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.

12-08-02: Beach Bitching
A beach party results in the return of Lydiere's pissiness with G'wain.

Trestles are set up all over the black sands, the white tablecloths providing a start contrast. Since it's early evening, someone's gone and lit a large bonfire up one end of the beach, and every not and then some wood gets tossed on. On the tables there is food - a feast, even if this is meant to be a beach party - and there's much wine being passed around... probably not a good thing with candidates in attendance.
Kei is just glad to be out. Free. Left without that little bit of string on her knot denoting her as the same sort of folks that wine shouldn't be left out for. A straw hat on her head, looking around with all the tactfulness of a gawker, the skinny girl from Igen peers this way and that, pausing just a moment at the spread of food. For the way he eyes light up, one would think she doesn't get enough to eat, especially when she starts making a bee-line for that table. /Food/. Jahdae's gone and got himself impressed... someone needs to feed her in the meantime. "I wonder if they're gonna have a party like this every sevenday." Hmmhmm.

Ezemial comes down to the beach with a cheerful wave to those he recognizes. A grin on his face as he of course makes for the food first, filling a plate full and getting a glass of juice before he settles at a nearby table, Sniffles already climbing down his shoulder angling to get to that plate.

Parties are a good thing, but with candidates probably going to be drinking, this probably won't be happening every sevenday. A band is setting themselves up on a wooden platform that's been set up - it's going to be hard to actually dance on the sand, but with enough drink, anything's possible.

Kirstin heads down the stairs to the beach.

Ezemial gives a wave to Lydiere as she hopes down off of Llysereth's neck. He feeds Sniffles a few pieces of his meal so that he can get back to the serious business of eating. Sipping his juice and looking around quite bright eyed, always glad for a chance to be out and about.

Panya obviously made a side-track for leaving Igen to Ista, then maybe she'll actually decide to go back home for now. Wandering, yes, and trying to find someone that she has had aquaintances with. Shifting a look towards Kei, recognizing her, but not speaking, and continuing on.

Lydiere and G'wain arrive together, atop Llysereth, dismounting one after the other-- a small bundle of baby handed down gingerly, then returned to Lydiere's protective arms. Llysereth croons softly, lifting up off the sand into a glide, to land in the shallows, where she settles of her own accord, quite comfortable. Glancing around, Lydiere smiles. "This should be a lot of fun, I think. Hello, hello!" Ezemial is given a bright smile, as are those she doesn't know, a cheerful, "Ista's duties!" expressed, as she steps towards the assembling people.

Laelyn has arrived fresh from a cleanup after stable cleaning chores, hair still damp from being washed (would you really want her unwashed after mucking stables) holding her hand is her youngest sibling 7 turn old Lisle. The shy little girl a contrast to the outgoing candidate, who goes around greeting some of the new candidates, while her sister stays safely beside her clutching her hand.

Angelesth comes in from forest sky.

Kirstin is escorted to the beach by her twin 13 turn old sons, nearly as tall as she. One on each side. A bit of amusement in their eyes as they release their mother's arms and bow to her before heading off to hang out with their friends. Kirstin just laughs and shoos them off before mingling with the weyr residents herself.

Yu'i swings down from Angelesth's neck.

Darn. One could really hope, though it isn't the wine that Kei is after. It's... everything else on the table. Beginning to pile a plate, she is paused by the rush of dragon wings, protecting her plate with an arm slightly. "Igen's duties!" is called back, even though she isn't a rider; Igen /is/ her home, so it is at least something that she should represent it. Spying the bundle that Lydiere's carrying, she doesn't say anything, going back to filling that plate. "This is such a welcome change. Traveling, getting food, parties... getting more food." One track mind, perhaps, even as she makes her way over to where a few other people are sitting.

G'wain's grin to those is no less cheerful than Lydiere's and even Llysah looks like she's smiling. Just wait until the band start up, and scare her out of her wits, hmm? Lydiere gives the traditional greeting, and G'wain breaks free from her after a moment to mingle. Passing between Panya and Laelyn, G'wain pauses a moment, and grins at both in turn. "Things'll get started up soon, so have some food before they do. You're not going to want to eat anything later on, I assure you... You'll be too busy dancing with me!"

"You're not going to turn into R'yn, are you G'wain?" calls Lydiere, overhearing his words as she moves to greet others - a smile towards Yu'i, with a dip of her head, respectfully, and to the other visitors, as she plays the hostess - a time honoured role, unfortunate though it might be. Llysah is readjusted within her arms, and then placed more carefully in the sling about her neck, so that her hands are free to gather up a glass of wine.

Laelyn laughs at the bronzerider's advice and gives him a salute with her free hand "Yes sir, I will write you in on my dance card" she checks her wrists and pockets and sighs dramatically "Oh well, guess I left in my barracks, will just have to remember you offered"

Ezemial eyes move around the party bright with merriment and content just to watch the flow of the people for the moment. Watching dragons drop down to let their riders dismount and residents and visitors wander in, more than once a pretty face turns his head. He doesn't neglect his meal once though and makes sure to include a bite or two for Sniffles to protect his plate from invasion.

Wow... Lydiere must have pulled some strings - there are real live harpers, and of Journeyman rank, too. Tuning up their instruments skillfully, they distribute music, before starting up some soft ambient music. There's time for dancing later, there is.

Yu'i dismounts from Angelesth, almost warily, peering about the setting, before sighing deeply. "It's been a while since I last came here..." he mutters, then heads into the open beach. He gives a nod and half-wave back to Lydiere, as well as any other weyrleaders, with a polite, "Eastern's duties to Ista." The Weyrsecond then moves to eye the food. Hmm.

G'wain chuckles, and shakes his head in Lydiere's general direction. "Only in dancing, dear... only in dancing." Turning back to Laelyn, he bows ever so charmingly. "How could I forget?" His manner far too charming for its own good, he stands back up, and smiles brightly. "So, how're you enjoying candidacy? Y'aren't orchestrating too many pranks, are you?

Kirstin looks out over the sand looking for something, catching sight of her daughters, she relaxes and moves over to the buffet tablet and picks up a few tidbits, chatting with one of the Nannys.

Panya chuckles as G'wain approaches, "Alright. I suppose you'll save me a dance? Unless all the other ladies have got you covered." Laughing it off, quite amused before going off to mingle with others.

Lydiere winks at G'wain, as she's swept around in her greetings - gaze falling once more upon Ezemial, whom she approaches with a bright smile. "And how are you, Ezemial? Coping all right?" Kirstin is given a glance, and a smile, before she calls back to G'wain, "I have to claim a dance as well - as long as it isn't the toss dance. I don't trust you with /that/ one."

Laelyn laughs with a twinkle in her eye, "Ah yes, great to meet new people , the chores are none too much harder then we did down at dolphin hall and what Ma and Da had me do growing up" she smiles and quietly says"Cant say I thought of Any yet, I fear Ma more then Lymera in that regard

Ezemial grins up at Lydiere, "oh wonderfully, it's been a really good week, and my turnday is in 3 days!" He beams, but something about the way he speaks makes it obvious that his turnday approaching isn't what makes him so happy just now. Sniffles gives a small little chirp towards Lydiere, but still hides on the other side of Ezemial's neck from her. Ezemial grins at Lydiere, "and how is being the life of the party?"

