Weyr Games {Open; everyone encouraged}

[B'rioth]

"Oh, it is interesting. You'll love it. Meetings don't interfere with dragonrider duties either because they're always at night. Surprising I know. Studying the stars at night? Wow, what a shocking surprise!" B'rioth continued on as his smile increased. Noting the way that Allegra took a step backward, his gaze flickered to Ja'ryns and back to Allegra. That was an odd reaction. Is she scared of him? He did sound a bit lecturey. He shrugged it off since it seemed like nothing but an innocuous momentary reaction to someone she didn't know well.

Ariana's arrival caused the brownrider to turn in place toward her and move to the side to give her room in the circle of friends. The first to speak as his friend approached, B'rioth draped his arm around the Weyrwoman with any easy familiarity. He'd remove it if she objected, of course, but even if she was the Senior Weyrwoman nowadays they were friends first and foremost. "Fair skies, Ariana! What a lovely day. How is Syndoreth? I hope her eggs are doing all right. I heard about the near-disaster. I'm glad everything's fine."

"Miss the start? Oh, you did! They started a few minutes back. It's the 'lightweight' round of the Steeple Chase." He gestured toward Allegra with his free hand. "You have excellent timing, Weyrwoman. I was about to recruit this lovely lady into our Starcrafters group. We always need more people right? And, she looks about Rydel's age if I had to guess." B'rioth winked at Allegra as he added with a quick laugh. "No, don't worry, I'm not trying to set you up with him. But, I am sure he needs to interact with more people his own age."

[N'olan]

N'olan nodded in agreement with a soft smile. "Dolphins are the best. There are only two dolphineers at the Weyr. It's only me and An'zell, white Speranth's rider." I don't think I sold our craft very well. He lamented to Kaloraynth. Lost in a conversation with his dragon, he didn't notice Allegra's reaction to Ja'ryns' final words.

Dolphins are the best. Kal agreed in an otherwise non-committal statement. N'olan chuckled. He knew the bronze would appreciate the company of a young green if nothing else than to flirt with her. And, perhaps I will be there when Dulcith Rises. Speranth will be no competition. The bronze said this not unkindly. The white, after all, showed no signs of wanting to Rise or Chase.

"It is common for holdfolk to have little opportunity for a craft. Especially girls," No'lan said a slight bitter edge to his tone. "I'm sure if Neroius hadn't been Searched, she'd have been married off to one of Lanae hold's local fisherfolk." Allegra might recognize the name 'Neroius' as being a Candidate with her (also one of the Weyr's harpers).

Ariana's arrival and B'rioth's enthusiasm overwhelmed his words. He fell silent as he watched the exchange unfold.

"Good day, Weyrwoman," N'olan said. He shook his head as he agreed with B'rioth's statement. "You didn't miss too much yet. The Steeplechase is happening and the Firestone toss is going to start soon. I don't know what other events there are - we were on our way to find the Weyrleader when we ran into Allegra."

[Ja'ryns]

Shards! What happened? That wasn't my intention at all. And, instead of suggesting that she look elsewhere not to close her off, but in the hope that she kept an open mind about which craft to join, he'd suddenly caused her distress. Not expecting the Weyrling to react by backing away from him, Ja'ryns stared at the ground while the others peddled their crafts. He rubbed the back of his hair as he considered why she'd gone all nervous on him. Reviewing his words and tone of voice, he realized he may have intimidated her.

You'd think I'd be used to talking to younger people by now. I have what - two apprentices. Admittedly, he felt pressured to accept her as an apprentice. But, Allegra's reaction was enough to knock his usual smile off Ja'ryns features and he remained silent until Ariana arrived.

"Hel - " of course, B'rioth beat him to the greetings. Ja'ryns managed a wane smile when the irrepressible brownrider threw his arm around the Weyrwoman. After B'rioth and No'lan gave their greetings, Ja'ryns simply added: "Hello. How is your day going?"

[Narrator]

Meanwhile...

Firestone Toss

Near the firestone tossing arena four piles of sacks laden with various amounts of firestone awaited their moments of glory as weights for the participants. Each pile of sacks corresponded to a specific weight - sixty, fifty, twenty, and fifteen pounds. There were two additional piles some feet off to the side - an eighty-pound pile and a ten-pound pile. These outliers were for those participants who wanted more, or less, weight, but would only be used if there were enough participants. Like someone to challenge Johnorris or half a dozen weyrbrats who wanted to play.

