Fresh Meat {Open}

[J'zeni]

J'zeni listened to Klissi and let her take the lead as he kept an eye on the Candidates. The younger ones crowded around Vor and divided their attention between trying to listen and petting the patient bronze. Though his smile faded somewhat when the Weyrwoman mentioned families and being Searched, it returned in full force as she spread "the" rumor again. He remembered overhearing her tell it to the then-Candidates not long after his sixth summer. She told him face-to-face not long after his twelfth. As far as he knew, everyone who heard it learned it from Klissi. K'ivan only answered questions about it with a smile and a shrug. 

In the present, J'zeni watched the two Candidates (Yamiel and Remius, I'm sure of it) that Klissi pulled aside listened to her and one of them (Yamiel or Remius) nodded. "Yes, Weyrwoman." His voice filled with awe, he still managed to push out understandable words.

I've always wondered if it's from her time. Her time? Vor asked and Zora jumped in on the conversation to continue as though she was the one who started it in the first place. What does that mean, othermine? Eight, no nine Turns ago, Tuirith and Baizynth and others came Forward in time to save the Weyr. According to the older riders, and the records, we didn't - But the twins didn't want to hear about ancient history. Dragons don't care as much as their riders about such ponderous things. The idea of Betweening caught the siblings' attention. Tuirith Betweened through Time? I want to do that! Yes, let's!

Excited by the prospect of doing something new and exciting with his twin and their riders, Alvoradath stood up and his tail snaked across the ground. He didn't fan his wings but his movements caused the Candidates around him murmured in excitement and confusion. One of them backed up, and got close to one of their friends (Yamiel? Remius?) paying more attention to the Weyrwoman than the bronze dragonnette.

I'll have to learn their names eventually. J'zeni had that idle thought before he realized he had to calm his dragon down otherwise he might knock someone over. If the new Candidates hadn't figured themselves out by then, or the Weyrwoman didn't have their attention, J'zeni might have to calm that scene down too. For now, Alvoradath was his primary responsibility.

Engmyth's appearance made a timely distraction for the Candidates as J'zeni wrestled with the twins. "Here's Engmyth!" He said in a voice loud enough for them to hear. After two Turns as the Candidate Master, he'd had a lot of practice. They knew who that particular green dragon was by now, of course, having watched her come and go to their home Hold all these Turns, but his voice drew their attention to her with ease. Most of the Candidates rushed to greet their friends, with the oldest boy (Yamiel, definitely, Yamiel) deciding to linger nearby instead.

It wasn't usually this bad but the excitement of new arrivals and all this attention had them wound up. He set his will onto his bronze and urged Vor to sit down again. "No, no..." J'zeni found himself muttering. He pressed his lips firmly together and moved closer to Alvoradath. "Listen." J'zeni focused his attention inward and concentrated on the minds of his dragon and the bronze's twin. Listen, both of you. We can't do that yet. You need to learn how to fly properly first, and learn perfect accuracy Betweening or you'll forget where you are and we'll lose you forever. If you think you're strong enough to do that right now, go ask Baizynth about his tail. He provided an image of the neat chunk taken out of the older bronze's tail.

Alvoradath calmed down easily, and J'zeni sensed Tezorath had too. It was the boredom of the morning combined with excitement of all the attention influencing them. And, fortunately, J'zeni had unseen back up. Although J'zeni couldn't talk to her directly, he had a feeling Kitti helped too. Who knows what kind of "drum message" Tezorath told her rider. These things had a tendency of being distorted from rider-to-dragon-to-rider. We'll do something fun soon. By the look of this lot, they're too excited to sit through a history lesson today. Maybe we can convince them to help wash Engmyth. What about me! I want a bath. Protested Alvoradath. Yes, yes let them was us instead. We're much better than that green. No, greens are as important as every color. Hm, perhaps. Conceded Tezorath. J'zeni heard them talking to each other but since he wasn't directly involved in the conversation, their ambient conversation didn't bother him as much as when they both telepathically shouted in his head. 

All was right in the dragons' world so J'zeni ran his fingers through his hair as he went over to the Weyrwoman. When he finished crossing the distance, he smiled at her. Now he finally had a brief moment to talk to her. He couldn't hide the relief in his tone when he said, "I'm glad you're feeling better, Weyrwoman. It really is nice to see you out here."

