You walk over to the archway leading to the main hall.

Aeliana also has that same sort of self-absorbed look, yet it's clear her thoughts are no longer on herself. Her poor fingernails, though...

Before Auralia, there comes the sneeze---"*ATISHOO!*" Then, the muffled, heavy step of one wearing way too much clothes, even for Honshu, with red nose, and streaming eyes. And a loud 'sniff'.

Kiara pauses, "I'm sure him and Viharth will weather the storm okay if they were trapped in it," she glances over to the Southern greenrider, "Hey there, Aura, you didn't manage to miss a gold flight after all,"

Catrina gets up and mummbles about finding S'tev before heading out.

V'ian looks surprised at the splash of wine that entered the glass he was so absorbed in, "Oh, Thank you." he slurrs already, the four glasses he just so negligently downed starting to tell, as he looks up kindly at Kiara, then follows her gaze to the entering greenrider. "Oh Hello there..." squinting his eyes as his head lolls sideways, quickly jerking back up right, "And a right /long/ one it wash." he mutters, not quite happy about /that/ among other things.

Auralia's voice is somewhat muffled, but she nods, "Guess I didn't, no. Hey." She nods past Catrina, angling herself into a seat for a loud blow of her nose, and a wipe of her face. "Hey to the lot of you."

Kiara smiles to Auralia, "Catch a cold? Guess the Honshu weather has caught up with you," she smiles to V'ian, "Most gold flights are," she says, soothingly....supposedly

Aeliana's thoughts turn, suddenly, to the folks around her... not surprising with the comings and goings. Her gaze follows V'ian's following Kiara's and she eyes Auralia... scowling. "You..." muses, mostly to herself, "I... I know you..." she begins and stops. Her eyes flicker over in disgust at V'ian's condition, but she makes no comment.

Kiara glances over to Aeli, "That's Auralia, she's our temporary Weyrsecond," Kia speaks slowly as if dictating to a small child.

Auralia gives Aeliana a pleasent smile, without responding to the words--perhaps it's better, since her voice is so muffled it makes clarity a thing of the past. She nods somewhat less miserably to Kiara, blowing her nose again. "Just when it's time to go home, which may be a blessing."

Aeliana's gaze flings at Kiara now and she takes in the words with ease. "You needn't treat me as a little. I know _who_ she is... " a pause, and her gaze re-centers on Auralia as she muses aloud, "It's more than that..."

Kiara wrinkles her nose, "I wouldn't want to *between* with a cold. In fact, I didn't, that's how I ended up with Kiat," she glances to Aeli, "More than that?" she glance between the two in confusion.

V'ian raises a wavering hand in a poor parody of salute to his Weyrsecond, "Heylo Auralia." looking slightly around, with a comic smile and glassy eyes, having finally realised who it was with the greenrider's help. Staggering up, still with a 'skin in his hand he heads over to the serving table and piles a plate with the greasiest food he can find, with which he returns to his seat and digs into.

Aeliana's brow is severely furrowed, almost to the point of disappearing her eyes into their lids. She manages a reply, "Something familiar... familial..." she keeps along that track, adding her name in, "Auralia... Aura..." and after a moment, clarity dawns, "Cousin Aura??"

Auralia just shrugs towards Aeliana, smile bobbing as her head nods, and she indicates vague agreement, mind slightly fuzzy, "Something like that--or is it more complex? Mind not really..." She trails off, head nodding again. "Yes." Her head turns, and she gives"V'ian," she greets, "Don't do yourself a damage, neh?"

Kiara glances between Aura and Aeli, "You two are cousins?" she says, not managing to hide the surprise in her voice.

V'ian looks up from the plate he'd already half devoured, "Oh, me, damage myself?" he grins, more his usual self, with a wry look at the plate before him, "I was wondering why I felt so drunk so quick." his words still slightly slurred but clearing up.

Aeliana nods along with Auralia, replying to Kiara, "Yes. Very, very complicated... we don't really understand it." This new focus seems to bring her personal clarity back a bit and her personality with it. She still eyes V'ian, though.

Kiara chuckles, "Nothing in a Weyr is ever simple,"

Aeliana nods, eyes widening and narrowing as her eyebrows raise and lower. She doesn't answer vocally.

