Enjoying the Atmosphere (Open)

[Alyx]

Melana and Gold Sularenth

Holder Weddings never ceased to amaze her. And bore her. She couldn’t understand all the pomp and ritual around it; just pair up and be done with it! Still, she had to admit that the Bride had looked lovely, and the ceremony had had its one flare of charm. So many flowers, the colors, and the aura of the gathering had even made her smile. And for Melana, smiling wasn’t high on the list of things she’d been doing much of recently.

She lost track of A'zael and the other Goldriders in the crowds after the Ceremony, not that she wished to spend time with any of them. She’s been seated to the side of very interesting young lording that felt the need to try to charm her… a need Melana really didn’t understand. Okay, she got the lure of a young-to-be chasing a pretty girl at a gather, but that pretty girl made it very clear she was a Goldrider and not interested in being either his lady or a conquest.

You would have thought that would deter the man! But instead, he seemed to take it as a challenge, and Melana was quick to lose him in the masses of wellwishers as soon as she could. She’d taken her moment to politely congratulate the Lord and his new bride, leaving her gift with the others – it wasn’t anything fancy or large, but it was charming enough to count. Then she’d made for the nearest exit, needing both air and distance from her unnamed suitor.

As soon as she was outside, she reached for Sularenth. ‘How are you doing?’ The warm rumble greeted her. As well as can be expected, I suppose. Melana smiled, reaching up to pull pair of carved sticks from her hair; curls of dark locks tumbled down around her face and shoulders, seemingly happy to be free of the pinned up design. ‘Find something to amuse yourself with?’ Oh yes. All the people. ‘Sula..’ the warning was there, and the Gold snorted. Not like that! I’m just watching them. I’ve found a very nice spot to watch the major part of the gatherings market.

And to watch the races, since I’m not allowed to fly in them. Mel gave a sigh. ‘There wasn’t a Gold race set up, I’m sorry.’ I could fly with the Bronzes then. ‘Oh, that would have been fun.’ Melana shook her head, moving in the direction of the market stalls. Are you going to wear that thing all day? Melana scanned herself; it was a lovely dress, but it was rather formal – cream and soft gold highlights, the fabric flaring around her legs as she walked. ‘Well, that depends.’ Oh?

Mel paused, tilting her head up to shield her eyes as she picked the huge Gold out from another the other dragons. ‘If you are going to come down here and let me have my bag so I can change.’ Sularenth shifted, peering at her rider. Oh, I suppose if I must. ‘I would greatly appreciate it. And it lets you show off again?’ Melana was quite aware that Sularenth loved the gasps of awe she got from the holders. Within moments, the Gold was airborne, spiraling around to touch down in a space nearer to where Melana stood.

As Melana closed the distance, Sularenth dropped her head to nose the woman. Did the man follow you? ‘Oh, so you were listening?’ How could I not? You were practically plotting his death with your thoughts. Melana couldn’t deny the thought had been there as she pulled her pack free from Sularenth’s rigging. ‘I’m sorry if I spoiled your holder-watching.’ It is fine. I don’t like that he made you so uncomfortable. Melana smiled, reaching up to run a hand over the Dragon’s neck. ‘You can’t eat him.’ Why not? ‘It would get us in trouble with some hold I’ve never heard up, and Mavros has enough issues.’ Sularenth huffed. As you wish, but I think they’d be better off without him.

‘Probably true, but that isn’t our call. Now, I need to go find someplace to change; will you wait so I can hook the pack back up?’ Sularenth shifted, draping her tail around behind Melana and extended a wing to block all view. Change here. Melana laughed. “What? Someone will see.” They will not. They aren’t brave enough to approach me. Besides, I don’t like the idea that that man might be looking for you. Melana frowned; she had simply planned to find one of the tents and change. ‘Protective.’ You are mine, I don’t intend to lose you to some Lordling that wants to make you an arm decoration.