[Jannasper]

Jannasper looked down at the Weyr after Engmyth appeared from between. He had done as his new master bid, awkwardly mounting the dragon first so he was in back. The ride between hadn’t frightened him. Instead, he was filled with excitement. This was his new home! Riding dragonback has been something only in his dreams. He never thought it would ever come true. He caught glances of other greens and blues, and even a brown lounging on his ledge!

After they landed, Jannasper waited patiently while the last two candidates dismounted. They were future dragonriders after all, and were deserving of respect while he was just a drudge. While S’yloa sent the two candidates off to join their peers, Jannasper climbed down, his long arms and legs easily finding purchase as he made his way down. Once on the ground, He lowered his head even though he longed to look at all the dragons. He did manage to steal a glance at the Weyrwoman. This was probably as close as he would ever get. He waited for his new master to command him.

[S'yloa]

S'yloa breathed a sigh of relief when the other Candidates rushed off to join their friends from the hold. Now they were Klissi and J'zeni's problem. It wasn't that he disliked children, of course not! They were the future of the Weyr. They were just sooo draining sometimes. Except Jannasper. I'm sure our Jannasper will never be tiring. You need to tell him. Yes, yes, I am. Right now. S'yloa turned his attention to Jannasper and looked with a slight head tilt up toward the younger man. His face squished into an unpleasant frown when he saw Jannasper standing there with his head down. That Aburez... 

"Hey, now. C'mon, honey, none of that," S'yloa put his hand under Jannasper's chin and lifted it up so Jannasper had to look at him. "First of all, you don't look down for anyone, ever anymore. Not even me. It's absolutely acceptable to gawk and stare and ask any question you want." S'yloa slid his hand down and put the other one on Jannasper's shoulders and gave the boy a huge smile. "I purchased you Jannasper because I think you're adorable, and so does Engmyth. But, you're not going to be living at the Weyr as my drudge. You're not anyone's drudge anymore. You've been Searched, just like the others. That means you're a Candidate too and have a chance to Impress one of Tuirith's hatchlings."

[Jannasper]

Jannasper raised his head at his master’s bidding. At first he avoided looking directly at S’yloa as he had been told again and again. But as the greenrider spoke, Jannasper dared to meet his eyes. “Really?” he asked, some of the solemn decorum that had been expected of him at the hold fading and his big smile returned. "Thank you Master S'yloa!" He started to look around again, actually seeing the Weyrwoman surrounded by the candidates and the little dragons. She was so pretty, and the little dragons were so cute! He hoped he would be able to serve them too! He was really gonna like it here!

Jannasper looked back at S’yloa as he continued. His smile brightened when he called him adorable, but it became more confused as he continued. “Candidate?” he asked, cocking his head to one side quizzically. “No, I can’t be. No dragon would want me.” He repeated the words he’d heard his whole life, everytime he looked up to the sky when dragons were near. “I’m happy to serve you and Engmyth and all the dragons and riders here! As I’m supposed to.” He knew he shouldn’t disagree with this new master, but he just wanted to be honest.

[S'yloa]

By the First Egg! Though at first his brows furrowed to hear the defeated sound in Jannasper's words, and the green rider grunted, he refused to let this shining moment be sullied by non-Weyrfolk stupidity. They know nothing of life here. I think he's worthy. One of Tuirith's hatchlings will too. Yes, love, we just need to convince him of that. 

S'yloa continued to hold Jannasper by the chin so the newly forged Candidate could not look away because he wanted to impress upon Jannasper just how stupid Holdfolk could be, how cruel and ignorant. He smiled and shook his head. "Oh, honey, that's pure nonsense. Engmyth Searched you. She thinks you're worthy, and she's a dragon, isn't she? No one can know the mind of a dragon, especially not holdfolk. What do they know about how dragons think when half of them are afraid of dragons altogether?" A tone of contempt crept into his words. "Who are your former masters and all those sad people out there to say what is best for a dragon? Only the hatchling knows who is worthy of them, and they make up their own minds.

"Not even two turns ago, we had a drudge Impress right from the sidelines." S'yloa didn't bother telling Jannasper the sad ending to that tale. That the new bluerider lost his arm in his first Threadfall. "You have the opportunity to attend Candidate classes, and learn all there is know. J'zeni will even teach you how to read and write. Even if you don't Impress, you'll still be able to live here with me as long as you want. Forever, the rest of your life. No one can take that away from you."

[Jannasper]

Jannasper remained still as S’yloa held his chin. He would accept his punishment for talking back to his master. Instead of hitting him, S’yloa just spoke to him. It wasn’t the reaction he was expecting, nor were the words he spoke. “Engmyth thinks I’m worthy?” he asked, his gaze moving from S’yloa to the green dragon. His words did make some sense to the former drudge. Dragons had a mind of their own, and could do what they wanted. And they were always right.

