The World of Pern(tm) is copyright to Anne McCaffrey (c) l967.
The Dragonriders of Pern(r) is a registered copyright.

This is a log of roleplay on PernMUSH, available online by permission of
Anne McCaffrey, author of the Pern novels, and recorded by A.S. Korra'ti
(piper@murkworks.net), player of Mehlani of Telgar Weyr on PernMUSH.
This log may be distributed freely as long as this header remains intact.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Log Date:
	4/14/98

Log Cast:
	(People) Kindre, Mehlani, Jorenan, Manira, Jerral, K'star (NPC),
Kassima, V'dan (NPC), Sandar, A'lex

	(Fire lizards) Grape, Pheloni

Log Intro:
	With her life returned somewhat to normal, Mehlani has found only
one real issue left over from the night of Leilanth's flight -- that being
that K'star, despite being conspiciously absent from her vicinity as of late,
has nevertheless managed to dominate her thoughts. He's done it to the point
that Mehlani's raised a few eyebrows with her daydreaming, including those
of Kes's cousin Kassima -- who has taken the opportunity to advise the girl
in how to deal with the young brown rider -- and Jorenan, the Baker Apprentice
who has been friendly with Mehlani for some time. Unaware that Jorenan's
sentiments to her have also of late been becoming something more than friendly,
Mehlani has fretted over the problem of how to approach K'star and assure
him that she's not angry with him for having managed to wind up parked in
her cot, completely intoxicated... and as it happens, the arrival of his and
his brother E'rian's Turnday provides her with an opportunity she can't help
but seize....

----------
Your location's current time: 15:40 on day 11, month 7, Turn 22, of the Tenth 
  Pass. It is a summer afternoon.

You walk through the large entrance to the Living Cavern.
Telgar Weyr's Living Cavern(#750RJM$)
Contents:
Kindre
Pierron
Obvious exits:
Lower Caverns  Kitchen  Bowl  

Kindre looks up from what is obviously a scroll. Her brows suddenly uncrease, 
  the intense studying of her mind moving to more pleasant thoughts. 
  "Afternoon, Mehlani," she offers kindly and then sips her juice.

For once unaccompanied by her fair, Mehlani pads into the cavern, her face 
  alight and intense with concentration. She's heading for the klah, but after 
  a belated moment in which she seems to miss the gold rider's greeting, she 
  starts, glances over, and smiles timidly. The lass's behatted head bobs in 
  greeting.

The corner of Kindre's mouth curls a bit as she nods back in a similar return 
  of regreeting. Frowning as her eyes fall back upon the scroll spread out 
  neatly before her, she apparently decides to attempt conversation rather 
  than give the content of the hide more concentration. "Are all of your 
  'lizards off hunting for themselves," she wonders after noticing the usual 
  bevy of beasts around the young woman isn't about.

Mehlani bobs her head and murmurs softly, "They're all very hungry and I got 
  Holl and Arki to leave me alone for a while... because I have to think..." 
  She shifts from foot to foot, seeming uncharacteristically restless.

From the kitchen, Jorenan trudges in from the direction of the storage caverns 
  and begins some project or another.

Kindre's head tilts a bit in what is likely curiousity. Noticing the restless 
  movements of Mehlani, unusual in and of themselves, she smiles a bit. Toying 
  with her juice glass, she wonders cautiously, "What have you to think 
  about?" Possibly expecting an answer, she ammends her query with, "If you 
  don't mind me being so nosy, of course."

"A Turnday," whispers the girl, pitching her voice very softly, so as not to 
  carry any farther than Kindre's ears.

From the kitchen, Jorenan didn't hear that, nope. Not a word of it. He's deep 
  in the midst of creation. It appears to have something to do with butter, 
  sugar, cream, and a few other tasty-looking ingredients.

"Aaah," drawls the goldrider with a single bob of her head. During her study 
  of the now-idle scroll upon the table she must have put her hand through her 
  hair a few times in frustration or something similar; a few curls bob a bit 
  wildly with her nodding. "Any in particular, or shouldn't I ask," is another 
  question she can't seem to keep herself from asking.

Mehlani glances left, then glances right, and then scoots up close to Kindre 
  to whisper into her ear, "It's K'star's... and, um, E'rian's, too, even 
  though he's a Turn younger..."

Kindre nods a few times again and smiles. She seems to notice the loosened 
  curls and attempts to tuck them back into their clip. "I never realized they 
  had the same one, even with the turn difference. Well," is remarked as her 
  smile broadens a bit, "you're just thinking of things for both of them? Or 
  have you decided on a few?"

