-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Sailing of the Slithereth

Date:  December 22, 1996
Places:  Ruatha's Racing Flats, Crossway Road, Courtyard, Skyspace, Ice
Lake, Gather Square, Great Lake, and Miner's Workshop
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:  Sometimes, I get really bizarre idea flashes.  This is
an example of one of them. :)  At the very end of the runner races (when
this log begins), I decided an inflatable tunnelsnake would at least
provide comic relief, asked Asrai and Kindre for opinions... and the
rest is history.  Many thanks to Kindre, Asrai, and Jalimax for some
really fun RP. :)  Knot and page chat have been snipped, as have a few
other things to cut down on irrelevant foo.  Anything prefixed by <*>
takes place away from Lysseth while I'm riding her; such poses can be
found in the Ruathan Courtyard, the Skyspace, and the Ice Lake, in that
order.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Log:

Kindre walks down the rise from the direction of the crossroads and soon 
becomes surrounded by swathes of green grass.

Elisabell chuckles. "Ready as ever," she says. "Lead on..."

Jalimax waves and smiles at Kindre.

Asrai looks up in time ot see Kindre approaching, with a bright smile she 
waves the Goldrider over to her and Kassi.

M'rgan picks up his empty plate and rises. "Well, I don't know about you 
all, but I'm still hungry. I think I'm going to go back and get some of 
those porcine ribs they had cooking."

Scannall walks across the rise towards the gather square.

Asrai smiles and nods, "Bye M'rgan!"

Elisabell walks across the rise towards the gather square.

Kindre weaves back through the gather of people. Spotting Asrai, she 
smiles, "Hey there...I was here earlier...went in search of my mark that 
I won from the tall young man we met yesterday."

Fobok waves to M'rgan..

Kassima chuckles and waves. "Clear skies then, Mart. Careful not to 
overstuff yourself, eh? Wouldn't due to be unable to get up on Ularrith 
for the weight!"

Valin walks northwest toward the Ruathan Crossroads.

Kheldar walks to the edge of the crowd, wandering aimlessly

Asrai comments to Kassi and Kindre, "Hey..I heard they were having some 
sort of contest later...something on the lake.."

Petra rubs the stallion's neck with one hand and sighs. "Faranth - it's 
such a relief to have you back."

Kindre quirks a brow,"They are?" she sks with obvious curiosity. The 
missing mark out of her mind for nonow, she smiles, "Well, I've been 
lucky so far today..."

Kassima grins at Kindre. "Did you find it?" She nods to Asrai, and her 
expression immediately turns to a cross between secretive, impish, and 
downright gleeful. "I'd heard about that. And, I have an idea... but I 
may need some help with it. Would you two be willing to aid?"

M'rgan spins around to holler back at Kassima, "Me?!!! You're the one 
who's been eating twice your weight in food. You'd think you were 
pregnant." Ducking his head, the brownrider scurries down the hill and 
into the nearest tent.

Kassima's jaw drops, and she picks up one of her remaining cookies, 
throwing it at Mart with deadly aim.

Jalimax ohhs at Kassima, "You are pregnant?"

Fobok chuckles.

Kassima puts her head in her hands. "I'm going to kill him," she 
mutters, then shakes her head vigorously. "Nay, nay, nay, nay, and 
*nay.*"

The cookie fwaps against the side of the tent as M'rgan darts inside.

Zentra chuckles.

Azila walks northwest toward the Ruathan Crossroads.

Asrai blinks at Mart's parting words, then busts out into giggles as 
Kassi hits! "Hey...better then the runner tail game. Well...almost..." 
She gets a sparkle in her violet eyes, "Oh, can we really Kassi? I'd 
love to help."

Jalimax gets some evil thoughts.

Kindre shakes her head ruefully at Kassima, "Would figure...a man who is 
attractive -and- owes me a mark would disappear." Blinking aat M'rgan's 
remark, then, her eyes widen with disbelief. "He is unbelievbale...how 
you've put up with that I'll never know, Kassi...anyhow," she waves a 
hand to dismiss it, "What's your idea?"

Kassima rolls her eyes. "The things I put up with from old friends... eh, 
Kindre, I'm nay going to have to put up with it much longer. 'Cause he's 
going to be dead before the night's out." She glances around the flats, 
and replies, "You can definitely help, but I can't show you my idea 
here... we'll have to go someplace without people."

Kheldar wanders off towards the main hold

Kheldar walks northwest toward the Ruathan Crossroads.

Jalimax smiles at Kassi, "Can I help?"

Asrai grins looking around...as if to catch people listening in.  She 
turns back to Kassi, "Alright...where then?"

Fobok makes his way over to the other herders again..

Kindre bobs her head, "A good prank could help if he manages to live 
through the evening." She's still sore over the mark she lost to him last 
evening it seems. Smiling mischieviously, she wonders, "Where to, 
Kassima?"

Kassima peers at Jali suspiciously. "Well, I don't know... you *are* 
male. How do we know we can trust you?" As is usual with Kassi, it's 
pretty hard to tell whether she's serious or not. Turning to Kin and 
Asrai, "What d'you think, lasses?"

"Considering my luck with them today, I'd best not vote on this," Kindre 
quips before grinning.

Asrai looks Jalimax up and down, a serious expression on her pixie like 
face, "Gee...I don't know...."

Jalimax smiles sweetly. "I promise not to sing."

Petra smiles at Fobok. "How's Kris keeping - and the baby?"

Asrai giggles, smiling brightly, "Perhaps there is something heavy he 
can help carry."

Kassima hrms. "Well... all right. On one condition. You agree that, 
should you divulge the nature of this... project... I'll be allowed to 
cut out your tongue."

Asrai blinks in suprise, "Kassi!"

Fobok says "Oh, great..Kris might be pushing herself a bit too much..I 
think she's taken at least four trips through the gather since the 
birth.."

Kindre smiles wide, blatantly pleased with tht ideas. With a quick nod of 
her head, she conveys her agreement. "That sounds fair to me."

Jalimax chuckles and nods, "Of course."

Kassima grins impishly and nods. "All right. I think I know a good 
place... reachable only by dragonback, so we should be safe."

Fobok says "And by through it, I mean all the way through.."

Juliana snaps out of her conversation with Spot again and heads to where 
she smells food, the little blue creeling hungrily.

Juliana walks across the rise towards the gather square.

Asrai giggles, becoming excited now, "Oh lets go now..I mean we /should/ 
start working on it if we want it to be finished in time."

Petra grins. "Can't someone tie her down or something?"

Fobok grins back, "I think Lon's tried to.."

Kassima nods and heads off towards the courtyard, gesturing for the 
others to follow her.

You walk northwest toward the crossroads in the middle of the Ruatha 
Valley. Going across the intersection, you proceed down Causeway Road.

A pebble skitters below your feet as you walk east. Ascending the ramp, 
you pass below the stone walkway, where Ruathan guards peer down at you, 
and walk into the courtyard.

Kindre walks through the open gates.

Asrai walks through the open gates.

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.

<*> Jalimax walks through the open gates.

<*> Kindre gives Herath a soft, loving pat on the side. Humbling her oft 
high-held muzzle, Herath dips close to the ground and Kindre half-steps, 
half-tugs herself up with courtly ease. An unusally easy and contented 
glint is in her eyes as her lifemate bestrides her.

<*> Asrai looks around, "Who should ride with who?"

<*> Jalimax says "Okay if I catch a ride with you, Kindre?"

<*> Gracefully astride Herath, Kindre gets situated. "Who shall I take?" 
she calls and then chuckles...

Kassima buckles herself in, settling her long skirts about her 
decorously, and calls down, "If'n for some odd reason either of you'd 
wish to ride Lyss, you're welcome."

<*> Asrai nods, "Alright, I will go with Kassi.." She turns to the Green, 
"If that's alright with you Lysseth.."

<*> Lysseth rumbles. "Lyss doesn't mind," Kassi laughs. "She's used to 
passengers! Come on up, Asrai."

<*> Jalimax bestrides Herath. Looking rather bored as she waits for him 
to settle in, she snorts impatiently.

Asrai accepts Kassima's proffered hand and swings up onto Lysseth's lower 
neckridges, settling herself behind Kassima carefully. Kassi grins and 
reassures the dubious Lysseth that Asrai is safe, and the green faces 
forward as her rider gets ready to fly.

<*> Nestled in her familiar spot on Herath, Kindre snorts, "Like Herath 
is much better," she winks while finishing up the buckles on her harness. 
Waving to Jalimax, she says, "Come on, just be careful."

<*> From golden Herath, Jalimax climes onto Herath carefully, and settles 
himself onto her back where Kindre points, looking for the straps.

Asrai buckles herself in with a practiced motion.

Kassima checks Asrai's straps over her shoulder, then signals her 
readiness to Kindre. "We're ready when you are!"

<*> Gracefully astride Herath, "Right there...you've ridden before I 
hope?" Kindre asks Jali before looking across to Kassima. "We'll follow 
since I've no idea where you're planning to go," she grins.

Kassima nods and nudges Lyss. "Ice Lake, lump," she directs the dragon.

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

With a powerful push of your hind legs, you quickly leave the Main 
Courtyard behind you.

<*> Herath soars up from the Main Courtyard.

<*> Astride Kindre's gold, Jalimax chuckles and nods to Kindre, strapping 
himself in, "A couple of times. Long trip between the Minecraft and the 
Harper Hall."

Battling a particularly fierce crosswind, you fly northwest toward the 
high mountains.

<*> Herath soars in from the southeast, having defeated a particularly 
fierce crosswind.

*BONZAI!* You splash down into the lake.

<*> Herath lands on the shore, scattering a few pebbles.

Asrai looks about her with wide eyes, "Its beautiful here.

Kassima grins as she looks around. "And here we are! Reachable only by 
dragonback, as I promised...." She reaches down to unhook a rather 
large, bulky, unwieldy bundle from Lysseth's straps, holding onto it very 
carefully as she unbuckles herself and dismounts.

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.

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

Kindre gives Herath's neck a loving rub before she slips down with the 
polished ease of familiarity. The gold's eyes seem to burn through Kindre 
until she is certain her lifemate is sure-footed on the ground, then turn 
equally as hot to the surroundings in a quick survey.

Jalimax slips down Herath's golden hide. She snorts impatiently as she 
waits for him to land safely on the ground.

Jalimax looks around, "The places you can get to see when you have a 
dragon." he says, sighing a bit.

Kindre smiles wide, "This is a perfect place in which to conspire," she 
utters before grinning.

Asrai takes a moment to turn a full circle, her mouth hanging open, 
"Wow."

Kassima loosens the fastenings of her bundle, and unrolls it to display 
what's within. It's rather... unique, for certain. Unbelievable, one 
might say. Quite large enough for a person to sit on with a modicum of 
comfort, this flattened creation sewn together from tunnelsnake hides is 
thin and supple. A small nozzle made from bronze is at one side of it, 
plugged at the moment. All of that, however, is secondary to the shape... 
and color. It's a tunnelsnake. A giant, inflatable tunnelsnake, painted 
bright red with black racing stripes. The eyes, a bright yellow, are made 
from glass; they're also crooked, and a silly pink tongue lolls out of 
the unfortunate creation's 'mouth' under that. It sticks out between the 
painted white fangs, which look rather like what would be buckteeth in a 
human.

Kassima grins at her co-conspirators. "I think we've a shot at winning 
most unusual, at least, wouldn't you say?"

