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:
	4/6/98

Log Cast:
	(People) Jayna, Mehlani, Rylan, Tinya, N'kshar, Jorenan, Ro, Kassima,
Halam, Ceria, Sandar, D'ton

	(Fire lizards) Arki, Enri, Wili

Log Intro:
	R'gan, blue rider and father of Ro, has proven himself to be 
protective enough for _two_ fathers, in his reaction to the chaos which has 
surrounded his daughter and Mehlani ever since the Weyr began gossiping about 
the two girls having to escort a drunken K'star back to his Weyr. To the 
girls' mutual horror, R'gan has sworn to speak to Weyrleader K'tyn on the 
matter of sending the two off to the Harper Hall, where they cannot be 
harassed by lecherous riders -- and never mind that not only is Mehlani 
already sixteen Turns of age, she's also not even R'gan's own daughter. All 
the excitement has succeeded in distracting Mehlani and Ro away from the fact 
that it is, in fact, the time of the Turn for both of their Turndays, but this 
hasn't stopped the matter from being remembered by others, in the middle of 
rumor-inspired mayhem....

----------
Your location's current time: 14:26 on day 6, month 6, 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:
Pierron
Obvious exits:
Lower Caverns  Kitchen  Bowl  

From the kitchen, Jayna glances down. "Was that...?" she moves away from the 
  sink, drying her hands on her pants. "Was that some kind of bug I just saw, 
  creeping along there?" (repose, for Rylan)

A Mehlani looking quite haggard comes slipping into the lower caverns, rubbing 
  blearily at her eyes, and making her way to the klah pot. She is 
  unaccompanied by fire lizards at the moment, both her shoulders bare, and 
  slightly slumped.

From the kitchen, Rylan peers at the bug, "I cna't keep it so..."

From the kitchen, Tinya doesn't seem awfully concerned as she says, "Bound to 
  have a bug or two where there's food stored." She is, after all, originally 
  a southerner, where that's a bigger problem.

From the kitchen, Jayna looks at Rynan. "Keep it? You'd want to keep it?"

N'kshar walks in from the bowl.
N'kshar has arrived.

From the kitchen, Rylan nods "Why wouldn't I?

'Lani stands there by the klah pot and pours herself up a mug of the stuff, 
  and doesn't bother to sit down as she stands there gulping at it. Her 
  shadowed gaze remains pointed downward at the cup, though her head turns 
  slightly at the sound of voices drifting out from the kitchens.

N'kshar quickly pours himself a mug of klah for himself upon entering, taking 
  a sip of the hot stuff and surveying the cavern quickly. Mehlani catches his 
  eye, and he walks slowly towards her. "Mehlani?" He asks quietly as he 
  reaches her.

Mehlani looks up and blinkblinks. She bobs her head slowly to N'kshar, by way 
  of greeting.

N'kshar watches 'Lani for a moment, taking a sip of klah. "Are you okay?" He 
  asks after a good moment of silence.

From the kitchen, Jayna goes back to the sink and shakes the water off the 
  trowel. She smiles and heads back for the living cavern, where she left her 
  gardening bucket.
From the kitchen, Jayna walks into the Living Cavern.
Jayna walks in from the kitchen.
Jayna has arrived.

The girl in the hat considers N'kshar's question, apparently hard-pressed for 
  a proper reply. She finally chews at her lower lip, and murmurs in the 
  direction of her klah mug, "Not... exactly."

Jayna waves to N'kshar and Mehlani. She wanders toward a table where a few 
  gardening implements are arrayed. In passing, she smiles at Pierron. 
  "Enjoying those flowers, sir?" she asks, continuing toward the klah pot.

Mehlani misses Jayna's wave, but catches the sound of her voice drawing near, 
  and peeks over at the other girl out from under her hat.

N'kshar gives a quick wave in return to Jayna, turning quickly back to 
  Mehlani. "Is there anything I can help with? If you just need somebody to 
  listen..."

Jayna deposits her dripping trowel on the table as she passes. She fills a mug 
  with klah. "Afternoon, Mehlani," she smiles, sniffing at her cup before 
  taking a cautious sip.

"I... um..." Mehlani shifts awkwardly, looking down to her klah and up to the 
  tall green rider, and she finally mumbles to N'kshar, "I-I'll be alright... 
  thank you..." She gives Jayna a weak flicker of a smile.

Jayna eyes Mehlani critically. "Are you feeling alright?" she asks, 
  solicitously.

N'kshar considers Mehlani carefully for a while. "Are you sure?" He asks, 
  holding his klah with both his hands. "Because if not, maybe I'll understand 
  your situation."

Seeing that N'kshar has the situation in hand, Jayna smiles at the pair and 
  moves off to her table. She takes a seat and, using a rag, wipes the dirt 
  off her tools.

Between N'kshar's question and Jayna's, though, Mehlani begins to shake her 
  head, then nod it, then shake it again. Finally, looking horribly confused, 
  she lowers her gaze and whispers mournfully, "R'gan wants to... send me and 
  Ro off to the Harper Hall!"

Jayna hears Mehlani and looks up. "To the Harper Hall?" She's dumbfounded. 
  "Did you want to be a Harper?" she asks.

Mehlani shakes her head mutely.

N'kshar blinks a few times, setting his klah aside. "The Harper Hall? Why is 
  he..." He trails off, remembering something from last night. "Is it because 
  of what you told me last night?"

To N'kshar, Mehlani nods, slowly. The girl looks quite miserable.

N'kshar chews on his lip for a while, his brow furrowing with concern. "Here, 
  take a seat." He says, sitting down at a nearby table. "Exactly what did 
  happen to make him want this?" He asks quietly, not having quite gotten the 
  whole picture.

From the kitchen, Jorenan's hands, which had been continuing their work apace 
  in spite of the fact that he was listening, go entirely still at the 
  overheard words from Mehlani. Slowly, he turns to look out into the living 
  cavern. Then he returns to his work. He was already wearing an unhappy 
  frown, so it's not as if his expression changed any. Perhaps the lines have 
  gotten a little deeper.

Mehlani sits, clutching her mug and its contents as if a mug of klah served 
  her as some sort of protective shield. "It... it's all because I found 
  K'star in my cot," she begins softly, mournfully.

N'kshar listens closely, taking the occasional sip of klah.

From the kitchen, Jorenan has, apparenly, heard that piece of it before. Or at 
  least he doesn't react with any surprise. Just a little disappointment. 
  Maybe he hoped none of it was true.

"Kes was... just a little drunk," Mehlani whispers sadly. "And confused... 
  so... Ro and I... we wanted to get him safe back to his weyr, you see...? 
  A-and we got him back to his dragon and Indyth conveyed us, a-and... we got 
  him to bed, and then I asked Indyth if he would take us back down, but 
  Indyth wouldn't leave him, so he called V'dan and Chymeth..." Mehlani's face 
  crumples progressively more visibly as she tells this tale. "A-and then 
  T'gota started saying... nasty things to Ro! And K'tyn is angry... and Ro's 
  father is angry... and... and he wants to send us both to the Harper Hall!"