"Whatever it is--nice to see you again, Aeliana," notes Aura, between blowing her nose once more, and generally putting on a sick-dog face. "Oh, I'd rather not Between--but I gotta go home and annoy L'mir." She grins at V'ian, "Time flies, I believe, when one drinks."

Kiara nods, "It'd take sharding ages to fly their straight," she blinking at Aeli's various facial expressions, "I'm sure you could probably annoy L'mir even better by staying here for a bit,"

V'ian nods agreement, "I do believe that's the whole idea." starting straight back into the glass still before him as he polishes off the plate with a chunk of bread.

Aeliana sits in silence now, staring at the tables in front of her.

"Indubiously," agrees Aura--at least, that's what it sounds like. "Which is what I'm doing." She'll stay *right* here, thank you very much.

Kiara grins, "Does he have to come and fetch you?"

V'ian holds out the 'skin to the bluerider seated opposite him, "Sure you don't want some, you look like you need some." a soft smile on his face.

Auralia turns her expression to a stare, faced towards Kiara. "Faranth, I hope he doesn't." She tilts a concerned glance towards the door, then turns back rapidly. "If I sneeze on him, he will go?" Even though he hasn't arrived, yet.

Kiara hrms, "Perhaps, but I think Weyrwoman Telinda might be annoyed with you if you gave the Weyrleader a cold," she chuckles, "Not that it wouldn't be poetic justice. Just think, if the cold got quite bad, he could be grounded here,"

Aeliana's eyes shoot up to V'ian... and they're a slight bit teary. But nothing horribly noticable. "Me? Wha?" and she peers at the skin, "Oh, no... you know I don't touch the stuff." She offers him a small smile in return, but a blush chases it away and her gaze flutters toward the archway leading out.

Kiara pauses and her eyes unfocus for a moment, "Looks like your wish hasn't come true," she says to Auralia, "Unless Moriweth is wrong, your Brielth just turned up,"

Dragon> Honshu Weyr sense that Brielth bugles a greeting to the Honshu dragons! << We come to retrieve Iesath! >>

"She'd live," assures Aura to Kiara, "I'm not so sure that she was delighted at my 'exile', which hasn't been an exile." She pauses, then blanches. "Figures. Oh well, he can drag me out screaming, and we'll be back to where we always were." She gives Aeliana a glance out of the corner of her eye, "Family tradition, is it? No wine."

Dragon> Honshu Weyr sense that Iesath responds sulkily, with an acerbic touch to her voice. << I don't need retrieving. I'm perfectly capable, thank you very much. >>

Kiara smiles to Auralia, "Or you could go willingly with him and he'll be so surprised that he'll be nice to you for...eh..a sevenday perhaps?"

Dragon> Uileath bespoke Honshu Weyr with << As long as I may keep Tremaith! He is very nice to me. And he has handsome wings. >>

Dragon> Honshu Weyr sense that Moriweth replies to Brielth, <<I do not think Iesath wishes to be retrieved,>> she sends a soft croon to Uileath, <<Keep playing with your bronze, dearie,>>

Auralia shakes her head, "Not if I'm grounded due to this confounded cold."

Aeliana smiles gratefully at Auralia, but her glance is curious. "Is it?"

V'ian looks at Kiara as he remembers something, "Uhm, that reminds me. There's no way in Fog, Fall, or Fire that I'm going to be able to get Girinth to wake up for a few hours at least, and I'd hate to fall asleep right here..." he smiles softly, as he looks again at the bluerider, glancing over to Auralia as well with a wink echoing Kiara's last stament.

Dragon> Sylaith bespoke Honshu Weyr with << You are welcome, Brielth. >>

Dragon> Honshu Weyr sense that Brielth warbles, mindvoice sounding as if this was all rehearsed. << She is needed at home. She may not stay longer. >>

Aeliana hears V'ian's words... and cringes. But she makes no effort to look his direction, or even away from Auralia.

Jelisa walks over from the entrance hall.

Dragon> Honshu Weyr sense that Iesath no doubt believes in forthright honestly--<< She's going to be grounded, anyway. So there. >>

Auralia winks towards Aeliana, admitting honestly, "I certainly don't touch the stuff. Perhaps it's just coincidence." She wrinkles her nose, adding, "Iesath's already attempting to draw strips out of poor Brielth." She grins towards V'ian, returning the wink lightly. "You could probably go inhabit the guest weyr, I just vacated it," she offers, nicely.