Asrai turns around just in time to see the 'floating snake', she 
immediately doubles over in a gleeful giggles, "Oh...Kassi...that's...
wonderful!"

Kindre's hand covers her mouth in a display of almost disbelief. Eyes 
widen as they take in each feature of the snake. "Craackdust, Kassima," 
she sys slowly before looking up and clapping, "This, my friends, is 
perfect. Oh, true enough," is muttered while she walks along the expanse 
of the boat, "We could win..."

Asrai points, "Look, its even the right colors...wherever did you get it, 
Kassi?"

Kassima peers down at the... thing. "Aunt Simerva," she says, shaking her 
head in disbelief, "thought a giant tunnelsnake toy, filled with air to 
float, would be a marvelous gift for my second cousin Kavanir. She 
*commissioned* this thing from Eryssiara... who is letting me borrow it, 
so we'll have to be careful or I'll have to *pay* for this thing. The 
colors were my idea," she adds with some pride. "Eryssi said she could 
always paint it the bright orange Simerva wanted afterwards, and this 
wouldn't show through much."

Asrai hmms looking at it thoughtfully, "I'm sure they will all know whose 
entry it is...but I think it needs a name...a flag of some sort."

Kindre just blinks before her eyes crinkle with delight. "It's so perfect 
I can barely believe it..."

Jalimax looks at it and nods.

Kassima taps the nozzle. "It's a bit big," she observes, stating the 
obvious yet again, "so 'twould be best to take turns filling it. You just 
breath into this thing until it's full. It *stands up* when 'tis full, 
would you believe? And I've thought of that!" She pulls another thing 
from the bundle: a light wooden dowel. At the top is a black flag, with 
'Slithereth' painted on it in bright red letters. "I made it m'self!"
Asrai giggles, nodding, but then pauses, getting that familiar confused 
look, "Ummm Kassi...how are we going to get the flag to well....fly?"
Kindre nods after hearing Asrai. "True there. But whatever to call it to 
fit? It needs something..." Her words trail off to watch Kassima rummage 
through the bundle. Chuckling when she reads the flag, she says, 
"Perfect... oh, shards, that's great..."

Kassima grins and points to the tunnelsnake's right foreclaw, which is 
curled. "'Tis more meant to hold the stem of a glass of something to 
drink, but 'twill hold the dowel just as well."

Asrai grins and nods, walking up to stand peering into the seat, 
"Kassi...this was made for someone small...who's going to steer it? And 
with what?"

Kindre is rendered nearly speechless. Tearing her gaze from the 'boat' 
she wonders, "Who goes first to fill it? It's a shame neither of the 
dragons could help, but, somehow," she smirks, "I can't see either of 
them deigning to do it." Her eyes then follow Asrai's, "Hmm, true, how 
does it work?"

Kassima smiles. "Someone can sit in the middle, and let their legs stick 
between the front and middle legs; you get a pair of paddles for 
steering." She sprints over to Lyss to unhinge another bundle. This, as 
promised, does have some thin, light paddles. "You use these as oars, 
see."

Jalimax chuckles and just watches it, amazed at it.

Kindre's eyes widen with understanding. "Seems like it'd work 
wonderfully...Only one can pilot it, though?"

Asrai looks over her shoulder at the others, listening for the answer.

Kassima takes hold of the nozzle and sets to work blowing it up, shaking 
at the same time to Kindre. "Mmmph mrmph--" She plugs the nozzle 
temporarily with her thumb. "'Tis made a fifteen Turn old, y'see, and is 
meant to have enough room to hold one friend...." She rolls her eyes. "One 
to take each paddle."

Kassima adds, "Though one person *can* steer it. Probably best that way, 
since there wouldn't be much room for two adults...." She shrugs. "They 
may nay let a group steer, too. I don't know. Didn't see any rules posted 
anywhere."

Asrai smiles, "Sounds like fun...do you need us to do anything while you t
ake your turn blowing it up?

A corner of Kindre's lips curl up into her cheek as something dawns on 
her. "You know, I'm a Seacrafter, born and raised. Mayhap that'll be an 
advantage somehow." Looking back over the snakeboat, she nods, "Oh, now I 
see...yes, what would you like us to do? Just help blow it up?"

Kassima nods. "Aye, aye... put the flag up, if'n you'd be so kind, but 
other than that, I don't know what else we could do to it." Her tone 
suggests that she thinks enough has been done to the poor creature 
already.

Asrai giggles at some memory, "I'd prolly just end up going in the wrong 
direction or something."

Asrai takes up the flag and places it in the crooked 'hand' of the snake, 
stuggling some to get it to stay in place.

Kindre smiles nd bobs her head quickly. "That works..."

Kassima hrms thoughtfully. "Y'know, too... I didn't think, but it may be 
too heavy for more'n one to rid it. If'n it broke a'cause of weight, I'd 
have to *buy* it." She doesn't exactly sound thrilled at the idea of 
paying good marks for this thing, and who can blame her?

Asrai giggles, "Then perhaps Kindre should captain our...boat... she and 
I are the smallest."

Kassima nods. "Sounds good, I think," she smiles. "If Kin'd be willing. 
Asrai, you want to take a turn at blowing up this thing?"

Asrai nods, "I think I'd better, you're looking a little red in the 
face." She comes over and stoops beside Kassi, moving her hand so that 
she can plug the opening before too much air is lost. She then begins to 
try her hardest to make a dent in the blowing.

Kindre pulls out of her study of the snakeboat. "Hmm? Sorry, my mind went 
'tween there for a moment." Slowly the words that were said around filter 
into full sentences. "Me? I've the skill enough, I suppose...but Asrai, 
you at least a handspan shorter than I..."

Asrai continues to blow, her own cheeks becoming flushed with the 
effort...but the 'boat' does start to take a more normal shape. Well if 
you consider its shape 'normal' to begin with.

Asrai plugs the stopper and looks up, "Seeing how well I did the other 
day during the three legged race...are you willing to trust me?" she says 
it with good humor though.

Jalimax blinks as they see the tunnelsnake raft.

Kassima tilts her head. "Did y'nay say that you had sailing experience, 
though, Kin?"

Kassima blinks as she sees the tunnelsnake raft.

Kindre chuckles first to Asrai before admitting, "I do...mostly smaller 
rowboats and the like, but I've been on and around boats my whole life 
before Benden..."

Asrai giggles, "Then I for one think you are our /much/ safer bet."

Jalimax nodnods and agrees.

Asrai plugs the stopper and leans back, looking very red in the face, 
"That said...Kindre..I think its your turn to blow."

Kindre bobs her head, "You do seem flush, Asrai," she mentions before 
walking over to take her own turn. "Are you certain you -trust- me with 
this? The principals are the same, I suppose..."

Kassima chuckles. "Worst comes to worst, I'll have an interesting 
momento, eh? You're less likely to break it than I, and that's enough for 
me."

Jalimax smiles, "I can blow for a while at least."

Asrai looks up into the sky, "We should try and hurry...we don't want to 
miss the starting time.

Kindre, her mouth around the filling tube, tries to nod her agreement 
without losing her momentum of breathing.


---

Large and Ludicrous Inflated Tunnelsnake Raft(#14096MVaes)
        When you first see this makeshift craft, you just have to blink. 
It's rather... unique, for certain. Unbelievable, one might say. Quite 
large enough for a person to sit on with a modicum of comfort, this 
rounded creation sewn together from tunnelsnake hides is thin and supple, 
and filled with air. A small nozzle made from bronze is at one side of it, 
plugged at the moment to keep it from losing its buoyancy. All of that, 
however, is secondary to the shape... and color. It's a tunnelsnake. A 
giant, ludicrous tunnelsnake, painted bright red with black racing 
stripes. The seat for the steerer of this unfortunate craft is between the 
front and middle legs, with room behind for someone else child-sized; 
however, it's obvious that this thing isn't strong enough to bear the 
weight of two adults without bursting eventually.
        The eyes, a bright yellow, are made from glass; they're also 
crooked, and a silly pink tongue lolls out of the unfortunate creation's 
'mouth' under that. It sticks out between the painted white fangs, which 
look rather like what would be buckteeth in a human. The pudgy claws are 
painted a similar white, and appear more like oddly-shaped marshmellows 
than anything remotely threatening. A light wooden dowel has been placed 
within the curl of one front foreclaw--from it flies a black flag, with 
'Slithereth' painted on it a bit messily in bright red letters. Resting 
beside it are two light paddles, black with a red squiggly line along the 
length of each side, meant quite obviously for steering. (Type 'credits' 
to see who was psychopathic enough to come up with this thing.)

---


Jalimax smiles.

Asrai smiles brightly, "So...is it almost done?

Kassima hmmms. "I think so... still needs a few more puffs, though. Jali, 
can you take over from Kindre? Don't want her getting winded a'fore the 
race!"

Jalimax chuckles and nods, moving over to sit down and being ready to 
take over when Kindre scoots out of the way.

Kindre gladly caps the tube before handing it to Jalimax. "Crackdust, that 
was harder than I thought it would be. So," she chuckles wryly, "I'm to 
man the beast?"

Asrai giggles and nods, "We'll of course be there to cheer you on, 
Kindre."

Kassima chuckles. "Assuming they let it be a team thing... I hope they do; 
you all deserve to get credit for the help you've given me! Besides," she 
eyes the thing, "I don't think I *want* to ride it. You know how I fear 
Slithereth."

Jalimax starts to blow into the tube, huffing and puffing.

Lysseth eyes the craft dubiously, not looking thrilled at the prospect of 
carrying it back to the Gather.

Kindre laughs aloud, "Aw, come on now, Kassima, it's not too bad...I don't 
see why," she starts on the other subject, "they wouldn't let it be 
offered as team effort. S'long as we share the prize and such..."

Kassima nods. "If the prize is something shareable... I hope so, but I 
have nay clue what the prize *is*. 'Tany rate, we'll at least have fun 
with it, aye?" She grins. "And if they *don't* let us do a team thing, 
then I'll *buy* you each a prize if'n we win. Deal?"

Herath warbles humrously at Lysseth, the tone an almost 'better-you-than-
I' as it filters from her muzzle.

Asrai nods, "They'll let us...you'll see. Deal!"

Lysseth merely looks resigned.

Kindre shakes her hed, "Shards, no. You went through the trouble of 
getting it here. I'll be glad enough just to see it in the race! No prizes 
needed. Oh, though," she grins, "some of that lemon bread for a treat 
would be nice."

Jalimax continues blowing air into the raft, listening to the conversation 
as well.

Kassima glances over at the 'boat' and claps. "I think 'tis done! Shall we 
get it back to the Courtyard?"

Kassima adds, "Mayhaps we should take it directly to the lake...."

Asrai nods, "That would prolly be best...people are going to give us 
strange enough looks when they see it. Don't think we need to tote it all 
the way through the gather."

Kindre nods quickly, "Sounds good to me...oh," she wrinkles up her lips, 
"True. Though the four of us attempting to traipse through the gather 
square could be a humourous sight..."

Jalimax phews and looks for something to plug in the hole with.

Asrai leans down and points to the built in plug that's attatched to the 
nozzle, "Just use this."

Jalimax nods and stuffs the plug hard into the hole, so that it doesn't 
suddenly pop out.

Asrai looks over at Kassi, "Should I carry it?"

