particularly women."

Kassima confirms, "We're here t'look for a Weaver." Pause. "Methinks. I'm
following Ys's lead on this trip--and 'twill tell *only* if'n doing so
wouldn't make her back off the idea. Since it seems as fair a solution to
her problem as any I've seen. Did you know Yselle wants a baby?" she asks,
then just grins, grins widely at the other greenrider. "Oh, talking just a
*trifle*. And Kai will be wounded to the heart that you won't let him
deafen you after all once he's up t'deafening people who aren't his parents
again. But we're being confusing, probably; sorry, Juliri." The apology
seems sincerely sheepish. However, directly afterwards a puzzled look
crosses her face. "My dragon is *weird*," she announces, appropos of not much.

Dragon> Lysseth senses that Dianneth pronounces quite seriously. << With
most riders, yes. >> She knows all about that, even providing a few
embarrassing images involving her rider, to help the thing along. << But
Saulith says all it takes with Taralyth's rider is for him to walk past. He
does this all the time, although Taralyth also caught me, and he could have
done it that way if the other way didn't work. Really, he should have sired
for her. How tiresome. I shall have to find another sire if Faorath's
doesn't do it. >>

"So, what exactly are you here to look for -- the weaver who's probably
working on some more food, or the beaches which are /really/ nice?" It's a
rather difficult decision, to be sure; either way, there's a plus. "Ys
wants a baby? Really?" Juliri's eyes then narrow, and then she peers
towards said 'rider. "With whom? And I'll be happy to meet Kat if I even
find someone to take me to Ista. I don't often like to ask watchriders to
take me places." A eyebrow is raised at Kassima's declaration. "Only your
dragon is wierd? Or are others, too? Is Dianneth wierd?" This is aimed at
Yselle.

Lysseth> Dianneth senses that Lysseth sends a pulse of negativity, dark
blue light the color of midnight. << Saulith's rider has never borne one of
I'sai's hatchlings; she would not know. But mine, she knows. I suggest you
stay to Faorath's--if nothing else, he has proven himself able since my own
says he has a hatchling already. And then yours would have chosen the sire.
There is perhaps something to be said for that. >>

Yselle turns red. "That was a secret Kassi," she mutters. Like it wasn't
the worst kept secret in the world. "Uh well, I don't know who with, just
you know, Levarn's over five now, and... we were seeing a /weaver/ Kassi,
to see if the soft wool would help your son. You know, I'll probably have
one from a flight one day or something," she bites her lip, thoughtful.
"Maybe we could go to Ista sometime, but be prepared to be flirted with.
Not that he's so bad to flirt with, he's kind of fun really."

Kassima rubs at her eye again, and moves her fingers to her temple when
that doesn't seem to help. "I'm more in favor of the Weaver. I don't know,"
she temporizes, "if'n 'tis so much a with *whom*... shells, I'm sorry, Ys.
I didn't realize it still was," she says, apologetic, "since you've seemed
so open about it. M'brain really *is* more melted than nay." She shakes her
head to Juliri's last question. "Nay only m'dragon. Just m'dragon in
*particular*. She apparently has gotten the notion that Dianneth has
suggested that *you* might end up siring Yselle's baby. I know sharding
well she's better versed in human reproduction than that, but she insists
it was suggested and is laughing her head off over the idea." Lysseth does
seem amused, but summons a disgruntled snort in her own defense regardless.

