All references to worlds and characters based on Anne McCaffrey's fiction are copyright © Anne McCaffrey 1967,2000, all rights reserved, and used by permission of the author. The Dragonriders of Pern(r) is registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, by Anne McCaffrey, used here with permission. Use or reproduction without a license is strictly prohibited. For more information, visit the Worlds of Anne McCaffrey.

29-10-01: All in a day
You go to the Living Cavern. Meral is perched in a chair, reclined lazily in it -- mug of klah...

You go to the Living Cavern.

Meral is perched in a chair, reclined lazily in it -- mug of klah sits before him, aswell as one of the few cookies he decided to steal before he was shipped out to Ista. "Huh. Wha?" he murmurs, eyes darting about as he hears a mirror of his name, as well as a question. "Oh, Celira! Well, it seems I've been chose. The 'play with the eggs' as Yla put it." And he got drooled on, too. "So, you're a resident here, aren't you? I guess that means I'll get to talk more often!" Beam.

Tstar stalks in from the Southeastern Bowl.

Relian pads through the caverns, his bare toes accentuated by the pair of boots strung from his fingers, swinging in a lazy loop as he moves. Tossing his hair away from his face in a typically Relian-esque movement, the young man offers a brilliant smile towards Celira - his friend - and the other boy, to whom she's talking; just being friendly. "'lo," he calls, as he ambles along, aimless, apparently.

"Chosen...oh! Searched!! How wonderful!!" Celira's bright eyes twinkle with joy as she rushes to give Meral a hug. "Congrats!!" Hearing more footsteps, she turns, her smile growing wider at seeing Relian. "G'day Relian...meet Meral here...one of the Weyr's illustrious candidates for Search." Wink. As she turns back to Meral, she spots yet -another- persona, in the form of Tstar. A nod is given to the greenrider, along with a bright smile. "G'day Tstar!" Enough talk girl..get klah. She disappears briefly into the kitchens, returning with a mug and plate of sweetrolls. "Shards...my manners..ah, would anyone like some klah?"

Tstar stares after the girl and just shakes her head. "No thank you." She says crisply, and nods to all and sundry. "hardly illustrious. I remember most of my time as a candidate." She pauses eyeing Meral almost sternly. "It was mostly spent in the latrines... scrubbing them." Then back to Celira, "But if that's what you consider /illustrious/."

Relian's passage abates, his attention more firmly caught by Meral and Celira, and towards this pair he strides, greeting calmly, "Well met, Meral. Relian -- another of the local lowlife residents here." He winks, as he places his boots down on a table haplessly, rubbing his fingers -- which have come up in red marks as a cause and effect measure of said boots. "No klah for me, either, thank you Celira." He laughs ruefully, as he sets himself up in a perch on the table; "Sounds like good fun, scrubbing latrines. Not.

A signature bright beam, and a showy grin are offered to Celira as he reaches over to return the hug bestowed to him. "Yep. Candidate; but there's more work in it. Being a resident was easy." he explains simply, using his hands in large loops and designs in the air as he speaks. "Oh, hullo there," he greets Relian, smirking softly towards the other fellow. "And, no. I already have klah here. And a cookie from the 'Reaches. Want a piece? They're very good. Cold and hand, mabey, after all that time; but good." He swirvs suddenly, glancing to Tstar; oh, he was warned. Be nice to the riders. "So far I haven't gotten anything like that, thank Faranth. Mabey I could change that. *I* could be illustrious..."

Celira simply snorts rather amusedly at Tstar's reply. "Ah, not particularly, though I've scrubbed enough as a holdbrat that I -could- be dubbed the Illustrious Latrine Scrubber of Pern." A curtsey follows, given to all present in the cavern. Turning her blue-eyed gaze back to Meral, she shakes her head a bit. "No thanks, Flit Boy." A rather saucy wink is given, then she slides into a seat next to Relian, giving him an errant elbow nudge in the process. Idly fiddling with the end of her braid, Celira turns her blue orbs back upon Tstar. "I'm guessin' the wings have been abuzz as of late...since I hear Search has begun, yes?"

Hytiaf grins a little, blushing a bit as makes her way through the living caverns. She waves to Tstar and shrugs a little before moving on. "Briganth found another! Gotta run!"

Hytiaf walks quietly to the Southern Caverns.

Teric waves quickly on his way between Hytiaf, pausing at the door to give the inhabitants one last lingering look. Just for fun. But there will be plenty of time for that now.

Teric walks to the Southern Caverns.

Tstar shrugs. "No more than usual. With four laying queens it's not exactly /uncommon/ to have candidates wandering about. Nor to be out on search." Her voice is all but indifferent. "Elbareth finds someone she wants, she tends to kidnap them anyway, if we have eggs on the sand or not... It's just harder to disuade her when we do."

Relian responds to Celira's elbow nudge with one of his own; perched on the table, as he is, he's in a perfect position for it. "What was that for, eh?" he wonders, swinging his legs over the edge, his boots reluctantly pushed over the edge to plop into an ungainly pile. "I guess," he adds, listening to Tstar's comments, "that makes some sense."

Kuari appears with a rowdy caw from ::between::! Where's the party?

Celira calls to Kuari, who gives a boisterous creel and comes to you, ready to party!

Meral sniggers lightly at Tstar, head bobbing in her general direction. "I was begining to think I was just going to be a pet." And, well enough, he might as well be. Candidate. Pet. Almost the same thing? "But, I'm not. Phew." He inclies towards the table, taking his klah0mug to pour a bit of the contents into his mouth, "And so far it hasn't been all to hard." THen again, he's been a Candidate for, what, half a day?

"Mmmm." Her look goes thoughtful for a moment, until she feels a return nudge from her companion. Lips curve into a smirk as she gives him the Sly Eye over her shoulder. "Hey! No need to hog the table, eh?" Nudge back...touche, dear Relian! "And how's your own search going, Rel?" A brush of wind is the only warning Celira receives before Kuari announces his presence, basically by landing on her head. "Uhhh..." Upwards glance, then slight frown parades across her face. "Kuari dear....-must- you always land on my -head-? Shoo!" Her hands wave a bit, sending the flit off to join his brother Zaphyr.

Celira releases Kuari, who launches into the air.

Tstar snorts. "It's just started. Tierza kept ending up with double duty during my candidacey for some reason. Either someone miss read the charts or Rac and Rap were up to something and no one caught on."

