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 Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 5:52 pm
The smith made a rumbling noise, perhaps by clearing his throat. "Yer marks, lad," he reminded Carltis. He was powerful (and potbellied) from years at the forge and would have banged heads together if an unauthorized fight broke out, but one-legged as he was his options were somewhat limited.
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 5:52 pm
Hekate couldn't help a laugh at Rochelle's startled reaction reaching out to pat the girl on the shoulder good-naturedly and glad for the distraction so as to not have to explain that she was far from a weyrbrat. "Don't mind him Devith and I like to bend the rules a little and he prefers a more direct route anyway." Hekate assured the girl with a chuckle Devith cocking his head eyes bright with amusement at the new candidates shock.
Thank you. I apologize for startling you. Devith rumbled a bit softer this time in Rochelle's mind only at a mental reminder from Hekate that the girl was probably not used to having such a forceful voice as his in her mind. Grinning Hekate merely shook her head, Rochelle must have really caught Devith in a good mood to get an apology out of her vain silver. Then again Devith did love to be loved.
"It's ok I was just as startled the first time he spoke to me." She replied and let the girl turn to yell at her friend as Hekate herself winced at Z'fer's latest fit.
"We'd better go after him. I'll see you around Rochelle." Hekate called to the other girl trotting up to the wing Devith pausing to give Rochelle a little nod good bye to follow after his rider as she stooped down snatching up the irate man's abandoned shirt and trotting after him through the crowds. Lucky for her Devith's bulk cleared the way easily and the two managed to close in on him after a bit of trotting.
"Wait up! You forgot your shirt." Hekate called coming up to his side and offering the garment to her friend. "Come on you look bushed let's get you some chilled juice maybe?" She offered with a small smile and a tilt of the head.
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 5:52 pm
[Kleos] Kleos considered the boots carefully, or tried to, that pelt kept calling to her and the way the second trader adjusted it made her want to touch it herself. Boots though, did she need them? Perhaps it would be more practical to hunt around for some sandals, which would probably also cost her less. She looked at the feline pelt again, and thought about the marks in her purse. Was it so wrong of her to want something lovely to brighten the tiny space that was hers? It would take care of the problem of her scratchy bed, but sleeping on such a thing of beauty almost seemed vulgar. Buying it in the first place felt vulgar, but she wanted it. As she exclaimed this to her dragon she allowed her eyes to rest fully on the handsome pelt rather than stealing furtive glances. "And... this?" she made a small gesture towards it, feeling slightly guilty for even enquiring. Why should she though? Had she not earned her marks? Was she not at liberty to spend them as she would? There really was nothing wrong with indulging in luxury once in a while. She was conscious too that she might be holding Cai up, and should make a decision one way or the other swiftly.
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 5:58 pm
[Carltis] Smirking as the wingleader departed in high dudgeon Carltis returned his attention to the smith and took the proffered marks. "Thanks," he nodded, "see you around the place." Sliding the marks into his pocket he turned and sauntered over to Rochelle, rolling his shoulder and head to loosen up some of the tension. "Sad when people can't take losing with good grace, isn't it?" he drawled with a dramatic sigh. "Standards are slipping, I mean if we can't expect good behaviour from a noble bronze rider - destined to be my better by right of hide - who can we expect it from? Mmh, c'mon, we should check Siata's alright; she looks a bit battered to me."
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 6:22 pm
[Rochelle]
"It was nice meeting the both of you!" Rochelle agreed, calling after the silver and his rider. That's when carltis sauntered up, huge and smirking, full of swagger from his win and good humor with it. Amazing what beating the snot out of some pretty boy would do for a guy. ... Right, that sounded wrong.
She clapped him on the arm in a pale mockery of Siata, smiling up at him, all dimpled and pleased. "He was probably the only one they could get promoted. No other shinies were available and - wait, we had this conversation before, haven't we? Stop pouting, you kicked his a**." Rochelle grinned and poked at him, gently, in the sternum. "You're so gross and sweaty. Where's your shirt? And yes, let's go and find Siata. She conked her head once or twice."