G'wain grins back at Panya, and shakes his head. "Oh, they've got me covered, but I always find time to dance with the prettier ones." Leaving it at that, he calls back over the increasing noise level, "But I /love/ the toss dance!" Protesting, he grins and nods his head to Laelyn. "A good prank," He half whispers, "is one that's original. Just keep thinking, and if you need help, see me." And with that, he's off into the crowd again to meet other people.

Laelyn looks a little surprised at the bronzerider , but laughs "Keep that in mind" she moves off to talk with another candidate as he walks off, Lisle detaches herself seeing that one of her friends has finally arrived.

Yu'i gets himself a plate of food - but is moderate, as not to seem some vicious hog. He then decides to mingle with the Ista Weyr leaders. He's had negotiations with them, most likely, before, and as among their ranks in Eastern, they seem a logical (and courteous) place to start. "Hello," he says, approaching Lydiere. "You look... familiar. And, your knot. I take it your a Weyrwoman of Ista Weyr?"

"Happy early turnday, then!" enthuses Lydiere, readjusting the sling so that she's not quite so weighed down by it, and Llysah can be more comfortable. "Anything else going on, I wonder?" She turns, though remaining beside him, to watch the goings on, giving Sniffles a cheerful smile. "Blah. The kind of party /I'd/ rather be the life of would include drunkenness and sea chanties-- but I didn't say that." G'wain's response is met with measured amusement. "You just /love/ dropping people, don't you, dearest?" She winks, amused. Yu'i's greeting draws another smile. "Indeed. I'm Lydiere, Ista's Junior. And you, by your knot, would be Eastern's Weyrsecond. Er-- Yu'i, is it?"

"Oh I'm sure a few things are going on.. you know keeping busy, talking to people.. that kind of thing" He smiles and looks down at his food before the grin is back and he's looking up to Lydiere again, "I think one of these days I'd love to go to one of those parties, but I guess I'll have to get my alcohol tolerance up first"
--Ack, that was from Ezemial--

G'wain makes his way over to Yu'i, and collects some food behind the man, with every intention to talk to him, until he talks to Lydiere. Figuring that she's got that under control, he slips in a comment, a protest. "I /don't/ drop people!" Well... there was this one time, and Lydiere wasn't hurt much, really. Really! "Someone passed me some greasy fried fish beforehand..." He mutters to himself, heading back with his plate of food towards the bonfire, quite content to sit on the sand and eat. Anyone want to join him?

Ambient songs keep floating from the band, and anyone who's observant will notice that each song, a different instrument just ceases to play as the harpers take turns to getting their own food. At the conclusion of one song, however, the 'next' harper to get his food has to drag the other away from a young hold girl... You'd think harpers would know better, hmm?

Laelyn moves onto the buffet table, taking G'wain's warning, and meets up with her mother finally, though hardly looking related , Lyn with her father's blond hair, their fine facial features do show some resemblence.

"Ah. Lydiere," Yu'i comments, checking that mentally. "And, yes, I am Yu'i, Eastern Weyrsecond." Nod. "How's Ista Weyr been? What with trades, and weather, and everything. I imagine even down south we would've heard if anything drastic was happening, but..."

Kirstin turns to her daughter "So you two girls sneaking some more time in the galleries?" an admonishment with a touch of amusement in it "Just make sure she isnt missing her lessons when she follows you down there, its amazing you can read with all the time you spent in the galleries growing up" she sighs a bit wistfully, doing that motherly thing of placing her hand on her daughter's cheek.

"No, dear," murmurs Lydiere, towards her weyrmate, with a shake of her head. "Of course not." She nods towards Ezemial, rapidly, smiling. "I think you'd enjoy it. I'll have to throw one at the Sable Sands, in time. Perhaps for my thirtieth turnday. Seems accurate. That's... well, only two turns away." Horrifying. "Oh, indeed. All has been quiet here, thank you, Yu'i. The same old, generally, which is a relief. And Eastern? How is it going with your new Senior Weyrwoman?"

Laelyn laughs "Its ok Ma, I make sure she is done with lessons and I with chores" she shakes her head "I was never that bad, was I?" denial, definatly in denial. She blushes a bit as her mother gets all gushy, "Oh Ma, its ok" she gives her a hug, "Lets go sit down and eat.

G'wain sits with his back to the bonfire, calling out, "Thirtieth? But that's not for another eight turns, right?" Amusement plays in his voice and in his expression, though the latter probably can't be seen, since the fire's right behind him, and large too. He's looking aweful lonely over there, eating by himself, but he doesn't seem to care for the moment.

Ezemial grins up at Lydiere, "are you trying to age yourself again?" He asks jovially then beams at her even more, "you should throw one just to throw one.. there doesn't need to be a reason!" He hesitates for a moment then adds quickly, "but after the hatching, they seem to frown on us getting drunk as candidates.. don't know why.." He looks all innocence for a moment then grins again and takes a few more bites from his food.

Panya flops down near the bonfire and actually fairly close to Laelyn. Eyeing the girls knot she notes, "Candidate here, eh?" Really, Panya doesn't bite, she's fairly nice to people she doesn't know! "I was at Igen. Left, obviously, took a detour here for this, then I go home." Holding her small plate of food, occasioanlly poking at it and then nibbling on some sweets.

Yu'i winces at the mentioning of age, "I'm going on 24..." is muttered, before he turns back to the 'real' conversation. "Same old, then? Probably now different from when I lived here." But we'll just carefully skip over that topic. "Ah, yes. Espera, the new Senior Weyrwoman. As usual, she's--" Yu'i pauses. "Well, I suppose I know her too well not to badmouth her, but I'll try to give a true evaluation. She's doing good. I think Syra prepard her well." A glance is given G'wain-wards.

Lydiere rests one hand upon Llysah's head, chuckling. "Ah, that's right, G'wain. I had my son when I was twelve. I'm just mature for my age, of course." She winks at Ezemial, and then nods, dipping her head forward sagely. "This is true. But I'll have to wait until you lot are out of candidacy, and if you Impress, then I'll have the problem for weyrlinghood. It's because if you drink, and then the eggs hatch, it'll be dangerous, and generally a bad thing, Ezemial. Ah, Yu'i," she adds, "You're ancient, then. You lived here? I didn't know that. I'm glad to hear she's doing well. I've not heard anything to the contrary, so that's wonderful. I don't know her, myself."

Oooh... There are more people at the bonfire now. Overhearing someone, he shuffles in the black sands towards the voice. "So, where is home?" His question is aimed at Panya. "You should stay here a little while... I'm sure that we could extend our hospitality for a few days." G'wain glances over towards Lydiere, but now misses most of what's happening, as the band is beginning to play some of the more livelier tunes, in preparation for the dancing.

Laelyn nods to Panya, "yep, was added to the collection about a sevenday ago." she looks around the beach then up to the weyr and back, "I think I may ask for a dolphinposting here even if I dont impress. Very nice place" she smiles "Where the gold's fly high and the bronzeriders dance " she says with amusement in her voice toward G'wain.