Relian sticks out his tongue at Celira, in a burst of immaturity, that fickle thing, retorting, "I'll do as I please, my dear Lady Trouble." More rueful is his response to her query; "No *real* luck, I'm afraid. I guess he changed his name, or never came here in the first place. It's hard to tell." His eyebrows raise at Tstar's comment; "Sounds like a heap of fun. Interesting, anyway. Meral - good luck. I think you're going to need it."

Celira graces Relian with a look of mock horror at the sight of his...tongue...then breaks into laughter. "As shall I, my dear Blush Boy!" This said, she grabs her mug, raises it as if toasting him, then takes a long draught from it. Eyes turn back to Tstar for a moment. "Enough of Search talk...how is your little one? Forgive me if I fail to remember the name...faces, I'm great with. Names? Ughh...let's not even go there." A rather beseaching look is replaced by another smile.

"Luck?" Meral mirrors, eyeing this Relian fellow carefully, 'Why would I need luck? Right now, anyways." Well, we know some people have big mouths. Other people could have mouths that were confused with tunnels, like our dear Meral here. He reaches over, taking a chunk of his cookie and plopping it into his mouth. "I don't think *I* have to worry about double chores. That was... Tierza? Well, whoever. She. Not me." He can be awfully cocky, yoo.

Tstar snorts. "That's what you think. All of us ended up with it once in a while, but Tie just seemed to have it constantly." She smiles wickedly. "Or if you /don't/ get double duty you /do/ get some of the worst ones."

Yulianna saunters in from the South Caverns.

Relian raises an eyebrow, his attention flickering back to Meral; "Right. Whatever. If you want to delude yourself, it's no skin off of my back." Full of hot air is our friend Relian, here, who winks at Celira's mock horror, "Don't I know it; you always do!"

Meral frowns in the greenrider's direction, "Are you suggesting something?" Almost innocent as he askes this -- we all know he isn't, though. We all know too well. Or should, atleast.

Tstar shakes her head. "No, of course not... simply that arrogance tends to do itself in sooner or later. Just ask D'rill." If the Brown rider can be found, he's been laying low of late. "Just making sure you are fully prepared for the implications of candidacy and the posible turns of events, and chores."

Celira lolls her head around to stare at Relian. "I do not always do as I please...just, well...most of the time." Innocently, she bats her eyelashes at him, lips curving back into that sugary sweet smile. "After all, I -did- manage to get you to take me home from the Gather dance." Smirk. "Even if I barely remember the trip here." Eyes roll momentarily, before focusing once more on him. She could be really wicked right about now. A nod is given to Yulianna as she enters, before looking back at Relian.

Meral feigns another frown, his head motioning to shake; locks of untidy hair drifting and shifting along with his manuvuer. "Fine, then. I'm off to prepare now." He's scheming, really. Escape, perhaps. "I shall returns, do not fear." And off her goes, cookie taken with him -- even if only part remains.

Yulianna wanders into the main caverns, walking slowly and reading a scroll as she does so--a scroll filled with figures and inventory numbers. She glances up from her scroll, though, hastily rolling it up and shoving it into a pocket before moving over to pour herself a mug of klah and pile a couple meatrolls onto a plate. She drops a return nod to Celira, then moves toward Relian, actually recognizing him. "Hullo." she offers cheerfully, dropping into a seat.

Meral trudges along, with his cumbersome stride to the Southern Caverns.

"Whatever," retorts Relian, legs swinging, to Celira. "Hey - you might have drowned. I, sort of, saved your life. *And* made sure I didn't owe you that white flower." He watches after Meral, smirk upon his lips, which rapidly transforms into a broad smile to Yulianna; "Yuli! How's the hair?" He's sitting on the edge of a table, Celira in a seat to his side. "How's life as a candidate, for that matter?"

Tstar shakes her head after the Candidate. "Another one to watch, somehow I think this might be a /bad/ go 'round candidate wise." Yulianna gets a polite nod, and a measuring look, hair especially, She's heard rumors. But Relian beats her to any questions she would ask so she just leans against a table and listens. Celira gets a shrug and a smile. "Cavalor is doing fine. R'ley is beaming about the fits he's giving hte nursing staff."

Celira smiles over at Yulianna as she approaches...then does a quick double take. "By Faranth girl...who on Pern cut your hair?" Her eyes widen as she stares at Yulianna's rather...unusual...hairstyle, until she realizes that she's prolly just acted quite, quite rude. "Err...apologies...that was a quite rude o'me." Can you -feel- the heat from her as a blush appears around her ears? "You look familiar, but I don't think we've ever met, per se. I'm Celira, or...as this one here calls me...Lady Trouble." A rather lopsided grin appears as she nods her head in Relian's direction.

Yulianna groans...Relian /had/ to remind her...and claps a hand over her head. "It's the same." she mutters, trying to push some of the longer strands out of her face. "But I'm not sure I wanna ask anyone else to fix it...Serafa did...well...what it looks like now..." she trails off, stuffing just about half a meatroll into her mouth and trying to chew.

"You can't trust Serafa," avers Relian, his eyes rolling. "I tried to warn you - but it'll grow back. Or you can shave it. No harm done, in the long term, either way." Except, perhaps, a burnt scalp. "Join us!" he offers, extending an arm about the table. He grins at Tstar; "Aren't they always bad? That's what the stories say, anyway."

Tstar snorts. "I hope you know I was a very well behaved child myself." Except for that one little incident with the waterfall, and then there was... She shakes her head at Yulianna. "I'm afraid my hair cutting abilities extend to simple trims, and keeping my /own/ hair out of my eyes."

"Excuse me for a moment." Celira nods politely before disappearing once again into the kitchens. A moment later, she returns with another tray, this one laden with slices of redfruit and nuts, along with a pitcher of hot klah. One, then two slices of redfruit are dropped into her mug, followed by half-a-handful of nuts. She pauses, in mid drop, looking up, and shrugs. "Well...it tastes good." Plunk plunk. Eyebrows arch at Relian's mention of Serafa. "-Seffy- did that?" Note to self. If Serafa offers, politely decline any hair trimmings in the near future.

"If I could just get it a little more even..." Yulianna murmurs, after gulping down her sandwich and a swig of klah. She gives a shake of her head and a little sigh, "I guess I'll have to fix it myself later." Not that that'll make it much better, of course. She reaches for a slice of fruit, beginning to munch on it.

