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.

27-07-02: Being a child again
Sometimes it only takes a little prod to get Lydiere playing the child, in the snow, once again.

You step through the doors into the Great Hall.
"Thomell...keep your hands on your own plate. Dimelle, elbows off the table please..." Yes, Kembra the nanny is at her work, serving a small gaggle of children to trays of snacks. All healthy, of course. "Just one slice to start, please," she says, placing a tray of sliced redfruit in front of the children, who grab at it hungrily. "And what do you say?" A chorus of 'Thank you's follows. "Very good!"

Lydiere wraps her riding jacket about herself more tightly, shivering slightly as she shakes the snow from her boots, hovering by the doorway to wipe herself off before she's willing to step into the Hall itself. "Ista's duties to Telgar!" she greets, in a confident voice, "I think I remember now why I refuse to listen to my mother and transfer up north." With cheerful smile set lazily into her features, the woman weaves her way around tables to pour herself a mug of klah, finding a seat near the hearth so that she can huddle closer.

Kyoninya slinks into the Hall quietly, expression guarded as well as her stance as she takes in the view. After scrapping her boots, she pushes her jacket's hood back and takes a breath of the warmer air and heads for the serving tables, glancing over the selection boredly. Attention captured by the nanny, Kiya raises an eyebrow and turns toward Kembra. Stepping closer, she peers at the woman. "So... Telgar has repaired itself, has it?"

Kembra glances up sharply at the unfamiliar voice of Lydiere. She nods vaguely in response to the greeting, though she's quickly distracted by a young, sticky-looking arm which is in search of a snack. "Here you are, Drishea - and you'll need to wash that hand as soon as you've eaten that. You know the policy about washing before meals." The young child blushes, muttering an apology. Kembra just nods before standing, offering a handshake to Lydiere first before Kyoninya enters and the gesture is extended to her as well. Lydiere's comment about the cold earn a laugh. "Actually, the children are just about to get bundled up for some playtime outside, if you'd like to come along." Not that Kembra'd blame her if she didn't. It's /coooold/ outside. Kyoninya just gets a smile. "I guess so! I'm fairly new here myself, actually, so I don't know exactly what you're referencing to..."

"I can't admit to being familiar with Telgar," notes Lydiere, as she turns her head, catching Kyoninya's words and smiling at the woman. "But from what I've heard, and certainly what I see now, things seem to be recovering nicely." She shifts her klah from one hand to the other, accepting Kembra's hand, which she shakes firmly, without hesitance. "I'm Lydiere," she notes, "and I'd love to come out and watch them. I don't like the cold, but I love kids more, and if I've got to be away from my own, I might as well enjoy those of others." Somewhat rueful, perhaps even sad, is her expression as she says this, head turning so that she can gaze into space for a short while, with a regretful shake of her head.

Kyoninya smirks and twists her braid around her fingers idly. Some disgust is shown at the children before she steps out of the way and picks of a mug of hot klah from the tables. She nods shortly at Lydiere, expression still guarded. "And Eastern's regards to Ista and Telgar," she mutters before nodding sagely at Kembra. "New? That could explain it," the comment is dry, with a hint of amusement on her face. Pine gaze settles on Lydiere as she assesses the other woman. "You have children of your own?"

Kembra smiles, an inviting sort of smile that looks as if it's somehow foreign to that usually stern face. "Well, I'm sure the children would love to have you join them," she says. "Wouldn't you, children?" The children don't so much as look up, and Kembra clears her throat uncomfortably. "They would," she fills in for them, before shooting the young ones a stern look. They'll be hearing about this -later-. "Do you?" she asks, her tone pleasantly sociable. "I've no children of my own - well, none that I gave birth to, anyway." If you know what she means. Though certain Hold kids are rather known to be 'Kembra's'. Kyoninya gets a guarded sort of look, that note of amusement making her wary. "Yes...I suppose it would..."

Lydiere burns her tongue in the klah she's sipping, and sticks it out childishly in some vain attempt to cool it. "I have, indeed," she agrees, raising two fingers to indicate how many. "My son is just turned ten - I just dropped him off with his father today, in fact, so that he can celebrate his turnday there, if belatedly. And a daughter, just two months old, now." She greets the children, and their lack of response, with a wink, remarking, "It looks as though you've trained them well." That faltering aside, of course.