Dragon> Dianneth bespoke Lysseth with << She does seem to get upset when I
try to help. She should know I know what's best for her. Really, what does
it matter who is the sire as long as he is strong enough to fly her? Or let
his lifemate fly /me/. For a rider of one who could catch me must be
worthy. Really. I have been caught several times and she has not had the
good manners to have this hatchling yet. >>

Lysseth> Dianneth senses that Lysseth suggests, << Be caught by Indrath
again? Should that happen enough times, surely *one* time a hatchling would
result. But Faorath's rider might be more interesting, depending. >>

Dragon> Lysseth senses that Dianneth ponders this. << If Indrath caught me,
that would do very well, but he is busy right now. I shall not allow him to
catch unless he flies very hard for me and wins me as he did before. >>

Juliri is quick to plaster an amused expression on her own face, taking a
moment to glance towards the two dragons. "Well... That is wierd, but
funny. It isn't really possible though, unless I somehow had a tragic
accident and ended up with something that I didn't have before," the
seamstress quips before peering at Yselle. "Well, it's not a bad thing, Ys.
And I'll keep your secret. Well, I'll keep it away from Igen, at least." At
the flirting bit, Juls digs a toe into the dirt, looking undecided. "As
long as he doesn't do anything that he'll regret. Oh, and about the weaver.
He should be in the living caverns." Today is Juliri's day to be redundant.

Yselle coughs. "Dianneth is just nosy and annoying," she mutters, glaring
at her lifemate. "Shells, Dianneth, you didn't..." she looks surprised for
a second. "Oh she says she /didn't/. Huh, anyway, I'm sure it'll happen one
day. Besides, I always thought Levarn would be an only child." She sighs.
"Yeah, so Kassi, we should go sort that out, don't you think? What did you
do with Kaisan? Won't he wake soon?"

"Nay, 'tisn't," Kassi agrees, back to being puzzled. "I'm trying t'work
this out, but it doesn't make much sense. Apparently Dianneth's mulling
over baby-siring prospects, and said something about...." Ah, watch the
synapses fire and the clues click into place. "Flaming *shells*. That's nay
much of a joke, Lyss! We're here on an errand! For *cloth*! For a *Weaver*!
We are nay bloody well flying Search!" Apparently Lysseth doesn't much
care. She gives her rider's shoulder an imperial nudge. "Oh, fardles. I
don't suppose," she says, turning to Juliri and sounding as apologetic now
as she did with Yselle before, "that you'd be interested in Standing, by
any chance? I promise you won't have t'sire a baby on Yselle. Candidates
aren't even allowed t'do that sort of thing. And Her High Obnoxiousness
says she's not inclined to see anyone go into any Caverns until she gets an
answer, though I don't really think she could *stop* you." Firing Yselle a
helpless look, she can only say, "I don't pretend t'understand dragon
logic. Kaisan's with Simaeva, bless her, probably squalling his lungs out."

Telgar Weyr> Yselle says, "I love Kassima."

Telgar Weyr> Kassima says, "I love her too, even as I wonder what head
trauma she suffered as a child. ;)"

Telgar Weyr> Yselle might just have to put that in her &pos.


[Editor's Note:  And lo, she did. ;)]

Yselle's position: Lifemate of To Die For Kelly Green Dianneth, Telgar Weyr
// Dawnslight wing // mother of Levarn (with T'van(NPC), Faenth's rider)/
Kassima to Juliri: "I don't suppose that you'd be interested in Standing,
by any chance? I promise you won't have t'sire a baby on Yselle."


"Se-sea-search? But I thought I only had to go once! And I went! Really, I
did, I stood at Fort," Juliri says with a sufficing nod, clasping her hands
together for a moment before fiddling with a piece of cloth nervously. A
look is aimed at Yselle before the seamstress redirects her gaze to look at
the tips of her sandals. Look, oooh, new scuff marks -- anyways, she
glances at the said dragons. "What'll they do if I say no?"

Yselle looks surprised, then pleased, although with a quirk of a brow
towards Kassima. Hastily she assures Juliri "Lysseth searched /me/ and I
never had to uh... well not that I /could/ sire... Kassi, maybe you ought
to go home and lie down, have you had enough sleep lately? But I guess if
you say no, nobody will make you or anything... right Kassi? It's your
choice I mean. Besides, they say some people find their lifemates on the
sands the second or third time sometimes or even after."

