And We Feel Fine {CANDIDATE PRE-HATCH DOOM PARTY}

[Chek]

The party was not Tius’s idea, but he made, after some coercion from his daughter, a fine middleman to make arrangements. Apparently, when a sensible grown man asks the Candidatemasters about a small party for the Candidates to blow off some steam before the Hatching, and offers to chaperone, the chances of them saying yes are exponentially increased. This theory had solid evidence in the fact that the broad shouldered Smith currently was directing the assembly of a long table in the common room of the Candidate barracks for the assortments of snack platters and drinks that were currently scattered in chairs and in arms around the room.

Nearby, perched on their makeshift stage (a round table with six solid legs for maximum stability), Embla tapped lightly the bow of her violin against the strings, ignoring the slight, wispy sounds the instrument produced, waiting for the other candidates who’d volunteered for first entertainment shift to step forward so they could discuss their playlist. Playing with folk who she’d never played with before could be disastrous if they didn’t get at least a few minutes preparation time to make sure they wouldn’t bite each other’s heads off.

Dizzy was actually perched on the shoulders of a fellow candidate, Garna, their combined height making it easy for the apprentice slash wher candidate to hang some brightly colored banners depicting people Impressing that she’d acquired SOMEWHERE along the walls. The common room was looking quite festive in their wake.

Soon, the room was crowded with milling Candidates, the party in the vague area between being ready to start and not quite started yet; Embla looked at Tius, the man sprawled cross armed in a chair between the hallways to the male and female sides of the barracks, obviously guarding them, a firey-eyed red flitter hunched on his knee. He caught her eye and lifted a eyebrow, his face a clear “What do you expect me to do?”

She glanced around, shrugged, and then put bow to string, intentionally producing an ear-piercing shriek for attention, “So,” she called, projecting her voice as only a trained Harper could, “I think we’re all ready to go. Rules are standard Candidate rules, rule breakers are to be marched to the Candidatemasters and we have a large Smithcrafter who will absolutely pick you up and carry you there. Also you’ll ruin the party so don’t do it.”

She looked around one last time and shrugged again, then started in on the first few notes of a lively dance reel from Ista.

OOC: No posting order, Candidates get your party on!

[maruset]

The idea of a party had definitely appealed to Letorin, and he had gone to talk to Embla to help set up a playlist. He was grinning a bit, enjoying the colorful nature of the room. "This was a good idea," he said to the other players, aware that the last gold hatching had left people a little nervous, and nervous people tended to be more agitated in general.

After they had settled the list, and he was setting up with the others, Letorin watched as people became to come in. This was one of his favorite parts of learning to be a harper. He loved watching people interact with each other, so watching the audience was always enjoyable.

When Embla spoke, he grinned, looking over at Tius and giving the man a nod. It was interesting to see the variety of people they had as candidates. Though he did close one eye and trying to get the sound of the noise that the girl had produced out of his head. Though he was ready when she set into the start of the reel.

It was enjoyable to play again, really play. This wasn't practice or doing lessons with Master Naras. This was the enjoyment of running through a song and seeing people react to it.


In the group, Orkia grinned. Okay, this was going to be amazing. When the music started up, she grabbed a random male and tugged him out to start dancing. She had a good sense of rhythm, if she said so herself, and knew most of the common dances. And this one fit right into the beat of the song.

[Chimera]

The whole point of klah was to energize. Maybe it had worked too well on the Candidate, whose formidable amount of energy had increased fivefold. She did an odd sort of hop which could have been a dance to the catchy music - she "danced" near a corner of the room but wasn't lonely, and a generous grin was plastered on her face. Maybe she'd ask someone to dance with her. Garna was always really - angry! She could ask her roommate...or Dizzy, who had merged with the other candidate to be tall enough to put some banners up.

"Soooo...." Dardranel casually galloped up to Dizzy and Garna. "...D'you want to dance?" The question was directed at either, or both.

***

He should have stayed and made sure they didn't come either.

But no.

They were now trapped in a stone bowl, vying for the attention of an overgrown, colorful firelizard or a stubborn, bitey, colorful, smaller, and lumpier dragonkin. And they didn't even get a choice now that a dragon and wher had decided to sync up their clutching.

And *this* stone bowl was somehow not being torn apart by the copious amounts of politics inside and near it. Now one man was in charge of land and air. It wasn't like the riders needed better management. Nope.