Jelisa looks about cautiously as she enters the weyrhall, eyeing the situation. There are signs of sweat about her face, her arms linked behind her back.

Kiara glances over to the Senior Weyrwoman, "Hey there, Jelisa. Looks like Uileath's flight went just fine," she smiles, "Pepper?"

Pepper being directed to Auralia of course

Br'den strides over from the entrance hall.

Aeliana's mouth makes a small 'o' at Auralia's answer but before she can respond, Jelisa arrives and she's distracted once more. Seems she's not quite herself just yet.

Jelisa clears her throat, grinning. "Mmm. Yes. I've heard about things. Although I don't believe that K'vay will have an especially warm welcome back at Southern for a while." The goldrider heads to get a glass of wine, carefully closing off the cask. "Mm. L'mir's here." She's not tense, no...

Auralia sighs, "Honshu looses one of us--or so it looks, and gains another. How typical." Stretching out one leg in front of her, she staves off a sneeze with a rapid intake of breath, looses control, and sneezes rather loudly. "Pepper, indeed. Where's Anja? She wanted to see Pepper in action."

V'ian chuckles and salutes the Werywoman with a raised glass, how many is that now?

Br'den paces carefully through the archway, a bottle swinging from one hand. He gives the room a solemn nod before picking his way toward Jelisa.

Kiara arches a brow to Jelisa, mouthing 'you okay?' to her, before glancing to Auralia, "Swapping a Bronze for a green? Though I expect Uileath'll keep Tremaith occupied,"

Jelisa looks about the hall and nods to those acknowledging her. "Oh, I'd imagine so. She'll cuddle him to death." Running a hand through her hair, she settles beside Kiara. "Shells, I can't wait till they sleep this off."

Auralia, with a belated response, makes a haphazard salute towards Jelisa and Br'den, maintaing her head held high--although sneezes ensure that it waves slightly. "That, yes, Kiara. Oh I'm sure Uileath will--or the other way 'round."

L'mir walks over from the entrance hall.

Auralia lets out a particularly loud sneeze, and blows loudly into her square of cotton--was that a deliberate action, since L'mir has been noted out of the corner of her eye?

Kiara nods, "I imagine she'll lick him to check that Southern dragons taste the same," she chuckles, "I could never picture Uileath rising for some reason. She always seemed so naive," The southern Weyrleader is noted with a nod, before she smiles to Jelisa, "S'tev disappeared something, Catt disappeared to try and find him," She feeds over a snippet of information

L'mir walks into the hall, pausing at the entranceway to scan the inhabitants. Under his arm is what looks to be a bottle of Southern brandy, held close to his side for safekeeping. He's just about to do the traditional greeting when Aura's sneeze makes him blink. Ahem. "Southern's greetings to Honshu and her glorious Queens." he calls out, sending a smile. One size fits all.

Jelisa turns her head slightly, after only a moment of hesitation, rises to her feet, moving toward L'mir. "And Honshu's back. Its been a while since we've seen you, L'mir." Oh look. Her voice is even as she approaches the Weyrleader.

V'ian downs the glass neatly, and fills it again from the 'skin in his hand, swishing it about once the glass is full and noting how little's left in it. "Thank you, Auralia, and hello Weyrleader." saluting them both, one in a appreciation and the other in greeting, his tone gaining jovility again.

Br'den pauses just behind Jelisa when L'mir's words cause him to turn. Funny that, his bottle and L'mir's bottle look /just/ the same! He trails after her as she moves toward the other Weyrleader. "You should've been here earlier."

Auralia's lips twitch with mirth, and she says aloud, "Honshu's to Southern!" With a cheeky grin, she turns to face L'mir a moment--her face is blotchy, her nose runny, and her voice slightly obscured. "You're welcome, V'ian."

L'mir extends a hand toward Jelisa, or perhaps Br'den should she choose to ignore it. Just the slightest flicker of a look is sent to his Second - the Aura One - before turning on a smile. "It has been a while, I guess? Not /too/ long, I hope, Jel?" After a pause, he asks, "Here before? For what, Br'den?" Yes, he's seen Auralia's appearance, but you'd hardly know it. Seems it's the time for hidden thoughts.

Aeliana has, at the moment, regained her 'Staring at the Table in front of Her' status.