Relian's nose turns up rather rapidly at Celira's taste sensation, but he makes no comment, instead focusing his attention upon broad-smiling at Tstar; "Oh, I'm sure. It's jsut the *odd* candidate, that makes trouble for everyone." He glances at Yulianna, as if appraising her hair, and offers, "I'd try, but I might make a worse mess. At least I'm honest, though."

Tstar gives Relian a strange look. "We are talking about my /son/ who, at six months, had better not be a candidate!" Her voice is faintly ammused then seh turns back to Yulianna. "Zhaykyrl might be able to help. A smith from Telgar, said she keeps her own hair neat. Her hair wasn't fancy, but it was even." She also ignores the food, having eaten recently.

"6-months already? Shards...they grow fast." Celira sips at her klah, then glances up at Yulianna with a thoughtful look. "Shorter hair might be more comfy in Ista's climate, y'know. Shells, I wear mine back in a braid half the time, 'specially in the summer months. Else it frizzes. Badly." She wrinkles her nose as she points to the braid trailing down along her shoulder.

Yulianna nods to Tstar, gulping down her bite and looking hopeful, "Thanks for the advice, I may give her a try." Or she may just shave herself bald. Meanwhile she crams more meatroll into her mouth, chewing silently and nodding to Celira as she listens to the conversation for a moment.

Relian blinks, a blush spreading upon his face; "I mistook what you said," he admits, ruefully, "My apologies. I admit - that would be a peculiar image." But amusing - his lips twitch into a short lived smile, evidently at the thought. He glances at Celira, then Yulianna, commenting, "I'm *sharding* glad I'm male; don't give a toss about *my* hair."

Angelite walks in from the Southeastern Bowl.

Tstar chuckles. "Shave only half your head and we'll see how quickly you squalk." Her smile is almost fiendish. "And with this batch of candidates I think you just might have to watch for that... all of you. Rac and rap haven't turned up yet so there's still hope." Or so she hopes.

Angelite slowly walks in, in her hand a yellowed, wrinkled paper. Upon entering she quickly folds it and stuffs it into one of her pockets. She manages a friendly nod to the group of people before she sits down. Her hand reaches into the pocket where she placed the paper, and her eyes close briefly. Her chin quavers for a moment before she regains control and manages to really look at the people around her. Though she says no friendly words of greeting she does look friendly, just shy perhaps?

Celira can't resist the opening to tease Relian. "Rel, dear...perhaps you should." Her brows waggle amusedly, before hiding her grin in her mug. Her hand instinctively flies to her own hair at Tstar's words. "Shards...I didn't think of that." Living with a bunch of prank-prone Candidates could be dangerous for one's health. Although -two- can play that game...hrm... "Rac and Rap?" She turns as Angelite enters, nods a greeting, then turns back to Tstar with a quizzical look. "Who are they?"

Yulianna eeps at the thought of shaving half her head, and quickly shakes her head. "No!" though she's laughing at the mental image as she protests. "I hardly have any eyebrows, I'd look like I was in an eternal state of shock!" she laughs, taking another gulp of her klah. "Yeah, who are they?" she echoes Celira, glancing briefly at Angelite before turning back to peer at Tstar.

"You don't like my hair?" responds Relian, mockly affronted. "I'm hurt. All this time, I thought I looked pretty--er, swish. Better than the dragon's toerag, anyway." He runs a hand through his hair, shaking his head; "I think I'll stay clear, myself. Stick to the records - the great hunt."

Squaln shuffles in from the South Caverns.

Tstar blinks. "Dragons have Toerags?" This was not something she was briefed on. "And I did not comment on how your hair is now, though you quite neatly proved my point." Afterall, if he didn't care about his hair would he have argued the point? "And what might 'swish' mean in this conotation?"

Squaln shuffles into the living caverns with a cocky look on his expression; smug and with pure attitude is what he looks like to others. To those he doesn't know very well, he seems like the most arrogant and rude person that one could ever come across. But, to the select few who know the real Squaly, he's really just a softie. Ahem. No one's suppose to know that, tho. The lad heads straight for the klah pot and reaches for an empty mug, pouring himself a helping. A wave is given to those here. And, yes, he /has/ been doing candidate duty and there /is/ grime on his hands and face from scrubbing the kitchen floors; them cooks need to learn to *not* purposely spill and drop things just because they know a candidate will clean it up.

Angelite remains quiet, though she does feel many people's glances. She chooses to ignore them as no one has spoken directly to her, and of, how she hopes the don't. She does manage a small, shy smile to the arrogantly looking Squaln as he enters though she, of course, says nothing. She remains still and silent until she stands and walks over to the klah and poars herself a mug. The quietly, almost silently, she returns to her seat.

Yulianna waves back to Squaln, then waves her mug in the air, calling, "I'm out, bring me some more, too." Of course she asks in the most supremely polite way...about the same as she'd order around one of the guys in her trader train. "And another meatroll." forget the fact that she has one on her plate still. "And some more fruit." Anything but redfruit, /please/. She peers at Relian, and shrugs, "I don't think there's anythin' so wrong with yer hair." Of course, her hair looks like a hurricane ran off with half of it.

Relian pauses. "Well, no," he admits, to Tstar, with a rueful grin. "But it's a saying we used, back home." Everyone always knew that down south, they were backwards. He merely smiles at her further comments, taking them in his stride; "Swish, well, I dunno. Looking good, that kind of thing." Woeful. Those incoming are given quick-lipped smiles, as he moves his hands to hang, loose, like his legs. "At least you think I look fine, Yuli. Thank you."

Tstar clears her throat. "Candidate, you forget yourself. You /take/ orders not give them." POlite requests are one thing, but then again, Tstar is enjoying herself, don't bother her with details. "Perhaps it should be suggested that you take serving duty here in the main hall to teach you better." Does she have the authority to do that? who knows. Relian just gets a reather blank 'ah'.

Squaln sips his mug of klah and notices Angelite's shy smile. A wave is given to her and he turns towards Yulianna after she bellows to him. He gathers the following for her: a pot of klah, a fresh meatroll, and a few pieces of nice fruit. Piling the contents on a plate, including his own mug, he grabs the pot of klah in his free hand and heads towards the fellow candidate. The lad then takes a seat and starts unloading the food stuffs for Yulianna. "Good thing I'm in a good mood, or else you'd have to get this stuff yourself." he says to her.