Kassima hmmms. "Nay, I'd best, else Lyss won't be willing to have it 
strapped on. If I do it, she knows better than to protest *too* much...."

Kindre smirks before nodding.

Asrai giggles and nods, "Alright...you know best."

Jalimax smiles and nods.

You stuff the Raft into an eddy in the Space-Time Continuum, hoping 
against hope that it'll be lost in there and you'll never have to see it 
again.

[Editor's Note:  Well, what can I say?  It *was* a temporary item, and I
figured I might as well have some fun with the non-emitted messages. ;)]

Kindre wonders, "Should I hve Herth follow Lysseth or should we met you at 
the lake? I can have her land in the courtyard..."

Kassima hauls the huge thing over to Lysseth, where she straps it in 
securely. "Um, Kindre... can Herath carry Asrai, too? I'm nay sure there's 
room for this and *me*, much less her...."

Kassima inclines her head. "I'll have to take Lyss back over to the 
courtyard anyway, so you may as well meet me there. There's some time 
before the race. We can still have some time at the Gather proper."

Kindre bobs her head, "Surely...she's big enough to," she adds with dry 
humor.

Asrai giggles watching as Kassi struggles with the raft. then looks to 
Kindre, "You wouldn't mind would you?

Lysseth turns her head to eye her 'passenger' in obvious disbelief, then 
gives a long-suffering rumbling dragonsigh.

Kindre shrugs a shoulder, "Why would I mind? Herath, well, she's another 
story, but this gather's effect on my mood seems to have lightened hers as 
well."

Asrai giggles once more, waiting her turn to alight the Gold...she even 
does so patiently.

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.

<*> Kindre gives Herath a soft, loving pat on the side. Humbling her oft 
high-held muzzle, Herath dips close to the ground and Kindre half-steps, 
half-tugs herself up with courtly ease. An unusally easy and contented 
glint is in her eyes as her lifemate bestrides her.

Kassima buckles herself in, wedged between a neckridge and the raft. The 
raft's tongue drapes over her head like a strange pink hat, but this can't 
be helped.

<*> Jalimax offers to help Asrai onto Herath.

<*> Asrai bestrides Herath. Looking rather bored as she waits for her to 
settle in, she snorts impatiently.

<*> From golden Herath, Asrai smiles at Jalimax as he gives her a boost.

<*> Jalimax bestrides Herath. Looking rather bored as she waits for him 
to settle in, she snorts impatiently.

Kassima grins and waves over to those on the gold. "And away we go!"

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

With a powerful heave of your hind quarters, you launch into the air.

<*> Over by the Ice Lake, Gracefully astride Herath, Kindre cn't help but 
laugh when she looks over the snakeboat atop Lysseth's hide. Tightened the 
harness's buckles about herself, she smiles back nd helps Jalimax and 
Asrai in, too.

Mastering the tricky crosswinds here, you sail southeast toward Ruatha 
Hold.

<*> Herath flies in from the northwest.

[Editor's Note:  Me dropping off the raft has been cut out, since it was
just a bunch of leave, enter, and drop messages.]

Tucking in your wings, you drop down toward the blue-grey flagstone 
courtyard.

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.

Nestled in her familiar spot on Herath, "We're meeting them here, no? 
Ah, nevermind." Kindre says spying the green and her rider.

Kindre gives Herath's neck a loving rub before she slips down with the 
polished ease of familiarity. The gold's eyes seem to burn through Kindre 
until she is certain her lifemate is sure-footed on the ground, then turn 
equally as hot to the surroundings in a quick survey.

Jalimax slips down Herath's golden hide. She snorts impatiently as she 
waits for him to land safely on the ground.

Astride Kindre's gold, Asrai smiles, undoing her buckles before sliding 
off.

Asrai slips down Herath's golden hide. She snorts impatiently as she 
waits for her to land safely on the ground.

Kassima grins. "Meeting me you are, indeed. Shall we go enjoy some of the 
Festival ere the race begins?"

Asrai smiles and nods, "We won't be late will we...we shouldn't have too 
much longer till it starts.

Kindre smiles, "Again, another good plan. Those snacks I took to the 
races seem to expended themselve."

Kassima shakes her head. "Ach, nay... the lake's nay far, just past the 
racing flats."

Asrai smiles, "Some food then..I must admit I'm rather hungry myself.."

Kassima grins. "Let's head over there then, shall we?"

Kindre nods and waves out a hnd, "After you, o' finder of the boat," she 
grins.

Asrai nods, skipping off.

Dwane hops out of the transport wagon as it slows to a halt inside the 
Great Gates.

Asrai strides below the stone walkway, past the gates, and descends down 
the cobblestone ramp, vanishing from view.

Kindre strides below the stone walkway, past the gates, and descends down 
the cobblestone ramp, vanishing from view.

Dwane slowly slips down off the wagon, starting to raise a hand in thanks 
to the driver, but his ride has already departed.

Kassima laughs and walks after Asrai, nodding to Dwane without really 
recognizing him--she's walking rather fast.

You stride below the stone walkway, down the cobblestone ramp and onto 
Causeway Road.

You walk southwest, edging around the crafthalls, to reach the gather 
square.

Asrai walks around the crafthalls from the northwest.

Jalimax walks around the crafthalls from the northwest.

Asrai looks to her friends, "Feast tent?"

Asrai adds, "Or the Baker's?

Kassima glances between her three friends. "Feast tent, or Baker tent? 
'Tis up to you; I'm nay hungry m'self."

Brendan hears a familiar voice he's not heard in a /long/ time.

Brendan says "Kassima?!"

Kindre hrms, "I've visited that Baker's tent once too often, mayhap," she 
says and pats her stomach.

Kassima spins as she heards her name called, and smiles widely as she 
spots the caller. "Brenden! Benden's duties to Harper Hall--shards, it's 
been a span! How fares?"

Asrai giggles "Feast Tent then?..." She trails off as she hears Kassi's 
name called."

Kelset walks around the crafthalls from the northwest.

Kindre stops, too, turning to see where the voice calling Kassima's name 
came from.

Nikoll raises an eyebrow and glances from Brendan to Kassima, then spies 
Kelset and waves him over.

Brendan rund over to greet Kassima. "It's been so long! How are you 
doing?"

Fobok comes out of the Winecraft pavillion.

Red follows after Fobok.

Kelset strolls in, a corner of a bubbly in one hand. He smiles upon 
seeing the two Harpers and walks slowly over to the group.

Fobok looks around after coming out of the winecraft pavillion..

Kindre smirks a bit, "I swear, Kassima, you know everyone nearly on 
Pern..."

Kelset nods and waves a slightly hellp to Fobok. "Hello, journeyman."

Kassima smiles. "I'm well, quite well thankee! As is Lysseth. 
Everything's fine at home, though 'tis cold with winter approaching... 
don't believe you've met my friends?" She turns to Asrai and Kindre. 
"This is Asrai, and this Kindre, gold Herath's rider, both of Benden 
Weyr."

Kassima chuckles. "Ach, nay quite... close enough, though, it sometimes 
seems!"

Fobok nods back to the apprentice, "Hello.."

Asrai smiles shyly over at Brendan as he's introduced, "Hello."

Kindre smiles and nods her head, "Well met, Brendan. Enjoying the 
Festival?" She asks kindly.

Karise walks around the crafthalls from the northwest.

Kelset nods to Fobok and finds himself a seat, listening with interest to 
the others.

Mikhal pushes the gate to one side and enters the BeastCraft Pens.

Brendan says "Glad to meet you both. Harper's duty to you. Nikoll? Come 
here and say hi to Kassima and her friends."

Kassima spots a familiar face and waves. "Karise! Heyla!"

Karise wanders about, cloak sweeping about her. With a soft brr, she 
hears her name called and meanders over to that direction. "Heya, Kassi, 
Kindre, Asrai....you know...it's a pain flying straight to places."

Nikoll smiles warmly and moves over to stand next to Brendan, her hand 
seeking his. "Well met," she says quietly, gaze flicking from one face to 
another.

Kindre's attention is momentarily distracted as she, too, spots the 
greenrider. "Karise," she declares and smiles wide. Waving her over, she
wonders, "How long've you been here? Ah, true, I'd not want to do it..."

Asrai smiles brightly at Karise as she makes her way over.

Kassima smiles and nods to Nikoll. "Well met, indeed... 'tis a pleasure 
to make your acquaintance, in very deed. Benden's duties and all the 
formal stuff," she adds, smile widening into a grin. Then she turns her 
head to wrinkle her nose. "Ach, Karise, I can well imagine... must've 
been a sharding long flight."

Brendan says "This is Kassima, and her friends Karise and Asrai."

Kindre's gaze falls back to the pair she's just meeting. "Well met, also, 
Nikoll. Benden's duties to you both."

Brendan says "Kassima? How is K'nan?"

Karise pulls from her cloak... a pillow. "I couldn't help it... my rear 
was killing me." She stuffs the pillow back in, before chuckling.

Asrai smiles to the young woman then turns back to Karise and says 
animately, "You're just in time! We're going to enter the boat contest!"

Fobok comes back into the square, hurrying toward the woodsmith tent..

Karise tilts her head to one side. "Boat contest?"

Zentra departs from the gather square and strolls northwest around the 
crafthalls.

Nikoll chuckles at Kassima, then nods to everyone as they are introduced. 
She starts to slide her gitar back into its case, then blinks. "Did 
someone say boat contest?"

Kassima laughs as she sees Karise's pillow, and shakes her head, grinning. 
To Brendan, she answers, "Ach, he's well too. Bree's Apprenticed to 
Minecraft, had you heard? So he's nay doubt getting more peace and quiet 
of late! Oh, shards, you're right... mayhaps we should get over there."

Asrai giggles, "Well...its the anything that floats contest.." Her eyes 
sparkle with mischief.

Karise coughs, before blinking. "Anything that floats....?" She grins, 
before making a face. "Nah....I shouldn't."

Kindre rolls her eyes and grins, "I've been picked to man the vessel." 
Nodding to Nikoll, she adds her name, "I'm Kindre, by the by, and yes. 
Are you entering?"

Asrai looks worried, "You don't think we missed the start do you??"

Kelset stands up, shrugging. "No way to find out except to go there."

Kassima's expression is similar to Asrai's. "And our raft *does* float... 
nay, I doubt it. But we'd best be walking that way, I'm thinking." She 
glances at Brendan, Karise, and all. "Were you planning to watch? I 
imagine 'twill be, hrm, interesting."

Public announcement: Lara announces "The 'Anything That Floats Race' will 
be taking place in about 10 minutes at Ruatha's Great Lake. Last minute 
participants are more than welcome. (From the Courtyard, GG, RF, GL)"

Nikoll slips her gitar on her back and shakes her head at Kindre. "I had 
no idea they were having one.. but I think I'd prefer just to watch, at 
any rate."

Asrai giggles, covering her mouth with one hand.

Dwane walks in down the path from the racing flats.

Kindre chuckles and nods.. "Well, you'll not be able to miss us. The 
craft is, well, interesting to say the least." Bobbing her heaad to 
Kassima, she agrees, "We should go that way, hmm?"

Brendan shrugs. "Whatever you like, love," he says to Nikoll.

Kassima nods, grinning. "Oh, aye, they are. And I think we should. 'Tis 
at the Great Lake, through the flats and all...." Even as she says this, 
she turns around to start walking in that direction.

