Springtime Party

10/4/2010

StarFyre:

The sun hung low in the sky, a brilliant orange light that cast deep, sharp shadows across the area that had been cleared for the festival. Garlands of desert flowers adorned every surface, from dens to tables, sweet smelling and startlingly colorful, and no few Alevas had garlands of their own, or even just a flower or two woven into their mane. A few of the kitlings had garlands too, though many of them were either attempting to eat the flowers, or had decided that the things were just more play toys.

The few humans of the Pride were walking about, working side by side with their bonds to get the last of the tables up and drinks placed. One entire side of the large space was devoted to table upon table of food, ranging from the raw that some creatures might prefer to rather exotic dishes with ingredients taken right out of the desert or the river. Crocodile seemed to be a favorite, with no few dishes made of it prepared in different ways. Drinks were just as many and varied, from alcohol brewed from various desert plants, juices, purified water, to imported drinks that might be more to the taste of outsiders.

A gaggle of kitlings ranged about the space, getting into trouble or playing about as was their natures. A few Aleva, given the task of babysitting, were bouncing about alongside the kitlings, trying to keep them entertained with balls, strings, feathers... anything that would keep the kitlings from knocking tables over, tripping people, and otherwise making a nuisance of themselves.

And over it all presided the Selta and Selat, Iyurri and Laynaer. Occasionally giving out directions as to were to put this or that, they were mostly content to lounge back in place of honor and watch the events unfold. The two of them had been working nearly non-stop to make sure everything was in place and ready, and now... now it was time to enjoy it.

Dray:

A pale white creature that looked very similar to the Aleva's at work or play around the party grounds had slipped into the communal grounds, twitching her tail as she settled onto her haunches, feeling nervous. It was obvious that she was not a local, or even that she was entirely Alevaharin: her double-horns, accompanied by the feathers on her wings and tail-tip marked her as a half-breed and an outsider. Usually Isuan Filidetilara enjoyed traveling, but coming here -- to her mother's home -- and on her own when she was used to traveling in company, left her feeling more anxious that she could completely justify. She eyed the proceedings with a shy kind of stoicism, not sure how to join in yet.

Galamane, on the other hand, had sauntered over to the food table and was currently sampling from those platters of crocodile, making pleased-sounding noises at all of the different variations. "Ooh, crocodile? These taste similar to the beasts they'd haul out of the Mamtu river, back on Atu!" She spoke to nobody in particular, but that was okay; she was cheerful and didn't mind if everybody heard in on her sense of appreciation.

Yakima:

Two Pernese dragons, one dark blue and another lighter with flecks of silver dancing along his hide in the setting sunlight, landed; a silver winged wolf landed next to them, ruffling her feathers and looking around, taking in new scents and smells. As the riders dismounted, she looked back at them. They were both wearing their best Gather cloths, discarding jackets and gear as soon as they could. While the human was in his early thirties, the second looked a little younger - and he was defiently an elf.

"Why did I let you drag me to this?" the human rider asked, glaring as his elven companion. "If I have to drag you back to Yakima half drunk like last time..." The elf pouted, ruffling his shoulder length hair as if in an attempt to give him a 'devilish' look. "I was not drunk. I was tipsy. Their is a difference." He patted the wolf's head as he walked by. "She trusts me. Now, let's mingle!" Sighing, but smiling, M'len followed his companion, muttering a, "Aye-aye, your highness," under his breath. Seune kept at Philippe's heals like a faithful dog but she her golden eyes were taking in everything, and her nose was keenly finding the best smells.

StarFyre:

(( Dray )) Issuan found herself the focus of one very odd looking Aleva, who sauntered up to her with an easy grace, charms and trinkets clinking and chiming cheerily. It was clear he was purebred, his soft gray fur long and glorious, his pitch black mane nearly three times of the length of any other Aleva around, but what a figure he cut! Sunlight reflected on chains and jewels, giving him a rakish appearance, especially as one braid continued to fall across his left eye. ::Greetings!:: he called out to Issuan. ::Come to enjoy our festival?::

Dray:

Though she had arrived by dragon-back, Renille Rmortalair had left her golden bond to settle on the sun-warmed rock some distance away from the party. Renille had always been the more sociable of the two of them, and now that she had recently graduated into the ranks of Junior Optimae for her Nidus, it was paying off! Tonight she was dressed in some rough-woven turquoise cotton, edged in silk and dyed in black with the patterns of local flowers; it was her best clothing, reserved for the most important celebrations. Immediately she strode into the gathering area where other humans stood, carrying her curvy body with grace and a leader's poise. Catching sight of the human, the elf, and the wolf, she raised a hand in greeting. "Hello, there, are you new to the Alevaharin as well?" Her voice had a musical quality to it; it were as though she could turn what she was saying at any moment into a proper song.

