A Harper's Tune [Open] [NYE]

Dressed tidily, B'jin had gone to a lot more effort than he normally would, as far as his evening get up was concerned. Almost-new black boots, clean cut and well fitting Harper-blue pants, a newly made white shirt and a vest of the same Harper blue over the top. His knots stood out on his shoulder, the green of his dragon's hide mingling with the strands of a Searchrider and senior Harper. His blonde hair was pulled back into a stubby tail, the pieces around his face that weren't quite long enough to make it falling free around his face in a manner that had the man sweeping them back with irritated and unconscious motions of his hand, or jerking flicks of his chin.

There had been a lot of commotion amongst the Harpers as bickering and bitching was undergone to decide who would or wouldn't be assigned to the duty of keeping the crowd entertained for the majority of the night. B'jin had ended up amongst those that had drawn the straw to be stuck upon the stage. He didn't actually mind, and had planned to enjoy the night - singing, laughing and not really drinking. Unfortunately for him, he'd been rostered in with a group that seemed to feel drinking on the eve of the new turn was very important especially when they were required to entertain everyone else. B'jin's desire not to drink had been crushed alongside his inability to withstand peer pressure; within a matter of hours of being on stage, B'jin was freely drinking from his own wine skin, and tossing back shots with the rest of the team.

Up on the roof, and out of the way of the milling humans and their silly celebration, the little green dragon watched with amusement as the group of Harpers stumbled around the stage, more from the good natured shoving and teasing than because of a current excess of alcohol. It wouldn't be long before that would prove their nemesis, however. Another of the lively dance tunes was struck up, and she watched with growing amusement as two of the Harper's started singing, the guitarist laughing as B'jin missed the opening line in exchange for throwing back another shot. The greenrider threw the small wooden shot glass at the guitarist, crowing with delight when it hit him on the head. He danced out of the way even as he launched into the song, laughter thick on his voice as the shot glass came careening back at him, and missed. B'jin threw the other Harper a smug look, laughing out the next line and throwing off his fellow vocalists.

Larrikith shook her head as the song finished, and the group celebrated by guzzling more alcohol. She wasn't sure how they managed to fit it all in. You will regret the drinking, tomorrow. Larrikith pointed out mildly as she preened up on the roof, smug in her knowledge of such a thing. B'jin's response was an amused glance up at her, and a mental shrug. Undoubtedly, he agreed. That was not, and never would be, a question. But it was the eve of a new year and he would enjoy himself! He would forget (or ignore) all the crap that had occurred in the past several weeks. He would drink, he would sing, he would probably dance eventually (if he didn't fall off the stage and break his neck first), and he would enjoy the gentle summer night for as long as it lasted.

Larrikith laughed. As you wish, dear. So long as he was happy, who was she to sour his fun? Amused, Larrikith took her gaze and attention from her human and peered around the milling dragons, the rooves of the buildings sparkling with the whirling light of dragons' eyes. Her closest friends were currently all hiding away amongst the crowd, but that was okay! She would find the bronze, the green, and the blues soon. If B'jin was going to play with his friends, she would spend the better amount of the evening with her own.

When the current number finished, the Harper's paused for a moment, before launching into another, the tune upbeat and bright as they encouraged those around the stage to dance and drink and enjoy themselves as they were.

Valerian had a sneaking suspicion that the celebration of the new turn wouldn’t be met with cheers and laughter by everyone. Time was fairly irrelevant to the Harper that just went along for the ride in most cases, though he wouldn’t mind a speed up for a little while to get him out of the weyrling classes. He hated being a student again and wanted to be done with classes and move on with where life had taken him. But that wasn’t his main concern. Would Talian go to the gathering and would his friend be in a jovial mood or drinking to forget? One choice was far more realistic than the other though Valerian wasn’t sure if either would be a welcomed sight. In a way, he hoped the Healer stayed away to look after a patient than put on a farce for B’jin, Erisi, or him, despite the desire to see all of his friends out having fun without worrying about one thing or another. It was why he hadn’t stopped at Talian’s room on the way out to see if he wanted to come along.

His friends that had Impressed alongside him had also been spared a knock on the door. Valerian was still confused about what the future would hold with Jada soon to have special goldrider classes and how she and Allendris would view him later on. While he wasn’t one to care about the opinions of others or stand on ceremony unless he absolutely had to, it was hard to ignore all the colourist remarks around him on a daily basis, especially now that he had an adorable blue following him. The idea of slowly ending friendships before it got messy and shiny influences corrupted had been tempting. After all, hadn’t he quickly stamped down the interest he had in Allendris when they both Impressed? They wouldn’t be able to do anything for possibly two turns so it was useless to continue trying to get some sort of interest out of his fellow island arrival but when a little bronze followed his friend off the Sands that night, Valerian knew he didn’t have a chance; if he ever had one to begin with. With Jada, she was rather pretty and he had seen way too much of her during the operation but he had somehow become like an older brother to her. She was also someone he had known in his old life which was nice to have but he doubted there was a soul in Katila that would appreciate a snarky bluerider hanging around their future golden leader.