Kassima's answer is prompt: "Lysseth will whine. A lot. And she'll grouse
and moan and insist you really meant 'aye' and refuse t'understand what
'nay' means, so if'n you *would* Stand I'd be much in your debt. You
wouldn't believe what a pain in the rear end she can be when she's
sulking." Which she isn't, not yet. Instead the green dragon is just
staring at Juliri expectantly. Confident, it seems, that her will shall
prevail and all will be right with the universe. "See? Listen to Ys! Lyss
didn't make her have sex with *anybody*!" What a great attempt at
reassurance. "Much less become a father. Oh, aye, you *can* say nay.
Really, you can. Nay anyone will force you. I won't even get on m'knees and
beg, deeply tempting though 'tis when I think of having a cranky baby and a
cranky toddler *and* a cranky dragon."

Juliri stares back at the green dragon - perhaps to see if the flying
creature will wish to chew her entrails if the answer is no - before
looking back to the two riders, still appearing dubious. "Uh.. Well, if
it'll keep her from sulking and being a general nuisance to anyone in
general, /and/ if I don't have to father Ys' future baby, I'll Stand. I'm
too young to be a father," she points out intelligently before scuffing her
foot on the ground again. "I'll go."

Dragon> Dianneth bespoke Lysseth with << That one can't be too good if she
doesn't like my Yselle. >>

"Great," Yselle beams. "You know, Juliri, this'll be great. We'd love to
have you, and it's a good thing Lysseth was here with me, because Dianneth
keeps telling me she hasn't any idea why she should care who should stand,
so great." She grins at Lysseth and adds "Lysseth is a /great/ searchdragon."

Dianneth rumbles sulkily. She's great too.

Lysseth doesn't *appear* inclined to chew entrails at this time, although
one can never tell for certain. She might be daydreaming of entrails even
now. But if she is, it's not readily apparent--there's not one fang in
sight. "'Twill," Kassi assures with considerable relief. "And you won't,
you really won't, at least nay on Lysseth's account. I make nay promises
that Dianneth won't try t'set you two up at some future date. *Bless* you."
Satisfied, Lysseth breaks off watching Juliri and settles in for a good
bout of Being Smug. "D'you need t'gather your things together, tell anyone?
I'm willing t'forego the Weaver-hunt for now t'get you back t'Telgar, given
the late hour; delaying it would be nay kindness. And hey, since you're at
Telgar you can make *sure* Ys tells you all about K'tdan." Ah, another
bonus! This one's followed by an innocent look towards the poor greenrider
in question. "--She thanks you for that, Ys, and says the statement just
proves you are a good judge of character. *That* statement just proves she
has the world's largest ego, if'n you ask me."

Lysseth> Dianneth senses that Lysseth supposes, << She might like her, only
not wish to fly her. Would *you* want to fly another green? I've never seen
the appeal in the notion. >>

Dragon> Lysseth senses that Dianneth doesn't need a second to answer that.
<< Another green? The idea. I should not like to fly /you/ Lysseth, and you
have wonderful taste in candidates, and not Saulith either even though she
knows many things >> Like I'sai's procreating abilities, perhaps. << And if
neither of /you/, then no greens. >>

Juliri just barely manages to suppress a look of dismay at the prospect of
once again having to gather her things, but the seamstress then plants a
little smile on her face and dashes off. Not more than a minute passes
before she comes back with a satchel of her belongings - she's very fast,
obviously - and a ready grin. "I've got my things." An even broader grin
flashes across her face at the prospect of hearing about K'tdan. "And you
can tell me /everything/ Ys." Nod.

Dragon> Dianneth bespoke Lysseth with << Riders are very odd though, and
like different things. If I could, and wished to clutch, I'd just find a
sire and do so. I would not worry they thought I was unattractive, since I
know I am beautiful. And I would not care if they went away after, as there
would be more ledge for me. >>

"Thank you VERY MUCH Kassima," Yselle says, through gritted teeth. "With
you for a friend, and Dianneth in my head, everything's just /perfect/. And
hey..." she frowns "There's no need to discuss this with him either, Kassi,
if you don't mind. Kat and I understand eachother."