Naturally Lanorun was not in a good mood that day. They were probably going to be sobbing wrecks of torn-up flesh, the majority of these candidates, after the hatching - Lanorun would jump in front of Ran or Nori if they were being attacked at the hatching, but it was forbidden in the Weyr - and unfortunately for good reason, as that would be likely to cause even more chaos.

And if any one of the family did Impress, that meant a good turn and a half stuck in Dalibor.

He mumbled something to his two younger siblings about staying safe - at the party of course, but it was obvious that he meant the upcoming hatching too. As long as they were safe, for the most part at least, Lanorun could endure all of this.

He was being his grumpy self at the party until a tiny Candidate kidnapped him for a dance and pulled him to start dancing.

"Wha - " Lanorun had to keep up with the girl, and barely avoided stepping on her feet. The tall, beefy wher candidate and feisty, shorter dual candidate made an odd combination. " - who're ye - you?" Lessons at the weyr had helped his accent some, but it was still quite heavy.

***

Nora was far from being a Candidate, but it didn't stop Aypoth from bouncing and wiggling right outside the Barracks in a clumsy draconic dance. Through Nora, who was partying with the Candidates inside, Aypoth heard the music more clearly, and her soprano mindvoice and physical voice joined the musicians.

[Kiran]

Kira had to admit, she was incredibly startled at the idea of a party. A party! When the hatching was looking to be tenuous and dangerous. But then again, that was when people needed a party the most and Kira wasn't about to say no. Besides, she was one of the volunteers to help play music. She spotted Embla after the announcement and made her way over with the gitar she had borrowed, the Healer having traded extra chores for it. She gave a friendly nod to her fellow Candidate as she took a spot and got into the music herself. Her lessons with Lili had paid off, and she was able to keep up decently.

Then she watched as other Candidates began talking, the party starting to go into full swing. He fair alighted along the ceiling, in nooks and crannies, to watch.

Jafari laughed and watched as another Candidate was swung into the arms of another. Everyone was having a good time! But who would he dance with? It was a party, after all, and he didn't think Saowyn was invited, exactly, after already having Impressed a wher. Hmmm... His eyes alight on a small figure that he had met before. Nora! Why not? The girl was small and looked like she would be a good dance partner. He walked over and held out his hand to the girl. "The music sounds pretty good. Care to dance with me?" He was aware that she had three brothers somewhere, and didn't feel like simply sweeping the girl to the floor. Just in case. Broken limbs were good deterrents.

Quellyn and Imber were off in a corner themselves, watching but for different reasons. Imber was not much of a party type, she came to help set up and then watch the others have fun. She would be very content just staying in her corner and enjoying the drinks and food. Quellyn was there simply to see if something interesting happened that he could tell the dragon or wher he impressed. If something interesting didn't happen... He would make it up!

[Rii]

A party! Nori didn’t have a lot of experience with partying, but she was fond of people and food and music and fun, so she was a natural. She was going to eat, drink, and be merry. Be safe, Lanorun said. She imagined it was more for the upcoming Hatching than this party - what could happen at a party, with people watching to make sure none of them got in trouble? No wine involved - that always seemed to lead to trouble, too much wine - and the threat of being barred from hatchings if they misbehaved hanging over their heads. No one was going to make trouble. Her big brother was just being a silly grump.

Giggling, she threw her arms around his waist in a big hug. “Don’t worry so much, Lan, we’ll be okay. We’ll be careful.” She didn’t have nearly as thick an accent as Lanorun and Joshu. It had taken less than a season here for her to start breaking old speech patterns - it helped that she had always mimicked the accents of more well-bred people at Gathers, to gain their trust easier. Learning the teaching ballads and how to read had done the rest. It would be hard for anyone but a trained harper to know that a Turn ago she’d been an uneducated holdless.

Nibbling on a snack, she observed the gathering. People seemed to be having fun, a few wallflowers and grumps aside. And there was the music! Norilana almost clapped with glee, a foot tapping to the beat. She was just longing to dance when Jafari arrived, and she greeted him with a beaming smile. “Hi Jafari! The music does sound great.” His offer drew a prompt extension of her hands to meet his. “I’d love to. Do you know the steps? I don’t, but we can always wing it and make up our own.” Let Lanorun and Ranthian grumble if they wanted to. It was just dancing, what was wrong with that?