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 6:29 pm
[Carltis]
"It's over there," Carltis gestured, "and being sweaty and gross is manly." He wrinkled his nose, then adding; "But also gross. Nevermind, I'll just have to get clean with a nice bath in the lake later on. Maybe you'll join me." He wasn't sure he should have said that, but on a high with his win and general good mood he didn't worry about it for more than a moment. "For now though," he waved a hand towards Siata, "how about you head on over to check on her, I'll grab my shirt and catch up." So saying he jogged over to where he had deposited his ragged (thoroughly manly) garment and wiped the worst of the sweat off himself before putting it on and turning to head back over to where Siata was.
"Alright there?" he asked as he approached. "Looks like the wingleader smacked you around a bit, but don't worry, I avenged you." Should they take her to a healer or something? Maybe her response to him - and anything Roche had said before he arrived - would give him a clue on that score.
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 6:56 pm
Southern Traders
The woman turned back to her seat, smirking to herself when she heard her ploy working.
Her partner smiled, leaving the boots where they were he picked up the pelt, draping it across his arm and extending it out to her. In an almost reverent voice he answered her. "Only four but worth every one. You'd be hard pressed to find a fur of this quality again. It would make a beautiful and eye catching lining to gloves or a new coat. I know how cold it gets flying so high." He gave her a wink. If her knots didn't show it, the recognizable thread scars would give her profession away to anyone sharp enough to notice.
Cai
Cai's gaze had wandered over the stalls nearby while she waited for Kleos to finish her boot purchase. The Weavers stall caught her eye...she was useless with a needle unless you needed skin or hide sewn but it looked like they might have some pre-made clothing as well. Could she barter medical knowledge for clothing? Was that ethical? It felt not...but she had no other skills to offer and only two marks to her name. Hearing the prices of the items so far had her wondering if she'd even be able to afford everything she needed. Cai's focus turned inwards as she began to itemize and prioritize her potential purchases.
"What?" She shot the trader man a 'look'. Nevermind the fact that Kleos had even asked about such a ridiculous thing, did he really believe what he'd just said? "I highly doubt that this fur would provide the warmth a rider needs between." She started in a sharp tone, grey eyes sparking. "Especially if she's to be fighting Thread. Which she is. What she needs to line her boots and jackets is good northern herdbeast wool. Something that's designed to keep out the cold, not hide a creature in a muggy jungle. Try again mister." She folded her arms and stared him down, lips pursed. If Kleos bought it still that was her choice. It wasn't Cai's place to tell a Wingleader no. She wasn't about to tolerate a sneaking trader's outright lies though. Especially if it put a rider's safety in danger.
Z'fer
He was about to smack that sharding flit... Z'fer growled a warning at Klah as the little black buzzed about his head, eyes whirling yellow with worry and chirping his concern and confusion. He gave a little squeek as Z'fer's hand swatted at him, scaring him between and back a few feet. He creeled piteously, whining at not being allowed to land and love on his bonded.
Oh Joy, another flit to bother him. Z'fer glanced sideways at Hekate...and his shirt. Right, she'd been there and seen his humiliation. He kept up his long legged stride, not entirely sure where he was heading but determined to get out of the main crowd. Z'fer gave a heavy sigh and grabbed the shirt back a little roughly, clenching it in his fists but not putting it on.
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 7:10 pm
Hekate was having a hard time keeping up with Z'fer even with klah slowing the older rider down. Even Devith had to fall into a loping jog as they trailed along beside the irate wingleader. Deciding that perhaps the topic of the fight was best left alone Hekate simply lifted a hand clicking her tongue at klah calling the little black to her. He could ride in her arms for a bit as long as he stayed off her shoulder since Baron and Prince didn't seem to likely to share their favorite spots as the brown and silver eyed the other flit with interest.
Releasing the shirt Hekate shushed a low growl from Devith at the rough handling the silver disliking how his rider was being treated and ignored, but remained quiet. Glancing Z'fer over reached out and very gently touched his arm genuine concern in her eyes this time as she glanced at the bruise beginning to form on his lower ribs where he'd been hit not just by Saita, but Carltis too. "You're bruising. Come on let me get you something to drink and take a look at that? Please?" Hekate cajoled hoping to derail Z'fer before he got himself into trouble.