From the kitchen, The Baker boy, who has looked grumpy all day, suddenly looks 
  surprised. And he stands up straighter -- a load off his shoulders, perhaps? 
  He glances out towards the folk in the living cavern, and a slight grin 
  wanders across his face.

N'kshar has set his klah aside now, continuing to chew on his lip. "And they 
  don't believe you?" He asks, giving a look toward Jorenan, a bit of a 
  confused look on his face.

From the kitchen, Jorenan blinks. He's been caught. Whups. That wasn't his 
  intent. He gives N'kshar a grin and a nod, like everything's supposed to be 
  exactly as it is, and goes back to work.

Apparently oblivious to Jorenan's scrutiny, Mehlani murmurs dejectedly, "I 
  _told_ them Kes didn't do anything bad -- Kes would never do that! But K'tyn 
  is going to... probably punish him _anyway_ and now R'gan is angry too... 
  and..." 'Lani's face crumples further and she presses her eyes closed.

N'kshar rests a hopefully comforting hand on Mehlani's shoulder. "Do you want 
  me to talk to K'tyn? He doesn't like much, but I could at least try and talk 
  to him."

"I-I don't know what can be said," Mehlani mumbles.

From the kitchen, One of the kitchen workers comments to Jorenan, "Tisn't as 
  if it's the poor boy's fault anyway! He was out like a light at the time. 
  T'was his mates that put him there, anyway.'

"Well, I can try to convince him that you are old enough to make your own 
  decisions." Nikh says quietly. "And that the Weyrleader shouldn't be taking 
  rumors as if they were true."

From the kitchen, Tinya has finally gotten in the way enough that the kitchen 
  workers are no longer cheerful about her puttering around in there. With a 
  grin, she lets herself be chased out into the cavern, but not before she's 
  collected a couple of freshly-baked rolls to munch on.
From the kitchen, Tinya walks into the Living Cavern.
Tinya walks in from the kitchen.
Tinya has arrived.

Jayna waves to Tinya, looking up from the gardening tools she's cleaning up 
  with a rag.
Jayna looks at you for a moment.

"I-I told R'gan that I am sixteen now, but, but he's still so _angry_," 
  Mehlani tells N'kshar. Or at least probably N'kshar. Her eyes are still 
  pointed down to her klah mug. "And I'm so scared for Kes, I'm afraid they're 
  _both_ going to punish him, and he didn't _do_ anything bad...!"

N'kshar considers this carefully. "Well, I doubt that I could make anything 
  worse, really. But if you don't want me to talk to him about it, I won't."

Tinya waves back at Jayna, then blinks as she catches part of Mehlani's 
  speech. She wanders over to the hearth to get a mug of cider to go with her 
  rolls, then meanders over by Jayna.

Mehlani risks a look up at N'kshar, seeming to struggle with his offer. 
  "But... but what could you say?" she asks plaintively.

Jayna smiles. "I dug up those flowers today," she nods toward Pierron, who's 
  pointedly ignoring the big vase of blooms on his counter, "and now I'm just 
  cleaning up. And I didn't want to interrupt...." she adds in a low voice, 
  nodding again, this time toward Mehlani and N'kshar.

"I could at least tell him that the Weyrleader shouldn't be listening to 
  rumors, and not the ones involved." N'kshar says, removing his hand from 
  'Lani's shoulder.

"The flowers are lovely," Tinya says, with a grin of appreciation for where 
  they ended up. Tilting her head slightly toward 'Lani and N'kshar, she nods, 
  her expression exceedingly curious.

Ro walks in from the bowl.
Ro has arrived.

Jayna waves to Ro, with a smile, from where she's sipping klah and cleaning up 
  her gardening tools.

"W-well... that's why Ro and I went to talk to K'tyn ourselves," Mehlani 
  confides anxiously to N'kshar. "S-so that he would know what _really_ 
  happened... but... he, he said he would keep in mind, but that he would 
  probably punish Kes and his friends anyway, because they shouldn't have 
  gotten him so drunk before a Fall!"

Ro slips into the cavern with eyes too wide, looking quite nervous. She takes 
  a long path around the cavern in order to stay a minimum of 4 feet from any 
  of the riders on the way. Her acknowledgement of Janya is only a quick bob 
  of her head.

Mehlani sees Jayna wave before she sees the target of that wave; her head 
  turns, though, and she spies Ro. Seeing her friend, Mehlani sits up.

Tinya nods to Ro, then blinks at the wary look she gets in return.

Jayna glances at Tinya, and shrugs, watching Ro, Mehlani, and N'kshar.

"I think I should talk to him anyway. Like I said, I doubt it would make 
  anything worse." Nikh says with a nod, looking over at Ro as she enters. 
  "Um, hello, Ro." He says with something resembling a smile.

Mehlani sets down her klah and rises to her feet, moving to meet up with Ro. 
  "Is your father still angry?" she murmurs worriedly to the other girl, 
  without preamble.

Ro seems to almost shrink under Nikh's scrutiny, but does manages something 
  resembling a timid smile to go along with barely audible words "Afternoon, 
  Nikh." She then hears Mehlani's question and answers in a jumble of words 
  that flow almost too quickly to be understood "He's not so mad at Kes 
  anymore though he still wants to talk to him and K'tyn but I think there's 
  goin' to be trouble if he gets his hands on Kes' friends and I don't know 
  what to think because I've never seen him mad like this b'fore, and I 
  wouldn't bet on T'gota's chances either, cause Da wants to take a chunk out 
  of his hide, but he insists that we both need to be sent out of here until 
  T'gota and Kes' friends get what's coming to them and the whole thing is 
  settled because he thinks it won't be safe for us until then."

Tinya has left.

From the kitchen, Jorenan finishes teh last of the preparations for tonight's 
  dinner, and disappears towards the storage rooms and the back-way to the 
  baths.

Mehlani seems to follow Ro's outburst of words without much difficulty -- 
  perhaps that's simply because the two girls seem equally miserable. She 
  takes a step backwards, though, her hands clasped and fidgeting with one 
  another, as she absorbs the full impact of Ro's words. "Oh dear," she 
  whispers.

Ro finally makes it over to the klah pot and gets herself a mug full. By her 
  skittish demeanor it would seem that the incident with T'gota and his ilk 
  the day before has left its mark.

Mehlani lets Ro go -- the klah pot isn't far away. She hangs close to the 
  other girl, instinctively seeking safely in numbers, perhaps, and she sinks 
  down into a nearby seat.

