Welcome to Gaia! ::

Probably the second best part about suddenly being a rider, and a goldrider at that! was the fact that Inaari had a room all for herself and Ianath. This thought had been met with a strange look from the diminutive queen, why wouldn't she and Hers have their own space? They were very important and had very important things to do! Inaari had first been shocked by this revelation, and eventually had simply laughed at her beloved dragon. It hadn't taken long for the bond to cement between queen and rider, and for Inaari to remember a time before Ianath? It seemed unreasonable.

Faster, Mine! We must be there early so that we can watch the others come in! The dragonet was relentless! She'd demanded to be fed, washed, and sanded to a glossy sheen that augmented her brilliant beauty - and then it had been Inaari's turn. Ianath had not been contented with anything less than the girl's best Gather dress of a lovely dark garnet color, embroidered with gold thread at the hem, collar, and cuffs. Hers had to be the prettiest, the most special, because she was Ianath's Rider! It also was sleeved to hide the bruises covering her arms and legs from where the yet-clumsy dragonet had lashed her with wings or tail while they got used to each other.

Her hair had been brushed long and full to fall to her waist, clasped lightly at the middle of her back with a single tortoiseshell clasp, and looked almost entirely overdressed when walking into the Hall. But it was worth it, to see the delighted and loving light in her dragon's eyes as Ianath looked her over from head to toe. Anything was worth that look of undying adoration - here she was needed. Her knot was received with pride and a beaming smile to the Weyrleaders, and it took all her control to simply not hug the Weyrwoman with gratitude. It was somewhat intimidating, to know that they would be working closely as the junior and senior weyrwomen, but exhilarating at the same time. Nobody at the Hold would ever believe her when she wrote them! Not a one!

The speech was listened to attentively, but mostly brushed off as something not applicable. Ianath made several comments to the tone of it would never be applicable! Inaari, with long experience of toning out bossy younger siblings simply reassured her that no, it was not their problem right now. It was noted however, that no matter how important Ianath felt or wanted them to be, they were both fledglings and thusly must listen. "Remember that, Ianath. You are lovely, but we don't know everything yet." Agreement was sent back at her, with only minor imperiousness. Of course, Inaarimine! But when we learn we will be the very best pair, won't we? Only a smile and a nod confirmed this, making the gold's eyes whirl with happiness.

Released with a speech from the Weyrleader, Ianath immediately suggested that perhaps Hers should go and introduce herself a bit better. After all, they would all have to be good friends, wouldn't they? Straightening her cotton skirts nervously, the freckled new rider started in towards the ruling pair. There were a few, but she waited her turn to introduce herself. All she heard, however, was an alarming statement. It is alright, I will make them move! The gold at her side was already raising her head to bugle in the way all queens could, until hands clasped the dragon's jaw shut lightly. "No Ianath! We can wait, it's fine!" Oh dear.

Rhilira was about to respond to Ralae, bur turned and looked over at Kleos as she approached, her small crimson dragonet at her side. Galianth's eyes whirled orange justfor half a second, then changed so a pleasant blue-green color. Rhilira figured that everyone would have assumed it was from something else, but she knew better... the approach of that dragonet irritated her. What's wrong? she asked mentally, grinning at the congratulations Kleos offered. "Thank you! And you as well. Moriath is beautiful as well - a very nice shade of red!"

I do not like Moriath at all, she confided to just Rhilira. She believes she is the best and the smartest, but that is clearly not true. No need to let her know that, though. She'll learn quickly that we are the best and the smartest. When the crimson spoke to her she nodded her head, though didn't make to move away from the side of Hers. Indeed. It is fortunate that they allow it now.

Rhilira absently rubbed Galianth's eyebrow ridge, feeling a bit protective. Kleos is nice though. I've met her before.

Privately, Galianth responded" Just be aware...

---

K'tor saw this new arrival a chance for him to escape. Lalaith was hassling him to go up and meet the Weyrwoman and Weyrleader personally, especially now that Ianath was up there making a ruckus.

There's no reason she should get all the attention! You are finished eating at Zabreth's rider is distracted. Come on! K'tor dismissed himself from Ralae with a smile, hoping she wouldn't stop him. It was nice to meet her, but Lalaith would not relent. I don't want to be rude...

At that, Lalaith turned to Zabreth. Excuse us Zabreth. We must speak to the Weyrwoman and the Weyrleader. I hope Yours does not mind our abrupt leaving. We will be back. With her curt dismissal, they were off the bench and heading toward the head table. Lalaith was essentially carving a path for them - a dragonet on a mission.

I don't know what to say when it's our turn! They were standing behind Ianath and Hers, Lalaith's head swaying impatiently.

Do not worry. We will be the most memorable pair!

Eirlyn waited patiently, well aware that her status as Weyrwoman often sent some of the newer riders into nervous flutters. It was a separation of class ever goldrider had to get used to. "Thank me? Tiepet your dragon chose you." She laughed softly, "But I appreciate the gratitude..." A pause as her gaze turned distant, "And Feynath as well." There was a wry smile about her, however, one of good humour and understanding, "You owe me nothing, Weyrling, truly. Revel in that happiness, I'm sure you'll grow into an excellent riding pair."

The Weyrwoman fell quiet, her gaze lingering on the pair for a moment before she looked on to the gathering of Weyrlings. Such an eager bunch! Via Feynath and Firieth, the Weyrleaders suddenly smiled.