[Maggie]

Idra looked around the room, her hands folded demurely in her lap as she sat in a chair by the door, watching the crowd. Her little sister was the talker, she had kept herself slightly aloof, polite to anyone who spoke to her, but not really making lasting connections. She mentally took notes on those around her, though she didn't really make an effort to socialise.

She looked up at her sister as she spotted a tall brunet slink into the party, a crooning pink around his neck. She narrowed her eyes slightly, looking him up and down, searching for little details and similarities. "Is that him?" she asked Davalla, although she already knew the answer. Her sister's description had been fairly detailed. She got up, smoothing her clothes. "Go ask him to dance. I will get another partner, if we gang up on him now, he will shut down." She looked around to find a suitable dancer to join her.

Tamarine grinned as the music started. She had always loved dancing and parties. She spotted Letorin, waving hello to Gennesk's favourite Delicious and made her way over to him. "Gennesk tells me that he's working hard on convincing you to stand for whers as well," she told him with a grin. "He's got lots of plots and schemes, that one. Genner's moved his personal belongings into either W'lin's weyr or my aunt's quarters, he's sure you're going to Impress and Gennesk will smash everything in sight."

Kaydian slunk into the room reluctantly, Pretty crooning in his ear. He had promised Yusk that he would try and be more social, but this was really ridiculous. There were too many people, too much noise... He didn't know how to dance and he didn't immediately spot Seph or Seidon, his two safe people to talk to. He did see Letorin, but there was already a girl talking to him and Kaydian didn't know her or want to intrude.

He slowly made his way to a corner, hiding there and watching people nervously. Maybe he would get used to the noise and crowd. Maybe. He reluctantly admitted to himself that this was unlikely, but he had to try anyway. It would be better if Yentil was here. She would have things to say that would make him feel not quite as small and scared. He froze as he spotted the two holdless sisters chatting. That could mean nothing good for him. Nothing at all. They were holdless AND from Bitra. Nothing about that mix made him comfortable. He pressed a little closer to the wall, hoping that they would overlook him.

[birdi]

It wasn’t really a party, in Inanna’s opinion. A party was marked by loud outrageous laughter, preferably in a tavern of some sort, preferably where the drinks wouldn’t stop coming and there was always somebody off to the dusky corner arm wrestling and people betting marks to who’d win. That was one of the bad things about candidacy—all the fun stuff was barred.

Nah, this was more like dancing lessons, with harper instruments playing out in the background. Neither were really her thing, but Inanna shrugged and figured she might as well make an attempt to fit in and maybe make a few friends. Since arriving, she hadn’t really talked to more than a few people.

While there were a couple of faces in the crowd that she did recognize, it would have been a stretch to have called any one of them “friends”. More like, acquaintances that she’d seen around once or twice. Really, it was a room full of strangers—and what do you do in a room full of strangers?

Make sure you make them not be strangers anymore, that’s what.

Figuring she might as well just ask any old body, Inanna went towards a few of the boys and girls who hadn’t started dancing and, gesturing at one of them, she offered out her hand.

“C’mon, you’ll only make this more boring for yerself if you don’t participate at all.” She winked. “I promise I’ve got more than two left feet.” At least it was a lively dance—Inanna wasn’t sure if she could’ve stomached a slow waltz.

(open for anyone I don’t know most of you let’s fix that)

[Minute]

Everyone was good for something. Although, if you asked Garna, she was good for many somethings. The fact was that she was a very talented girl, at least in her mind. Sure if you asked plenty of other people they might say that her 'talents' were just the ability to intimidate people and threaten them into doing her bidding. But there are always those hidden talents, physical abilities that make them be able to used like a tool. Well, maybe not everyone had those, but Garna sure did. And she had recently discovered that hers was the ability to be used as a ladder.

Apparently a shorter candidate had needed to stand on someone's shoulders to give her extra height to hang things. And Garna, being the freakishly tall girl that she was, ended up being that ladder. But she didn't argue. After all, someone using her for extra height would only show off how tall she truly was, which added to her intimidation level. Really there was absolutely nothing to lose. Except, you know, the lack of foot-shaped bruises on her shoulders. But there was absolutely nothing wrong with bruises.