"Home is High Reaches Weyr." Looking towards G'wain with a helpless shrug Panya notes, "I'm beginning to enjoy getting such invitations to stay and visit here and there." Snickering over the thought, "I suppose I might, we'll see. Hopefully the food.." Trailing off as the music begins to play, covering her last few words. Looking to Laelyn once more, "I see. Where'd you come from? Obviously not here shall I assume?"

Ezemial nods to Lydiere, "I guess that's true.. figures a good idea would come up once I was a candidate." He grins, "keeps us out of trouble for now I guess.. you know how we all are.. innocent as the day is long and easily lead into trouble.." He snickers a bit then sips his juice, giving Sniffles more meat as the little blue begins to look like he's going to plate dive soon if he isn't fed.

G'wain waggles his eyebrows at Laelyn. "Of course we dance. It wouldn't be Ista if there wasn't any dancing. Just don't let me dance after I've had a couple of glasses of wine. I'm liable to... create new dance steps, then." And probably step on the feet of whoever he's dancing with. "High Reaches, hmm? Well, perhaps you should stay here and enjoy the sun and sand, before you head up there to Faranth knows what. Blizzards, cold, and snow... brr. I think I'm too used to Ista, and that's just the way I like it."

Yu'i rolls his eyes at 'anicent'. "Actually, I did. I came here from Estate Hold - it's a minor hold on the property of Ista Hold, but /is/ rather wealthy." He gives a nervous clearing of his throat, however, obviously being rather touchy on the subject of his home. "Perhaps you've heard of it - they do a lot of trading. Anyhow." Nod. "Well, I do know Espera personally, and--" Pause, Yu'i. "Well, I won't say anymore. I don't want to ruin her reputation." Wink. "Do you know where I could get some wine at, goldrider?"

Kirstin finishes her meatroll and settles down onto the sand leaning back against the log eyes closing as she enjoys the warmth of the bonfire on her face, listening to the party around her. Children off enjoying themselves, so can relax.

"Perhaps we should make it an Istan tradition, for graduation," muses Lydiere, glancing back at Ezemial. "We do all the formal stuff, and then everyone who is allowed to goes to the Sable Sands, and gets entirely too drunk." She's adept at holding multiple conversations at once, managing to listen to Yu'i with bright, avid interest, nodding her head rapidly as she listens. "I believe I have heard of it, though I've never visited it. I believe you've given me indication enough that Espera is-- shall we say, interesting? Wine - on the tables over there," she indicates with her right hand, the other still occupied with her dozing child. "And please: just Lydiere."

"Hah! Blizzards, cold, and snow? That's just the best part. I've already spent a good deal of time blistering up with a sunburn in Igen.." Eyeing her skin Panya contemplates, "Though I've come to a conclusion that I've gotten a tan of my life..after all." Tapping her foot idly, "Though maybe I could get leave and spend winter here at Ista?" Trying hard to please some people, "Heh. It is quite comfortable here..yes.."

Laelyn laughs "Well then I will fit in here just fine." she nods to Panya "Pa is a rider at Southern, lived at a couple weyrs before that and the weaver craft with Ma. Though the last turn has been at Dolphincraft at Western.

"Might indeed make graduation far more interesting than you'd ever imagined!" Ezemial beams at Lydiere liking this idea, "and you'd certainly get to know the new riders more than they'd expected you to.." He laughs before sipping more juice, "that could be fun"

Yu'i nods with a semi-bow to Lydiere. "Just Lydiere, then," he says, giving a smile. "And you can just call me Yu'i. If you ever need any assistance, just get Llysereth to contact Angelesth." He begins to head for the wine, before stopping and turning around, halfway. "Lydiere - you do have guest weyrs at Ista, right? It would be quite a something if I were to fly back to Eastern.. drunk." Nod.

G'wain chuckles a little, and shrugs his shoulders. "It's up to you. I couldn't stand the cold... But it seems that you can't stand the heat, mmm?" Settling his plate into the sand so that he knows where it is for later, he stands to brush himself off, thankfully moving a little away from the other two before doing so. "So... shall we get the dancing underway?" His question is made with a glance towards the band, who have put their instruments down for a little break.

Panya is quite interested in Laelyn's story, "Really? Western, eh? You know were you there when that fire happened? I heard 'bout it, seemed kind of scary. I heard like half the Weyr was destroyed,b ut I never do hear the true story unless it's from someone who lives at so-and-so place." Attention directed back to G'wain, "I can stand such for so long..." Right..

Lydiere's lips quirk, with amusement. "Interesting - yes, that would definitely be the word. But certainly a fine way to celebrate, and a good way to get everyone comfortable with each other." She sounds pleased at the idea, noting, "Although I'll have to try it out on the clutch that are weyrlings at present, so if you Impress, Ezemial, you'll have to miss out on the first one." Yu'i is given a bright enough smile, her head inclined forward to match his semi-bow. "Yu'i it is. I'll do so. The same, of course, is returned to you. Of course we've guest weyrs. I'll show you to one later, should you need it. It wouldn't be sensible for you to do anything but.

Bright laughter comes in response to Lydiere once again, "that's an /if/ and /if/ I don't then I'll be there with bells on" Ezemial grins, "and /if/ I do then I'll just have that much more to celebrate when I graduate myself.." He realizes he's run out of food and drink and gets up amid protests from Sniffles about the lack of warning. He offers to Lydiere, "

Ezemial says "need something else to drink while I'm up?"

Laelyn pats her mother's shoulder who just nods, she nods to Panya "yes, it was rather bad, got some very quick healer training " she smiles a bit "A conversation for another day perhaps? Tonight we are here to enjoy ourselves. "

Panya nods, "True. Another day indeed, excuse myself, I've been shunned from tons of things lately." Emitting a chuckle before looking at Laelyn's mother. "Your mother, eh? Here for the party?" Oh, yes, lots of questions to be asked. "And how are you enjoying Candidacy. I thought it was fun at Igen. Hot, lots of chores, but it was a good experience."

G'wain makes his way over to the band, who are conversing with some of the Weyr's cooks - they're looking after the food. After a moment of hushed whisper with the 'leader', the two of them nod at one another, and G'wain quickly skips over towards Lydiere. He's having fun, and he's not even touched any wine. Sneaking the last few steps, he grins - a little apologetically - at the people that she's talking to. "I'm sure someone else can hold Llysah for a moment, for you and I have to dance."

Kirstin looks up as she is talked about , "Ah, no we live here now, guess I couldnt stay away from the weyrs myself" She gives a look to Lyn "I think it runs in the family.

Laelyn laughs at her mother's comment and turns to Panya "My brothers and sister live here too. Its like coming home, moving around so much, home is family. " she nods to the candidacy question "Definatly, used to chores at the crafthall, but chores, new people and dragons everyday, cant say I could ask for more.

"Excellent," avers Lydiere, towards Ezemial. "I shall look forward to it. Even if you end up drunk after just a few drinks, I imagine it'll still be a lot of fun. Drinking games, the whole bit." She smiles, about to add something else, until G'wain interrupts, and an apologetic glance is given. "I was about to say yes, but-- Well, one's Weyrmate does have to come first." G'wain is given a loving smile, as she glances up, calling over a young nanny who accepts both Llysah and the sling, to allow Lydiere to stand, reaching out for G'wain's hand. "Of course."