Ro squeaks out very softly "No one's tried to grab you, have they?"

Jayna picks up her klah and wanders over toward the other two girls. "Uh....if 
  you don't mind my asking...is everything alright with you two? I couldn't 
  help overhearing some of that, Mehlani. And you might have to go to the 
  Harper Hall?"

Mehlani shakes her behatted head mournfully and whispers back to Ro, "I... I 
  guess it's because... of what you said... who my father is... and K'tyn 
  looking after me, here..."

Ro nods, looking a tiny bit less worried, or at least like she has one less 
  thing to worry about.

"Oh, Ro..." Mehlani fidgets. The lass apparently hasn't slept very well; her 
  face is pale and drawn. "What are we going to do? N'kshar said he'd try to 
  talk to K'tyn, but..."

Jayna takes a quiet swallow of klah, concerned.

Ro considers "How's K'tyn gonna react of all kinds o' people are comin' out o' 
  the woodwork to talk t' him? You've know him longer than I..."

Mehlani blows out an anxious breath. "I... oh, I wish I knew... I-I don't know 
  if he's talked to Kes yet..." She nibbles at her lower lip and glances 
  outside, adding dolefully, "I don't even know if Kes will remember what 
  happened...!"

Ro nods "He'd didn't seem t' really know what was goin' on, that I saw."

"I-I think I was lucky to get him to see _me_," Mehlani agrees fretfully. 
  "Oh..." For lack of anything else to do with her hands, she takes her braid 
  in them, fidgeting with it. "Maybe... maybe _I_ should talk to Kes, if K'tyn 
  h-hasn't found him yet...!"

Ro blinks "I can't tell you if that's a good idea or bad."

Jayna shakes her head, reluctant to intrude but worried nonetheless. She 
  gathers her gardening tools, folds the rag and deposits in on a counter, and 
  glances at the other girls. "I'm sorry you're having trouble," she says. "If 
  there's anything I can do, just holler." She gives a sympathetic smile and 
  heads off toward the inner caverns.
Jayna walks towards the inner cavern.
Jayna has left.

Mehlani glances startledly after Jayna, and then sighs, turning to murmur to 
  Ro, "Everyone... I've been talking to has been kind... offering to help... 
  which helps a little..."

Ro says softly "My Da's had me stay in the weyr, 'cept for meals and chores. 
  And then he comes with me when he isn't flyin' sweeps."

Mehlani considers her friend, frowning, eyes liquid. "He is really worried 
  about you... isn't he?"

Ro looks into the eyes of her friend, her own wide "After yesterday, yes. And 
  I can't say that I blame him. What if he hadn't been there?"

Mehlani doesn't answer that immediately. Her fine brows draw together over 
  eyes that crinkle slightly in thought, and 'Lani's mouth pulls into a small, 
  strangely determined line. Finally, slowly, she murmurs, "Asrai was there... 
  and K'nan and D'thon... and Asrai's wingmates... if your father... hadn't 
  hit him, someone else would have... but... T'gota could have... found you in 
  the Records Room, or the stables or something...." She pauses, that strange 
  thoughtful look still gripping her features. And then her dainty chin lifts 
  up a little. "Your father... is worried that we're not... safe? Right?"

Ro nods "Yes! He is. And I am afraid of what he might do to keep us safe if'n 
  we stay."

Mehlani murmurs, for once sounding firmly determined, "Then... _we_ have to 
  make ourselves safe."

Ro nods "At least I have this, if only I'd had it with me." She pulls out the 
  hunting knife Alwyn gave to her a turn ago.

Kassima walks in from the bowl.
Kassima has arrived.

Pierron humphs thoughtfully as the wingleader of Thunderbolt arrives.

Mehlani bobs her head slowly and earnestly to Ro. "Jorenan gave _me_ a knife," 
  she answers. "And... well... if I hadn't stopped her... Arki would have 
  _bitten_ T'gota last night! I think... you should tell Thunder to _bite_ him 
  if he tries to... do anything bad to you!"

Ro considers "I don't know if he'd bite a person. Just tunnelsnakes."

"If'n anyone ever asked me why I wanted t'be a Wingleader, I swear t'you that 
  I wouldn't know. Go ahead, ask! 'Kassima, why'd you ever accept that big 
  knot when 'twas offered t'you?' I'll tell you what I'd answer: I'm into 
  self-torment, that's why. Either that, or I'm getting responsible in m'old 
  age. What a thought." Shuddering faintly, Kassi sets the newest stack of 
  hides down with a thump, eyeing a Wingmate who doesn't quite suppress his 
  sniggering to her satisfaction with mock-balefulness. "Just you watch it, 
  S'cot, or I'll make you Wingsecond and dump half of this on you! Oh... heya, 
  lasses." Belatedly, she seems to have realized that Mehlani and Ro are 
  present.

Mehlani opens her mouth to answer Ro, and then jerks her head up in apparent 
  startlement at the sound of Kassima's voice. The girl swallows hard, and 
  then gravely nods to the green rider. Both she and Ro look nervous, and 
  Mehlani pale and drawn.

Ro greets Kassi's entrance with as much of a smile as she's shown anyone the 
  past day or so.
<Ro> Which is not saying much.

Leaning her elbows against the impressive stack, Kassi takes stock of the 
  situation: two girls, as nervous-looking as frightened runners, apparently 
  conspiring together. "I take it something's gone amiss," she readily 
  concludes. "You both look as though you've been dragged across the Benden 
  Ranges face-down. This doesn't have aught t'do with those rumors, does it?"

Ro glances furtively at Mehlani.

Mehlani glances furtively back at Ro, and then back up to Kassima. She pulls 
  in a breath, trying to steady herself, and then asks Kassima somberly, "You 
  have heard about... what happened?"

Kassima tilts her head to one side, eyes narrowing faintly with thought. "I've 
  heard about several things that've happened. Including something concerning 
  a certain bronzeriding excuse for wher-waste. Only that he'd grabbed at *a* 
  girl in the Living Cavern, though... nay names. 'Twas one of you?"

Ro rasps out in a quiet voice "Brown."

'Lani sits up a little straighter. Between her posture and her expression, 
  she's looking older than her Turns for once, and possibly noticeably to 
  Kassima's eyes, decidedly like her father. "T'gota tried to grab Ro," she 
  answers almost grimly, "and Ro's father hit him."

Ro stammers softly "H h h he tripped me."

Kassima blinks, surprised. "Brown, a'course... did I say bronze? Shardit, 
  m'brain *is* Faranth only knows where today. I'm nay precisely unaware of 
  who T'gota is... he's made a bit of a name for himself in some circles." At 
  Mehlani's news, the rider straightens somewhat herself, a rare frown marking 
  her face. "Good thing," she says simply, but with steel in her voice. "That 
  R'gan hit him, I mean. I never would've thought the man would stoop t'trying 
  t'grab at fourteen-Turn-old lasses. Did you take any harm, Ro?"