Forget Talian, Valerian thought, maybe he was the one that needed to get drunk.

Except he couldn’t. Could they even drink yet? The dragonets were only seven months and while they had a strong mental connection now, Valerian didn’t think it wise to even chance a cup of ale or wine, not after such a long drought and with a young mind lingering with his. Yet as young as Veeth was, he was starting to get bigger and G’rem had advised them all that the dragonets could no longer join in the gatherings and had to linger on the outside of the Square like the matured beasts. Veeth had been disappointed that he couldn’t socialize with everyone but was quickly soothed at the promise of his clutchmates and his other friends likely hanging out somewhere nearby.

So it was after much brooding, which annoyed Valerian to the point of shoving everything aside and deciding things will happen as and when they would, that the bluepair found their way to the Square with Veeth finding a nice spot to watch the crowd, especially the stage. Valerian felt that was a grand idea and stole a chair set off to the side, out of the way of the dancing area, to watch. He had used the excuse of being a weyrling that may have a dragon in need of him to get out of singing duties but that didn’t mean he wanted to avoid the area all together. He was a Harper, through and through, and loved listening to the songs and instruments and even enjoyed watching others dancing and having fun.

Of course watching B’jin sway around drunkenly on stage was an added bonus. The man was still fairly agile given his inebriation and old age, which likely only added to the entertainment. Valerian liked picking on the man but he didn’t fancy seeing his friend hit in the head by a flying mug either.

You should join them! You have such a lovely voice and it’s a shame you don’t share it with anyone anymore. Valerian sighed at Veeth’s enthusiasm but, as usual, ended up with a small smile instead of frustration. He had only sang publically once since arriving at Katila and he was pretty sure most of the audience didn’t notice. Jada was on the operating table and wanted him to sing, so he did. If it would help her, then so be it. He still hummed and sang softly when alone with Veeth since the blue seemed to have taken quite a liking to it but still Valerian avoided duties elsewhere. He wasn’t sure why since he loved performing and felt somewhat free and able to express himself in new ways.

Not in the mood to continue analyzing himself or anyone else, Valerian folded his legs up under him and let his green gaze roam the crowds for familiar faces and drunken mischief while occasionally checking on B’jin and the other Harpers.

"Where it all began." she said quietly, looking out over the gather square with a small smile. Lymsleia had always adorded the Harpers. She could have been one- once upon a time. Though the dream was just a cooling ember or perhaps sleeping ember. She'd managed in the past year to barter for the dress, the cloth had been something she'd had to get by putting out all the favors she had, but it was worth it. The ankle length, red dress was almost tailor made. Almost because it had been slightly to big for her, but with a belt of white cloth that was easily modified.

The tune had captured her attention and for once, or perhaps it was the light buzz of alcohol in her system making her perhaps less inhibited. "Want to dance?" she asked Valerian. She'd found her way too him easily, carefully. The unusual eyed Healer's smile was easy and gentle.  She was normally personablem, but as she found Valerian's gaze, she seemed more intent.

Valerian was enjoying himself in his own way by tapping his fingers on his legs to the beat of the song while continuing to people-watch. He had already pegged a few people that would end up going home together thanks to wine making them braver, or more desperate, and while he likely wouldn’t see them the next day, he hoped he would to see if they did the awkward walk of shame and avoided eye contact with the person they had bedded. It was due to his enjoyment in thinking on other people’s possible misfortune that he missed Lymsleia approach him. So when she asked him to dance, he just gave her a blank stare.

“What?” Why would she ask him? He couldn’t recall a time he was ever nice to her and he was certain there would be others she would have more fun dancing with. He was about to tell her exactly that when he saw the determination in her mismatched eyes and Valerian wondered if it was really worth an argument on a night meant to celebrate. He had shown up for the gathering to get out and have some fun and he did enjoy dancing. Erisi wouldn’t be too pleased if he said yes and Valerian wasn’t sure how pleased he would be with himself later on either but it was a good dancing tune and he couldn’t stay curled up in his chair all night without risk of legs falling asleep.

With a shrug, Valerian untangled himself and rose to his feet. “Fine, but just one dance,” he lifted a hand and held up his pointer finger to indicate the number just in case the girl couldn’t hear his reply. Offering his hand to her as a proper gentleman, Valerian was ready to lead them to the dance area.

