Unfortunately we experienced a megalag that day, so people kept reconnecting all the time, myself included. Therefore I may have missed some poses but I hope not anyones vital for the context of this log. Sardrinth turns his head, taking a good sniff as you gently slide down his neck and land with a soft thud. Escaping sepia hide, Rade unstraps themselves from barb wire ridges, sliding down like dew does from grass as they fall, before landing in a soft plunk, as quiet as a babies' bum is soft. bright smiles is given reia with a soft, "thankyou, riea," before S'phen turns smile on annalee, "hello annalee," brownrider greets as he wlked over to her, "how are you today?" Salea sighs and follows D'renn...always the slacker, that one. Noticing the crowd, she smiles. "They're all here to see the Weyrlings! Not your clothes this time.." she explains to D'renn in a faked whisper. Azrieth lands neatly, expertly, displaying all that learned technique that makes him a /grown/ dragon. Sienna glints in the afternoon light as he fans back his wings, sidling over carefully to let a spritely green land. A rumble in his throat greets his clutchmate, then he turns gemstone orbs upon Rade, his love. Annalee grins back to S'phen brightly, sapphire eyes dancing with now-awake merriment. "Quite alright, and you, S'phen?" Blushing with the compliment, Areiah leans, catching T'lendel gently with one leather-clad elbow. "With practice, just about anyone could." she quips, winking, straightening up to full height. Still diminutive, she is, but good posture can't be a bad thing. "Cairhoth is looking well.." And then, sapphire eyes shift, warm, settle soundly on the bronze. "Aye, you're getting to be quite big. I still remember Hatching Day when they were all so little.." "But I have new clothes!" D'renn protests, smoothing down his velvet tunic and taking a watchful stance just behind Salea, hissing in her ear, "Are we ready?" There are a few other things piled on the table too. Catia appears from ground weyr's overhung shadows. Salea counts the thirty-some odd knots, continuing to beam. Oh well. Just this once..."Are we ready to start, D'renn?" Sanaya steals silently into the Central Bowl, having already lost track of her ride from Ista. A soft lock of hair is slowly twirled as she takes in the group that is gathered. When a familiar face is not located, she lingers at the edge, emerald eyes watching in silence. "I'm well, thank you" S'phen replies to Annalee and he waves to Thesy, "G'afternoon, Thesy." brownrider calls heading over to her, - has to make his rounds, y'know - "how are you and Sardrinth?" "Ready," D'renn answers shortly, looking out over the massed ranks of dragons, riders, weyrfolk and visitors. Rade takes a breath; a wisk inside of her swirling insides as she smiles towards Azrieth. Silence is her words, she simply goes back over the uneven ground Weyrlingmaster-wards. " Salea! D'thon!" then voice intones, " Am I all that late?" Sunbaked fingers run over her moonlit pantleg while she takes note of D'renn's clothes. " Nice." Catia slips past a few dragons, striding to stand close to the platform - for a better view. Kitiara smiles, then frowns, hunting for a familiar face.../any/ familiar face. Oh, well. T'lendel chuckles lightly at the jest, ignoring soft jab. His lips twist into a wry grin, "Somehow, I think Cairhoth would prefer I be a good bronzerider than weyrwoman." Well, maybe he's not exactly making sense, but his mind is on other things. Still, green eyes flash over surrounding dragons and he can't help but shake his head, murmuring, "It seems so recently that we Impressed." And then an even softer, "But so much has changed." Quickly noticing the ceremony is starting, Rade ducks her head through the crowds as she makes her way over, to the other weyrlings. " T'lendel! Areiah! Thesy! Annalee ... does anyone have a seat for me?" As hush falls over, her voice is startling loud, but she quickly hushes as well. Sardrinth thinks to you, << The teacher looks soft, what does he feel like? >> "Over here, Rade!" Thesy waves at the brownrider, pointing with her other hand towards a chair at her side. Sardrinth senses that Thesy chortles, "What do you mean? And who are you talking about, hm?" Salea waves a negligent arm at the crowd, motioning for silence...which she knows isn't likely with such high spirits, "Thank you for coming," she booms across the bowl, "To a very special occasion. After months of hard, sweaty, back-braking toil, these young men and women are ready to ascend to their places within the Weyr. Ready to take on Thread; ready to contribute and work and play and enjoy life here as a full rider. And I," she says laughingly, "Am ready to give out some heavier knots! D'renn, if you'd pass the first knot over..." Kerpounce goes Annalee as she follows Rade to Thesy's side, shooting a beaming glance Areiah's way. It seems like such a short time ago... S'phen turns up toward the platform as