Ro shakes her head "N no. He prolly thought I was the same age as 'Lani."

Mehlani tells Kassima, her expression hard and set and incongruous with her 
  dainty features, "T'gota did not have a chance to do anything bad. R'gan hit 
  him, and if he hadn't, Asrai or K'nan or D'thon would have, and if not that, 
  then I would have let Arki bite him!" Only her liquid eyes and a slight 
  huskiness to her soft voice suggests that 'Lani's riding the edge of her 
  composure.

Kassima snorts, the sound faintly sardonic. "That hardly excuses him. I'll 
  confess that he's nay the only rider known for lechery, but grabbing at 
  young women like that is *nay* acceptable. Had I been here, I'd've been apt 
  t'be hitting him too. Fardling letch!" To Mehlani, she nods, her expression 
  softening. "For which nay anyone could blame you, lass. If'n Kiat doesn't 
  have his rear in a sling ten seconds after he hears of this, you can call me 
  daughter to a herdbeast."

Mehlani's mouth quivers a little, and her eyes grow slightly more limpid. 
  "R'gan wants to send me and Ro... away," she goes on abruptly.

Ro nods nervously "He's afraid we might meet up with someone like T'gota in 
  the Records Room or the Stables or the storage tunnels or somethin'"
Ro adds "'Specially with the kind of prank Kes' friends pulled."

Kassima is decidedly taken aback by *that.* "Send Ro away, *and* you? Unless 
  you've become his fosterling since I last checked, I don't see how he could 
  have you sent away. And as t'you, Ro... someone's simply got t'be talking 
  sense into him. You can't protect people by putting 'em in bloody cages and 
  running their lives for 'em." Frowning again, she does reluctantly admit, 
  "Nay that I suspect I'll be much more rational if'n anyone ever dares such a 
  thing with *my* daughters. I'd *hope* that I'd nay wind up punishing 'em for 
  what's nay their fault, though; you're a *bit* old t'be wrapped in cotton 
  and sent packing." Almost rhetorically, the rider asks, "I'm taking it 
  you're nay precisely pleased about the idea."

Ro's eyes turn to Mehlani again, rather than replying.

"We _can't_ go," Mehlani whispers, her voice and expression quivering only a 
  little.

Ro murmurs "I don't think he wants to punish me, just protect me. Send me 
  someplace safer."

From the kitchen, some scattered giggles and snickers can be heard from a 
  small pack of gossiping serving girls.

Kassima groans, now. "When Kes gets his hands on S'lah and Sh'roun... nay that 
  there'll be much left t'be doing to 'em when the Weyrleader's done, I'm 
  afraid." Sighing, she plunks down in a chair and rakes her hair absently 
  back from her face. "The only thing I could think of is t'try and win him 
  over t'your argument. 'Lani, your Da's a sensible man--and you're a full 
  resident here, anyway. Insofar as I know, only Riche or Rennick can send you 
  away. You're in a more vulnerable position, Ro... and aye, I know. But while 
  locking someone in a watchwher's kennel may keep 'em *safe*, I for one would 
  argue whether 'tis worth the trade. You've tried talking to him already, I'm 
  guessing?"

Ro nods "He's had me stayin' in his weyr, and not the dorms. We, um, had a 
  long talk last night. Him talkin' and me listenin'."

Mehlani blinks a little as the wingmates who apparently started this whole 
  mess acquire names. She listens as Kassi speaks, and then Ro, and finally 
  she observes plaintively, "I... tried to tell R'gan that I am sixteen now, 
  but he... was very angry and said he was going to talk to Father and Mother. 
  I only meant to be polite when I told him Father is at Benden and Mother at 
  the Harper Hall, and _that_ is what gave him the idea about the Hall." She 
  pauses, troubled.

Halam walks here from the Inner Cavern.
Halam has arrived.
Halam waves as he walks through the living cavren and out to the bowl.

"A lecture, then." Kassima folds her arms, worrying at her lower lip with her 
  teeth. "I have t'confess t'you both that I can see where R'gan's coming from 
  on this. I think he's overreacting terribly, but he *does* have a point in 
  that this isn't Pern's safest place. I don't think that means you should be 
  sent away, but if'n 'twere you, I *would* walk a little more cautiously. 
  Especially, I likely don't need t'say, after flights. You're growing to the 
  age where men and some of the women may be apt t'take notice." The 
  greenrider turns to face Mehlani, then. "'Lani, I do think your parents are 
  rational people... and your Da's weyrbred, too, if'n I recall aright. If'n 
  you speak with them and tell them your feelings on the matter, they *may* 
  listen t'you. 'Tany rate, you're old enough now that I know nay whether you 
  could be forced t'go back. You'd have t'be asking the Headwoman about that 
  one."

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

Ro simply slumps in her seat, more swirling her klah in her mug than trying to 
  drink any of it.

"Father was at Tillek when he was my age, but he came back to Benden when he 
  was seventeen," Mehlani murmurs. She pauses again, and then goes on, 
  blurting out in a sudden rush, "I'll talk to them, but -- please -- do you 
  know -- is Kes alright?"

Kassima purses her mouth in thought. "Y'know, if'n 'twere the pair of you, I 
  might seek out Jehrina rather than K'tyn for aid with this one if'n you're 
  of a mind t'appeal to the Weyrleaders." She then bobs her head to Mehlani. 
  "Oh, aye. He's been keeping pretty much to himself since that incident, for 
  more reasons than one. 'Tis rumored that Kiat gave him some light 
  punishment, but I've nay had much chance t'speak with him about it yet 
  m'self, so I know nay whether 'tis truth."

Mehlani takes this in, and her eyes grow noticeably more limpid. "I told... 
  K'tyn that Kes didn't _do_ anything..." she breathes out, voice small. Her 
  gaze drops, crestfallen.

"Oh, Mehlani... I'm certain he knows that. Kiat's just very protective of you, 
  lass, and nay mistake." Kassi's face has softened considerably, so that her 
  expression is now one of sympathy, if rather awkward sympathy. "Kes'll be 
  all right. Faranth, 'tis likely less punishment than his brother sees 
  several times in a Turn alone."

Mehlani peeks up at Kassima. She doesn't _say_ that she's worried about 
  K'star; she doesn't have to. The sentiment is written all over her face.

Kassima suggests quietly to Mehlani, "Really, 'Lani, Kes knows how rumors can 
  be, especially when it comes t'something innocent that didn't *look* like 
  something innocent. He'll just be laying low for awhile, t'give 'em time 
  t'blow over. Though I doubt he'll be at *all* happy if'n this incident 
  causes either of you to suffer." She includes Ro in that sentiment, as well. 
  "He's a good man, m'cousin. A little too easy t'drag into trouble when 
  sloshed, but beyond that, a good man."