Reaching for his hand, Lymsleia took it, and pulled him out onto the dancefloor. " just one? Why did you have something better to do?" she asks softly. She paused in mid-step out on the dance floor. There wasa thought that flickered in her eyes and then vanished. "You don't have to ance more then one ddance if you do not wish." she said in a tone of finality. "Valerian..." she said after a moment. "Thanks..." she muttered.

Valerian supposed he could admire her enthusiasm and determination if nothing else. She wanted to dance with him, got him to agree, and now nearly dragged him to the floor to make sure it happened. He supposed the lesson of the night was ‘don’t get in the way of a woman who knows what she wants.’ So long as she could dance, it wasn’t like dancing with Lymselia would be torture. If he got a chance to find out. When Lymselia came to a stop, Valerian had no choice but to do the same and gave her a small crooked smile before replying with, “probably.” Did he have anything better to do that night? Who could say? It was a party and other than planning to have fun, Valerian couldn’t predict what would happen or what else would come along and be counted as better than the current activity.

“One dance because I don’t know how good you are, or they are,” Valerian added with a jerk of his thumb to the Harpers currently performing. He didn’t doubt they would be entertaining but would they play great dance tunes or sing them in their entirety without a drunken mix up or ending abruptly for a drink? That was the real question of the night; for now, at least. Valerian suspected the night would be full of questions and scandals and he couldn’t wait.

He ignored her thanks in favour of moving them into position to pick up a dance at the next appropriate beat. Swaying, shimmying, and twirling Lymselia in one spot took up much of the dance but during a crescendo, Valerian grabbed her hand, his smile showing a bit more as he lost himself further in the song and the fun, and spun her away from him with the intent on pulling her back in seconds later.

Another year! Somehow Par’a had kept her attentions focused enough not only to commission a lovely green dress but to tame her hair into glossy waves. The dress was of the deepest greens, with bright green and silver beading details around her midriff. It wasn’t slinky or seductive; in fact it was rather princess-like. She carved a path amidst her fellow celebrators as she walked, even the drinkers seemed to sense its value and kept their sour drinks tucked away from her.

Of course that didn’t mean she herself avoided the drinks, with a glass of sparkling wine clasped in her hand she was headed towards the central platform the performing harpers were gathered upon. She sipped at it, surprisingly delicately, her warm eyes rich with mirth as she watched B’jin tossing shots, both into his mouth and at his fellow harpers. Arriving at the platform she took a final sip and put the empty glass down beside a collection of bottles and glasses before reaching up to grab B’jin’s hand.

Her grasp was as firm as ever as she yanked him off the platform, spinning serenely and tucking his hand onto her waist before she placed hers on his shoulder. Whether he wanted to or not he was being pulled into a dance, her dress puffing out behind her as she curled against him.

“Singing is boring,” she purred. “Dance with me!” Because he definitely had a choice there.

Above the gather square Grith was performing her own dance, spiralling and swirling above them. For once her hide was perfectly clean, shimmering in fact with the oils Par’a had used on her. She glittered like a Gold when the light caught her hide, most likely because the oil had contained a liberal amount of glitter. She bugled and trilled, trying her best to match the harpers’ tunes but not really succeeding. It didn’t matter to her though, she was having fun!

Taking a dive she swooped low over the crowd, gliding almost too close for comfort. It sent gusts of wind across them, but could anyone begrudge her? The excitement and fervour that permeated the Weyr only amplified her hyper and excitable nature.

---

[sup]This is the dress she’s wearing, except daaaaaaaaark green with bright green/silver beading. To match Grith! :D http://dilshil.com/wedding/wp-content/up...Dress1.jpg[/sup]

She frowned. He was scu ha party pooper, not in the literal sense, but for a moment as he whirled and twirled her Lymlseia was unsure about this particular rider seemed to like the fire and intensity she was looking for in a partner. He danced well enough. Though as they danced, she watched him relax and watch him seem to gain a bit more confidence "Thank you," she said to Valerian. She spiraled awa as the dance ending offering a bow.

"Thank you, Valerian." she begins softly. "I liked that, its been a while since I've felt that pulse  like that." She tuched her rist, and inhaled slowly.

It had been very important to Krypth that Jada dress nicely for this. After all, it was the first big celebration since their Hatching Feast, and Jada needed to look her best and most competent. She needed to be perfect for this performance! After all, Krypth was their future Queen- and she wasn't going to let anyone forget it any time soon! As such, her Bonded needed to look her part! Their Leathers had been taken out, checked over carefully and Krypth had wanted to go so far as to select Jada's wardrobe for her as well! Well that was nonsense, so Jada had shoved the little Wherry out of their shared quarters and shut the door firmly against the insulted glare of Krypth's whirling turquoise eyes. There wasn't much in the Harper's closet, truth be told. Her pack had been small, and while she had some serviceable clothing, a lot of her clothes were looking a little... ragged.