Celira sags back in her chair, mug in one hand, scritching Chani with the other. She closes her eyes and shakes her head at Relian's explanation of 'toerag' and 'swish', not really wanting to know the full story. With a contented sigh, she deems to simply listen to the talk for now. A brief nod, and smile, is given to Squaln as he enters the group.

Squaln leans back in his chair, sipping his klah and nodding to those in greeting. The herder-candidate lets out a tired sigh and wipes his cheek with his hand, looking it over after he does. Faranth, he's dirty looking -- or so it seems. There must be grime an inch thick on his face from all that scrubbing he was doing during the day. Them cooks need to clean up after /themselves/. Grumble.

Yulianna peers up at Squaln and then bursts into giggles, straightening up at Tstar's sharp words. "Aye, rider. I know, rider...and, um...no rider." she takes the plate and pot from Squaln and nods her thanks, scooting over a little to make room for him on the bench with a muttered, "My thanks."

Relian slips off of the edge of the edge of the table, near tripping on his boots as he comes down, his somewhat haphazard movement smoothed out as he slides towards the kitchens, returning, a few moments later, with a glass of milk. Let's go out to the kitche--Well, snack in hand, he moves to sit once more, although this time, he takes a far more reasonable seat - in a chair. "So."

Telry stretches her wings as she settles on the beam and keeps a close eye out for unguarded food

"Careful now...those boots tend to jump out in front of ya when you least expect it." Celira's eyes sparkle with mirth as Relian attempts to cover his errant step. Taking another sip, she waves to Squaln. "Don't believe we've met. Celira. Just another ordinary Istan resident. Like this bloke here.." she cocks her head sideways, indicating Relian.

Relian sticks his tongue out at Celira, as he returns, his feet now under the table, and kicking the boots further. "Just a bloke, indeed. I'm Relian," he adds, with a quick nod of his head, facial hair sprouting out of nothing as the milk leaves its mark.

Squaln nods to Celira and sips his klah again, smacking his lips after he's finished drinking. Tongue ring happens to click against his teeth as he does, which causes his blue optics to gleam impishly. "Well met, Celira, Relian." he finally says in greeting. The lad then slides closer to Yulianna on the bench, eyeing her plate of food. A hand reaches out and grabs a fresh meatroll from her pile of food and he takes a bite from it. And after he swallows, he says; "Thanks, cookie."

Should I tell him? Celira savors the rather evil thought of letting Relian sit there with a milk moustache on his face, then decides against it. After all, she kinda likes this one. "Ahh..Blush Boy? You seem to've grown a white moustache.." Giggling, she snags a cloth and reaches up to wipe it off. "No worries now...I won't bite." Uh, rrrrrightttt...

Telry cocks her head and eyes the pile of food

Yulianna snorts, "Aye...bring me food an' then just eat it all...I see how it is." she frowns, eyes sparkling with amusement. "An' what's this 'cookie' bit?" she demands, raising an eyebrow, then leaning toward Squaln and whispering, "Ya' think I'm yummy, don'tcha?"

Tstar just shakes her head at the lot of them. "Candidates and residents... always a bad combination." She mutters to herself then snorts. "Candidates, behave yourself... or did no one tell you about the no relationships rule?" Enter the professional stick in the mud.

Relian blushes, fitting his name to a tee, but grins ruefully at Celira, commenting, "That's about the only way I'll get one to grow properly. Alas, the illusion is gone." It suited him so well, really; all that white, against the darker matter of his skin. "Thank you, dear, for attending to my facial hair problems." She's so cute. "Bad combination? Who said we were combining?"

Squaln leans towards Yulianna and answers her in a whisper; "Magically delicious.." he adds for her enjoyment. Smirking authentically, the lad nods to Tstar and sips his klah again. "Yessum, you've told me my rights yesterday." The candidate then snickers aloud at the thought.

Yulianna blinks wide-eyed at Tstar, a blush creeping into her cheeks at Squaln's whispered statement. "N-no rider! No relationships? They just...asked me to stay." she blurts, glancing around the group. "I was just bringin' a bronzerider back 'cause he was...a little tipsy." she kindly explains. "What're the rest of the rules?" She certainly hopes there's not one against walking around in a towel, 'cause she broke that one las night...

Celira huffs a bit, one corner of her mouth raised in dour amusement. "You're welcome, Blush Boy." Dropping the cloth onto the table, she reclaims her mug then tucks one leg under the other. "Bad combination indeed...I'll be puttin' my flits on humanpet watch tonight." Shards if she'll be the victim of a prank...after all, -she's- the one who did the pranking when she was younger!

"Lady Trouble, afraid of a few pranks? My, my, my," retorts Relian with a wink towards his companion. Yulianna's commentary gathers a grin from his corner, head shaking with amused interest; "Poor thing, stuck without relationships. Not, I suppose, that it would make *much* of a difference to me."

Tstar shrugs. "No romantic relationships. No leaving the Weyr unless circumstances warent it, and then only in the presence of riders. Show respect to all riders though you don't have to salute any but the Weyrwomen and Weyrleader. Any pranks will be dealt with upon discovery. You will get a physical. There will be /no/ fighting." She ticks off the list in no order inparticular. Squaln is ignored. "you will be on time for all assigned chores and other duties. Any abrogation of these rules will be punished as the offence merits, up to expulsion from candidacy."

Telry chirps at Dark Sky

Gabriella stumbles in slighly, finally wake from her nap? Anyways, she walks into the living cavern looking wide awake now. She wanders of to the table and grabs a cub of juice that she quickly drinks down. Turning around she looks at everyone. "Good day all." She says with a cheerful grin across her face.

Dark Sky chirps back at Telry and flutters about in circles.

Squaln shuffles to the Southern Caverns.

Telry flutters her wings at Dark Sky

Celira hmphs at Relian, crossing her arms. "I am -not afraid- of a few pranks, Rel. I'm...just thinking of things to keep my flits out of trouble." Yeah...that's it. Keep the little winged gossips busy. One eyebrow arches delicately towards him. "Why....are -you- afraid of a few pranks, here and there, oh great historian?" That ol' I-dare-you look flickers in her eyes, along with some mischievous humor.

Relian, perfectly polite, bobs his head in a greeting to Gabriella, draining the last of his milk with a more careful movement - no unwanted facial hair, this time. "Sure you're not," he agrees, Celira earning a wink, "I believe you. -- Me, afraid? Hardly. Couldn't care less."

