Olinar's Visit

Madelynda enters swinging a basket full of bright and glowy glows from her arm. After offering a silent smile to the people she passes, she begins to methodically check the cavern's glowbaskets one-by-one.

Kh'gar finishes off the meatroll, and looks for something else to eat.

Maehryn blushes, chewing on his lower lip at Merien's accusation. "Uhm... yeah," he says in a small voice, but doesn't say anything more than that. Yazric considers, "I think people would be too stringy for dragons to eat."

Merien waves to Madelynda. "Heyla, Maddy." She takes another drink of klah and then a breath before she says, "Well, you scared him, Maehryn. He trusts you." She turns to look at him. "Did you really believe Neith would eat people at the Hatching?"

Madelynda peers into the first basket, frowning at the dim glows she finds there before plucking them out and replacing them with fresh ones from her cache. That done, she marches to the next one, passing by Merien, Yazric, and Maehryn on the way and grinning at each with a mumbled, "Good even."

Kh'gar waves to Madelynda as he stands at the serving table.

Maehryn swallows, his face a mask of indecision. "Well, uhm," he starts to say intelligent. "It was... well, I don't think she'd, uhm, eat anybody, uh, normally," he says finally, all though it takes a while to get that much out of him. The expression on his face indicates there's more, but he doesn't express it.

Makeda enters from the narrow corridor. Makeda has arrived.

Merien gestures with one hand. "And....?"

Madelynda spies Kh'gar out of the corner of her eye and flashes a smile at him too, simultaneously removing old glows and replacing them with fresh ones in the second location.

Kh'gar sips from his much of tea, and waves to Makeda, smiling back to Madelynda. You sense Kh'gar winks as he smiles back to you, eye bright.

Makeda arrives as if chased by wild feline. She back peddles to a halt as she enters the main room of the cavern. Her hand is on her cheek and she turns to see if she's been followed before swallowing and composing herself to head for the candidate table.

Madelynda blinks as Makeda's swift entrance distracts her from glow-duty. Softly, she inquires, "Is everything alright?" as the girl nears the table.

Maehryn turns towards Makeda, as she provides an ample distraction away from the weyrlingmaster. "You, uh, okay?" he asks the other Candidate, but his grey eyes dart towards Merien give the indication that he's not really listening for her reply.

Makeda smiles a bit awkwardly at Kh'gar as she passes. "Heyla everyone."

Kh'gar smiles to Makeda, tipping his mug to her, and nods.

Merien glances at Makeda. "Are you all right?"

Makeda nods and busies herself filling her plate. "Fine. Fine." She glances back from where she came.

Madelynda looks oddly at Makeda, then She mutters to Makeda, "... Steward Jommel... the west..."

Makeda sits down at the candidate table and begins moving her food around on her plate with her utensil. "Anyone have family coming today?" There that should change the subject nicely. She nods and shrugs at Madelynda. "Sorta."

Merien doesn't look quite convinced by Makeda's answer, but she turns back to Maehryn and says, "What were you saying, then?"

Madelynda continues to change glows, but glances periodically at Makeda over her shoulder. "I don't; but Mercy told me that her mother, Bliss, was arriving soon." She thinks hard for a moment, and continues, "Liz also mentioned something: her mother Betsie? I think? And I met Carinah's father -- Ecarn -- before. They were fishing off the pier while I was cleaning the beach. A very nice man," she smiles, popping new bright glows into a basket on the wall.

Maehryn shakes his head. "I wasn't, uhm, saying anything, ma'am. Except, I, uhm, shouldn't have said that to, uh, Chegaren."

R'val walks in from the bowl. R'val has arrived.

Makeda nods her head vigoursly at Madelynda. "I met him earlier. He did seem nice. My family can't leave the Hold right now. Crops and stuff. They sent their love and a fat letter with all the news from home."

R'val strides into the living cavern and salutes, "Benden's duty to Ista."

Merien nods as if Maehryn had finally said what she'd expected. "I don't think you should have either." She leans more closely and says to him, quietly, "Having people look up to you is a responsibility, whether you've asked for it or not." She sits up and salutes R'val crisply. "And Ista's duty to Benden, and her queens."

. R'val smiles at Merien readily, "Very kind." He spots Makeda and beams at her, "Makeda, hullo!"

Makeda blinks as she recognizes the Benden rider. This day is full of surprises. "R'val!" Standing she moves to give him a friendly hug.

Yazric perks up at the name, "R'val! Is Mom here too?" he looks behind the bluerider to see if anyone else is with him.