“Can I?” he asked, a sliver of hope edging his voice. “Can I be like them? And learn things?” He looked toward the other Candidates. He never dreamed it would be possible. Being a drudge, he’d always been denied learning to read and write. He was always told the effort would be wasted on him. Attending classes and learning sounded fun! His eyes brightened and he started to smile. He wanted to stay with S’yloa and Engmyth--his smile faded slightly. “Would I have to stop serving you and Engmyth?” he asked with some dismay.

[S'yloa]

"Oh, Jannasper, you're not a drudge anymore." S'yloa sighed and shook his head. "You don't have to serve me or Engmyth. You don't have to serve anyone. We three can be friends. Will that be all right? Yes, of course, you can - "

Adorable but dense. Be still. Engmyth laughed at him and S'yloa felt her mirth and her tiredness in his bones as though it was his own. I'm tired. I want to sleep. Yes, of course, dearest. Engmyth did not share her thoughts with Jannasper, but when he looked at her, she craned her neck a little so the sun hit her lovely emerald hide and thin head knobs. She had her profile to Jannasper, and she watched him with her closest eye. Its faceted depths whirled a deep blue.

S'yloa sighed and with one arm around Jannasper's slim shoulders, pulled the boy a few steps further away from the green dragon. "Engmyth wants to take a nap. That means I have to take off her riding straps so she can sleep. Why not join the other Candidates over there and listen to the Weyrwoman and Candidate Master? All you have to do is stand there and listen. No one will bother you. When I'm finished, I'll have time on my hands, and I'll join you. I won't be but a moment. We'll walk together as far as the classroom, all right?"  

[Jannasper]

Jannasper wore an uncharacteristic frown as S’yloa told him wasn’t to serve him, or anyone, anymore. He liked the idea of being friends, but what was he supposed to do if he wasn’t supposed to serve? It was all he’d ever known to do. He couldn’t imagine a life not in service to someone. When Engmyth returned his gaze, he had to force himself not to look down. S’yloa told him not to do that anymore, and he didn’t want to disobey him. He wanted to offer to help him with Engmyth, but as the greenrider pulled him away from the dragon, he could see his help wasn’t needed or wanted.

“Yes Mas-- sir,” Jannasper replied, correcting himself midword. He didn’t want to disobey S’yloa again. That must be why he didn’t want his help. He would have to work to get back in his good graces again. He nodded his acceptance to S’yloa’s suggestion and let S’yloa lead him away and toward the group of candidates.

[Kitti]

May 27, 2023 17:34:24 GMT -8 J'zeni said:

All was right in the dragons' world so J'zeni ran his fingers through his hair as he went over to the Weyrwoman. When he finished crossing the distance, he smiled at her. Now he finally had a brief moment to talk to her. He couldn't hide the relief in his tone when he said, "I'm glad you're feeling better, Weyrwoman. It really is nice to see you out here."

“It is,” Kitti agreed, standing just behind J’zeni. She had left after putting away the flame thrower equipemnt to get her own lunch. She’d heard Tezorath’s side of the betweening conversation and had told Tezorath essentially the same thing as J’zeni, though some of her nervousness about that upcoming lesson leaked through to the gold, quieting her on the subject. She decided then to check up on Zora and saw Klissi with J'zeni and the candidates. “Good afternoon Weyrwoman.” She nodded to Klissi, smiling brightly.

Mine! Tezorath exclaimed happily. Tell Zeni-Mine we need a bath more than Engmyth! She spoke with an imperious tone while still nuzzling her rider.

In a moment love, she said patiently.

Kitti gave J’zeni a good natured nudge with her shoulder. “You look like you could use some help, and I don’t mean with just the candidates,” she teased. “They are really excited!! You’re right that they probably won’t sit still for a history lesson.” She glanced over in S’yloa’s direction and saw him with one last boy, a last candidate nervous about coming to the Weyr perhaps. “Engmyth looks tired. She might have had enough of candidates crawling all over her. Maybe having them bathe Zora and Vor would be a good idea.” She dropped her voice to a low whisper only he could hear. “And it might tire them enough to want to sleep too.”