Her nicest-looking brown pants were finally topped off with a Harper Blue shirt that was still serviceable, due to being the most well-cared-for of all her clothing. She winced as she realized it was fitting her a little loosely, hanging off the weight she had lost in her middle. Well, that wasn't much of a loss, truth be told... She said goodbye to it gladly! Snug boots were pilled on over her feet, laced up neatly, and she left her hair loose to her shoulder blades. She missed her waist-length hair sometimes, but this was a little easier to care for.

She could feel Krypth's impatience- this was going to be it! Their grand entrance, as a free-flying Goldpair! No silly escorts for this short trip, and she wouldn't- simply wouldn't!- allow her Bonded to do something so menial as to walk. shards no! Grand. Entrance! As Jada moved outside, joining the shimmering creature, the Harper was pleased to note that Krypth has refrained from slipping and sliding in the mud. Her hide shone, freshly oiled just earlier that day on Krypth's insistence. Jada got the distinct feeling that would change tomorrow, but...

She hooked the gold dragon up with their riding leathers and clambered atop the Gold with unpracticed awkwardness. Krypth crouched to assist her, glancing anxiously at the spot on her limb where Jada's boot had slightly smeared the oil. Deeming it acceptable, she reared up and launched into the air, wings straining for some height. At least enough to get over the huts- there! Victory raced through their mind, and Jada laughed, leaning down to cling to her Bonded, staring down at the people passing under them as Krypth darted towards the outskirts, trying to gain a little more height.

"No tricks!" Jada reminded her dragon, and the Gold crooned in faint disappointment. "Not until we're more experienced, at least!"

They turned, Krypth's wings stretched and Jada could feel her hair whipping as they spun, Krypth angling downward to swoop over the gathering area, doing a circle around the perimeter before landing near the perimeter obediently. Careful, Jada. Krypth's voice was anxious. B'jin was performing in the middle, and there were Weyrlings enjoying their first sips of alcohol in months. Remember you have to fly back. You can't walk, okay? Don't drink and fly, G'rem told us.

"I'll be good." she assured her beloved, kissing the shimmering nose and sending the proud dragon on her way. Immediately, Krypth aunched up, looking for a tall focal point from which to survey her domain.

Chin up, Jada! There was so much pride (for once) in Krypth's voice as she watched her Jada move through the crowd. She was a Harper, and she was Krypth's, and she looked lovely, for a human. Snorting, Krypth looked for someone to amuse her.

Jada slipped from person to person, greeting as she remembered names. She accepted a single cup of the red liquid being sloshed around, and mixed it well with water. Hmmm. She saw Valerian and Lym dancing, and several others... and B'jin was in the center of the square, Harpering. Jada grinned into her cup, taking another sip and setting it on a table. She slipped through the crowd in the direction of Valerian, who she figured would be a good place to start mingling. She was going to say hello to him at some point during the evening anyway; she might as well do it early so she didn't forget. Patiently she waited until he was finished with his dance, passing the time with an older rider who had called out to her. S'et he called himself, of Blue Horuth. He was a nice enough man.

"Hail, Lym. Val." she slipped up next to them as they separated, beaming at them both.

---

Jada's top. Kind of. [X]

The Call  of the Goldrider broke her attention as she leaned and caught her breath. "Jada!" she called out excited. "Hail? where'd that come from?" she asked softly, that the first time in a long time she'd heard that one and it showed on her face.  Adjusting a little of a ruffle at  thigh, Lymsleia smiled. "Might Iask how and yours are this evening? Enjoying the party?" she touched the small clip in her hair. Just a moment. "It's been a wear that I've been here, its really kind of strange..."

“You clean up well,” Valerian replied the instant Jada had his attention. He realised as he spoke that he hadn’t complimented Lymsleia when she approached for a dance and could easily imagine his mother and sisters glaring at him for such an impolite moment. Not that he’d call what he told Jada a compliment. He simply pointed out that even she could make herself presentable if she tried. Still, to save face before some random, cranky, old woman wandered by and smacked him one for being rude, Valerian turned to Lymsleia to include her in his follow up statement, “all the ladies look lovely tonight. Red suits you, Lymsleia.”

Feeling like he had covered himself well enough and avoided any yelling, Valerian then wondered if he could cut out and return to sitting on the sidelines, enjoying his people watching. No, he could see that earning a cheek pinching from Jada and that was another thing he wanted to avoid that night. He got those enough during the turn that he didn’t want to close it out with one as well. So he fell silent to let the women talk though he kept stealing glances toward the stage and gave a curious expression as the crazy old lady jumped up to steal B’jin away. That could be an interesting show.