Br'den says "'Glorious' queens." Oh we're not bitter, oh no, not even a little. He goes on to explain, "Uileath." So that wasn't much of an explanation. How about adding, "And Tremaith?"

Jelisa takes the hand, since its so nicely offered. Looking over her shoulder, she eyes Br'den warily. "There was a flight--Uileath's, actually. K'vay's bronze won."

Br'den pokes at Jelisa's shoulder. He mutters to Jelisa, "I... talk... Sylaith,..."

Auralia excuses herself from the table to serve klah, pouring it carefully into a blue glazed, ceramic mug, which is escorted back to the table in the way that one does an inanimate object. Graciously, she twists about to face the conversants, althogh her lips remain closed, and wordless.

V'ian nods vigourously, not spilling a single drop from the glass in his hand, "And I've forgotten all about." he states plainly to all and sundry, "Would that be some Southern brandy that I spy?" he sly eyes the bottles that seem to be in attendance in the hall.

Kiara smiles to Br'den, "I did try to warn you," Yeah, that's a real help, she glances towards Aeli with a shake of her head.

L'mir doesn't seem so much as surprised at the revelation of winnings. He's got the biggest gossip of all for a lifemate. "It looks like we'll be losing one of my wingseconds to Honshu. Good thing we're gaining our Weyrsecond back, hmm?" Is that pointed or what? Coupled with a rather dramatic look to his Second, he smiles to Kiara then turns to V'ian. "Brandy, yes. I brought it for.. Auralia." The name Auralia is said with a tinge of a squeek to it, as if it were something difficult to say.

Jelisa gives L'mir a plain old odd look. And Br'den earns an even odder one. "Later." Then she glances from L'mir to Auralia and back. "Well." That can't be disappointment on her face? No. "Since we have ours back, might as well take yours."

Auralia takes her chance to be sweet--to a point. "L'mir, how lovely to see you again." At least, it sounds like that's what she's trying to say. "I'm afraid I'm spoilt goods for the moment, though, and shan't be much use. At this rate, the healer's'll want me in bed." She sneezes, as if for emphasis. "Brandy? For me?" How sweet.

Kiara glances at the greenrider and mutters quietly, She mutters to Auralia, "... drink?" before glancing towards the brandy bottle, and the masses of drunken flight losers, "Might be an idea to hide that,"

You sense Kiara glances at the greenrider and mutters quietly, "I thought you didn't drink?" before glancing towards the brandy bottle, and the masses of drunken flight losers, "Might be an idea to hide that,"

L'mir extends the bottle toward Auralia, though his other hand is still busy holding onto Jelisa's. "Something to, uh, welcome you home." he replies, though the tone would make it hard to tell how he feels about that. Quickly, he adds on, "I do hope you can make the trip? Perhaps the healers should be consulted?" Jelisa is sent an inquiring glance.

Auralia shifts her head to send a glance towards Kiara, a single tilt of her head indicating an affirmative. Quietly, she responds, She mutters to Kiara, "I don't.... might... a waste to... of..." She rapidly straightens, sending a charming glance towards L'mir, accepting the bottle. "Sweet. Thank you. Oh--I wouldn't want to give them any extra work. No, I'll be fine." Sniffle.

Kiara senses "Auralia shifts her head to send a glance towards Kiara, a single tilt of her head indicating an affirmative. Quietly, she responds, "I don't. I think--I think you might be right. It'd be a waste to be mauled for the sake of a gift." She rapidly straightens, sending a charming glance towards L'mir, accepting the bottle. "Sweet. Thank you. Oh--I wouldn't want to give them any extra work. No, I'll be fine." Sniffle."

V'ian turns a winsomely smile from L'mir to Br'den, "They both wouldn't be for Auralia would they? I'm sure we could both admire the skills of Southern's brewers together?"

Br'den frowns at Jelisa, but steps to the side, freeing up the conversational space between L'mir and Co. "What sort of later?" he asks Jelisa, still keeping his voice low.

Jelisa mms. "I think a trip *between* wouldn't hurt her a bit. Southern has capable healers." L'mir's hand is dropped and she gives Br'den another Look. "Later."

L'mir pulls back the ditched hand, clasping both to rub them together. "Am I intruding?" he asks Jelisa, voice falling another decibel into 'You Can't Guess What I'm Thinking' mode. "If Aura's free to leave then maybe we should be.."

