A Much More Resonable Hour (Hatching Feast)

[LyricalBlue]

The tall Weyrwoman stood by the kitchens with her hands on thin hips. Nisurath's first clutch, she wanted this to be perfect. As a drudge skittered by, he murmured something about hovering. So, what if she was hovering? Wasn't it her right as a Weyrwoman? As another drudge scooted past Iaslia found herself pursing her lips together. Alright, maybe she was hovering. But she hadn't really been able to sleep and besides the sun was up since a couple of hours ago.

It was to be an afternoon feast and really, the kitchen worked far smoother without her 'help' than with it. Frustrated, Iaslia fled the scene, only come back a short while later in her Gather finery. It was a pale gold dress, as close as could be gotten to her Queen's rather unique hide. It was simple of course and left enough room to walk or dance comfortably. Iaslia was not one for frills, in fact, she hated frills just about as much as anything on Pern.
You are nervous. Do not be nervous. My hatchlings are fine. They picked the right ones.

Well of course they picked the right ones my dear. They were all lovely. As far as being nervous well... This is our first Feast. Well, the first for you.
I am not nervous. You should not be either. It is not raining. I shall sun myself.
Not raining... well that was a first in... days. And a lovely break for a Feast Day. Too bad the Weyrlings and their new dragons would be likely spending most of it sleeping.

Actually, she was rather surpised that Ev'os wasn't hounding that new bronze rider. What a lovely beast he was, that Rasalath and she rather approved of his choice in L'can. And of course, the brown taking to C'elo so well surprised none who knew him. That lad was steadier than the rocks under their feet. But those holdless girls both Impressing Greens... well stranger things had happened. Iaslia found herself musing on the odd blue that Impressed to Somadin and the brightly colored one that went to that huge kitchen boy... what was his name now... Iaslia sighed and ran a hand through short, frizzy curls. Ten new riders, no doubt Ev'os would be hounding them all, soon enough.

[adhoc]

D'ron awoke early, as even a night's excitement could not cure his body of long habit. He was quietly rifling through his chest for his shirt when it dawned on him what he was doing. They would not be expecting him to man the kitchens today, or after for that matter. Well and good. For the first time in many, many years he flopped down back onto his pallet with a grin and let the night cool and the knowledge of Eltanth sleeping nearby send him back into slumber.

Hours later, he was bright-eyed and buoyant as he entered the Weyr Hall for the Hatching Feast. His light hair was clean of flour, as were the simple shirt and pants he'd selected as his nicest. (That being un-floured had been his single criterion for their selection did not prohibit him from looking very polished indeed.).

He couldn't resist stopping by the kitchens to say hello, although his experience there made him significantly less obtrusive than the Weyrwoman. He was surprised to see her standing in the entryway, but made no comment. It was her Weyr to run as she saw fit, after all, and his mind was on other matters. Eltanth was still sleeping off the previous night's trials, but he was feeling hungry enough to eat a tunnel snake. He watched the Weyrwoman depart, and then snuck himself a pre-feast snack of klah and bread. He moved back out to the tables and munched away blissfully, waiting for others to arrive.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Do you always sleep so very long?
L'can flicked one eye open and offered Rasalath an exaggerated grimace. Only when I haven't slept much in the night, Rasalath, he said, and I wasn't really sleeping anymore, just enjoying lying down.

The dragon caught his humor and lifted his head in an exaggeration of his own arrogance.

Well, he said, One must certainly sun oneself. He looked about him. But as we are inside...

L'can laughed and rolled off of his bed onto his feet. His brown hair stuck out at odd angles from his skull, and he could almost still feel the heat of the sands beneath his feet from the night before. Come to think of it, there was probably still sand ON his feet from the night before. And what time was it anyway?

The sun is high. Many of my brothers and sisters still sleep, but I am awake. The last was said with a ringing certainty that left even L'can wondering if his dragon was still mocking himself or entirely earnest in his self-importance. Well might he be at any rate. L'can doubted there was a bronze more beautiful in history.

With some difficulty, he left his preening companion to go bathe. He returned shortly to select something to wear to the feast, putting in considerably more effort than usual. He ended up with a pair of fitted trousers and a shirt of a matching shade: light brown with the slightest touch of rose. It just about mimicked the color of Rasalath's belly. Set off with a darker belt, it gave the appearance of something tailored for the young rider, rather than the hodgepodge of hand-me-downs it was in reality. He looked quite dashing, really.