"Well," Jada grinned at Lymsleia as the dark-skinned young woman straightened herself up a hair, patting at her hair and tugging at a ruffle or two. "I meant to say hello, but my voice tripped." It was as good as an excuse as any! Not that her voice could trip, but she hoped that her two companions would understand what she meant- her mind was moving too fast for her voice to keep up in her excitement. "A whole turn, I know." Jada herself had been here around that same length of time. She had come in late spring, right at the beginning of the season. Over a turn now, and counting.

She wanted to ask Lymsleia if she missed her life as much as Jada did. Being a teacher had been immensely rewarding to the Harper, and she could only imagine that Lym had felt the same way about being a Healer. But the woman kept her mouth shut, not wanting to speak of a life lost. Not when she had gained so very much. The other half of her that she had never realized was missing. The bossy half.

"Of course I clean up well." Jada grinned, reaching out for Valerian's cheek, forgoing the usual pinch in favor of a teasing pat. "I declare you must be thinking of the 10-turn me, with dirt on her cheeks and hands? Toddling after her big brother and writing love letters to older men? She didn't clean up well." In fact, at 10 Jada hadn't cleaned up well at all. She had been figureless and ungainly, with a small scattering of pimples- the way a proper little girl should look. "He's right about one thing." Jada appraised Lymsleia with pleasure, beaming at the Healer. "You do look lovely in red."

The music had fallen to a lull as B'jin had been dragged away by the greenrider Krypth had been so very upset with once before. Par'a, of Grith. Not that the dragonet didn't have much of a problem with most greenriders, but B'jin and Par'a had been the target of her vitriol until she had forgotten which had been... several days, actually. Every time she had seen Oruth, she had remembered the 'danger' that her 'hussy' of a sister had been in. In fact, the lull was such that Jada was halfway tempted to push her friend up on stage and ask Lymsleia to dance.

Hah! That would be fun. And it would get Val some of that spotlight his talent so richly deserved. Hmmmm...

B'jin was unprepared for the sudden assault of Par'a, though judging by the expressions lingering on the faces of his Harpering companions, they had seen her coming and simply been loath to warn him. Probably because they knew how amusing the result would be, when the greenriding woman grabbed B'jin's hand and yanked him off the stage, the man voicing a squeal of surprise as he went. Somehow (and he honestly had no idea) B'jin managed to keep his feet under him as he toppled off the stage and was swung around by Par'a, ending with hands on the beautifully dressed woman's waist.

"With pleasure," B'jin purred drunkenly back, tugging Par'a closer against him before spinning her away again, watching with a coy little smile as her dress flared around her, sparkling beautifully green like a dragon in heat... Well, there was a thought..! B'jin's expression turned distinctly naughty and when the woman was pressed back against his chest, B'jin kissed her lightly on the lips, eyes laughing.

Grith! Larrikith's voice was a shriek, able to be heard by anyone that had the wits to hear her. You look so pretty!! The green dragon reared up from where she was sitting on the roof, wings flaring out as she watched Grith's sparkling form glide overhead. I want to sparkle!

---

[sup]Fail tag is fail XD[/sup]

Lymselia found herself smiling widely at the comment from Jada. "My voice trips all the time too." she admits. She glanced at Valerian. "I don't clean up well, " she muttered sheepishly. "This is was a lot of hard work, and others helped me so I looked-- at least presentable for the Gather." she admited.

When Jada had spoken of how good she looked in red, Lymsleia nearly went scarlet- well as much as her dark skinn would allow her to color. "I... no way." she siad looking skyward. She disliked it that she was being thought beautiful. She breathed. She'd been out of the loop, for so long. An entire turn had come and gone, dragons had hatched and what'd she gotten to show for it? Lash marks.. nasty lash marks from running away un intentionally.

Lymsleia drew a slow breath. "So what shall we do? Valerian isn't up for another dance." she glanced at Jada. "Are you, Jada? Or should we find what the food tables have, or maybe see if some of that vinter's wine is ready yet..? The first true batch of Katilan?"

It was good to know that she wasn't the only one with those little verbal hiccups. Jada grinned, but then clucked her tongue at Lymsleia. "Don't be modest. Half the women in the Weyr would kill for your skin." And she didn't mean the color, she meant the overall elasticity and general... skin. "You've got to take some of the credit somewhere."

It was a little disconcerting to see this girl, who had been so comfortable in her own skin not long before, acting so... well Shards. How to describe it? Jada might be able to describe it as blossoming under the tutelage of her bossy gold dragon, growing more secure in herself?