Mine, Feynath's says perhaps you should divide and conquer. There are many eager dragons this time. Firieth's tone was one of bemused agreement and the two shared a mental laugh.

While Eirlyn gently dismissed the nervous Tiepet, H'trel gestured to the next in line, "Come, you wish to speak?" It was one of the greens he selected, the gold he would leave for Eirlyn. Golds, like women, were complex, confusing creatures you simply didn't try to understand.

A'urel watched everyone and said little...well in fact, nothing at all. His eyes observed the group like a hawk taking in the information as each Weyrling and dragon interacted. It was what he always did when he was trying to assess his own place within a large group. Fortunately, with the sleeping head of his happy dragon on his lap this made it easy to do. He wouldn't be going anywhere for now.

Although, he guessed he should get up and at least speak to the those that ran the Weyr. But then again, the leaders seemed to have almost a mini receiving line...However, he felt a stirring on his lap as the blue's head lifted.

I will go with you. said Pumuth as he pulled his body upright with a very big, happy dragon smile. The small could only make A'urel smile even in his quiet nature.

Alright, Pumuth let's brave the masses. thought A'urel as he slipped up from his seat and realized that he'd have to take a moment to gain circulation back. He leaned against the table for just a second wiggling a leg before finally stepping forth.

So, A'urel quietly stepped into the 'line' and waited for his turn. In some ways, he was looking forward to speaking to the leaders because he craved knowledge. And speaking with them would provide and excellent opportunity for intelligent conversation. His fingers lightly stroked upon Pumuth's neck affectionately as his mind stacked questions forward in preparation to conversation.

Pumuth, however, looked around at all the other interesting dragons and would rather run off and make new friends with rider in tow. His lips tugged on A'urel's as his mind suggested the idea. Can we go meet the others? I'd like to play...make some friends. Now that I am awake.

A'urel glanced over at the different groups and smiled at Pumuth. First, we make friends here with your mom's rider and her partner, then we can go meet the others but remember you and I will have plenty of time to get to know them in classes. Then, he realized the wonderful part of being a dragon rider. He didn't have to speak at all to get his words to Pumuth. It was instant!

...Allow it now? Bemused, Moriath nudged her bondmate for information... What? Males had kept females away from the sands save when there was a gold? That was insane! Just went to show what happened when you let males get above themselves. "Quite," she agreed with a snort, "silly males, decisions like that just go to show that they can't be trusted to be in charge." Yet male dragons still led wings. Sad, really, but without a large number of crimsons it really couldn't be helped she supposed; greens just weren't big enough to last a Threadfall and queens flew in their own wing. Such a shame.

"I didn't mean literally," the red-hided hatchling went on, turning to Zabreth. "I just meant that we should be close, and work together. If you or Yours ever need help with anything feel free to ask me; I'll help you sort it out."


"My thanks to you as well," Kleos smiled over at Rhilira once she had passed on the information her bondmate wanted. "Naturally I think she is the most beautiful dragon ever to live, but doesn't ever rider feel that way about their dragon?" She was sure that in her case it was more than just a rider's adoration for their partner; Moriath was nothing short of glorious. "I don't think we're missing too much," she went on to Ralae, "I would like to speak with our leaders at some point, but right now my priority is getting to know my fellow weyrlings! I think you, Rhilira, and Tipet over there are the only ones I've ever had a decent conversation with before today."

It was important to get a feel for what all of them were like so that she knew who might be trouble, and who might need her help in the future. To begin with she knew she would be far too busy looking after Moriath to help anyone else much, but once her partner was stronger it would be good to have an idea of what others might need of her already.

Rhilira could feel Galianth bristle, and she continued to rub her eyebrow ridge absently as she conversed with Kleos. There was no need for her to get all worked up at the feast. "Agreed. I don't think anyone would say that their own dragon was ugly or useless or boring..."

Galianth knew her rider's intention at continual contact, and obeyed easily. Her eyes remained pleasantly-colored, and she nodded in interest to Moriath's response. Well, at least that gets them out of the way. It allows us to actually do the important things. That way they get done correctly.

At mention of Tiepet, Rhilira looked up to see if she was around. The last she had seen her, she was at the head table, but now that was occupied by the gold and her rider, and the green rider who had hurriedly left the table not long ago. She she saw her alone over a sea of faces, she half-stood - as well as you can stand while sitting at a table on a bench - and waved her hand in the air, hoping she would recognize it as an invitation to come over. She idly wondered if Galianth knew Tiepet's green... or would it be weird to have her contact that shepard's dragon to invite them over...

K'tor tapped his fingers on the table for a moment, then bowed his thanks. "I won't forget that, sir. Lalaith is the most important thing in my life." He was grateful for the advice, though he certainly needed no reminding. I don't think he took us very seriously... He and Lalaith had bowed once more and left the table. The Weyrleader's attention couldn't me monopolized by him.

That is because I am only a green. Her voice was flat and a bit annoyed in his head, and he could feel her emotions swimming with his. But he will see. There is no reason we cannot be the best. We will be at the top of the ranks in no time!

But K'tor wasn't so sure... Perhaps they were shooting for an aimless goal.

Mine. You must trust me. I know you are determined for greatness, and we will get there. No one will tell us that we can't.

You're right. I'll work hard to prove him wrong, just like you. Feeling a bit better with his dragon's reassurance, he returned to the group of newly impressed riders and their dragonets. The Weyrleader had been respoectful, but he could tell that he doubted him and Lalaith...