It wasn't long before the room was filled with candidates, including Dardranel, her unfortunately happy and oblivious roommate. The girl galloped up to her and her human firelizard, asking them if they wanted the dance. Garna rolled her eyes as she sarcastically asked, "depends, do you want to be squashed by a falling shoulder-clinger? Or can you wait until she has a chance to climb down?" This was followed by a quick glance up at Dizzy, which managed to hurt her eyes a bit. "You can get down, right? Because of all the things I don't want to get help for removing you from my shoulders is one of them."

Meanwhile, Astrielle was also not a candidate but had invaded the party none the less. The gazed around, unsure where to go and what to do for a moment. Parties really weren't her thing, too much focusing. However, that problem left her as soon as she spotted Letorin. Bouncing over to him she commented in her voice that managed to sound like she was talking to herself despite looking directly at him, "Ilma says that if you don't impress this time we're going to build you a dragon."

[maruset]

Orkia grinned at the guy she had kidnapped to dance with her. She moved to keep him off her feet, but she had him moving, so she considered it a success. "I'm Orkia," she said cheerfully. "Formerly of Benden Weyr. And how about yourself?"

She had no issues that he was over a foot taller, just craning her head back to look up at him and grin. Besides, he looked like he could use some cheering up.


Still playing, Letorin grinned at Tamarine. "Hello there. And Gennesk keeps hoping. I think he'd steal him to hang around him and draw things for him to give to Esk." He grinned, keeping pace with the songs that were being played. This was something already well trained into him, an keeping up with both wasn't too bad.

"And Gennesk has all the plots. Though he has Genner calling me Delicious now and then as well." Though the thought of Genner moving his stuff to save it because he thought Letorin was going to Impress brought a smile to his face. "That's good to hear. I'm glad he's got that sort of faith in me." It was surprisingly touching. Though he did laugh at the idea of Gennesk doing

Then Astrielle came up as well, and Letorin grinned at her. That only got bigger when she talked about building a dragon. "That would be pretty interesting. Maybe we can make one even if I do Impress. Astrielle, this is Tamarine, Tamarine, Astrielle. Astrille Impressed to Black Ilmarineth, and Tamarine is standing for whers."

He smiled at them both, pleased to introduce them to each other.

[Raining]

Aleksandr had arrived early to help with the music, since when he first caught wind of this... well he jumped on the music boat. He was pretty good at playing his guitar, and apart from just playing for pleasure, he never had much opportunity to play at something like this. Not since Harper Hall anyway. His knowledge of music would go a long way, since he tried learning everything he could so he could do things like this.

With guitar in hand he greeted Embla with a charming smile, and was relieved to hear that he knew the songs that were suggested for the playlist. So when the rules were all laid out he was prepared to play the lively tune. Guitars, violins [whateverelse was playing] sounded really neat when played together.

Any doubts about the upcoming hatching was sort of pushed aside... or replaced by this party. This was something he needed, just a time when all the candidates (including himself) could loosen up a little, and have some fun. Hatchings were supposed to be exciting, so this certainly helped.

---

OOC; Tag for Bir and Inanna!

Riocard would have been happy to just...not join in the festivities. But social protocol forces him to keep playing this guy he's not, plus it would be interesting to see everyone all together and interacting with each other. So he didn't really need to socialize or 'open up' to complete strangers... he could just sit back and watch.

That was of course until he was approached by someone with curly brown hair. Surprise was the first expression on his face, since he didn't expect anyone to try and pull people from the sidelines. Why would they pull people who clearly were content to sit on the edge and watch.

He wondered if it would be rude to tell her go away. Of course it would be rude... He forced a smile to his lips, hesitantly taking her hand (willing himself to not jerk away from said hand). "Sure," he replied, raising his normally quiet voice to be heard over the music. He let her pull him to the dance floor following her lead -- he felt extremely uncomfortable and wanted to reconsider his choice. But it was too late now. A charming enough smile played on his lips (never reaching his eyes), "I can promise you, that I do have two left feet." he admitted and surprisingly managed to look sheepish.

In reality he just wanted to not be here, not so close.

[birdi]

Her new dance partner didn't seem to be very enthused, but he agreed anyway so Inanna shrugged it off. If he really didn't want to dance he should've just turned her down. But she could work with reluctance, if he was willing to get up and try to have some fun, then he wasn't completely a lost cause.