Panya nods to Kristin and then to Laelyn. "I guess it's nice you know to have your family at the same Weyr that you will be standing for it's latest clutch, you know?" Grinning, "I'd love for that. My family is split up in every which way. I guess it's not the family I will want one day."

Kristhalis comes up to Kirstin (the more slender of her twin sons) he bows gentlemenly to his mother "Would you care for the first dance Mother" offering his hand, which she takes, her face looking younger with the enjoyment in her eyes.

G'wain leads Lydiere onto the 'dance floor'. It's not much of a dance floor, but someone's thoughtfully put down a kind of wooden flooring, large enough for perhaps ten couples. Not much more than that, though - at least it allowes for dances. Sand can't be very conductive to dancing. As they step onto it, a few other couples join them, and prepare themselves for the dance, milling around as the band re-tunes.

Laelyn raises a brow at her brother's wonderful behaviour tonight, must be aiming for something, she just shakes her head in the same manner her mother would and turns back to Panya once her mother is out of earshot "A bit hard with Ma and Pa split, but we manage. With him a rider he is only a blink away if he is needed.

Yu'i eventually makes his way to a glass of wine, then walks near to the water, so that it is lapping just out of reach of his boots. Sighing wistfully, he takes a sip of his wine, and watches the night horizon, which has only the barest sliver of sun left, almost unseeable by the naked eye.

Ezemial fills his glass with a little wine this time and his plate is heaped again. He makes sure to snag a couple of bubbly pies just as they are set out and balances it all back to the table. Sniffles quite curious about the steaming confections but stays on Ezemial's shoulder this time because of the noise they make. True to form, Ezemial eats the pies first. Offering a bit of crust to Sniffles who finds this quite to his liking. The two pies are devoured rather quickly between the pair of them. Sniffles curling up against Ezemial's neck to doze with tail twined firmly around said neck for stability. Ezemial himself moves on to the rest of the food, to eat unmolested for once. He grins and chats with those nearby at his table finding spirits high and the discussions happy.

Kyoninya has arrived.

Kirstin walks onto the dance floor with Kris, her other son finding a lass near his own age walks the mining apprentice onto the floor as well.

The band strikes a chord, signalling the beginning of the dance, which starts slowly. G'wain has a wicked smile on his face, and as soon as the music starts up, one should know why. At least he was considerate enough to ask them to complete the slow section of the toss dance over a longer period of time, to get everyone 'warmed up'. And he hasn't had any wine, either.

Lydiere glances after Ezemial, as she positions herself in G'wain's embrace for the dance, her head quickly turning back towards her weyrmate. "Did you hear what-- Oh, Faranth. Not the /toss dance/." That doesn't stop a winning smile, as she gets herself ready, noting, "If you drop me, there will be-- uh, no sex for a sevenday!"

Panya nods, "I see. That's the worst. Being torn between two. My mother..heh..didn't like her much. So I went with my father to 'Reaches, since he was a Journeyman. I miss him. My siblings are people I wish I had kept in touch with." Eyeing Laelyn's family, "But you're very lucky!"

As luck would have it, Ezemial had just taken a sip of wine when he heard Lydiere's comment to her weyrmate on the dancefloor. He chokes on his wine and then finally laughs. He shfits in his seat now wanting to see how the pair fare with the dance. He calls out to them both, "I'll have pillows for you to sit on when you get done!"

G'wain looks utterly horrified, raises an eyebrow, the challenge accepted. "If if you do something that makes me drop you, then you have to do all my hidework for a sevenday. Thankyou, Ezemial!" The music begins to pick up the pace, slowly but surely. The toss dance always starts out slow, for if it started fast, no-one'd be able to pick up and into it. Right now, it's at about the stage where breathing becomes heavier with the exertions of fancy footwork. Soon, the /real/ tossing will begin!

Laelyn nods sympathetically to Panya, and moves to get up "Gonna go get me some juice, anything you want while I am up?" she offers to her. As she stands she gives a look to the dance floor, giving a slight chuckle as she watches Tanthalis try to dance with the miner, someone who happens to be just slightly more coordinated them him, which really doesnt say much. But both two stubborn to allow a few crushed toes to stop their fun.

"What, and ruin it? I wouldn't have the slightest clue about any of the things you have to do," points out Lydiere. "I think you lose either way." But she's smiling - winking towards Ezemial, calling, "Thank you! We're going to need it, I think!" - as she attempts to keep up with the dance. She's not a bad dancer, though not exceptional, either, and although she turns slightly breathless, her smile does not fade.

Panya chuckles, "Nah. I'll see you around. I think I'm going to go try and find a dance partner..for the next dance at least." Gazing out towards Lydiere and G'wain, "I'm not all up for this 'tossing' deal!" Waving to Laelyn and trails off towards some others. Who else can she go bond with today?

Kirstin does manage to keep up with the faster tempo, not a bad dancer at all, but she still lets her son lead the dance, not to bad himself with his mother's grace, even if he forgets a step here and there. They both just laugh and continue on.

Kyoninya appears on the scene, slinking toward the bonfire and sitting - music ignored. While fingers are rapping, pine eyes take in the scene, settling on every person before passing on - she's looking for someone, perhaps.

Ezemial does keep eating his meal but eventually pauses in that pursuit to begin clapping with the music as the tempo slowly speeds up. Watching a few of the first casualties sit down as the dance progresses. He grins and ignores Sniffles scolding for all this movement. He laughs with his tablemates as he watches all the couples dance. Something he's always been far better at watching than doing.

The band continues to accelerate, and soon the part that everyone loves... the part where the women go up into the air. The bronzerider doesn't have much of a chance to answer Lydiere, the broad yet determined grin on his face never faltering. G'wain is far from an excellent dancer himself, but he seems to manage, even if a few of the catches are... cutting it a little close. Reaching what seems to be a frenzied pace, the dance seems to continue on forever, and even if arms begin to tire, this rider isn't going to 'lose'. The consequences are far too dire!

Panya continues to look about for some others and sees Kyoninya, "'Inya!" Squealing in delight as she sees a friend. "Shells! It's been so long since I've seen you! How is Eastern? Are you going to be stopping by 'Reaches any time soon?" Babbling and asking questios before even all the way up to the girl, assuming it's doubtful everything was heard.

Laelyn nods to Panya and goes to get herself something to drink and moves around to mingle with some of the other candidates finding her way to Ezemial, "Enjoying tonight?

Lydiere's lips might smile, but her eyes show some wary caution, with each toss - and she might be seen to grit her teeth for a brief moment whilst she's airborne, though she's quick to smile beamingly once she's caught again, no matter how close the drop. "The thought of a week is just too much for you to bear, isn't it?" she queries, between breaths and tosses, tossing her hair back out of her face to smile cheerfully at her weyrmate.

Kirstin continues on with the dance for several rounds, jumping up when Kris goes to lift her to give him a hand. They continue to do their best to keep up with the tempo. Tan and the miner girl continue with the bumbling rendition for a few rounds then finally quit in a fit of laughter. Finally admitting that dancing isnt exactly something they are good at.

Kyoninya actually squeaks, for once in her life, and stares at Panya for a moment before muttering and glancing toward the forest. Shaking her head, she stands and raises a hand to shush the hypergirl. "It has been a time, hasn't it?" she comments, wryly. "I haven't been to Eastern for months. I've been out following a trail of blackmail. It may come by 'Reaches. I'm not sure yet. Still trying to find a certain person skulking around here." Her voice is low, not meant to be heard to those not close to Panya and her. Then her voice raises to normal, "What of you?"

