Golden Praise (tag: Enlightened Sky Weyrlings)

[Yuu Kanduet]

There was a fair amount of red coloring D'isk's cheeks as he was led out onto the dance-floor. The Greenrider had never been particularly confident when it came to things like his love life. Meddling in the affairs of others was the only romantic experience he had ever had, and now faced with the daunting task of being the one experiencing a potentially intimate action, D'isk was at something of a loss. Was he supposed to talk? Stay silent? Lean closer or keep as safe a distance as possible between them?

With one arm draped over K'vett's shoulder, D'isk was already standing fairly close to the other rider. The hand held loosely by the Bluerider was slightly sweaty from nerves and mild embarrassment. D'isk couldn't help but apologize for that. It wasn't that the dance itself was hard. It was actually easier than many of the movements he had learned when taking up the sword. However his sword-master hadn't been this hands on.

The problem was the fact that D'isk wanted to lean in, wanted to bury his face in K'vett's shoulder, but didn't know if it would be appropriate. Just because he had a crush didn't mean he should start acting forward or stupid. It was probably best just to pretend to get through the night like almost friends.

Would it help if I speak to Kavanth? I am going to speak with Kavanth. You will get nowhere if I let you do things your way

Before D'isk could even begin to argue with his peeping dragon, Kalith had happily pulled away from him so that she could speak with the Blue dragon. D'isk knew that Kalith would always do things her way and that she only did as he asked half the time because it was also what she wanted. Still D'isk sent a small amount of betrayed hurt her way to show his displeasure.

Kavanth? It is a lovely evening, and it would be even lovelier if I knew just what intentions Yours has for Mine. Mine is terribly smitten, but will never do anything about it if I leave him to do things his way.

[HG]

As if they were bad qualities in a woman on Pern, she mused quietly. Men were not too keen on hearing what women had to say most of the time. She would be remiss to tell the Bronzerider what qualities his sister should or should not have. It was not her place to do so. From her own experience with his sister, she was a kind young woman who cared more about her craft than one would expect from a family outside of the weyr.

Still she had much more talent and made faster progress in Dragonhealing than Vaylee ever would. Despite the candlemarks spent studying, Vaylee had never been a quick student. She would learn it all eventually but until she did, it would be a battle for her every day to keep up with her more intelligent peers.

“Don’t be too hard on her. We’re all different. Although I’m not sure shyness is permitted in my family.” None of her half siblings were shy and though Zaylee was not quite as outgoing as Vaylee was, she could not be considered shy either. She enjoyed instigating conversations and finding out about people. A good story was always worth a talk to a stranger.

Her smile broadened, “Yes.” And it was about time too! Vaylee had no intention of spending the entire evening in the Weyrhall. She placed her hand in his, her movements were always fluid so when she stood it was as if she glided up out of her chair. “I may even forgive you if you should step on my shoes…” She laughed. Her shoes were more important than her feet. She always had to have hers made specially and it was costly. Not that she ever had to worry much over the cost of things. Vaylee always seemed to find a way to get someone to buy her a present if she wanted one.

T’gir, brown Siglith. She had probably heard of them before but in reality, Kyrah knew very few rider’s and dragons. She might be charged with their protection but she had actually been avoiding making friendships with any of them. To become close to one’s charges was not a good idea. She needed to be able to focus when fighting and worrying about friends was not going to be helpful. At the brownrider’s words she felt her cheeks grow warm.

She shouldn’t blush but it came unbidden to her naturally pale face. Indebted was not the way most dragonriders felt towards the Shield members at least they didn’t act like they were anything special. Mostly riders steered clear of the Shield because honestly who wanted to start trouble. Besides it was a well-known fact that shield members seemed to only hang around with other shield members. Although when she thought about it, Jarshan’s affair with the brownrider from the North had probably changed some perceptions of Shields. Also Kaelitza and Marle were creating the idea in people’s minds that Shield members knew how to have fun. Kyrah was not like them though. She tended to keep to herself unless she was forced to socialize such as this evening.

Afraid was not the word she would use to describe how she felt about the brownrider’s offer. She really had nowhere to be at the moment and her mother had wanted her to socialize, she reasoned with herself. He seemed disinclined to dance which would suit her fine although being a fighter did make her lithe and agile, she had never been fond of dancing. Unless one considered sparring dancing with a sword, then perhaps she did like dancing.