Ro nods somewhat hesitantly, muttering something along the lines of how she 
  wouldn't expect any less of someone Mehlani liked.

Mehlani nods slowly, then a little more firmly, picking up speed. "I don't 
  want to leave hi--" Her voice catches slightly, and she finishes, "... here. 
  So... I-I'll talk with Father and Mother, and... and I'll let Arki bite 
  anyone who tries anything bad to me _or_ Ro!"

Kassima grins, not saying anything about 'Lani's momentary slip of the tongue. 
  "That's a good thing. Methinks Kitrine would be proud t'know she has such a 
  fierce daughter, if'n she had sense enough in her head. I wish both of you 
  the very best in dealing with your parents. If'n nay else, I'm certain 
  you've had dozens of folk already offering to intercede on your behalves."

Mehlani manages a tiny, wan smile at that, nodding again. She glances to Ro, 
  then, and blurts out in another rush, "Oh, Ro, this has so... messed up your 
  Turnday!"

Ro, looking rather subdued, simply murmurs "S'okay."

Kassima snaps her fingers as memory hits her. "Shards! That's right. I'd 
  almost forgot--I never *did* give you your gift from Kin and I, did I, Ro?"

Ro blinks, obviously surprised "You... you got somethin' for _me_?"

"A'course we did. We get things for nigh everyone in some Turn or another, or 
  haven't you noticed?" Opening the familiar satchel that she wound up 
  plunking down beside those hides when she came in, she eventually manages to 
  pull out from amidst yet *more* hides a fair-sized box wrapped in--yes, you 
  guessed it--lurid white and black wrapping with green and gold ribbon. One 
  thing that *doesn't* improve with age is Kassi's style of gift-wrapping. 
  "Happy unfortunately belated Turnday, Ro, from both Kin and m'self. Don't be 
  afraid; what's in the box isn't half so bad as that outer layer."

Mehlani brightens ever so slightly, giving Kassima a look of palpable relief. 
  "Open it," she encourages Ro, leaning in to look.

The clouds part and the sun shines through. For the first time since the 
  T'gota incident Ro actually smiles.....and was that a giggle?

Kassima grins encouragingly at Ro, leaning over to set the Thing before the 
  girl. "None of m'gifts have gone for their recipients' throats yet," she 
  promises. "Nay even Mart's, so you know that means you've got t'be safe."

Ro tenatively undoes the ribbons and pulls away the wrapping with a glimmer of 
  curiosity in her eyes, looking once or twice to Kassi and Mehlani for 
  reassurance.

Mehlani's worn features wear enough of a smile to reveal her teeth, and she 
  bobs her head encouragingly to Ro, pleased to see something good happen for 
  the younger girl.

Kassima watches with not entirely well-concealed anticipation, evidently 
  waiting to see whether Ro will like the gift. "I hope it suits," she 
  remarks. "We took a guess at what might find favor with you."

Ro reads the note and -laughs-, a thoughtful look on her face.
Ro holds up boots and note to show Mehlani. Surely the girl with see the same 
  humor she does.

Ro's boots
        Your fingertips come in contact with the supple not-quite-smoothness 
  of tanned wherhide, and you pull back the rest of the wrapping to reveal a 
  pair of slim black calf-high boots with stylishly turned cuffs. Gracefully 
  shaped and sturdily soled, they serve both an aesthetic purpose and a more 
  practical one; if not high enough to protect you from the massive snow 
  drifts that gather in Telgar at winter, at least they'll keep you warm and 
  dry through all but the worst of the weather you'll usually see. Silver 
  embroidery has been worked in fanciful designs all around the rim of the 
  cuffs, entwined with cords of vivid dragonhealer violet to represent the 
  colors of your Weyr and chosen calling. In the interior of each, you might 
  note, is a well-concealed place in which one might safely sheath a knife. At 
  the moment, one of these holds a folded-up note: "If, while wandering in the 
  snow, you've a blade that has nowhere to go, lest you make male jaws drop 
  and their eyes, as one, pop, then these boots will hold it, like so! Just in 
  case you ever forget your sheath again, we hope these will come in handy. 
  With fond regards and wishes for a most pleasant and interesting of 
  Turndays, Kassima and Kindre."

"And for you, Mehlani," Kassi adds, digging another, smaller box out of the 
  satchel, "there's this. 'Tis nay quite so marvelous as a runner mare, but I 
  hope you'll like it anyway." She sets this handspan-high package, 
  bedecked... well, colorfully... in black, red, white, blue, yellow, and 
  bronze wrapping with a ridiculously floppy green and gold bow atop it. 
  "Faranth forfend we should recall one Turnday but forget another, eh?"

Mehlani does, indeed, start to react to Ro's boots -- and positively _jumps_ 
  as Kassima hands _her_ a package. "Wha... oh!"

Kassima laughs, delighted by Mehlani's startled reaction. "Go on and open 
  yours too, Turnday lass! I'm sorry about its dimunitivenss, but I hope 
  you'll like it anyway."

Ro says softly, still smiling "Thank you Kassi. T' my thinkin' these'll come 
  in quite handy. I'll have t' find Kindre t' thank her too."

Mehlani hasn't managed to notice her brother yet, as she gives Kassima a 
  wavering but deeply touched smile. She bobs her head to the green rider and 
  opens up the vividly wrapped package, apparently unconcerned about the small 
  size.

Ro adds as an afterthought "But I think Grego's goin' t' be -so- disappointed."

Mehlani's gift
        The glimmer of smooth glass reflects up from the box as it is opened, 
  and when you pull its contents out into the light, you can see why: the 
  hideous wrapping concealed a perfectly lovely glass sculpture of a bronze 
  dragon, about four inches in height. With sinuous, graceful curves and a 
  rather cocky tilt to his head, he's certainly a handsome fellow... and 
  rather familiar, come to think of it. Something about that cheerful 
  pompousness, or the red tint to the cleverly stained glass... what bronze 
  could this possibly be but your own father's Tzornth? His brightly blue eyes 
  will keep a fond watch over you from whatever surface you decide to place 
  him on, perhaps providing you from time to time with a small reminder of 
  home. Naturally, there's a note in the box alongside him: "For a 
  bronzerider's daughter, this gift; if your spirits ever need a lift, he'll 
  remind you of home, and the friends there you've known--just dust him well, 
  lest he be miffed! All right, so that was an admittedly bad one. We hope 
  you'll like the gift anyway, if not the rhyming! With warm wishes for a 
  pleasant Turnday for you, and many more to come, Kassima and Kindre."

Ro looks at you for a moment.

Kassima winks at Ro, and nods. "'Twas thought they might. Every lady can use a 
  good place t'put her knives, 'tis nay so? Just remember..." she teases, 
  "if'n you ever need t'be bargaining, it might be better t'go with your old 
  methods."