well, taking a seat with a group of riders, - his wing, no doubt. Jillian fairly prances into the center of the bowl, dimples stretched to their fullest; a large and ridiculously conspicuous wink to some, a broadening of the grin to others, and a stiff prick on the aft of Bobette's kinked neck to bring silence to the firelizard. Traditional Jill-greetings. T'lendel hushes, own stature straightening slightly, and glances at Salea. So. It's time. Areiah gives T'lendel a sideways look at that, nodding once in agreement. "That it has, that it has. We.. oh, I think it's starting." she says, excitement held fast in her lofty soprano, glittering gaze keeping to the stage and fellow Weyrlings. "It is, it is." And with that, she falls silent, remaining standing near T'lendel. D'renn passes the knot over obediently, looking over the table in an effort to make sure he knows what he's doing. Course he does. You sense that Sardrinth turns his head towards the man in blue and copper >> Him, he is soft looking... << Rade makes a snug fit 'tween Thesy and Annalee, voice choked in excited. " Oh! It's starting." She really did try to hush. Really. Salea calls up the first Weyrlings..."T'ron, T'right..." and then "Would Wingsecond Annalee please come forward to recieve her knot?" Oorla appears from the dust-filled pens. Sardrinth senses that Thesy laughs, "Oh, D'renn! I'm afraid that you're wrong. He just /looks/ soft. Remember when he took us on our first flight ::between::? He wasn't soft at all. But, sorry, I've no idea how he feels, never touched him." D'renn has been passing wingrider knots - the right ones, we hope - to Salea, as fast as he can manage. Other things, too. Blue eyes gleam as Annalee is called up. Sardrinth thinks to you, << May I touch him? >> Thesy smiles warmly at the girls now sitting beside her who have become so close friends during the last turns, "Seems like the Hatching was just a sevenday ago, hm?" she grins, all the while moving her toes, uncomfortable in the new boots. Catia watches quietly, applauding on cue... Lounging against the rock she seems comfortable enough, passing occasional comments to fellow riders stood nearby. S'phen smiles brightly as Annalee is called, brownrider glad to see his friend graduating. Friend? ok, one of /many/ friends. Annalee blinks once, twice, what, she's up now? She's awake, honest. Bright eyes turn towards Salea as she walks forward a silent mental caress passing over Erranth's mind. Dragon nearby gives a gentle croon to his rider--his love and his alone. " Annalee!" calls out Rade from the mass of other weyrlings clustered together. " Congratulations!" Startling loud, her voice gurgles in glee, face shining proudly. Legiments curved over chair are pulled taut; standing she tries to get a better view. You think to Sardrinth, >> Sure but maybe not before the ceremony's over, hm? You don't want to spoil it for me, right? << Oorla sighs, late again. But that doesn't matter. She smiles as the musical soon-to-be-no-longer-a-weyrling is called up. Sardrinth thinks to you, << no! I don't want to spoil your fun. But after right? I may touch him? And her too? >> You think to Sardrinth, >> Her? << Grinning warmly, Areiah begins to join the applause, head tipped in a vigorous nod. "Congratulations, Annalee!" she calls, voice full of affection and delighted pride. There. All the shouting and clapping should be enough to wake the girl up. Salea grins and accepts the knot from D'renn...Moving forward, she shows the knot, deep blue and black, to Annalee, and then pins it on her shoulder, removing the weyrling knot. "Anna, through all your hard work as a wingsecond, as well as your feats of flying, you've well earned this knot. Congratulations!" Rade turns to Thesy, squeezing her hand furiously. " Oh, did you see? Annalee got her knot - is getting her knot." Barely heard from the orchestra murmer echoing throughout luminous bowl, her many squeeks can only be heard by Thesy. You sense Sardrinth nods towards the small leather girl, >> Ysbryth's rider. She is in leather too, is her leather like your leather? Your leather is pretty. << his he starts to lean down to nuzzle against you. Feats of flying. Hmm. D'renn fishes a foot-square, flattish parcel from the pile of the table, passing it to Annalee. "And this is yours as well..." D'renn hands Annalee's Painting to Annalee. Oorla lets out a cheer for the new official dragon-rider, adding to the throng of noise. "All right Alee! You did it!" Salea chuckles...D'renn and his paintings...stepping backwards, she moves so all can see the colorful work of art...at least the colors don't clash? D'renn didn't do it! He's not that clever.... Thesy laughs at Rade's enthusiasm, now applauding for Annalee too, "Well done, Anna!" her shout is drowned by the cheering of the people so she says for her friend only, "Yes, I've seen." T'lendel just grins, expression not too far from that of a pleased canine. "C'mon Annalee!" comes