Maehryn shakes his head. "I didn't, uhm, realize he looked, uhm, up to me. I was the one who got his spiderclaw killed." He pauses, looking towards all the people yelling 'R'val'.

R'val shakes his head with a smile to Yazric, after embracing Makeda warmly, "No, Yaz, I'm sorry, Jazmin's not here, just me."

Madelynda nods and grins at Makeda, going to the next basket. "Daria is making me do this," she gestures at her basket, "because of all the guests." She sighs, frowning slightly. "I just did them a sevenday ago....She sure is set on making a good impression..."

Yazric nods, "Okay. Didnt figure she'd have time."

Rodian dips a wing and comes soaring into the living cavern from the lower caverns. Rodian has arrived.

Kh'gar puts down his mug of tea, and heads out to the bowl, without a word.

Kh'gar walks outside, into the bowl. Kh'gar has left.

Makeda beams at the bluerider. "That's two visitors I've had. Emlyn stopped as well. How's Ofira? Was she too busy to come too."

R'val smiles, "I'll tell her you were looking for her, "he turns back to Makeda and squeezes her affectionately again, "yes, she has a feast to prepare for, or aid in the preparation of, she couldn't come, but she sends her regards. How are you?"

Rodian flutters in quickly and lands right on Madelynda's shoulder, making a lot of noise and trying to get her to understand something.

Merien finishes her klah and stands to go refill her mug. On her way, she says, glancing back to the candidates, "Perhaps our guests would like something to eat? Or drink?"

Makeda nods to Merien. She did intend forget her manners. "Can I get you something. I'm well. I've made new friends and learned lots of new things. I've washed and sacked firestone and painted and changed glows, lots of things!"

Maehryn bites his lip, looking towards Makeda, since she's the one who's talking to R'val. Then at Merien.

Madelynda blinks furiously as the green firelizard lands on her and musses her hair with her wings. "What, Rodian? Whatever is the matter?"

R'val pats Makeda's hand gently and grins, "Some klah'd be nice, if you can do that. Oh, new friends and new skills, very useful." He grins, "Even if sacking firestone isn't all th at enjoyable..."

Rodian rather loudly gets the message across to everyone within about ten feet that some old harper is here.

Makeda makes a face at R'val as she heads for the klah pitcher. "It's heavy and it's smelly and it's dirty. I'd much rather cook and serve." With that she hands R'val a steaming cup of klah.

Merien smiles as she returns with her refilled mug. "You can get the next guest, Maehryn. It's part of being a candidate, you know. Serving guests, I mean."

R'val takes the cup with a smile of thanks, murmuring, "It is at that, isn't it? It's not so bad, though, and if you Impress you'll have to get used to it I'm afraid."

Madelynda's eyes widen as she reaches up to stroke the firelizard's neck, scritching her eyeridges. "What? Is it Shast? What's wrong?" With the other hand, she carefully sets down the basket of glows she is holding on the floor.

Yazric curls up in his chair, letting the conversations go on around him.

Shast enters from the narrow corridor. Shast has arrived.

Makeda's eyes can't help but be drawn to the commotion the green firelizard is causing. "What is it. Something about Shast?"

Maehryn opens his mouth to say something to the weyrlingmaster. Probably something indignant or whiny given the expression on his face. But self-preservation kicks in and, instead of saying what he was going to, says glumly, "Yes, ma'am."

Olinar enters from the narrow corridor. Olinar has arrived.

An imposing, authoritative presence, Olinar stands upright and tall. Deep wrinkles between his brows and around the corners of his mouth testify that his most frequent facial expression is a dark, critical frown below eyebrows furrowed with intense concentration. His white beard as well as the sparse and smooth hair on his pate show him to be a wise and almost-old man of perhaps 50 Turns, 3 months, and 19 days.

On his slim and rather gaunt frame, Olinar wears a heavy llama vest over a Harper-blue tunic. Black wool breeches more suitable for cold rather than hot weather accompany soft wherhide shoes clearly meant for Hold wear. Slung over his knobby shoulder is a smooth case that, by its shape, seems to hold a gitar. He wears two knots: one is the white and deep blue designation of Journeyman Harper; the other is red, white, and medium blue and signifies he harps at Telgar Hold. Carrying: Istan Scroll

Olinar grumbles and eyes you "I said Sir, young man, are you hard of hearing?"

Shast comes in quickly and rather hurries towards Madelynda, motioning with his head towards the entrance to the lower caverns, with a blank expression.

R'val glances at the commotion curiously.

Merien nods in satisfaction at Maehryn's response, then she smiles to the man coming in. "Heyla! Ista's duty to the Harpers!"