[J'zeni]

"Yes, I do, and you're just the person I needed." J'zeni laughed when she nudged him, and he nodded when Kitti voiced the same opinion as the dragons. "Yes, you're all right of course, and I agree. If I didn't think it was a good idea, I'd be outvoted anyway! The Candidates and the twins won't sit through classroom lessons today. Once we get them to the 'lakes, one of us can go arrange lunch for them, and me." His laugh tapered off into a broad smile, and he tapped his forehead as he added. "We can still give them a lesson this afternoon. Bath time is a perfect place to teach basic dragon anatomy too. Afterward, we'll have them choose their bunks. By this evening, everyone will be tired."

Though eager to sort out the new arrivals, J'zeni continued to hesitate lest the announcement caused utter chaos as Candidates and dragonettes rushed toward the Weyrlakes, with most of them not knowing where they were going. He wanted to give the Weyrwoman a chance to address them if she wanted, and S'yloa the time to get the last boy to join the crowd. 

Does that mean we're going to the lake soon? Yes, yes it does. We'll go soon. The tip of Vor's tail began to switch back and forth as he did his utmost to be patient.

[S'yloa]

Jul 9, 2023 11:05:09 GMT -8 Jannasper said:

“Yes Mas-- sir,” Jannasper replied, correcting himself midword. He didn’t want to disobey S’yloa again. That must be why he didn’t want his help. He would have to work to get back in his good graces again. He nodded his acceptance to S’yloa’s suggestion and let S’yloa lead him away and toward the group of candidates.

Between the stuttered words and the boy's absolutely crestfallen expression, S'yloa cringed. Oh that frown. It was the exact opposite of what S'yloa expected. Everyone should be thrilled to be Searched! Except for Jannasper... Of course, it won't be that easy. His brain is backward because of that rotten Aburez...

Never mind him, Loa-love, he is not here. Engmyth lowered her eyelid lest anyone see the tiny orange swirls that appeared in the facets of her eyes. She knew her rider thought "Aburez" was a bad person, and that vexed her. The someone who is here looks sad.

You're right as always, dearest, he does look so sad. S'yloa released a long sigh and squeezed Jannasper tighter. He stopped walking. The green rider's smile returned. He canted his head so he could see over his shoulder, and split his attention between looking at the waiting Engmyth and glancing at Jannasper. "You know if you want... but only if you're interested... you can help me take her straps off. It will certainly go faster with the two of us."

[K'ivan]

((The quartet managed to double time it, from here.))
---

Murmurs arose from the group when someone realized that the four people walking across the Weyrbowl meant to join up with them. The intense collection of shoulder knots that on K'ivan's shoulder caused further whispers. He brought with him F'rendil and two strangers - a man and a woman of differing ages. The Weyrleader only had eyes for Klissi and moved along the edge of the Candidates focused on her and the two who stood next to her. Though he said to the Candidates, "thank you for waiting" it was in passing, and he didn't stop walking or slow down. Or even look at them. Instead, he put up a hand to prevent them from talking to him. Young dragons still trumped the Weyrleader, especially since he didn't really acknowledge any of the new arrivals. They went back to waiting and fussing over the twins.

K'ivan's eyes gleamed with bright joy as he neared Klissi and the other two. When he was within easy reach, he grasped Aridron's basket, and folding his hand over Klissi's, he squeezed her fingers. "Good morning, how nice to find you here." He smiled as he spoke, hoping his words implied all that he wanted to tell her. This moment represented so much to him because here she was strewn with Candidates, having a strategy meeting with J'zeni and Kitti, and (in his mind) finally taking her stand as the senior Weyrwoman. A dream realized. I hope she realizes how proud I am and how happy I am to see her out and about. Baizynth scoffed. That is a simple problem to solve, mine. I will tell Tuirith. K'ivan felt him mentally laughing.

After squeezing Klissi's hand again, K'ivan pulled away from her enough to include the others in the conversation. K'ivan's gaze darted between the other six gathered nearby. "I'm sure at least our Weyrwoman is a familiar face, but - " His eyes glazed over when Baizynth interrupted him mid-sentence. K'ivan didn't struggle with it like J'zeni or some of the others not as practiced, but he did have to stop talking long enough to answer his dragon. It was one thing to look coherent, but another thing altogether to carry on two conversations at once.

Of course, they recognize her and me. Everyone knows us. We helped save Pern's dragons. That's true, Bai. The steadfast riders at White Sands and Makkeneth and Illidriath's clutch did as well. Yes, theirs too. Baizynth agreed with reluctance because he knew K'ivan had a better memory. Baizynth didn't exactly remember what happened or why they'd moved through time. He knew that they'd done it because it came up in K'ivan's conversations, but it was only academic to the bronze. It didn't really matter. They were now and they were here, living at Great Cliffs Weyr as it always had been. No matter what, the scarred bronze still thought Great Cliffs as the saviors of Pern because the bronze believed this was the best Weyr.