Several fire lizards, including Bane, Dusty, Ruckus, Pellital, Mist, Sare, and three wild ones poked around the area looking for grubs, insects and other tasty snacks. Blue Ruckus knew that His was finally coming home, so he decided to come back to the Weyr early.

Green Mist and Sare uncovered a long tunnelsnake curled up in the shade, trying to take a nap under the firestone sacks. The chirping duo lunged at the tunnelsnake, but the slippery creature eluded them. The other fire-lizards took notice of the tunnelsnake and suddenly a scene of minor chaos erupted as they all went after the tempting morsel.

During the ensuing madness, Bane managed to grab the tunnelsnake, biting down hard on it. In the process, he ingested some of the firestone dust and specks that clung to the tunnelsnake's body. It hissed and bit at Bane so he backed off. The other fire-lizards scrambled around, trying to get a hold of the tunnelsnake with the hope of a snack. By this point, every fire-lizard had some firestone dust and specks covering them.

"Hey! Get away from there!" Shouted Gerana as she dashed up to the scene. She sent mental pressure onto Pellital to force the brown fire-lizard to stand down. Though reluctant to do so, he backed away and flew in circles above Gerana's head, chittering excitedly as he did.

Golben and Damarin arrived to assist with breaking up the scene and chase away both the fire-lizards and tunnelsnake away. The wild fire-lizards disappeared first, leaving traces of firestone powder in the air when they escaped Between. The tunnelsnake rushed off toward the Lower Caverns with Bane, Dusty, Ruckus, and the green Sera in pursuit. The rest of the fire-lizard mob went their separate ways.

---

(Bane used with permission.)

[Allegra]

Of course Allegra was taken by B’rioth’s infectious enthusiasm and smile. She also liked the thought of interacting with others her age outside of Weyrling classes. And while N’olan wasn't as boisterous, there was something about his calm demeanor that she found appealing. “Maybe I can spend a sevenday trying each craft,” she suggested, not wanting to discourage either rider (unlike a certain someone else.) “I could see what they're like and if you’d think I'd be a good fit.” 

Oh, I like that idea very much, Dulcith said in a sultry tone as she stood up and stretching languidly, showing off her sleek form and shiny hide to anyone that might be looking her way.

Allegra tried not to roll her eyes at her dragon and nodded at N’olan’s mention at the lack of opportunities for women. “ It can be really discouraging sometimes,” she agreed. “But, doesn't Neroius have a craft? I remember seeing her with journeyman knots when we were candidates. Harper I think? She'd be a better assistant to the new Harper than I would.”

“Good day Weyrwoman,” Allegra said when Ariana walked up. “I had no idea one little question would cause such a stir! But I'm glad I did. If I’d known how welcoming the crafters were here, I would have asked around to help sooner!” She smiled broadly. “The games are a lot of fun, and not just watch! Were you interested in participating in one?” 

[B'rioth]

(Going to skip the Weyrwoman. She'll post whenever she has a chance. Hopefully, in due time so she can answer Allegra's question.)

"Of course!" B'rioth agreed and moved closer to Allegra. His hand lifted, but he dropped it as he decided against clapping her on the back at the last minute. "That's a great idea. Come to the Starcrafters meeting first. Then, you won't have to waste your - er, won't have to dabble with the others." He added with a hearty laugh. "It's not up to us to decide if you're worthy of a craft. You have to want to be in the craft first."


Unfortunately for Oreoleth, he couldn't see the sexy green from his perch. Of course, she was too young to Rise yet...

[N'olan]

Almost on top of his friend's agreement, N'olan also nodded. "That's a good idea, you'll have a chance to experience the different responsibilities and meet the other people involved in the various crafts. It can be discouraging, I agree." He agreed softly. "I'm glad that there's so much opportunity at a Weyr, especially at White Sands. I think we treat women same as anyone else."

At the mention of his sister, his expression brightened. "Yes! She's a Harper. We had a good one back in Lanae. Neroius took to music like I took to the water." His pride in his younger sibling shone through in every word. "The new Harper? Hmm... oh, yes, I think the Weyrleader mentioned something about a transfer in our last meeting." N'olan looked to Ja'ryns in a silent query.

[Ja'ryns]

The others beat him to the punch, so Ja'ryns stayed silent while B'rioth and N'olan spoke. He nodded at Allegra's idea and the consequent responses to it. He sensed something about her responses. Some prickliness that she hadn't had before, but couldn't place it. Ja'ryns' nodded and offered a smile. "It is a good idea. Exploring the options means that you may find the exact thing that you want. I think - "

But the conversation turned toward Nerious and the new Harper and N'olan looked to the (actual?) Weyrleader for an answer. "Oh, yes, her name is Kira. Nerious won't be her assistant because Nerious is a higher rank than Kira. Kira's still an apprentice even if she's a third ranker. But, Allegra, don't put yourself down. You can do whatever you put your mind to."