Yakima:

Philippe turned to smile at the woman. While he was defiently already 'caught' he was also a Pernese dragonrider and had no qualms about a bit of flirting. and...Yakima wasn't here. "Yes," the elf said. Seune wagged her tail. "We're from Falas. I'm their babysitter!"

StarFyre:

(( Dray )) "Crocodile's a bit of a specialty around here," a voice said from Galamane's right. When she turned, she came muzzle to muzzle with another of her kind, though he was a pale tawny with sandy stripes to her yellow and cobalt. He grinned brightly at her, and winked slightly. "We hunt them when the water runs high for the best sport. Here, you might like this," he gestured to one of the offered dishes with a nod, "Crocodile and i'yeo, which is a desert plant that hides out in little nooks and crannies of shade. A bit sweet, a bit tart, very juicy."

Dray:

(( StarFyre )) Isuan eyed the bedecked Alevaharin who had come up to her, immediately feeling a little sheepish that she had not worn a single thing, for her part, but for the shag of pale orange hair atop her head. :: I... I heard of it through a friend of a friend, :: she replied, bowing her head to him and doing her best to look congenial. :: My mother was born here. I thought that coming to visit, myself, would set some things straight for me. :: She glanced at him, but her gaze flickered past to the food tables, and to the frolicking kits. :: This place seems quite lovely. Of all of the places that I have been, I've never quite managed to visit a desert when in full bloom. I'm Isuan, by the way, :: she introduced herself belatedly.

(( Yakima )) Renille, being young herself and completely untethered by thoughts of matrimonial felicity, caught the elfin man's smile and played it up with a grin of her own. She felt a blush rise to her rounded cheeks but thought nothing of it; if she'd been right, these two were the ones who'd come in on the blue dragons. Her Omittath, a Gold (and a stodgy one, at that) would scoff at Renille's choices, but that didn't mean that the young Optima had to listen to her! "Is that so!" she spoke to the winged wolf. "You know, if it weren't for the fact that our WolfKeep was so busy taking care of itself at the moment, I'd imagine that one or two of them would be here to babysit me, as well. I'm Renille, of Nidus Corona -- 'Corona Weyr', I suppose you could call it, if you liked."

StarFyre:

(( Yakima )) While Philippe and M'len conversed with Renille, Seune found herself in a circle of wide-eyed kitlings who were positively fascinated with her feathered wings and 'strange' build. ::Are you a desert spirit?:: asked a jet black kitling, his bright blue eyes dancing with mischief. ::Silly! Of course she isn't!:: responded another kitling, this one a tawny yellow, ::She's clearly a devola! Look at the wings! The paws!::

Dray:

(( StarFyre )) Galamane, on turning to face the other Marnu, found herself choking on a piece of reptile meat, having gasped in surprise at his presence. She coughed, slapping her tail against the ground, and, finally, getting some air, wheezed and covered her muzzle with her paws. Her slitted teal eyes were huge as she regarded him, unable to produce a sound but, mane pressed flat and ears back, she was quite obviously immensely taken aback!

Yakima:

"Weyr, Caer, Cavern," M'len laughed, waving his hand. "They have so many names these days you just can't keep up." Philippe nods. "I impressed at Ryslen weyr...next thing I know *bam* It's Nidus Ryslen!" he laughs. "it's the same place, though..."

jess:

Ranananum was excited; he'd been looking forward to this party ever since Iceni and Xaar had mentioned it, when he saw them a few weeks before. They said it would be fun, lots of alevaharin, outsiders, food and drink. They hadn't been sure if they would make it, but thought that Rana would have fun regardless. Now, as he arrived at the place set up for the party, he stared around in amazement. Lots of aleva kits were running around, there were already several other dragons and some humanoids mingling, and the food smelled deliciously tempting. He moved towards the tables, watching his step carefully. He was rather larger than the alevaharin, and didn't want to step on anyone!

Yakima:

(starfyre) seune laughed. at the kits, enjoying the attention, tail wagging.