"I could dance." Jada beamed. "It's been so long. I wonder what silly dance it is the Lord Holders have gotten themselves up to this season. It was always changing, you know." Jada held out her hand to the shorter woman, intending to take the masculine role in their dance. After all, Lymsleia was shorter, and if worst came to worst, Lym could step on Jada's toes and the Harper could whoosh them around. She grinned at the thought, smile brightening. "I can't have wine, but I could escort you that way. Alas, I've had my cup. I don't want to risk any more."

Jada! I want to sparkle too! It's not fair! That would have made the perfect entrance! Krypth creeled, weaving on her perch, torn between her distaste for the green in all her hussy glory, and her desire to shimmer! Oh, oh, if only she could have some of that oil! You will remember to make me shimmer next time, won't you?

"Of course!" Jada said aloud, and then frowned at herself. Of course, Krypth. Next time we will make sure no one outshines you, not even Nirinath herself.

Good! Content, the Gold settled herself, watching the Green swoop overhead, fascinated by the aerial acrobatics.

Par’a giggled as B’jin toppled off stage to her, her eyes alight with mirth as she spun about with him. She looked beautiful tonight and everyone was going to know it, dammit! She had spent much too much time preparing herself this evening for nobody to see her. When B’jin kissed her she gave a little squeal of surprise. Clearly that was the alcohol speaking, er, squeaking?

Thank you! Grith trilled to Larrikith, spinning on her wingtip to fly over to the other tiny Green. She landed softly on the roof beside her, reaching over and rubbing her neck and closest wing up against her. While it didn’t quite make Larrikith shine like Grith, it did transfer some of the glitter onto the mossy dragon. There! Satisfied, Grith launched back into the air, spiralling and spinning above the crowd again.

Waltzing him around she laughed and giggled almost non-stop, her face flushed red from the wine. Her dress swished and spun around their legs, threatening to tangle and trip the two drunk Greenriders but never quite making it happen. The music swelled and faded out as the song ended, to which Par’a pouted and made rude gestures at the harpers with her hand. When they returned said gestures she tossed her nose in the air and ignored them, much to the amusement of the onlookers.

The next song was a little softer, though not so much that the crowd would override it, and much more romantic in tone. She didn’t recognize it, was it new? “Do you know this?” She asked B’jin, swaying a little as she adjusted her arms to hang around his neck.

Above Grith trumpeted her approval of the new song, recognizing the bubbly warm feeling that was rising up within her rider. More! More! She demanded of the harpers, who appeared to comply, if only to avoid hearing her obnoxious voice for any longer than they had to.

The greenrider laughed cheerfully at Par'a's squealing reply to his light kiss, eyes sparkling playfully as the woman soon ended up toppling into the pool of undeniable giggles, the type that refused to be swallowed. B'jin's lips were twisted into a playful smile, subtly amused by his partner's giddy response to their dance and the quantities of alcohol being drunk.

Par'a's response to the ending of the current song caused B'jin to laugh, teasingly playing along by mocking Par'a behind her back and pulling innocent faces whenever she glanced at him, batting his eyelashes sweetly. When the other Harpers once more struck up a tune, B'jin's head tilted to better capture the sound of the instruments and his eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

"No," B'jin purred softly in reply, his arms sliding lightly around Par'a's waist and drawing the short woman in closer, the feel of her dress swirling around his legs catching his attention for a moment as they moved gently to the tones of the music. "Must be new." A lot of the Stolen Harpers wrote songs, and music, and it wouldn't be out of the question for someone to throw something together for the Gather evening. Or perhaps D'ren had sent someone North for some reason and they had come back with it. B'jin often brought back the newer tunes when he had been Searching.

"It is lovely, though," he said softly, eyes sparkling with innuendo as he peered down at Par'a.

Larrikith gave a squeal of delight as Grith rubbed against her, smearing some of the glittering oil across her own hide. The younger green turned her head around to admire her new sparkles, and her mind immediately sought out to her favourite blue; Ayyonth! I sparkle! It was a high pitched, incredibly girlish squeal of delight as Larrikith shared with the young blue her now subtly glittering side with deep pleasure. Sparkles!

Trilling her delight, Larrikith launched into the air to swirl around with Grith, taking pride in her subtle glittering. It was so pretty! Larrikith gave another trill, swirling across the top of the gathering - high enough that no one felt the need to duck - and tumbled through the air. Oh, she wanted all her oil to make her sparkle!

Valerian felt he was dangerously close to being dragged into a woman’s conversation about clothes and maybe even hair. He had done his duty with dishing out compliments, he really didn’t want to continue or have to discuss his likes and dislikes about his own style or theirs; especially theirs. That would be a trap and Jada would nag him. Luckily, Lymsleia brought up dancing again, and Valerian was almost certain she was somewhat disappointed he wouldn’t give her another spin around the square. Well, sucked to be her, as the weyrling was done with dancing for now.