Kyoninya ponders Kembra for a minute, then a smile creeps slowly onto her face, and her eyes are vaguely mischeivous. "Is that so," she murmurs, gaze settling on the children before she looks up at Lydiere. "Ten? I've a daughter - she's eight. Staying at Eastern, though," she pauses, expression stony for a moment. "The Powers That Be thought it best for her. After all, who trusts a former Renegade?" The last word is directed at the children - surely some would remember the Gather, when, during the wedding of the Steward and Headwoman, Renegades stormed the hold.

Kembra rolls her eyes good-naturedly, her 'pleasant face' on for the visitors' benefits. "I try," she says, with a slight shake of her head to indicate that, in her eyes at least, there is /plenty/ of room for improvement. She nods pleasantly in response to both as they speak of their children. "I just dedicate m'life to caring for other peoples' children," she repeats. "I've none of my own." Kyoninya's stony comments about being a former Renegade earn an uncomfortable moment from Kembra, the daughter of a long line of guards. Cough. A few of the older children who were paying attention to the conversation look up at her, agape, before a sharp look from Kembra sends them back to their snacks. She clears her throat. "Well," she says, seeking a new topic. "I'm terribly sorry - we haven't been introduced! My name is Kembra, Nanny of Telgar Hold."

Lydiere's eyebrows lift, her gaze level as she considers Kyoninya; if she's concerned at the mention of renegades, she makes no mention of it. "You must have been even younger than I when you had your daughter," is her only comment, lacking overt curiosity. To Kembra, she notes, "You're young. Most don't have children at your age, in my experience-- and are the better for it. I don't think nannying could ever have been my thing, but children are wonderful fun. It's a pleasure to meet you, Kembra." She pauses, and then repeats, with a smile, "Lydiere, of Ista." Her knot is indication enough of her rank; /she/ will make no issue of it.

Kyoninya is acquiescent, but her expression in knowing before she smiles faintly. "Kyoninya, Eastern Weyr. Originally Nerat." Glancing over Lydiere slowly, she nods idly. "Ah. Yes. I wouldn't suggest having children so young. I also wouldn't suggest getting tangled up in Darienol's web of lies and blackmail," her tone is steady, but her gaze flickers around the room, as if she's watching for someone, on her guard. "Never a good idea to get involved with him."

Kembra nods in response to Lydiere's comment. "I suppose you're right." And it's a good point to remember in case prying eyes wish to know. Mwa. "Oh yes," she says, smiling back at the comment about children. "They can be wonderful fun." Dreadful nuisances, too, but there's no need to mention /that/. "Well met, Lydiere, Kyoninya. This is Thomell, Dimelle, Drishea, Cutran, and Chatey. Children, say hello to the ladies. And don't forget to wipe your hands off - nobody wants to shake a sticky hand." A few of the children can be seen mouthing the words along with her at that last part, but they dutifully stand, wiping their hands off on available towels, and extend their little hands to shake. "Pleased to meet you, Lydiere and Kyoninya," they chorus, stumbling over the names they can't quite remember. Kembra just beams, or comes as close to a beam as she ever does, with an excess of maternal pride. They remembered their Polite Greetings. Awwww.

"I wouldn't be able to begin to imagine." Lydiere's gaze is level; she continues to watch Kyoninya, although not with wariness - more a hesitance that she doesn't manage to hide. Her fingers are clasped more tightly around her ceramic mug, forming a cup about it that allows her to warm her hands as she brings it up towards her lips for another sip. Her eyebrows positively lift at the chorused greetings of the children; her mug is shifted to her left hand, leaving her free to step forward and greet each one in turn with a shake of their hand, though, it's true, she doesn't manage to remember their names.

Kyoninya raises an eyebrow at the children, but after turns and turns of discipline, she sighs resignedly and puts out her hand. After shaking each hand, she pulls a damp rag from her handbag and wipes off her fingers. Putting the rag back in her handbag, she lifts the mug of klah and breathes deeply of it before taking a long sip, gaze watching Lydiere over it. "No need to worry, I'm harmless. Unless I'm being threatened." her tone is loose, vague, then she takes another sip of klah.

Kembra smiles widely at the children, turning around to praise them. "Very good!" she says, before striding off to get them some more treats. Healthy treats. The children are, of course, pleased, and they seize upon the snacks with considerable zeal. Greetings finished, she's able to better attend to the conversation, moving a long braid back over her shoulder where it belongs as she turns. Kyoninya's use of a rag after the children so carefully wiped their hands is noted, though Kembra is quick to shrug it off. Her words, however, are more difficult to dismiss, and she remains silent, glancing quickly from one woman to the other.