[Allegra]

“And I’m not going to know if I want to be in a craft until I try it,” Allegra bantered back. “Sure, I’ll start with Starcraft. Tell me where and when, and I’ll be there. But, I’m not going to stand up any of the other crafts, so don’t be jealous.” She wagged a finger at B’rioth playfully.

“I’m grateful for the opportunities, and don’t want to let them be wasted any longer.” She replied to N’olan. “An’zell will be back soon then? It’ll be good to see him and Speranth again.”

I’ve missed Speranth, Duclith interjected a little sadly. She liked the little white. He always had something interesting to say.

Allegra looked at Ja’ryns as he answered N’olan. “Sounds like a perfect match,” she said, but gave Ja’ryn’s a confused look. “I know I can,” she replied simply, unsure why he kept thinking she was putting herself down. “And I’m putting to it the Star and Dolphins crafts, and see how those go.”

[Ariana]

Ariana smiled at the gathered crowd around her. The atmosphere of White Sands was leagues above than her old home, everyone here was relaxed. Well as relaxed as one can be after dealing with a major illness that shut down the islands for a while.

“I was thinking of joining in on some of the games.-“ Her words trailed off as Syn reached out to her. Mine. Or’West wants you. “- However duty calls. So I will have to leave you in the capable hands of these fine gentlemen. Excuse me.”

Extracted from the circle, Ariana made her way over to the offices.

[G'age]

The tunnelsnake rushed off toward the Lower Caverns with Bane, Dusty, Ruckus, and the green Sera in pursuit.

Ruckus rushed through the corridors changing the tunnelsnake. The others followed close behind him. He dove down low in an attempt to attack it, but they were fast prey and it dodged to the left with a decisive sideways slither. The brown fire-lizard banked to follow his quarry. And soon, Ruckus and the other three followed the tunnelsnake into a tunnel that led into the Lower Caverns.  

[Ja'ryns]

Ja'ryns was as confused as Allegra by her reactions since he'd initially agreed to her proposal and asked his curiosity-based questions about why she chose him and not the other crafts.

It wasn't as though they were strangers. He'd been the Weyr's dragonhealer when she Impressed and helped Dulcith and her during the first few months of their Weyrlinghood. He realized she knew how to care for dragons because he'd personally trained her - and the rest of her Weyrling class dragoncare basics. And, fire-lizards were smaller versions of dragons.

He wasn't sure why she prickled whenever he asked her a question. Or why she seemed to balk when he offered her advice for her young fire-lizards. In his mind, their part of the conversation went from friendly banter about hatchlings and a theoretical discourse about exploring options before committing to a sudden tension between them.

What happened? Did I confuse her along the way or did she interpret my questions as trying to chase her off? He offered twice to give her something to do in the healers' ward. Now, she had obvious issues with him. How can I possibly be her Master if she didn't like me?



Ariana's abrupt departure caused Ja'ryns to furrow his brows further and he watched a moment as she walked away. What duties? Syndoreth did not say anything to me. Zayreth mentioned. Hm... It is either leadership or hatching-related. Either one of those options, I should be there to find out what's going on. If it isn't either of those, I can always come back.


"I should go too," he said to the others, and looking at Allegra, he added: "I'm not sure what happened. I didn't mean to discourage you from coming to the healers' ward Allegra."

"Healing - draconic or human - can always use more hands and even between Lyxias' former apprentices and mine, there's lots to do putting the healing ward to rights. I'm glad you're going to browse the other crafts too. They have fewer representatives here, and you may find your skills or interests better suited to one of those during your exploration. Or not."

"If you don't find what you're looking for in the songs, the stars, or the sea, please do come to see me. Like I said right from the beginning, I'm sure we can find something for you and your brood to do." He nodded to her, then glanced again at his friends with a parting smile; he peeled off from their group. Ja'ryns jogged long enough to catch up with Ariana...



----

Dusty shrieked! This chase was so fun. It would be better if the tasty morsel would hold still long enough for him to take a bite, but he enjoyed the hunt just as much. He followed the snake too - Ja'ryns caught a mental glimpse of the location - in the opposite direction as his owner. Ja'ryns felt Dusty's impatience and eagerness. What was he doing?