Shast turns to face the old man, but keeps his expression blank, and turns back to Madelynda.

Michael enters from the narrow corridor. Michael has arrived.

Madelynda is wrapped up in green firelizard hide as Rodian wraps her wings around her head. Muffled, her voice comes through, "Rodian! Whatever is wrong!"

Olinar strides in looking around the busy cavern, hands on his hips eyes keen for any untoward movement. Looking to the center table he sees his daughter, and bellows "MADELYNDA"....

Shast shoots a quick glace to Merien, but turns quickly back to Madelynda.

Maehryn looks towards the bowl entrance seeing Shast, followed by an unknown man with a Harper knot. He stands quickly. "Uhm, sir?" he asks, hurrying over to the man. "Uhm, Ista's, uh, duty, to, uhm, the uh Harpers--" He stops at the shout, taking several steps backwards and looking towards Merien nervously, as if to say 'I tried.'

Rodian jumps off of Madelynda and comes to Shast, perching delitfully on his shoulder, her work done.

Olinar looks to the stuttering young man "And who might you be, hopefully not another steward, I've already been rude by one of then today"

Shast turns to Maehryn and grins, rolling his eyes slightly.

Merien stands as well, the smile still on her lips. She's obviously waiting, sipping her klah. Then she clears her throat, and says, "He's a candidate trying to offer to get you something to eat or drink, sir. And Ista's duties to the Harpercraft." She repeats the words with the same pleasant intonation she'd used the first time she said them.

Madelynda visibly freezes at the sound of her name. Very slowly, a look of disbelief and wonder on her face, she turns around in the direction of the loud sound's source. Her eyes widen into large aqua and white saucers as she sees the large and angry figure at the entrance to the lower caverns.

Shast turns to Madelynda again, and just nods silently, then he turns back to face the man, waiting for whatever might come next.

Maehryn looks back at Olinar, blinking dumbly at the Harper. "Uh-uh-" he stammers. "Uhm, well, sorta, I guess..." He pauses, then looks gratefully at Merien as she apparently comes to his rescue. He looks back at Olinar. "If there's, uhm, anything you'd, uh, like, sir, please feel free to ask. And, uh, welcome to Ista." He says this witha terrified grimace.

Kh'gar walks in from the bowl. Kh'gar has arrived.

Olinar is standing at the entrance to the cavern, tapping his foot impatiently. He nods to the rider, but his attention is on his daughter. Dissmissing the woman with a wave of his hand he walks over to Madelynda "What exactly is going on here" He waves the scroll he is carrying "And what exactly does it mean young lady"

Shast shoots a stern glace to Maehryn, trying to get him to stop babling.

Kh'gar walks back in, muttering something about 'fardling green dragons', then blinks at the grown crowd.

Michael pours a mug of juice and sits at R'val's table.

R'val grins,' Michael!" He notices the healer for the first time, "Long time no see."

Merien takes a few steps toward Madelynda, putting a hand on the young woman's shoulder. "What's going on is that you've raised a fine young woman, and we think she would honor any of the hatchlings waiting on our Sands."

Michael says "Good even, R'val. How is Benden?"

Shast nods at Merien's comment, "It means what it says. I helped her write it myself."

Maehryn looks back at Shast, as if this rude human is somehow all Shast's fault. He looks back at Olinar and mutters, "Well, uhm, I guess you don't want anything." He turns and gratefully slinks away.

Olinar eyes the rider critically, looking her up and down "Was anyone talking to you?" He looks back at his daughter, waiting for an explanation.

Kh'gar blinks, and looks curiously at Olinar. "And I helped her write it as well."

R'val smiles, "Well as ever, Michael. And how're you doing?"

Michael says "Ok. Rather busy these days. But that's normal."

Merien says, evenly, "No, sir. Although I did offer Ista's duties, of course."

Kh'gar says "Somehow I thought they were still teaching manners at the Harper Hall. I guess you need to lose them when you head to Telgar."

Shast face shows large signs of discomfort as he hold back something very sarcastic and offensive.

R'val smiles, "busy is good, keeps the mind occupied.'

Madelynda blinks at her father, then at Merien, and then back to her father. Her mouth moves wordlessly in mild panic, no sound coming from her throat. Her face has changed to the ghostly white it was when she was sickly and therefore sent by this raging man to Ista.

Shast turns to Kh'gar as he speaks and can't help but the chuckle a little.

Makeda blinks at R'val and Michael. "You know people everywhere."

R'val grins at Makeda, 'When you're a rider, kyou travel a great deal. Actually, I knew master Michael here back when I was a healer."