Ezemial grins over at Laelyn as he claps with the music, "oh yes, this is a wonderful break from chores, don't you think so?" He pauses to take a bite from his plate and cheers with each catch G'wain catches, though his cheers are drowned with those of others as each toss seems to thin the crowd a little more of laughing and smiling participants. He grins over at Laelyn, "so how is candidacy treating you?"

Go Kirstin! Lydiere's not even jumping, or so G'wain thinks, the dance /finally/ coming to a finish with much applause. G'wain looks very out of breath, his chest heaving up and down as he holds Lydiere in the final pose. "Most definately." Pulling her out of the dip that the dance finished on, he leans into to kiss her soundly, keeping a hold of one of her hands afterwards, and making his way off the dancefloor... very slowly. Walking is hard. Or something.

Panya looks almost surprised, "Really? Well, I guess I should've kept up-to-date with stuff during Candidacy. Heh. Igen..now I'm here at Ista..then going back home." Tilting her head and furrowing a brow she mumbles quietly to Kyoninya, "Wait? Blackmail? What happened this time?" Truly Panya has never seen a girl so..cautious..

Laelyn looks around the party and smiles "Definatly a wonderful break from chores, especially after mucking the stables all afternoon." She has a casaul look around for her little sister and finds her off to the side with a small group of children. "Candidacy has been treating me well, if a bit smelly, had to take a bath before coming down, you?

Kirstin looks relieved as the dance finally ends, she isnt old , but she definatly isnt as young as she used to be, she curtseys to her son and heads off the dance floor as he goes to tease his brother. She heads straight for some cool juice and finishes a glass rather quickly before filling another.

Lydiere returns G'wain's kiss equally soundly - ignoring the jeers and titters from a group of weyrbrats watching nearby - but pulls away in order to catch her breath. "Not bad. As long as you stay off the alcohol, you'll doe." She winks, her smile towards her weyrmate brilliant, as she follows him off-- not nearly as out of breath, although she, at least, hasn't had to do the tossing.

True to his promise, Ezemial has pillows, where he found them who knows, waiting for Lydiere and G'wain. He grins over at Laelyn, "I'm used to mucking stalls and such, it's been strange /not/ doing it for once.. and I've really enjoyed candidacy.. I've met so many new people and made such great friends" His face flushed and happy as he speaks, "Even people who lived at the weyr and I just had never run across before. No matter what the outcome it's been wonderful to go through"

Kyoninya raises an eyebrow. "A candidacy. Well, all things are possible. Never did like the big lumps, though. So annoying." Lowering her voice again, she leans in toward Panya, nodding. "Oh, yes. I've much to do. I'll get rid of Darienol before he gets rid of me." Looking up again, she glances around furtively, then her gaze settles on a winebearer. "I do believe I am going to get something to drink. My tolerance has increased greatly."

G'wain has a thought, and expresses it to Lydiere as he heads over to Ezemial, "Perhaps next time /you/ can do the tossing. We could have a reverse-dance day." Well, maybe not the toss dance. Lydiere, throw /G'wain/? He'd probably go careening into a table, if she could even get him off the ground. Glaring over towards the Weyrbrat, who'll understand when they're /older/, he says the the candidate, "You promised pillows? Where are they?" His grin though, shows that he doesn't expect them. But... there they are! "Well, that's good then. Lydiere?" He lets her seat herself first. "Only reason I /didn't/ drop you was because of your threat... I'm sure that if you hadn't have made it, I would have dropped you!"

Panya chuckles and nods, "Mmhm. Darienol?" A bit questionable at the name she only shrugs, "Alright. I've still got to go find a dance partner for later tonight!" Nodding to the girl before disappearing off into a small crowd, now who is over there! Hrm.

Ezemial grins over at G'wain, "I may be a little absent minded at times, but I would never disappoint people who have really large flying friends" He chuckles and pauses to take another sip of wine.

"I'll have to threaten you more often, then," remarks Lydiere, settling herself onto the cushion with a relieved smile of thanks towards Ezemial. "Oof. Many thanks, Ezemial!" Towards G'wain, she adds, once she's settled, "We could try it, I suppose. I'm strong, but... Well, you're still bigger than me. Just."

Kirstin goes back to the fireside to take a breather from the dance, quite happy to sit out the next few sets, she picks up a plate of food on her way.

Ezemial shakes his head and laughs again as Sniffles finally has had enough of noise and people and takes flight. He watches the little blue until it pops into between above the crowd. He grins back to Lydiere and G'wain, "you two are going to traumatize your children if you have their mother tossing their dad around"

Kyoninya nods after Panya, smiling vaguely before she heads for the wine, mixing her own glass and settling into the midst of the crowd, standing with her usual wary stance, eyes narrowed and watching the crowd carefully, noting Lydiere and G'wain with a snort.

Vinteth has arrived.

G'wain chuckles a little, and leans into Ezemial with a loud whisper, "Me, personally... I wouldn't dissapoint women, period. They can withhold too much, I think!" It's meant to be heard, of course, G'wain feeling rather good natured, and buzzed. Who needs the wine? "You do, and... I'll..." He tries to think of something suitably punishing, but fails. "I'll think of something later. For now though..." He shrugs his shoulders. He grins at Ezemial. "Speaking of children..." He looks around for his daughter, the nanny making her way up with the young one, and handing her over gently, with the sling. G'wain reorgnaises himself, and picks up a stray glass of fruitjuice that seems untouched.

Vinteth sails down gracefully, and lands on the sand a ways from the other dragons. Then she comes walking in a stately manner down across the sands of the beach, her feet awash with the surf. She finally stops when she gets to the other dragons, warbling a melodic greeting.

Mounted on Vinteth, T'burk says "Thank you, Vinteth! See? Nice ride."

"I'm sure they'll be traumatized enough, already," avers Lydiere, reaching over to touch Llysah with one finger, before she leans back, her eyes half closing. "Well, 'they' might not be the right word. Llysah's the only one, and probably will remain as such. Keid has his father to think for any trauma that he has suffered, I would say." She winks at G'wain, adding, "Ooh, such a threat. I'm shaking in my stylish, yet affordable boots." Llysereth greets Vinteth with a melodic croon, settling down in the shallows.

T'burk slides down from Vinteth's neck, holding onto the riding straps until he dismounts fully.

Mounted on Vinteth, Cicilia chuckles softly and gives Vinnie a pat. " Yes.. it was a nice ride.. abit a bit cold.. I should have brought a jacket or something. However I didn't know we were going between today. " Cici smiles and scoots off Vinnie and lands on the ground with an auidible thump.. her skirts floating up a bit around her upper thighs as she lands. " Good thing I wear long skirts or someone would have just seen something hmm? "

Cicilia slides down from Vinteth's neck, holding onto the riding straps until she dismounts fully.

T'burk looks about, eyes seeking out the fanciest Knot on the beach.