"I... have a present," Mehlani admits, "but... I-I have to find Kes first..." 
  The notion of locating brown Indyth's rider appears to unnerve the lass. 
  She's blushing, a trifle pinkly.

From the kitchen, Jorenan is still cooking. He's probably not even aware that 
  Mehlani and Kindre are in the living cavern, much less having a 
  conversation. Flavorings start to appear: A dark liquid of some kind, and 
  fruit zest. Salt, ground nuts, flour. All into a bowl.

Kindre, noticing the blush washing into Mehlani's cheeks, can't help but grin 
  a bit. Sipping a bit of her juice before nodding, she then begins to roll up 
  the insuffereable scroll slowly. "I can't recall if they're still out on 
  sweeps or not," she admits and shrugs, "If you'd like, I can have Hera try 
  to bespeak Indyth?"

Grape glides in from the bowl.
Grape has arrived.
Grape twitters then flies back out after snatching up a meatroll.

Manira walks in from the bowl.
Manira has arrived.

Pierron sniffs at the klah pot, and throws the old klah out with a look of 
  disgust.

Grape flits through the short tunnel and out into the bowl.
Grape has left.

Manira walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.
Manira has left.

Jerral walks in from the bowl.
Jerral has arrived.

'Lani's face brightens a little, though the nervousness in her eyes is still 
  unmistakable. "If... if she would... I-I have a present for E'rian, too, I 
  was just going to have my fair take them to them, but I thought... maybe I 
  ought to give them to them myself... if that makes sense..." Mehlani, 
  babbling? Evidently she is, and evidently she knows it, for she suddenly 
  shuts her mouth and blushes, one hand fidgeting with a flap of the pocket of 
  her black vest.

From the kitchen, Soon all the ingredients are worked into a dough, and 
  Jorenan is pressing the dough into a set of flat, round pans.

Jerral enters calmly, bag tucked under his right arm, he says various hellos 
  to people he passes, settling at a table and setting the sack on the floor 
  next to him.

"Telgar's duties to the Traders," Kindre offers kindly to Jerral upon seeing 
  his knot. The small blue firelizard on her shoulder peeks out briefly as 
  another 'lizard skims in and then out of the cavern. A smirk curls her lips 
  as the young gift-giver speaks. Nodding, she remarks, "Ah, I see, I see. I 
  think giving them in person would be nicer, to be true, and it makes perfect 
  sense."

Mehlani, as Kindre's attention diverts, blinks and glances over at the 
  newcomer. Still blushing, she dips her behatted head slightly, apparently 
  mortified to have this conversation she's having be interrupted. Still, she 
  bobs her head mutely to Herath's rider, and then bobs it again at the 
  stranger, perhaps by way of greeting.

Jerral
        Youth...Jerral is a hard child of heart, 17 Turns, 1 months, and 8 
  days turns, his Blondish mane, folds softly back against his neck in a short 
  bundle, tied with what looks like a strip of cloth from his, shirt? It is 
  soft blue in color. The shirt, worn and rugged, has seen many turns on the 
  trail, traveling with the Dalegards as he has been for these many turns now. 
  Jerral, trader by title, goof by all other names, born to Jarrontil and 
  Raltorn, he was fostered to the Dalegards when he was 10 and has been 
  working hard every since.
         Jerral's pants come to about mid calf, and it looks like they are a 
  bit way too tight, like they used to be longer, but you're not sure. Dusty, 
  but still brown underneath he doesn't wear a belt or anything, but his boots 
  do seem to cover the exposed flesh between the bottom them and the tops of 
  his footings. The lacing on the boot criss-crosses from atop his foot about 
  half way up the durable hide coverings. Jerral's greyish eyes pear about 
  smiling at everyone, his soft boyish face slowly growing more chisseled with 
  time, begins to show the first hints of true manhood. Even now his small 
  face grows dark with a goatee, and moustache, thick, but barely visible on 
  his rich complexion. Jerral is now six foot and two inches tall, broad at 
  the shoulders, and well defined from many turns of heavy lifting, and moving 
  of wares for the Dalegard Traders. He proudly wears the lavender and emerald 
  knot associated with that family and there business of trading wines and 
  fine stuffs.

Jerral returns to the lady, "Thank you, Dalegard's Duties to Telgar." He 
  settles in and starts looking around for a victem...or is that a 
  buyer..either way.

From the kitchen, Once all the pans are filled with the dough, the Baker pours 
  dried legumes into each, and they go into the ovens. Jorenan pauses and 
  looks up when someone else comes into the living cavern, and then goes back 
  to his work. He gives the newcomer a polite nod.