StarFyre:

(( Dray )) ::And I,:: the gray Aleva said with a bit of a bow that sent his trinkets to chiming wildly, ::am Innial, at your service, milday!.:: He settled near her at a distance that was unlike to make her uncomfortable and smiled warmly. ::This desert can be a cruel mistress at times, but we love her all the same, and her days of beauty do make up for her days of harshness. But, if I may be so bold as to ask, what sort of things do you wish set straight?:: His blue eyes twinkled a bit, ::I will admit to being a bit of a teller of tales and dreamer of dreams.::

Dray:

(( Yakima, StarFyre )) Casting a glance at the older human, Renille raised a hand in a shrug, grinning at his confusion. "I've never visited either, unfortunately," she admitted, "though I have heard stories. I believe that one of our alari hail from Ryslen, and our Senior Optima Impressed at Falas, oh, nearly a decade ago? Corona is a new establishment, with quite a few opportunities; I showed up as a Novo and now look at me." She gestured to the dozing Omittath, a light chuckle rising from her throat. "Care to taste the treats they have to offer, here?" she was eyeing the decadent looking tables, as well as keeping an eye on some of the locals. She was excited to learn more about the Alevaharin-based humans and their customs, and excited to share her own.

StarFyre:

(( Dray )) Ember just laughed softly, a rich, warm sound, and sat back oh his haunches to grab a cup designed to be held by paws, not hands, and had it filled by one of the Aleva attendants standing nearby. He then offered this cup to Galamane with a grin, "Here, this should clear the airways! Du'kair, a drink made from the sap of a desert weed that grows where underground resevoirs are. Quite tasty, if I do say so myself."

(( jess )) Rana found himself with several passengers before he could cross more than half of the distance between where he landed and where the tables were. Several kitlings, unafraid of Rana's extreme size difference, had decided that he was a perfect toy to play with! Giggling, they scampered over his paws and up onto his back, playing in his ruff. One extremely bold kitten had perched herself right on top of his head, between his horns. ::Wow!:: she exclaimed giddily, ::You can see everything from up here!::

Dray:

(( StarFyre )) Isuan found herself beginning to loosen up despite herself, finding Innial's overly theatric presentation somehow more easily to relate to. Her tail thumped as he posed his question, and her white feathers whisked the air as she tried to compose an answer. Ears flicking back, then up again, she closed her vividly orange eyes for a moment, then, :: I was... recently separated from my bond. :: It wasn't wholly the truth; Isuan had left her bond for her own reasons, but she didn't feel comfortable in telling Innial that at the moment. :: I've been trying to find somewhere to go from there. I thought that perhaps exploring my heritage would be a good start. :: She gave a hesitant smile, looking briefly into the Alevaharin's eyes again. :: Honestly, I hadn't really figured anything out after that. Once I got here, I thought that maybe just sitting back and taking it all in might help. I know so little about you all... ::

(( StarFyre )) She was finally able to master herself, and took the cup with a trembling paw. "Oh my gods, I can't believe I just did that," the Marnu gushed, weak-voiced. "I... uh, thank you. Um. You're like me?" She was still perplexed. It had been years. Years! And though she and her troupe had met dozens (maybe hundreds) of odd characters in their travels, she'd never once met another of her kind. She was shocked!

StarFyre:

(( Yakima )) The wagging tail was far to much for one of the kits, and, with a shriek of joy, he flew through the air and pounced, chomping with tiny kitten teeth at Seune's tail.

(( Dray, Yakima )) There were several garland-bedecked humans standing at the corner of one of the tables, clearly taking a break from whatever task they had been appointed and enjoying drink and company. Their clothing was.. interesting, almost looking like it had been woven from the fur of different Alevas. It was patterned with geometric designs, and hung loose and flowing about them, hiding nearly all their skin but for hands and face. All of them, male and female, had long hair that they braided back, letting the tails hand down their backs.

Yakima:

(Dray) "Starving...but first...WINE!" Philippe cried, going to find the wine..."There is no food without wine."

jess:

Halfway to the food tables, Rana found himself ambushed, as several kitlings climbed his limbs, and settled various places on his back. One even perched up on his head! He slowed down, not wanting to shake any of them off, though, if he suspected correctly, they had sharp kitten claws that would latch into his hide should anyone lose their balance. "Careful up there; I don't think your parents would be happy if you fell from up there! I am Ranananum, but no one ever calls me that. Call me Rana." He started to laugh a little; one of the kits in his ruff was tickling his shoulder. Not sure what else to do, he continued on his way to the tables. Surely, if their parents thought it was dangerous, they would stop him?

