-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Flights of Fancy Date: January 12(?), 1996 Places: Benden Weyr's North Bowl; Southern Boll's Gather Beach and Water Off the Shore Game: PernMUSH Copyright Info: The World of Pern is copyright(c) to Anne McCaffrey l967. The Dragonriders of Pern(r) is a registered copyright. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kassi's Note: This is one of those logs that I've posted as much for posterity as anything; Kindre's flattered me endlessly by saying good things about the talk that Kassi gave when Kindre asked her about controlling female dragons in a mating flight, so I thought maybe I should make said talk available for anyone who was curious about just what Kassi said. :) On top of that, there's plenty of vine-swinging too--practice which was destined to come in handy later. ;) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Log: You backwing for a landing on sands of the bowl. <*> Kindre comes down from Herath's ledge. <*> Herath comes down from Herath's ledge. Kassima waves to Kindre and Herath as Lysseth rumbles a respectful greeting to the queen. "Kin, heyla! You off to go somewhere?" <*> Mikall turns from Kheveth to face Kindre, "Evening " <*> Kindre smiles, "Hey there, Kassi! Feel like jaunting over to Southern Boll? Herath's been snidely referring to the cold lately and Jehrina suggested Boll. Hello again...you know, I never did catch your name," she says to Mikall. <*> Mikall hits his forehead, and sighs, "My fault, its Mikall, of a minor Ruathan hold." Kassima grins and laughs, "Shells, I've got nay choice now! Mention Boll around Lysseth, and she'll argue with me for the rest of the day about going--thinks the warm's good for both of us, Faranth help me. I'm all for it. Already have m'sunning things in the strap-pouch, in fact." She nods over to the strange lad with a smile. "Benden's duties to Ruatha, then; well met, etcetera." <*> Mikall whispers to Kindre, "I've never ridden a dragon before, what do I do." <*> "Ah, well met Mikall, Benden's duty and such," Kindre says with a smile. Herath snorts a brief greeting to Lysseth, though her mood seems improved once the warm place is mentioned. Chuckling, Kindre nods, "I've mine as well...and done my duties too. Hmm," she turns to Mikall, "just follow what I do." <*> Mikall nods to Kassima, "Evening Weyrwoman" <*> Mikall turns back to Kindre, "Ok." Kassima blinks at Mikall. "Evening *what*? Weyrwoman? Shards, nay... I'm just Kassi. This lump," she slaps her green's neck, "is Lysseth." <*> Kindre's eyes widen, "Oh, and this," she nods to the brooding dragon behind her, "is Herath." <*> Mikall turns to Kassim *choke* Kassi, and says "I was brought up knowing that dragon riders were ordinary people, but to always show respect, so..." Kassima shakes her head. "I appreciate that, but I'm hardly a Weyrwoman. Just another crazed greenrider." She grins. <*> Kindre chuckles and shakes her head. "Mikall here asked if I'd take him to bowl when I went. And your not crazed...much," she teases. "Ready, then," she looks at the young man. <*> Mikall shrugs, and sighs, "Another well meant bit by my parents run afoul." I'll have to get used to you at Benden, at Fort it was all 'Yes, bronzerider, and yes werewoman, rightaway rider of such-dragon." <*> Mikall turns to Kindre "yes" Benden Weyr> Sionelle says, "Caitria! I thought of you today. I found a very, very good 'cowmoo.wav' file on my computer. :)" <*> 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. Benden Weyr> Caitria ooohies! As Kassi pointed out, I need cows on my web page. No .wavs, tho, I think. :) Kassima looks downright disappointed. "I'm nay crazed? And here I've been working so hard to be, too...." She eyes Mikall, and chuckles wryly. "Bronzeriders are bronzeriders, goldriders are goldriders, and I'm neither. I don't stand on formality, either. Kassima or Kassi is just fine." Benden Weyr> C'vadan hees. Benden Weyr> L'nay snuggaSionelle! :) Benden Weyr> Sionelle hi's to the rest of y'all, too. I also found the picture of Jehrina that's linked to the Benden page. Not at all they way I pictured her. :) Benden Weyr> T'lean waves Benden Weyr> L'nay says, "She was exactly the way *I* pictured her, Sionelle. ;)" Benden Weyr> Sionelle did also find a 'Cow Crossing' sign in her collection of highway sign clip art. <*> Gracefully astride Herath, "Same with me," Kindre says, "Kindre or Kin will work fine for now." <*> Mikall bestrides Herath. Looking rather bored as she waits for him to settle in, she snorts impatiently. <*> Astride Kindre's gold, Mikall smiles at Kindre, I'm on <*> From her gold Herath, Kindre pulls on her gear before turning to make sure Mikall is properly strapped in. "I can see that...*clip*...there, all snug in place. Kassi," she calls over to the greenrider, "I believe we're reeady if you are." <*> From golden Herath, Mikall smiles broadly Kassima gives Kindre the thumb's up signal. "Aye, we're ready!" <*> Gracefully astride Herath, Kindre nods and givers Herath the familiar pat. <*> Herath takes flight, using the thermals rising from the bowl to carry her aloft. <*> Lysseth springs from the ground, the air from her wings churning up dust as she takes to the skies. You spring into the air and catch the thermals rising from the bowl floor to carry you aloft. <*> Herath flies up and out of the bowl. The rim of the bowl falls away from you and you soar into the open skies. <*> Herath disappears into Between. <*> Lysseth disappears into Between. Between You gasp as the icy black nothingness of Between surrounds you! You hear nothing, see nothing, and feel nothing. The trip takes five heartbeats... Black... Blacker... Blackest! You suddenly emerge... <*> Lysseth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air! You wing down onto the gather beach. <*> Herath backwings to a landing. <*> Between Herath's neckridges, Mikall coughs and gags, astonshed Benden Weyr> Sionelle redid the design for her 'Sionelle' character page today too, industriuos lil' thing. She even animated the dragon .gif she's got there (if you can call eyes that change color 'animation'). Hee! 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. 