When he arrived in the Weyr Hall the event had clearly already begun, although the other Weyrlings were not yet numerous. Thoughts of (and from) his partner straightened his carriage in the same way that he had the night before: a happy kind of confidence. He looked about for someone to share that joy with, or failing that, for something tempting to eat.

[hrsegrl]

The Feast was always looked forward to after every Hatching. Ev'os was now well rested and much less disheveled looking. Not that it would matter The dark eyed man grimaced, dragon had a point. Iaslia saw through him it seemed at times instead of looking at him. Fickle creatures, women. Shaking his head his mind turned to more serious matters. There was Z'skel to talk to and E'mion. Since the last meeting he had much on his mind.

Maybe he could corner one or both of them at the feast. Shrugging as he looked at himself again in the looking glass he figured that was as good as it was going to get. His hair had recently been shorn shorter and he found the look did not fit his face well. However the stickiness in the Rainy Season made him sweat and his hair being mostly gone made it less noticeable. Greasy hair was unbefitting a man of his position.

His shirt had been pressed nicely a dark midnight blue that went with his dress pants that were a chocolate brown. His shoes were shined and he had made an effort to look the part of Weyrleader. It wa Rovanoth's first progeny they were celebrating. Not that he had done much but his genetics had helped create those spectacularly colored dragons. Next time he knew Rovanoth could prove himself to Nisurath and have a better clutch. He would be more mature and have more stamina. So will she. Always thinking about her huh? I like chasing her. Most importantly, I like winning. Ev'os had to laugh at that one.

As he made his way to the Feast he looked for his Weyrwoman. In the kitchen. Rovanoth's response made sense. He should have known to look their first. She would not be happy unless she was bossing some poor caverns women around. It would take her mind off of the Feast in her and her dragon's honor.

"Planning on lurking here in the kitchens all afternoon?" He was smiling though it was not his normal expression. Ev'os was trying to be carefree and casual, something he used to be better at. Something he had lost. He had lost that feeling that he should not care what anyone else thought. Being Weyrleader had given him something to worry about. Popular opinion however should not have anything to do with running a Weyr. Experience was the only thing he needed that he did not already have.

----

Hatching Feasts made Phaedon relax from his usual workaholic ways. The Hatchlings were all fine and healthy as far as he could tell. Even the Bronze, which pleased Phaedon to no end. Another Bronze for the Weyr and a Brown. They would both be needed more than they could possibly know now. Not that the blues and greens were unimportant. Leaders however were few and far between here.

Luthiel had accompanied him since she had no kitchen duties being a Creche Nanny. He had hoped to see his children but they all seemed to have run off to find their friends. So much he had missed from their childhoods so busy doing work. He sighed and then smiled down at his weyrmate. Love had been the only thing that kept him sane, that and Luthiel's constant reminder that work was not the only thing he had. A feeling of warm tenderness came over him. Hatchings were new beginnings for young people, his life was only starting to come to an end. Old age was certainly not something he looked forward to.

Glow sensing his stress at the thought of old age, chirped and nuzzled his neck. "Glow" He spoke sternly showing her vivid images in his mind as he did so. "No eating off of people's plates. No leaving my shoulder. Behave." The Queen made some huffing type noises and almost a whine. "I'll feed you, silly thing." Always worried about food these firelizards.

----

Sarenth was agitated. You look fine. You looked fine earlier with the other dress on. I do not understand... Havalie blushed slightly at the dragon's resistance to helping her find the right dress. The blonde was both eager to go to the Feast and nervous. If A'rik was there would he dance with her? Would he even notice her among all those other women?

Her green said it was a silly crush and that A'rik did not deserve her. "I think he is unsure of me." Havalie always answered when the green pointed out that he had yet to ask her to go anywhere with him or do anything. Not even to get food together which seemed common among men and women here. "I would be too." The greenrider added. Havalie was not sure of herself half of the time. Confidence seemed lacking when she was around certain people and A'rik was one of them.

"At least if all else fails I can be around some of the wing." She smiled. Her wingmates were family to her. So was Sarenth but the dragon could not attend and already made it clear she would be sunning.

-----

Green shirt and black pants freshly pressed, shoes shined. Not a wrinkle or smudge in sight. His black hair was perfectly moistened to create a well groomed and combed look. That will do. Xyrath said in approval. Her rider should be the best looking there. Just as she always aimed to be the best looking dragon. Her dark hide gleamed from a recent oiling. "Enjoy the sun dearest." He called to her as she walked to her ledge. I will. Have fun at the Feast, my rider.