K'ivan couldn't fault his dragon for forgetting the past. It's not just the dragons anymore. It's been almost two decades since the Pass started. There are fewer and fewer people who remember the truth of our arrival, or the Interval, or remember that not long ago the planet thought Thread gone forever. The two holdfolk he brought with him probably had enough Turns to remember the Interval. Joliffe for sure. Perhaps they knew about the Flights that came forward in time to repopulate the Weyr with metallics. Only time and interaction would tell how much they knew.

The Weyrleader cleared his throat and drew himself out of his conversation with Baizynth to focus on the outside world. With his attention primarily focused on Joliffe and Kerrin, he introduced the three dragonriders. "- I'll make formal introductions. This is Klissi of Gold Tuirith, our Weyrwoman. These two special young people here are the riders of, as far as I know, the only set of twin dragons. A gold and a bronze who hatched from a gold egg together. This is Kitti, rider of the young gold Tezorath and this is J'zeni of bronze Alvoradath. J'zeni is also our Candidate Master with Kitti assisting him." 

His gaze settled on F'rendil briefly and then it flickered toward Klissi, J'zeni, and Kitti to give them the majority of his attention now. "I'd like to introduce you to the newest members of the Weyr. I'm partially to blame for their disheveled appearance. They've come directly off a flight, and I haven't even given them a chance to get lunch, let alone freshen up for a truly formal meeting, but I couldn't pass on this conglomeration of people, especially when I noticed our Weyrwoman was here. So, we four rushed over."

As he introduced the new arrivals, he gestured to each of them in turn. "This is Joliffe, a senior Journeyman Woodcrafter who came to offer us the service of his extensive experience. I know we already have a list a dragonlength's long for you, including perhaps some new toys for the Candidates." K'ivan expression fell somewhat due to the heavy truth in his statement. They'd been without vital crafters for so long that most of the furniture needed repairs. Now that Joliffe is here, this is a simple problem to solve. The thought made him feel better, and renewed his smile. "And this, this is Kerrin. She came to Great Cliffs for a new start. She's had extensive experience running a cothold. When I learned about Kerrin's sudden availability, I thought that you may be able to use her skill set to your advantage." His gaze drifted toward Klissi and the edges of his mouth hitched up a slight notch as his smile increased.

[F'rendil]

Jul 1, 2023 11:14:42 GMT -8 Kerrin said:

It took Kerrin several long moments to regain her composure. She apologized out of habit, and dried her eyes and nose with the cloth F'rendil had given her. She was definitely NOT returning it now! Not until it got a thorough washing. She followed K'ivan out of his office and back to the weyrbowl. She pulled the scarf she still wore from traveling *between* a little tighter around her. Even though she knew she shouldn't, she couldn't help feeling exposed, and worried about being noticed.

"I'm glad Weyrleader K'ivan isn't angry with you," she said to F'rendil after he caught up to her. She hadn't noticed Joliffe move ahead. She easily avoided the people bustling by, being used to navigating Kajono's busy market. "He seemed quite pleased with Joliffe. He really does fine work. He repaired two of my chairs that had been broken." She didn't mention how.

F'rendil walked in sync with Kerrin. He nodded in agreement about K'ivan. "He's not mad, no, but I'm sure someone will tell someone and K'ivan will hear about it from the Hold. The Lord Holder still hasn't let us forget the last time. I'm sure the Weyrleader tell me to lay low for a while, and probably change my duty roster. There's Threadfall in a few days, so staying at the Weyr is the best thing so we can go in with a clear head." His gaze strayed elsewhere and he tilted his chin up to look toward something further afield than the gathering that they approached. "Does he? That's good to know. I feel even better about rescuing him from the Hold now. Faranath knows we have work aplenty for him."

Perhaps some in the gathered crowd noticed the brown dragon that landed on the other side of the Weyrbowl. Perhaps some noticed the three people who dismounted the dragon, but they'd been too far away for any true details. Weyr residents might recognize T'wenth, and might realize the implications of F'rendil arriving with passengers. This was a known behavior for the brownrider, even if he hadn't done something like this in a while. Now F'rendil and those same people came into the conversation's fold. He looked over the Candidates with a passing glance. As with the Weyrleader, the brownrider didn't slow.