Olinar nods "Well, that's to be expected I'd say seeing as you've my only daughter here." He turns to look at Madelynda, noticing her pale face and huge round eyes. His face softens ever so slightly and he sighs, visibly controlling his temper. "Maddy, what is this all about?" He gives the rider a cold stare, then turns back to his daughter.

Maehryn looks towards Madelynda as he slips towards a quiet table. And making an abrupt change of decision, turns back and walks towards Madelynda stopping near her father, but out of striking distance.

Michael nods, "I was The MasterHealer for several years, probably saw the insides of every Weyr, Hall and Hold in the North."

Merien still stands by Madelynda, but remains quiet so she can answer, drinking her klah as she listens.

Kh'gar gives Olinar an equally cold stare, not blinking. "She's been Searched for Ista, and will stand on the Sands, sir. It's that simple."

Shast stands next to Madelynda, silent, waiting.

Kh'gar says "Even a Harper could see that logic. And I've know my share of them that were rather obtuse in their thoughts."

Makeda blinks at the loud harper, tugging at R'val's sleeve. "At least my family and was happy to hear I'd been searched."

Olinar turns to the rider fairly growling "Did anyone at all ask your opinion?" He looks back at Maddelynda waiting for her answer.

R'val glances from Michael to the unfolding scene, eyebrows raising.

Yazric slides out of his chair and wanders away with a sigh.

Yazric walks outside, into the bowl. Yazric has left.

Kh'gar says "No, they didn't. I'm not at the beck and the call of the Harpers who get angry when their daughters have the chance to do a great deal of good for Pern. Even save your obtuse view on the world."

Sounds finally start to come out of the gaping mouth of Madelynda. The first one is a very soft and timid, "Father..." The next is a tentative phrase, full of shocked pauses, and somehow sounds like "What...How...did...you....here?" She swallows, and somehow that action revives her ability to speak. "Father, Ista's duty." Suddenly, she flushes bright red as she realizes that was /not/ the right affiliation to claim.

Randrin enters from the narrow corridor. Randrin has arrived.

Shast turns to Madelynda and smiles rather brightly, knowing that although it was a blunder, it was extreamly clever at the same time.

Maehryn opens his mouth and says in a tiny little voice, "Uhm, sir? I think that, uhm..." he pauses as Kh'gar, then Madelynda speaks and falls silent again. He gives Madelynda a small smile that her father can't see, since he's mostly behind the man, and slips off towards the serving table.

Michael watches the verbal fencing between Kh'gar, and the strange Harper with some amusement.

Merien nods and smiles to Madelynda. "There you go. That's a good way to start, with the proper greeting."

Makeda stares at the exchange, mouth open in utter amazement. "He sounds like Glynna when she yelled at T'fian."

Olinar fully turns to the rider "I didn't ask for your opinion, nor do I ever want you at my beck and call, or, for that matter do I /need/ you. Now, if you'd mind your own business, I'l like to talk with /my daughter/ understand?" He turns back to Madelynda, his voice softening. "I arrived my Runner early this afternoon, and I've been camped in front of the /room/ they've assigned you. My rump is sore from the ride, and I've met a steward who can't give directions, now...care to explain why your are a candidate and not coming back home any time soon?"

Kh'gar says "Your daughter is my business, sir. She's a Candidate at Ista. She's here to Stand for Neith's clutch. You need to hear what someone has to say, if you choose to do so. She was Searched, if you were listening. It's even so simple that you'd understand it. I think."

Makeda blurts out. "Because the dragons searched her just like the rest of us?"

Madelynda quietly lays a soft hand on Kh'gar's tense arm, her gesture indicating her desire for him to calm. "Father," she manages again, moving near him slowly. "Please. Sit down. You look very tired." She still looks terrified, but reaches out a timid hand toward him, gesturing with the other toward a nearby table. Her fervent glance at Shast is accompanied by a whispered, "Wine mixed with a measure of redfruit juice."

Shast finally blurts out the kind of comment which he'd been letting Kh'gar take care of until now, "It isn't very complicated harper, Tesith searched her, she will stand at the hatching, is there something you can't understand here?"

Merien says, quietly, "Why don't we all be quiet for a moment so Maddy can, just maybe, speak to her own father? And explain her choices by herself?" She frowns to Shast and says, "Watch your tongue to the Harper, please."

Kh'gar eyes Madelynda, then Olinar, curiously, heeding to Merien's words, snorting, gnashing his teeth at the Harper, then snorts again.

Maehryn looks over at Merien from his position next to the Serving Table and nods emphatically at the weyrlingmaster's words.