Lydiere, too, takes note of that hand-wiping, her eyes narrowing slightly. This, however, is forgotten, as her expression turns slightly embarrassed, cheeks flushing slightly at Kyoninya's final comment. "I--" she begins, before, finally, she manages to shake her head, turning away uncomfortably. "So, are you going to take the children out, Kembra?" This seems to be a far safer subject, and Lydiere, clasping her mug with both hands again, seems encouraged by it.

Kyoninya's expression turns mild and she smiles slightly. "Ah, yes, the children, going to take them out to play in the snow, or whatnot?" No sarcasm, just faint curiousity. "When I was that age, we didn't often have snow - very nice turns for Nerat's shores. I didn't see it until I became a Renegade and had to learn discipline the hard way." With a glance at Kembra, her expression turns amused. "You seem the disciplined type. Don't strike me as cruel though. A hold should be glad to have you on board."

Kembra latches onto Lydiere's second subject. "Yes! Yes, it seems about time to be heading outside. Children!" A few of the children grumble, wanting to stay and snack, and Kembra shoots them a look. "We can have a /few/ more snacks when we come in from playing, alright? Now, line up!" The children gather into a single-file line, standing impatiently as Kembra checks over their clothes to ensure they won't catch cold. "Alright, let's head out!" she says, taking her place at the head of the line and general acting like any good guard-captain...or nanny. Kyoninya receives a smile and a nod. "I'm a firm believer in discipline, Kyoninya. A very firm believer. Thank you." For the 'hold' comment, that is.

"Discipline is a good thing, though I think there should always be room for individuality," comments Lydiere, as she sets down her now-empty mug, following the procession of children towards the door. She wraps her jacket around herself more tightly, yet again, shivering more the closer she gets to the door.

Kyoninya finishes her klah and stands, pulling her hood back over her head. As she follows, she snorts at Lydiere. "Room for individuality? I wish I could be an optimist like that. I prefer to go against it nowadays, to an extent. After all, I can't go back to the home I knew for so long," her tone is crisp. Turning toward Kembra, she nods. "You're welcome. I've known many nannies in my time - the main Renegade camp had one who you never wanted to mess with - she was a healer once, got rejected for a top spot in the craft, and left."

Kembra snags her coat off of a nearby chair, wrapping it around herself tightly and tying it with a matching sort of sash. "Oh, yes. Individuality is a key element in any child's development." Kyoninya's comments earn an odd look from Kembra, as the line marches toward the door. "Go against being an individual? I don't quite understand what you mean." Talk of the Renegade camp is artfully ignored. "Hmm?" she says, noncommitally, before leading them out the door.

Kembra moves between the great doors and into the courtyard.

Kyoninya moves between the great doors and into the courtyard.

You move through the great doors into the courtyard.

"It's important to remain an individual," insists Lydiere, her gaze narrowing once more towards Kyoninya as she follows the group out, shivering. "And it's also important to remain an optomist, as best as you can. Sure, things don't turn out the way you might want them to, but there are always good things." Staunchily, she nods her head-- a brief smile crosses her face as she glances to her lifemate, who is sitting in the snow, nudging at it curiously, hide gleaming under the bright, winter sun.

Kyoninya shrugs at Lydiere, "Not always possible, though. Good things are in short supply, always. And there are always people ready to take them away," her expression turns once again stony and she mutters something ugly under her breath before watching the children spill outside. After glancing around the courtyard, she smiles. "Indeed. Repairs have gone well for Telgar. Last time I was here.. well, it was burning."

Kembra steps out onto the snow, smiling as she does so. "Children!" she calls, her tone surprisingly sing-songy. "Here we are! Go and have some fun - but remain in sight. I'll join you in a few moments." The children, rejoicing, run out to play in the snow, laughing and giggling as they go. Kembra watches them for a moment, a smile of maternal pride lighting her face again, before she turns to observe to debate between Kyoninya and Lydiere. Seeing as both sides seem to be duly covered, however, she feels no need to join in. She nods in response to Kyoninya's comment about the burn, feeling no need to comment on that, either, and turns, her eyes lighting on the lounging gold. She pauses, slightly taken aback by its presence there. "Is this your lifemate, Lydiere?" she asks politely. The children, oddly enough, don't seem to have seen the dragon yet, and just continue playing in the snow for the moment.