He planned on it. Dancing, wine, good food. What could be better? Healthy dragonets! Today was not to be beat. The greenrider hoped he could find someone to enjoy the rest of the day with as well as the evening if he was lucky. A smile on his boyishly handsome face the greenrider left his weyr and walked to the Weyr Hall.
-----

Sleeping young people and their new dragons was the only sound in the Barracks for quite a while. Although C'elo should be sleeping as well he found it difficult. Not because of his dragon or because of worry. He was at the very least a creature of habit and waking up early every day could not be shaken out of him even after the small amount of sleep he had had.

Ainth slept comfortably on his Weyrling couch. C'elo watched him for what seemed like candlemarks before finally going to bathe and prepare for the Feast. He knew Ainth would be fine should he wake to find C'elo elsewhere. The dragon was as steady as a mountain. Nothing could really shake his resolve and in many ways the dragon reminded him of himself. They would certainly be able to weather any storm or trouble that was set upon them. He knew this with the same certainty that he had about impressing. C'elo had always known this would be his fate, well almost always.

He wore nothing spectacular. His shirt was a wine red and his pants a tan almost khaki color. C'elo never shaved his hair all the way to his head so there was a good amount of dirty blonde hair going this way and that. He had combed it but his hair decided to continue to be unruly no matter what he was wearing and C'elo being the usual male decided not to care. Within minutes the new Weyrling was at the Weyr Hall looking for some familiar faces.

"Hey!" He said with a smile toward L'can. "Congratulations. Rasalath looks like a fine Bronze." C'elo had yet to really befriend L'can but he would make certain that they were before the night was over. C'elo could never have enough friends.

----

Looks were all one had when it came to these events. The brunette grinned as he saw himself in the looking glass. If there was a more handsome man on Pern let him show himself tonight. Akriseus pulled the comb through his hair one more time. He little to style but he wanted to make every effort. His shirt was a deep purple with silver embroidery on the cuffs. (How he had come to get those was a story of its own. Being handsome has its benefits!)

The young Weyr Guard and future dragonrider met his sister on his way to the Feast and made certain she approved how he looked before flashing her a dazzling smile and commenting on her beauty in return. They were so self absorbed that by the time they reached the Weyrhall they were certain not to see or hear anyone but themselves. Somehow the point of the Feast seemed to escape them.

----

Nothing here was what she was used to. The Hatching had been a wonderful experience. Her good fortune at being able to attend was even better. She had no cause to be upset by the early awakening. There was no normal to her as far as Hatchings went. If she had grown up at the Weyr perhaps it would have been more shocking? Rishka ignored the grumbling of the other women who seemed to be tired of the peculiarities surrounding Nisurath and her mate.

Hold Bred as she was, Rishka thought them to be marvelous and often was upset to hear slander against either Bronze or Gold. She had been given a Gather dress by an older woman who could no longer need it. Although it was several sizes too big in every direction, Rishka found ways to bribe people into helping her fix it. Even if it did require quite a bit of charm and taking other people's chores.

The dress came out simple yet elegant and was saphire blue in color. Rishka's hair was long and flowed to her mid-back though she had every intentioon of cutting it soon. This rainy season was awful. Long hair always seemed to be in the way and then there was having it stick to the back of ones neck. Ick! The young woman let her hand touch the silvery pink scars on her face. No more pain there. A smile graced her lips.

Tonight she would enjoy herself. Wine, food, dancing and good company was all that she would require. Petite as she was, she had a hard time locating anyone when she arrived at the Weyr Hall. Maybe someone tall would spot her first? She hoped so!

[starshine]

Z'skel had arrived at the hatching late, and well the same held for the feast. He appeared in the entrance to the hall with his burgundy shirt and black dress trousers neatly pressed. His boots had been shined to a gleaming black and his blond hair had been slicked back. It only excentuated his harsh features. He peered around the room in hopes of spotting Rishka. She was key in their mission and well he liked keeping tabs on her.

She was as he had thought she would be, stunning. The blue of her dress only enhanced her already beautiful features. The scars on her face a faint reminder of the feline attack but did not in anyway distract ones eyes. He approached her from the side. "Why don't you clean up well." He grinned down at her, the awkwardness shadowing in his eyes. Woman were not in any way his forte, no matter how much he wanted to be comfortable.