Dray:

(( StarFyre, Yakima )) The long, flowing garments that their hosts were wearing was fascinating in and of itself. Renille, taking it all in with a greedy sort of attention to detail, caught herself laughing at the elfin man's antics. "Do they have wine?" she asked, eying various decanters, and the attendants standing nearby. Browsing the table, she cast smiles to those who were lingering, ready to introduce herself, should the occasion arise. "This generosity is quite lavish," she conspired with Phillipe. "I can't begin to imagine all of the work that went into everything!"

Yakima:

(starfyre) Seune yelped. turning manged to get her tail out of the way. "Hey!"

StarFyre:

(( Dray )) Innial nodded and made a soft purring noise deep in his throat, offering comfort in his own way. ::While I have never had a bond, I do know of those who do... and some few who have lost as well. It is never an easy thing.:: He gave a toss of his head, sending his trinkets into noisy motion once more, ::Everything is one small step at a time, though, yes? Then let us begin you on your steps towards the future!:: Innial said with a flourish of wing and paw towards the gathering before them, ::Anything you wish to know, ask, and ye shall recieve!::

(( Dray )) Ember flicked his ears back then forward again, then favored Galamane with another of his brilliant, warm smiles, "I am indeed! Sorry for startling you so badly, but, well... I haven't seen any others of us since I left my people, and you being here. Well! Consider me v-e-r-y curious to meet you!"

Yakima:

(dray) "They better have wine," the elf muttered. "Or I'm sending M'len back to raid the benden stores!" M'len only glared at him. He followed the woman to the table, looking over the food. "Neither can I," he said, still searching for something that would resemble wine...

Dray:

(( StarFyre )) Isuan was relieved to feel her anxiety begin to really evaporate. She even rumbled a laugh at the little male's lofty tones. :: You know, you're not bad, for a male. :: Casting a lurid orange eye out over the gathering, and the garlands, and the kits, she had to ask, :: So what is the deal with all of the children? Most of the parties and gathers that I've had the fun of participating in tend to shuffle theirs off to bed at about this time. :: She was clueless with children; even her own had been hatched from eggs and shortly thereafter gone out into the world.

(( StarFyre )) Galamane smothered a giggle, hiding behind her cup again to hide her embarrassment. "I was separated from my parents when I was very little, I don't know much about my -- our -- kind! I'm Galamane! What's your name?" she wanted to know. She wanted to know desperately.

StarFyre:

(( jess )) Rana found himself receiving a few thankful looks from some of the various adults around the place, especially those who were attempting to keep track of the kitlings! Apparently, they were pleased enough that he wasn't bothered by the kits that they'd leave him be. The kit in his ruff buried herself deeper, making squeeking comments about how soft and warm it was, completely ignoring the fact that she was tickling the great dragon with her antics. The kit on Rana's head set her front paws on his crest and rose up onto her hind legs, to get an even better view of the world. ::Ranananananananana..:: she said, clearly having much fun with Rana's name. ::My name is Alari! Where're you from? I've never heard of a dragon like you before!::

(( Dray, Yakima )) Philippe's search quickly turned up several pitchers of wine of vary types - some reds, some whites, and some that seemed to be made of fruits other than grapes, such as apple or strawberry. There truly was a vast array of things laid out. The humans nearby didn't seem to be paying much attention to the guests, though two, a male and a female, did grin and wave at the small group, and the woman said, "This is a special night for our people, so of course we'd lay out the best we could! It's a festival to welcome Spring to the desert, and the rebirth of our land."

(( Yakima )) As Seune spun about and yelped, the ring of kits around her dissolved into a collection of laughing, darting figures as they bolted for the 'safety' of other pursuits.