"I'm Inanna, by the way," she said, in an attempt to get some of that barrier down.

Inanna grinned. "Relax. Just let the music take you, and don't look so much like a hanged canine. Dancin' is supposed ta be fun." She swayed to the beat. "See? Nothin' fancy. Way I always think of it, like moving like a wave 'gainst the shores of the beach."

She gestured to him, offering her hand. "Alright, boy with the two left feet. Show me what you can do." she said. Leading the way, she started a quick, fun little dance they did a lot around the seahall, something that would hopefully be enjoyable but wasn't all that uncommon to know. And easy to pick up just from shadowing her if he didn't.

[Chimera]

"I can wait." Dardranel smiled back at Garna and Dizzy. "Awright, be careful! How'd you even get up there, Dizzy?" She waited for a second before receiving no answer, not giving either any time to respond. "Garna, you're tall." The candidate shrugged. "Anyways, I'll be nearby if you need help. Catch you later!" She ran away, skidding to a halt to grab a freshly-baked little pastry treat - she took a big bite, wincing as the hot food burned her tongue a little bit.

"Hot, hot hot!" Dardranel bounced the scalding snack between her hands before hurling it at the table. Luckily it landed there and not on the floor - she blew on it carefully, and luckily it quickly cooled down. Now her tongue would be burnt for a few days.

"Smmtiglyummy." Dardranel said wisely, mouth full of pastry.

***

"I hope y'will." Lanorun hugged Norilana back. Then the tall man watched as his little sister skipped away, and then going to dance with...

...Going to dance? He frowned. Who was this? The wher Candidate recognized him after a moment. Jafari. He'd seen him back at the Islands, and they were both in the wher program, but why was he dancing with Norilana? He glared at Jafari from afar, making sure they weren't up to any mischief. It seemed that yesterday she was a tiny toddler, her chubby short hand held by his relatively giant hand. And today she was a teenager, dancing with some boy.

And today Lanorun was dancing, kidnapped by another Candidate. He lumbered around like a dragon in a glassmaker's workshop. He'd never learned to dance, so this was something new and somewhat intimidating to the Candidate.

"Nice t'meet ye, Orkia from Benden. I'm Lanorun from...from Pern." He took a long step as they danced, nearly falling out of rhythm. "What d'ye think of that upcomin' hatchin?"

At least dancing was some sort of exercise...

***

Nora had been just meandering around in a corner really, until she spotted her former roommate. She bounced like her dragon, over to Astrielle and Letorin, coming just in time to overhear the talk of building a dragon.

"Hi Astri and Letorin! Nice to see you here! Enjoying the party?" She paused for a second. "What's this I heard about building a dragon? That sounds awesome! Both of you are inventors, after all." The weyrling turned to see Tamarine. "Oh, hi Tamarine! Astrielle's my former roommate. How are you all?"

[Kiran]

Jafari grinned and pulled Nori into his arms. "I don't know the steps, so we are on our own!" He promptly twirled her. "So lemme take the lead, please, so we don't end up with four sore feet!" He gave her a wink, and then pulled her into the dance, a lively, spirited dance that had them kicking up their heels. She was small and lithe enough that he didn't have a problem trying a lift or two, like the adults did when they dance on occasion. Jafari made sure to keep it friendly and lively, enjoying how energetic the girl was and willing to keep up, their circle around the dance floor left him a bit out of breath, but flushed with enjoyment.

Even though during part of it he had felt eyes boring into the back of his head. A quick turn of their bodies had Jafari rather clueless as to who was looking at him, so he shrugged it off as simply his imagination. With that he was able to fully get back into their dance.

"You're not half-bad!" He exclaimed enthusiastically. Though that wasn't saying much, as the boy's own dancing skills were mediocre. It wasn't something that he did every day, nor even all that often. Outside of a few times the Holdless had seen fit to hold their own celebrations, Jafari had danced with few and knew the steps to even fewer dances. He had meshed what he did know together in a way that would have made his mother groan with indignation at how he had marred the dances themselves. But she wasn't there now, and the point of the party was to have fun, so he hoped Nori enjoyed it just fine. "Who taught you how to get along like that? I better go and thank them!"

[Zephyr]

((Tag for Maggie <3))

There was no one to dance with.