Michael mutters to R'val, "Don't... love when they... with the..."

Shast nods and heads silently to the serving table, and quickly prepares exactly what Madelynda reqested. He pours a cupful, and is about to pour another but realizes that is probably isn't a very good idea. He takes them over to Madelynda and her father, handing the old man the drink.

Makeda blushes at Merien's remark and falls quiet.

R'val grins crookedly at Michael, He mutters to Michael, "... other... The..."

Olinar strides up to the one eyed rider glowering at him "Are you a weyrleader? Do you have any responsiblity toward my daughter, if not I suggest you keep your comments to yourself" He turns toward Madelynda his gaze softening and nods "I could use some refreshment" He gives a glare back toward the rude rider and strides off to a chair.

Michael bursts out laughing, thumping the table.

Shast stands a little tense, waiting for what Kh'gar might say in response.

Maehryn whips his head around to look at the Master Healer, wondering what could be so funny in this situation.

Makeda tugs at R'val's sleeve. "Would you like to see the eggs or something. I don't know how familiar you are with Ista, but there's the beach and a small pond and waterfall."

Madelynda trails behind her father a few steps, looking behind at the weyrpeople hopelessly. Seeing Shast's offer, her lips tense slightly as she whispers, "No...the measure of redfruit /in/ the wine is how he likes it..." and then, she's reached the table, and daintily sits down, eyes downcast and hands tightly clasped in her lap. Her posture is straight and prim and Hold-bred as she faces her Father.

R'val grins at Makeda, "I'm fairly familiar with it, but there's no reason not to take a look about. ANd I'd love to see the eggs, certainly.'

Makeda extends the invitation to Michael. "Would you care to join us, Sir?"

Dalen enters from the narrow corridor. Dalen has arrived.

Merien leans against the table, watching Madelynda and her father from across the short distance. She still has a pleasant, almost bland expression on her face.

Kh'gar glares at Olinar, and smirks. "I've helped your daughter adjust to life here, and give her some insight into what she's wishing to do, in standing for Search. Hopefully give her the help she needs, in all of this." He moves to stand behind Madelynda as she speaks.

Michael says "No thank you candidate. I am quite comfortable where I am. Besides bearding Neith, in her den as it were, is not my idea of fun."

R'val grins at MIchael, "We shall be very careful of Neither, Michael, and I'll see you shortly.' he rises to his feet.

Dalen blinks at the crowded cavern, and looks about for familiar legs, from his little point of view.

Olinar watches as his daughter sits and you note something in his eyes, as softening maybe? He pulls the chair out with a large scrape and puts the scroll down on the table. He taps it lightly. "What's this all about hon"

Makeda gulps and pales slightly at the mention of the golden guard of the eggs. "Yes, Sir, but you we're speaking to R'val, but he came to see me. At least I think he came to see me and I didn't want to be rude to you."

Merien smiles to R'val and Makeda and says, "Enjoy your tour! Be sure to show him the waterfall, Makeda!" She winks.

Sevanne enters from the narrow corridor. Sevanne has arrived.

R'val touches Makeda's shoulder gently and smiles, "It's ok. I did come to see you, and I'll see Michael soon enough. Now, shall we go see those eggs?"

Sevanne wanders out, knitting basket hanging from the crook of her arm.

Michael shoos the pair off, "Don't mind me."

Olinar stands back up as he hears that last comment. "I've heard about what kind of help you riders give young girls, you keep away from her!" He sits back down grumbling to himself.

R'val grins, "Good to see you again, Michael, I'll see you soon."

Madelynda sighs, takes the glass from Shast, and sets it near Olinar's hand. Eyeing the scroll on the table, she swallows again and says, "It's about how I love you, Father. And how I don't wish to disappoint you." Finally meeting his eyes, she spurts out, "And how I hope that you will hear me out!"

Makeda nods at R'val with a shy smile towards Merien and Michael. "Yes, Ma'am. Sir." She tugs at R'val's hand. "This way."

Dalen spots Sevanne, and trots over to be beside her, seeing as she's safe and recognizable in this confusing crowd.

Shast looks around at the situation, with him standing on one side of a sitting Madelynda, Merien on the other, and Kh'gar behind, all now facing the sitting old harper, asking his daughter a rehtorical question which has alread been answered at least twice. He stares at the man, blank faced, knowing that he shouldn't say anything.

Makeda walks outside, into the bowl. Makeda has left.

R'val lets his hand get tugged, and himself with it.

R'val walks outside, into the bowl. R'val has left.