the enthusiastic cheer. Not that he hasn't been cheering for the others. Curiosity is set aside; he'll get to see the parcel soon. Or so he hopes. Catia squints towards the platform, trying to discern Annalee's gift. Some sort of picture... Catia's mouth quirks in a smile, wondering what the others get. Annalee grins back proudly, black velvet braid swinging as she turns her brilliant smile towards Erranth, then blinks once more as she's handed that parcel. "Huh? Oh, wonderful!" For some reason she's lost for words-perhaps Erranth is supplying the silent ones she needs. "Thank you..." You think to Sardrinth, >> Areiah, yes. If you like ... just refrain from lapping her up, will you? Your tongue has become simply too large for this. Oh and thank you! I'm glad you like my new outfit. But you look smashing yourself, gleaming like a new penny. << D'renn flaps his hands at Annalee, grinning at the bluerider. "G'wan, shoo.... lots more to do!" Another 31, by D'renn's count. Salea winks and then picks up the next knot. There are thirty some-odd weyrlings to get thorugh, and wouldn't want the wine to get warm...Continuing, she calls and sends forth another trio of weyrlings, and then comes to the next name on her list. "Rade? Please come forward." S'phen smiles and motions for annalee to join him where he stand among the other riders. You sense that Sardrinth preens, giving his rider a whuffle and a look towards the girl all the cheering is about >> She is a full rider now, like we will soon be? << Annalee shoo's indeed, stepping towards S'phen with proud long strides. Goodness... Is her "childhood" really over? D'renn readies another knot and another parcel... and passes 'em to Salea. The grin remains, and Areiah's reaction is the same - loud applause and delighted cheering. "Isn't this fabulous?" she asks of T'lendel, voice lower with that, eyes simply dancing 'neath long 'lashes. Azrieth draws himself alert at the mention of his lifemate's name, wedge-shaped head raising and craning slightly to watch Rade go forth. Blues and greens -- sedate hues -- whirl gently, focused upon the movements of his rider and those giving the knots. They're growing up. Rade begins to get the jitters. Who'll be next? Who'll be next? Her name is echo'd throughout the weyr. " Me?" Gasp. But she goes up, at her own urgings, at Azrieth, and walks down the path of parted weyrlings, fingerlength of golden curls bouncing as she flashes Annalee a nervous smile. Silhouette of body can barely be seen against the bright sun, but her smile will always be present. She stands on the stage, gawky, looking to eitherside. Oorla gives a last cheer for Annalee, then looks over at Rade. Why is it so hard to imagine that the weyrlings are finally graduating? Doesn't matter, she decides. "Woohoo, Rade! You will be one awesome Rider! Great job!" T'lendel claps for latest to be called up, echoing the grins of everyone else. "Yes." A short reply, but there's emotion in it. Everything up to now is coming together, isn't it? S'phen grins brightly at Annalee, continuing to motion her over before calling out, "Congratulation, Rade!" then, as Annalee approaches, brownrider drops his voice and murmurs somthing to the bluerider. Thesy raises both arms, giving Rade an enthusiastic thumbs up, "Yay Rade! Congrats!" her voice disclosing her emotions, what a day! You overhear S'phen mutter, "Congratulations, Annalee. ... ... you could ... ... stand here with ... now till ... ... ... ... ..." to Annalee. Sardrinth senses that Thesy smiles, "Yes she is and we will be that soon too. By the way, you're going to be a dragonhealer's lifemate, did I tell you?" Taking care not to tear Rade's fine outfit, Salea carefully removes the first knot and replaces it with a second. "Rade, you've helped us all with your kind words and helpful way, and we've all benefitted from your company. You're also earned this knot. Good luck in the future!" "Sal-eee-a..." D'renn nags, prodding his superior's back as a reminder. Annalee nods once, quickly, reaching out and squeezing the brownrider's hand before letting go and clapping wildly for Rade. Is this really happening? The first chapter is done! They've finally made it through to this point. You sense Sardrinth quirks his head to the side behind you >> Dragonhealer? Is that like the rider that kept you in the healer classes? << You think to Sardrinth, >> Catia, yes. I'm going to be her trainee, along with L'shil. << Oorla watches the proceedings with intrest, biting her lip to keep from screaming out her happiness for her friends to all of Pern. :) Salea ouches, looking with a suspicious glare to D'renn..."I'm 'a moving, I'm a moving..." Sardrinth thinks to you, << This will be fun? >> "Just didn't want you to forget," mutters D'renn, doling out a few more knots as Salea calls names. Salea continues on, calling other well known weyrlings..."Thesy? Please come up" Rade takes the lovely-wrapped package, the knot, nodding towards