Nikoll grins up at Brendan. "Well, I suppose I wouldn't mind entering.. 
but all I've got that floats is my gitar, and I'd hardly want to use it!"

Departing from the gather square, you stroll northwest around the 
crafthalls and walk onto Causeway Road.

Strolling across the intersection, you walk southeast. Crossing over a 
rise in the land, you see swathes of green grass. The green grass ends at 
a long strip of brown dirt.

You stride down a path in the picket line and journey over to the bank of 
river, which has widened into a large lake at this point.

(Various people arrive.)

Kelset approaches the lake, smiling with some amusement at the different 
rafts assembled. He takes a seat near the edge.

Zentra dropped Zentra's Bunch Of Junk Boat.

Lara smiles at the crowd, waving to those she does and doesn't know.

Zentra smiles. "Hi everyone."

Kelset looks over and nods, returning the herder's smile. "Hello."

Juliana tries to push her way through so she can see better, muttering 
soft, polites excuse me's on the way.

Asrai stands over by Kassi and Kindre, giggling to herself.

Kassima nods to the headwoman, smiling. "Benden's duties to Ruatha," she 
calls, as she walks over with Asrai and Kindre. "Well, Kin, ready to take 
the plunge so to speak? And I do hope I don't mean that literally...."

Lara grins at the rider. "Ruatha's duties to Benden, Kassima. Are you 
going to win yet another event here?"

Dwane follows the crowd, peering forward to see what is so interesting.

Kelset nods politely to Jalimax with a smile. "Good evening, Master."

Kassima grins and jerks her thumb back in the direction of the huge 
inflated tunnelsnake. "Well, now, I'd say that depends on whether or nay 
this thing lives up to m'hopes regarding its floatability...."

Kindre laughs, her voice tinged with a bit of apprehension. "Well," she 
utters with humor, "Isn't much like the crafts I used to sail, but I'll do 
my best." She adds her voice to the formal greetings, "Benden's duty to 
Ruatha...it seems we're going to try," she says cheerily.

Asrai giggles and winks at Kindre, "You'll do just fine, Kindre don't you 
worry."

Scannall smiles at Bell while looking at the 'boats'. "This should be 
fun."

Juliana stands on her tiptoes, trying to get a good look at everything

Elisabell chuckles, and nods to Scan, not taking her eyes off the raft 
that looks vaguely like a tunnelsnake.

Dwane turns and moves back to where he came from.

Dwane strolls westward, walking through the picket line to the lush green 
grass of the racing flats.

Lara grins as she strides past all the 'boats', chuckling at the 
appearance of a few of them.

Danna blinks at the craft the riders from Benden carry, as she looks over 
the entries.

Kethran strides down a path in the picket line, coming over from the 
racing flats.

Stannis strides down a path in the picket line, coming over from the 
racing flats.

Kethran waves cheerfully to Karise and wanders through the crowd toward 
her. "Heya, love," he murmurs softly, and finally manages to get 
relatively close.

Asrai looks around and then spots someone...she nudges Kindre in the 
ribs...mayhaps a little harder then she intended.

Karise giggles, shaking her head as she looks over to the float her 
friends carry. "You...made that?" She coughs, before a bale of snickers 
escape. She looks to see Kethran, waving him over and pointing to the 
float.

Stannis jogs up calling out, "Did I miss anything yet?"

Juliana finally gives up and stays behind everyone, talking to her blue 
firelizard.

Asrai mutters to Kindre, "... the..."

Scannall looks a little concerned. "I hope all these things can float."

Kindre spots the reason she was nudged nd smiles to Asrai. "Hi, Kethran," 
she calls to the Assistant Steward upon catching sight of him.

Verita grins. "Oh, they're supposed to be able to float? I'm a miner, 
nobody told me that."

Kassima can't help it; a chortle escapes before she manages to assume a 
straight face and says, "Aye... with a bit of help from a cousin of mine, 
and the aid of Kindre, Asrai, and Jali in inflating it. Thankee again, 
you three," she adds to them. "Couldn't've done it without you."

Zentra hmmms and fixes some falling-off garbage on her boat. "There, 
done."

Elisabell notices Juliana behind the crowd, and, remembering the girl, 
gently takes her arm and positions her in the very front.

Lara smiles and clears her throat before raising her voice. "If all the 
participants could now place their 'rafts' in the water? The race will 
begin momentarily."

Kelset chuckles at Verita's comment. "You mean they don't teach you 
miners how to float things? I'd never have thought."

Verita asks all available bystanders to help, and they grab the edges and 
lift, dragging the rock raft into the water..

Selandra strides down a path in the picket line, coming over from the 
racing flats.

Scannall chuckles at Verita's comment. "It does help when you're out on a 
lake."

Asrai smiles, "Now lets see if Kindre here can make it go where we want it 
too....Benden's reputation is dependant on it...no pressure Kindre, of 
course."

Verita swims out pass the breakwater to Ruatha's Great Lake.

Large and Ludicrous Inflated Tunnelsnake Raft sails out of the marina and 
onto Ruatha's Great Lake.

Zentra swims out pass the breakwater to Ruatha's Great Lake.

Selandra grins, and makes her way over towards the Benden contingent. "I 
though I saw a commotion down here." she grins.

Kindre rolls her eyes, "So you say..."

>From the Great Lake, Verita guides her clumsy raft as she and her helpers 
wade into the water. One sits on an edge, and that edge collapses, 
dunking him.

Kassima shoves the raft out onto the water, and grins, looking a mix of 
amused and excited. "Ready, Kin?"

Asrai acks pointing, "Quick Kindre...before it floats away!"

Kindre swims out pass the breakwater to Ruatha's Great Lake.

>From the Great Lake, Zentra grunts slightly as she shoves her heavy junk-
pile raft in the water. Amazingly, it stays afloat.

>From the Great Lake, Verita asks all available bystanders to help, and 
they grab the edges and lift, dragging the rock raft into the water..

>From the Great Lake, Verita guides her clumsy raft as she and her helpers 
wade into the water. One sits on an edge, and that edge collapses, 
dunking him.

Stannis watches in amusement, dropping to a cross-legged seat to get a 
good view of the water.

Juliana sees Selandra and jumps up and down trying to get her attention, 
maybe the greenrider can get her a better look.

Asrai looks over amoung the croud, smiling to herself for some reason.

Kethran grins at Karise, turning his gaze toward the float with a 
slightly gaping expression, and then is distractedby Kindre's wave. He 
returns it gleefully, also waving to Asrai and Kassima.

Styphnal strides down a path in the picket line, coming over from the 
racing flats.

Danna grins at Lara, "I hope all the participants can swim!"

Scannall waves to Styph.

Styphnal walks into the area.. and spots Lara, walking over to her.

Asrai notices Keth and waves brightly, "Do you see it? Isn't it great?"

Selandra chuckles, and waves. "Hello there Juliana." she moves in for the 
look offered.

>From the Great Lake, Verita crawls carefully onto the raft, lying flat on 
her stomach with her head and arms off one edge and he weight spread as 
far as possible.

Karise shakes her head, before leaning against Kethran. "I didn't want to 
make you right straight with me," she whispers. "It was a pain enought 
for me alone."

Lara chuckles at Danna, giving her husband a wave before stepping onto a 
small, very sturdy raft, being rowed to the finish line by a seacrafter.
Lara swims out pass the breakwater to Ruatha's Great Lake.

Kethran nods to Karise. "It's not all that far to Telgar, though," he 
tells her with a smile, draping his arm around her shoulders. "Actually 
closer than Benden -- though I've a mind to do a bit of shopping here, as 
well."

>From the Great Lake, Zentra pulls herself onto her raft, trying to stay 
steady /and/ get ready to paddle.

>From the Great Lake, Lara gives the rules, "On my mark, you will all 
paddle, sail or whatever your rafts to the marker out in the middle of 
the lake there," she says while pointing at it. "Then you'll turn around 
and head back. First raft to make it past the finish line wins the race."

Karise nods, motioning back to the gather square. "I bet there'd be a few 
things to look at...but I just got here myself." She sighs, before 
looking out to the water.

Stannis tries to peer over the contestants to see if he knows anyone, 
"Jays, noone to cheer for."

>From the Great Lake, Zentra nods. "Ready."

Danna bites her fingernails, watching Lara and Verita.

Trina strides down a path in the picket line, coming over from the racing 
flats.

>From the Great Lake, Lara smiles as she looks over the contestants. 
"Everyone ready?"

From the Great Lake, Zentra says "Yep."

From the Great Lake, Kindre is in the boat, she is...really.

Asrai bites her lower lip and makes her way over to the apprentice 
woodsmith, "you should cheer for the tunnel snake one...that's ours.

Scannall chuckles softly. "I hope they all know how to swim."

>From the Great Lake, Kindre bobs her head, "I suppose I am," she says 
with a grin.

Trina finds a place out of the way, yet with a fairly good view.

Danna nods anxiously at Scannall, "Me too!"

Stannis looks up, hearing the voice, and grins, "Asrai, right?"

>From the Great Lake, Verita waves her paddle at Lara, to signal ready, 
and the raft moves under her like a leaf under a vtol.

Danna says nervously to Scannall and Elisabell, "Does Verita know what 
she's doing?"

Asrai nods a pleased smile lighting up her face, "That's right...I helped 
with the big red and black...snake out there.

>From the Great Lake, Zentra hmms and pulls off a big piece of wood for 
paddle.

Kelset watches the rafts bob and bounceing in the water with amusement.

>From the Great Lake, Lara holds up a bright red flag. "Then on your 
mark...get set..."

Kethran tightens his arm around Karise, and smiles. "So what's going on? 
Who's competing?"

Kassima waves belatedly to Kethran, and then to Kindre. "Good luck!" she 
yells.

>From the Great Lake, Lara yells out, "GO!" as she drops the flag.

Karise grins. "It's a float race. You know which one's ours." She points 
to the snake with the racing stripes.

Scannall looks into Forge's eyes for a minute, then Forge disappears for 
a minute returning with a blanket.

>From the Great Lake, Zentra puts her 'paddle' in the water and starts 
moving. Not very fast.

Elisabell glances first at Danna, and then to Verita. "Um..I don't...
er..."

>From the Great Lake, Verita digs her paddle in and pulls. The circular 
raft spins, and dips on her side, dunking her to the shoulders in the 
water.

Kelset stands up and cheers for the girl in the junk float.

Stannis nods, "Interesting looking craft, that one. Oh look, they're 
starting!" He leans forward, "Don't know that I should cheer for that one 
though, you Benden folks keep winning everything."

Danna peers out at the lake as the crafts begin to move.

>From the Great Lake, A brightly colorful float with a rainbow type theme 
starts to sink after only moving a dragonlength. The soaking wet 
participants laugh good-naturedly and drag what shreds remain of the boat 
back to shore.

Scannall spreads the blanket out on the beach and takes a seat to watch 
the spectal from.

>From the Great Lake, The monsterous snake of red and black gets off to a 
rather quick start. Its 'rider' has done this before it seems. Paddling 
quickly, Kindre attempts (and fails) to make the contraption and herself 
look anything but clumsy and odd.

Elisabell clears her throat. "She'll come out OK, I guess, the lake's not 
/that/ deep. And who knows, she may win." She smiles nervously.

Selandra chuckles, and moves back a few paces from the waters edge. "This 
could get very interesting very fast."

Asrai smiles takes a seat next to Stannis, she pouts a little, "Won't you 
make an exception...just this once?"