"Indyth is about the Weyr," the goldrider notes after pausing to 'speak' with 
  her lifemate. "Shall I have her ask him to come down? Or just mention 
  that...you're looking for him," she wonders, brows raising slightly as she 
  speaks quietly. "I wouldn't dare think of having her tell him why, of 
  course," is added for assurance.

Mehlani can be seen to draw in a shaky soft breath. After a moment, she just 
  nods her head rapidly to Kindre, swiftly enough to make her hat bobble on 
  her head. This catches her attention, and she reaches up and plucks the hat 
  off, standing there fidgeting with it grasped in her slender fingers. And as 
  if this gives her a measure of composure, 'Lani manages to whisper, 
  "Please..."

Jerral corners one unsuspecting rider, making some offer, elliciting a smile 
  from him.

Kindre bobs her head a few times and grins. "Of course," is said aloud before 
  her voice goes to that of her dragon alone. A few quiet moments pass before 
  she returns to the visions before her. "Hera has asked," she notes quietly 
  and smiles, "Relax dearheart," is apparently something she feels she needs 
  to add once looking over the nervous-looking young woman. "I'm sure he'll 
  love whatever you've gotten him." The Trader and smiling rider over in the 
  corner draw her attentions for a moment. "Hmm...I wonder if I should try to 
  barter for something," she thinks aloud.

From the direction of the Inner Caverns, oddly enough, comes the sought-after 
  brownrider--and it's blatantly clear that he's just come from the Springs. 
  If the wire-brush he's carrying in one hand wasn't a clue, the dripping 
  state of his hair under his fedora and the way his hastily-donned shirt 
  clings to his wet person would probably give it away. "You summoned, 
  m'lady?" K'star asks, sketching a quick salute to Kin. With that hatbrim in 
  his eyes, it's dubious whether he's seen who else is in the room just yet.

Jerral grins at the person he was speaking with, nods once and moves off to 
  the next character.

Kindre chuckles a bit at the young brownrider and nods to the salute. Noting 
  the tilt of his hat, she says aloud, "Somewhat, yes K'star," just in case 
  her nod went unseen by the steam-lingered young man. "Actually, 'twas 
  Mehlani who had hoped to catch you about."

Mehlani has started pacing, moving behind Kindre's seat to give the junior 
  weyrwoman an unobtructed view of the trader. As it happens, she's now frozen 
  behind the shelter of Herath's rider's seated form, and with wide anxious 
  eyes, she peeks over Kindre's shoulders at the young man who's entered the 
  cavern.

"Mehlani?" Kes glances about the Cavern by reflex, and his eyes finally come 
  to rest on the young woman peeping out from behind Kindre. "Oh, shells... 
  forgive me, 'Lani; I didn't know you'd be here." He gestures to his somewhat 
  wet attire and self, his expression nearly comical in its mix of 
  embarrassment and mild horror. Why it's all right for him to inflict--if 
  that's the right word; the LCGs might have another for it--his still-soaked 
  self on the rest of the LC but not Mehlani is a subject for pondering.

From the kitchen, Jorenan glances up. Hmmm. K'star. Hmm. A thoughtful frown 
  wears its way back down into the concentration frown that Jorenan always 
  wears when he's baking something new. Now that the pans are in the oven, he 
  starts washing and sorting baskets of berries that will likely make a 
  filling.

Kassima walks in from the bowl.
Kassima has arrived.

Pierron humphs thoughtfully as the wingleader of Thunderbolt arrives.

"Have you anything of Half Circle make," Kindre calls over to Jerral, auburn 
  brows raised slightly as she queries him. A quick gaze goes to Mehlani as 
  she turns to see where the young woman has moved to, followed by a tiny 
  grin. Pheloni, the blue on the rider's shoulder, peeps at Mehlani in what 
  might be a comforting sound. She can't help but peer back at K'star standing 
  in his small puddle of cooled spring water. Kassima's entrance, however, 
  pulls her sights from the brownrider to the caverns door. "Afternoon 
  Wingleader," she calls cheerfully.

"Hello, Kes," Mehlani murmurs over Kindre's shoulder, her blue eyes still 
  rather round, gaze fixed quite securely on the damp brown rider. That 
  appears to be all 'Lani can utter at the moment, and she remains behind 
  Kindre as if she's grown roots there.