Salea. " Oh, thank you!" She would hug her, but now seems not quite appropriate for that. It's best to keep a little dignity to ones' self. At D'renn, sleek smile dances 'pon her up turned lips. " Thank you, too." Then she makes her way down the isle, the areas that Annalee walked down. You think to Sardrinth, >> Hm, learning should be interesting though not exactly fun. We will rescue wounded dragons and riders and mend a lot of injuries. << Sardrinth straightens up with an encouraging croon to his lifemate. Looking for all the world like he wants to follow her up. Sardrinth thinks to you, << They have called you love, we are riders, full ones! >> Oorla cheers again for Rade, then turns her attention to Thesy. Wow! "Awesome job, Thesy!" she calls out, sounding for all Pern like an overexcited child. But hey, the weyrlings are graduating. This doesn't happen every day, does it? D'renn flicks his fingers through the pile of knots, selecting one with a blue strand just the right shade.. passing it to Salea. A /large/ cloth-covered package is lifted from the table too. Raising somewhat awkwardly to her hurting feet Thesy nevertheless manages to walk properly towards the stage, a silly grin spread all over her tanned and now slightly flushed face. Catia will applaud for this weyrling /very/ loudly... once Thesy steps down from that platform. she'll be eligible for Catia to start training her. And Cat's not going to let the girl get away, either. Salea accepts the knot and waits for Thesy to come forward..Glancing at the package, she grins, "D'renn won't drop it on you, I promise Thesy..." Thesy grins, flinging D'renn a curious sideways glance, "I would hope so, at least not today." Annalee hugs Rade tightly as she appears at her side, then starts cheering for her fellow bluerider. "THESY!!" Ooif. Good set of lungs, this girl has. Makes sense after all. T'lendel leans forward slightly, eyes trying to discern this weyrling from that. But then his attention snaps back to the platform. "Thesy," comes the soft announcement, as if no one else knew. But what /is/ that large package? S'phen grins brightly at Annalee and nods, "It is happening, lalee friend, but surprises aren't over for you yet." Brownrider pulls out a small object from the pocket of his leathers and beams, "On behalf of Tsunami wing I'd like to ask you, bluerider Annalee, if you'd honor us by joining our wing?" words are spoken quietly, but clear enough for Annalee to hear. Still applauding, still grinning, Areiah whistles. Yes, whistles. And loudly, too. "Congratulations!" she calls, grin turned on Annalee, then. Yet another thing the pair have in common. Oorla claps loudly, still cheering for Thesy. "Congratulations!" It's noisy out here, but who cares? Salea neatly swipes the old for the new, and Thesy is now a fully fledged rider..."Thesy, your cheer and good nature make you a joy to work with! Good luck with your further studies with Catia...just think," she notes, "Cat's not half as mad as D'renn..." Everyone else does.... D'renn doesn't say a thing, just beams indiscriminately. Reyenna smiles, one hand resting on Sarali's shoulder, the other clapping against her thigh at each new graduate. Emberli hears a name at last. "Congrates, Thesy!" she calls into the crowd, unsure if she will even be heard. Salea continues, speeding up her pace...lets see..."Would Areiah come forward please?" Uh-oh... At least Reia's knot is easy to find on the pile. D'renn holds it out, mute. T'lendel rests his hand lightly on Areiah's shoulder for a moment, "Go on up there, Reia." He whispers the words, grinning, and steps back. Areiah grins up at T'lendel, then - excitement is good for ridding one of their shyness. "What?" she asks, however, self-consciously. Pausing, waiting for a response, it takes her a moment before the name called is reckognized. Areiah. That's her! A blink, then, as sapphire eyes turn to Salea, and quick, easy steps are taken toward the stage. Sen walks in. Kitiara waves to Sen, glad to recognize a face. Catia beckons to Sen as she sees her wingmate arrive. The healer has a good vantage point, after all. S'phen places the knot on Annalee's shoulder, then "Welcome to Tsunami, Annalee." Sen wanders in, a smile on her face at actually being able to /do/ something, fully prepared to enjoy the graduation. She nods to Kitiara, then makes her way towards Catia, babe held close as she wends her way through the crowds. Oorla notices the girl struggling to see beside her. Yes, there are definate disadvantages to being short. She crouches down by the girl and says, "Hey Em, you want to climb on my shoulders? You'll be able to see then!" :) Then she notices that it's Areiah's turn, and calls out a "Congratulations" to her. Salea nods to Sen, just catching her out of the corner of her eye. Good to see her up and walking. Turning back to the approaching Areiah, she fingers the new knot, making sure D'renn didn't...well making sure its