Danna tsks. "Do you know what that water is going to do to her hair!" She 
sighs and yells, "Come on Verita!"

Kethran grins, suddenly more interested in the race as he realizes that 
Benden is being represented. "All right," he says, chuckling softly, then, 
in a louder voice, he begins chanting, "Benden!" repeatedly, encouraging 
Kindre. He glances around, looking for anyone willing to bet a mark or 
two.

Stannis nudges the Benden woman with his elbow, "And why'd I want to do a 
thing like that?"

Juliana pushes her way to Selandra, apologizing to the people she pushes.

Elisabell can't help but giggle at Danna's comment about Verita's hair.

Danna waves to Nathon from where she sits with Scannall and Elisabell.

Scannall smiles and looks at Danna. "That's the least of her worries at 
the moment."

Asrai giggles nudging Stas back, "Cuz this time /I/ helped blow that 
thing up!"

>From the Great Lake, A raft in the shape of a cloud floats along the 
surface of the water. It may have been meant to glide along at a swift 
pace, but this cloud is in desperate need of a good strong wind if its to 
go anywhere.

Nathon blinks at the crowd... and waves at Danna

>From the Great Lake, Verita scoots back from the edge, and stretches her 
arms to paddle, spinning the raft back to point her at the marker. Then 
she puts the paddle in the water at a slant and pulls it straight toward 
the raft. The raft moves toward its target, dipping again at the edge, but 
not so far. Verita does it again.

Stannis laughs, "Yes, and?"

Kassima lifts a fist up in the air and chants, "Ben-den! Ben-den!" Rather 
like her 'Till-ek Till-ek' Swill Mantra yesterday, really. She's having 
trouble not laughing hysterically as she yells, "Go, Kindre! Woo!"

>From the Great Lake, Zentra ergs as her paddle breaks, so she sticks it 
back onto her raft and starts paddling with her arms. She's moving a bit 
faster, but the sides are starting to dip into the water.

From the Great Lake, Kindre seems relieved that 'Slithereth' is managing 
to stay afloat. Paddlepaddlepaddle. Amazingly, the oversized verom 
likeness manages to keep up a bit well, although by no stretch of the 
imagination in a very graceful way.

Danna's hands ball into fists, watching Verita, "There she goes!" she 
says excitedly to her companions.

>From the Great Lake, Verita pulls the water toward her with miner-trained 
arms, and the pumice-filled raft moves steadily toward the marker.

Karise shakes her head, biting her lip to surpress a giggle. "Go 
Kindre!!" she calls at last, joining in on the Benden chant.

Scannall chuckles and cheers for Verita.

Kethran finally catches sight of the name on the Benden raft, and he 
turns back toward Kassima, cocking a brow. "Slithereth?" he asks warily. 
"Slithereth?!"

Asrai pouts some more...surprising how far one's lip can stick out.."Well 
then, cuz it'd be a nice thing to do?"

Jaolem strides down a path in the picket line, coming over from the 
racing flats.

Kassima looks innocent as she explains to Keth, "Well, 'tis a giant 
tunnelsnake, of Benden... seemed like the natural thing to name it!"

Stannis whispers loudly, "Shouldn't stick your lip out like that, might 
stay that way." He quickly scoots to the side to avoid being hit for his 
teasing, and lets out a goodnatured, "Go Benden!"

>From the Great Lake, Zentra pushes through the water with her arms, and 
the sides of her raft start to dip, getting water in her face and all 
over her.

From the Great Lake, The two man team of a raft made up of a complex 
series of wooden wheels are moving along at a brisk pace. Their feet are
hooked up to pedals which are in turn attached to some sort of a belt 
that makes a larger wheel behind them go round and round, propelling them 
through the water.

Scannall winks at Elisabell and says "I thought about entering. I'm glad 
I didn't."

Asrai smiles brightly at this, her violet eyes sparkling, "See? That 
wasn't so hard." she adds her voice to his, "Go Slithereth!! Go Kindre!!"

>From the Great Lake, 'Slithereth's tongue tip trails in the water below 
his...eyes?...the snakeboat truly fitted for someone smaller than 
Kindre's size. Paddling fervently, she manages to keep him on straight
course, even as his teeth wave in the winds directed at his muzzle.

Juliana giggles as Spot scolds all the 'big people' that're running into 
his pet annd jostling him around, as one person looks down at him, he 
hides deep in his pocket.

Selandra smiles down at the youngster, and loos back out at the 'rafts'.. 
"Go Benden!" she adds.

>From the Great Lake, Verita starts to sing "Yo he yo! to time her 
strokes. Her shoulders, arms, and even her chin are wet, but she's having 
fun. She pulls the ungainly raft along, taking up far more than her share 
of water surface.

Stannis rolls his eyes and goes back to watching the race without 
cheering further.

Kassima changes her chant to, "Slith-er-eth! Slith-er-eth! Slith-er-eth!" 
She comes *this* close to breaking out into the 'Lay of the Lair in the 
Latrines' song, but fortunately for everyone else, doesn't.

>From the Great Lake, Lara watches with interest as the boats approach the 
half-way mark and start to turn around.

Danna half rises to her feet to cheer for Verita, "Come on Verita!"

Elisabell grins at Scannall. "Me, too." She eyes the 'boats' as they...
um...float. :)

>From the Great Lake, Verita reaches the marker and starts paddling on a 
tangent. The raft spins, too far, and dunks her again. She spins back 
and starts pulling for shore.

Scannall grins. "Care to go on a late night cruise on the winner?" :)

Nathon says "Hey Scan, did I hear you say you were thinking of trying 
/this/??"

Asrai in a very lady like fashion...hey she's seen /both/ Aph and Kassi 
do it...she sticks her tongue out at Stannis and continues to cheer her 
'team' on.."Slith-er-eth Slith-er-eth!!"

Danna exclaims, "Oh, she's getting soaked!"

Kethran grins. "Anyone willing to take my half-mark on Benden, at two to 
one odds against?" he wonders.

>From the Great Lake, Zentra begins to turn around, surprising everyone 
that she made it this far. Her raft is falling apart, and she's trying to 
hold it together at the same time as paddling. Zentra will be lucky to 
make it the the finish line.

From the Great Lake, "Turn? Oh, crackdust," is muttered from Kindre as 
she had neatly forgotten this part. The left paddle worrking backward, 
the right one pulls at the water. Arching long round the turning mark, 
she and Slithereth somehow manage to get faced in the proper direction, 
though do not manage to refrain from taking in a bit of water to slow the 
return progress.

Scannall nods and smiles. "I had the dinghy built out of scraps of wood, 
but I couldn't get the firelizards to pull it."

Selandra chuckles. "Ah now steward, what would it come to if the weyrs 
started betting outside of hatchings." she winks.

Elisabell raises an eyebrow. "Um...maybe...but...I think Lara might ask 
me to take down the exhibit..."

>From the Great Lake, The 'wheel boat' suddenly makes a loud cracking 
sound as two wheels shift off their axle and crunch into each other. 
Their method of movement now destroyed, the team from Bitra break off 
makeshift oars and try desperately to paddle back into the race.

Kassima makes an interesting sight, jumping up and down in her best 
Gather gown chanting the name of a giant tunnelsnake. "Win one for the 
black and red!" she yells. "Through snowball fights and Slithereth's 
springs!" Some people may recognize that as a line from a song; others 
would probably be given the impression that the greenrider is just being 
strange again.

Nathon says "Sounds lucky to me Scan..."

Scannall smiles softly, admiring Elisabell's discretion....

Stannis shifts out of his cross-legged position to watch the race in the 
more comfortable position of resting back on his elbows. His eyes 
remained focused on the race, but his comments to Asrai have nothing to 
do with it, "Are all girls your age the same?" It's actually a rhetorical 
statement.

Coranda strides down a path in the picket line, coming over from the 
racing flats.

Danna smiles at Nathon, "You weren't tempted to enter, I take it?"

>From the Great Lake, Kindre's brow is dotted with water, whether from 
working the boat or the splash they received is unknown. Steady so far on 
the return course, the watches from the beach are privy to huge, glaring 
yellow eyes, flapping teeth and a long, pink tongue which seems to be 
taking a drink for the bright red beast with black racing stripes.

From the Great Lake, The burlap is becoming waterlogged and Verita's raft 
is riding lower in the water. Her whole belly is wet now, as the part of 
the raft she's on sinks and the edges rise to compensate. She pulls 
grimly forward, timing her breathing, her nose going under with every 
stroke.

Nathon laughs, not on a good day Danna, Hello Coranda...

Coranda walks over, gazing in curiosity at the crowd. She waves to 
Nathon. "Hello."

Asrai looks over at Stas, her head tilting to one side, her eyes show her 
confusion at the comment, "I'm not sure I know what you mean..." No, 
she's not being coy...you can tell by her face she really doesn't.

Scannall watches Verita nearly drowning with concern.

>From the Great Lake, Zentra's raft twists and turns due to lack of the 
middle section of the front being gone. Zentra tries to paddle the 
opposite way the monstrosity swerves, but it just makes it worse. Only 
luck will bring her to the finish.

Stannis shakes his head quickly, "Never mind, I'll just get myself in 
trouble."

Danna stares out at the water. "I wonder if /any/ of them will finish!"

Asrai giggles counter, "Are boys your age always so silly?" She turns to 
the race and gives a cheer for good measure, not wanting to be lax in her 
duties, "Go Slithereth!!"

Coranda shivers and finds a spot to sit down, her eyes glued to the lake.

Parick strides down a path in the picket line, coming over from the 
racing flats.

Stannis clucks his tongue once or twice, "Girls."

Nathon tosses his mantle down for Coranda, "There you go."

>From the Great Lake, Kindre grounds out, "Not...much...farther..." just 
before she pulls a paddle too quickly from the water and affords herself 
a nice slap of wetness in the face. A hand reaches up to wipe her face 
and..."Ack!" she loses a paddle. Doing double time, she uses the one to 
bring the boat ever closer to the beach.

Kassima shouts encouragements to Kindre. "C'mon, Kin! Bring that giant 
'snake home!"

Parick walks over to his woodie friend, "How go the races friend?"

Coranda looks up and blinks. "Oh, thank you, Nathon. Care to join me?"

Kethran chuckles to Selandra. "It just might make us more wealthy. You 
never know," he adds with a wink. "Or at least, a certain Steward."

>From the Great Lake, Verita aims her raft for the finish line as she gets 
closer to shore. She pulls harder and strokes faster, and sinks to her 
forehead because the raft dips deeper with the stronger pulls.

Asrai gives a little hurumph, "Boys!" She shakes her head and goes on 
cheering, "Lets go Kin! Win one for Benden!!"

>From the Great Lake, Zentra gets an idea and starts to paddle from the 
back /and/ sides. It works a bit better. She's making it to shore, maybe. 
But all of a sudden, she gets a cramp in her left arm. She can't paddle 
on that side anymore, so she turns circles.

Danna gasps as Verita goes under water and bites her fingernails.

Nathon sits down, "Why thank you, the ground might have gotten my uniform 
soiled." he grins.

Selandra snorts softly, somewhat disbelieving. "I'll bet."

Stannis looks up from his leisurely position, "This one," he jerks a 
thumb at Asrai, "Is trying to convince me to root for that big awkward 
dragon raft out there."

Scannall cheers for Verita, hoping she'll both win and not drown.