Being in fancy dress didn't help his cause at all. Rishka was holdbred, she was sure to be comfortable in finery, but Ze was not. He pulled at his collar, and attempted to hide his discomfort.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A'rik scrambled around his room looking for SOMETHING to wear. He wanted to look his best, especially because a certain blond greenrider was almost guaranteed to be there. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. After a brief moment he opened them and selected a deep blue shirt that made his green eyes stand out, over that he layered a chocolate brown vest that matched the hide of his dragon, and a pair of good tan pants with boots. Not overly formal yet nice enough.

Arriving in the hall he made an attempt to scan the crowd, but Havalie wasn't anywhere near by. On the other side... Sarenth is sunning I think I'll join her.[/color] A'rik's eyes crossed to the far side of the hall. There she was. His breath stopped, his mouth went dry, and a light mist of sweat appeared on his forehead. He caught himself. Get ahold of yourself A'rik... He shook it off and made his way through the mass of people. His eyes were caught on Havalie's face.

He had been reluctant to call on her. At first because she was one of his students. Morals prevented him from making an advance. Then once she had impressed she had so much to do and with the young dragon in such a fragile state he dared not approach. Now though, now that time as moved forward he was presented with a chance. Wasting time... But the feast was as good a place as any.

~~~~~~~~~

Kess stood before the polished metal mirror on her wall, smoothing the dress as it hung around her hips. She bit her lip and pulled at her sideburns. "Do you think its too much?" She wasn't really talking to Claralth but at the same time she was. His opinion counted. For what its worth I am going to think the best of you no matter what, but I guess you do look lovely.[/color] She mulled his comment over in her mind. Her short hair was spiked up in the back while the front was brushed neatly and parted. The dress was a simple A-line in a deep blue the near color of Claralths hide. Clar huffed for her to get going. I want to see the ball and the new riders... get going so I can see what you do.[/color]

Having been rushed out of her weyr by an impatient dragon Kess made her way to the hall, feeling slightly uncomfortable and dazzy all the way. The large room was buzzing with conversation and movement. Deciding the best course of action was to get a drink in her hand she made her way to the tables to get herself a goblet of wine.

[LyricalBlue]

The Weyrwoman spun around with a snide remark that died on her lips when she saw it was Ev'os there. She smiled slowly, as lazily as her dragon often greeted his. Ev'os had proven his mettle so far, but she sure as Faranth was going to keep him on his toes.
"Ah, well Weyrleader. Someone has to keep this place running smoothly."
Of course, her presence was causing more disorder than help. But she'd never admit that out loud, sometimes it was easier to threaten than to pick up pieces afterwords.
I am Queen. You are my rider. They will follow you.

Iaslia laughed despite herself and shook her head as to let Ev'os know that it was a timely comment from Nisurath that caused the outburst.
Well. It is the truth.
Oh indeed my love, indeed it is.
They followed you before I chose you even. The pride in the gold's voice was more than apparent. If there was one thing in the world she thought more highly of than herself, it was her rider.


The Weyrling Master entered at the far end of the Hall and paused, taking in the surroundings. A good clutch all around, and a good bunch of lads had Impressed. He still rather thought those two holdless girls were up in the air and greens would certainly not steady them. E'dian reached up absently to scratch the nervous bronze firelizard on his shoulders. Flint did not have anywhere near the temperament of Xialanth, but then, the little thing was painfully young yet.

Well, he was dressed neatly if not anywhere near as fancy as some of the others. But that had never been his way. At the best of times he was an austere man. Ah there, both the new brown rider and bronze rider were in evidence. The lanky Weyrling Master strode over and clasped both of them on the shoulders.
"Well done gentleman and congratulations."

[hrsegrl]

He knew that she was trying to make her hiding in the kitchens soujnd reasonable. To his own suprise she was not upset with him. The poor women in the kitchen seemed to be trying to work and listen to their conversation at the same time. The Weyrleaders was not someone who could usually be found in the Kitchens. That Nisurath was talking to her and making snide comments he was sure because of her reactions. Shaking his head he was glad that Rovanoth had found better things to do than hound after him.

"Yes, you run the Weyr splendidly but shouldn't you be celebrating now? The Headwoman can handle this." Of course she probably felt no one could handle it as well as she did. Tradidion did demand that they make a grande entrance and be congratulated, they could not do that in the kitchen. The noise outside grew louder every minute.

With a sigh he said, "Come, the Hall is almost full. We need to make our presence known." Ev'os held out his arm to escort her into the Weyrhall. She looked lovely he smiled to himself. Of course she did, he was the one who could look better.

----

The young woman turned slowly to see Z'skel. The Bronzerider had been so certain of their plan that Rishka had yet to become a Candidate although she had been convinced she could impress. Rishka smiled at the well groomed man. "Thank you. If I may say so, you clean up well yourself." She was not like Weyrbred women and was wary of becoming too close to any of the men here, even Z'skel.

His nervousness however calmed her concern that he was in any way after her for something other than comradery. "Has the Weyrleader spoken to you about anything yet?" She had little patience now because she was excited to see for herself what it was like to stand at a Hatching. Even if it was to whisk the dragon off to the future.

-----