Since the girls seemed okay with talking and dancing together, Valerian used it as a chance to silently excuse himself and slip away. He wasn’t sure what to do now though. Allendris and Erisi were likely around, lost in the crowd somewhere, and even Talian might be there but Valerian doubted it. Rather than play hide and seek with his friends, the young Harper returned to the chair he had claimed before to resume his people-watching while listening to the music. However, before sitting, Valerian dragged the chair a bit further away from the dancers and into a slightly more darkened section nearby.

Curling back up on the chair with legs folded under him, Valerian reached out for Veeth. Are you having fun? It was a silly question, his dragon loved socialising. I am! Larrikith and Ayyonth were telling me stories and I’m making new friends as well. The music is still great but I think B’jin is better than this guy. Valerian gave what was becoming a trademark small smile. Veeth was amazing at getting him to do that regardless of his mood. You aren’t wrong, but B’jin is dancing with the crazy woman now. Maybe he’ll sing more later.

Maybe you will as well? Veeth’s hopeful tone almost made Valerian jump on stage but instead he stayed firmly planted in his seat. Maybe, but he doubted it. Singing had become something just for them.

"You know, I think you made a real connection with Lymsleia. There was a certain sparkle in her eyes, I couldn't tell if she was in love or if she was going to pass out." Erisi practically purred, every word dripping with a light taunting. How his friend had allowed himself to be coerced into dancing with Ly-slime-ah was something he did not even want to think about. Valerian was probably just a victim, but if Erisi had been in the same position he would have just turned the girl down instead of playing to her childish desires and need for attention. Thank Faranth he had Impressed Charath - it meant spending more time with other Weyrlings, and y'know, Ly-slime-ah wasn't one.

Maybe Larrikith would instruct me on how to properly prank a Candidate. Charath's voice cut into his head, mimicking the purr Erisi had in his voice. It was a rare occasion when Charath decided to try and pick on someone Erisi also disliked. They both hated the majority of the Weyr, but for some reason Charath never gave him the pleasure of playing tricks on someone he disliked as well.

The Harper-turned-Charath-babysitter came up behind Valerian, resting a hand on the back of his friend's chair before pulling another chair over so he could sit beside Valerian. He wasn't exactly dressed up for a party, and it was very likely that he had intended to make an appearance for all of five minutes before finding something better to do with his time. "Have you done her yet?" and then he wrinkled his nose in disgust. "No, I don't think you'd even dare to tread those waters." He'd probably think of Valerian more poorly if he ever had, but he doubted his friend even felt the slightest inclination to sleep with Lymsleia.

He didn't think Valerian cared enough to consider it.

Tell Val --

"Charath says Hi. And also says that you bathed Veeth yesterday but not her, and she's very offended by this."

That last part was a lie!

'Then tell him that yourself'.

The quiet that followed those words gave Erisi his answer. "I wanted to save you, really. I did. But I don't have big enough balls to brave through that storm."

“I can’t help it if everyone wants me.” He hadn’t noticed Erisi slip over to him and green eyes widened a moment, startled, but he quickly regained his composure. It was a shame, really, when his friend started talking. If he hadn’t realised it was Erisi, maybe he would have hit the man and stopped him from the teasing he was enjoying far too much. “I had to stretch my legs,” he commented without looking over to Erisi, not needing to see his face to know nothing he said would be enough to quell the onslaught of taunts. “Or, consider it my good deed to bring in the new turn.”

The point blank question as Erisi sat down beside him made Valerian glad he hadn’t been drinking anything at the time, or even holding a glass as he’d likely drop it. “Have I what? Of course not; not even if Veeth would allow such a thing.” Again, he knew Erisi was just trying to rile him up but he couldn’t let this question go by unanswered, knowing it would only encourage his friend and have him play it up and believe Lymsleia had played bed warmer.

Thankfully, Charath helped changed the subject and Valerian laughed at the statement about baths. He wasn’t entirely convinced it was a true statement but he liked the young green and was willing to go with it anyway – especially since it held the potential to annoy Erisi who had done more than enough with his words already to earn it. “I’ll be happy to bathe her tomorrow or the day after and I’d like it if she joined me for a nap in the shade afterward. I’m sure she’d appreciate being around someone braver and far manlier than her chosen human.”  He grinned at his friend, enjoying the fun nature of their conversation and not worrying about anything at all.

"If everyone actually wanted you, I doubt you'd still be in one piece right now," Erisi comment, completely unfazed by Valerian's flaky defenses. He had been caught in the act, and now he was going to have to surrender to an unusual amount of torment. Erisi could not explain why he had felt motivated to come to this party, but maybe he had just smelled the opportunity that Valerian had provided him and could not pass it up. "You know, when I stretch my legs, I just stretch them. Really. It's not that hard. You should try it some time." Erisi stretched his legs out in front of him, demonstrating a far better use of his time instead of getting up to go dance with some desperate girl.