Laelyn laughs at the commentary between G'wain and Lydy, "Only one is planned? Gotta have brothers and sisters , they make life way more interesting" She with amusement, casting a gaze around for the rest of the litter she belongs to

Ezemial can't help but laugh at G'wain's comment, "Good point though I'm sure you know more about women than /I/ do.." He grins and finishes off his wine. He gets up to go refill his glass and asks Lydiere, Laelyn and G'wain, "wine or juice for any of you while I'm headed that way?"

Kyoninya backs away from the crowd once again, settling not far from the group - close enough to watch for whom she is watching. Muttering idly when the newest dragon appears on the scene, "More lumps. How pleasant." She'll chose to ignore that there are several of them around, and sips her wine, gaze roaming the crowd.

G'wain mock-glares at Lydiere, before putting down the fruitjuice and playing with Llysah. She seems quite content there, and G'wain seems perfectly natural, as well. "Oh, I'm sure that can be easily fixed. Shame you're a candidate, though... you'll have to wait." A grin, and G'wain replies, "Nothing for me thanks, Ezemial." The band start to play a slow waltz, and someone has considerately dimmed some of the glowbaskets that line the stage. Can't dim the bonfire, though, the flickering light creating many shadows.

Lydiere's expression is wry. "Not sure if I can cope with /another/ baby. Llysah and Keid are more than enough for me, though perhaps you'll see a change in my mind in another ten turns, or so. Juice, please, Ezemial? That would be great."

Ezemial puts down the empty wine glass and gets juice for himself this time. Wouldn't due to get silly in public right now, would it? He grins and nods to G'wain and Lydiere retrieving a second glass of juice for Lydiere, he asks again of Laelyn, "anything for you?"

T'burk smiles, looks over at Cicilia, then strides over to G'wain. "Western's Duty to Ista and her Queens!" he calls out in friendly greeting.

Laelyn nods to Exemial and offers her empty glass "Another juice would be grand"

G'wain looks over at the new arrivals, Cicilia and T'burk, and moves to stand carefully. He's not going to forget the little one around his neck. His mighn't be the prettiest knot, or the most fancy - that honour goes to Lydiere - but he can welcome them. Moving slower that he usually does, he meets them about halfway. "Welcome, welcome. Please, enjoy yourselves - there's food and wine on the tables over there, and if you feel like dancing, just ask the harpers there. They're doing requests. Just not the toss dance, please...!"

Dubious honour though it is. Lydiere lifts her head, greeting Cicilia and T'burk with a warm smile, although she leaves the greeting to her weyrmate. "Thanks, Ezemial," she calls, as he retrieves her juice. "I'm still supposed to be limiting my alcohol consumption, mores the pity."

Ezemial comes back balancing three glasses of juice offering the first to Lydiere and then to Laelyn before sitting down with his own. He grins at G'wain, "probably a good thing I'll have to wait.. but don't worry.. I can figure it out on my own" He jokes referring to G'wain's earlier comment. He settles and sips his juice and grins at Lydiere's comment, "Me too, I think for me one glass of wine is the limit before things get embarrasing"

T'burk says "Ah! Greetings to you, Lydiere! I heard the call go out for guests, and Vinteth needed to give Cicilia a ride," he explains, motioning towards his large green. "I'm T"burk of Western Weyr, and this is Cicilia."

Laelyn looks up at some familiar faces from western giving a wave to Cicilia as she sits near Ezemial, G'wain and Lydiere

Cicilia looks around the beach quietly before looking over at T'burk. Cici settles her skirts about her body and smiles as moves closer to the commentary on the beach. As G'wain approaches her and T'burk she smiles and nods her head. " Greetings. Thankyou for your hospitality. " Since Cici has been formally introduced she refrains from doing it again.. however she corrects him softly.. " Though you can call me Cici instead of Cicilia.. its a bit to formal in good company. "

Kyoninya spots her target and stands, striding into the crowd quickly and pulling the stocky holder into a dance - not that its the point of holding onto him. Speaking fast and furiously, her nails dig into his arms - until he answers her. At that point, she shoves him away in disgust and stalks away, pausing by Ezemial, raising a brow. "No wine? My impression was that Istans were big drinkers," is the comment.

Definitely a way to kill a smile, Ezemial looks over at Kyoninya non-plussed, "My impression is that this is a party, perhaps if you lightened up a bit you might enjoy yourself" He looks back to other more pleasant people nearby and tries on a smile again. He sips his juice, mood slightly soured by /that/ woman's presence.

Laelyn takes up her drink, bowing her head to the jr and bronze, "Well I think I shall mingle a bit more " she heads off into the crowd , finding a new candidate she knew at western.

G'wain bobs his head a little, his young daughter in a sling around him. If she wasn't there he might have bowed. Only after he greets her does he make his way back to the table where he was, a nod to Ezemial as he followed the conversation while gone, "Lydiere'll tell you - I'm about the same." And about the females... don't you know that G'wain's a Master Matchmaker? Over his shoulder, he gestures to the table. "Come sit, Cici, T'burk. I'm G'wain, this is Ezemial, and you know Lydiere." Raising an eyebrow at Kyoninya and Ezemial, G'wain purses his lips, but soon, he again smiles. Nothing's going to dampen this night.

Lydiere accepts the glass offered by Ezemial, with another smile of thanks, shifting it from one hand to another, eyebrows raising slightly at T'burk's greeting. She speaks, finally, "And Ista's to Western," somewhat short - gaze shifting towards G'wain again, if only briefly. "Well met, to both of you." Kyoninya and Ezemial's exchange draws a glance, gaze narrowing slightly, though she says nothing. "It's true enough. G'wain's no head for alcohol. Me, well, I'm a seacrafter. It's all but a requirement that I can hold my drink."

T'burk smiles, nods to everyone, and gives casual bows, so as to be polite, but not stiffly formal. "Good to meet y'all! I understand you have some new Hatchlings here at Ista."

Ezemial grines at both G'wain and Lydiera, "I'll work on it after the hatching.. and then we'll see if I can hold my own with the wine" He arches an eyebrow at G'wain again though, "I had heard you were quite the dance partner.. so you know more than I do" He nods over to T'burk and Cicilia, "well met!" He says with a brilliant smile. Seems to be taking a little more effort to muster but he's determined to enjoy himself.

Kyoninya smiles faintly at Lydiere. "True enough. Traveling the waters would require that. Some just don't have the head for it, though." To Ezemial, she chuckles. "Lighten up? Lad, I am lightened "up". You try sitting in my boots for a minute, I'd bet you wouldn't survive."

Ezemial sighs and looks back over at Kyoninya, "I think I'd prefer not to sit in your boots, I'm doing quite nicely where I am.." He turns back to the table and purposes turns a shoulder towards Kyoninya. Such an unpleasant woman, indeed. He smiles again apologetically towards those around him, not sure why he keeps drawing Kyoninya's attention at all.

Cicilia nods again and begins to walk towards the table that has been offered to her. Soft bells tinkle and echo forth from her every step, her clothes dancing with colors in the sunlight, as her trim hips sway back and forth. Cici's golden hair floats softly behind her as they catch a soft breeze.. her arms as they swinging slightly as her sides as she passes around the the tables to a chair. Sitting down she looks for one of those cups of juice that she heard was being passed around. Cici loves juice and drinks it on any occasion especially at parties, not one to get drunk or things like that in her early life.