Mehlani lifts, out of the package, a figurine of a bronze dragon. Holding it 
  up to the light, she breathes in wonder, "Tzornth!" It's enough to bring a 
  glimmer of pleased tears to her eyes; pleased they must be, for she's also 
  smiling.

Kassima smiles as the glass figurine is revealed. "Ethrian told me he had a 
  wonderful time on his visit to the Weyr t'see the model for that. I think 
  the only thing that'd make him happier is if'n he knew that you liked it... 
  which I hope you do, for all that 'tis nay much."

Mehlani turns a suddenly warm gaze to Kassi. Balancing the dragon gently in 
  one hand, she gets up and quite abruptly hugs the green rider with her other 
  arm, murmuring, "Thank you...!"

Ceria walks in from the bowl.
Ceria has arrived.
Ceria walks in and grabs herself a mug of klah, nodding to those in the cavern.

Kassima is undoubtedly surprised by the hug, but returns it nevertheless, 
  laughing quietly. "I guess that's an aye, then. 'Lani, you're more than 
  welcome. If'n both of you are pleased with your gifts, what more could we 
  ask for, hmmm?" She nods a greeting to Ceria as she says this.

Ro impulsively joins the hug......that's right, let's group hug Kassi....she 
  will never see -that- coming.

Inwardly thinking that seeing this little Tzornth is almost as moving as 
  seeing the actual one, Mehlani merely bobs her head, and then giggles a 
  little as Ro leaps up to help her hug Lysseth's rider. When she pulls back, 
  although she still looks worn around the edges, she can manage a timid smile 
  for Ceria's arrival.

Ceria smiles slightly at the sight that greets her as she sits down.

Ro says to Ceria, holding up her boots for inspection, especially the hidden 
  places for knives on the inside "Look, I'll ne'er need t' carry a knife in 
  my bodice again!"

No, Kassi would never expect to be group-hugged; she's usually not the sort to 
  be hugged that much at all, save perhaps for on Turndays and the like. But, 
  being a mother, she's learned how to hug two people at once. 
  "Congratulations t'you both on your advanced ages, too," she offers them 
  both. "You'll be aged and decrepit like the rest of us ere you know it, so 
  enjoy getting t'see the rest of us as fogeys while it lasts."

Ceria peers at the boots with a smile. "They're very nice," she agrees. "How 
  old are you now?"

Ro murmurs Ceria's way "A whole 14 turns, ma'am."

Mehlani settles down in her chair again, cradling the dragon figurine in one 
  palm and stroking it lightly with a fingertip. Her smile is weary, but 
  honest.

Kassima leaves her hidework and table behind, stepping over towards where food 
  and drink await. "I don't mind telling you, after a day like this one, I'm 
  famished," she says conversationally. "Anyone care for aught, so long as I'm 
  up?"

Ro shakes her head "I don't feel all that hungry."

[Ceria's typist had to leave... Ceria called off on an errand, perhaps?]

Ceria goes home.
Ceria has left.

Halam walks in from the bowl.
Halam has arrived.
Halam walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.
Halam has left.
Halam walks in from the bowl.
Halam has arrived.
Halam walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.
Halam has left.
Halam walks in from the bowl.
Halam has arrived.

Pierron makes a thundering chopping noise as he annihilates a fingerroot.

Halam chuckles as he comes bak in for the third time. "Some people" hes says 
  to no one in particular as he heads over to the hearth, pours himself a cup 
  of klah and walks to his usual corner seat.

Mehlani turns to Ro, holding up the figurine for her to inspect, and she 
  murmurs huskily to her friend, "This is what Tzornth looks like... only 
  smaller." There's a touch of humor to Mehlani's voice, now. In the meantime, 
  she spies Halam, and smiles timidly to him.

Ro asks curiously "Tzornth?" as she looks at the finely detailed sculpture.

Halam smiles at 'lina and Ro. "So are you two plottin more trouble over there?

"'Twas rather amused by how Ethrian seemed t'catch his spirit in the piece," 
  Kassi comments as she returns to her seat with a large helping of pepper 
  salad and a glass of citron. "He's another of m'cousins, a'course. I swear, 
  I must have one in every craft by now."

Mehlani nodnods softly to Ro, and murmurs to her, "My father's dragon...!"

Ro blushes and looks uncomfortable at Halam's words, offering no reply. She 
  quickly turns her attention back to Mehlani and says in little more than a 
  whisper "Oh... I'd never heard you call him by name."

Halam looks a little distressed. "Sorry Ro didn't mean anything by it. I was 
  just teasin. You two have been so serious lately."

"It's... ah... alright, Halam," Mehlani manages awkwardly. She's blushing a 
  little, as she sits there with the figurine of her father's dragon still 
  nestled in her hands.

Halam stands suddenly. "Hey you two up foe a swim?"

Mehlani begins, "Um...", and glances unsurely to Ro and Kassima.

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

Pierron tells a lower cavern's girl to hurry up with the dishes.

Halam looks at Kassi "You can come too Kassi. I didn't mean to exclude you."

Ro glances timidly at Mehlani. What is this? Mehlani is supposed to be the 
  timid one...

Jayna looks around and smiles. "Evening, everyone," she says, and heads 
  directly toward the cheese table.

Kassima looks up from her salad, and pauses to swallow before remarking, "I 
  certes won't mind if'n you two go. Just... take Arki with you, eh?" Cracking 
  a smile, she glances towards the entrance and waves Jayna over to the table. 
  "Jayna! Just the lass 'twas hoping t'be running into... oh, 'tis all right, 
  Halam. I've dinner t'be eating yet; mayhaps 'twill stop by afterwards, or 
  nay. Circumstances, y'know."

Halam is standing dressed for swimming. "Evening Jay. Your just in time. I'm 
  tryin to get a swimmin party together."

Jayna grins at Kassi as she deftly loads a plate with cheese and bread. 
  "Uh-oh....have I done something wrong?" she asks. She looks at Halam and 
  raises an eyebrow. "Oh, that sounds like fun, Halam! Maybe after I stuff my 
  face," she chuckles, depositing her plate and filling a mug with klah.

Mehlani considers, then nods to Kassima, and closes her eyes for a moment, 
  scrunching them up in apparent thought. It takes a moment before there is a 
  *pop*, and Arki's pale green form emerges in a sudden swoosh out of 
  *between*. She seems to be in almost a pleasant mood for once -- which is to 
  say, the little green isn't hissing at anything, and her eyes are only 
  whirling yellow. She actually croons once as she soars in and claims a place 
  on Mehlani's shoulder, peering balefully at everything and everyone in sight.

Halam looks around and says "OK thats one yes and one maybe. How about it you 
  two?"