Lydiere shakes her head, responding to Kyoninya in a tone that is probably more sharp than she intended: "There are /always/ good things, you just have to find them. People aren't always that bad; you've obviously just had the wrong kind of people to hang around with." She goes silent, watching the children play-- a smile creeping across her face as she does so. Kembra's question draws a nod, "Ah, yes. That's Llysereth." The gold lifts her head, whuffing brightly at the three women, and towards the children, eyes whirling.

Kyoninya isn't taken aback by Lydiere's tone - she's had a lot of the same from optimists since she'd been acquitted. "It's possible. Nothing I haven't heard before, a hundred-fold. You're not related to any Mindhealers, are you?" the tone is almost mocking, but not quite. The former Renegade glances at Llysereth. "Big, for a lump. But, of course, that's normal."

Kembra nods slightly to Llysereth before her attention is drawn away by a certain youngster who seems to be pulling at her pantleg. "Yes?" Kembra asks, crouching down to look the girl in the eyes (and more conveniently fix the child's scarf). 'Will the dragon pway wif us, Miss Kembwa? Pwease?' the young girl asks in her childish dialect. "Well now," Kembra says, smiling. "I don't know. Not everyone likes to drop what they're doing to play in the snow, you know. Not that I have /any/ idea why." She grins and straightens, giving Lydiere a questioning look. Again, she smoothly avoids commenting on the debate, though it doesn't escape her notice.

"Only Masterharpers who have their own interest in the subject of the mind and personality," Lydiere assures Kyoninya, her voice once again dropping to a more friendly tone. "I would, however, appreciate if you did not call my lifemate a lump. A lump is what you would get on your nose, if you were hit; it does not describe, in any way, a dragon." She shuffles her feet, hands dug deeper into her pockets as she blows cold air out of her mouth, her attention caught by the child, and Kembra's glance. "Llysereth is willing," she notes, "if only for the curiosity value. Besides, she'd hate to disappoint anyone." The dragon curls her tail, stretching out the snow caught about her talons.

Kyoninya chuckles idly. "Sincere apologies, then. Big, for a dragon," amused, Kiya watches the children and the tail for a moment before glancing at Lydiere. "Awfully cold, are you? Don't they make thick coats or warming medicines in Ista?"

Drishea - the girl who tugged on Kembra's leg - /squeals/ with delight, and runs off to tell the other youngsters, who promptly run off to stand in a rough semicircle, each at different distances from the dragon. They stand uncertainly, giggling and babbling to each other about what kind of games they'll get to play /now/. And from the sounds of it, the general consensus is that they will be fun ones - one could hardly expect less when something /winged/ is involved. Kembra smiles at them for a moment before turning back around to the other two. "It certainly can get cold around here," she notes. "One gets used to it, however."

Lydiere shakes her head, ever cheerful. "Ista's in the middle of the tropics. Don't they teach you anything? We don't exactly have a need for warm clothes; even between only lasts a few seconds. It's been a long time since I've lived in a cold climate." Once again, her feet are shuffled, a shiver rippling through her body. "I expect one would. I had trouble getting used to Ierne's heat, when I first ended up there, but it happened." Llysereth hesitates, considering the children, and then lifts her wings, causing snow to flutter down around the children. She blows out warm breath, melting a path around her.

Kyoninya shakes her head too, in disgust. "I've been to Ista. I know it's in the tropics," she mutters lowly. Then, lower, she continues, "but I was also Second only to Rien. I had to pass survival tests for that." Of course, she's not expecting to be heard, and turns her gaze out to the dragon. "So, /dragonrider/, is it worth it? Being a rider, that is."

The children giggle wildly, though a few whine that they now have snow down the backs of their coats. One, a young boy she introduced as Chatey, even comes running over to get it brushed out of his collar. Kembra performs this service quickly before folding the collar back and wrapping the boy's scarf around his neck so that it covers the wet spot. "There you are," she says, before giving the boy a slight little push back over to the others, who are giggling, while two of them, a boy and a girl, gather up snowballs to throw at the dragon and the others simply run about giddily. Ah, the innocence of youth. Kembra continues to watch them, commenting without turning around. "I've never had the opportunity to see the tropics," she notes. "I suppose excessive heat would be even harder to adjust to than excessive cold - it's so much harder to relieve." Again, mention of the hard past is smoothly ignored, and she listens to the conversation go on around her, even if she doesn't appear to be doing so.