Somehow she had thought it would be easier to find people in the great Weyrhall. She should have known better. Her friends were not talking to her much seeing as she continued to search for a certain someone. Eventually she caught a glimpse of the fair haired man with the green eyes.

Havalie was staring across a sea of people but noticed none of them. All she saw was A'rik who was staring at her in return. Her throat caught and she found her heart was beating harder. Oh she had better not ruin this night. As if Sarenth would let her. The green had already communicated that she was sunning with Pantoth.

If he came over, what would she say? Or what if he didn't come over? Was she supposed to go over to him? The greenrider was at a loss and even though he was across the room, her cheeks were flushed. Not the best time in the world to be blushing. Calm down. You are like a wherry who is about to be eaten.
You are right. I feel very much like prey...
He is not going to eat you. Silly human.
Havalie took a deep breath and calmed herself down. The last thing she needed was to seem nervous.

[adhoc]

L'can grinned at C'elo, always glad to have his positive opinions of someone reinforced. "And your Ainth looks as strong as a mountain. Congratulations to you too," he said.

His eyes followed the crowd around them for a moment, and he added. "Can you believe all this, really?" Then the Weyrlingmaster came up behind them.

Normally, L'can would have withdrawn some of his ebullience in the face of authority, but his reinforced confidence and that unbelievable peace he found in his awareness of Rasalath loosened him. "Thank you, sir," he said with an unwavering, if slightly more impish, smile, "I don't think I need to tell you how incredible we are right now. I hope you had a similarly good night?"

He felt Rasalath--dozing lightly again after his second feeding--rumble with contentment.

[hrsegrl]

(Added Havalie to my post above adhoc. Considering the next post I thought it best to place C'elo here)

He had certainly never seen this side of L'can. Dragons certainly did make people the better versions of themselves. C'elo was not someone who had lecked confidence but it was still nice to have someone there constantly. He would no longer feel the need for human attachment."Thank you. Yes, Ainth is quite the bulky fellow." The brown was strong already and there was no doubt he would be one of the largest brown dragons in the Weyr.

The Weyrleader approached then and C'elo thought it best to let the newest Bronzerider speak first. "Indeed. All is well with us." He could guess that though E'dian was a good rider and for what he knew of him a great leader, he was not enjoying this as much as they were. After the loss of someone he cared about a function like this was mostly just for ceremony. Maybe they could cajole him out of whatever depressing mood he was in now?

"Are you ready for lessons to start?" C'elo wanted to see what he could find out from the Weyrlingmaster before actually having to go to class. Nothing wrong with that. Maybe he should see about getting the three of them some wine. C'elo was a bit too fond of wine at times.

[E]

Even now, E’mion entered the WeyrHall not truly feeling as if he was a part of the celebrations but rather watching it from a distance. He had dressed nicely, though he couldn’t help but feel that his usually comfortable style of a sleeveless shirt may be unfitting. Even after several months many of the folk around the Weyr avoided him and the man couldn’t help but feel it was from the scars that seemed to run angrily across his whole body as if they were living snakes.

They had been healing, but they would never fully fade according to the healer. An so it was with that in mind that the old time bronze rider had chosen a long sleeved shirt to wear despite the humidity and heat of the crowded WeyrHall. Memories would flash through his mind briefly, but he was glad to have them coming less and less. Perhaps…. Perhaps someday he might actually feel as if he belonged in this time rather than just a spectator.

Moving through a crowd that seemed to unconsciously part to avoid him, E’mion made his way to the far side of the WeyrHall silently. Everyone he had come to know seemed to be here, but he was not sure what words to share with any of them. He should at least move to the Weyrleader and Weyrwoman to give congratulations to, he knew, but for some reason he found his feet leading him toward the klah and wine table.

At least she could lay a bronze. E’mion thought to himself silently, though no thoughts could ever be silent from the giant Malekith. She did well. Give her time to recover and we will try again. She might struggle with the eggs, but she will lay a daughter given the right bronze.

Reching that table, E’mion searched for the familiar taste of his favorite red wine. He knew he should have never bothered to have hopes such wine might be available, however. Ponaa had become too cut off from the rest of the world. Of course there were different varieties available, but all were produced here at the Weyr and none were ever quite the same as what the bronze rider found himself longing for.

Deciding on a shot of quickal, he tossed one down and picked up a cup of Klah before turning back to face the crowd. Why, even after several months, do I still feel like I’m walking in a bad dream…

[starshine]

Z'skel had not had the chance to speak with the weryleaders as of yet but the time for the adventure with Rishka was drawing nearer and he needed to make sure all plans were in place. There was also the matter of Alaxis, the strange candidate and potential addition to the little trip. In a conversation with the girl Kesstriel and her blue mount had given Z a little insight. "We had a meeting with the other bronzes though I felt it best to have the conversation in privet. He has yet to meet with me." He coughed and glanced to either side. "I have had a chance to speak with a young blue rider. one of the last clutch. Her's seems to think that a boy by the name of Alaxis would benefit from our endeavor" He paused and looked down at her rich brown eyes.

He didn't know how she would feel about adding another member to their party, especially since they hadn't really discussed it with the Weyrleaders yet. His blue eyes made one more quick sweep of the room, checking for E'vos and Iaslia.