okay. Catia grins over towards Areiah as the girl heads towards the platform... then turns to smile at Sen. "How are you both," she asks softly, having been checking on her wingmate even if she couldn't be at the birth. S'phen's face positively glows as Reia is called, brownrider cheering for her. "Congratulations, goldrider Areiah!" You sense Sardrinth barely contained excitement bubbles over to you >> We are riders! << Areiah knows all about the disadvantages to being short. Even coming up the steps, bashfully taking a spot on the stage, she's still tiny. A soft, nervous laugh, and a smile for the general crowd - this turned quite soundly on both Salea and D'renn. Sen smiles, untucking the blanket around Jarasen just a bit to show his sleeping form "He's doing wonderfully. I'm the one on lack of sleep" she teases, than looks out to where Areiah makes her way "I didn't miss to much, did I? I had to feed him first....." D'renn didn't do anything! What a slander! Blue eyes twinkle as they regard Areiah. Emberli smiles, and needs no further persuasion- already she's up on Oorla's back. Ah, this is much better; she can see now! She starts to clap agian, this time for the weyrling that was just called up. Areiyah, was it? From the line of already promoted weyrling Thesy smiles at her petite goldrider friend, oh so elegantly dressed today, receives her new knot from Salea and she claps her hands enthusiastically, "Congratulations, Areiah!" she calls, blue eyes sparkling with happiness. Sardrinth senses that Thesy, proudly as never before agrees, "We are!" "There are a few left," Catia answers Sen quietly, looking around at those weyrlings left to be knotted. Oorla adjusts her balance, so she can stand up without Em falling off of her. "Great job Goldrider Areiah!" she calls again. Take one off, put the other on...nothing to it. With now practiced ease, Salea exchanges Areiah's knot for the newer, more sporty version. "With this knot Areiah, you, like every other rider here, now pledge to help save and protect the peoples and lands of Pern. By getting to know you better, I know that that duty will always be fulfilled, when you are here at high Reaches. May your future be as bright as Ysbyrth's hide." Yep, getting poetic in her old age...Knot is attached and a small package passed to Areiah. Sarali sighs. This is a happy occasion, but...she's tired. Feeding the tiny bronze flit's been more than enough activity for her. She looks up at Reyenna, she'll understand. Sarali walks to the Caverns. Ooooh, very poetic indeed. D'renn just grins happily at Areiah, as for every other weyrling-turned-rider. A bewildered blink at the praise - and, without an appropriate vocal response, Areiah beams at Salea and wraps one arm around the older woman's shoulders for a quick hug. Poetic indeed, and very well appreciated. Finally, words come; "Thank you, Salea, D'renn.. thank you both, for everything." Emberli stops clapping for the moment, and just looks at the new goldrider, rather in awe. Rade settles in her seat, laid back form resting over chair in curved stature. Fingers brush one of her roseate cheeks in idle care, running over to the side of her ear to fumble with curlet. She's an adult now; but she still enjoys to fidgit. Catia claps as hard for Areiah as for everyone else. But stepping forward to pat Thesy's shoulder and murmur, "I'll talk to you later," the healer then disappears into the ground weyrs. Catia abandons the bowl for ground weyr's shelter. Sen would clap for Areiah if she had a hand free, but can't, so just cheers. "Well, and you're welcome..." D'renn answers Areiah, eyes extremely blue as he smiles at the newest Weyrwoman. From her position atop Oorla's shoulders, Emberli can see everything, including the girl ducking behind the wagons. She sends a quick smile in the girl's direction, then lets out another cheer for Areiah. Salea continues down the mental list...C'lan...R'sli...S'lor...and comes to "T'lendel? Please come forward..." " Areiah!" Rade calls out excitedly. " Congratulations!" Bony fingers clap rhythemically towards her friend - the weyrwoman - almost frightened at all the responsibility the poor girl would now hold upon her shoulders. Areiah slips an arm 'round D'renn, too, briefly, quickly, before she heads for the respite offered by the steps. Off the stage. Go blend into the crowd. A grin, though, is tossed Emberli-ward, this turned on Sen as she makes her way toward the greenrider. More knots, more knots! D'renn's stubby fingers move swiftly, retrieving the correct ones and handing them mindlessly to Salea. Almost worn ouy with beaming, he is... and touched by Areiah's hug. Sen smiles at Areiah, then cheers again, this time for T'lendel, her eyes bright with pride and excitement for the bronze rider....soon to be, at any rate. Oorla lets out a whoop; Areiah's *really* a weyrwoman now! "Way to go Areiah!" she calls. Kitiara cheers and claps as T'lendel ascends the platform to become