Maehryn bites his lip, looking towards Olinar. He's heard that line before. He looks back at Madelynda, guiltily watching them even though he knows it's rude to pry into other's business.

Kh'gar snorts. "I've not touched her, nor besmirched her viture, Harper." He looks irritatedly at Olinar, and heads out of the cavern, at a quick pace.

Kh'gar walks outside, into the bowl. Kh'gar has left.

Olinar glares from one person to the next still waiting for /his daughter/ to answer. You can hear his foot tapping under the table.

Shast watches Kh'gar storm off, he frowns slightly, but makes no move.

Sevanne's pace slows as she senses the tension in the room and she stops for a moment as Kh'gar storms off. Her attention focuses on the cause of his ire and one eyebrow shoots up. "Evening."

Merien nods to Sevanne and says, "Evening, Sevanne. How are you?"

Maehryn nods quietly at Sevanne with a small, hesitant smile.

Sevanne sets her basket on the table and glances momentarily at the serving table. "I'm...fine, Merien. Quite fine."

It seems that her Father's foot tapping is usually interpreted by Madelynda as permission to speak, for her face relaxes with relief. She leans forward a bit and begins. "Father, as I wrote to you with the help of Merien," she smiles feebly and gestures toward the Weyrlingmaster, "I am quite well and you have no reason to fear for my health. And believe me, I was probably more surprised than you when I learned that her dragon, Tesith, Searched me."

Randrin has left.

Olinar foot is still tapping and he eyes the glass by his hand wondering if it's safe to drink, he decides that it is and takes a huge gulp as she listens to Madelyna. Nodding as she explains his voice softens even more "How /are/ you feeling hon? any signs of sickness" He says this in a worried tone, not even aware that others are around the table.

Madelynda finally breathes and continues. "And Harper Wendell has taught me well and, should I not Impress..." Hastily, she adds, "and I truly doubt I will...I plan to join the HarperCraft as you have always wanted me to." Her eyes spy Michael and she gestures toward him. "Healer Michael can assure you that I am now healthy enough to either Craft or ride, whatever my fate shall be."

Michael nods at the mention of his name, standing.

Michael wanders into the kitchen.

Michael heads away from the seating tables towards the hearths. Michael has left.

Maehryn slips out of the living cavern, mentioning something about having to clean the dorms as part of his evening chores.

Maehryn walks down the corridor. Maehryn has left.

Olinar listens carefully as he finishes up the drink. As he continues his voice softens with love for his daughter "What do you want Maddy, what would make you happy?"

Madelynda looks at her father with surprise in her eyes, sitting stiff and straight in her chair. She says very quietly, "I want to do whatever I am meant to do: Craft or ride. And I know my health is your concern, Father. But believe me, I am fine. Just fine." She smiles softly at him, finally, her small hand tentatively reaching out for his. She squeezes it gently, hopefully.

Shast looks at Madelynda, waiting for what she might say, knowing that this is the moment of truth for herself, her father, and him.

Sevanne fixes herself a plate of bread and cheese and heads back to her table. She sets down her plate next to her basket and commences with preparing her customary cup of tea.

Chegaren enters from the narrow corridor. Chegaren has arrived.

Sandia approaches Sevanne with a slight swagger in her hips, a smirk planted on her lips. "Feeling better, are we, Sevanne?"

A slow smile touches Olinar's lips as he listens to his daughter, and he takes her hand in his own huge one. "So like your mother hon, I've forgotten that you have grown up. I only want what's best for you" He takes up the scroll from the table and taps it lightly "You know being a rider is...dangerous, don't you? Is it a risk you want to take after being so ill." He says these last words softly.

Sevanne looks up as she adds a dollop of honey to her cup. "Much better, Sandia."

Sandia smirks even more. "Yes, I'm sure," she drawls. "I heard about your little dash into the infirmary the other night. Tell is you were occupied over a basin for some time."

Sevanne presses her lips together in a fine line. "People around here talk too much," she notes.

Sandia snorts. "Well? Is it true or not?"

Sevanne nods, stirring her cup.

Madelynda's smile is one of reassurance now. With another squeeze of his hand, color comes into her face and she answers, "I do know it is. And honestly, the people here have taught me..." she looks at Merien, Shast, and Maehryn who watch her, "that the dragon makes the right decision." She chuckles lightly and ammends, "Although it may make you feel better to know that Tesith's Candidates have never left the sands with a hatchling." The giggle she allows herself tries to cut through his concern and the tension in the air.

Shast continues to watch Olinar, although not with intese dislike anymore, but with more confusion, this being not at all how he would expect the man to act, especially after what he'd been like before he started talking to his daughter.