Kassima makes a face. "And here I was going to put those paddles up on my 
wall as a momento," she sighs. She doesn't look too disappointed though, 
probably because Kindre still seems to be going well. "Ben-den Slith-er-
eth! Ben-den Slith-er-eth!"

>From the Great Lake, Bobbing towards the beach with decided lack of 
grace, the glaring red and black monter of the lake teeters back and 
forth with Kindre's attempt to use the one paddle.

Coranda smiles at Nathon then pales at the sight in front of her. "I 
don't think I can watch this." She does, however, continue to watch.

>From the Great Lake, Lara bites at her bottom lip as Verita seems to be 
pulling ahead of the giant tunnelsnake. Zentra is left way behind and the 
'wheel boat' seems to be neck and neck with 'cloud raft'.

Juliana jumps up, trying to see over all the bigger people

Asrai sticks her tongue out again at Stas, "Its a tunnel snake silly...we 
just named it for a dragon cuz...well cuz.." She trails off not really 
certain /why/ they named it for a dragon.

Aidoann hollars, "C'mon, Verita!"

Danna nervously grabs for Elisabell's hand. "I hope it's over soon!"

Stannis spots Juliana as he nods to Asrai, looking more than a little 
patronizing. He attempts to call the little girl over, "Want a better 
place to see?"

Elisabell chuckles and squeezes Danna's hand. "Look! Verita's doing 
well!"

>From the Great Lake, Verita pulls even harder and strokes faster, making 
no attempt to sing. She's getting a crick in her neck from holding her 
head as high as possible. She doesn't see anyone ahead of her, but she 
can't see to the sides or behind, because the raft edges rise and cut off 
her view.

Elisabell points to the slowly sinking raft upon which Verita lays.

Kassima looks over at Asrai. "'Tis named for the giant tunnelsnake that 
lives in Benden's latrines," she explains in a perfectly matter-of-fact 
tone. To Kindre, she yells, "Try kicking with your legs as you paddle! 
Maybe that'll make it go faster!"

>From the Great Lake, Zentra's raft dips and swerves, barely holding 
together. Finally, Zentra falls off and starts cracking up laughing.

Juliana looks up as she hears something, she nods to Stannis

Coranda glances at Nathon. "This looks incredibly dangerous."

>From the Great Lake, Zentra laughs and pulls her raft to shore.

From the Great Lake, Verita thankfully pulls her raft to the dock and 
grabs it, holding her face out of water and panting.

Stannis motions the little girl over as he pulls himself to his feet, 
"Hurry, they're almost finished!"

Juliana hurries over to Stannis

Zentra swims in from the waters of the Great Lake.

Parick looks out over the lake, "Looks to be doing pretty well Stan," 
turns to the lady next to him.."I am Parick"

Scannall shakes his head and laughs at the 'speeding' boats.

>From the Great Lake, Lara laughs and claps her hands. "We have a winner! 
Verita!!"

Lara swims in from the waters of the Great Lake.

Stannis catches her about the waist and hoists Juliana up to sit on his 
shoulders, affording her the best view of the race as Verita wins.

Kethran grins at Selandra's outburst. "Really? You're on!" He grins, 
telling her that if she really wants out of it, she can.

Nathon says "It does, that's why I'm not out there, I have no desire to 
go down with the boat as it were..."

Danna jumps to her feet and cheers for Verita excitedly.

>From the Great Lake, Kindre cautions a glance over at Verita and the craft 
pulling ahead of she and Slithereth. Watching her hit the shore, Kindre 
suddenly hears a decided 'hiss' as if the beast has come alive. The 
propellment of the air sends the craft flying up onto the beach and jerks
Kindre nearly out of it.

From the Great Lake, Verita asks all available bystanders to help, and 
they grab the edges and lift, dragging the rock raft out of the water..

Coranda nervously applauds. "Well, at least they're still alive."

Zentra pulls her 'raft' to shore, cracking up laughing.

From the Great Lake, Verita swims south, getting caught in the river's 
current.

Kassima snaps her fingers. "Curses, foiled again," she says, but laughing 
as she applauds the winner. "Congratulations!"

Asrai hurumphs at the patronizing look from Stas, instead turning to 
stubbornly cheer for her friend, "Come on Kin!" she doesn't seem upset at
all that they didn't win. She then acks as she sees Kindre shoot forward.

Lara steps off her boat with the seacrafter's aid and makes her way to
the soaked Verita. "Congratulations!"

Juliana giggles and claps as she gets to see the end of the race

Scannall cheers for Verita.

Aidoann cheers for Verita

Nathon applauds, laughing heartily

Selandra whats', and then chuckles. "I didn't mean it like that.." and 
turns to applaud the winners.

Stannis tips his face up to look at the child upside, "Almost missed it, 
didn't you?"

Lara carefully puts down the farviewer.

Elisabell claps for Verita!

Zentra congratulates Verita. "Good job."

Juliana nods, "Awmost, but Juwiana got to see."

Nathon cups his hands around his mouth and calls "Good job Veri..."

Stannis nods, winking at the little girl, "And does Juliana want to get 
down now, or stay up there?" He must look awfully weird talking at this 
angle.

>From the Great Lake, Kindre picks her way near the edge of the lake, 
finally sliding down into the water.

Parick strolls westward, walking through the picket line to the lush 
green grass of the racing flats.

>From the Great Lake, Kindre trudges out of the lake, mindful of the 
slippery rocks.

Juliana giggles, "Juwiana get down."

Kethran chuckles to Selandra. "The bet was made and accepted. The 
half-mark is yours if you want it."

Kindre swims in from the waters of the Great Lake.

Verita strides down a path in the picket line, coming over from the 
racing flats.

Danna runs over to hug a very wet Verita.

Verita hugs Danna, still panting.

Aidoann smiles to Verita

Stannis stretches his hands up to pick Juliana off of his shoulders, 
ducking his chin before bringing her forward over his head. Setting her 
down, he grins, "There you go, kiddo."

Jalimax grins at Verita, "You're a honor to the minecraft."

Selandra chuckles and shakes her head at Kethran.. "Ah, but I was just 
being sarcastic, I never really took your bet."

Asrai stands up herself, giving one last *hurumph* at Stas before going 
over to congratulate her friend, "Kin, you didn't sink!"

Kindre swipes at her still wet face and chuckles, "Great race," she 
offers before telling Kassima quickly, "It sprung a leak! small one, I 
think...."

Verita says, "Drop it!" and the crew that has been dragging her raft set 
it down. One sits on a sack to rest. Verita barks, "Get off! You'll 
crumble it and it won't float as well."

Juliana giggles and thanks Stannis, then scurries back over to Selandra

Coranda grins, watching the crowd and states in her infamous Bitran way. 
"Too bad I didn't get here early enough to make a bet on the outcome."

Verita grins back at Jalimax. "Tell Simile if you see her. She can win 
costume contests, but I won this!"

Lara proudly hands over the prize to Verita. "First prize of a farviewer 
and a bottle of Benden red goes to Verita and her crew!"

Danna pulls out a comb and tries to fix Verita's hair as she orders the 
crew about with her float.

Kassima nods as she hauls the boat up, inspecting it. "Eh, the plug came 
loose..." she says with relief. "I don't have to pay Eryssiara for the 
damage, thank Faranth! Kin, you did a great job!" She stands up to hug 
her friend. "I'm amazed that you managed to keep it afloat so long!"

Coranda turns and nods to Nathon.

Verita takes the prizes, grinning widely.

Stannis isn't about to let Asrai go so easily and he jogs up behind her. 
To Kindre, he says, "Interest race, you did very well." Asrai on the 
other hand, receives a friendly jibe, "What are you all bent out of shape 
about?"

Verita carefully picks up the farviewer.

Asrai says matter of factly, "Boys are silly. But you did great Kindre...
least you went in the right direction." she adds helpfully.

Kethran grins at Selandra. "Suit yourself." He glances at Karise beside 
him. "You up to some shopping?" he wonders.

Nathon laughs, "I suppose... but looking at the 'boats' earlier, I would 
have bet on whether they would float or not..."

Verita begins to shiver, finally.

Lara smiles and tries to speak over the crowd. "Winner of the most 
original raft goes to..."

Nathon says "Come on, I'll show you somewhere..."

Kindre chuckles before smiling with a wide, toothy grin. "Thank you...I 
didn't think we'd make it when I heard that hiss! Sorry I didn't manage 
to win..."

Asrai looks over her shoulder at Stas, "Oh nothing." she tries hard to 
stay upset but a smile seems to be fighting its way to her lips.

Karise looks up at Kethran and nods. "I do believe I am....Should we try 
here first?" but she pipes down, wanted to hear who gets the award.

Danna fusses around the shivering Verita, trying to get in a band to 
hold back her hair. "You did great Verita!" she says as she tries to 
work.

Selandra laughs softly.. and shakes her head, turning to Juliana she 
asks "Are you having fun?"

Lara continues once she gets some attention, "...Zentra!"

Zentra grins.

Scannall smiles at Elisabell. "I'm /really/ glad I didn't enter."

Lara sets the wooden box down for all to see.

Kelset cheers loudly. "Excellent!" he yells, smiling to Zentra.

Juliana nods quickly, "Juwiana wike race."

Lara hands a beautifully carved boix to Zentra.

Elisabell laughs. "I'm /really/ glad you didn't, too. I'd have worried 
myself to death."

Verita says "Congratulations, Zentra."

Stannis bends to whisper something in Asrai's ear as the additional 
prizes are announced. His piece said, he walks off a few paces to listen 
to Lara award the rest of the participants.

Zentra smiles. "Thank you.

Zentra picks up the carved box, looking at it with a smile.

Kindre wvs over to Zentra, "Great job, 'grats!"

Jalimax smiles.

Kethran simply nods to Karise as he, too, quiets to listen. Slithereth is 
/nothing/ if not original. But the others were just as good. He grins as 
the winner is announced, and applauds.

Lara continues. "And last, but not least, the prize for most outrageous 
boat goes to...Slithereth and her 'rider'!"

Zentra grins. "Thank you."

Asrai's mouth drops open, her hands going to her hips as she spins to 
watch Stas stride off, "Well I don't, so there!" She calls at his back.

Verita giggles, somehow expecting that.

Kassima chuckles and claps a hand to Kindre's shoulder. "You did well, 
and the boat did well; besides, we looked to be amusing some folks, and 
'tis a win of the sort I like best. Sorry you had to look a bit, hrm, odd, 
though," she adds with a wink. "I promise, I'll never make you ride a 
giant tunnelsnake again...." She pauses to applaud Zentra's victory, 
grinning to her in congratulations.

Kethran blinks, and then grins widely. "Outrageous -- that'd be us. 
Benden!"

Asrai totally misses Lara announce Slithereth prize, her concentration 
elsewhere.

Kindre giggles and smiles, "Well, he is bit outrageous at that...thanks 
Kassima," then walks over to Lara.

Stannis isn't watching Asrai's reaction, but hearing it, he smirks 
faintly, and says under his breath, "Sure you don't." Then he puts his 
hands together in loud applause for the most outrageous Slithereth.

Lara smiles as she mentions the prize. "Verita here has a geode for you 
to pick out, Kindre. She'll then turn it into apiece of jewelry or a 
special momento of this race, whichever you choose."

Scannall winks. "She might even make it float."

Lara dropped geode tray.

Kindre blinks annd examines the try,"Oh..."