G'wain shakes his head to T'burk. "Not yet, but they'll be here sometime in the future. Ysmalath clutched a little while ago. Igen though, they had their hatching a few days ago, I believe. How long d'you think we are from a hatching here, Lydiere?" He asks her her opinion, since she's got more experience with such things. Looking again to Kyoninya and Ezemial, G'wain pays them little mind before wiggling his fingers in Llysah's face. Cooing, she seems rather amused by the action.

"Another... four weeks, at a guess. Perhaps as little as three." Lydiere considers. "About that, I think." She stretches out her legs, apparently ignoring Kyoninya - the line of her lips suggests she's not much enamoured of the younger woman. Sipping from her glass, seh adds to Ezemial, "Good luck! You're young, yet. Plenty of time to learn."

T'burk raises his chim=n a bit with a bit of an "Ah! Well, very good for Igen then, and best of luck to you and all your Candidates. Any Candidates here?" He looks about.

Ezemial grins at Lydiere and listens to G'wains comments. He smiles at T'burk, "I'm a candidate, Laelyn was here earlier she is.. I've seen a lot of others but not too many stay up late these days." He grins and sips his juice starting to feel more amiable again.

G'wain nods his head to T'burk, and gestures to Ezemial first, since he's closest, then to about half of the rest of the population of the party. "Just look for the knot - it's black and orange, with a strand of white." Shivering visibly, G'wain suggests to the table, "Perhaps we could move to the fire? It's getting cold, and I wouldn't want Llysah to catch a chill."

Kyoninya isn't enamoured of Lydiere, either, and goes with the change of the subject, glancing at T'burk. "Not at Ista, but I stood once, for those vile dragons at Eastern Weyr." She takes a sip of her wine and peers at G'wain and Llysah, focus on the child. "How old is she?" she asks, idly.

"Too many candidates! Not that we don't like you all, mind, but... the place is over run, I swear." Lydiere hesitates, then pulls herself to her feet. "The bonfire it is. Tropical, perhaps, but it still gets chillier in this breeze." She picks up her pillow, adding, "If they're so vile, why, may I ask, would you bother standing?" Her tone is chilier than the air, as she steps towards the bonfire, settling herself down there, instead.

T'burk says "Eastern? My youngest Impressed there. Good luck to you Candidates!"

April heads down the stairs to the beach.

Cicilia nods quietly and looks around before speaking again. " I was a candidate once.. at Fort though. I didn't impress. " Cici goes into quiet reflection of the day with a sad look on her face. After a few moments.. Cici shakes her head as if shaking cobwebs out of her mind she looks up and puts on a more happier expression and smiles again.

G'wain speaks to Kyoninya now, head tilted to the side. "Llysah's about four months old now. It's amazing, I know..." He certainly seems besotted with the child, and if this one isn't spoiled rotten, something's wrong. Standing, he too moves towards the bonfire, collecting a basket of small white things that the cooks whipped up. "These are good to toast, if you can find a long enough stick." Settling, he pops one in his mouth. "Mmrph... Choooie."

"The fire sounds good" And with that Ezemial follows Lydiere and G'wain over towards the fire. He looks around and collects some long thinish sticks from along the beach and brings them back to where G'wain and Lydiere have settled. He sits down and asks G'wain, "will these do.. what are they?" He asks, having never seen that particular item before.

Kyoninya raises a brow at Lydiere. "Really, weyrwoman, it's not so simple to ignore a dragon bearing down on one's self, now is it?" Following the crowd, she takes a place next to T'burk. "That so? What was your youngest's name, may I ask?" She smiles back toward G'wain for a moment, "She's a nice girl, looks. All healthy." Subject thus dropped - she turns back to T'burk.

April sleepily wanders onto the beach sands, looking around. Noticing G'wain, she wanders over to him, and to the bonfire, flopping in the sand a few feet away. A huge yawn escapes her, then she props her chin up with her arm, and her arm up with her knee, and stares into the fire. Seems someone's not all here at the moment.

"It's easy enough to say no, even then," remarks Lydiere, calmly - acidly, as she turns her gaze away. She reaches for one of the white things, putting it in her mouth to chew thoughtfully. "Mm," she decides, noting to Ezemial, "Marshmallow-root stuff, I believe. Taste... Good enough. Better toasted." April is noted, nodded towards; Lydiere's seated beside G'wain and Llysah.

T'burk answers, "S'dan. He Impressed Brown Cyrilth a few Turns back." He goes over to the food table to get some goodies for Cicilia and himself. "Oh...wait...I have something to gift Ista with...." He has Cicilia take the tray of food and her glass, then goes over to get something from Vinteth's side cargo pouch, and brings it over to Lydiere. It is a large wooden canister, with a bright label showing Western's crest on it, and some other decorations of seashells. "This is some of our spiced klah, made from what is grown locally on our Island. I hope y'all enjoy it!"

Ezemial nods to April, commenting to T'burk, "she's a candidate too" He hands April a stick for toasting the marshmallow-root candy. He picks up one himself and tries it out and mmms, "sweet, but good!" His words slightly muffled by marshmallow."

G'wain takes one of the sticks, and instead of using it for the reason why it was brought to him, he pokes April with it. "Cheer up, dear... it's a party." Shoving the stick into the sand, he nods his head. "Marshmallow-root is ground up, then more things are added, and it's made into these little balls. Lydiere's right, they're better toasted." A pause. "Spiced klah? Sounds interesting." He'll let Lydiere thank T'burk. Threading a 'mallow onto the stick, he holds it over the fire... only to have it catch alight. Whee.

Kyoninya grins, then. "S'dan? I do remember him. Nice, for a rider. He and Nelali, both. Helped me get my daughter back home. I remember seeing him around." Tilting her head, she peers. "Spiced klah, eh? That could be nice." Smiling wanly, she takes one of the sticks and puts a 'mallow on the stick and holds it just away from the fire, to just brown the sides.

April wiggles a few fingers at Lydiere, and the little one gets a little smile, too. You can just see her ears perk at 'spiced klah', and she kinda stretches to see the canister. Ezemial is finger-wiggled at as well, but then her attention focuses once again on the fire. Fiiiirreeeee. Then, oof. She waves a hand to G'wain, wave-wave, then watches with a sort of glee as the marshmallow catches fire. Hee.

Lydiere accepts the canister with a bright smile, lifting her gaze so that she can speak to T'burk. "Thank you! I'm sure we will, very much. I don't believe I've ever had anything but the normal klah, so I'll look forward to trying it. Ista's thanks." She sets it within her lap as she reaches for anther marshmallow and a stick, joining them together to stick the marshmallowed-end into the fire. "Oh, April," she adds, "I need to have a bit of a chat with you, at some point." A glance is made towards G'wain, then back to April. "Nothing too serious, I promise."

T'burk smiles and gives a nice bow to Lydiere. "Enjoy!" he says, cheerfully, then nods over to Kyoninya. "He is a WingSecond to the, ah...Firestorm Wing. They put in quite a bit of action against the Renegades."

Cicilia nods quietly and takes the tray carefully and walks towards the fire to set the tray down next to her while waiting for T'burk. Looking over towards the older rider you can tell she has a fondness for the man... though more in a daddy type complex than anything else. Respect also shows on her eyes, but she don't let even T'burk see that too often. Looking back down at the tray of food, she smiles. " He is always so thoughtful. " Cici takes her time in selecting a goodie from the tray and pops it in her mouth.. mmmming softly.