"Now, look, Kassi. You know I *almost* bet on Choiraminth in that 
  flight--until *you* told me his record was bad. You're not going t'take my 
  marks for missing it by *that* much, are you?" Yes, Kassi and V'dan are 
  arguing again, the latter striving unceasingly and futilely to keep his 
  marks in his own pocket. The Wingleader pays him no heed, only snorting once 
  before she rolls her eyes at Pierron, wiggles her fingers at her cousin, and 
  flashes Kin a bright grin. "Kin! A pleasant surprise, t'be finding you in 
  here instead of locked up with the Records."

Kes seems quite content to stay where he is, too, dripping more and more water 
  on the floor until a helpful wingmate hisses loudly to him, "Go see what she 
  wants, you fool!" That's enough to get him moving towards the others, a few 
  steps at least. "The weyrwoman said you wanted t'speak with me?" he asks 
  'Lani quietly. Hazel eyes peer out at her from under the shadow of that 
  hatbrim.

Jerral wander his way towards the Jr. WeyrWoman, to her he says, "I believe 
  there will be some supplies from Half Circle coming with the wagon train 
  later this week. What did you have in mind?"

Eek. _More_ people. The edges of her teeth just visible as she bites at her 
  lower lip, Mehlani darts a nervous glance at the incoming green riders, then 
  at Kindre's blue, and finally back to K'star. Inching out from behind 
  Kindre's chair, 'Lani moves towards the brown rider, and bobs her head 
  gravely at him. The first words out of her mouth, though, are "I-I didn't 
  mean for you to interrupt tending Indyth...!"

Kindre points at the rolled up scroll sitting beside her juice glass on the 
  table where she sits. "I thought," she explains to her friend, "that I'd 
  bring the records in here for a change, Kassi. Not that it made them any 
  more pleasant." The latter is remarked as her lips curl a bit into a frown, 
  then she shrugs. "I suppose, though, that they're no more tedious than 
  sweeps or wing drill, however. How fares with you and the girls? Lysseth 
  well, I hope?" Overhearing K'star's wingmate causes her to chuckle a bit 
  before she whispers to Mehlani, "Dearheart, you look like a Lemos skybroom 
  there...go on, I'm sure he'll love it." Turning back around to find Jerral's 
  eyes, she hrms. "I'm not certain I've anything special in mind. I'm from 
  there originally and try to gather a thing or two from the Hold when the 
  opportunity arises. Any idea what may be on the coming wagon?"

K'star darts a startled glance at Kin. One can almost see his thoughts on his 
  face: 'Love what?' Better not to ask. Instead, he turns his attention to 
  Mehlani, a faint smile curving his lips despite himself. "Indyth hardly 
  minds. He likes you, y'know; his scrubbing can certainly wait another few 
  minutes for any purpose of yours." Though the smile remains, the brownrider 
  looks nothing so much as awkward.

Jerral says "well, besides the standard supplies, and a bit more..." he 
  mumbles aloud to himself, "..got to remember to ask about supplies for the 
  Hatching..." Um, I think there may be some shell necklaces and such, maybe a 
  sea song or two from the harper, or maybe a new bit of cloth, I'm not 
  exactly sure.""

Kassima flicks a glance out towards the Bowl at the first roll of thunder, her 
  features twisting up in a grimace. "Grand; a storm. Just what we're 
  needing." She settles herself in a seat not far from her friends, watching 
  Kes and 'Lani with curiousity for a brief moment before redirecting hr focus 
  elsewhere. "Eh, I'm nay certain about that. I spend as much time with 
  hidework as the other two, or so it seems--and I'd much rather be flying 
  than cooped up with ink, hides, and dust. Mayhaps you should take the hides 
  t'Boll and try working on 'em there sometime; I do that m'self, when time 
  permits... and aye, Lyss and I are both well. Khari's begun speaking and is 
  about *this* far from actually walking alone; Kay's been having some trouble 
  with nightmares, believe it or nay, but is well beyond that." Of the Trader, 
  she wonders with interest, "What constitutes your standard supplies, 
  generally?"

Managing to close the distance between herself and Kes, 'Lani finally stands 
  before him, apparently unbothered that the dampness trickling off him is 
  liable to moisten her boot-toes. She smiles weakly, then draws in a breath 
  and blurts, "I just, I just wanted to tell you that I'm not mad at you and 
  you don't need to be upset or embarrassed a-and I wanted to give you this--" 
  Cutting herself off, she ducks her hand into her vest pocket and comes up 
  with a small pouch, of beaten brown leather, a few shades lighter than the 
  hat perched on Kes's head -- and for that matter, the other hat, like enough 
  to be its twin, dangling from 'Lani's other hand. The pouch is tied closed 
  with braided brown cord, and some sort of pattern appears to be embroidered 
  into the sides. Mehlani finishes her burst of words with a breathlessly 
  gulped, "Happy Turnday!" And she holds out the pouch, her face full of 
  nervousness.