When their quarter joined the trio of dragonriders, anything else that F'rendil had to say died on his lips, and he closed his mouth to observe the proceedings in silence. F'rendil stood within the circle but he did not stand shoulder-to-shoulder with anyone, choosing instead to stand as an outlier. Close enough to hear and be seen, but far enough away to be unobtrusive and not in the personal space of the others. He put his hands behind his back. During the introductions, his gaze strayed elsewhere but returned in time to meet K'ivan's eyes. F'rendil nodded when K'ivan introduced Joliffe to the others and he smiled when he introduced Kerrin, glancing down at her to see her reaction to the fine words that the Weyrleader said about her.

[Klissi]

Klissi dismissed the two the remained near her after instructing them where she could be found. Keeping them from the fun of petting a dragon was no good. The smile on their faces as they joined their friends was clear enough to her to know that they wanted to pet vor and give him those desired head knob scratches just as much as the other children.

When Alvoradath stood up, Klissi looked over to him to see what had caused his sudden movement. If it was something the children had done, she’d be able to correct it. “Steady now everyone. Maybe Alvoradath has had enough petting for the time being.” J’zeni’s call out about the return of the green made two of the younger children begin to run over to the tried dragon. “Hey now. I didn’t say you could leave. You don’t want to go running off and get lost now, do you?” Thankfully that was enough to stop them and return to the group.

J’zeni’s words for her drew her attention back to him. “As am I. I should be out and about. I’m not bonded to a wher after all.” Her tone was light with a bit of a chuckle. There was still something lingering in it, tiredness, the gloom over her hadn’t completely lifted. But it was gone enough for her to be able to act once more. “Good afternoon Kitti. Come to help J’zeni wrangle this new batch of candidates? They appear as wriggly as hatchlings.”

When she caught sight of her weyrmate’s approach, Klissi smiled. She placed her other hand overtop his while he left it there. “I couldn’t hide all day. Too much work to be done and very little extra help to be had. And who has he brought us this time?” Explaining who ‘he’ wasn’t needed. The habit that F’rendil had with bringing home ‘strays’ was well known. He had this uncanny ability to find individuals that had the skills the weyr was lacking. So much so it was like he was a search rider for weyrfolk instead of candidates.

Klissi nodded as she was introduced to the new arrivals. She chuckled at the comment of ‘their disheveled appearance’. She was not much better looking. Not only did she not put as much enough into taming her hair this morning, but she also had a quick dragon flight down to the bowl. With all the fusing over the candidates and meeting with J’zeni and Kitti, Klissi hadn’t set her hair to rights either. “At least this was not some official gathering in formal dress. Welcome to the Weyr Joliffe, Kerrin. Joliffe, I am sure you will be quite busy with the work load we have for our Weyr Woodcrafter. Turith also tells me that you make toys. I am sure you will be a favorite of the children.” One of the new candidates looked over, mouth agape as if they were about to shout ‘TOYS!’, however Klissi held up one finger to her smiling lips and they managed to shut their mouth before making a sound. It was news to share with the others later. Continuing where she left off, Klissi turned towards Kerrin. “You have run a cothold before? Good. Running a weyr is not much different, a few things here and there. However, I am sure you’ll be able to handle it just fine.” With the news of what positions they were given, Klissi was sure she just shocked the two of them. K’ivan knew what the weyr needed so he might have told them beforehand, but there was always a chance that he had not. It was Klissi’s job to appoint positions of the weyrfolk after all.

[J'zeni]

J'zeni nodded and laughed softly at the Weyrwoman's words, hoping that their exchange made her feel better. When the others came over, J'zeni's smile faded into a concerned furrow until he realized why they'd come. It was evident that J'zeni wasn't the only one thrilled by Klissi's appearance as the Weyrleader's smile showed all what he thought of Klissi's outing. J'zeni didn't need to be a dragon to read K'ivan's thoughts.

A little taken back by being introduced as a 'special young person' on top of his title, J'zeni jerked upward to stand up straighter and rolled his shoulders back. Of course, that was enough to cause him to smile again. "Hello, Joliffe. Nice to meet you, Kerrin." said J'zeni with that broad smile still affixed to his face. "Welcome to the Weyr." He offered his hand to Joliffe first with the intention of shaking Joliffe's hand, and meant to do the same for Kerrin. It was the way to meet people formally even if this wasn't a truly formal meeting. And, in J'zeni's mind, a sign of respect toward the older people.

Who are they? New friends. Oh good! I like new friends.