Lysseth> Dianneth senses that Lysseth is definitely in agreement. << Nor
would I wish to be flown by you--no offense intended; but you are very
female, and that is not to my taste, >> which might explain why she calls
Taralyth and not, say, Tierth her mate. Never mind that Tierth would likely
recoil at the very thought too. << Thank you for that! My Someones Special
have been most fortunate in their Impressions. Several greenriders. There
can be no finer thing. Ah, now... my own is also odd in that respect. She
wished for long and long to clutch, but would never have requested it of a
male. She does not believe she is beautiful, either. Foolish riders. >>

Dragon> Lysseth senses that Dianneth notes quite calmly << My rider thinks
she is, therefore she is. >>

Kassima bats her lashes at Yselle in complete, unrepentant tease, while
Juliri's gathering her things. "M'pleasure always t'serve!" she sing-songs.
Someone's mood at least has been improved. More seriously, "But nay, nay, I
won't... I truly don't want t'get in the way of this, as I said a'fore. It
seems as good a notion t'me as aught. But," she adds as Juliri returns,
flashing a grin of her own to the new Candidate, "that doesn't mean you
should keep the tale all t'yourself. After all, wouldn't talking about it
with someone else help? Shells, Juliri, that was a quick packing. You've
m'compliments. Shall we head up to the Icy Wastes and get you settled in,
then? And Ys, d'you want t'come back with, or were you wanting t'try out
those Living Caverns?"

Lysseth> Dianneth senses that Lysseth assents, << Of course she is. And
even were she not--ridiculous notion--she is *my* rider, and should know
full well that only the finest of men could be worthy of her. I would not
be willing to share her with less. >>

"I'm a relatively neat person, and don't have my things strewn from one end
of the resident dormitories to the other," Juliri says by way of
explanation to Kassima, carrying the satchel in both arms. "The Icy Wastes?
Will I be really cold there?" Maybe she can't take the cold. Maybe she'll
freeze to death before even seeing the eggs. Maybe she'll.. "Oh, I'll get
used to it. Correct?" A look is cast at her belongings, and then she tilts
her head to Kassi. "I'm ready to go."

Dragon> Lysseth senses that Dianneth notes << Faorath's rider is very kind
to her. I will not object if he sires her hatchling. She should not worry
about finding a suitable mate. Perhaps I will even let her keep one for a
little while if he and his lifemate are pleasant company. >>

Yselle narrows her eyes at Kassima, noting "This is so unfair, Kassi, I
can't even threaten /you/ with anything. What /did/ she tell you?" There's
a moment when her eyes glaze over, then she's blushing "Oh yeah, that, well
you know..." she's /so/ red. "Please don't repeat /that/.

Lysseth> Dianneth senses that Lysseth's mindscape ripples with
laughter-light at that. << Most generous. Well, I will hope for good luck
with her, with the hatchling at least; it has the sound of something that
would make her happy, and that is always well. >>

"I'll come back," Yselle tells Kassima. "Maybe one of our weavers will know
more about it. I can always take an order for you later if he's taking up
too much of your time, well, you know, if you'll stop talking about
/that/," she glares. "Oh yes, I hope you've got something warm Juliri, but
if not I'm sure the headwoman will find you something."

"See, which makes you a better case than me. I'm a packrat," Kassi
cheerfully confesses, "and m'weyr's chock full of stuff at this point. 'Tis
summer, so you shouldn't freeze *all* your extremities off. Just mayhaps a
finger or two." She grins, then adds, "I kid a'course. Colder than here
'tis by far, but our summers at least are pleasant--and you should be able
t'manage, aye, particularly if'n you've gone through this at Fort. All
right, then!" She straps her helmet back into place, fastening the buckle
under her chin, and reaches for Lyss's straps; before climbing aboard,
though, she blinks wide and innocent eyes at Ys. "Fair? Whoever said life
was *fair*? --Nay, nay, 'twill nay. Solemn oath and all. The moreso if'n it
gets me orders taken in! Goodness, m'lucky day 'tis." She's teasing, and
openly so; and finally she scrambles up onto her dragon's neck.