Sandar walks here from the Inner Cavern.
Sandar has arrived.

Kindre nods her head a few times to the Dalegard Trader as he notes the items 
  possible being held on the incoming wagon. Her brows lift into her forehead 
  as a smile grows across her features when a particular feature is noted. "A 
  sea song? That's something I don't have. It's been hard to get to the Hold 
  lately," she admits with a small lift of one of her shoulders, "so anything 
  familiar of home is terribly welcome." A roll of silver-blue eyes and nod of 
  suffered agreement echoes the Wingleader's words. "Shards, don't I know it. 
  I swear we're likely to float off the way the rains have been coming lately. 
  Should be glad, I suppose," is mused while she toys with the scroll, 
  thumping it idly upon the table. Her head bobs a few more times as Kassima 
  mentions her two daughters. "Kiknjer, my brother, mentioned that Kieal had 
  troubles with nightmares as well not so long ago. He said it did pass, 
  though." Mehlani's gift-giving draws a wide grin to her face, which she 
  showers on Sandar as well. "Good 'noon to you, Sandar!"

Jerral turns to the new voice, "well, we carry an extensive supply of wines, 
  varying from 5 turn presses to a few at about 50 turns, all flavors. There's 
  cloth bolts from the weavers and some of the other holds and cot holds, 
  salted fish and meats, baking goods. We have basically everything that a 
  Weyr could need in the way of medical supplies, we have a contract for 
  deliveries with the Healers, and I think Drugar has added various minerals 
  and jewels from the Mine Craft, along with some already assembled trinkets 
  and such." He pauses to take a slight breath, "I'm what you call the 
  advanced guard. I come and see what's needed, and then the train delivers."

Sandar wanders in with his hand outstretched into wave position, his customary 
  smile adorning his youthful features. "Doublegood 'noon to you, Kindre! And 
  everyone!" He notices Mehlani offering gifts to K'star, and murmurs, "hey, 
  there's a switch," before picking up a mug of klah from the counter that 
  someone must have set there for him.

Blink. Blinkety-blink, blink blink. K'star's eyes widen a touch, though 
  whether at the nearness of Mehlani or her first statement is hard to 
  pinpoint. "You're... not mad at me?" he repeats, sounding vaguely amazed. 
  "After what S'lah and Sh'roun did--and how I acted--" Which one would guess 
  *he* thinks is like a fool, "You're really nay mad at me?" It takes him a 
  moment to process this, and by that time, Mehlani has presented him with the 
  pouch. "I guess I should've known you wouldn't; you're not the sort to hold 
  grudges, but--'Lani, what's this? Shells, you remembered that? You didn't 
  have to get me aught!" A wide smile blooms on his face, though. Whether she 
  should have or shouldn't have, he's evidently pleased that she *did.*

Apparently oblivious to the conversation springing up between Kassi, Kindre, 
  and yonder trader, as well as Sandar's arrival, Mehlani stands there before 
  the dripping young brown rider, her attention apparently not allowing her to 
  look anywhere else. She shakes her head earnestly at his questions, and 
  simply lets Kes take the pouch. From the weight of it, there's clearly 
  something in there. "I'm not mad," she murmurs.

Kassima glances to Kin, considering. "She'd be the one t'know what we need, 
  a'course... for m'self, I'd be most interested in wine and jewelry, but I 
  doubt that last reflects the interests of the Weyr as a whole. The first is 
  another story." She slides the trader a wink. "Oh--m'name's Kassima, by the 
  by; green Lysseth's rider, Thunderbolt Wingleader, and occasional raving 
  maniac. Well met. Did your brother mention aught that might help the lass 
  *during*, Kin?" Slightly anxious green eyes turn to the weyrwoman now. 
  "Truth be told, Simaeva's worn nigh to a frazzle, and neither of us can seem 
  t'think of aught."

A'lex walks in from the bowl.
A'lex has arrived.

K'star does take the pouch, of course, lifting it up so that he might examine 
  it more closely. "You're more wonderful to me than I deserve, 'Lani," he 
  observes. That smile is back in place, though his brows still quirk up in 
  surprise. "Forgiveness *and* a gift... only you, 'Lani, only you. I was more 
  expecting along the lines of a sock to the jaw. May I open it?"

Jerral chuckles softly, "I'm Jerral, traveling trader of the Dalegards, well 
  met and my duties as well as the families to you and your lifemate."