a rider. T'lendel shakes off the pleased daze he'd settled into, shoulders straightening, chin coming up. It's his turn. He steps evenly towards platform, half smile lighting his face in amusement (apparently at lifemate's thoughts). And then he's there, moving up, allowing a silent acknowledgement of Salea and D'renn. Salea pastes the new knot heartily on T'ldenel, throwing the old back at D'renn. "Congradulations! Your hard work and dedication has never failed, and now its paid off. Enjoy!" Passing T'lendel a small object, she grins. "That's everyone....and now I believe Areiah has something to say?" "Yes, that's Cairhoth's rider", Thesy nods to the boy beside her, now also a fully-fledged rider, "He was in my group", she smiles, applauding for the bronzerider. D'renn tidies up the pile of old knots with a strangely relieved look on his face. "Congratulations, T'lendel..." All done. T'lendel grins cockily at Salea but doesn't say anything more than, "Thank you. Salea, D'renn." Later, he can talk. For now, he pokes idly at the package as he steps off the platform S'phen glances Trebinthwards as brownrider starts to walk across the bowl, possibly the long way around to his dragon but he doesn't care, nor does he care that his path takes him in front of everyone. Hearing that Reia has something to say, though, S'phen pauses on the edge of the crowd, just in front of the stage and listens, blue gaze having already been fixed on the weyrwoman. Oorla keeps cheering; she may never stop! :) (If you hear someone cheering in tonight while you're trying to sleep, it's probably Oorla!) Salea fades back, stepping off the stage to leave it clear for Areiah and Co. Grinning, she works her way into the crowd to watch. Sen cheers again for T'lendel, shifting Jarasen to her other arm as she settles onto a stray rock, saving her feet. D'renn bounces down the steps after Salea, wondering what Areiah may have to say. Oorla applauds some more and calls out "Well done T'lendel!" Salea pushes D'renn back up the steps with a quick, "Stay there!" D'renn pauses, pushed, and trudges back up the steps with a definite 'Why Me?' expression. Uh-oh. Salea turns tail and heads for the back of the crowd, to join Sen and Catia if she can make it... T'lendel starts to join fellow weyrl-- /riders/, then catches Sen's cheer. And the little one in her arms. Ah, something he'll have to get to later. (new riders aren't the only ones needing congratulations). But then he continues towards fellows, smiling. They're official now! Reaching Thesy, he stops, tilting his head up to watch Areiah's announcement. Emberli walks to the Caverns. Blinking back into the present moment, Areiah snaps-to, scooting back up the stairs and coming to join Thesy on the makeshift stage. D'renn leans on the table, looking worriedly at Areiah. And directing the occasional glare towards Salea, too. Exchanging a quick glance with Areiah and Rade, Thesy nods, excuses herself from the others and quickly walks to her friends. After a short conversation she turns around, smiling at D'renn, "Can we have your attention for a short time, D'renn?" she calls to the bluerider who so obviously confused watches unhappily the little group. D'renn's attention is something easily gained and just as easily lost... but the bluerider makes an effort, standing straight and smiling at the girls. "What have I done?" Rade fumbles with the embroidery on her leathers, following behind Thesy in a brisk step. Blue eyes glistening -- nearly gold -- they fall upon D'renn, soft smile nearly placid on her face. " Oo ... " glance goes to Reia to explain. Oorla looks around the confusion, then laughs. No wonder people think weyrfolk are crazy. :) Areiah would give D'renn an encouraging grin if she could. But seriousness reigns, and narrow shoulders straighten, young woman brought again up to full height. "D'renn, you've been wonderful," she begins, raising her voice to be heard across the bowl. Well. She can call out for an extended period of time. Who knew. "And you haven't done anything but excel in all of your duties as Assistant Weyrlingmaster to this clutch. We all appreciate all of the things you've done for us, from lessons to advice to simply keeping us company when we needed it. On behalf of our Weyrling class, we would like to present you with this." A package, carefully wrapped, is then presented to the bluerider. Lifting up on tiptoe, she dots an innocent kiss upon his cheek, drawing back and beginning the applause. "Congratulations - and thank you - D'renn!" Oorla smiles at the presentaion; nice touch. Areiah hands Stained Glass Creation to D'renn. Stained Glass Creation D'renn's blunt jaw drops and stays that way, even through Reia's peck on the cheek. Pushing back his newly-cropped curls, the bluerider stammers, then clutches at his present. "I... umm.... Well, I'm not one for speech-making, that's for sure." D'renn announces and proceeds to belie himself. "But I enjoyed