Melana choked on the laugh, looking to make sure that she was indeed blocked before undoing the ties of the dress. It wasn’t as hard to get out of as it had been to get into, and the second outfit was much more comfortable. The billows of cream fabric balled up and shoved into the pack, replaced by dark goldenrod leggings and a pale, soft white poet’s blouse. Mid-calf, soft brown Rider’s boots replaced the dainty slippers, and a sash of patterned fabric wrapped her hips to give the illusion of a skirt; a belt, her knife, and a pouch of marks tucked into her blouse, she was ready to enjoy the wares the gather had to offer. Melana hooked the pack back onto the straps, then patted Sularenth’s shoulder. ‘Thank you. I’m decent now.’ The dragon turned her head, peering at the woman before folding back her wing.

Will you be betting on the races? ‘Mayhaps?’ Melana bent, sliding the second knife into her boot, then looked back up at the dragon. ‘I’m going to shop a bit, maybe see if they have any of that juniper tea, but I plan to play the races a touch. You disapprove?’ Sularenth pushed to her feet and shook herself. Not at all. Please place a bet on Mastromideth for me. Melana grinned up at the dragon as Sularenth launched into the air over her to return to her perch. ‘Softy.’ Not at all. Jarath is not racing, so he is a good second pick. ‘Oh, of course. Silly me.’

The Gold landed, pivoted to get comfortable, then looked down in her rider’s direction. Go. Shop. Let me sun. Melana gave a quick mock bow. ‘Of course my Queen.’ She straightened, scanning the gathered dragons. ‘Let me know when Lo’qui and Jarath do show up?’ I suppose I can do that. Mel shook her head, turned away, and headed down the path toward the majority of the stalls. She had a bit before the races, might as well browse a bit.

(Tag for tovaana because of mention, open to anyone brave enough to want to spend time with her)

[tovaana]

Lo’qui :: Bronze Jarath
Ft. Rhuquin

Jarath’s shadow passed over them as he circled up and away toward where all the dragons were congregating. He could tell by the enthusiasm of the dragon’s wingbeats that he would be searching for a certain gold hide. And if that gold was there, it meant that a certain gold rider had arrived as well. Making friends wasn’t difficult, but there still weren’t a lot of people at the weyr that he knew or would even recognize at the gather. It also didn’t hurt that his new friend happened to be a gorgeous goldrider. At least, she seemed like the makings of a friend. Who knew, when it came to women. 

He had tried pawning off both Rhoqui and Rhuquin on Riasu for the first part of the day, but had only been successful with Rhoqui. Rhuquin, as much as he fancied his aunt buying him a bubbly pie, also liked the idea of getting away from his sister. He had brought a side satchel, where he had packed a book – though he was highly anticipating the races as well.

“Doesn’t bed shopping sound boring to you?” Lo’qui teased his son, ruffling his short curly hair. Rhuquin pushed his father with one hand and used his other hand to tame the curls he had disrupted. He didn’t like when people touched him, even if it was his father.

Rhuquin just shrugged.

It wasn’t that Lo’qui didn’t enjoy his children, but it did change how one enjoyed a party. Ah well, the kid could help him place some bets for the races that would start soon.

“How about we go guess which dragons will win? Want to help me choose?”

Rhuquin looked at his father curiously and nodded. “Sure.”

Rhoqui and Riasu had already gotten a head start – since he had struck up a conversation with Asirikai, the Lord Holder candidate they had given a ride to, it had delayed them actually getting out to the stalls. He felt his dragon feeling quite smug. He closed his eyes a moment and Jarath replayed the scene of him landing and scattering a brown and a couple of blues that had been attracted to the gold. ‘Do you know where Melana is?’ Nope. ‘Could you ask?’ There was a pause. The stalls somewhere. Shopping, I guess. ‘Loads of help, thanks.’ You’re quite welcome. Lo’qui rolled his eyes and sighed.

“Were you talking to Jarath?” Lo’qui looked down at his son who was scrutinizing him with his dark brown gaze.

“I was.”

There was a pause as they walked through the growing crowds of the gather.

“I could tell. You roll your eyes at him a lot.”