Asrai hmms at all the clapping, turning from 'glaring' at Stas' back, "We 
won something?"

Juliana grins as she sees the geode tray

Verita says "Take a look at the geodes and pick one. That's the fun of 
geodes, picking an ugly rock, then seeing what's inside it."

Selandra chuckles, listening carefully to the outcome, then grinning at 
Juliana. "That's good to hear."

Juliana asks softly of Selandra, "Where Juwiana's rock?"

Kassima nods, applauding heartily. "Aye, so we did! Well, Kindre did...." 
She eyes her tunnelsnake raft and hrms. "Deflate it now, or make Lyss 
carry it back home? Both have their advantages...."

Kindre peers over the tray with a look of concentration. "This one," she 
says quietly and smiles, her finger pointing to the Teardrop stone.

Selandra blinks. "Have you lost it? or is Miner Verita still looking 
after it for you?"

Juliana says "It not on tray"

Verita says "Juliana, it's in my workshop because I'm working on it. 
Don't worry."

Selandra peers across. "You're right.. perhaps she's put it somewhere 
safe, there see."

Juliana hears the reassurance of Verita and smiles, then nods

Verita writes a note to say who won the teardrop.

Asrai comments, "those are...interesting."

Zentra smiles to Kindre."Grats."

Alea strides down a path in the picket line, coming over from the racing 
flats.

Alea waves.

Jalimax smiles and waves at Alea.

Stannis waves to the Igen greenrider with a wide smile.

Kindre smiles to both Verita nd Zentra, "You both did so great...that was 
a lot of fun. Congrats to you both, too."

Cellia strides down a path in the picket line, coming over from the 
racing flats.

Torin strides down a path in the picket line, coming over from the racing 
flats.

Alea says "Well, who won?"

Cellia wanders up, arriving by her sister. She grins and waves as she 
recognizes Kassima, calling out, "Igen's duty!"

Alea walks over near Kassima. "Is it over?"

Verita grins at Zentra and Kindre. "We'll have to make up a song about us. 
Congratulations all three!"

Zentra grins.

Alea smiles at Kassima. "Oh, you know my sister Cellia then?"

Lara blinks and almost forgot. She hands Zentra and Kindre a bottle of 
wine as part of their prizes. Sure, it's not Benden, but it's a close 
second. "Here you go. Thank you so much for participating."

Cellia chuckles. "We've met... briefly... when I've visited at Benden."

Torin grins as he listens to everyone walking over to stand behind Danna.

Stannis begins to make his way back through the crowd.

Alea rolls her eyes. "Considering when you visited Benden..."

Zentra grins. "Thank you."

Kassima grins and calls to Kindre, "Felicitations, and thankee again, 
m'friend!" She apparently decides deflating the snake now would be silly, 
so she hauls it the rest of the way up to shore as-is, pausing to wave to 
Alea and Cellia. "Benden's duties to Igen and her queens!" she calls, 
"Aye, 'tis... Verita won the race, Zentra most original, and Kin won most
outrageous with m'snake thing here...." She gestures to the large black 
and red snake she's pulling along. "Fun race, 'twas, to be watching!"

Stannis strolls westward, walking through the picket line to the lush 
green grass of the racing flats.

Scannall smiles at Bell. "Those geodes are really pretty when you open 
them."

Verita waves to Kassima. "Kassi, come here a minute?"

Asrai glances over towards Stas, looking quickly away again lest she be 
caught.

Cellia giggles, blushing in spite of herself. "Well, true."

Kindre smiles and taks the bottle, too. "Thank you...it was a fun and 
interesting race, to say the least." She turns back to the group, 
"Kassima? Asrai? Jalimax...?" she calls them over.

Verita looks for Asrai and Jalimax, too.

Elisabell nods. "They're beautiful."

Alea chuckles. "My congratulations to Benden then."

Jalimax walks over to Kindre.

Danna doesn't notice Torin right away, too busy looking over the prizes 
and congratulating the winners.

Kassima hmms? "Oh, a'course," she says, letting the raft down. She eyes 
it and says, firmly, "Stay." Where she thinks it'd go, Faranth only 
knows; anyway, she walks up to Kindre and Verita and smiles. "'Twas a 
truly excellent race you ran, in very deed, and congratulations again."

Mikhal strides down a path in the picket line, coming over from the 
racing flats.

Alea chuckles. "Too bad Igen didn't have an entry. We'd have won of 
course, being from the desert."

Asrai turns her head back, "Someone say my name?" Yes her thoughts do 
seem to be elsewhere.

Cellia watches everyone, quietly remaining near her sister, then giggles 
at that. "What would we have made it from? Sand?"

Lara chuckles as she overhears Alea's comment.

Verita says, "I want each of you to pick out a geode - Kassima, Jalimax, 
and Asrai. Where's Asrai?

Danna jumps and then grins. "There you are! You disappeared before!"

Jaolem strolls westward, walking through the picket line to the lush 
green grass of the racing flats.

Verita says "We have the extras, and you all helped with the boat."

Asrai pokes her head through, "I'm Asrai...I get to pick one?

Kindre blinks and smiles, "That's very kind of you, Verita. Thank you."

Alea laughs. "Desert plants, perhaps. Sand or Rock wouldn't work."

Asrai smiles brightly, looking over the tray.

Kelset stands up, most of the action over, and wanders back to the Gather 
Square.

Kelset strolls westward, walking through the picket line to the lush 
green grass of the racing flats.

Kassima blinks and smiles, surprised. "Why, thankee, quite kindly!"

Torin nods to dnanna, "Yeah I had some work to finish at the stables 
sorry...Fortunatly I left with some marks left" he teases.

Scannall whispers to Bell. "I suppose I could have made one out of 
runners....."

Cellia chuckles, then shakes her head. "And not one of us would have 
known how to sail it. I love Igen as much as you do, but we can't be 
everything." She grins.

Elisabell blinks at Scannall, and then bursts out laughing! "I don't 
think that would be fair!"

Lara moves to the other participants in the race who didn't win a prize, 
quietly congratulating them on a job well done.

Asrai hmmms, "I like that one." She points to the Scraperstone.

Kassima hrms as she looks over the tray, and smiles, pointing to the 
yellow stone. "That one, 'tis my favorite of them."

Rakan strides down a path in the picket line, coming over from the 
racing flats.

Danna grins at Torin and adjusts the new scarf at her neck. "Well, in 
that case, we definitely have not finished seeing this gather!"

Kristine strides down a path in the picket line, coming over from the 
racing flats.

Scannall smiles. "At least they swim."

Verita writes busily as Asrai and Kassima pick stones. She looks to 
Jalimax to pick his.

Kindre peers over the stones picked by Slithereth's riders from the shore 
and smiles. "They are all so nice, I had a hard time chosing myself."

Zentra says "Hi Kris!"

Jalimax smiles, "I like the teardrop."

Kristine says "Hello, Zentra."

Scannall smiles. "Hello Kris and Krystal."

Elisabell turns, and then waves at Kris. Considering Scan's statement, 
she giggles. "True..."

Verita says "Sorry, that one has been picked."

Asrai giggles at Jal, "Kindre already won that one."

Jalimax ahs and hmms.... "The Beaststone."

Kristine makes her way over to Scan and Bell. "So here's where everyone 
is hiding."

Zentra smiles. "Krystal is a beautiful baby."

Rakan glides up behind Lara, and says, "Hi again. Did you ever find 
Styphnal?"

Kristine smiles at Zentra. "Thank you."

Verita closes the geode tray.

Scannall smiles at Kristine and says "I'm glad to see you got out with 
the baby."

Elisabell grins at Kris. "Hiding? Well..."

Verita says "Would you all like to come to my workshop and see these cut 
open?"

Cellia strolls westward, walking through the picket line to the lush 
green grass of the racing flats.

Lara turns around to smile up at Rakan. "Yes, I did. But by the time we 
made it back to the runners, the races were all over."

Mikhal makes his way over to Kristine and smiles "Hello Kris, how are 
you feeling?"

Kassima smiles and nods. "Aye, I would...." She glances at her friends.

Rakan nods towards Lara, and makes a face. "Yes, well. I never got to see 
who won, myself. D'ral pulled me away rather abruptly."

Kristine grins at Mikhal. "Thinner. Much thinner."

Verita says "Kassima, I'll cut yours open now, then. Anyone else?"

Danna smiles at Torin, "You should have seen Verita! She nearly drowned, 
but she kept paddling!" she says, clearly impressed.

Verita notices that her gigantic raft is in the way.

Verita asks all available bystanders to help, and they grab the edges and 
lift, dragging the rock raft out of the way..

Asrai looks over at Kassi after making her decision, "You know...boys are 
awfully silly."

Mikhal smiles "how is the baby doing?" he sips a drink and looks about

Kindre smiles to Verita, "Sure...oh!" she says spotting Rakan, "is that 
what happened? You, sir, owe me a mark," and then grins.

Kristine unfolds a corner of the blanket. "She's just fine, Mikhal. See?"

Karise grins slightly at Asrai as she adds, "And it doesn't change when 
they get older, either."

Alea chuckles. "Which baby are you speaking of? I just delivered one a 
little while ago at Igen."

Kethran grins at Karise. "Shopping?" he asks, in the smallest, cutest 
voice he can come up with.

Lara frowns slightly as she searches the crowd for Scannall. "I wonder 
who won? Never did find out." With a shrug she smiles back up at Rakan. 
"Did you have time to place a wager?"

Verita says "Let's go then, Kassi, Kindre, Asrai, Jalimax?"

Asrai shakes her head, turning to follow Verita.

Alea ohs, seeing Kristine with her newborn.

Verita strolls westward, walking through the picket line to the lush 
green grass of the racing flats.

Asrai strolls westward, walking through the picket line to the lush 
green grass of the racing flats.

Strolling westward, you walk through the picket line to the lush green 
grass of the racing flats.

Jalimax strolls through the picket line, walking over from the shores 
of Great Lake.

Alea strolls through the picket line, walking over from the shores of 
Great Lake.

Verita walks northwest toward the Ruathan Crossroads.

Asrai walks northwest toward the Ruathan Crossroads.

You walk northwest toward the crossroads in the middle of the Ruatha 
Valley. Going across the intersection, you proceed down Causeway Road.

Jalimax strolls over the crossroads, walking away from the racing flats.

Alea strolls around the crafthalls, coming from the southwest.

W'liam descends the ramp, striding over from Ruatha proper.

Verita walks east and begins to ascend the ramp.

Asrai walks east and begins to ascend the ramp.

A pebble skitters below your feet as you walk east. Ascending the ramp, 
you pass below the stone walkway, where Ruathan guards peer down at you, 
and walk into the courtyard.

Alea walks through the open gates.

Jalimax walks through the open gates.

Alea climbs gracefully up onto Gwirith with the help of a proffered 
forelimb, receiving a loving croon as she does so.

Gwirith sails away from the Main Courtyard with the greatest of ease. 
Catching an updraft, she soars up higher into the sky.

You enter the Miner's Workshop.

Verita dropped geode tray.

Verita opens the geode tray.

Kindre offers her apologies when she enters,"Tried to retrieve my 
mark..." she offers as an excuse.

Asrai slides onto one of the stools, remembering at the last moment that 
she still wears a dress..

Jalimax grins at Kindre, "Did you get it?"

Verita says "Let's open Kassima's stone first, since it's her 
tunnelsnake."

