Welcome to Gaia! ::

She nods. "You're right. Everyone is just distracted. I can't really blame them for watching Benden out of the corner of their eyes." When offered the redfruit, she smiled. Taking it with thanks, she peeled and bit into the ripe fruit. A finger catching drips that ran down her chin. "Thanks! That's good. Who else do you know here?"

If a dragon could have blushed, Dynith would have. When she offered for Daroth to find her something, she did not expect him to actually find something. She wanted nothing more than to sink into the ground at Her's feet. Oh, thank you Daroth. Her voice soft and shy. You're right. It is pretty and.... a pause while she sniffs it. It smells pretty as it looks. Noticing the bright red flower, Optheli grins. "Here let me help you." She leans down to pick it up and nestles it against Dynith's headknob. "There Dynith! You look beautiful. Thank you so much Daroth."

Yvoth whipped her head away again, this time toward another hatchling – no, this one was much older than the latest hatched dragonets. She rumbled a greeting at the smaller green. She didn’t remember this one from Trine, which was a relief, and she seemed sweet. She glanced a little worriedly at the young one’s chosen trailing behind, but the dragon was too nice to ignore. Hello. I’m Yvoth. My K’la is at the tables – it’s good to meet you. She gave a glance towards the food tables, but settled once more on the other green. She hadn’t spoken with a friendly green since she and her wingmates had been banned from Trine. A long time for someone with so short a memory. Games? Running, racing. Splashing. She glanced toward the waves, excited for a moment. But no, the boat had gone down there. It seemed like a bad idea. Are there any games you’re good at?

Mine is the most brave, Serlaith said to Ianath, and then as an afterthought, Mine can also be the most stupid. Moiramine, come down! Serlaith thumped her tail against the ground again. She liked the bronze well enough, but her Moira was up so high and not paying attention to her! For Serlaith, this was practically a tragedy. The gold reared on her hind legs, front legs leaning against Galvanth's front leg as she stared sadly up at her rider.

Miiiiiine! she whined, and immediately drew Moira's attention. Though reluctant to leave her place of honor, Moira began the journey down, made infinitely easier as Galvanth lowered her close enough to slide safely from his neck. Serlaith bounded over like an eager puppy, butting the top of her head against Moira's stomach and pushing until Moira landed flat on her rear. Once down, Serlaith made sure she would stay there by laying down and placing her head over Moira's stomach, effectively pinning her. She glared up at Galvanth, but couldn't keep an entertained blue-green from betraying her.

Mine. She said pointedly.

“We will come visit anyways,” Moira said from beneath Serlaith's chin, wrapping her arms around the little gold's snout and hugging it to her chest. Serlaith rumbled happily.

“Galvanth?” Moira inquired, apparently unbothered by the fact that her back was getting covered in dirt and grass stains, “Do you have any dragonets? Surely there isn't a better bronze in all of Benden.”

Moira mentally inquired as to the other gold's name, and the name of her rider, and Serlaith supplied them quickly. The girl looked up at Ianath, smiling widely, “Ianath, would you ask your rider if she will be staying the night? If so, she could stay with me. I'm sure there is just no end to the things we have to discuss.”

Was this a political agenda? Why yes, yes it was. After all, it could not hurt to begin allying herself with the woman who could become Malvren's future Weyrwoman, especially given the necessity of their alliance. Someday the two of them might take up the responsibilities now held by Eirlyn and Abigal. It was necessary that the alliance those two shared be continued whenever they retired. Silently, Moira hope that was not for many, many turns. Not only did she find Abigail to be an extremely clever and effective Weyrwoman, but Moira also thought herself far from ready for such responsibilities.

With her rider secured, Serlaith felt comfortable addressing her clutchmate. She turned her eyes on the happy little blue.

Lifth! How are you and yours faring?