V'ian shrugs and looks back at the bluerider seated opposite him plaintively, slowly sipping at his glass, his eyes still glancing up at the others, looking quite cognisant still.

Br'den waits not-so-patiently at Jelisa's side. His attempt at arm-folding is foiled by the bottle he still holds in one hand, so he settles for keeping his hands at his sides and looking grumpy.

Jelisa regards L'mir for a long moment, hands absently smoothing at the front of her bound. "If you think it would be best," she says slowly.

Auralia heaves a long sigh, blows her nose, and shuffles into a standing position. "Fine. We'll go." A quirked glance is given towards Br'den and Jelisa; a raised eyebrow resting almost to her hairline. "If your Weyrleadershipness believes that it's a good idea."

Kiara glances between the various Weyrleaders, before just rolling her eyes and muttering to herself, "How...make...life so...difficult,"

V'ian leans back in his chair and watches silently, finishing his glass and pouring the rest of the skin into it, barely filling the glass halfway. He decides to hold it out to Kiara, hoping the 'skin she holds isn't empty aswell.

Kiara grabs a nearby skin and sloshes the rest of the liquid into the brownriders glass.

Fiaind walks into the hall from the kitchens, placing one more platter down on the serving table before turning to juice flasks and pouring a glass. "Good evening, everyone."

L'mir is evidently a little lost at what to do for a few seconds, looking from Br'den to Jelisa to Auralia. Kiara seems safe ground, so he offers her a smile, watching the skin she holds. "I suppose." is spoken, one word for all it seems, and safe. At least he hopes so. Leaning toward the Honshu Weyrwoman, he whispers something to her.

L'mir mutters to Jelisa, "Our daughter... I... could... a..."

V'ian smiles sweetly up at the greenrider, nodding his thanks whether she sees it or not, promptly bringing the glass to his lips, watching with a mixture of apprehension and apathy at the exchange between his fellow Southerners and the Honshuites.

Aeliana suddenly gets up, nodding to appropriate personages and tosses a brief... very brief... smile V'ian's way. She leaves her seat behind and heads out from the hall at a rather fast pace.

Aeliana strides over to the entrance hall.

Auralia clutches onto her bottle of brandy with a long glance towards it, then lowers her arm, and stands there--yes, she's watching L'mir. A wry smile settles itself upon her face, eventually turned away. "V'ian, you feeling any better?"

Kiara notes L'mir's look and follows the automatic, almost, action of offering him a wineskin, before pausing, shaking her head, and taking another swig from it.

Jelisa smiles to L'mir, murmuring back to him before stepping a little ways back.

Fiaind finds a seat at one of the tables, relaxing slowly as she does.

Anja strides over from the entrance hall.

Anja hums softly as she wanders in, glancing around curiously.

L'mir claps both hands together in a gesture of closure, returning Jelisa's smile. "Good." he replies to her, then prepares to leave the hall. "Good to see you all again. Clear skies, and thanks for sharing Br'den with us. Aura? Shall we?" He moves a step back, sending a nod and smile to Anja. "Don't forget the bottle, hmm, Aura?"

Jelisa is about to say more when a headwoman's assistant comes rushing over, murmuring to her for a moment. A soft groan from the Weyrwoman. "Have they stopped yet? No? Shells." Glancing about, she smiles faintly. "Enjoy yourselves. I have something to take care of." And out she runs.

Kiara's eyes flicker between Jelisa and L'mir, however her lip-reading skills, or lack thereof, fail her and she sits back again with a frown. Just then, her eyes unfocus and she smiles, "Looks like Moriweth needs an oiling, she got a little jealous of Uileath's bright hide,"

Anja heads over and slips into a seat next to Fiaind. She murmurs to the cook, "So why did Aeliana just run out as if all the wherries on Pern were on her tail?"

Jelisa strides over to the entrance hall.

Br'den follows - nay, stalks - after Jelisa. She's not going to get away from him this easily.

Br'den strides over to the entrance hall.

Auralia raises the bottle, in indication of her posession of it, glance catching on Anja as her head turns slightly. "Anja!" Voice muffled, as she sniff--bad cold, no fun. "Yes, all right, L'mir. We'll go." A glance is given towards Kiara, and a nod, "See you, then. Have fun."

Kiara strides over to the entrance hall.

Fiaind shrugs her shoulders lightly. "I'm not quite sure, exactly Anja. Just said that she had to get going." She glances up at the green rider. "But how have you been?"