Kindre apparently agrees with several nods of her head. "True enough," is said 
  aloud as if the nodding did not convey her agreement. "I believe they 
  allowed Kieal to sleep with them for a few sevendays," is offered as to what 
  her brother did to ease her niece's nightmares, "and that seemed to work."

Sandar waves a sloshy mug of klah at A'lex.

A'lex enters with a smile, and strides to the drinks table, waving in transit.

"Afternoon A'lex," is offered to the bronzerider by Kindre along with a wave 
  and smile.

'Lani only bobs her head again at K'star, looking up at him and standing there 
  with her hat clasped in both her hands now.

From the kitchen, Jorenan ducks into the storage caverns for some more 
  supplies.

A'lex sits on a bench at the long table for Skyfire wing.
A'lex sighs as he sips his cider, a contented look on his face.

Kassima nods, considering. "There'd certes be nay harm in letting her sleep 
  with me for a time, nor an inconvenience--reason number something-or-other 
  why nay t'have a weyrmate. I confess that I forget just which one. I hope 
  you're right, and that it helps; 'tis unnerving t'hear her screams." Kassi's 
  offering to A'lex is also a wave, accompanied by a call of, "Heya, 
  purple-man!"

A'lex smirks at Kassi, "Heya yerself Greenrider. How goes it with you and 
  Lysseth?"

Sandar looks from A'lex to Kassima somewhat warily, unsure of whether they're 
  going to start fisticuffs today, or if they'll start holding hands instead.

Jerral waves to the newly arriving folks, not knowing them, but waving 
  friendly like anyway. To kindre and Kassima he says, "so, is there anything 
  you require. I can place your order now and when Drugar and the Train 
  arrive, you guys can work out a deal I am sure. Unless it's just a small 
  order, which I can deal with you now about."

Kassima waggles her hand in a so-so sort of gesture. "Nay badly; could be 
  better, but overall, I'm nay complaining. Miryenne being grounded is 
  something of a pain... but we've got just under eight months now t'learn how 
  best t'cope, which should more than suffice." Tilting her head, the 
  greenrider considers for a moment before shaking her head. "Naught specific, 
  and I've nay the marks for many things anyway. When your train comes, 'twill 
  certes have t'be looking through the wares... 'tis how I do most of 
  m'purchasing anyway."

Within the pouch, K'star can first find another long braided cord, made of 
  strands of black and white and brown. Dangling from this can be discovered a 
  pendant, a simple small disk of worked clay the color of sand; one side 
  bears a relief image of a dragon's head, tinted ever so slightly in brown, 
  and the other side is the sigil of Telgar Weyr, limned in the same shade of 
  brown to match. 'Lani doesn't speak as Kes discovers what she's given him, 
  her eyes broadcasting 'Do you like it?' well enough without her voice's aid.

A'lex says "Miryenne?"

Sandar raises his eyebrows as he watches K'star pull the pendant from the bag, 
  obviously quite impressed by the craftsmanship.

A'lex catches a glimpse of the gift giving proceedings and repositions himself 
  so that he can see exactly what's going on. "Ooooh, very nice, K'star! Who's 
  that from?" As if he didn't know...

"Ohhhh..." Kes breathes, removing the pendant from its home. "'Lani, this is 
  *marvelous.* I love it--'tis perfect; Indyth will like it, too. Did... did 
  you make this?" Without waiting for an answer, he slips it over his head and 
  settles it so that the pendant rests near his heart. "How do I look?" he 
  further asks with a hint of impishness in his eyes.

Sandar grins at K'star. "As always, you look like a scamp," he jokes. "But, 
  you're wearing a really neat pendant!"

Kassima nods ruefully to A'lex. "Blue Guarith's rider--y'know her. Turns out 
  that she and Val," she explains, jerking her thumb towards the greenrider in 
  question, "went off after Leilanth's flight, and now she's spawning. M'mind 
  is still gibbering with fear at the thought of Val having kids." Behind her, 
  V'dan oh-so-insolently sticks his tongue out at his Wingleader. "Anyway, 
  'tis a real pickle--Guarith was helping t'fill in the place Vnareth left, 
  since he's such a bloody big blue."

A'lex grins and nods, "That's right... sometimes it's so hard to keep up..." 
  He looks to Sandar, "Scamp? You've been hanging out with Richenda too 
  much...."

Sandar grins at A'lex. "True. I get called a scamp an awful lot, so I 'spect 
  it's a good thing to be a scamp," he winks.