I would like to see you dance.

Erisi was instantly suspicious.

I bet it would be a horrible display.

And for good reason.

Charath did not think Erisi was a bad dancer, rather that was quite possibly a subtle threat of future pranking. He took note of it, and decided to swear off dancing for a couple of sevendays. She'd forget about that train of thought by then.

"I'm sure you two would have beautiful children, with dirt colored skin and greasy hair." Nothing could wipe the satisfied smile off of the Harper's face. He had just paved his way to victory, and well, he was going to glorify in it. Likely for the next few days this would be Erisi's conversation starter every time he ran into Valerian. If they were still friends by the end of this, it would be a miracle.

Valerian suddenly signaled the bells, ordering a retaliation against Erisi's teasing with a menacing comeback. Oh Faranth what did he just start!?

Really!? Tell him that I would enjoy that. You do not get all my spots, but Valerian will. Veeth is very well taken care of. I want to hang out with Valerian tomorrow. You will have to fend for yourself. Don't miss me.

Valerian. Valerian. Valerian. Valerian.

Erisi was going to go insane. He groaned and buried his face in his hands. "You two have a date for tomorrow, then. Maybe I'll get some sharding peace." He hated when the tables were turned on him.

Like usual, Valerian started to tune out Erisi’s teasing. It was aimed at him so there wasn’t a need to worry about anyone else getting upset and dragging his friend into a verbal or physical fight. So he let Erisi babble on, gaze shifting to the demonstration of how to stretch your legs without involving a dance with someone you didn’t usually remember the name of. He knew complaining and picking on others actually helped Erisi in relieving stress so Valerian figured he was being an amazing friend by not interrupting the continuous blathering on and on about his good deed for the turn.

At the mentioning of a date with the troublemaking green, Valerian gave a good laugh, completely pleased with himself for getting one up on Erisi and shutting him up so effectively. He didn’t view the scrubbing of another dragon as an extra chore, especially since the dragonets were still rather small. Valerian liked Charath despite her shyness with not talking to him but he didn’t mind that either. He’d happily sit in silence with her or simply tell her tales he enjoyed hearing when he was younger.

Valerian! Please let Erisi know I’ll be happy to spend the day with him. I do not want him to be lonely and too much time near Charath does not sound like fun to me. Veeth’s sweet voice resonating in his mind and Valerian smiled and nodded as he rested his hand on Erisi’s knee in an oddly kind and affectionate move for him. “I’ll be happy to meet with her tomorrow and Veeth would love to spend some time with you if you’ll have him.” They both worried for their friend and Valerian suspected a few hours alone with Veeth would get the man to relax and smile, even if only once.

Valerian had somehow mastered the art of tolerating Erisi. Instead of letting the Green Weyrling get underneath his skin, Valerian seemed to have realized that just letting Erisi run his mouth until he ran out of steam was the best approach. So, Erisi prattled on, suspecting that Valerian wasn't really taking in everything he said, but continuing his mindless teasing anyways. Something was bound to stick, he was sure of it! What the true miracle was is that Erisi did not take offense to Valerian not responding to most of his teasing. He could very easily take it as being ignored, and oh, worlds did end when Erisi was ignored. But, as Valerian tolerated his annoying presence, Erisi tolerated Valerian's lack of effort in defending himself.

"You know, of all the people and... creatures I could reject, Veeth is not one of them." Oh, now it was on. If Charath wanted to swoon over Valerian, then Erisi would give all of his attention to Veeth. Valerian had unwittingly given Erisi an avenue to launch a counterattack... attack against Charath. Erisi didn't bother to think about the logistics of it - all that mattered was that he was winning again. He could feel the irritable strike of Charath's thoughts against his mind. Like her bonded, Charath did not enjoy sharing, and she did not want to share with Veeth.

But she also didn't want to forfeit her time with Valerian just to ensure that her bonded loved her the most. "Let's trade tomorrow for a little while. You can have my darling bundle of joy, Charath. And I can have Veeth. It'll be fun," for multiple reasons. He'd get to hang out with a far nicer dragon, and rub it in Charath's face at the same time. What was the saying... hitting two birds with one stone?

Erisi glanced down to his knee, or more specifically, Valerian's hand. He was not a huge fan of affection, or showing any sign of it, but his acceptance of the gesture more or less spoke of how okay he was with it. It was an unusual gesture for Valerian to make, and if Valerian had learned to read Erisi well enough, he'd be able to tell his friend was even mildly embarrassed.

You need to share him, Charath spoke sullenly.

Nope, he was not sharing right now.