Marshmallow threaded on a stick, Ezemial leans his hand out to hold it over the fire. He grins as he watches it brown, having to blow out flames a few times before it's done. He grins to April, "still playing momma with that little girl you found?" He asks, before trying a bite of toasted marshmallow... Hot HOt HOT! He takes most of it back out of hism outh to blow on it, but does mmm at the taste, "this /is/ good" once the rest is cool enough, he makes quick work of it.

G'wain nods his head to Lydiere, a smile on his face. Very good, yes. Pulling his marshmallow belatedly out of the fire, he blows it to put it out, with something of a grimace, though it doesn't last long, before he pops it into his mouth. Hot, it is, and all melted. But still nice, he supposes. Another marshmallow is put on the stick... and that one catches fire too. "I just can't seem to get this right..."

Cicilia looks over silently towards G'wain and smiles as she clears her throught. " Try roasting them nearer to the bottom.. takes longer but they don't catch fire as fast. " Cici looks into the fire for several moments before looking back down at the plate of food that T'burk got them. Popping another goodie in her mouth she watches G'wain with some interest, wondering about the girl around his neck in the sling.

Kyoninya chuckles and nods ruefully. "Yes, very true. Led by Syra herself. To be honest, I'm glad I left, in some ways. But it's hard to leave what one's known for many, many turns." Her voice isn't particularly loud, however. "I didn't see the.. big battle.. but I heard a lot of it. Eastern's got a good force, and I suppose I was useful to the WeyrLeaders there." Marshmallow burned just enough, she eyes G'wain's stick. "Not right at all. Burning them takes away the sweetness."

April draws her eyes away from the fire for a moment to nod expectantly at Lydiere. Then, a sort of mock-salute, along with a grin, is given to the goldrider. The marshmallows are eyed, and she makes a bit of a face. Who would want to eat burned food? Not her, thats for sure. Ezemial gets looked at very oddly, then nodded at. Yup, she's still being the hero to Andi. She leans back on her hands and snickers as G'wain burns another one, then mock-applauds at him. Kyoninya gets an odd look, as well, and Ril shivers in spite of herself.

T'burk comes to kneel down in the sand beside Cicilia, and gives her a smile. "You are pretty good at roasting marshmallows, eh?"

"They're best, burnt! You peel off the burnt layer, and it's entirely gooey and perfect inside," avers Lydiere, pulling her own out and doing just that. Popping it in her mouth, she can't quite add to her comment to April, but points at her chewing teeth until she swallows. "I'd rather do it without so many people around, so I'll try and catch you later. No hurry, I don't believe." She returns the mock-salute with one of her own, if somewhat ruefully.

G'wain glares over at Cicilia and Kyoninya, who both offer advice... but it doens't seem to be helping. He tries to roast the marshmallow closer to the bottom, to no avail... It catches fire just as all the others have. Maybe G'wain's a secret pyromaniac? Or maybe he's just looking for an excuse to eat all the marshmallows... "Well," he looks over to Kiya, "How about /you/ show me what I'm meant to do?" He looks over to Lydiere, and nods his head slightly, before turning his stick around, and offering it to her. "Let us watch a master, mmm?"

Ezemial already has another in the fire, two actually on his stick, and of course they are flaming up already. He lets them and blows them out. Hearing Lydiere's comments he tries that, sliding the outer crispy part of and eating that first then eating the gooey inside and mrrrms, "that /is/ good.. though I'm sure I'll regret all this sugar tomorrow" He, none the less, adds two moer and puts them back out towards the fire. He takes a sip of juice while he's busily burning a few more.

T'burk chuckles at Ezemial. "You'll burn all the excess calories off doing your chores, I'm sure!"

Kyoninya grins and takes the stick, finishing the one she'd just popped into her mouth. Spearing a marshmallow, she settles it near the edge of the fire, above some stray, glowing embers. "You don't put it right into the fire - at least, keep it at least a hand's length away from the nearest flame, and two above the flames, if you want it that way. Have to turn it every ten seconds or so, until it's browned just lightly on each side." 'Mallow thusly finished, she offers the stick back to G'wain.

April chuckles to Lydiere and nods. She doesn't look worried, and has a pretty good idea about what the talk will be about, anyway. G'wain is snickered at once again, and a grin breaks across Ril's face. Fire is good. Burnt is good, unless you're eating it. Then, well, it's just burnt. With this in mind, she stretches out in the sand, hands locked behind her head, and yawns again. Her chuckle can be heard at Kyon's instructions: Prescise, complex, and long. No suprise there.

Cicilia nods to T'burk and chuckles.. " All traders learn how sooner or later.. I think its a requirement or something. " Cici searches around for a stick and pulls out a small knife and carves at the tip of the stick for several moments. Once she has gotten all the bark off the end of the stick she plops a marshmellow on the end of the stick and holds it near the bottom of the fire.. close .. but not too close.. it slowly begins to brown. After a few moments she turns her stick to the side and lets it toast the side and then moves it to the other side. The end result is a very toasty brown marshmellow. " Turns of practice helps.. "

Lydiere shakes her head towards G'wain, remarking, "Keep your stick. Just watch me." Another marshmallow is poked into the end of the stick, and it's stuck into the flames - the hottest part of the fire, in fact. It catches alight, and she withdraws it, blowing out the flames, and then picking at the burnt layer until there's nothing but gooey whiteness left. Her stick is offered to G'wain. Try it." He'll get them from all sides!

T'burk takes a look at Cicilia's toasted confection. "Lovely!" re remarks.

Ezemial merrily toasts... er, burns his marshmallow, "Lydiere's right, it's good" He proves his point by doing as Lydiere does only he eats the burnt part first then the middle. He adds another marshmallow grinning at T'burk, "no doubt, there seem to be LOTs of old store rooms that need cleaning now that there are hoardes of candidates to do it"

G'wain takes the stick back, and pops the marshmallow that Kiya's done from him in his mouth... And chewing at that, he nods his head towards her. "Very good..." And now, he takes the one from Lydiere. "That's also good... But I think that hers is much better." Probably not a good thing to say to your weyrmate, but G'wain never had a sense of good or bad things to say. He just says them. "I wonder if there's a knot for Master Marshmallow-root Cooker? I think I'd like to appoint her that." You know, it's probably a ploy so that he doesn't have to toast his own...

Kyoninya spears three full with her stick, evening them out before settling them over the fire and grinning back at G'wain. "Not intelligent to say that, bronzerider. Would you like another?"

April groans at G'wain's Master-marshmallow comment and decides to be bold, shoving a handful of sand at him. Not near his face, of course, or anywhere near the kidlet.

Definitely not a good thing to say to Lydiere, at least - especially when she doesn't like the other woman in question. Her nose goes in the air, expression turning expressively, well-- pissy. "Could I have my daughter back, since you're quite happy to ignore her?" she remarks, nearly icy. She's never had the longest of tempers. April's gesture draws - almost - a smile. Revenge, even if not given from her, is sweet.

Would he like another... He looks at Lydiere with a helpless grin on his face. "She's offering..." He says, apologetically. His marshmallow s