Lo’qui grinned at this. “Do I? Well, he deserves it sometimes.”

“Like when Rhoqui rolls her eyes at you?” Rhuquin countered, watching his father with a too-innocent gaze.

Lo’qui glanced down at Rhuquin and grinned again. “Observant and looking for trouble, are you?”

The boy shrugged and looked away.

As Lo’qui looked up he caught a glimpse of Melana. Ah! Sooner than he had hoped to find her too. He started to make his way toward her, Rhuquin closely at his heels. As he neared her he raised his voice a little.

“So, what are we shopping for today?”

Alyx

[Alyx]

Melana and Gold Sularenth

The shift in Sularenth’s mood was almost a telltale sign as Melana wove among the scattered crowds and stall hawkers. From bored to interested in a moment; Melana paused, waiting. When Sularenth didn’t instantly complain about something, Melana reached for the Gold. ‘Everything alright?’ More then. Jarath is here to keep me company. Ah, that would explain it. Melana shook her head, the smile softly catching her lips as she stopped at one of the stalls.

It wasn’t long before the voice she expected chimed from behind her, and the Goldrider laughed. “Actually, yes. I’m on the hunt for my juniper tea, and possibly a pair of Firelizard eggs. What about you?” She turned on a heel, the patterned brown and gold fabric of the sash swing around her hips as she faced him. Dark hair settled around her shoulders, the smile catching her lips for a moment.

Then tempered. The motion caught her attention and she tilted her head to the side to get a better look at the young boy tagging along behind the man. It wasn’t a face Melana knew, which meant he wasn’t from Mavros or the weyr’s crèche. Her eyebrow arched slightly, her eyes shifting from Lo’qui’s gaze to the boy, and back again. “And who is this handsome young man?”

tovaana

[tovaana]

Lo’qui :: Bronze Jarath
Ft. Rhuquin

“Firelizard eggs, hmm? I didn’t imagine you to be much of a pet person.” Lo’qui said. “I’d like to get our bets in before the races start. And there are a few things I’d like to get for my new weyr…” He continued, for a moment forgetting his son was behind him, until she brought it up. He watched her face change – but he couldn’t exactly tell what she was thinking.

“Ah, this is my wingman, Rhuquin.” He turned and guided his son to his side with a long arm.

The boy looked as if he would blush from being called handsome, but the feeling quickly diminished when his father introduced him. He looked down at his feet for a moment, but then raised his head – a glint of interest in his gaze replaced the former embarrassment. He gave a half shrug and half smile in greeting, that contrasted the interest.

“He’s not as shy as he seems.”

The boy quietly sighed with a closed mouth.

“Hi.” He said, knowing it was what his father wanted and what was expected of him. He wanted to get going to the betting and other things. Adults talked too much. His eyes and attention wandered, glancing at the stalls around them and the things they offered.

“Just brought him and his sister from Ierne yesterday.” The gather was a good excuse, but he didn’t mean for them to stay for a short time. He glanced down at his child then back up at Mel. If Rhuquin wasn’t there, he’d say something about the result of flights which riders refused to go between…Not that he was complaining now, but he did wish it could have been a mutual decision… Or that he could pick who his bronze chased and caught. But, with his child there and not wanting him to feel like he was a mistake, he tactfully kept away from that sort of conversation.

“Rhoqui is with Riasu getting a bubbly pie. Which does sound like a yummy snack for the races, doesn't it?” He asked, partially to his son who nodded, but also to Melana. "Mind if we join you in your shopping?"

Alyx

[Alyx]

Melana and Gold Sularenth

Melana could almost see the panic fan through Lo’qui’s eyes, only confusing her more for a moment. Was he trying to read her reaction? She couldn’t blame him, seeing as in spite of some flirting back and forth, Melana didn’t know much about the man before he’d washed up on Marvos’ doorstep. Her smirk brightened just a little bit, and her features softened as she looked from the man to... well, the son, she supposed. Not as shy as he seemed? Well, most kids weren’t, given time. The young man greeted her, and Melana flashed him an open, friendly smile. “Hello to you too. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Rhuquin.”