Sandia crosses her arms over her waist. "Care to explain why? It can't be your cooking has finally gone bad."

Merien laughs and says, "That's unfortunate but true." She smiles to Chegaren and says, "And I warn all of her choices about that."

Sevanne taps her spoon on the side of her cup and sets it down. "Sandia, you can't be that stupid."

Shast grins, and says simply, "But harper, I believe that your daughter will make the first exception of that ocourance."

Chegaren steps into the cavern, face freshly scrubbed and shoe buckles freshly polished. He chances a look around the cavern, sees neither fof the weyrleaders, and walks a little further in, searching for a face.

Madelynda blushes at Shast's remark, quickly shaking her head in disbelief. Her eyes turn fondly again on Olinar. "But if nothing else, Father, I will have come here and done what you wished: gotten well." She stands up suddenly, smiling, her arms outstretched. "Can't you tell?" she asks happily.

Sandia sniffs. "Don't be insulting. You've been queasy for the last 3 sevendays, your temper is about as prickly as a watchwhers and your choice in food..." She glances at Sevanne's dinner selection for the evening, "...leaves something to be desired. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were breeding!"

Olinar sniffs "How can a mere beast make any kind of decision" He waves his hand as if dismissing the whole notion. Picking up his empty cup he looks back to Shast "Could I get more wine if you please?" Turning back to Madelynda his face is stern once again he looks her up and down in an appraising manner, grudgingly he admits "Yes, you look very well hon, I'm so glad to see it, you have no idea."

Sevanne smiles, lifting her cup to her lips. "Obviously you don't know any better, then."

Sandia opens her mouth, then shuts it and blinks in surprise.

Merien is listening to Sandia and Sevanne quietly, as well as to Olinar and Maddy. She's out of klah but apparently reluctant to leave her spot to refill the mug.

Sevanne chuckles and slips into her chair, continuing to smile. "Don't gape, Sandia. It's unbecoming to you."

Madelynda's smile brightens at her father's approval, and she sits down again in the chair next to him, rather than across from him. "I am glad that makes you happy, Father. It makes me happy." After a pause, very softly she adds, "And I know it would make Mama happy, too."

Dalen walks outside, into the bowl. Dalen has left.

Sandia blinks again. "How can you be...? I mean...How? Who? Why?"

Shast takes the glass and looks at the man, "Mere beasts? The dragons, are just as smart as you or I, if not more so." Then he looks at the glass, not wanting to leave the area he looks around for a handy candidate, upon finding one he orders to boy to pour more of the drink and he returns promptly, handing it to the old harper.

Sevanne rolls her eyes, picking up a piece of cheese and nibbling on it. "If you don't know how, Sandia, then I suggest you go talk to one of the healers. They'll explain the process in detail, I'm sure."

Chegaren doesn't find the face he's looking for, and can't quite figure out what the subjects of the two main conversations, that everyone else seems to be eavesdropping on, are. Catching sight of Merien, he heads her way. "Hello, Merien, ma'am," he says politely from her elbow. "Would you... Can I... DO you need anything?"

Sandia shuts her mouth with a snap, finally managing to look indignant. "Oh, honestly! You're simply impossible when you're pregnant, Sevanne. Simply impossible!"

Merien glances to Chegaren and smiles. "Why, yes. Some more klah, if you could?"

Olinar nods as a smile touching his lips. He takes the glass from Shast's hand and takes another drink. He looks from Madelynda to Shast and back again, "You two....know eachother?" He is frowning now, wondering just how well this young man know's his daugher.

Sevanne swallows her morsel and hides her smile behind a hand. "I know, I know."

Sandia storms off, muttering to herself.

Shast chuckles slightly and nods, "Yes... sir. We know each other, quite well in fact. I was one of the first to meet her upon her arival here."

Madelynda blushes profusely at Olinar's question, but is obviously pleased he is back to his normal protective self, and that she's won him over...or so she hopes. Shaking her head, squeezing his hand again, she answers with a giggle. "Yes, Father. We know each other." She laughs aloud as Shast and she say the same thing at the same time, in harmony.

Kh'gar walks in from the bowl. Kh'gar has arrived.

Chegaren takes Merien's cup and heads toward the klah pot with a smile, pleased, as ever, to be useful. He refills it, and trots back quickly, spilling mary a drop. "Here you are."

Sandia tromps up to Kh'gar, eyes flashing. "I suppose this is all /your/ fault, naturally!"

Madelynda quickly changes the subject and asks him, "Father, did you come because it's they day of the Visitors' Gather? Whether or no, Merien has promised to give the families a tour of the Weyr this evening...if you're not too tired."