Kyrah bit the inside of her mouth in irritation with herself. What was she supposed to do in this situation? The plan had been to get in and get the Fall out but now she didn’t know if she could be rude. “Well… I… uh…”The words came haltingly and she supposed she was not making a good impression on the man with all her stammering. She couldn’t really come up with an excuse not to and he had been kind enough to allow her to use his personal handkerchief. “I don’t normally stay for these events but I suppose I could.” She was being honest and at least she hadn’t lied and said she had come with someone when she had not. Kyrah doubted anyone would believe that she had come to a Feast with anyone. She was a loner, the whole Weyr ought to know that by now.

[Inadua]

“Don’t be too hard on her. We’re all different. Although I’m not sure shyness is permitted in my family.”

T'shiro was smiling, lending her an attentive ear until she gracefully rose from the chair.

“I may even forgive you if you should step on my shoes…”

As he took her hand to guide them onto the dance floor, he offered, "Well then, since there's still a chance you won't be completely forgiving, I'll just have to watch my step."

Just then, the music changed and a more upbeat song began to play. The Bronzerider took the first leading step into her, whirling them into the dance. T'shiro was not familiar with all of the steps in the dance, but figured he could fake everything in between well enough. He was familiar with the music however, and the energetic dance didn't require a lot of complex footwork; but it would offer him the opportunity to swing Vaylee around a bit, and even toss her into the air. To keep tempo, they'd have to make their movements tight. All the better for him...!!

Drawing Vaylee against him, his right hand adjusted around her waist to settle at the small of her back while the other hand still clasped onto hers. As their steps led them deeper into the throng of dancers, the Bronzerider leaned in to her ear to pop 'the question' with heated breath. (( )) "Do you trust me?"

T'gir smiled softly while Kyrah weighed her options.

“I don’t normally stay for these events but I suppose I could.”

Acknowledging her accpetance of his offer with a slight bow of his head, he motioned for her to take the seat next to him. Returning to his own chair, he reclaimed the glass of wine he'd set upon the table.
Since she was having a little difficulty being at ease in such a setting, he obliged in leading the conversation -even though engaging in small talk was something he abhored. It was something that he felt very awkward at doing. The Brownrider also challenged himself to disarm Kyrah of that feeling of unease. Of course, one did not disarm a member of hte elite Dragonshield by force, so T'gir would employ more beguiling methods of personal preference. This would be his chance to exhibit a very well-polished nature.

Preceeding a cool vociferation, T'gir tasted his own words with another sip of wine, "I take it someone else has the same natural aversion to dancing as I do?"

That gentle expression extant, the rider's eyes had drifted, perring out over the dance floor to watch the pairs there while they twisted and twirled in admirable syncopation.

[HG]

She watched his movements the same as she would any person really because she could never fully keep her guard down. This should be of no surprise to anyone given the Shield's reputation and her own to boot. Sitting where he directed, she felt her leg thrumming with nervous energy. What were they going to do now exactly? She wondered though her thoughts were well concealed right now. If she allowed her emotions to get the better of her everyone found out about it. The red head had a temper to match her hair color although she tried very hard to control it.

"Not unless swords are involved." She could not imagine wanting to twirl about in circles for no reason. Kyrah did not know how to have fun according to her few family members and even fewer number of friends. Maybe she should try a little harder to be amicable but to what end? Kyrah saw no purpose in any of this. Her only purpose in life was to defend the people here. It was much better if she did not grow any attachment to them. When the day came and she had to choose to save one rider over another, she wanted her conscience to be clear. There was no doubt in her mind that a day like that would come.

She was watching but there was nothing gentle in her light blue gaze. Kyrah while she had not noticed herself change over the last Turn or so, had become quite cold and apathetic. Used to be she might have simply shrugged off their dancing as frivolous fun but now it was a much darker and much less acceptable activity in her mind. "It serves no purpose except to help people find other people to have sexual relations with." She wasn't looking for anyone to fill that position either. Being alone meant never losing anyone you cared about. She would much rather keep things that way.

"I'm sorry." She said looking back at the man. "I tend towards darkness these days." Thoughts on the negative were constant. She as much if not more than most worried for the quiet that had befallen around the Southern Continent. The Holdless were so silent that she had no doubt they were up to something and whatever that something was, it was going to be big. Kyrah knew her worst fears would soon come true and because of this, something like dancing seemed entirely silly and unworthy on an occasion when new dragons were born.