The Blue had watched the scene between the young gold and her rider silently, though his eyes showed a hint of amusement at the interaction. The jealous display was an interesting one for sure, as was Moira's unusually carefree manner. We are faring well, thank you, Lifth replied with a polite inclination of his head to the dragonet that was his clutchmate and queen as well as to Hers. I am sorry to say that you just missed mine. She has slipped back into the crowd. It is a pleasure to speak with you and Yours though. Well, frankly he'd rather be off in a quiet spot somewhere pondering things, but given that he had to be here this certainly wasn't unpleasant company.

~~~~~~~~

S'ren turned at the sound of a familiar voice addressing him. "Greetings, V'tur, Iweith. It is a pleasure to see you both again," he replied with a friendly smile. "I do hope that you have been well."

Why would you not wish to be here? Tereth asked the other Brown curiously. Was it not an occasion that warranted attending?

Left to his own devices, S'dekai would have been content to simply mingle quietly, perhaps congratulate a few of Trine's Junior Weyrlings, offer friendly tips on the stuff that he himself had learned the hard way only a few months ago. He glanced longingly at several of the small knots of new riders talking comfortably. But there was an insistent little voice in his head reminding him that he had a Duty.

This little voice had a name, and right now Pioth was not on S'dekai's good list.

You're insane. I'm not going over there. There are two Weyrwomen over there, two Junior Goldriders, AND a Benden Bronze.

Also Cavenath and His. They are not afraid of showing support. Now, of all times, you must be there. Pioth was implacable. There were some things you did not shrink from. And so S'dekai reluctantly made his way over to the growing knot of riders, just after T'ron's arrival. He offered his best bow to the group, hoping that his internal oh Faranth oh Faranth I don't feel like a bronzerider I feel like a silly impostor didn't show all over his face. This political stuff went so far over his head, he might as well have been a tunnelsnake trying to learn how to fly.

Come to think of it, the tunnelsnake probably had a better chance.

"Pioth and I offer our condolences as well," he murmured, eyes low and voice uncharacteristically subdued. It wasn't just nerves - the whole situation still made his heart ache. He hadn't been able to watch the pyre for very long... well, it would just look bad if mister big tough Senior Weyrling started getting choked up. "If there is anything we can do to help..." He trailed off, mostly because he couldn't think of anything that he possibly could do to help. There was no bringing Alumanth back from between.

Interest flared in S'raid's eyes at the Weyrwoman's implication-- and the carrot that she had offered him. He strove to conceal it, but he doubted that when in the presence of so perceptive a pair that he entirely managed it. "His inner circle consists of those healers that he cares to include in it. Why, after all, would a dragonrider, a Bronzerider have any interest in his results?" There was an ironic quirk to his lips as he considered Abigail's words, and the response that she had given upon discovering that he too was in the dark as far as the healer's results went. It was honestly not at all surprising... if she would only stop and think about it for a moment.

"Certainly, it is the duty of any Bronzerider to see to the needs of dragonkind-- any rider, really. It is kind of you to think of me, Weyrwoman. Your consideration for a fellow rider is admirable, and if I may say so, much appreciated. Maintaining honor is my duty, and my privilege." More empty diplomatic words, but they were threaded through with deep meaning. He was more than willing to take the offering that she had so graciously presented him with. Any mark of distinction could be the push he needed to attain more political clout.

S'raid's goals were clear, and not necessarily Benden-centric. He was setting the stage for his own future maneuvering, opening inroads with Trine and Malvren, if he could manage both. It was high time that more progress was made there, because while it amused him that there was so much friction between the Weyrs, it significantly cut down on his own opportunities. He felt that his meaning had been plain... but hopefully subtle enough that anyone listening to the conversation would not pick up on the significance.

Lifth says to give my greetings to my best, best Moira, the Bronze told his friend, rumbling pleasantly. He truly was enjoying himself, even though Serlaith had chosen to take her rider back. They will hold weight in time. One day, they will be able to convey what you feel to this Weyr. Although sadly the Blue was only a Blue-- perhaps Trine had a different ordering of things than Benden? It would be good for the others to learn that Benden riders and their dragons were not all dangerous to Trine.