"I'll come," Mehlani agrees, lifting a hand to settle Arki, "but I'll need to 
  get something to wear..."

Halam heads over to the inner cavern. "Great, I'll tell you what I'm going to 
  my room for a couple of bottles of benden and i'll meet you all by the lake.
Halam walks towards the inner cavern.
Halam has left.

Kassima shakes her head, waggling a forkful of salad at Jayna. "Nay precisely, 
  nay precisely--nay unless you consider becoming older in a few days t'be a 
  bad thing, anyway. I know 'tis a bit early, but knowing me, if'n 'tis nay 
  early, 'twill be late. Would you mind if'n I gave you your gift from Kin and 
  I now?" She nods respectfully to Arki upon the green's arrival, never one to 
  be anything but respectful around particularly vicious 'lizards.

Jayna raises her eyebrows. "You know? About my turnday?" She flushes, a bit. 
  "I'm...I don't know what to say, Kassi!"

Ro whispers to Mehlani, an almost distressed look on her face, She mutters to 
  Mehlani. 
You sense Ro whispers to Mehlani, an almost distressed look on her face, "What 
  will -I- wear?"

Mehlani mutters to Ro, "... a dull low whirling... and leans... just some... 
  a..."
You whisper "Arki curls around 'Lani's neck, her eyes banked a dull low 
  whirling shade, as Mehlani draws close to her friend and leans over to 
  answer her. "There's... just some shifts, the ones I've been wearing... I 
  have a couple, do you want one?"" to Ro.

"'Tis in the register with everyone else's, isn't it?" Kassima asks, even as 
  she digs the third package of the day fro the depths of her nefarious 
  satchel. It's just as hideous as the other two, resplendantly bedecked in 
  black, red, and white, with a ludicrously flamboyant ribbon-bow in the 
  female dragon colors flopping atop it. "Don't know whether you'll like it, 
  but... anyway, happy early Turnday from Kin and I."

Halam walks here from the Inner Cavern.
Halam has arrived.
Halam returns moments latter bearing two wine skins and a towel. "Ok if your 
  comming lets go!" and with that he headfs out to the bowl.

"We'll meet you," Mehlani calls to Halam, Arki curling in close around her 
  neck.

"OK he says as he heads out.
Halam walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.
Halam has left.

Jayna takes the wrapped bundle, carefully. "Oh, Kassi, thank you so much, you 
  and Kindre both," she says enthusiastically. "I truly didn't expect 
  anything, even from home," she adds.

Ro nods to Mehlani "I think I better." she says ferverently.

Mehlani nodnods and glances at Kassima and Jayna, murmuring, "Please excuse 
  us...!" She turns and gestures Ro in to the inner caverns, Arki pale against 
  her auburn hair as she slips off.

You walk towards the inner cavern.
Inner Cavern(#1272RJL$)
Obvious exits:
Steam Baths  INFirmary  Candidate Barracks  Corridor  Weyrfolk Quarters  
  Living Cavern  

Ro walks in from the living caverns.
Ro has arrived.

"Shhh, Arki, we're alright," Mehlani can be heard to murmur to the green 
  riding her neck. Arki lets out a soft raspy noise, not quite a hiss. "Ro's 
  alright too. Ro. She's my friend, alright?"

Ro smiles tenatively at the green.

"We have to make sure she doesn't bite _you_," Mehlani confides, as she slips 
  into the dorms.

You head towards the corridor to the weyrfolk quarters.
Dormitories(#1277RA$)
Contents:
Lost and Found Cabinet (OOC)
Obvious exits:
Inner Cavern  

Ro walks in from the inner cavern.
Ro has arrived.

Mehlani moves immediately to her cot -- which has remained, as is its usual 
  state, brownrider-free -- and kneels down by her press at its foot. Enri and 
  Wili are curled up asleep on the cot and don't stir as Mehlani pulls out a 
  couple of soft, light garments she usually wears when swimming or helping to 
  wash a dragon. "Here," she says softly, offering one to Ro.

Ro takes the garment carefully and looks at it, then looks around the dorm 
  carefully to ensure no other cot holds someone of inappropriate gender 
  before tugging at the lacings of her bodice.

As the girls' cots seem appropriately boy-free, Mehlani too changes, though 
  she keeps on breeches and boots, to take those off when she reaches the 
  lake. She suggests to Ro, "Take a towel...?"

Ro nods and follows Mehlani's example, pulling a pair of nearly outgrown 
  trousers from her own press, and even putting on her new boots, placing the 
  hunting knife given to her by A'wyn in one of them. She also pulls her 
  riding jacket about her shoulders, before following the other girl's 
  suggestion and getting herself a towel

It is perhaps the sound of Mehlani's voice that makes Enri lift his dark blue, 
  grey-marked head. Enri chirrs lowly, and that makes Wili look up as well, 
  peeping softly. Both the blue and the green rouse up as Mehlani prepares 
  herself, and as 'Lani turns with what she needs back to Ro, they launch into 
  the air to follow the girls. "Let's go," 'Lani says softly.

Ro attempts a smile and nods, wishing she could better calm her nerves.

You walk off towards the Inner Cavern.
Inner Cavern(#1272RJL$)
Obvious exits:
Steam Baths  INFirmary  Candidate Barracks  Corridor  Weyrfolk Quarters  
  Living Cavern  

Ro walks in from outside the room.
Ro has arrived.
Ro walks through the large entrance to the Living Cavern.
Ro has left.

Sandar arrives from the Assistant Steward's office.
Sandar has arrived.
Sandar walks through the large entrance to the Living Cavern.
Sandar has left.

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

Sandar waves, and grabs a mug of klah.

'Lani follows Ro into view, with not only Arki riding protectively on her 
  neck, but Enri and Wili winging after her. She's changed clothes, her 
  breeches and boots still on, but a bathing shift having replaced her shirt, 
  and her hat still claims its place on her head.

Sandar mmms. "Cheese and peppers? Where?"

Jayna waves and smiles to Ro, Sandy, and Mehlani. "Look," she beams, holding 
  up a beautiful sewing basket. "It's from Kassi and Kin." At Sandy's 
  question, she points. "Right there, Steward...cheese and bread. Kassis's got 
  the peppers, though.

Sandar oohs. Goes to grab some.

Kassima wiggles her fingers at the two new arrivals, and points her bowl of 
  pepper salad and handful of cheese-bread out to Sandar. "Nay combined, 
  precisely, but... hey! Out of m'salad, you lunatic!"

Sandar grins at the basket. "Hey! That's beautiful!"

Ro nods to Sandar and manages a ghost of a smile in his direction. She looks 
  rather wide eyed and a touch frightened in general. Her dress has been 
  replaced with a bathing shift and trousers, and she has a jacket slung about 
  her shoulders for good measure. She nods to Jayna, murmuring only a single 
  word "Pretty."