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 7:58 pm
Z'fer shot Devith a look of 'don't even try it.' He was not in the mood to deal with the silver's sensitive ego. Finally, he stopped at Hekate's light touch. It grazed his Thread scar but caused no pain. He could see that even Calanoth had edged around the outskirts of the gather, alarming the visiting holder folk as he craned his neck above him, eyes whirling the same yellow as Klah's. The unspoken question hung heavy on their connection and he sent back a reluctant reassurance.
Klah came to Hekate's hands willingly, thrumming and rubbing all over her hands in his need for attention. He chirped at her two 'guards', lamenting his sad existence with just a little bit of dramatics.
Z'fer lifted his hands and scrubbed at his face. He wasn't even sure how to feel at this point. Normally he'd just go and get sloshed, maybe pick a fight with someone else, and forget about it in the morning(or afternoon depending upon the availability of alcohol). Hekate would probably persist till he sat down and let her fuss over him. Another sigh and he finally spoke to her, though he still refused to look at her. "Fine. Let's get this over with."
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 8:13 pm
Devith was sorely tempted to stick a paw out and send the bronze-two legger tumbling, but he doubted His would approve of the two of them getting into a fight right here in the middle of the street. So swallowing his pride for the moment the silver backed off, but only for the moment. He would address Z'fer's behavior later.
Letting klah land she tucked the little black gently into the crook of her arm giving his eyeridges a few loving little scratches and Baron watched impassively. Prince however shifted on his perch craning his head down to chirrup at Klah. Yes it was all quite sad, but don't worry their wonderful owner would surely fix things. The silver assured the smaller black thrumming his confidence.
When Z'fer finally seemed to calm down enough to talk to her Hekate practically beamed gently taking his large calloused hand in her own she tugged him back towards the stalls where she'd seen some slightly beaten tables set up near a little booth selling chilled juice and wine. "Come on it'll be my treat." She assured him urging him to take a seat with Devith making it a point to drape himself down on the ground in the shade cast by the table keeping a wary eye between his rider and Z'fer.
"One class of chilled juice for me and a cup of light wine for my friend. You wouldn't happen to have a cold wet rag you could spare would you?" Hekate asked stepping up to the booth as the slightly plump middle aged man behind her flashed her a smile. "That I may Miss." He replied with a nod setting out her drinks as he fished around for a moment finding a rag and dipping it in some cold water for her before passing it off to the red haired girl. Nodding her thanks Hekate trotted back to Z'fer setting his drink by him and careful to keep her chilled juice separate.
"Here, just a bit of wine to take the edge off the pain." She explained grabbing the rag. "Here with your other hand hold this to the bruise. Hopefully it'll stop it from being too bad." Hekate added with a small smile taking a seat next to him where Devith was half napping in the shade.
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 8:49 pm
Calanoth rumbled as he inched back around the gather, getting as close to the table they sat at as he could. He was grateful for Hekate's gentle handling of his rider, a light brush of thanks crossed her mind though as soon as it was there it was gone. Calanoth still didn't feel comfortable talking directly with other's riders.
Klah peeped contentedly, second lids fluttering shut with pleasure. Yes, this one was nice and full of scritches and love. If she had treats too he would like her greatly.
Z'fer watched her as she walked away. He couldn't tell if she was genuine or if she was secretly enjoying rubbing in his shame. He could feel Devith's eyes on him and didn't care. His general liking of the rider didn't extend to the dragon. He could guess the feeling was mutual, from the sounds of things Calanoth was passingly fond of the silver as well as the rider. He couldn't recall Cal actually addressing another human before. It almost made him jealous.
The upward twitch of his lips didn't reach his eyes as she returned with drinks for the both of them and a dripping rag. The smell of wine hit his nose and he raised an eyebrow. "He old enough for you to be drinking now?" A swig of the wine told him it was cheap, but he wasn't picky. She was only a weyrling after all.
At the offer of the cloth he looked down, he'd barely even noticed the bruise. Being suspiciously obedient he put the cloth to it anyways. The wine he thought would do more good in the long run.
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 9:06 pm
The light brushing against her mind surprised Hekate, but she was grateful for it still and cast a warm glance towards Calanoth from her seat taking a sip of her chilled juice. Giving the black's eyeridges another lazy scratched she glanced over at Z'fer seeing that he had at least taken her advice and done as she'd asked. "Even if I was I wouldn't risk it. I just got a cup of chilled juice for myself." She answered taking another sip, it seemed wine or no that the bronzerider was still in a rather prickly mood.