L'mir follows the crowd, striding out the doorway quickly. There's a faint look of mixed emotions for what just went on, but as usual, he's not saying a thing.

L'mir strides over to the entrance hall.

Auralia follows, a passing glance sent back towards those about the room--one hand raised in farewell. "Bye, Honshu." Then, she's gone.

Anja beams at Auralia a moment, then turns back to Fiaind, "I'm doing well enough I guess. Just wondering if people think I'm proddy or something, seeing how many are running out as quickly as they can."

You walk toward the entrance hall.

L'mir walks toward the front terrace of Honshu Weyr.

You walk over to the front terrace of Honshu Weyr.

L'mir strides over to the southern meadow.

You walk over to the southern meadow.

L'mir pauses to look over to Auralia, for the first time concern visible. "You need a hand?" he asks, pausing near Iesath.

Iesath lowers her forelimbs to allow Aura better access to her straps, looking increasingly petulant about the whole idea, characterised by her twitching tail. Aura, having gathered up her things on the way through, raises one eyebrow and shrugs. "No, I'll be fine." Again, she sneezes, almost dropping her things. "Perfectly fine."

L'mir stays where he is, waiting for Auralia to mount. "Sure. You are. I can see that." He glances back at the weyr, slight tones of annoyance seen momentarily. "I can hold the bottle until you get settled if you like." Aww. Being nice.

"Couldn't have it wasted, could we?" Aura holds out the bottle in one hand, shifting her heavily clothed form as she moves to mount. "Of course you can see that. If you can't--I'd say you were looking at something else too hard."

You sense Iesath's delight as you come near, using her straps and helpful forelimb to swing upwards to her moss-patterned neckridges. Your right hand runs down her soft hide, exulting in her nearness, as she warbles softly to you.

+*> L'mir blinks up at his Second, then hmmms softly before striding to Brielth. Easily, he mounts, preparing to rise. "You know, I thought things may have been better between us after this respite, but I guess not."

+*> L'mir reaches up to take a firm grasp on Brielth's riding straps, and swings up into the seat between his neckridges with the help of his foreleg.

Auralia offers, strapping herself in, "I tried. Never mind, L'mir--it's all part of the tapestry of life."

+*> From Brielth's bronze back, L'mir goes through the motions of preparation, hmming softly. "I guess." The bronze crouches, sending him and L'mir up into the Honshu sky.

+*> Brielth soars to the skies far above.

You fly toward the skies far above.

+*> Brielth disappears into Between.

Dragon> Honshu Weyr sense that Iesath touches the minds of the Honshu dragons briefly--nudging against them with moonlit tracings. << Enjoy. We will return--when we can. >>

+*> Iesath disappears into Between.

You suddenly emerge...

+*> Iesath emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!

Dragon> Seareth bespoke Honshu Weyr with << My rider hopes so and says her weyr is always open to yours. >>

+*> Brielth flies toward the broad Landing Field below.

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Iesath warbles a soft greeting -- muted, perhaps even petulant -- as she appears above Southern for the first time in a month. << Home. >>

You soar to the broad Landing Field below.

Dragon> Uileath bespoke Honshu Weyr with << My rider liked yours very much, Iesath. She will find many cute girls for you if you return for a visit someday. >>

Dragon> Honshu Weyr sense that Iesath's voice gains a note of delight-- << She thanks you all. >>

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Tiarnath rumbles softly. << To stay this time? >>

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Iesath agrees, gaining cheer as she lands on home soil. << To stay. >>

Dragon> Tiarnath bespoke Southern Weyr with << This is very good. I do not know why you went, my rider missed yours. >>

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Ellath chuckles quietly. << Your return is welcomed. >>

+*> Iesath lands -- wings moving to rest about her as the warmth, compared to Honshu's, is felt -- with a bright croon from within. Aura, less cheerfully, frees her things; "We'll manage, L'mir. Just be more tolerant, and I'll try the same."

Dragon> Southern Weyr sense that Brielth's image is sketchy, but it blends faint images of Iesath and her rider at Honshu. << Perhaps >>

+*> Telinda walks over quickly, and stands there for a moment, hand on hip, "So. You're back." Statement, not question.

Your hand once again traces Iesath's smooth neckridges, as you slip down her side, guiding yourself with her straps and forelimb. Below, you touch her again, her soft whuff filled with adoration towards you.