Yakima:

((StarFyre for Philippe/M'len)) "Finally!" "Uh-oh," M'en sighed, looking dramatic. "I have a feeling limiting you to one isn't not going to work..." Philippe laughed. "With this many to sample, hardly. A wine, good lady!" He said. "And one for my friend and the pretty gold-rider of Corona!" M'len managed to shake his head dramatically at the elf's actions. "Once a prince, always a prince," he grumbled... ((Sorry if it's the wrong Nidus or spelled wrong...*face desk*))

((StarFyre for Seune)) Laughing, Seune bolted after the kits. "Oh no you don't," she laughed. "No one bites my tail and runs away!" (( :P ))

StarFyre:

(( Dray )) Innial gave Isuan a courtly bow, though the effect was spoiled by the large grin on his face. ::Why, thank you, milady! I strive to please one and all.:: At her question, he turned his gaze to the gathering as well, and had to smile at the sight of kits climbing all over one of the guests. ::This is Spring Festival, and the first time our kits have been able to leave the dens. So, we permit them this excess, that they may expend their first burst of energy and curiosity at the world.::

Dray:

(( Yakima, StarFyre )) Casting Phillippe a rather surprised glance for his sullen candor, Renille chuckled somewhat nervously, then turned her attention to the two who had spoken out to them. "Ah, you know, what is spring if not an excuse for celebration? We tend to celebrate a little later in our seasons; winter and spring for us are often grey and rainy for days on end. Does everybody go out to harvest the garlands and flowers?" she wondered, as Phillippe was perusing the wines, "or are all of those kits I see running around responsible for that harvest?"

(( Yakima )) ((It's spelled properly and is the right one!)) Taking up a glass ((or a mug?)), waiting on it to be filled, Renille excused herself for a moment and toasted the elf. "To the pretty blue-rider of Falas and our well-decked hosts," she spoke with mock-solemnity, then grinned wide and tipped the glass back. One round down, who knew how many to go?

StarFyre:

(( Dray )) "Well-a-day, a sad tale has no place at these tables on this night!" Ember grinned brightly, grabbed a cup of his own and saluted her with it. "I'm Emverisken, though most about here call me Ember. How'd you hear about this place?"

jess:

(( StarFyre )) Well, it seemed the parents were okay with the kits being up so high, so he focused on them. "Well, I'm not sure where my parents were from originally, but I was born on Atu. At least, that's the first place I really remember. The part I called home was a desert, similar to this. I haven't been back there in a long time now." He laughed a little more. "Little one admiring my ruff? That really tickles!" The fur over his shoulders rippled as the skin twitched in response to the tickling. As he got to the tables, he asked his passengers, "so, what would you recommend as my first alevahrin treat?"

Yakima:

((Dray for Renille)) Philippe grinned. "I toast to that! And..." he glanced at M'len who rolled his eyes, well aware of the 'Falas tradition' that would follow. "A toast to life, love and laugher........and all the wine and elf can drink! Sama tiree!" And he tipped his glass, drinking the sweet wine and loving every moment of it. M'len raised his glase, muttering the last line in 'common speach' as 'Clear Skies' before testing his own glass.

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Ember)) "Ember," Galamane breathed, immediately struck by the poeticicity of it, if that was what it was called. She did her best to swallow an adoring sigh, then steeled herself for proper conversation. "Sometimes dragons fly over to the mainland to get the news from off-worlders, and when they come back we all wind up hearing about it, eventually." Galamanes little troupe stuck together and gossiped like seagulls, being naturally inclined to one-up each other with the things that they'd heard. "I was, um, dared." She giggled again. "To come here, I mean. Sometimes we do that, dare one another to visit one place or another, to see what it's like. Nobody's heard of an Alevaharin before!" Cocking her head to one side so that all of her blonde fur fell across her cheek, she asked, "and how did you get here?"

StarFyre:

(( Dray, Yakima )) One of the human servers laughed and winked at Philippe, then poured several glasses of wine and handed them out with a tiny bit of a flourish. Meanwhile, the man and woman who had responded to Renille broke away from their little group and strode over, garments flowing about them as they moved. "This is the first week after the rains are finished," the woman remarked as she accepted a refill of her own cup and took a sip, "The desert blooms brightly, the air is clear and fresh, and everything comes out for the brief moment that our Mother permits herself to be decked in color." The man picked up the thread of conversation then, "A lot of us do, but it's mostly the kits who come back with the most of it. It is their first time out of the den, after all."

(( Yakima, for Seune )) Several kits squeaked in good natured protest and scattered in all directions, figuring that she could only follow one of them, after all! They had the advantage of numbers, here, and weren't afraid to use it!

Yakima:

(StarFyre for Seune)) The wolf skidded to a halt, half-growling with laughter. "Smart little buggers," she sighed, then bounded after the one she figured she could catch first!