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. Mikall slips down Herath's golden hide. She snorts impatiently as she waits for him to land safely on the ground. Benden Weyr> C'vadan says, "Cool, Elle :)" Benden Weyr> Caitria zowies, and will check when she's installed netscape. *peering at bbpost* Do I count as 'senior weyrstaff'? And is it too late to offer to read Search apps and stuff? Mikall stumbles off Herath, still wobbly-legged. Benden Weyr> Davidon wants to put up a Davi page. Mikall shivers, that was COLD! Benden Weyr> Caitria realizes how out of the blue that was. Sorry. *chuckle* Kassima slides down to the ground, and immediately starts rummaging through her lifemate's strap-pouch. "Just give me a moment to get changed a'fore I suffocate," she grins at Kin. Benden Weyr> C'vadan says, "Cav's page is okay... but I *really* like my wallpaper for it :)" Kindre smiles brightly, and even Herath seems infected suddenly by the welcome warmth. "Okay, I want to as well. Mikall? If you'll excuse me here a moment," she says and slips behind Herath. Benden Weyr> Sionelle says, "Where is it? :)" Benden Weyr> Caitria needs to check it out. And make her own page. Benden Weyr> Sionelle never minds, and +fingers you, Cav. Doh. Benden Weyr> C'vadan shivers. "Do that again, Elle..." ;) Kassima finds the clothes she was looking for, and walks behind Lysseth. "I just love coming to Boll," she comments, her voice somewhat muffled by the bulk of her dragon. "Warmth is such an improvement over the snows...." Benden Weyr> Sionelle yeah yeahs. :P Neat Wallpapaer, yep. Very low-key, which is good. :) Benden Weyr> Caitria pokes Cav. "I totally agree there," Kindre's voice filters up from behind her lifemate. "Jehrina thought perhaps this would help settle her moods of late. I think..." she's cut off by some comment in her head, "...well, it may help," and then chuckles. Dressed, finally, she circles back around. Mikall says "where are we going now?" Benden Weyr> Sionelle wants someone with an old version of some browser to look at her new 'elle' page, since she built it with fairly recent bits of HTML. Kindre quirks a brow, "I though you wanted to come in search of a friend of yours?" Mikall shrugs, well you have the dragon, so I guess I meant where are you going, so I don't have to WALK back to Benden. Kassima walks out from behind Lysseth, also dressed, setting her heavy winter-type riding clothes beside her green. "Lyss can almost never argue with me when we come to Boll," she agrees, "and she's one of the most argumentive creatures I've ever met sometimes...." Mikall waves goodbye to the dragonriders, and walks off. Mikall wanders down the jungle path to the west. Kindre chuckles, "I don't plan on going far..." she says to the retreating back of the young man. Shrugging, she the bobs her head, "Oh, true enough...I'm hoping this'll help. She's been so...well, ornery? Is that the proper word? ...lately." Kassima watches after Mikall, and shakes her head. "Strange young man," she observes. "I can't believe he called me Weyrwoman; I've been called a lot of things in my day, but *that's* nay one of 'em. And Lyss sure as shells isn't easy to mistake for a gold." Mikall wanders up the trail from the west and steps out onto the beach. Kindre laughs a bit, "You're right on that first count...oh," she calls when Mikall reenters, "thought we may have lost you." Mikall says "They say they haven't seen him in a while, couple months or so, so...he might be dead out in Fall, he was foolish, or maybe he ran off. "That's an awful shame, Mikall. I'm sorry to hear it and hope it's the latter," Kindre comments before spying the water. "A swim sounds perfect!" Mikall shrugs, "Hope so." Kassima nods. "Aye, hopefully 'tis... as Kin said. Doesn't it, though? Have you ever swung the vine, perchance? Lady Dyane once told me that 'tis a *very solemn* Bollian ritual." Kassi folds her hands and does her best to look solemn and serious. Mikall looks suprised, "Me?, I come from a minor Ruathan hold." Kassima blinks at Mikall and explains, "'Twas speaking to Kindre, actually. I know she's been to Boll a'fore, so thought she might've." Kindre quirks a brow, "I don't believe I've attempted this ritual myself, Kassi...R'val and I never quite got to it, I suppose, when we visited here last." Mikall meekly says, "I ought to be getting back to Benden soon, I've been up since early and need rest, but I could probably wait another 5, 10 minutes." Kassima ahs and nods. "Well, then... it is m'duty as a partaker in the ritual of the vine to induct you into the ceremony by demonstration. Watch carefully...." She holds her head high, and starts off at a sedate, ladylike pace... then, suddenly, breaks into a run that isn't dignified in the least. Kassima grabs at the vine, /misses/ it and lands in the water with an enormous splash. *SPLAT* Lysseth> Mikall sighs and shakes his head Kassima resurfaces with a cough, wiping water out of her eyes, and waves over to the goldrider. "See? Wasn't that *cough, splutter* a terribly solemn ceremony?" Lysseth> Kindre laughs aloud! "Another 'event,' if you will, for me to try my luck at? Though, to be true, it does look like fun!" Turning back to Mikall, she nods, "Well, we may not leave for a bit of time...there's always a wagon that travels through that can bring you back?" You wade towards the shore. Kassima suggests, "There's always Boll's watchrider, too." Mikall scoffs, "Would he/she take me?" Kindre blinks, "I don't see why not..." Kindre runs toward the vine, leaps up and grasps the vine, sweeping majestically out over the water. However, upon seeing the distance down to the water, their hands refuse to let go and after several minutes of swinging back and forth, two drudges help them down off the vine with crowbars. Mikall says "What should I tell the Boll watchrider?" Kassima grins at Kin. "I'truth! 'Twould make a right proper event to challenge--" She breaks off to note to Mikall, "More'n likely, Mikall. As Kin says, why nay?" Kassima shrugs. "The truth? That you'd like a ride back to Benden?" She looks over to watch Kin swing, and doubles over giggling. Kindre steps onto the sands and grabs a towel. Mikall waves, "Thank you, I'll probably see you at Benden sometime." Mikall wanders down the jungle path to the west. Kindre comes up dripping with flushed cheeks, "Well, alright, a bit frighteening at first, I'll admit..." Towelling her hair for a moments, she nods, "Exactly. They're there for such duties. Bye Mikall...boy, he is quick, hmm?" Kassima watches Mikall leave, wiping her dripping bangs out of her eyes. "That lad," she comments, "is downright bizarre. Suggesting he *walk* back to Benden? And I thought I was crazed... well, Kin, what d'you think of the vine? Still think it might make a fine event? I bet with practice, you *could* win that mark back." The mark is obviously all-important to Kassi's tightfisted mind. Mikall wanders in from the tidal pool. Mikall looks helplessly at Kindre and says, "I can't find the firehights" Kindre bobs her head quickly, "True enough there...oh, hello again, Mikall." Looking over the vine and its slowed swing, she grins, "Practice, hmm...shells, I'll come hre every day if it means getting my mark back from him! Oh, what sweet justice that'd be..." Kassima hrms. "Mayhaps you could try asking 'round at the Hold? I've ne'er seen the 'Heights, m'self... 