~~~~~~~~~~~

A'rik cut through the crowd and snatched two glasses of wine off of the nearest table. Not stopping to see if they belonged to anyone. Fluidly he strolled up to the blond and grinned. "Funny seeing you here... a drink?" He wasn't suave in the least, at best you would say he was trying hard to be chivalrous.

What was she thinking, there was no doubt that she had seen him looking at her. She had practically made eye contact with him. He didn't know how she felt, or what was going through her mind. He only hoped that she felt the same as he thought he did.

[hrsegrl]

Although Rishka was more than willing to trust a dragonrider she was a little perturbed that the Bronzerider was talking to other people about it where she was told not to. At first she thought she would be upset with the man for quite a while but the name that was mentioned was unmistakable. "Alaxis?!" Rishka said loudly, her eyes darkening. Her cousin, Alaxis. The rude, selfish brat who always got what he wanted and could care less about anyone else or their feelings? That Alaxis? Go with them?

Rishka was fairly certain her hazel eyes were a little wider than usual and that her cheeks were beginning to flush. "How did he get himself here in the first place?" That was what she really wanted to know. Probably Searched, oh her uncle was probably fuming at this very moment. Despite the fact that the man had several sons, he despised dragonriders and Alaxis becoming one would not change that.

"If the bluerider thinks it is for the best then maybe it is. Let me make one thing perfectly clear, I will not be ordered about by him or he's gone." She obviously felt strongly about the whole situation. Her cousins and herself never really got along. Her uncle made her both nervous and angry at the same time. He was unjust and completely self centered as were his sons.

Often she wished she had been born here instead. If she had taken a moment to consider that she was a bit self centered too, she would not be Rishka. The girl was oblivious to things that other people knew were from a priveleged life. She looked back up at L'can. "I apologize. You are leader of this little expedition, I should defer to your judgement. However I think you need to meet Alaxis before you decide to bring him along." She'd prefer not to be there for that but if she was asked to she would go. After all she was being given the opportunity of a lifetime. Even alaxis could not influence her enough to turn it down.

----

The blonde woman knew her legs were shaking. She could feel her knees wobbling beneath her and while her breath was caught in her throat it was all she could do to take in a breath. He was coming toward her. Definately toward her. There was not anyone else near her that she could think he would be staring at.

Swallowing hard she decided to concentrate. Yup, breathing was essential to living. With her breathing leveling the only issue now was the fluttering of her tummy. She smiled brightly at him. "Yes, thank you." Havalie knew her timidity was going to be no help to her now. The greenrider decided to lead the conversation to something they both cared about.

"I thought the Hatching went well though Sarenth complained about Nisurath's get not having any common decency." While Sarenth would have preferred to sleep through it, Havalie found the surprise pleasant and all too much in character for Iaslia and Nisurath. They would never do anything in the way they were expected to. That was something that everyone was going to have to get over now.