Gabriella lifts an eyebrow slowly and walks over to the table. Spinning a chair around she sits in it frontwords but so the back of the chair is on her chest. Leaning foward slightly she listens to the conversation. Trouble and pranks always get her attention. Her bright green eyes are full of wonder but flittered with auburn hair.

Gabriella lifts an eyebrow slowly and walks over to the table. Spinning a chair around she sits in it frontwords but so the back of the chair is on her chest. Leaning foward slightly she listens to the conversation. Trouble and pranks always get her attention. Her bright green eyes are full of wonder but flittered with auburn hair.

Celira deigns to say nothing further. Uh huh. Turning her gaze from Relian, she nods to Gabriella. "Hi. I'm Celira...wait, have we met before?" That rather quizzical look returns, followed by a slight frown as she tries to place a name with the face. Like she's said, good with faces, terrible with names.

Relian echoes Celira's greeting to Gabriella with a smile, adding, "I'm Relian, and I don't think *we* have met, although I might well be wrong. You never know." He fiddles with the edge of his glass, patting out a short tune with his finger.

Gabriella looks at Celira, "I believe we have but," Pauses as she laughs softly to herself, "I can't remember your name." Holds out a hand to the girl. "I any case I'm Gabirella also know as Gabi." Clicks her tongue softly and shurgs softly. Bright green eyes trace over to Relian. "No I don't think we have met. Like I said I'm Gabi. Well met Relian." She holds out the other hand to Relian, still sort of snickering to herself.

Celira's ears pick up Relian's tune as he taps it on his glass. She begins to tap out an accompanying rhythm, her eyes getting a bit of an unfocused look as words begin to parade through her head. Yay! The writer's block has gone! Softly, she mutters "Soaring above through sun-laden skies / A green and a brown, pause once, to lock eyes / Winds whisper their calling, a midsummer's dream..." Quickly, she opens her sack and removes hide and stylus, scribbling as fast as her little fingers will.

"Well met, indeed, Gabi. You can call me 'Rel', some do, although I'm happy with just about anything, in all honesty." Relian extends his hand, shaking Gabriella's with a firm, tight grasp. Further comments are lost, as his attention is turned back to Celira - her sudden burst into song met with raised eyebrows. "I'll assume this is normal," he murmurs.

Gabriella laughs softly as she crosses her arms around the chair. Resting her head softly on the rime of it she looks around. "Its been a long day." She mutters softly to herself as she closes her bright green eyes.

Total: 18 players, 11 of whom have been active recently. That's 61.11% active.

Current online staff members: N'ano, Hannah, and Lyne

"I heard that." Scribbling complete, she looks up from her hide, nods once, then rolls it up. "Hmph. What can I say...I get a thought, particularly to song, and I have to write it down else I'll forget." Her eyes glow with humor as she waggles the hide at Relian. "Not that I'd expect you to understand, you being a simple, silly boy." Wink. Turning to Gabi, she whispers loudly enough "Good lucks, not too bright I'm afraid." OOoo...jab jab.

Relian raises his shoulders in mock woefulness, "I'm just a hold boy, you're right, I could never understand it." He winks, although Celira's jibe is met with mock horror. "I'm hurt. For life. I'll probably have to go and sit by the waterfall, and debate whether it's worth jumping off."

Gabriella laughs softly at Celira and shakes her head. "Too true. Far too true." Opening one eye she looks at Relian. "Hav fun doing that m'kay?" Smiles then winks softly before closing her eyes.

Celira snorts as she tucks the scroll back into her sack. "Well, if you do decide, try not to make too much of a mess, eh? I'm sure the Candidates wouldn't appreciate havin' to clean -that- up." Snicker. She sneaks a tickle into his side, eyes laughing. "I'm only teasin', you know that." The smile still remains as she turns to Gabriella. "Ooo..Gabi and I are goin' to be good friends, I can tell." Wink.

Relian sticks out his tongue, huffing lightly, "I'm obviously not appreciated, not in the slightest." Sniff. He winks towards Celira, commenting, "Oh, but isn't that the idea? Got to make trouble for the candidates, because they'll sure as anything make it for us." He jumps, at the tickle, evidently ticklish in the extreme, and nudges her in response. "Meanie."

Gabriella shakes her head softly, "Well don't do that cause I kinda hope to be a candidate. But I highly doubt I will. But I can still hope right?" Opens one eye and looks at the two. "Its always been a dream of mine." Snickers softly

"Admit it, you love me." Celira bats her long eyelashes at him, rather innocently, before turning to Gabi with a nod. "Yeah, it'd be nice to be Searched, but I'm not holdin' my breath upon it. Searchin' is as Searchin' does." Chuckle. "B'sides, this idea of joinin' the Harpers is lookin' very good at the moment. If only I could get over my stage fright." A slight frown replaces her smile.

Relian raises his eyebrows at Gabriella's comment, head shaking, "I've never seen the sense, in *hoping*. So few get searched, even fewer Impress, seems like a pipe dream, to me. But I won't judge you on that." He winks at Celira - "Of course I do, dearest. Light of my life."

Gabriella gets to her feet and reaches really high. "Yea I know its foolish but I don't really care. I fear its time for me to go back to sleep." Smiles slightly at Celira. "Talk to my cousin Akemi. She is a harper appy. She'll tell you there is a lot more then stage work to be a harper." Smies softly again to Celira then to Relian. "See you guys later perhaps." Takes careful strides out, her large black boots clicking.

Celira waves to Gabi. "Well met, Gabi. See you 'round!" Settling back into her chair a bit, she gives Relian a look. "Light of your life, eh? Heh." She reaches up to let loose her hair, the waves of chesnut brown tumbling out as she shakes her head a bit. "Any thoughts as to what you'll eventually do? I mean, after you've found your uncle and such."

Relian performs a mock bow, cowering low. "But of course. What other form of illumination can I find, that has even *half* your radiance." He speaks in jest, his lips twitching as he attempts to control his mirth. "*If* I find my uncle, you mean. Why -- I have to look for your father, don't I? Wasn't that the deal?"

Celira suddenly quiets a bit, looking down into her mug. A shadow of doubt creeps across her icy blue eyes as she fiddles with the mug handle, staring into the liquid as if trying to picture her father's face. "I dunno Rel. I'm not really sure if I want to look for him now." Once again, she tucks her leg up, resting the foot on the chair.