'twas never a need. Kin, you've read m'mind! After all...." Her eyes twinkle. "It's all *skill*, nay luck. So practice should help. Shouldn't it?" Mikall waves and leaves. Mikall wanders down the jungle path to the west. Kindre nods, "Same with myself...I didn't little travelling before I came to Benden so am unsure where to find anyone here." Grinning, she nods to the greenrider, "Oh, Kassi, the skill, should I get it, would certainly give me favor!" Kassima adds, "And think on it this way--even if things wouldn't work out, we'd know for sure 'tis luck and nay skill. And wouldn't it be something, to see drudges prying his hands free with a crowbar?" The greenrider's face practically lights up with wicked glee. "Maybe we could commission *that* from Channa, too... but even if 'tis nay so, then, we can still have fun." Kindre laughs harder as her head bobs, "Oh, crackdust, I'd gladly give away every mark I owe to see him -pryed- from the vine!" Kassima laughs. "You and me both... well, I think I'll give it another shot. And maybe *reach* the sharding vine this time!" Kassima grabs the vine, but slips, arms and legs flailing wildly before landing unceremoniously into the water below. *PLOP* "That," is Kassima's wry remark, "didn't go precisely as I'd planned it." Kindre kneels and the ground and giggles, "Oh, shards, we'll need a lot of practice at this, I think," she notes after the splash. "I need to try again, too," she says as fear momentarily lights her eyes. Kassima grins at Kin. "Ah, but 'tis so euphoric when you do manage to do it right...." Kindre grabs the vine and dives simply into the water, rippling the water only slightly. Kindre steps onto the sands and grabs a towel. Kindre runs up, "Woo! That was fun! Well," she admits sheepishly, "once I wasn't afraid, anyhow." Kassima laughs and applauds. "You did splendidly! And I'm *nay* leaving here until I top that." With that, she's off again at top speed. Kassima grabs the vine, swings far out, releases, and does 3 backflips before knifing into the water with nary a ripple. Kassima surfaces and, pushing back her hair, raises one fist high in the air and gives a victory whoop. "Yeeeeehah!" It is safe to say that she is delighted. You wade towards the shore. Kindre's eyes widen, "Great Faranth, Kassi! That was so impressive," she says enthusiasticly. "We're certainly wipe the beach up with him if you can do that again!" Kassima bows. "Thankee, thankee... I'll have you know, 'twas all skill." She winks. "Or nay! Aye, but think of this--he's nay only a jinx, but his luck makes it likely he'd do the same, don't y'think? Can't be too careful." Kindre rolls her eyes, "True enough...he seems to absorb every drop of luck I manage to have, I swear it." Eying the vine again, she grins lopsidedly, "Mind if I give it another try?" Kassima laughs, "'Tis a free vine! I'm hardly Lord or Lady Boll, t'be telling you y'can't. Or a Weyrwoman," she adds with an impish grin, "despite what yon lad might mistakenly believe." Kindre laughs before rushing over and trying it again. Kindre grabs the vine, but slips, arms and legs flailing wildly before landing unceremoniously into the water below. *PLOP* Kassima grimaces, and calls over, "You okay?" From the shallow waters, Kindre breaks the surface of the water and then splashes, "Jays...hmm? Oh, yes," she admits and grumbles audibly. Kindre steps onto the sands and grabs a towel. "Seems even speaking of him ruins my luck," Kindre jokes. Kassima grins. "Then let us speak of him nay!" she suggests, eyeing the vine. "Here goes naught...." Kassima swings out on the vine a few times, gaining momentum, releases, and performs 3 somersaults before twisting into a simple dive. You wade towards the shore. Kindre blinks, visibly amazed, "I am again impressed, Kassi," she chuckles, "How do you -do- that?" Kassima skips back up, grinning from ear to ear. "I just love that! It gets the blood racing, never being sure what'll happen when you take the plunge so to speak... oh," she gestures dismissively, "'tis all in the release. If y'can get away from the vine properly, you can do--or try to do; nay always succeed in--about anything! And I have done this a'fore, a time or two. But I swear on Faranth's glowing wingsails that it's just luck for the most part." Kindre wrinkles up her lips and thinks about this. "Nearly anything, huh? In the release...." Thoughts continue to whirl before she takes off to charge the vine again, "We'll see," she calls before reaching it. Kindre grabs the vine and dives simply into the water, rippling the water only slightly. From the shallow waters, Kindre bobs in the water, waving and smiling, "Yay!" before diving under and swimming back in. Kassima applauds and yells over, "Good going, Kin! See, y'can do this!" Kindre steps onto the sands and grabs a towel. Kindre puts her hands on her hips, "I think if I -don't- think about it, I've better 'skill' at it," she chuckles. Kassima chuckles. "Just don't look down," she suggests wryly. "Think I'll give it another go--bet I screw up this time!" Kindre grins, "You'll do fine!" Kassima swings out on the vine a few times, gaining momentum, releases, and performs 3 somersaults before twisting into a simple dive. Lysseth> "See? I told you," Kindre says between chuckles, "You are simply a natural at this, I swear it!" You wade towards the shore. Kassima shakes her head, chuckling. "Can't be; if I were a natural at this, after all, wouldn't I be a natural at dancing and other things that require agility too? I think it can be agreed by all that I'm *nay.*" Kindre rolls her eyes and smiles wide, "Mayhap...though, in my opinion, this is much more fun than dancing. Perhaps that's why you're so agile at it? I'm not a bad diver myself...all those turns of swimming and diving from trees at Half-Circle, but this rope thing is different. Fast," she adds quickly and gigglees. Kassima grins. "Aye! 