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.

<*> "I don't, but I'll be sure to ask the headwoman, as you say," Juliri
says with a nod; there wouldn't be any concievable reason for her to have
any warm clothes in this climate. "Oh, just a finger or two? What if I
needed those fingers? For.. something, anything?"

Juliri takes hold of Lysseth's riding straps and climbs aboard the green
dragon, who keeps a wary eye on her all the while.

<*> Yselle eyes Kassima warily. "I swear next time you tell Lysseth my
secrets, I am not going to talk to you for a sevenday," Yselle finally says
to Dianneth, turning and mounting up. "I can't believe you told her /that/.
Shells." She's so red.

<*> Yselle ascends Dianneth's side with the aid of a daintily offered
foreleg and seats herself upon her neck.

Kassima gets her straps fastened with brisk efficiency, then leans to offer
a hand up should Juliri need one. "We've an excellent Woodcrafter," she
solemnly assures. "He can make you false ones for a very reasonable fee.
Need any assistance getting settled? I should warn, Lyss's launches are a
bit sharp, so you might want t'hold on." Then, "Hey, Ys, at least m'dragon
didn't try t'angle anyone *new* into siring your offspring! If'n you don't
count Juliri, and I don't think she was really trying t'*arrange* that...."

"But those will look horrid," Juliri points out, flexing her fingers. "I'll
consider myself warned." Indeed, the young woman does grab hold before
peering over at Yselle. "I wouldn't have even thought of siring your baby,
Yselle." This comes with an attempt at a mildly serious expression, at
which Juls horribly fails. She can't seem to help but grin.

<*> From atop Dianneth's neck, Yselle winces. "Oh shells, as if Dianneth
hasn't asked enough people," she mutters under her breath. "I feel like an
auction piece." Juliri gets a sheepish grin. "Yeah, well, don't worry, if
it were possible, Dianneth would have considered it. Even one of the..."
cough "...never mind." Dianneth patiently awaits her straps being buckled
and then she bunches her huge haunch muscles and takes off. Being Dianneth,
she does several loop the loops. Dratted dragon draws the shape of a heart
before vanishing *between*.

<*> Dianneth springs into the air of the Bowl.

"Oh, I don't know... mayhaps Jeroch could engrave 'em, set 'em with jewels,
make 'em *flashy*. You'd be ornamented wherever you go." Kassi does a good
job of sounding sincerely thoughtful, but a bad job of keeping a straight
face. Proof positive that she's tired. "'One of the' what, I wonder," she
murmurs in response to Yselle's words. "Something t'bug her about next
time, that--all right, Lyss, let's get back, but *nay* heart-shaped
loop-de-loops!" Lysseth rumbles in agreeable fashion, and spreads her wings
wide prior to springing--sharply, as promised--into the air.

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

You spring into the air of the Bowl!

You beat your wings powerfully to swoop up higher in the Bowl.

<*> Lysseth disappears into Between.

Between
You gasp as the icy black nothingness of Between surrounds you! You hear
nothing, see nothing, and feel nothing. The trip takes five heartbeats...
Black...
Blacker...
Blackest!

You suddenly emerge...

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

<*> From the South, From the Telgar Star Stones, L'klal's burnished bronze
Pteynth rears on hind legs and bugles a greeting to green Lysseth and her
rider, Kassima, welcoming them home. 

You fly downwards towards the southern end of the bowl.

You fly downwards towards the bowl.

Telgar Weyr> Yselle says, "Night!"

Telgar Weyr> Kassima snugs Ys g'night!

Telgar Weyr> Yselle puts on her Mr. Tinkles voice. "Kassima is evil. That
is all."

Telgar Weyr> S'dar says, "true."