Lydiere glances at Kyoninya, but says nothing. It's evident that she's formed a dislike for the woman, and now her expression is prim, her gaze turning back to Kembra - and firmly so. "That's true," she agrees. "At least I was a Seacrafter, and could spend time out on the water; it made quite the difference, let me assure you." Llysereth croons sweetly, tail pushing the snow around to form something of makeshift fort, though she sends further snow flying towards the children again - in moderation, of course; there's no change that she'll inadvertantly bury them.

Kyoninya shrugs and begins to head back inside. "Suit yourselves." Unruffled, Kiya leaves the pair alone with the children, glancing back once to gaze levelly at the two women before disappearing behind the doors.

And it's a good thing there's no chance of the children /actually/ being buried, because a very small boy named Cutran seems terribly afraid that such a thing is going to happen. Crying out, he races back to Kembra, who hefts him up. "It's alright," she croons. "Llysereth wouldn't try to hurt you!" A glance is shot to Lydiere - she wouldn't, would she? - and she goes back to holding the boy, who buries his cold little face in her jacket-covered shoulder. As Kyoninya leaves, she gives the woman an absent sort of nod. "Cutran, honey, it's okay..." A few of the other children toss snowballs at the gold for retaliation while one of the girls leaps into the makeshift fort, using it for cover.

"Of course she wouldn't," Lydiere assures, quickly, taking a step closer. "Llysereth just likes to play, but she would never, ever, /ever/ want to hurt someone. In fact," she adds, a glance made to her lifemate, "she feels bad that you're worried." Llysereth is too large to dodge the snowballs, and thus merely retaliates herself-- another light wave of snow heads towards the children, as she croons in delight.

Cutran looks up, giving Lydiere an adorably worried look. 'She wouldn't?' Kembra just smiles placatingly, shooting a grateful look Lydiere-wards. "Of course not, dear. See? Look how much fun all the others are having. Don't you want to have fun, too?" She sets the boy down, and he clings to her pantleg. The downside of wearing loose pants, that. "Would it help if I came and played with you?" she asks. The boy nods, watching the snowball fight hungrily. "Okay," Kem says, smiling. She raises an eyebrow at Lydiere. "Care to join in?" she asks, an amused look crossing her face.

Lydiere merely inclines her head forward at Kembra's grateful glance, a light shrug made; it's ever obvious that she's used to children. "I would love to join in," she agrees. "I haven't been in a good snowball fight since I was an apprentice - turns and turns ago!" She jogs towards the group, promptly earning a faceful of snow from her lifemate, who is given a rueful, but cheerful, smile in return.

Kembra ushers the young one over to the group, scooping up snowballs and handing them to the young one, laughing as she does so. The nanny tosses snowballs at the children with extreme prejudice, making certain not to hit anyone in the face as she does so. Laughing again, coming even to the verge of giggling - heaven forbid - she is struck multiple times as the children all seem to gang up on her at once for the moment.

Lydiere is equally careful to toss snowballs at bodies rather than faces, and shares the wealth around-- she also misses a fair few times, though whether or not it is intention, it is hard to say. Her laughter is unrestrained, as she ducks a snowball aimed in her direction, promptly showered with snow by Llysereth. It drips through her hair, down her neck, right through her clothes - and she's having a ball.

Kembra has /no/ accuracy when it comes to snowballs - much to her charges' collective joy. It's just so much easier to gang up on someone when she can only hardly fight back. She falls to the ground, rolling through the snow as she trips, and is promptly set upon by three young ones, who crawl on top of her, showering her with snowballs. Like Lydiere, her laugh is nearly unrestrained - as unrestrained as it gets with her, anyhow - though she does utter occasional bits of advice to the children. "Watch the face! Don't hit so hard!" And even: "Pack it more before you throw it, Thomell, it'll have more punch!" Not even on her /own/ side, this Nanny. The remaining two children attack Lydiere, throwing occasional bits of snow at Llysereth as well. One boy runs straight at the 'rider, whilst the other girl flops onto the snow and applies more commando-esque tactics. Mwahahaha!

Lydiere drops the snowball she was in the process of forming between her hands, giggling madly as she holds up her hands in defeat, allowing the snow to cover her from head to foot - a process that is made even quicker by Llysereth's contribution. "I yield, I yield!" cries Lydiere, with glee, although her open mouth only provides an opportunity to get it right into her mouth -- which does indeed happen, though from which direction it's impossible to tell.