K'star grins over at 'Lex, nodding discreetly to the girl who stands before 
  him. "Mehlani. It's fabulous, isn't it? And far too kind of her to recall 
  the day." His smile down to her is nearly as warm as Rukbat at midday before 
  he remembers to tone it down a degree or two. "Yeah, well, Sandar, a scamp 
  in a pendant's better'n a scamp in a lavendar dress, that's all I can say."

Sandar gives K'star a good natured scowl, then says, "alright, you win that 
  one."

A'lex looks from K'star to Sandar, trying to figure out exactly WHICH one of 
  the is wearing dresses NOW... after a moment, he gives up with a sigh.

"*Tell* me about it! Seems like everyone's spawning these days," Kassi 
  mock-groans. "Kin, do me a favor and just flame me if'n anyone slips me the 
  Water, eh? As contagious as this stuff is, I'm taking nay chances. Oh, Kes, 
  that *is* nice." The jewelry-loving rider sounds most approving of the 
  pendant, which may or may not be a good sign given her slightly eclectic 
  tastes.

Mehlani hasn't spoken, but she's begun to smile, watching Kes as he somehow 
  manages to slip the pendant on without catching the cord on his hat; the 
  braided length is long enough for this to be accomplished without him taking 
  the fedora off, no doubt on purpose. As the pendant settles into place, 
  'Lani's eyes linger there, and she smiles again, a little more widely.

Jerral sits back and listens now, new news is always good news. He sips at a 
  mug of klah.

Kindre blinks out of some thoughts...whether some nudging curiousities or 
  complaints by Herath or simple idle thinking on her own part will likely go 
  unsaid. "Hmm? Oh, shards, forgive me, my mind went 'tween there for a 
  moment," she offers apologetically. "I'm Kindre, by the way," is then 
  offered to the Trader in introduction. Glancing briefly towards Mehlani and 
  K'star now and again seems to force her lips to draw up into a wide grin at 
  their charming exchange. Nodding her agreement with A'lex's words, she adds, 
  "Definately a Riche-ism."
Kindre smirks at Kassima before bobbing her head. Putting her hand upon her 
  heart, she mock-swears, "I 'twill be my duty to protect you from the evils 
  of The Water."

Sandar also waves to Jerral. "I'm Sandar," he says in a friendly voice. "If 
  you need help with those incoming trains you mentioned, be sure to let me 
  know. Rennick taught me a new word the other day - "delegate" - I'm getting 
  rather good at that, and might be able to rustle up some help."

A'lex snickers, "It's all a hoax... Nie has given up drinking it, and started, 
  and given up again. Still nothing. The water is a hoax..."

Jerral grins at the lady, "my pleasure, Jerral in case it was missed. You will 
  let me know what the Weyr needs for the Hatching won't you?" to Sandar he 
  grins and nods, "I don't deal out the authority, Dru does, but I am sure 
  he'll be very happy to let anyone who wants to to help."

Sandar nods to Jerral. "Just let me know."

K'star hesitates only a moment before reaching out to hug 'Lani, though he 
  refrains from kissing her this time. "Thankee, 'Lani," he murmurs. "For the 
  gift... and for forgiveness, too. If'n 'tis all right, I should return to 
  Indyth ere the sand dries on him... 'twill see you about later?"

Mehlani turns quite, quite pink as she is embraced by the still damp and 
  disheveledly clad rider, but she hugs him quite, quite readily. And she 
  peeks up at him to murmur earnestly "Do... you need any help?"

Jerral rumages in his bag, scambling around for something.

"'Tis always welcomed, 'Lani, but only if it wouldn't be any trouble to you," 
  the young brownrider replies. That Wingmate who called him a fool earlier is 
  now sniggering and indulging in a fair amount of rib-nudging and winking 
  with those at his table.

Kassima snorts, simply snorts, at A'lex. "Tell that t'both of m'Water-spawned 
  daughters, bronzeboy. As for me, *I* believe... and you'll nay see me 
  partaking of the stuff anytime soon. Kin, you've m'undying gratitude! 
  Well... actually... if'n you're going t'kill me, I suppose 'undying' 
  wouldn't be the best word."

Jerral removes an old looking bottle from his sachel, "anyone for a glass of 
  spirrits?" He asks coquetishly.

A'lex snickers...

Kindre chuckles at Kassima before glancing back at Jerral and the proffered 
  bottle. "Hrm, it's a bit early in the day for me to be testing spirits, and 
  I've my juice," she notes in reply to his query, "but thank you all the 
  same."

Sandar grins. "Not at the moment, thanks... yeah, what Kindre said. Plus, I 
  heard Rennick stomping around out there," he winks.