It only took a glance at the Bronzerider’s face to know there was a story there. Brought him and his sister from Ierne yesterday, so that meant a daughter as well? Melana wondered for a moment if their mother was the same or not, but didn’t ask – not something to be spoken of in front of his son. The look in Lo’qui’s eyes was enough, and Melana waited until the boy looked away to scan the market around them to mouth the words ‘It’s Fine.’ The smile on her lips was genuine, reaching her dark eyes with a playful shine and the topic of Bubbly Pies came up. Melana laughed.

“I don’t mind at all. Walking the Market alone is boring, and I’ve had enough boring sitting through the Wedding. Besides, if his sister is getting a Pie, it’s only fair we make it even, don’t you agree?” Melana turned, shifting to fall in step with the father and son. “And I am very much a pet person. I have a feline back at the Weyr that regularly sheds fur on my best clothing and annoys Sularenth by pouncing her tailforks.” She could feel Sularenth rumble in her mind at the thought of Tao.

“But I figured a firelizard or two would be good for message work since I can’t be everywhere I want to be at once, it would be nice to have a messenger that I only had to pay in table scraps. I mean, I could pay Tao the same way, but I don’t think as a feline he would ever actually lower himself to deliver a message for me. Probably just… take the table scraps and go back to sleep on my best blouse.” She glanced around, checking the light. “You are right, we probably should get our bets in though; Sularenth is playing fast and loose with my marks and insists I bet on G’rett’s bronze – I don’t know why, but hopefully he’ll place and I won’t lose too much on it.”

tovaana

[tovaana]

Lo’qui :: Bronze Jarath
Ft. Rhuquin

Lo’qui kept his gaze on her, even as she glanced toward his son. He knew it was fine that his son was there, he didn’t feel like he needed her validation – but at the same time, a piece of his was glad that the woman thought it was fine. Though, 'fine' was also not 'great'. He knew it was a turn off when he brought up children in a conversation with women, which worked sometimes when he wanted it to. There must have been a part of him that didn’t want to chase off his new friend.

“A feline?” Lo’qui mused aloud, eyebrows rising in interest. He was surprised it was still alive with Sularenth sharing its quarters. “Sularenth hasn’t eaten it?”

I’m sure it wasn’t your fault, but can you help to not bring up things that annoy Sularenth?

Lo’qui ignored his dragon, slightly amused by his dragon, but trying to focus on Melana and her words. It made sense… flits had practical use. But for Lo’qui it had just been one more thing to oil and take care of. Perhaps one may be useful though, just one. I don’t think they are necessary. ‘You’d like to carry my messages, would you?’ And who would you send messages to? I can speak to your children here. ‘What about Cionessan?’ The dragon sniffed. Just borrow Sularenth’s rider’s un-dragon that she plans to get. ‘Undragon?’ Lo’qui resisted rolling his eyes – but he chuckled anyways – because he was imagining the feline Mel was talking about loose in her quarters.

“Firelizards are cool.” Rhuquin piped up. He thought about the firelizard book he’d read and all about them. He wanted one too, he glanced at his father. “Can I have one?” Lo’qui chuckled, glancing down at his son. The boy was no fool, asking for things in front of his lady friend.

“We’ll see, one day.” He responded vaguely. He did like the idea of letting his kids get a taste of responsibility. As young as he was, he believed Rhuquin could handle it…

Then the topic of racing came up and Jarath growled in his mind. I could beat Mastromideth. If you’d let me race. ‘Will you stop listening in on my conversation please? You’re very distracting.'

Lo’qui sighed discreetly. “Never know in a race! I heard the white dragon is racing, I’d like to put a few marks on him and his rider.”

“A white?!” Rhuquin gasped, his eyes as round as a dinner plate. “No way! I want to meet him!” There were no kids to impress to blunt his excitement. He had also read about white dragons in a book somewhere...His eyes glanced between the two expectedly. 

Alyx