Kh'gar blinks, looking at Sandia as he enters. "What are you talking about?"

Sandia doesn't wait around. She storms off into the kitchens, muttering and tossing her hands up in the air.

Olinar raises his bushy eyebrows looking at his daughter "Just how well Madelynda?" His arms are crossed and his foot is tapping again.

Sevanne bursts out laughing.

Kh'gar blinks again, and shrugs. "Gone off the deep end, she has."

Shast lets out a sigh and looks down muttering something. Wishing that it didn't have to come to this.

Madelynda pales at her father's question, her laughter coming to a sudden halt. "Oh, Father, not that well, not that well, I promise."

Kh'gar eyes Olinar warily, looking from him to Madelynda.

Sevanne continues to laugh, wiping her eyes with one hand. "Oh, don't pay her any mind, Kh'gar. She's just mad at herself for being so daft."

Kh'gar says "Apparently."

Olinar nods then glares at Shast pointing a finger at him "You watch yourself around her young man, I hear of any...funny business, and I'll come after you understand?"

Shast turns to Madelynda in astonishment, he quickly clears his face but stops looking at her, and watches the man instead.

Sevanne takes a deep breath and reaches for her cup. "Well, at least she'll leave me be now."

Kh'gar says "I doubt that."

Shast looks at Olinar with the same look he had originally, "I've been a perfect gentleman I asure you. Ask her, she'll tell you."

Olinar nods "I will!" he looks at Madelynda "Has he?"

Sevanne shrugs. "Won't keep her mouth shut, aye."

Madelynda lays a gentle hand on Olinar's shoulder and shakes her head again. "Don't worry Father." She grins, almost slyly. "There are some habits you taught me that not even a Turn at a Weyr can break."

Kh'gar says "Only when she gets her foot out from it."

Sevanne nods. "That, too. I think she had me afflicted with some rare, uncurable ailment."

Kh'gar says "You're not?"

Sevanne chuckles. "Hardly rare and not necessarily incurable."

Olinar nods with an audible sigh of relief. He settles back in his chair oviously satisfied that his daughter is well and that her young man is a gentleman. "So, what's this about a meeting?" He looks at Maddy and Shast, fingering the stem of his glass.

Merien watches Chegaren, waiting for her klah, and listens to Madelynda and her father quietly.

Kh'gar says "Oh? It's not?"

Shast turns back to Madelynda, and lets out a slight grin. He waits for Madelynda to answer.

Madelynda grins merrily at her father, pleased that he has, for once, changed the subject. "Well, tonight people are able to tour the weyr, get a briefing on the candidacy process, and observe the eggs on the Sands. But if you're too tired..." She looks at him with furrowed brows.

Chegaren stands expectantly by Merien's arm, having brought her klah some time ago. No doubt she missed it in the bustle of the cavern. He lifts one foot to scratch ot his other leg.

Sevanne shakes her head. "Not that I intend to 'cure' myself of it."

Kh'gar says "I wasn't worried about that, Sevanne."

Sevanne smiles. "Good."

Merien laughs and says, "Oh, I'm sorry Chegaren. I didn't even see you!" She takes the klah and adds, "And thank you for asking me in the first place." She bends to give him a quick hug, smiling.

Olinar sighs and nods "I am a bit tired, from that ride and all. I could use some freshening up, but...maybe after a nap you could show me around the weyr" He looks around "I've not been in one in a long while"

Madelynda nods at Olinar and smiles. Quietly, she gets up and leads her father over to Sevanne, presenting him to her. "Ma'am, this is my father, Harper Olinar from Telgar Hold. May I show him to the guest rooms?"

Nela leads her parents from the lower caverns, holding their hands. Although they are each shorter than average, they dwarf their diminuative daughter. "And then, and then, and then see? In here is where we eat and stuff!"

Chegaren smiles back, his face lost in Merien's hair. How many Istan riders have dreamt about this very condition? "You're welcome," he replies sincerely, clinging to her for a moment longer than strictly necessary. "Glynna always said that what separates man from the animals is the fact that a worthwhile man will fetch klah without being asked."

Sevanne looks up and smiles. "Well met, Olinar. By all means, show him to the guest dorms, Medlynda."

Norgan enters from the narrow corridor. Norgan has arrived.

Merien bursts out laughing and says, "You know, I never thought about it that way. But I have to say, I think Glynna may be right!"

Madelynda smiles softly at Sevanne, bowing her head politely, and leads her father toward the lower caverns, a look of tender concern on her face as she looks at him.

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