Auralia sneezes, catching it just in time with a soiled scrap of cotton that is used to blow -- loud, louder, loudest -- and is then tucked up in her sleeve as layers of clothing come off. "We're back, yes."

L'mir swings his leg over Brielth's neck then slides down the bronze's side, pausing to give him an affectionate pat.

Telinda nods once. "Next time Aura, don't let the sharding fool send you, or I may loose my patience." Eyebrow raises at the sneeze, and a hand goes into her pocket for one of those mothering things - a handkerchief. "Here. Sounds like you're coming down with something."

L'mir's expression immediately falls into a stony look when he lands on Southern soil. He doesn't say anything to Telinda, just busies himself with getting the bottle of brandy to hand it to Auralia.

"I'll keep that in mind," notes Aura, between sniffs, accepting the handkerchief with a grateful expression. "Feels like it, too." She sneezes again, moping up with the handkerchief in silence--turning to glance at L'mir, outstretching one hand for the brandy.

Telinda shakes her head, "Go get some rest, if you need it, or take a hot bath, sure sounds like you're getting something unpleasant." She steps forward to embrace the Weyrsecond, "Don't leave so long next time, even if he" and a nod goes to L'mir, "says different. Tiarnath and I missed you." She steps back, wrinkling her nose and flashing L'mir 'a look', "Welcome home, Aura" she adds with a smile to Auralia, and heads off.

Auralia leans in to the embrace, squeezing lightly, before she steps back again. "Thank you. We missed you, too." She smiles, squeezing handkerchief into a crumpled mess in her hand, "I'll do that. Rest sounds decidibly good."

L'mir swings the bottle into Aura's waiting palm, making a soft plopping sound. The look he gives Telinda's back would melt the staunchest metal. "/I/ decide what my wings do!" he calls out after the disappearing weyrwoman.

Auralia accepts the brandy, restraining a sneeze. "We'll see, L'mir," she notes, ever sweet--"May I request a few days before getting back into duty? To beat the bug, as such?"

Telinda turns around on her heel, walking backwards for a few steps, "Then maybe you should realize the valuable addition you have right there, instead of sending her away" she retorts right back, "And work with what you have instead of wishing for something else." And then shes turned again, and heading towards the meadow.

Telinda walks toward the Lakeside Meadow.

L'mir hmmphs softly, cheeks red-flushed when he turns back to Auralia. "She's sour as anything these days. Why would anyone want to share skins with.." That slipped out a little too fast so a throat clearing is added. "Certainly. Actually you are to report to the healers immediately. We don't need everyone sick around here, and I certainly don't need my Second sick."

"--with who?" comes the query, a touch of life gathering to Aura's voice, her eyebrows raising. "She's not sour, she's Telinda. And you evidently didn't please her with that one." Crossing her arms is difficult -- brandy is not a good shape to have arms wrapped about -- so she lets both drop, nodding. "I'll do so."

L'mir immediately comes back with, "I didn't please her with /what/??", pausing to stare at that sick face.

Auralia can look sicker--her expression gains a puppy-dog woefulness. "Me. Exiling me."

L'mir gives himself time to take in a long, slow breath. "It was /not/ exile. It was a simple exchange of Seconds, and it has already helped the weyr. Some of the formations that Br'den suggested have worked out rather well. Besides, it wasn't forever. A month was not long." So why the brandy?

"Exile: banishing one from their home without choice." Dry monotone is used, husky cold-aided notes tempering Aura's distaste. "Sounds like it to me. First rule of leadership, it seems to me, is to consider the feelings, the lives, of those around you. Not just the whole." She restrains from snapping--barely.

L'mir calms down to an icy silence before speaking. "I /have/ to be concerned with the whole. You of all people should understand that. And.. you're right. You don't have a choice. You do what you're told, without malice. Is this something you feel you can't do anymore?"

Auralia's voice is cool. "There's the whole, there are also parts. There is no whole without the parts--they're vital, and sometimes fragile." With a stormy gaze, she raises her eyes to meet his, "There are always choices. Excuse me." Question--unanswered. She departs.

You walk over to the Western Courtyard.

You walk over to the quietness of the Infirmary.

Iesath> L'mir's fists clench as he watches Auralia leave. "Women!" he spits out, then heads for his weyr in a huff.