Kembra laughs, and, hearing Lydiere's surrender, decides it's probably about time for her to be giving up as well. "Alright, al/right/!" she says, turning her head around to get a good look at the young ones. "You've got me! I give up." The children squeal with glee, piling off of her and standing. Evidently this was a 'children versus adults' fight, for all the children seem to have stopped fighting and are rejoicing together at their collective defeat of the Adults. They giggle and turn, talking amongst one another in high-pitched, excited voices. After a moment, they huddle up and confer, evidently unsure of just whose side the dragon was on. The verdict seems to be that she was on theirs, however, as they pause to laugh, doing what looks like an absurd, celebratory dance as they leap and frolick through the snow. "Don't rub it in too much," Kembra says, standing and panting slightly as she walks over to Lydiere. "I see they did you in as well," she jokes, one of those distantly amused looks coloring her face.

Llysereth swings her head this way and that, as if in time to the celebratory dance of the children-- there's no doubt that /she/ is a child at heart, whuffing happily after their collected glee. "Looks that way," agrees Lydiere, without even so much as a trace of regret. "I haven't had that much fun in a long time, I have to say."

Kembra laughs lightly, back to her old, reserved self now that the fight is over. "Oh, they can be /tons/ of fun when you can get them to behave," she says, smiling at them, evidently proud of their good behavior this day. Such good little ones. Awwww. "Faranth, but they know how to win a battle!" she says, her eyes widening in mock fear and awe of the children as they come running over. "It was a slaughter!" she cries. "We give up...indefinitely! Or at least for now." She nods, mock-sagely.

Lydiere giggles again, nodding quickly. "Oh, I'm sure they are. Almost wish I lived up north somewhere, so's I could play more often. Though, I suppose I'd feel guilty about acting so childishly," not that she seems to mind now, smile brilliantly wide, "at home. My kids'd probably love it, though." She joins in on Kembra's mock fear, head shaking. "Oh dear. Yes, we surrender! We'll just have to rematch, at some point."

Kembra waves such a concern away with one gloved hand. "Ah," she says, wiping a bit of melted snow from her face with the back of one hand, "There's nothing wrong with acting childish every now and then." She winks at Lydiere. "So long as it's just every now and then." Then she smiles. "Well, I'm sure the children would love to have you come up and play with them any time, wouldn't you, children?" This time the question is answered with a chorus of enthusiastic affirmatives, as the children celebrate their success. "After all, a rematch is in order at /some/ point." She winks again. "But how about we all get inside and warm up for now, eh?" A chorus of protests greet her question now, even though some of the young'uns are looking just about soaked through. "I know /I'm/ about to freeze to death out here!" she exclaims.

"Absolutely," agrees Lydiere warmly, shaking some snow off of her clothes, and out of her hair. "It's nice to forget everything, and just be young again." She smiles, brightly, tilting her head forward. "I will, I promise. As soon as I can spare the time." She shivers, glancing towards Llysereth, and then back towards Kembra and the children. "I should probably leave you all to it," she admits, regretfully. "I didn't even intend to stay this long. Just needed a..." she pauses, grimacing. "A distraction. Which I most certainly got!

Kembra smiles her usual small smile, which is quite at odds with the wide smalls of the children...though Cutran's nearly chilled through, and Direlle's shivering head to toe. "Are you sure?" Kembra asks, the children looking quite disappointed at Lydiere's leaving. "But then, duties are duties. It was very nice meeting you, Lydiere. And Llysereth, too, of course." She winks. "What do you say, children?" she prods the youngsters. 'Thank you, Lydiere and Llysereth,' they chorus back, even though most of them stumble over the actual names, unable to remember or pronounce them.

Lydiere grimaces, admitting, "I'm afraid so. My little one still needs me-- my weyrmate may love her to bits, but he can't quite manage to feed her." She smiles brightly at the children, adding, "It was very nice to meet all of you, and a pleasure to enjoy your company. I will return, hopefully soon." She glances back towards Kembra, still smiling. "Good day."

Kembra nods back, smiling, as she gathers the children into an orderly line to get them back into the Hold again. "I'll be looking forward to it," she returns. "Goodbye!" A few cheerful goodbyes are issued from the children, as well, though most of them are just impatient to get inside and warm. Not to mention those snacks their nanny promised.

Llysereth's absolute, devoted love for you is manifest within whirling eyes of blue; she lowers her forelimb for you, as you climb atop that silver-touched hide, using her straps to embark upon your spot between her neckridges.