'Tis a wild adventure, the vine... 'tis likely why I like it. Lyss has learned better'n to try and keep me from doing the vine, too, since she sees that I don't ever get *hurt* at it. Plus," she adds thoughtfully, "I've only tried dancing once, and that was with Mart--we all know what a jinx *he* is. But I think 'tis truth that I've nay skill in that arena regardless." Kindre bobs her head quickly, "Oh, true, it's great fun! And it'd be hard to trluy hurt more than your pride by swinging on it." Crossing her arms on her chest, she rolls her eyes, "Dancing, Jays, I'll never get -that-. I tried...once...at my brother's handfasting, and nearly broke half a dozen toes while in the process! I'm content enough," she says and grins, "to watch." Kassima laughs. "If I can break Mart's toes next time, I'll be happy... so, are you going to try again?" Kindre laughs, "Please? Just one or two of the more important ones," she winks. "Yea, I'll have another go." And, with that, she bounds after the vine. Kindre runs toward the vine, leaps up and grasps the vine, sweeping majestically out over the water. However, upon seeing the distance down to the water, their hands refuse to let go and after several minutes of swinging back and forth, two drudges help them down off the vine with crowbars. Kindre steps onto the sands and grabs a towel. Kindre shivers and picks her towel back up. Flushing, she shrugs, "Well, okay, so I looked down that time..." Kassima smiles sympathetically. "'Sokay, I've done that a'fore. 'Tis too easy to lose the nerve... usually, I lose it if Lyss starts talking to me mid-swing and I can't concentrate." Kassima gives her lifemate a stern stare of rebuke, which Lyss meets with one of angelic innocence. It's hard to guess whether the dragon learned that from her rider, or rider from dragon. Kindre chuckles watching the exchange, "Well," she says, "I had a few good tries at it, at least, so I'm not too terribly disappointed." Kassima chuckles. "Are y'wanting to stop, then? If'n 'tis so, I think I'll go once more--to end mine on a bad swing, so I won't use up *all* m'luck at once." This is yet another shining example of the nonsense of Kassilogic. Kindre waves a hand, "Oh, shells no, I don't want to stop...just talking myself out of feeling badly for the awful tries. Go ahead," she chuckles, "you seem to be on a roll. Benden Weyr> Caitria grins. And wonders sup at Boll? Kassima laughs. "Well, if you're sure! I like the vine, and I'm nay tired yet...." Of course not; anyone who knows Kassi at all knows that she gets tired very rarely. If it were otherwise, she'd have dropped dead of exhaustion long ago from dealing with duties, fire-lizards, an overly argumentive dragon, plus all the hijinx she insists on participating in. "I think we can still beat Mart at this. Can't you just *see* him scrambling for the vine and missing?" Kindre laughs and nods, "I hope to, at the least!" Benden Weyr> Davidon missed anything that was posed in the LC :( Isn't there a gather at Boll tonight? Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "We're swinging the vine, woo-hoo! :)" Benden Weyr> Kindre says, "madness and mayhem! Oh, and what Kassi said, too ;)" Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "Nonono. That's the 15th, I think. Or 16th. Or something. :)" Benden Weyr> M'kla should probably stay away from all that. She's allergic to fun. Benden Weyr> Davidon sulks. ;P Benden Weyr> Kassima figured with us both here, Kin, the madness and mayhem were kinda implied. ;) Benden Weyr> Kindre smacks her forehead, "Oh, right Kassi, I always forget that!" ;) Kassima grins. "So do I. And even if it never comes to pass, I do like the mental image!" Gearing herself up once more, she heads vinewards. Kassima runs at the vine, trips, and goes over the edge, arms and legs in frenzied swinging before landing in the water on the tummy. *YIKES* Benden Weyr> M'kla says, "It's not Bedlam Weyr w/o reason, lasses." Lysseth> Kindre winces, her eyes squinching up quickly, "Oh crackdust, Kassi," she calls, "are you alright?" "Aiyeee!" is Kassi's exclaimation. "Oooh, ow, ow, ow, that smarts!" She winces, and stays in the water awhile longer to let the sting fade before walking back up to the beach. "Aye, aye; there's a temporary sting when y'do that, but naught to cause concern! Does Lyss look worried?" She grins and gestures to the green, who appears more amused by it all than anything else. You wade towards the shore. Kindre chuckles after looking up and over at Lysseth, "Nah, I think she took it rather well." Benden Weyr> Kindre lol at Simpsons! Sorry :) Hee, it's the X-files one :) Kassima chuckles as she wrings some water out of her braid, which doesn't look too much worse for wear. "Your turn, weyrwoman!" Benden Weyr> Kassima oohs, Kin, thanks for reminding me! :) "Indeed it is," Kindre says before making quick steps across the beach. Kindre grabs the vine, swings out, releases it before slicing cleanly into the water. Benden Weyr> Davidon says, "Ooh, I wanna watch that one. :) *begs someone to tape it for him*" Kassima woooos and claps. "Excellent!" Benden Weyr> M'kla would, but they cut the cable to my apt complex. No one has it *sob* From the shallow waters, Kindre pops up and chuckles, "Well, they may be boring, but clean!" She makes attempts to half-curtsy in the water, but ends up nearly drowning herself. Giving up, she heads in. Kindre steps onto the sands and grabs a towel. Kindre does the curtsy thing again, "It truly is amazing I've not landed square on my tummy..." Kassima giggles. "I'm for having a bite to eat a'fore we do any more... how 'bout you? Y'know, they serve chicken here--only place I've ever found that does it." Kassima adds, "And the mushroom soup! It's absolutely marvelous!" Elenni says with a smile, "I can tell you the `entrees', the `dessert' or the `drinks'. Which one do you want to hear?" Benden Weyr> Kindre just WOOOS! STAR WARS! Jan 31st! Elenni sighs, wipes her hands on her apron and looks at the ceiling, ticking off items on her fingers: Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "Star Wars? What's that? ;)" Benden Weyr> Kindre beats Kassi with a Wooky ;) Benden Weyr> M'kla says, "That's Wookie." Benden Weyr> Kassima thwaps Kin with a teddy bear that has the ability to bring down someone in full body-armor with a