Juliri climbs down from Lysseth's neckridges with the help of her riding
straps, looking grateful to be back on the ground. Lysseth eyes Juliri for
a moment, rumbling quietly, before turning her attention elsewhere.

<*> Perhaps due to some silent rider command, Lysseth is indeed all
business in getting home: her flight, while inordinately fast, is as smooth
as it ever is, and there's no attempting to buzz past Pteynth's head or
play chicken with Dianneth on the way down. And when she settles, it's a
relatively daintly landing given that nothing twenty-five meters long can
really land *daintily*. "You're lucky, y'know," Kassi mentions, still
cheerful. "She didn't decide t'play tag with any other dragons while a
passenger was aboard. She's nay always that considerate, though t'be fair
*Taralyth* was the evil one on that Search."

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.

Telgar Weyr> TelgarW_Bldr welcomes Juliri to the knot as a candidate!

Telgar Weyr> Kassima waffles to Juliri! Welcome to the Lunatic Fringe, home
of dozens of prospective Yselle-spawn-fathers. 0:)

Telgar Weyr> Juliri snickers. I'm sure I'll fit in.. In time. But not as a
spawn father.

"Tell her thank you, then," Juliri says, looking quite pleased at the
notion that she didn't have to go through some horrible trauma of Lysseth's
doing. "Taralyth played tag with the other dragons?"

Kassima reports after a moment spent vague-eyed, "She says you're
welcome--shells, you wouldn't *believe* how smug she's still being. And
aye, he did at least once. When he Searched Savannah, Lyss and I were
along, and he and Lyss were tagging each other all through the sky at
Weaver Hall. Still half-playing when they got *here*, and I'm amazed the
poor lass could keep in her breakfast. Now, 'tis late, so would you like
t'just head for the Barracks--they're in the Inner Cavern," and she adds a
few more detailed directions. "And let the rules and regs and
knot-acquiring wait for the morning? I can get you signed up on the chore
list and everything, you lucky thing, so you don't have t'worry about that."

Juliri looks around her surroundings before clutching her bundles still
more securely in her arms. "I think I'd go to the barracks. It is late, and
I have all of this stuff," the bundle is given a tilt of the head "to dump
on an empty cot. The knot and rules could wait." She is tired, after all.

Kassima nods sympathetically. "I'm all for hitting the sack m'self, so I
quite understand. Just grab an empty cot--there should be plenty left,
though 'twill tell you most of your Barracks-mates have likely been
Searched already so you'll be bunking with a crew. Thankee again for
agreeing t'Stand, hey? Believe me, I'm grateful, and I really do promise
nay baby-fathering will have t'be involved in your Candidacy."

Juliri glances over at Kassima before casting a look over at the still smug
Lysseth. "Well, there's no harm in Standing a second time. And when it
comes to baby-fathering, I'll let the other candidates have a shot."

"From what I've heard, there's at least one who'd probably *love* to,"
Kassi quips, dry in her amusement as the desert they've just left. "And
that's perhaps more what Dianneth was thinking, but Lysseth has one warped
and twisted mind sometimes. 'Twill keep m'fingers crossed for you. And if
you have any questions or just need an ear t'bend on how much latrines suck
dead green eggs, feel free t'look me up, hey? 'Twill doubtless be the one
with the howling small children."

Juliri gives a quick nod before shifting her load in her arms. "I'll look
for you if I have any questions, and even if I don't. You're amusing, I can
tell," she says before venturing off towards the barracks.

Kassima wiggles her fingers after the departing Candidate in a wave, and
then turns to climb back onto her dragon--asking rhetorically as she does,
"Why is it, Lyss, that every time *you* act insane, *I'm* the one who gets
found amusing?" But by the sound of Lysseth's rumble, the dragon finds her
rider amusing too.

Juliri walks beneath the lintel and disappears into the living cavern.

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.

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

You spring into the air and catch the thermals rising from the bowl floor
to carry you aloft.