Kassima chuckles at Kindre. "You and your mark," she grins. "You'll get 
it back, don't worry--I'll help you retrieve it, if need be!"

Asrai giggles.

Kassima nods and looks at the tray, or specifically, at the yellowstone. 
"Must admit," she comments, "I'm rather curious to see what 'twill look 
like...."

Kindre laughs a bit, "Well, it is the first thing I've won, to be 
true...save for this now." Nodding her head about Kassima's stone, she 
watches to see what will be unearthed.

Jalimax smiles at Kindre, "If not, I'll pay you it, and let Kassi hunt 
the other down for me."

Verita takes the yellowstone out of the tray and starts the slab saw. She 
holds the stone securely wedged in with clamps, and the saw screeches and 
grinds through it. She takes the stone and rinses it in a bucket of water 
to get -some- of the oil off. She takes it near a glow and tilts it 
toward Kassima.

Kindre waves a hand, "I'll get it...even if I need Herath to coax it from 
him," she winks and returns her attention to Verita.

Verita shows you two long deep oval hollows. Inside a clear yellow shell, 
a thin layer of opaque white is covered with crystals of a delicate color. 
Is it pink, rose quartz, or pale purple, amethyst. Probably amethyst, 
since rose quartz is rare in crystalline form.

Asrai giggles impishly, "If its from who I think it is..perhaps Kin would 
like to retrieve it herself...

Kassima whistles, plainly very impressed. "'Tis lovely!" she exclaims as 
the inner crystal is revealed.

Verita says "Oh, nice! That would make some lovely jewelry pieces. Two 
pendants and maybe some earrings."

Asrai blinks, suprise showing in her own violet eyes, "Wow, and ours will 
look like that too?"

Kindre blinks, her eyes widening as she gzes t the stone. "Lovely color...
a shade darker and it'd look like Greystones color."

Kassima nods in agreement. "I bet 'twould," she murmurs, still sounding a 
bit awed. "To think it could've been hidden in that yellow, which was 
nice but... shells. There's a moral in that, somewhere...."

Verita hands the halves to Kassima and takes out the teardrop. "They're 
all different, Asrai." She saws it in half carefully, making the same 
ugly sound, and brings the rinsed halves to the glow.

Verita shows you two white teardrop-shaped hollows coated with clear 
quartz. The thick shell is rust with white feathering. The shallower 
hollow has rust spots and a crystal spike across the bottom. The deeper 
hollow has a fragile cluster of black thorns near the top.

Asrai's eyes open even wider, "Oh wow, how pretty."

Verita says "Now watch out for that black stuff near the top of the 
teardrop. It'll break at a fingertouch. You could make the other half 
into a pendant and keep the fragile half as a specimen."

Asrai comments softly, "that something so fragile could be contained with 
the rock..."

Kindre agrees with a bob of her head, "It is veery pretty..."

Kassima tilts her head and wonders, "How do they get that way, anyway? To 
have such crystals inside of them?"

Verita shivers as she gives the halves to Kindre and picks out the 
scraperstone. She clamps it in and saws it, whistling the miner's song, 
which you're glad you can't hear. She rinses the halves gently and holds 
them up.

Jalimax smiles at Verita, "Think Kassi would like a tour of the mines at 
Crom?"

"I was wondering the same," Kindre says as her gaze goes up to Verita.

Asrai looks over, trying to crane her neck to see inside her stone.

As she picks up the Beaststone, Verita responds to Kassima's question 
with a standard lecture. "The bubbles form in volcanoes and are filled 
with hot mineral water, which forms crystals as the rock cools. What you 
get depends on what minerals are there.

Verita puts down the beaststone and holds the scraperstone up. "Sorry, 
got distracted."

Verita shows you two teardrop hollows lined with white and coated with 
medium sized light amethyst crystals. The shell is clear with a purplish 
tint and white feathering.

Verita says "Oh, very nice for jewelry, very nice!"

Kindre smiles, "True enough there...oh, theyy re beautiful." Looking over 
the rocks, she shakes her head, "It still amazes me such beauty can come 
from seemingly ordinary rocks."

Verita clamps the beaststone in. "I'm going to try to cut this one the 
narrow way, to give you two shallow triangles."

Kassima hmms and nods thoughtfully. "Makes sense, aye... so 'tis the 
minerals that give it color." She files this knowledge away with other 
factoids she's picked up through the Turns, and ooohs at Asrai's stone. 
"'Tis a good color for you, Asrai, in very truth."

Verita saws away, the saw no more out of tune than she is as she sings. 
She stops as she rinses the stones and holds them up.

Asrai's violet eyes sparkle as she sees what's inside, "They're 
beautiful...I'm glad now I got that jewelery box!"

Verita shows you two triangular hollows. The runnerbeast half is lined 
with medium, dark grey crystals of smoky quartz. The herdbeast half has 
smaller crystals, which seem a lighter grey because of the light grey 
shell. A spire of crystal slants up and toward you.

Jalimax ohhs and smiles, "Lovely."

Asrai smiles, "Oh that one is lovely too..look at the spiral there."

Verita says "Two very unusual pendants there. Or possibly matching belt 
buckles, or scarf slides."

Kindre ooo's, "They are the color of the sea, nearly, during a bad 
storm." Smiling as she peers in closer, she nods, "I see, Asrai...
beautiful."

Kassima doesn't even wince at the singing of the dread Song; she's 
probably heard it enough from Lily that she's developed a tolerance. 
"Aye, Jali--the grey's beautiful, in a sort of dusky way; the spire, 
especially."

Asrai looks over to Verita, "thank you very much, Verita...they are all 
so wonderful."

Verita says "If you'll tell me what you want done with them, I'll 
prettify them so you can wear them, or just clean them up for display, 
and you can pick them up whenever."

Asrai chews on her bottem lip, torn with indicision.

Jalimax walks over and whispers something to Verita.

Kassima smiles and bobs her head in agreement with Asrai. "Marvelous, 
they are, in very deed; 'tis grateful that I am for mine, make nay 
mistake. Thankee again!" She hrms and worries her lower lip for a moment, 
then asks, "You'd said something about earrings, didn't you?"

Kindre wrinkles up her lips as she gazes at the stones and wonders what 
to have made of them. "Can you make a suggestion," she asks of her 
stones.

Verita winks at Jalimax and looks his stones over.

Asrai smiles suddenly coming to a decision, "Can they be made into a 
clip...for my hair?"

Verita nods, and studies your hair.

Verita writes a note to herself about Asrai's hairclip.

Kindre senses Kassima glances at you and suggests in a whisper, 
"Mayhaps a sort of strap clip or some such, for Herath? I know T'quinn of 
Fort had a strap ring made out of Vtanth's shell; saw it once or twice."

Asrai smiles brightly at the prospect...not having owned anything like 
this before.

Verita looks at Kindre.

Kindre perks up after Kassima whispers something to her, "Mayhap a strap 
adornment for Herath's harness? A buckle clip or ring...?" She wonders to 
Verita.

Verita says "Good choice for that shallow part, Kindre." She writes a 
note. "I'll see what I come up with."

Jalimax smiles.

Verita says "If you don't care about the black crystals I could make up 
both halves as buckles."

Kassima grins at Kindre. "Think Herath will like having her straps jazzed 
up?"

Asrai nods, "They should would look pretty."

Kindre smiles and nods, "Anything you cn do is greatly appreciated. 
Again, this is kind of you do...Oh?" She ponders hearing this, "Truly, 
whatever you think is best." Chuckling softly, she quips, "Are you 
kidding? She'll love it...any reason to be more vain," she winks.

Verita says "It depends on whether you'd put the fragile half out where 
you'd see and enjoy it, or just let it get dust-covered and eventually 
stuffed away somewhere. If the latter, we might as well make it into 
something."

Kindre blinks, "Oh, I'd like it out where it can be seen...I'd take care 
that no harm came to or dust collected on them," she assures the Miner.

Asrai giggles softly.

Juliana bounces on her feet, "Juwiana wanna see mama Fewista's again."

Verita says "I'm glad to meet someone who appreciates a good mineral 
display. That's a precious little cluster."

Verita says "Kassima, what do you want done to yours."

Kindre smiles, "I'm used to caring for fragiles...I used to collect 
shells. Thank you, Verita."

Verita looks in her work area, and pulls out half of Juliana's geode, 
showing her how she's covering the back of it with a thin layer of gold 
to make it into jewelry.

Kassima smiles at Kindre. "The black's very pretty... y'know, the black 
and white would probably go well with the tapestry; it's got dark parts 
to it, doesn't it?" Turning her attention to Verita, she inclines her 
head and asked, "Would earrings of some sort be possible, mayhaps?"

Juliana smiles and admires her geode, "It pretty"

Verita says "Most definitely, Kassi, with something left over for a 
surprise. I don't want to put anything too heavy on your ears."

Kindre thinks over the mentioned tapestry she purchased the first day of 
the Festival. "It does, now that I dwell on it...jays, I've not even 
thought of where to hang it yet. Oh," she grins sheepishly, "that's 
another subject entirely. Ooo, earrings are a perfect idea."

Kassima smiles and nods. "That'd be lovely, then. I do like pendants, 
but--" She gestures to the charm one she wears. "I never take this one 
off, and there's usually another one I wear with it, so I'd jangle nay 
end if'n I tried to wear three at once."

Kindre chuckles, "Might come in handy when Lysseth's hide began to 
glow," she jokes.

Asrai giggles, covering it with one hand, "Then we'd know when she was 
coming and could hide..."

Kindre attempts to keep a straight face and brely manages to stifle her 
giggles.

Jalimax smiles.

Kassima makes a face at Kindre. "If'n 'twere looking for something for 
when Lysseth's glowing," she retorts, "I'd be asking for a setting for 
one of m'belt knife hilts!" She laughs, shaking her head. "Sheesh. What 
I ever did to deserve such teasing, shards if I know."

Juliana holds up her blue firelizard so he can see the pretties. She 
giggles as he chirples in agreeance.

Verita says "Well, I have my work cut out for me!"

From under Asrai's hair, Rose warbles her agreement, always liking 
pretty things herself.

Verita takes back all the geode halves, wraps them in cloth and returns 
them to the tray. "But not tonight! Tonight's the gather!"

Verita closes the geode tray.

Asrai grins, "Speaking of which we've kept you here long enough...should 
we all go rejoin the festivities?"

Kindre inods her head quickly in cheery agreement. "True enough there, 
Verita!"

Kassima smiles. "I must echo Kindre's words; 'tis quite kind of you to 
do this, Verita." Her smile widens into a grin at the Miner's words, and 
she nods. "Aye! And Kindre, Asrai, you've nay yet seen the exhibits tent, 
have you?"

Asrai shakes her head, "No...not yet."

Verita feels her clothes. "I'm not dry yet. I'll change and be there 
shortly."

Kindre shakes her head, "I've not, no..." Giggling, she nods to Verita 
and holds out her skirt, "Me either...ah well, I will be soon enough I 
hope. Thank you again."

Juliana smiles cutely at the miner before scurrying out to find Selandra.

Kassima nods and smiles. "Thanks t'you again," she says, before glancing 
at her friends. "Well, shall we? Kindre, I really am sorry 'bout your 
getting soaked and all...."

Verita nods and smiles at the compliments and thanks. "It's my duty to 
the hold to help out."

Juliana has left.

Verita has left.

You leave the Miner's Workshop.