rock tied to a string. ;) Benden Weyr> Kindre oopses :) Benden Weyr> Kindre just faints, tho :) spammage over. Benden Weyr> M'kla giggles. And that's an Ewok. Benden Weyr> P'tran waves Benden Weyr> Caitria wonders if anyone saw Saturday night live? Benden Weyr> Caitria also waves to P'te. Benden Weyr> Kindre scrolls up and just lol, Kassi! :) Hiya P'tran! Welcome back :) Benden Weyr> P'tran says, "Huh? P'tran's back? Where? Oh, wait, that's me ... :)" Benden Weyr> M'kla hoooooos and waves to the FL. Benden Weyr> Kassima wafflesalutes the FL and baps him with a Nerf bat, just 'cause. :) Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "Yep, M'kla. Aph used to make jokes about that all the time. :)" Benden Weyr> L'nay says, "P'TE! :)" Benden Weyr> Caitria solemnly hands Kassi her Nerf Katana of Doom (+2) Benden Weyr> P'tran hopes the Weyr is still in one piece? :) Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "Well, not exactly... but we put it back together with superglue, and only a few people have suffered death and injury due to the mayhem. :)" Benden Weyr> P'tran says, "Well, so long as you fit the pieces back together so you can't see where they're broken :)" Benden Weyr> M'kla hides the cutting torches. Benden Weyr> T'lean says, "Aiiiiieee! It's P'tran....hide! :)" Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "You mean we weren't suppose to let you see? D'oh! Um... can you come back in a few days? ;)" Benden Weyr> P'tran smirks :) Benden Weyr> P'tran says, "No, I better catch up on things tonight, since I have 31 unread +mails :)" Benden Weyr> Kindre eeks! :) Benden Weyr> Caitria pssts and hands Kassi another pot of superglue, which has a color amazingly like, and yet not quite, tea. Benden Weyr> L'nay laughs. You'd think we didn't like you or something. ;) Benden Weyr> P'tran grins :) Benden Weyr> P'tran had a rather nice time while he was offline, so he doesn't mind so much having to catch up :) Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "Fear not, Kin! We're safe here at Boll, and he'll never realize that it's all our fault that the Lake is surrounded by the Snowman Gallery of Horror--oops! Did I say that aloud? I must get over that habit. :P ;) *Takes the superglue and starts applying it to everything broken... the LC, the Bowls, Salless's homemade wine-crushing vat....*" Benden Weyr> Kindre says, "uh, Kassi, that sculpture melted, didn't it?? Yea, it must have...*grabs glue and dots it just everywhere...eek? it bonds skin? yikes!* ;)" Benden Weyr> P'tran notes it got rather cold the last few days in Wyoming. It was a rare time the temperature got above 0 :) Benden Weyr> Caitria iew. And is going to Wyoming this summer. Benden Weyr> P'tran says, "It gets warm in the summer, Caitria, but very low humidity :)" Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "Well, no, but... I think I repaired all the knife-damage, so as long as Cav and Mart don't talk... not that I did anything to them, of course. 0:)" Benden Weyr> Caitria nodnods. And peers at Kassi. I heard I need to read a log of that. Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "The 'Greenrider Knife-Throwing Practice, or Day Two of the Snowman Slaughter' log will be up soonish. When's up to the ever generous and wonderful Melibabe. :)" Benden Weyr> P'tran says, "Anyway, nothing really exciting happened on my trip ... other than getting engaged that is :)" Benden Weyr> M'kla grins a bit. Benden Weyr> L'nay heehee Benden Weyr> M'kla bellows, "CONGRATS!" Benden Weyr> Kassima yays!!!!!!!!! and jumps up and down, beaming at the FL. Woo-hoo, congrats P'tranaman!!!!! :) Benden Weyr> Caitria woooo at P'te! Benden Weyr> Kindre says, "Wow, P'tran!! 'Grats!! :)" Benden Weyr> P'tran says, "Oh, did I forget to mention that up front? How silly of me :)" Benden Weyr> Caitria tickles P'tran. Benden Weyr> M'kla laughs and pokes P'tran. "Well, I think I'll give it another go," Kindre says, "let's hope my -skill- holds up," she quips and chuckles. Kindre grabs the vine, but slips, arms and legs flailing wildly before landing unceremoniously into the water below. *PLOP* Kindre steps onto the sands and grabs a towel. Benden Weyr> Kassima thwaps the Boss with that wherry head sculpture. Silly FL. :) Benden Weyr> P'tran says, "Thanks for all the good thoughts :) There won't be a wedding very soon since she's still in college, but I'll let you all know when there's a date set :)" Kassima grabs the vine and dives simply into the water, rippling the water only slightly. Benden Weyr> L'nay grins. Benden Weyr> P'tran says, "Anyway ... :) Ok, all, I'm online tonight to catch up on admin stuff. Feel free to page me with stuff, but I may be a little slow in responding :)" You wade towards the shore. "Another good one, Kassi," Kindre grins, "I'm certain to get back my mark from that brownrider with a bit more practice...heh, and luck." Benden Weyr> Ursa peers at the LC. most of those "I feel like I"m coming down with something but I'm not sick" lines are precursors to the "Ohmigod I'm pregnant" line. you pregnant, Davidon? :) Benden Weyr> P'tran is not touching that one, nope :) Benden Weyr> Kassima always *said* that Water could do amazing stuff! Benden Weyr> L'nay laughs! Kassima chuckles. "Aye, aye! We'll win against him yet--just y'watch." She walks over to Elenni. "I'm going to get m'self some dinner--would you care for aught, Kin?" Benden Weyr> Caitria turns on her +watch. Kindre's eyes widen and she nods, "Oh, shells yes, I'm starved. I think we missed evening meal at Benden as it is. Recommend anything?" Kassima grins. "The mushroom soup, and anything with chicken... why nay ask Elenni what's to have, and take whatever sounds good? As to drinks, I like the Green Dragon m'self, but you might prefer the Gold." Elenni prepares a plate of yellowfruit herb chicken with rivergrains and hands it to Kassima. Elenni nods and dashs off to get Kassima's request. Elenni smiles as he hands Kassima a bowl of steaming mushroom soup. Elenni smiles and pours a drink. Elenni hands Kassima a glass of Green Dragon. Kindre blinks, "Mushroom soup? Kassi," she notes with humor, "if I eat that, I'll be sneezing all the way back to Benden! Allergic to the things, don't you know. Hmm," she looks over the offerings, "R'val took me here once and I did like the gold dragon." Kassima balances her plates and wanders over to one of the various tables to sit, sighing happily. "Boll serves food and drink that can't yet