StarFyre:

(( jess )) The kit in Rana's ruff laughed and wriggled about some more, this time purposely out to tickle him! She was nothing if not contrary, it seemed. ::Oh! So you were born in a desert too? Did you desert have Spring like ours does?:: Alari asked in curiosity. When they got to the tables, and Rana asked his question, Alari stared down at the selection, a cute little frown of concentration on her face, then said, ::I like that dish over there, with the snake meat in it. It's all spicy and tingly.::

Dray:

(( StarFyre, Yakima )) Raising her brows to Philippe's genuinely passionate toast, Renille chuckled again. She might not swig her refill as quickly as the first, as much as she was amused by his attitude: the first glass was already making her feel just a little woozy. "I have to admit, there's nothing to complain about. I hope your kits are enjoying their new-found freedom." Sliding a glance side-long in the elf and M'len's direction, the blonde allowed a wider smile into place. "Will there be dancing, as the night goes on?" She simply had to ask!

StarFyre:

(( Dray, for Galamane )) Ember smiled slightly at Galamane's aborted 'sigh', and listened to her tale with both ears pointed towards her, giving her his full attention. "Never heard of an Alevaharin before? Phew, I knew we didn't get out much, but I never figured people would be ignorant of us!" He grinned to take any potential sting from his words, then continued, "As for me? Iyurri and Laynaer," Ember nodded towards the two leaders who were lounging about on an overlook, "found me wandering the desert as a cub and took me in. I've been a part of the Pride ever since."

Yakima:

((Dray for Philippe/M'len)) Over the rim of his glass (this one he was sipping in more of an elegant fashion) Philippe grinned, raising an eyebrow to the two natives. "Oh, please say yes." M'len sighed, leaning over his friends shoulder. "I'm going to mingle...you behave or it's your hide Phalinth and Yakima use to decorate their weyr!"

Xalia:

(( StarFyre All )) Miyaki lashed her tail in annoyance as she realized she was late. Trying to keep her favorite sponsorlings from joining her had been quite the task, but now and then a goprin just needed to be able to travel by herself darnit! She stretched languidly at the edge of the crowd and looked for a good place to insert herself into the party and pretend she'd been there the whole time...of course, since she was roughly 14' tall at the shoulder, that probably wasn't likely to happen...

StarFyre:

(( Yakima, for Seune )) As soon as Seune's back was turned, another kit doubled back and pounced on her back, growling playfully, ::Gotcha!:: he crowed mentally to the wolf.

(( Dray, Yakima )) The man grinned brightly at Renille's question, then at Philippe's interest in the answer. "Oh, there'll be dancing, alright. Cept for a few of us, we're hardly straight laced, sober folks."

jess:

(( StarFyre )) "Well, spicy snake meat sounds tasty; I'll try that one." He tried to ignore the tickling on the back of his neck, and moved toward the snake dish Alari indicated. Before taking a bit for himself, he asked, "So, anyone up there want something, before I get some for myself?"

Yakima:

((Dray, StarFyre)) "Perfect," Philippe grinned. He looked at the woman next to him. A gold rider? He seemed to have aquired a 'thing' for them. "Well, gold-rider? I take it you dance?"

((Xalia)) M'len wandered off, and noticed a fermiluar figure just arriving. He grinned. He knew that form. From a few Turns back, but he did remember - if not her name...until Jesioth provided it for him. Now how was it his /dragon/ remembered and he didn't? Sighing, he walked toward her, waving. "Hello! Miyaki! How have you been! Haven't seen you since the FGPC threw out that Shimmer Frenzy!"

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Ember )) Galamane nodded along with Ember's story, just as interested in the conversation as he was. "Yes, well, I used to travel all over with my friends, but I suppose that the Nexus is a big place; a lot of fighting going on, out there," she wrinkled her nose, "and it didn't sit too well with us. For the last couple of years I've just been making my home at that Nidus Insula. It's called that for a reason," she added, voice low and droll. "But that, that is adorable," she told him, glancing quickly at the leaders, but not really interested in them. "Did they raise you like one of their own?"

Yakima:

(StarFyre for Seune)) Seune was telepathic thus picked up that cry but not before she fell to the ground. Her playful growls escaped as she attempted to tackle the kitling. It was almost like being a puppy again...