Relian's eyebrows raise, and he hesitates. "Why not, Cel?" he asks, concerned at the change in her expression. "I mean, I don't mind, if you'd rather not - and I'll find something else to do, like go home, but..."

"Oh no no no!! I don't want you to go home.." Her eyes widen abruptly at Relian's statement as she reaches up to touch hand to his arm, in a friendly manner. "I mean...I've come to value you as a good friend, regardless of my constant banterin' and teasin'." A faint smile returns to her lips, then she sighs a bit. "It's just that...well...I'm kinda scared of what'll happen if I -do- find him."

Relian blinks at Celira's response to his idle comment, then half smiles, commenting, "It's nice to know that I do have some good friends here, then. I'll--see, I suppose. Mother would like me home, but I admit, I do like it here, myself." He smiles warmly towards her, although the expression fades. "Oh, I see. You're not sure if he'd want you, or if you'd just feel worse, or something?"

Celira nods faintly. "That, and...well...shards. I think I've just been thinkin' too much lately." She leans back in her chair, idly staring at the fire for a moment before matching her eyes back to his. "I'm afraid to find out who he is, what he's like. What if he doesn't like me? What if he's actually a noble, or somethin' similar? What if..." she allows her voice to trail off as she raises and drops her hands with a soft thud onto her lap.

"What if he's delighted to find you, and loves you?" counters Relian, although he adds, "I guess I can see your point, though. Still - for what it's worth, *I* think it would be good, to at least *know*." He leans back within his chair, his head tilted to the side, boots kicked further away from his feet.

Celira blinks at him for a moment, letting his words sink in. Suddenly, she breaks into a grin and wags her finger at him. "Aye...a lucky girl indeed will be the one that lands your heart, dear Relian!" Chuckling softly, she waves a hand flippantly at him. "Feh, you're right, I s'ppose. Still, my heart start's racin' faster than a runner whenever I imagine what it might be like to meet him."

Relian flushes in true Relian-esque nature, but he grins, "Will she be? Are you jealous of this girl?" His banter is lighthearted, although he adds, more seriously, "Yeah, I guess. I mean, finding new cousins and things, if the great-great uncle's line shows up, that has me pretty nervous, and they're not even closely related."

"Jealous? Me? Ha!" Celira's eyes brighten at the challenge. "Sorry, Rel, but if I was interested in landin' you, as a significant other, I'm afraid I'd have done so in a heartbeat. And, you wouldn't be able to resist my charms, fallin' immediately at my feet and worshippin' me with dozens of white roses." Impish grin. Her chuckle quiets as she nods to his words. A rather wry grin appears as she says "What a pair we make, eh?"

"Note to self: find roses?" Relian winks lasciviously, commenting, "I'll take your word for it. Must find another girl who can hold my heart, and make me *real*." The saccharine is sickening. "Don't we, but."

Celira wonders just how deep she can make Relian blush. Turning serious, she nods. "I don't have any bro's or sisters, but I'd say you're a good substitute for one." Grin. She counts to herself, waiting to see that good ol' color rise in his cheeks...1,2,3...

Poor Relian. He blushes, hard. That possibly wasn't the kind of relationship he wanted, although he refrains from saying as such. "That's very sweet. I don't--er, I don't know if I *need* another one, but..." Smile. It's possibly the best thing he can do right now.

Ah ha! Success! Celira's eyes sparkle with obvious amusement at Relian's discomfort. "Oh dear, I've gone and done it again. I seem to have a knack, don't I?" Her grin breaks into a wave of laughter as she eyes his expression. "Ahhh, Relian love...oh! I've an idea...are you interested in perhaps goin' down to the beach for a bit?"

"All women seem to," Relian decides hopelessly, although he winks, the redness receeding from his face slowly. "The beach? Well," he glances about, his toe reaching out for his boot again, "That *is* where I was heading, earlier, before I was distracted. I don't see why that wouldn't be nice."

"It's settled then." Nodding, she grabs his hand whether he objects or not, and begins to drag him from his perch on the table. "Just for a bit...I'd like to get outside at least once today." Celira turns to him with a rather excited-kidlet expression on her face. Tug tug. "C'mon then!"

Relian manages to pick up his shoes before he's properly tugged, and follows without protest. "I'm coming, I'm coming. It's just the beach; haven't you been out there before?"

Celira hums softly as she walks to the Bowl.

You head out to the bowl.

Celira turns back to him as she leads him out into the bright light of the bowl. "'Course I have...but I guess I'm sufferin' from summer fever, shall we say?" She pauses to check in her sack..yep, she's got her bathing suit...talk about blush. Wait till Relian sees /this/.

"Oh, I *see*," comments Relian, snorting, although he continues to trot along beside Celira, even as she stops. "What've you got in there?"

Celira looks up from her rummaging for a moment. "Ahhh...things. That's all." She nods once, then buckles it closed again. "Okay. Ready?" Turning on her heel, she continues on to the beach.

Celira hums softly as she walks to the Central Bowl.

[Scene changes to main beach]

Celira stops short as she steps onto the wide expanse of the beach. Closing her eyes, she takes a large breath, reveling in the scent of salt, sea, and sand. "Fabulous, isn't it?" Her eyes open to glance back to Relian, the blue matching that of the ocean waters.

"*Almost* as nice as at home," agrees Relian, as he gazes out of the great black sand, and the blue sea over yonder. "I feel as if I could almost see all the way home." He grins, moving closer to squeeze her hand. "If you're going to think of me as your brother, I'll have to take you home to meet all the others, at some point, too."

Celira squeezes his hand in return, grinning. "I think of you as more than a brother, Rel..." Oooo..a blush! Take note my friends... "Err..ahh...well...ANYways, I'd be honored to meet your family." Her eyes turn to scan the beach, then spy out a perfect spot in the sun. "There! We can sit there for a bit." She proceeds to drag him down to said spot, where she releases his hand to pull out a rather large blanket that is spread upon the ground. "Be right back." She disappears up beyond the trees.

Relian blushes furiously - although his face is attacked by a brilliant smile, which doesn't abate as she drags him off, he sits, and she disappears. "What're you doing, Cel?" he asks, curiously, peering after her path through the trees. He sits self consciously, waiting for her to return, his eyes seeking out whitecaps in the waves beyond.

Celira reappears from behind the trees, wearing a classy black bikini. She sashays back down towards Relian, pausing right before she reaches him to strike a demure pose. "Like it?" She giggles a bit before dropping onto the blanket next to him.