be found at Benden--truly, it makes a fabulous change. Oh, that's a shame! But better than what *I'd* be doing all the way back home if I ate the tubers; I somehow doubt Lyss would want me to gag and choke while riding her." The greenrider winks, then sets into soup and chicken with a vengeance. Elenni fills a plate with yellowtail casserole and hands it to Kindre. Elenni pours a drink for Kindre into a fluted glass. Elenni hands Kindre a glass of Golden Dragon. Kindre collects her substinances and walks over to the table. Placing each down before taking a seat, she smiles. "This," she says while looking down at her dish, "is more than I could have dreamed for. I used to get to eat yellowtail a lot at home." Kassima takes a sip of her Green Dragon and comments, "I think this's been a pretty sharding good day, as days go, despite the dawn sweeps." She chuckles, and pokes at her chicken with a fork. "I eat yellowtail sometimes; Lyss and the fair are good at fish-catching, so whatever they don't eat, I can take. But chicken, I don't get to try save here." Kindre takes a bite of her fish and nods. "True...I like chicken, but thought the fish here -had- to be good. How's yours," she wonders while shovelling another bite into her mouth. Kassima grins and swallows, "Exceptional! But food's always better when you're famished, which I am after that vine experience." "Jays, that's certainly true," Kindre says before taking a sip from her drinnk. "I was a bit hungry when we left, but just shrugged it off in the rush I was in to get here. And how glad I am we did! That vine is great fun, and Jehrina was right, Herath seems a bit more mild-tempered." Kassima laughs. "Well, you're enjoying yourself, aren't you? If she's anything 'tall like Lyss, it's easier for her to enjoy herself when you're having fun... seems many dragons are that way." She sets down her fork for a moment to stretch, getting a crick out of her neck. "So good to be out of the cold for a bit!" Kindre, fork currently in her mouth, bobs her head quickly before realizing how silly it must look. Chewing quickly and swallowing the bite, she chuckles, "I am at that. True, though, it's simply wonderful to get the chill out of my bones for a few hours. Hey Kassi," she tilts her head and frowns slightly, "How hard is it for you to control Lysseth when she rises? I know this is out of the blue and such," she shrugs, "but N'ren got me a bit worried earlier today...thinks Hera's about due to go up, soon anyhow, and I was just...worried? Or whatever." Realizing with wide eyes how much she's managed to ramble, she smiles sheepishly, "Sorry..." Kassima sets down her fork and smiles. "Oh, 'tis naught to be apologizing for. Trust me, I understand why 'twould be a source of nervousness for you... I think the first time is for every rider, green or gold." Picking up her glass, she takes a sip while contemplating the first question. "How hard... well, very. Let me put it this way. Picture Lysseth's willpower as a dragon. A big dragon. Bigger than a gold. If a wherry were describing it, 'twould be BIG DRAGON, screamed at the top of its little wherry lungs... now, think of my opposing will as being a fire-lizard. A green fire-lizard, who is just barely out of the egg and sickly besides. The two collide, and I have to win--get the idea?" She grins. "Ach, that's a bit of hyperbole, but *'tis* difficult. Lysseth's stubborn enough that even other riders admit her against their dragons 'twould be nay contest, and though we do argue a lot, her single-mindedness at flying time is *amazing*. It takes everything I've got to control her sometimes." She sets the glass down. "But 'tis nay that way for everyone... Lyss is likely unusually bad. *All* dragons are terrors to try and rein in when they're about to rise, though. Downright demonic. Most people *do* manage it somehow--you'll find your own stubbornness will likely be increased; if fury doesn't do it, then knowing what could happen if you *don't* win through *will*." Kassima tinkers with her fork as she muses, "M'Da once had a saying... if you're seeking to master others, y'must master first yourself. You have to be in full command and sure of what you're doing when you seek to rule your queen's will--I'm sure of that; I can't think of it being elsewise for *anyone*. Doubts get in the way. You'll have to shove them aside. That may sound hard, but every rider's got willpower. 'Tis trained into us. I have faith, Kin, that you can keep yourself and Herath safe, but don't think for a moment that it'll be easy or fun for you." Kindre sits very still as she listens and absorbs everything said. Toying idly with her food without really looking at it, she cracks a smile at the compareson of wills. "Shells, I hadn't even realized..." is her first, quiet response as she looks across the distance to Herath. "She's stubborn -now- but always listens after I insist..." Nodding again, she swallows, "So this is going to be even worse since it's the first, I gather? Shard it all, so he was pretty much right. I -think- the thought of losing her will push away my doubts, but I just don't know." Focussing back on her plate, she takes a small bite and a long, long swallow of her drink. "I don't mean to sound so, well, worried and such. I just thought I'd ask you...I know you better than N'ren and all." Kassima nods soberly. "It'll be worst the first time, aye, because you'll nay be used to the feeling... it really gets easier with every flight. And there's this--the very first control, getting her to blood the first couple of kills, will be hardest. After that, she'll likely get the idea on her own. To keep her from going *between* isn't as bad--you've just got to *stay* with her, concentrate on her, and keep the control you've gained. Staying with her will be a lot easier than it sounds, because once the flight begins, you will *be* her... or close enough to make nay nevermind." Kindre takes another long drink before nodding yet again. "Shells...hopefully we'll manage. It still worries me, but so did listening to her kill the first several times. I got used to that," she says in a hopeful tone. "Not that the two are exactly similar..." Benden Weyr> P'tran feels jetlag catching up with him and figgers he's done all he's up to doing tonight. 