StarFyre:

(( jess )) ::Oh! Oh! I want the dacha!:: the kit in Rana's ruff spoke eagerly as she crawled out of it and pointed down at a dish on the table. ::I'd like some of that snake:: Alari added with a grin.

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Innial)) Perking her ears to the gathering, Isuan listened to her host's explanation with some interest. :: And how long is the 'excess' allowed for? Does this celebration go on for more than tonight? ::

Xalia:

(( Yakima )) Miyaki opened her lips in a big toothy, goprin grin as M'len walked over. "M'len, right? I never forget a name, which is probably fortunate considering how many names are under my supervision," Miyaki chuckled. "I've been well, a trifle busy, but well overall. And yourself?"

StarFyre:

(( Dray for Galaname )) Ember nodded, "Just like one of their kits, with all the responsibility and lessonings that their kits would get. It wasn't the easiest of lives I guess, growing up out here, but I like it."

Yakima:

((Xalia)) "Busy as usual," the blue-rider laughed. "Still trying to keep Philippe in line. Expecially after all the fuss he caused..." M'len sighs, glancing over at the elf. It was still a little strange, seeing him as alive and healthy (well almost) as he once was before his death. "Searching, fighting thread, caring for a dragon," he said with a wink. "Life on Pern rarley changes."

StarFyre:

(( Yakima, for Seune)) The kitling was practically laughing as he wrestled with Seune, completely happy to have a playmate almost his size for once that wasn't another of the kits!

Dray:

(( StarFyre, Yakima )) Philippe hardly had to look up; Renille was was a mere five feet, three inches tall, and even her loose shag of golden hair added only an inch or so to her stature. "Oh please," she flirted, flapping a hand in his direction, "call me Renille. And yes, I dance -- however I doubt the moves I know are the same as the formal ones that I'm sure you're familiar with." That might have been a challenge, but then again, it might also have been the wine. She listened for any music that might be playing, hoping to catch something that would show case her point!

StarFyre:

(( Dray for Isuan )) ::There's a full week of celebration that occurs, followed by a week of rest when only the necessary tasks of hunting and maintenance.:: Innial spoke with a smile. ::Seeing as these are the best days of the year around here, we tend to take them seriously.::

Xalia:

(( Yakima )) "Oh yes, I'm sure caring for one dragon is very difficult," Miyaki replied with a chuckle, completely unaware of what sort of fuss Philippe might have caused. "What brings you here, said troublesome elf?"

Yakima:

((Dray for Renille)) "Renille," he mused. "Pretty name," and he offered her his arm, wine glass in the other. "And what, milady, makes you think I only know formal ones?" he grinned. "I live on Pern and Search on Earth! Come and see what you're getting yourself into!"

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Ember)) Galamane wrinkled her nose again, the very thought of lessons leaving her in sympathy with the other Marnu. "Well that isn't much fun at all. I thought that we weren't to have any low tales at the table?" She laughed, her voice throaty, but only because of her current size! She peeked back at the table and found some of the delicacies that Ember had been speaking about, and swiped a few to nibble upon. Free food! It was hard to imagine, when she had had to hunt for most of her life! "Myself, my friends and I raised one another; whenever somebody new showed up, they were folded in without a word to the wiser." That was the proper term, right? Galamane couldn't remember if she was mixing her phrases!

jess:

(( StarFyre )) And the tickling stopped, as the tickler crawled out of his ruff to request a snack of her own. Rana took a bit of the dacha and handed it up to the kit on his back, before selecting a bit of the snake for Alari and handing it up to her. "The dacha looks interesting too; I may try that after this snake dish," he commented as he selected a portion of the snake for himself. Taking a bite, he savored the meat; it was rather tasty. "Mmmmmm, delicious."

Yakima:

((Xalia)) "Like always," M'len laughed, his own glass of wine still in his hands. "Someone has to try to keep him out of trouble!"

(Xalia, cont.)) "And you, Miyaki? What bring you here? Looking for new recruits? I think a handful attacked Seune, our winged wolf...er...escort, a few moments ago," and he looked around, trying to find the she-wolf...

StarFyre:

(( Yakima, Dray )) As Renille listened, she could pick up a faint, tribal beat in the background, that seemed to be coming from the cleared area near the ledge where the leaders were perched.

Xalia:

(( Yakima )) If any want to come with me I would of course be delighted, but I'm just here to visit, get away from the 'recruits' for a bit, etc..." Miyaki winked. "Some of them are downright clingy!"