Do not worry Calanoth. Mine will keep an eye on yours until he is better. She is fond of him and you and will let no harm come to yours. The silver rumbled gently to his concerned friend. While he certainly didn't think Z'fer deserved such attention from his he could understand his big bronze friends worry and sympathize.
Figuring it was unlikely she would get much more out of Z'fer until her calmed down Hekate set about amusing herself stroking the little black in her arms and pausing to give pets and scratches to her own two where they perched on her shoulder. Casting her eyes about the gather she let them roam over the stalls until one sight made her heart skip a beat and drop as her once bright smile faded to a worried and disappointed frown.
The feline skin, the soft silky fur that smelled like the deep jungle and home was being very avidly looked over by another woman. Hekate recognized her as one of Malvren's other weyrleader's and her frown deepened as she rested her chin on the table looking away. Of course the fur hadn't been meant for her. Something that nice was meant for a queenrider or a wingleader not some scruffy weyrling who couldn't even win some decent marks in a fight. Sighing she felt a slight nudge to her hand looking down to find Devith resting his large head in her lap as she gently stroked his eyeridges and memorized the bones of his handsome face.
Don't be sad Mine. Perhaps when I am bigger we can get you another? Devith rumbled gently feeling his rider's sadness and homesickness as keenly as if it was his own. While he did not quite understand his rider's past or what power the bright colored fur held over her he simply knew that he did not want her to feel this way and would do whatever was necessary to make the pain stop. Even if it meant going and hunting down one of the brightly colored furry things himself.
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 9:40 pm
~ I'm grateful. He doesn't take losses well and we are fond of you and yours as well.~ Calanoth crooned from his position not far away. He'd settled his bulk back down to the ground and rested his head on his front arms facing the group.
Z'fer felt silent again, he was just being cruel and he knew it. The fact that she didn't rise to his bait said something for her patience though. Not that he was in the mood to appreciate it. So much for enjoying the gather. Z'fer was working himself into a full on sulk as they sat there, mentally ticking off every ache and pain and annoyance he felt at the moment.
His thoughts drew back to Hekate and he turned his eyes on her, surprised to see her looking just as pouty as he felt. His brows pulled together in confusion. Why should she be so upset? He was the one who'd been humiliated by some upstart no talent whelp. "What's wrong with you?"
Treats could wait Klah supposed. Hekate's arms were warm and he was unused to being allowed to curl up for so long. His thrumming continued even as he drifted into a light sleep.
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 9:48 pm
Stroking Devith's head she glanced down at the black now fast asleep in her arms. For all Z'fer complained about the creature it was a rather rolly polly sweet little thing that reminded her a touch of Maiden though the green was so shy she rarely crawled up or was so blatantly affectionate. Leaving the black to sleep her gold eyes instead slanted over to the flit's owner her eyelids lowering as she narrowed her gaze at the wing rider's brusque question. For a moment she looked a touch like a large red feline that had been poked awake with how she was lazing in full sulk against the table.
"What do you care? Go back to your wine." She snapped back a hint of claws coming out at Z'fer's words and in no mood to deal with the wingleader's jabs. She was helping the man, that should have been enough, but no he seemed to insist on continuing to be prickly towards everything. Glancing back to the booth she winced and averted her eyes reminding herself once more that she was being silly and that there was no way she could have afforded something like that anyway.
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 10:03 pm
"No. You tell me what's wrong." Z'fer set the cup down pointedly. He knew that tone. In the past it had sent him running in the opposite direction. It wasn't like she was his bedmate or anything though. Just a weyrling he happened to flirt casually with. Calanoth would obviously never fly her dragon. The very thought got a snort from the bronze.
Z'fer glanced in the direction she looked but couldn't see anything that obviously stood out to him. All he saw was Kleos talking with some traders and a vaguely familiar girl at her side. As far as he knew she and Hekate didn't even know each other. Was she upset that he'd lost? That he hadn't beat her opponent. That was ridiculous! He wasn't her savior or her pet to do as she ordered! Z'fer was tempted to toss the rag from where he held it as his temper flared again.
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