They should be using their resources to hunt the Holdless down and kill them! She thought to herself while kowing that none of the Weyrleaders would want to break with tradition which could bring bad luck to them. Still, she hated sitting there watching people be so happy knowing that they might all be dead sooner than later.

[Inadua]

Dancing...

"It serves no purpose except to help people find other people to have sexual relations with."

T'gir mulled over the woman's words. Becoming a stoney visage of contemplation, her words left him whirling the wine again in his glass. Transferring the slightest tension to the corners of his eyes, they narrowed just a bit.

Seeming to break out of the apparent reverie to beckon a serving woman who'd come near enough, he politely ordered a drink for her, "Water for the Lady."

It was easy to discern that Kyrah wasn't a drinker, but he wasn't about to let her suffer from thirst all evening long. In any case, even water in a fine glass would be suitable for such an occasion.
After that, he still hadn't addressed her with any other words.

"I'm sorry...I tend towards darkness these days."

Yet again, the Brownrider left Kyrah with thoughtful silence, which he hoped she did not find uncomfortable. When his gentle voice did reach out to her, he had not yet met her gaze, "I can only wager a guess at what haunts you, dear Kyrah,"

T'gir sipped at his drink again, finally lifting those cooling silvery oculars to meet her own, "but that mask in which isolation, hatred, anxiety and nothingness bloom, is the heaviest of all.
"Now, of all times, you should not feel alone, nor be left in darkness; not when we have the opportunity to celebrate Life."

With the outward jut of his chin toward those on the dance floor, T'gir continued, "Perhaps you're right, that some of them only seek a partner who would satisfy them in more sensual ways, but humans are not merely creatures of self-preservation and procreation. If we follow that line of thought through to the end, then we have diminished that which is erudite and benevolent, to something much more licentious and carnal. If we believe ourselves to be no more than that, then we truly have nothing to protect in this world, ...and that leaves you and I both out of a job."

He laughed lightly, raising his glass to sip once more. But apparently T'gir wasn't through talking yet. The Brownrider leaned a shoulder toward her, because his next words were a bit hushed; and though is expression returned to that stoney limn, no measure had been made to disguise the sparkle of eagerness within his eyes.
"You should remember, when that cursed shadow of darkness follows you, that a shadow can only exist where there is also light. Likewise, light can only shine where someone else exists with the kindness to kindle it."

Cloudy gray orbs regarded her with the warmth of acceptance.

[♥Rizu-Chan♥]

Kaelitza
Dragonshield Member

”Kyrah in a Feast instead of patrolling? My, thread really has begun falling from the skies.” As Marle pointed out the presence of their fellow shield member Kaelitza couldn’t help but quip in humor a small comment. It was not unknown among them that both girls often rubbed one another the wrong way; but when it came to missions neither ever let that get in the way. No shielder ever would after all. Still, all humor aside it was rare to see Kyrah in any festivity—even more actually well dressed.

”I feel sorry for all those young men, they’re going to find out soon enough she isn’t like much of the greenriders they’re accustomed to.”

It was somewhat amusing to watch the men slowly flock towards the redhead, in particular one whom Kaelitza was sure was bonded to one of the browns of the Weyr. Kyrah was never one for so much social activities, or parties such as this, much of the reason the woman always tried to volunteer herself for patrols in such events. Really, was it not for some of the other shielders making sure she had no patrols once in a while Kaelitza was sure the woman would never attend a feast otherwise.

And she did look good on a dress; Kae wasn’t vain enough to not acknowledge the woman she considered a rival in many ways could also look quite fine in a fancy garment.

As the slow dance ended and was followed by a more vivacious and up-beat tune it was clear Kaelitza’s spirits heightened as well; the grin all the more wickedly charming and lively now than before. Dark colored eyes turned to regard her current dance partner, easily picking up the pace to match his without effort; the brunette now swaying along with the music as she had a good time.

And boy could she dance...

[HG]

Whatever might haunt her, it was more than she was prepared to discuss with anyone. More than she was probably willing to admit even to herself. Kyrah did not deal with her emotions where anyone else could see her. “I don’t care for celebrating.” The red head added quickly.