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Innial )) :: I'm starting to like it here better, all the time, :: she chuckled. :: What about the rest of the year? I'm guessing that it's not all fun and games. ::

StarFyre:

(( Dray for Galamane )) "Hah, caught me at my own game," Ember remarked with a grin. "Credit to you." He listened to her speak about her own life then nodded slightly, taking up a few pieces to nibble on himself, and speaking between bites, "Not many newcomers arrive here. Not many people want to live in a great desert, after all, no matter how much beauty is out here all year 'round."

Dray:

(( Yakima )) Catching the faint and hectic drum beats from further down the gathering area, Renille cast Philippe a perfectly predatory grin. "I have to admit, I haven't been to either... but you have to realize that you're not speaking with some shy, young, wilting thing!" She laughed, voice hearty, amused with his challenging tone. "Drums are a special variety, blue-rider, of trouble." But she followed him, slipping a hand easily through his arm to keep a better eye on them as they drew closer to the dancing area. This would be trouble, but she honestly didn't mind!

StarFyre:

(( jess )) The kit in his ruff eagerly accepted the treat and began chewing on it, ::I really like it!:: she remarked, ::It's sweet and tender, unlike the crocodile or snake.:: Alari accepted her treat with a happy purr and ate with the speed of any youngster. ::It is, isn't it? Momma says when I'm older I can help with the hunting! I'd love to do that, go out into the desert and find food where few others can.::

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Ember )) Galamane flapped a hand again, rolling her eyes heaven-ward. "Have you ever gone out to other worlds? There are people screaming for places as great as this, overpopulated, awful!" A shudder of hairs standing up, just for a moment, accompanied her statement, "I think you're lucky. You have all the space and all the right kind of people, too." Here she nodded sharply, grinning in an attempt to sound wry.

Yakima:

((Dray for Renille)) Lucky for Philippe, he walked right by M'len as they moved along toward the drums. "Hold on to this for me, will you?" he told his friend, shoving the glass into his hands before walking away. He waved away M'len's words (coming in later post). "For that, I am glad," he told Renille. "I get plenty of green riders like that at Falas. Well, my father's court is worse. Courtiours." He shudders. "Now, lets see what I can teach you about dancing, Renille!"

((Xalia)) "Behave yourself!" M'len's voice probably fell on deaf ears but the human also knew his companion too well. Shaking his head he looked at the dejected wing glass and pouring it into his own to make a full cup. Nevermind they wern't the same kind. "Same here," M'len told Miyaki. "Well, escape from our wingrider and his weyrmate, more like it. Though, that is her wolf, sent to "keep us in line"." He sighed, rolling his eyes. "Well, the elf, not me. Of course..."

StarFyre:

(( Dray, for Isuan )) ::No, it's not like this all the time in the slightest.:: Innial nodded towards the gathering, ::After this, everything goes back to normal. It can be hard, scraping a living out of the desert, but, well. All of us like it out here. The desert is beautiful, even at its harshest.::

(( Dray, for Galamane )) Ember wrinkled his nose in amusement, the leaned over and nudged Galamone with his muzzle, mischief in his eyes, "Then come join us out here. There's some areas where life isn't as hard as it is around here."

Xalia:

(( Yakima )) Miyaki arched a red-orange brow at the human before her and decided she didn't much like looking down on him. She settled her haunches and folded her front paws one over the other. "Of course...?" she prodded gently, while seeming to let her eyes wander the room.

jess:

(( StarFyre )) Since he was enjoying his current snack, he decided to reply as the kits had been. ::Hunting in the desert can be quite challenging, but usually gives a great sense of accomplishment when you are successful. And since I got distracted by food, and never answered your original question, I think our desert had a nice Spring flowering, but I don't remember if it was a grand as yours. It has been a long time since I was there for it.:: Finishing the snake dish, he took a portion of the dacha. ::The snake was delicious, Alari; thank you for suggesting it! And you were quite right right about this dacha; very tender, and sweet,:: he told the other kit. ::How are you all enjoying your first time out?::

StarFyre:

(( jess )) ::I don't think I ever want to leave this desert,:: Alari spoke thoughtfully, ::I know my parents say that the desert can be just as cruel as it is kind, but... I like it, even if I haven't seen much of it.:: The other female kit gave a snort and chimed in, ::I want to leave. There's so much sand and dust and it gets in my coat and I can never get it all out!::