'Night all :) Feyan wanders up the trail from the west and steps out onto the beach. Benden Weyr> Kindre waves to th' WL...Nite P'tran and 'grats again! :) Kassima chuckles. "Aye, aye... I know how you mean. But Kin, I have faith--there's nay been a bad flight incident since I've been here, and though it won't ever be a stroll on the beach, there're worse things. Just keep yourself stubborn, and focus every fiber of will and determination that you've got." Feyan stands and stares....finally saying.."Dwagons!" Benden Weyr> P'tran grins. Thanks :) Benden Weyr> Kassima zhaiwafflesalutesnugs the FL! Night, felicitations, fnord, etc. :) "I wish I as much faith...but," Kindre says and shrugs, her good-natured smile returning, "I suppose I'll feel differently whenever that happens." Turning as she hears approaching footsteps, she waves with her fork, "Evening there...and, yes, dragons it seems have taken nesting on the beach," she grinns. Feyan stares at the dragons, wide eyed..... Kassima looks over to Feyan and waves, with a smile. "G'deve, lass! Benden's duties to the Traders. Aye, I suppose those could be called dragons... nay sure my green lump over there quite merits the title, but...." Lysseth lifts her head and *snorts* indignantly in response. Feyan jumps when the green snorts....."Dwagon hav cod?" Kassima chuckles at Kindre. "Now that, I'm afraid I can't help you with, because proddiness is so much different for everyone. Different for me, too... first time I was determined, second, downright furious, and the third, just impatient. I seem to recall calling Lyss a sharding overgrown vtol and saying that when I was through with her, she was going to be dragonskin boots, that second time...." Kassi grins sheepishly. Kassima shakes her head. "Ach, nay--that green, she's just expressing her disgust with her rider, as usual! Her name's Lysseth. I'm Kassima; I have the dubious pleasure of being her lifemate." This last is said with a wink to Lyss, who yawns in her rider's direction to show that she's not impressed by the jest. Boo croons at the dragons, from Feyan's shoulder. Kindre blinks before chuckling, "Dragon have what," she asks, not understanding at first, "Did you ask if she had a cold?" Bobbing her head to the greenrider, she laughs a bit, "Boots? Oh, Kassi...well, I suppose I'll be saying much of the same when the time comes. I think she's nearly as set in her ways as Lysseth..." Feyan looks atKassima......"Huwow, me Feyan.", shebobsalittlecurtsey...."Twaders dirt...durt....huwow." Feyan nodnods to Kindre... Kassima grins. "Every time Lyss rises, I threaten her with something dire if she does it again any time soon. This time, she knows she'll become a set of glowing riding leathers--don't you, sky-lady?" There's no reply from the green; indeed, she simply curls up and pretends to sleep. "Stubborn creature. But Kin, there's really nay so very much to be worried about... flying, 'tis an experience that's nay to be forgotten. The battle at the start is worth the glory of feeling like, for once, you're the one with the wings...." The greenrider says this last rather wistfully, then laughs at herself, shaking her head. "There's naught to match it." Turning her attention back to the girl, she nods, and quirks a grin. "Well met, Feyan, and heyla t'you." Herath just lies there, content to soak in every drop of warmth and light falling on her hide. Lysseth's yawn seemingly infectous, her maw gapes open in a similar, content one. Kindre chuckles at the young girl, "Hi there, Feyan. I don't think she has a cold..." she says then sits up a bit straighter, "I'm surprised I was able to interpret that. I'm Kindre and this is Kassima." Smiling wider, she ohs, "One with the wings? It doesn't sound like much could match with that." Feyan stays out of range, looking a bit frightened....."They pwetty dwagons." Kassima shakes her head. "Nay, nay. Especially for Lyss and I; we don't work in unity all that often. You've probably noticed that! Only when we've got a common goal, and that's rare enough given that she's a mother-hen and I've more of a taste for adventure. Then, though, there's naught--naught 'tall--separating you and your dragon anymore, mentally. Nay disagreements, nay restraints. 'Tis like two made one." This is all said rather quietly, intended only for the goldrider's ears; her voice is more conversational as she comments to Feylan, "Thankee! Lysseth gives her thanks, as well... or would, nay doubt, if she were willing to admit she's awake." Benden Weyr> J'cob wants to come out 'n RP somewhere... what's happening? Benden Weyr> Kassima is playing at being wise and all-knowledgeable. ;) Benden Weyr> Davidon doesn't know. Feyan looks at the two riders, big eyed...."Feyan git dwagon?" Kassima chuckles. "Mayhaps, lass, when you're grown... the Searchdragons will know, then. Nay way of telling this early." Benden Weyr> Davidon says, "Sounds like fun Kassi :)" Feyan looks understanding, but stubborn...."Feyan gwo up!" Herath flicks her tail about and whuffs briefly, as if agreeing with the young girl. Rolling over to warm her other side...maybe even to show off her better side to the youngster...she whuffs once more before her lids slowly slip shut. "You'll swell their heads with words like that," she teases. Bobbing her head at the greenrider's quieter words, she smiles and thinks about this quietly for a moment. "Wow, it sounds so...good...So I do have something to look forward to this after all? The way N'ren was talking made me fear the ordeal altogether. Though," she admits and shrugs, "I guess he wouldn't know or understand our vantage point, would he?" then chuckles softly. Benden Weyr> Kindre is picking Kassi's IC brain :) Benden Weyr> J'cob says, "Mind if I join you two?" Feyan moves back as the giant dragon moves.... Benden Weyr> Kindre shrugs, why'd we mind? :) Benden Weyr> J'cob says, "That's a hint to tell me where you are! :)" Kassima smiles and nods. "'Tis so. There's the battle of wills a'fore you can get there, and you can't *quite* let go of control entirely... 'tis nay all a pleasure, any more than 'tis all an ordeal. I don't know if maleriders can understand... after all," she notes with a wry grin, "I can't understand their vantage point, either!" Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "Boll. :)" Benden Weyr> Davidon snuffles. ;P From the sky, Siraeth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air! Siraeth backwings to a landing. Feyan runs! Siraeth plummets towards the ground quickly, then, right before the moment of -splat-, she backwings just enough to touch down lightly. Kassima grins to Feyan. "Aye, but you'll have to have more Turns a'fore you could be Searched for a dragon, I'm afraid." Spotting Siraeth, she waves up to her and her rider. "Heya, J'cob!" Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "Hey, Davi, why not get a ride over with a watchrider or something if you really want? :) Aigh. Just realized I'll have to leave in about 15 min or so m'self. :P" Feyan stops and peeks back at the dragon, from her position hiding in the bushes.... "Feyan," Kindre calls, "don't be worried, they're nice, honestly." Waving as she recognizes rider and dragon, she smiles, "Hi J'cob!" Picking at her food again, she does the head-bobbing thing, "True enough there...not that I understand -either- side yet myself," she chuckles. From Siraeth's back, J'cob baps Siraeth, "Show off!" and leaps down. J'cob climbs down Siraeth's side to the ground, as the dragon rumbles softly. J'cob strips off most of his upper clothing and stows it, "Hey, people. What's the occasion, free wine?" Benden Weyr> Davidon is sick though...of course he could just go there and be cranky the whole time, and kick sand in your face when he gets the chance! ;> Benden Weyr> Kindre giggles at Davi and pouts, Kassi :( :) Benden Weyr> Davidon snickers. Kassima grins. "Trust me on this: you'll understand a *lot* better once she first rises. Don't be afraid of it, though, or worry overmuch. There's naught as can be done about it, after all--it's a small, but important part of who she is, to quote what Lys said to Thera once." To J'cob, she laughs and shakes her head. "Ach, nay! 'Twere just swinging the vine for awhile; I told Kin she just had to try that solemn Bollian ceremony." Kindre laughs and shakes her head at J'cob, "No, more like warming up, vine swinging, and dinner." J'cob hmmms, "I see. Well, its nice and warm -- I thought I'd take a swim. Oh, Kassi, someone back at the weyr wanted to see you. But i forget who. Or why." Kassima blinks. "Oh? Well, that's odd; 'tis rare for someone to go seeking me out." Feyan peeks at the dragons, and creeps closer.... "I can't understand it either, but hey, why not?" muses J'cob as he strides into the surf, toe-deep. "I do trust you, and will really try not to worry," Kindre begins to say, "Thanks a lot, Kassi...this has truly made me feel lengths better about the whole thing, honest it has!" Tilting her head, she smiles, "Someone looking for you, hmm? I wonder who...meet anyone t the last gathers that I missed," she winks. Siraeth tailthwaps Lysseth, before settling down. Kassima smiles at Kin. "Good, I'm glad. I don't want to give you false comfort that 'twill be easy, for it won't... but 'tis nay entirely a horror, either, nor aught to be frightened of. Just try to prepare yourself, and you likely would want to speak with the Weyrwoman and mayhaps some of the other goldriders, too. They'd know more'n I what 'tis like." She snorts in amusement. "Why nay? Well, nay reason why nay, but nay reason why either. As to meeting someone at a Gather, hardly that! 'Twas too busy following you and Asrai around!" Feyan moves to get close to the smallest dragon....the green..... Lysseth opens one eye and rumbles, flicking her tail to send a bit of sand Siraeth's way before dozing back off. J'cob bends over and tries out the water, then heads back for shore. "Too-oo cold for me, thanks." Siraeth flutters her wings, then sits up, and in an artifically-low voice, bugles almost bronze-ish towards Herath. Feyan jumps and turns to run again! Feyan wanders down the jungle path to the west. Kindre waves her fork in a tiny circle as she speaks, "So it's the hardest of battles but worth the glory, then? Oh, and I do plan and talking to Jehrina...we actually talked about it when I was still a weyrling, but I think I need to refresh and get more details, for lack of a better word. Following -us- around," she asks with wide eyes, "please! You seem to know half of Pern! We were nearly out of breath trying to keep up with -you- dearheart," she exclaims and laughs. J'cob smirks at Kassima, "And if rumors are right, you've flirted with most of the rest you don't know." He continues past them to get his shirt back, then, pulling it on, returns to the two, "What's the discussion?" Kassima grins. "Aye, for me. I won't say aught of it being worth the end result, for that rather depends on your frame of mind, but... well, y'know what I mean. As to me knowing half of Pern, I somehow doubt that! Does seem like a lot of people know me sometimes, though... probably all heard the wherry story." She rolls her eyes. Herath rumblesnorts low at Siraeth. Her mood improved by the climate, but just a bit. She flops over once more to doze. Kassima blinks at J'cob, incredulous and amused both. "Me, flirt? When Faranth's skeleton drops out of the sky from the direction of the Red Star to land in the Benden Lake, mayhaps." Siraeth can't help herself. This is a fun game. She 'bugles' at the other green, too, though she's no bronze... J'cob winks at Kindre, then turns on Kassima again, "Well, I didn't want to falsely suggest you're a tease -- we all know you're not." Kindre smiles to J'cob, "Flights and such. N'ren put a bit of a scare into me earlier and I was just bugging her for information." Laughing, then, she takes a sip from her glass before continuing to speak, "Well, if any had forgotten or not heard, that sculpture certainly reminded them," she teases. Lysseth flicks an eye open, then shuts it again, apparently unimpressed by bronzes either real or false. Her rider laughs at the greens' behavior, then sighs. "Ach, shards... I'd best be heading back home. Can't be falling asleep on the beach with drills due at first light. Kin, hope I helped a bit, and J'cob, dead in the black." She grins, getting up to head over to behind her dragon for a quick change back into riding gear before going home. "See you both back at the Weyr. Feyan, nice meeting you!" J'cob raises a suspicious eyebrow, "Afraid Herath will rise, and you'll spend the rest of your days as useless as a greenrider, you mean? I doubt it." You place one hand on Lysseth's neck and she warbles down at you fondly. You grin and scratch her eyeridges once before climbing up onto her lower neckridges, using the riding straps and Lysseth's thoughtfully offered foreleg. <*> Lysseth springs from the ground, the air from her wings churning up dust as she takes to the skies. You hunch down before launching up, with powerful strokes.