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As the Healers moved to assist the injured and move them to the infirmary, J'ev shuffled the newly Impressed riders and their hatchlings towards the dining hall. The crowd followed behind them, wisely remaining out of the reach of some of the more violent dragons. Pipith and Cavumuth seemed to be given the widest berth. Any remaining candidates were welcome to join in the feasting, but should they wish to leave they could easily slip out unnoticed in the hustle and bustle. Nobody would miss them, as the kitchen staff were far too busy setting out food for a rather late breakfast, now turned Hatching Feast.

Food and drinks were readily available – no doubt many had not eaten yet due to being awoken at the crack of dawn – though the Weyrlingmaster kept a sharp eye on his newest group lest they try to sneak any of the whine. There would be no drinking for them for a long time.

Malkai and I'dan sat at the head table, watching the festivities and occasionally talking together in low voices. The Weyrleader greeted all who approached him with a bright smile, even if it did seem a little tight around the edges. The Weyrwoman, however, seemed unwilling to speak to anyone, and fixed those approaching the table with a stony look. Perhaps it was best to avoid her for a little while longer...

[ OOC Notes: Feel free to interact with any of the NPCs, I will try to keep track of who is where and react accordingly. ]

Tethis was one of the first to approach her Weyrleader, giving a courteous bow to Malkai first before giving a friendly slap on the shoulder to I'dan. The sight of her Wingleader's tight eyes made her own smile dimmer. It was not the triumph that a gold would have been, but at least the bronze who had hatched was well-composed. And a good size, a potential rival in time for the Weyrleader position in his Rider? Only time would tell.

She didn't speak, instead giving the others who were approaching the table a wide berth as she found a seat. The blonde found a seat in an inconspicuous (for her) part of the hall and procured some wine. Silence was the best option in public situations for a woman in her situation. However, if someone else chose to approach her, they would find a warm welcome. She tried to keep her attitude open and welcoming, smiling at those riders she knew as they entered the hall.

What a day this had been. Shards.

Sethal was confused. Really, seriously confused. He was exceptionally good at going with the flow, to the point that it could be somewhat problematic at times, but this was pushing it. He was used to getting into trouble because he'd become distracted, but getting a dragon because he'd gotten sidetracked? A small-for-his-size, incredibly pushy dragon, at that. It wasn't that he didn't like Pipith - already it was difficult to imagine being without him - but this was...he just couldn't wrap his head around it. His life had changed completely in the space of a moment, and now he had to change his name and learn all about dragons, not to mention live here in the Weyr.

It was all a little much for him, to say the least, and he hardly noticed the wide berth people were giving him and his dragon as they were shepherded into the dining hall. Until now, he'd kept to himself, far too dazed and too busy with Pipith to really pay attention to anything or anyone else.

Don't just stand there, Mine, Pipith insisted, snapping him out of his daze. If you are confused, then go and ask someone. It does not look very good when you stare at nothing with your mouth hanging open like that.

I... He did have a point. So Sethal shut his mouth and headed for the old man who seemed to be in charge of the new riders, with a hesitant "...Sir?"

J'ev looked up when Sethal approached him, making a mental note of the boy's clothing first and foremost. Ah, so this was the Stands Impression. One could never be sure if the dragonet was going to go charging off into the crowd, but the bronze had known what he was looking for. His chosen rider, however, didn't look so sure of himself. The bluerider's expression softened and he gave Sethal a pat on the shoulder.

"What can I do for ye, lad?" Judging by the colours and the choice of footwear he looked like a Runner. No doubt he'd had some message to deliver and had stopped by to check in on the Hatching. Probably hadn't expected a dragon to come looking for him. J'ev couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. Poor lad had his hands full already.

That was a good question, to be honest. Sethal, for his part, didn't actually have one in mind - well, okay, he had a lot of question running through his mind, but he didn't know where to start! He'd never been so lost in his life, and it was beyond disconcerting. He wasn't ordinarily the uncertain type...indecisive yes, uncertain no.

Ask him something already, Mine, Pipith prodded when he hesitated a little too long.

"Well, uh..." Oh, shards! "What happens now?" So it was sort of a stupid question, but it was better than nothing. Hopefully the man was as nice as he seemed and wouldn't laugh at him.

Canoake had managed to talk her way out of serving those new and old riders. That was no surprise. She had managed to sneak away in the hour between the end of the Hatching and the true start of the Feast to change into her finery. A russet brown headband with little gold stitching, her favorite skirts, a white shirt that was loose in the sleeves and tight at the wrists and of course, her calf boots.

Personally, she cared not too much for the other dragons but was interested in the rather large bronze that had hatched. The one who had everyone fooled. He would be one to keep an eye on as he grew. Canoake wanted to assess the man who had gained a bronze.

Light footed, she refused to cave into any dark thoughts or emotions she might have. After all, where would it get her. Grabbing a plate with fresh bread and roasted beef for the grand occasion, it was time to start a new plan.

It wasn't Y'ul who noticed the looming behind her, an appetite suddenly having developed the moment she started to nibble on a few things here and there, instead the initial notice coming from the Green who had appeared to be asleep at her legs. Erath was far from asleep, she was merely resting on the cool ground, and she raised her head in response to his presence.

There is someone here. He's looking at you oddly, do you know him?

Her voice was quiet as her eyes turned from blue to a more curious blue-green, and Y'ul slowly turned over her shoulder to get an idea of what her Green was referring to. She had her mouth full with a bite of food, a side of her cheeks puffed out with a bit still on her lips, and she frowned as she tried to see who wanted her now that she'd stuffed her face.

Of course, it had to be Tofir. p***k, Y'ul still hadn't quite forgiven him for snapping at her on the Sands.

He is from before, on the Sands.

"Tofir."

Shiver had rejoined Tofir after the hatching, leaving Song and the strange man gladly. He liked Song, but strangers made him nervous. He'd practically shaken off half his body weight. He was hungry. Was there any cooked meat to be had? He whistled appealingly at Tofir. Could he ask the Yulu friend for some food.

Tofir shrugged and he interpreted that as a yes. Shiv began to fly to Yulu, willing to land on her, even, when he saw the enormous green with her and let out a shrill, terrified whistle and returned to Tofir's shoulder at great speed. Tofir raised his left eyebrow at the blue firelizard and looked back at Yulu.

"Hey. Can I sit?" With a dragon in the way, that wasn't quite a guarantee. "I don't think I caught your dragon's name, by the way."