As much as happy tidings were welcome by most at the Weyr. She saw more dragons to protect, more dragons who were defenseless and could not even fly should they be attacked. Kyrah had no doubt they would be in the near future. The enemy was quiet, biding its time for the perfect moment, when the Weyr would be least expecting it or when they let their guard down. She didn’t know when exactly that would be but she would be Threadscored before she was caught unprepared.

Her eyes narrowed. The hot-headed side of her screaming to come out. She had a number of comments playing in her mind that were not the most sincere or the most kind. The last thing she wanted was someone else imparting her with wisdom. Her youth did not mean she had a poor understanding of the world and how it worked. She knew who she was. She knew her purpose in life and how to achieve her goals. There were plenty of people her age who had not a clue who they were or what they wanted from their life and a lot of those people would be found on the dancefloor because they had nothing more to contribute to other people than to create future generations.

Her anger abated as she calmed herself, thinking of a way to make him understand that she was not lost. She knew exactly where she was and where she was headed. All the light and dark talk was silly when one considered the lives she had saved already because she had always known her path in life. Instead of following his eyes to the dance floor she looked directly at him. Her words were calm, clear almost too cold for someone who had as much a temper as she could have.

“You fail to understand me. The darkness does not follow me. I choose to follow it because when we think of the worst that can possibly happen, we can prepare for it. And I for one like to be prepared.”

[Inadua]

In a way, it pleased T'gir when Kyrah's eyes hardened on him. She posed a challenge for him, and he welcomed it. Dually pleased he was at the fact that Kyrah was not Empty. It didn't bother him that she was a veritable timebomb waiting to be triggered, but it pained him to see someone who felt empty of emotion altogether, and expressed none, simply living life as the shell of a human being.

Considering her words again, his gentle expression did not crumble under the weight of hers rather, the Brownrider sat back in his chair, the slightest tension of a smile pulling at the corners of his lips.

Anger... that was something. She was guarded, too. He explored her expression in his own mind, though his eyes had drifted away again while gaging that aspect of her.

She was probably guarded because of the simple fact she was in the Shield. Their training would make such a thing second nature. She was probably also guarded because she was in an environment that she was uncomfortable with. But Kyrah was too quick and too wary of even him, a dragonrider, to make him believe her guarded nature was due to either of those facts alone.
After all, one could be guarded and not allow their emotional cool to crack into a rage. One could be cautious and still appreciate the good things that life had to offer. One could possess a sharpness for strategy and combat and still leave room for the softness life also required at times.

Balance.

Harmony.

Even if she chose not to, these were something T'gir valued greatly in his own life.

They were two very different people, that was for sure.

At the moment, he felt as though Kyrah was simply trying to keep him from snooping. She must not want anyone to get close to her. In another scenario that played through his mind, she was probably not as stable emotionally as she let on to be, either. That, or she wasn't as convinced about her own conviction as she thought.
Maybe whatever spurred her to build such an emotional wall is what drove her as a member of the Dragonshield.

How predictable, he thought to himself. He decided he knew enough now to satiate his own mild curiosity.

On a side note, she was wrong about one thing. He'd not misread her at all. She'd probably just misinterpreted the implications behind his choice of words -which he anticipated that she would do, so he expected such a reaction from her. Moreover, based on her reaction, he imagined she was more upset by the apparent assumption that he was being judgemental of her in some way -what could feel like a personal atack- triggering the hardening of that emotional barrier.

Such was not the case. For a moment, he scorned himself, but in good humour, because here he was just pushing her buttons though rather unintentionally.
Nevertheless, they were both just getting to know eachother,... feeling eachother out. That was normal for new acquaintances, right?

T'gir met her gaze once more, that faintest of smiling expressions extant, he kept his voice was light -almost carefree, "Forgive me if my words came across as judgemental in any way. I do not question your feelings or reasons for involving yourself with the Dragonshield. Nor do I question the necessity of preparedness, which you strive so hard to maintain. Your focus in that regard is admirable."

The Brownrider stood from his chair then, glancing toward the door, then back to Kyrah. He was going to offer an easy escape. "It's stuffy in here, don't you think? I'd like to get some fresh air. Would you like to go on a walk?"

He was about to take a step forward when he offered, "There was never any obligation to be friends with me, Kyrah. But we are comrades in arms. I may not be a Shield member, but do you really think that the Shiled fights alone?"
T'gir didn't wait for a response, only started to walk toward the threshold that would lead them outside.
If she wanted to join him, she could. He'd baited her with his question anyway.