It was about then that another voice was heard in the conversation, and S'raid noted the air which the young Silverrider held himself, and spoke. He was much like any Bronzerider, the man decided, conscientious of his place and that of those around him. Polite? Yes. That was all to the good. Once again, the lad swung the conversation back to the Crimson and her rider, and S'raid allowed it. This was, after all, a funeral. Its purpose might well be twofold, but one was very clear and ran along the Silverrider's lines.

Galvanth almost sighed, for his best Moira was no longer with him. But she was there, which was better than the alternative. Do you see? Your Moira has returned to you, he told the small Queen, attempting to be soothing. She was so very sure that Moira should not be with him. I would like very much for you to visit, if you can. S'raid will... not disallow me from visiting with you and yours. Nothing would have made him happier, truly. Well, except possibly the one thing that Moira mentioned next. I have not caught a Gold yet.

He would have to try this, soon. As soon as the next Gold Rose. A Queen learns how to avoid those Bronzes that she does not wish to Fly her. Though he was charming enough, he was not one of the ranking Bronzes. If I should Fly a Gold, you will be there to see the dragonets hatch? he asked her, peering down at Moira, Serlaith, and Lifth. He'd scarcely paid any mind to Ianath, as distracted as he was, and when he noticed her, he acknowledged her with a warble. This was as it should be. There were dragonets abounding, and good riders for them. Two of them were Gold, a sight rarely seen at Benden anymore.

S'raid's attention was caught once more as a young rider-- a Malvren rider?-- joined them. He too offered his condolences. This was beginning to be a theme, but one that was suited to the event. No doubt the Weyrwoman expected it, but it showed good character in the young man that he added his own to the mix. Galvanth was too distracted enlighten him as to the rider's identity, and for now, he chose to hold his peace. What would Abigail's next move be, he wondered?

S'kor glances down at Scarath who seemed to be waiting patiently for the bronze to notice him. "Scarath, are you sure you want to talk to him? He seems pretty busy and popular right now." Frankly he was bored waiting for his dragon to speak to another dragon. He wasn't sure how it'd be taken talking to him in the first place except the gold was already there. There were other they could speak to after all.

'I would like to talk to..... Mine! They have Fooooooood here.' The bronze despite having been well fed before coming, pranced in place with delight. 'Oh Mine, can we please try some? Please?' "Sure..." The moment he got permission Scarath was off like a shot. Begging from the nearest server without shame and probably scaring the drudge half to death.

Luckily, S'kor came to his rescue. He made a small plate up for Scarath, then lead the dragon off to the side where he could enjoy his treats without being too much in the way. With S'kor's attention on placing dainties into the open mouth presented him, anyone could walk up to them.

R'vik stood on the edge of the gathering near the Benden dragons, facing the funeral pyre of Alumanth's rider. It wasn't the pyre he was looking at: beyond it stretched the rich green of the forest surrounding the Weyr, appearing all the more majestic with the three nearby lakes. He wished the Crimsonrider and dragon weren't dead. Instead of sweating in his riding gear, he could be out sweating in the surrounding forests, keeping himself in shape and exploring a new area.

He shook his head slowly. A selfish thought, that. He could disappear and do more running back at Benden, complete with the damp chill and mud and all sorts of familiar terrain and obstacles. He wanted a change of pace, to learn something new for himself. Come to think of it...

The bluerider turned from his vantage point, heading into the crowd. Perhaps he could find a willing Trine member to speak to him?

As his rider began to leave, Xalth's head turned to watch him. The dragon was reclining in the grass near his fellow Benden dragons; close enough to show that he was with them, but far enough away to avoid the larger crowd nearby. Xalth did not like this. The surrounding trees were well and enough to look at to avoid staring or even looking at the other dragons, but where was His going?

Xalth slowly stood up and streched nonchalantly before sitting down again, trying to keep track of His as R'vik went to mingle. That in and of itself was a difficult task, and the blue soon gave up. He settled for watching Galvanth and Yvoth nearby. They were certaintly more interesting than the trees he was looking at before!