Perhaps 'Lani is aware of the snickering and knowing gazes of K'star's 
  Duskfire wingmates; she's certainly still blushing as if she is, though she 
  keeps her gaze up on Kes's young, rugged face as the two of them pull back 
  out of their hug. "It's no trouble," she murmurs in utmost sincerity.

Kassima waggles her finger at 'Lex. "Just you watch it... the Water knows 
  you're laughing, and 'twill be happy t'help fate kick you in the rump. I'd 
  stake nigh aught on it. Spirits?" Eyeing the bottle, she asks, "What 
  pressing?"

Jerral says "but it is already half past the high hour, soon to be dark 
  outside and nothing like a cool glass of wine for the viewing of rain 
  pettles dropping from above..."
Jerral grins broadly.
Jerral says "this? Should be about 12 turns, a Benden Red."

A'lex just continues to shake his head, "That's what we're HOPING for..."

Jerral grins as he toggles the stopper from atop the bottle, "

"That's your problem. The Water only works towards what you're hoping for if'n 
  you're nay expecting it to; otherwise, 'twill work in a less convenient 
  fashion. If'n Nie gets pregnant from the Water, 'twill likely only be after 
  Kemith flies a male-ridden green. D'you see?" Kassi spreads her hands, 
  shrugging once. "The Water's nefarious stuff. It delights in being perverse. 
  As to the wine... well, Trader, that'd all depend on what exhorbitant price 
  you're going t'be charging for it!"

Kindre hrms while regarding the bottle for a few more moments. "Well," she 
  remarks slowly, "I suppose half a glass couldn't hurt terribly much." 
  Laughing a bit at the Wingleader's words, she grins over to Jerral and bobs 
  her head. "That is the question, to be true; what's something as tempting as 
  that to cost us?"

K'star grins, then, and pushes the brim of his fedora back a bit. "Shall we, 
  then?" he offers courteously. "There's a great deal of Indyth to be 
  scrubbing, and I'd not wish to keep you too long at the task."

A'lex just stares at Kassima, "Water is perverse... I'll assume that YOU had 
  something to do with that..."

Jerral says "so who's interested? I'd hate to have to drink the whole thing 
  alone. Besides, I don't believe I /can/ drink the whole thing, and it's be a 
  shame to waste any. And this bottle is free of charge. It's a personnal buy 
  of mine."

Mehlani just bobs her head, smiling rather more noticeably now, as she tears 
  her gaze off K'star and refocuses it on Kindre... who, after all, 'Lani 
  _had_ been talking to when she originally came in here. "Will you excuse 
  us?" she whispers shyly.

A'lex sighs... "His higness wants an oiling... I best go make him happy. 
  Everyone, be well!"
A'lex walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.
A'lex has left.

"Wonderful," pipes up the goldrider at Jerral's words. "Sandar? Would you like 
  to share a glass with me? That shouldn't hurt either of us much, and if 
  Rennick arrives, I'll claim it as my own," she offers and grins. "Actually, 
  I may do that anyway if it's a good enough press," she adds and winks. 
  Waving after Mehlani and K'star, she bobs her head. "But of course, 
  dearhearts. Have...fun?"

Kassima nearly yelps, "*Me*? You're blaming me for the *Water*? Shells, nay! 
  I'm too afraid of the stuff. Blame the weyrbrat who infected our supply with 
  it." She makes a face after the departing bronzerider, then grins up at the 
  Trader. "You just said the magic word: Free. If'n 'tis free, 'twill be more 
  than pleased t'share a glass--especially Benden Red!"

Gratefully, Mehlani bobs her head to Kindre, and after murmuring, "Please 
  excuse us," in her solemn straightforward manner to everyone else in the 
  cavern, the girl turns back to K'star and smiles timidly up at him.

Jerral waves as he grabs a glass from the counter, pouring a half filled 
  gobblet and taking a sip. "Yes, this is about 12 turns, unknown who the 
  maker was, but definately 12 turns." He takes two additional glasses with 
  him and sets them on the table for Sandar and Kindre.
Jerral scampers over to the shell for two additional glasses, just in case.

K'star tips his fedora to those in the room, then offers Mehlani his elbow 
  rather gallantly. "May I escort you, m'lady?"

Jerral grins at the gusture, but returns to those gathering at the table. 
  "drink up folks. I have a few more bottles left."

That Kes's elbow is still rather damp doesn't seem to bother the shy young 
  lass. Her own hat still dangling from her other hand, she loops her empty 
  one around K'star's proferred arm, and demurely accompanies him out of the 
  cavern. As she goes, her pink blush is visible from twenty paces.

[End log.]