teaching you all and working with all very much, and.. umm... thank you!" Rade wraps her arms around D'renn, as tightly as her present was put together. " We all are -so- proud of you, D'renn!" It should be the other way, but, oh well. Thesy joins the applause, clapping her hands enthusiastically once more, this time in complete agreement with Areiah's words, and gives D'renn a warm, grateful smile. After all, she'd never have made it without his advice and help. Salea heartily applauds from the audience. Despite the fact she's never say so, D'renn's done an excellent job. But wouldn't want to swell his head too much you see... T'lendel also echoes the clapping, smile solid. A fabulous job, and an immense help -- that's D'renn. Not to mention always good for a laugh. (to look at his clothes, at least) Sen watches the gift giving with a smile. Salea and D'renn did a wonderful job, after all. It would be impossible to get D'renn's head any larger than it is at the moment. But he pauses, turns and looks out over the crowd. "One person though..... she's the one who got this bunch of no-hopers and misfits.." D'renn directs a beaming smile at all his ex-charges, "through Weyrlinghood. Salea deserves just as many congratulations - more of them! - than me!" Thesy tears her eyes from the bluerider and now smiles at Salea, nodding, "Salea, please? Areiah has something to say to you that goes for all of us. Reia?" S'phen stands on the edge of the crowd and watches, applauding when Reia makes the presentation, yes, D'renn, Salea and co were/are wonderful. Now that the chaos is over, Oorla decides to head back inside the weyr and grab a cup of klah. At least nobody got soaked this time! ;) Oorla walks to the Caverns. D'renn phews quietly. Salea's suffering too. A sudden grin, then, from Areiah, at D'renn's words. "She's next." Softer, this, followed by a wink, before, all ceremonial seriousness again, the goldrider waves Salea toward the stage. Oh no. They want her back on the stage? Unable to stop smiling, Salea again rises the steps, sliding up beside D'renn..."Can't believe you're not color clashing," she whispers. D'renn sidles off the platform, pausing only to prod Salea's side. "It's a special occasion, silly..." he retorts softly, escaping to somewhere with a good view. Salea plaintively watches D'renn's back...no fair...probably already heading for the Benden. But its worth it. Blushing slightly, she stands. "Salea. From Hatching Day right up until this, our graduation, you have been there for us, giving us assistance, guiding us, teaching us, and above all, showing us friendship and encouragement." Areiah smiles broadly, warmly, as yet another package is shifted about. "More than you realize, we appreciate your hard work and commitment. On behalf of our Weyrling class, again, we would like to present you with this." Slender arms reach forward, delicate hands passing the trinket carefully, as another half-hug is administed. "Thank you." D'renn cheers loudly, appreciatively. Giving a shrug and a sigh that no one can hear, S'phen drifts back towards Trebinth, giving Reia a warm smile and thumbs-up at the last moment before turning around and mounting Trebinth. Brownrider must be off. S'phen grabs a riding strap as Trebinth offers him a foreleg for easier mounting. Salea ohs appreciatively, cradling the gift inside her hands....her toung not working well, perhaps because of the tears streaming down her face, she just hugs Areiah instead. "Thank you...so very much, all of you...for everything." Sunset Cistern Entranced in the spirited nature of Areiah; Rade first waits until package is given up to the follow brownrider, before arms enwrap - hug - let all her lovin' flow into the Weyrlingmaster. " Salea. Congratulations," is whispered past her ear, sweetly. Sen smiles, making her way to the caverns, intent on getting a seat before things get to crowded. Sen grins saucily as she perambulates.... to the Caverns. A loud braggish rider in the back yells out, "And now for the food! " Broad smile traces across T'lendel's face as he finds himself clapping like crazy once more. Another person to whom he owes most everything. And a pleasure to know besides. And her reaction is .. touching. D'renn bounces back up the steps, carrying his present - still unwrapped - very carefully, and gives Salea a lop-sided hug, too. Stepping to the edge of the platform he declares, "Now it's party time! Food and drink in the caverns...." Salea returns Rade's hug with equal enthusiasm. "And to you too.." Rade turns from embrace, falling down the wobbling steps upto stage, until she's finally at the bottom. Finding another weyrling, she tumbles towards the door, grinning from ear-to-ear. " Party! C'mon, Salea ... " Impish girl. D'renn trips down the stairs and heads in. Time for some much-deserved wine.... D'renn strides lightly to the Caverns. Logged by Thesy
Graduation Day - The Weyrlings finally become fully-fledged riders!