Relian's eyes don't *quite* pop out of his head, but it's a close call. "Oh, wow, that's pretty. Looks good on you, Cel." He grins broadly, as he wiggles over on the blanket to make more room, boots left to rest in the sand while his legs stretch out across it.

Rel's look is absolutely priceless! Satisfied with his reaction, she grins. Debating whether to braid her hair or let it loose, she decides against the first and pulls a tie out, tucking it into her mouth as she braids. "Hey, whef's youf swimsuit?" Speaking is rather difficult around the tie, but Celira manages. "Youf goin' swimmin' too, fight?" Braid finished, she secures the end, her eyes still focused on his.

"You've got pretty hair," notes Relian, as he digs his toes into the sand. "Swimming? Oh, I guess I'll just swim in my pants. It's what I usually do, when I'm in mixed company - or it isn't a sheltered beach." He winks, lips twitching, as he moves to divest himself of his loose shirt, the youthful chest - slightly hair - revealed in the movement.

Now it's Celira's turn as her eyes widen slightly, though she manages to prevent her jaw from dropping open. "Oh..uhh..thanks." Dragging her thoughts back from...wherever...her lips curl up into a grin once more. "You, on the otherhand...could use a shave." Lips pursed slightly, she flicks her finger lightly on his cheek. "Yep. Shave." Smirk. "By the way, I'd -hope- you'd swim in your pants. I don't want nightmares later, ya know." Innocent grin.

Relian's own hand just misses Celira as it moves to his face, smoothing down the stubble. "Yeah, well--" he winks, once more, and then sticks out his tongue, "Nightmares? Oh I'll *bet* you'd have nightmares. Imagine the horror." He stands, rolling up the legs of his breeches, before he begins to move towards the water's edge. "C'mon, dear, are you coming?"

Celira simply laughs, then nods enthusiastically, rising off the blanket. "O'course I am, Blush Boy!" Breaking into an easy lope, she heads for the water, yelling back to him "Last one in is an ugly wherry-head!" A trail of footprints is left as she heads for the cresting waves.

Relian's toes reach the water probably slightly before Celira's, but at this point, he trips, and falls face forward into the water; it's a mess, and he's an awful idiot. Righting himself, he paddles further in, his breeches floating somewhat as they fill up with water. "Don't comment on my grace and style, dear, because you'll only make yourself jealous."

Celira splashes into the waves that crest upon the sand. Her eyes widen as she watches Relian trip full-tilt into the water, then crinkle up with laughter. "Oh shells...don't worry." She shakes her head as she wades in, the water rising first over her knees, then thighs, coming to a halt at midwaist as she stops. "Talk about enthusiasm for the water!" Dropping quickly underwater, she pops back up, smoothing her hair back with her hands and wiping water from her eyes. "I think I'll rate that an...8 outta 10."

"On the case of graceful entries? I'm flattered." Relian winks, as he pushes his lank hair away from his eyes, paddling through the cool water. "It *is* nice, though," he comments, sending a wave of water towards his companion. "For splashing, and other things."

Celira ducks laughingly at the splash, returning it with one of her own. "Hey now..you wouldn't splash a girl with glasses, would ya?" She makes two O's with her forefingers and thumbs, then holds them up to her eyes. Idly, she wonders what exactly he means by 'other things.' But then again, she wonders about many things, doesn't she?

Other things. Like -- well, swimming, for one. Now entirely wet, Relian merely grins broadly, evidently enjoying himself more than a little in the watery playground. "Well...I don't know. I'd probably splash any girl, if she taunted me, like you do."

Celira's lips curl into a rather sugary-sweet smile once more. "Ahh, but I'm the Queen of Taunts, aren't I?" She slips under water for what seems like a candlemark, only to reappear a few feet from him, only her head peeking above the water. "And you, my Lord, are the King of Hearts!" NOdding her head, she pays mock reverence. "I am your servant, my Lord." A chuckle manages to slip through, before she catches herself, eyes sparkling mischievously.

"Then let me kiss your hand, gracious Lady," responds Relian, playing along with the game with sheer glee. "For else, I can hardly pay hommage to your Taunting greatness." He's bursting with laughter, although he does his best to keep it from coming to the surface, as he reaches for her hand.

"Why, I cannot refuse you, my Lord." Eyes demurely look up at him through long lashes, though they still shine with amusement. Gracefully, she extends her hand towards him. "And, I am but a humble girl who is honored by your presence." Her lips twitch with this statement. Her. Humble. Uh huh. Rrrrrright.

Relian is overawed with her humility, truly he is. With a somewhat graceful movement, he grasps hold of her hand, pulling it close to his lips to paste a cheerful - light - kiss upon it. "There. Suitably honoured."

Unable to resist the opportunity, she flicks him on the nose with her hand. "Gotcha." OOoo...Celi can be evil when she wants! Blue fire flashes in her eyes at the challenge as she slips back through the water, lazilly drifting away from him. "And I am now honored indeed, my Lord!" Wink.

"Ouch!" retorts Relian, although without pain, as he sends a wave of water with his feet in her direction. "You're *so* not nice. Meanie. If I wasn't more nice, I'd--"

"You'd what? Hmm? I dare you..." Dares. Dangerous ground girl..after all, -who- has the bikini on here? Of course, she doesn't think of this till -after- the fact. Betting that Relian really is a nice Hold-boy of good manners, Celira hopes he didn't hear her challenge, and instead kicks another wave back at him. "Am not a meanie, too!"

Relian, if he were more imaginative, would probably utilise that bikini. He is, however, better brought up, and with less imagination. Instead, he simply showers her with more water, then dives under. If she's not careful, she might feel a very sharp pull on her leg, very shortly--

"Hey!" Wiping seawater out of her eyes, she opens them to...find Relian's disappeared? "Uhh...Relian?" Blinking, she turns this way, and that, swirling her arms in the water. "Blush Boy...where'd you go?" Oh dear...this doesn't bode well for Celira, it seems. Peering into the water, she tries to see if he's sneaking up on her. Eep.

Relian has evidently dived deep, almost unseen amoung the fishes and fluttering weed of this lower depth of the water. Then -- a yank, and a pull, and unless Celira is particularly strong, under she'll go.