There was no one to dance with and Adelaide didn't really care. It had taken her some time to realize what was going on, and even longer to decide if she should actually go to the party. Not everyone cared for her overly enthusiastic view on life, but when did Addy ever really care about what other people thought. She was half tempted to drag Sora along with her, the girl needed to get out occasionally.

Instead of risking nails in her eyeballs, Adelaide decided to go alone. There was no better way to get to know the people she could be spending years with.

A first glance revealed that most people were already involved with others, dancing or chatting. The girl's lips pursed in thought after a moment as she scanned the playing field and noticed a boy pressed up against the wall trying very hard not to be seen. She froze, a wicked grin playing out over her lips when she made a beeline towards the boy. "Hello!" She said brightly, reaching out to draw Kaydian to her. This was no time to be a wallflower, and Addy never had issues with physical contact. "I'm Addy! Dance with me?"

She was giving him an out. She did make people do things against their will, but if he was complete opposed to the tall girl dragging him out onto the dance floor without preamble, then he she wasn't holding him so tightly that he couldn't slip away. Otherwise, she would continue her path, smiling and laughing and generally extremely pleased with herself. "What's your name?"

[/font]

[Maggie]

Kaydian's eyes went wide. He didn't know how to dance at all. He didn't know how to talk to people, either! Not well. Not in a party. Not when they had never met and this was a girl and they weren't doing chores that he could concentrate on and...

He took a deep breath. Yusk had said that he should socialise and the gilr was a fellow candidate and therefore another one of Yusk's babies. She was safe. Or at least vetted by someone he trusted. He could talk to her without panic. He conciously took a deep breath to calm himself. Pretty trilled at him, refusing to leave his shoulders and nuzzling him gently. "Um, my name is Kaydian," he answered. He straightened a little bit, proud that he had gotten even just his name out without stuttering too much. "And this is Pretty. My black Flare is somewhere, Pretty won't let him stay on my shoulders." He gave her a nervous smile.

"I don't really know how to dance," he admitted, looking down at his feet. Maybe she could lead a bit and he could learn? That could be ok, maybe. He tried to reason with himself. "I've never done it before."

[Dragonwher]

Randiel probably would have slept through the little party. but an insistent pink pest was adamant he get up and see what the people were doing. So he went to try and leave his room; not understanding in his muzzybrained state why his roommate's bed was empty. But he was herded to his clothes chest to change into something not ruffled from sleep yet again by the pink idjit his little Aela. So it was another candlemark before a now unmessy Randiel wandered to where Aela could hear people having fun. With Farkas and Aela gracing his shoulders, he had offered Majere the option to go as well but the bug decided to stay in the room.

As he moved through the crowd Aela and Farkas chittered happily enough at the people he passed. Then Aela turned to peep querulously at their boy wondering why he wasn't being more sociable. Which he mumbled a response to "shaffit Aela you woke me up, right now I can barely sort up from down right now". So in response Aela firmly nipped at his ear and tugged his head so he'd turn and see the snacks and drinks. Randiel made a stifled yelp noise before glowering at the pink" shard it Aela, you know better...". Then he noticed the food and walked to it, nabbing a bubblypie and a mug of klah for himself before he settled in a near seat.

Once seated he mused aloud "wonder who thought this up...sure hope the candidatemasters and whoever else are ok with all this...". Aela and farkas meanwhile were trill-singing at the dancers; uncaring whether this would get their human in trouble or not just yet.

[mopsy93]

Carissa was not a big fan of parties, especially outside the hold she grew up in. Considering her general lack of any interaction with other Candidates, Dragon, wher, and Dual alike, outside of lessons and how close her room was to the party Carissa did go to this one. Janvia definitely seemed happy with this situation, having already flown off to chat with some of the other Fire Lizards present despite her owner’s own general lack of enthusiasm. Carissa even going to a party was not one to wear anything fancy, this was held and mostly run by Candidates after all, and this was no exception. To say that there were a few attendees would be an understatement, most of Dalibor Weyr’s collective sum of Candidates were there. The music was good though, several of the Candidates were already dancing to a lively Istan dance.

Carissa chuckled a little to herself when she noticed that there was at least one Weyrling upon spotting who she presumed to be Nora dancing with Jafari. There was enough to do to keep her busy until she would be ready to turn in for the night, certainly Janvia did with all the other Fire Lizards present.