Central Bowl
Seven spindles brush the clouds -- quite literally -- overhead, a jagged, spired cotillion grey-stoned majesty. The bowl from here is expansively large, extending a full half mile in both directions, and although sometimes a bit of a stretch, most of the hubs of activity can be easily observed. Hard-packed ground shows the common pathways, all of them meandering about the craggy bunch of boulders that form a centerpiece: carven, hand-worn and foothold-full, it gives a bit of centerpoint to the otherwise vast emptiness of the area.
To the north lie the hatching grounds and leadership weyrs, while the lows of herdbeasts mark the feeding pens to the northeast. A flurry of ever-present activity marks the living caverns to the west, and another time-traveled path the ground weyrs just adjacent to the southwest. Southeast, a glint of blue shows the lake, glittering and cold.
Someone's erected a temporary wooden platform, not far from the entrance to the living caverns. Half a man's height off the ground, rickety steps lead up to a table and an array of chairs settled atop of the makeshift structure.
It is an autumn afternoon.
Clinging to footholds in the boulder-mound are Tierras, Jesse, Ria, Gunwalloe, Cynin, and Kyrus.
Brown Caerynth, brown Fallanth, blue Trydanth, brown Trebinth, gold Ysbryth, bronze Cairhoth, blue Erranth, brown Azrieth, and blue Sardrinth are here.
S'phen, D'renn, Jillian, Areiah, Kyren, T'lendel, Posida, Salea, Annalee, Kitiara, Rade, Ilyena, and Sanaya are here.
Sarali steps out from the Weyr's living caverns.
T'lendel just watches in silence, admiration in his eyes and a smile on his lips. All of his friends are being called up, and his own turn is hardly on his mind. He's proud, happy, and perhaps a little dazed.
Delylah grins shyly at Emberli, "Hi" she whispers, almost inaudibly.
Salea hands T'lendel's thoughts to T'lendel.
Emberli claps some more for T'lendel; he deserves it!
Hung on two lengths of chains, a lead square forms the outer border of this stained glass winddow. Centered is a stylistic blue dragon, looking devotedly to a somewhat strangely dressed man. Has the artist gone mad? For colors clash with wild abandon, raspberry red pants with midnight blue shirt, a deep contrast to his hair. Above the pair rises the seven spires, below, a solid brown of earth. Each piece has been leaded into place, and some has been etched for greater detail. At the bottom, a small plaque announces "D'renn and Blue Trydanth.".
Trebinth takes off.
A dying sun's fire sparks with passion-bred intensity, rosy hues dripping bawdy curly-ques 'twixt twin handles. Basest colors-- the play of mahogany on humus-black-- lay claim to miniature cistern's underbelly, pencil-thin crackles of glazed raven splayed like lightning from nightflower's bloom. Ephemeral wisps of clouds meander from exotically curved lip, dancing a dreamer's ballet from apex to crimson-dribbled middle. Underneath stalks the ashen, cyan fuzz of day's faded glory; soon to be devoured. Feathery, gilded letters encircle one sinuous handle, its marking, simply: Warik.
A navy ribbon settles proudly atop one handle's curve, 'First Place' marked in gold across it.
It is empty.
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