Celira continues to peer, and peer. "Rel, this is---ACKK!" With a splish and a splash, she's pulled underwater..mmm, doesn't salty sea water taste wonderful? Flailing slightly, she pops back up, sputtering a bit. "Ick...blech...arg..." Wiping her eyes, she glares around. "Why you...you...fiend!!" Eyes flare with amusement as she struggles to maintain a glaring expression.

Relian rises up through the water, paddling to keep himself afloat - a purely triumphant grin pressing itself upon his face. "Gotcha," he comments, with a wiggle of his eyebrows. "Fiend, am I?"

Celira crosses her arms, feigning huffiness. "Hmph. A fiend would'nt even do such things." Turning slighlty, she glances coyly at him out of the corner of her eye. "But I would do...THIS!" And with that somewhat-warning, she launches herself at him, ceremoniously ducking his head, and entire self, underwater. "Gotcha back." BEam.

Relian, spluttering, merely laughs. "Nasty. I don't think I could accept you as the girl to catch my heart - I'd probably be dead within a few sevendays, no doubt." He treads water, pushing his hair away from his face where it lies in lamp, soaking locks. "Are you this playful with *every* young guy you meet?"

Celira pauses slightly before answering, adjusting the ties behind her neck. "Well, I never used to be. Only recently have I begun to...open up a bit more to folks." Shaking her head at him, she smiles, a genuine one this time. "It's a long story, of which I won't bore you with. Besides...you're easy to get along with, not to mention you're wicked fun to tease." Chuckle. "And I'll take that former statement as a complement." Wink.

"Should you take it as a compliment?" considers Relian, with his eyebrows raised. "I'm not so sure..." he grins, as he continues to tread water, keeping nothing more than his neck above the water's lapping edge. "I'm glad, though. More fun, than the silly little wenches that just look at you with fluttering eyelashes." His eyes roll.

"Like this?" She links her hands together, bringing them to one cheek as she tilts her head and...egads....flutters her eyes at Relian like said wenches. "Ohhhhh -Relian-..." Googly eyes are made, complete with lovestruck sigh. "Relian, Relian, wherefore art thou, Relian?" Celira's good at this, isn't she?

Relian promptly gags, and loses his balance, which has him plummeting through the water until he can claw himself up. "If you have to do that, I'll leave," he warns, "I don't like it. When you're tumbl--er, never mind. They're just not much fun." He's a man of the world, this Relian boy, experienced and everything.

Celira shakes herself out of her lovestruck-wench role, then splashes water at him. "No worries, love. I wouldn't be able to stand myself if I did that." Nevertheless, her sharp ears pick up the abrupt mid-sentence change. "Mmmm...what was that? I'm sorry.." She leans in closer to him, one hand cocked to her ear. "I could've sworn you said something..."

"I'm sure you'd 'love' to know," retorts Relian, leaning closer as he makes this comment. "I don't know how anyone stands it for more than a few minutes - er, no matter the activity." He's not going to go there; in fact, he's already blushing quite regally.

"Well, whatever the...'activity'...is, it's got you blushing redder than a newly budded rose. So, I can rightly deduce as to what 'activity' you're referring to." Wickedly, Celira grins at him. "Tsk tsk...breaking girls hearts all over Pern, are we? MMmm...I best keep an eye on -you-." With that last 'you', she stretches out one delicate finger to pat him right on his nose.

Relian winks, recovering somewhat quickly with a wry nod. "I'd guess you've got my meaning quite right," he comments archly, adding, "Oh, hardly. I rather imagine my brothers are far better candidates - they don't have their noses stuck in hides half the time." He winks, although he adds, "Even if they are married." He wrinkles his nose at her touch, sticking out his tongue. "You're going to eye me, huh?"

"Absolutely. For the safety and protection of all the ladies at the Weyr." A wry grin forms on her lips. "Hmm. Perhaps I should join the Guard instead of the Harpers." Chuckling, Celira flips some more water at him. "Nothin' wrong with havin' your nose stuck in a hide. Faranth knows, mine's been there as of late, comin' up with writings and such to show to the Harpers if I apply."

Relian laughs, as his legs make a splash by sheer misfortune, his hair dunked once more. "So you'll let yourself get that close to me - the lady slayer! - for the safety of others? You're a real gem, and I bet they don't even know it." The banter has not lost its ability to amuse him, and he grins, flipping water back in response. "Too true. But the lashes-girls don't quite understand that much." Pause. "Do you think you will apply? Would you have to go to the harper hall, then?"

Celira nods slightly. "I'm almost sure. I just want to gather a few more bits of writing, poems, etc before I ask them." Treading water she gives Relian a beseaching look. "Most likely, though I'll only be moving up to the Hold." She floats up to lie on her back, staring at the sky lazily. "I'll miss the Weyr, and you, if I go. Luckily, the HOld's not that far away, by wagon anyways."

"I'll visit every day," avers Relian, more seriously - and then, on a lighthearted note, "Even if you'll be forbidden from me, I'd imagine; apprentices aren't really allowed relationships, are they?" He hesitates, then grins, adding, a yawn stiffled, "I should--y'know, do some chores or something." He sounds, if anything, extremely disappointed at the very idea.

Celira drops herself back into the water from her lazy float. "Relationships? Why, are you proposing a relationship with me, Blush Boy? I'm flattered." Silly girl, she full well knows what he meant. The yawn is catchy, and she echoes his with one of her own. "Aye, I agree. We prolly should get outta the water at least, before we turn into one of those dried redfruit things." Shudder. Slowly, she begins to wade back to shore, peering over her shoulder at him with a smile. "C'mon. you can do it."

"Do you want one?" counters Relian, as he begins to move back towards the shore, snorting at her coaxing encouragement. "Of course I can, but can you?" He swims, with a firm stroke, keeping his head out of the water, making for the beach. "Dried redfruit; not a good look, not at all."

Celira pauses midstep as she turns to his question. "Want one what...a relationship?" Blink. The step is completed as they arrive at the blanket, her grabbing her sack to rummage for a towel of sorts. "Ummm..welll...yeah, I guess. I...never really put thought into it though. Just figured that it, well, will just happen when the time's right, with the right person." Oh dear, she's getting all personal now, not to mention slightly flushed. Where's that sharding towel...

Relian stands on the edge of the beach, the water dripping down his breeches, onto the sand in a huge puddle. He laughs. "So I see. Good luck in finding that person, then!" he decides, grasping up his boots by the laces, and jogging off down the beach. "See you!"

Yes, Relian did it: he made *someone else* blush, instead of himself. Life is good.