Sandar says "I uh... got something for the three of you, too, considering it's 
  your birthdays 'n all."
Sandar looks a bit shy, and digs around in his pocket. "But uh... I think I'll 
  show you all later."

Jayna looks at Ro and Mehlani. "You, too?" she asks, surprised. "When are 
  yours?"

Sandar blushes. "There's was a bit ago. But I missed giving 'em presents."

Ro says softly "Twelve days ago.....a little b'fore Leilanth's flight."

Jayna laughs. "So did I, Sandy. Well, happy belated turnday to you both," she 
  offers. "Oh, Ro, that was close! Mine's just three days from now. We ought 
  to have a party or something."

Kassima stealthily guards her salad, and flashes Sandar a rueful, 
  understanding grin. "You, too, eh? Are you going off t'swim also?"

Mehlani was going to just smile tremulously to the others in passing, but 
  Sandar's words stop her, and she waves at Ro to make sure she stops as well. 
  Enri and Wili take the opportunity to land on 'Lani, regardless of Arki's 
  lurking presence under her braid. Blue eyes softening, Mehlani murmurs, "Oh, 
  Sandar... well, give Ro hers!"

Ro stops and comes to rest right beside Mehlani. Safety in numbers, right.

Sandar grins at Kassima. "Yup. Uh... okay," he nods to Mehlani, and pulls from 
  his pocket a cloth. Blushing a bit more, he opens it up to reveal three 
  pieces of jewellery. Unfortunately, whereas Sandy does have a pretty keen 
  skill when it comes to Weaving, the same cannot be said for his 
  Jewellerycrafting. The pieces are somewhat mangled. The first, which he 
  gives to Ro, looks like a dragon of some sort - or a firelizard? 
  Reddish-green, with an amber stone set a little off center. He gives it to 
  her apprehensively.
Sandar takes the second piece. It looks like a tarnished bluish-gold 
  firelizard, only it's missing a wing, and its eyes look crossed. Definitely 
  the work of an amateur. Blushing some more, he gives it to Mehlani. Finally, 
  he takes the third piece, which looks like a flattened out runnerbeast - no 
  wait, that's a dragon too. It's brown, with several scratches down its 
  center, and one eye - wait, there's the other eye - on its tail. "I uh... 
  missed," Sandar mutters. He hands it to Jayna.

Ro manages a smile, even if her nerves are frayed. She murmurs a husky "Thank 
  you, Sandy." admiring the piece. Even if it is not the best workmanship in 
  the world, it is the second piece of jewelry that has ever been hers.

Jayna takes a look at it. It's bad. Really, truly hideous. "Oh, Sandy, thank 
  you so much," she beams, giving the assistant steward an enthusiastic hug. 
  "It took so much work!"

Sandar fidgets a bit. It's obvious he's spent a lot of time crafting these 
  mangled pieces of jewellery. "You're uh... welcome," he stammers.

Jayna settles to her seat. "It's perfect," she nods, still smiling.

Mehlani looks vaguely startled for a moment, but she readily accepts the gift 
  he offers her, her smile steadying. "Thank you," she breathes. She doesn't 
  dare hug him, not with Arki eying the boy balefully, but she smiles warmly 
  instead.

Sandar murmurs, "there are uh... clasps on 'em, too. But um... don't push 'em 
  too hard, or they'll snap off."

Kassima blinks at the three pieces of jewelry, but doesn't once wince, as 
  hideous as they are. "Shells, you three are making out like renegades," she 
  teases lightly. "A'fore you know it, you'll be up t'your ears in gifts."

Ro blushes and murmurs to Kassi "Don't know 'bout -that-."

Jayna smacks Sandy's shoulder, companionably. "You're great, Sandy," she says, 
  chuckling. "And I wouldn't dream of stressing the clasp by wearing it. 
  Much," she adds. She winks at Kassi.

Sandar blushes a bit, then grins. "I'm glad you like 'em," he says after a 
  moment. "Maybe I'll try makin' some more."

Jayna nods, enthusiastically, snatching a bit of cheese and bread and taking a 
  bite. "Oh, I think you should," she mumbles around the mouthful. "It could 
  turn into a kind of second trade for you, you know. After stewarding."

Ro carefully wraps the piece of jewelry in a piece of cloth and slips it into 
  the top of a boot.....it is a good thing there were two such compartments, 
  one in each boot.

D'ton walks here from the Inner Cavern.
D'ton has arrived.

Kassima adds, "And weaving, a'course. Must be a fine thing t'have so many 
  talents. Mind if'n I have another piece of cheese, Jayna?"

Sandar waves to D'ton. "Evening," he smiles.

Mehlani doesn't mention that in the last Turn she's had enough gifts to last 
  some girls a lifetime; she only smiles once more to Sandar and murmurs 
  towards Ro, "Shall we go?"

Sandar blushes a bit proudly at Kassima's mention of his weaving.

D'ton waves to Sandar and the others as he heads out. He seems to be in an 
  uncommon good mood today, but fortunately for Pern, he is not attempting to 
  make any form of music.
D'ton walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.
D'ton has left.

Jayna grins. "Help yourself," she says, giving the plate another little push 
  to get it into reach of Kassi's arm. "There's more than enough there," she 
  says.

Kassima watches D'ton pass through, a single eyebrow lifting upwards. "Huh," 
  is all she says. Well, that and a quick, "Thankee." That's presumably for 
  the cheese. Taking up another slice of cheese-bread, she scoops a few chunks 
  of pepper up onto it before nibbling.

Jayna watches, evaluatingly. "How -is- that, anyway, Kassi? With the peppers, 
  I mean."
Jayna glances at Sandy. "Weaving? You're a weaver?"

Sandar grins at Jayna. "My da is. He taught me a thing or two." He looks down 
  at the now empty cloth. "I just wanted to try something different," he 
  comments. "So I thought makin' jewellery looked pretty easy. But it wasn't, 
  really."

Jayna nods, ruefully. "I know what you mean," she grins. "I tried baking once 
  or twice." She grimaces. "I can still...almost...taste it. What a mess."

Sandar grins.
Sandar looks out the entrance. "I gotta go for a moment. Happy turnday," he 
  smiles. "I'll be back in a moment."
Sandar walks towards the inner cavern.
Sandar has left.

"Mmmph," Kassi first replies. Swallowing, she tries again. "Nay bad, nay bad. 
  There're better combinations, but as things go... I'd eat it again without 
  neading t'be poked with a sharp stick first."

Jayna watches Sandy leave. "Oh, shards. I was going to ask him something about 
  his weaving," she says. "Well, hopefully, he'll be back."

Ro blinks, apparently coming back from wherever her mind had wandered, only to 
  nod to Mehlani and slip out towards the bowl.
Ro walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.
Ro has left.

[End log.]