Twilight> Magmus finds a seat, his canine following him. "So. Ready to lose those marks Kevin?" The hunter grins to his new friend.
Twilight> Kevin scowls. "I've been playing dragonpoker since before your first turn. I don't want to take your marks."
Twilight> Anson grins at the others, if he had a hat, he'd tip it Robert Redford style, ala Sting. He moves toward a seat and sits down quickly. "Well, I'm ready. Been a while since I've played a game."
Twilight> Magmus glances over as Deacon takes flight from his shoulder.
Twilight> Magmus groans. "Oh no...Deacon, don't break anything please!" The hunter exclaims, the brown crazilly darting through the air. It regards it's human pet with a surprised chirrup.
Twilight> Tobias walks over to a small table and comes back with a bowl of small meatrolls."Might as well feed Deacon"
Twilight> Tables have been set up, six chairs at each table. Servants with drinks and food are waiting near the walls for the first of the dragonpoker players to attend the room. Dealers sit at each table except for one table, where the dealer is missing. A few holders take seats and indicate for wine to be brought to them. A harper apprentice sits at a table and waits for others to join with her.
Twilight> Cymber comes in from the courtyard.
Twilight> Deacon glides effortlessly, quite irradicately indeed, over to Tobias' bowl. Eyes whirrl quickly, even in his mellow state. A demanding creel is given, his eyes fixated on the bowl.
Twilight> Tobias joins the young harper apprentice at the table
Twilight> Kinsarin comes in from the courtyard.
Twilight> Kevin frowns. "Magmus, can't you keep that thing on your shoulder? I don't want him interrupting any of the games, or help you cheat." The steward slyly grisn, teasing his friend.
Twilight> J'nah comes in from the courtyard.
You glance over as Twilight comes to perch on your shoulder.
Magmus shrugs. "Sorry Kevin...you know them lizards. They just sorta have a mind of there own." Grins, calling the brown over. It glides back, slighty perturbed that he missed a meal.
Magmus glances over as Deacon comes to perch on his shoulder.
Light shimmers over turquoise as a woman's figure makes entry. Cymber pauses, garbed this day to distract.. in a gown that leaves very little to the imagination in regard to the supple flesh it covers. She glides through the door in that sway-hipped gait that is so specifically hers, and steps to the side before running her gaze across the room to take stock of those already gathered. Yes, those eyes of ocean-deep blue do pause in appreciation of the view here and there.. she doesn't even realize that fact it's so inherent.
Magmus looks up from atending to Deacon, giving a slight nod to the newly came. "Evenin all."
Anson tilts his head and listens to the conversations around him, clasping his hands together on top of the table he sits at, rolling his eyes to himself as he notices the greenrider.
Tobias turns and offers his hand.'Apprentice Tobias, green rider"
J'nah strides into the expansive hall beside Serriena, smiling over to her as they walk, and discussing something. As he steps in, his eyes scan the environs, and light on Tobias. He raises an eyebrow curiosly, then nods in greeting to him before continuing.
A few marks of fraction pieces press against Dara's palm, then shoves in her pocket after a moment. Asheron does not approve of this 'game.' You can't eat it, can you? There's no point in that. "Maybe one or two. Nothing huge, you know?" Chirp, irritated flutter of wings. "Yes, I know. Yes, I know I'm new to this. But it'll be fun. You know?" Shreeeeeel. Flapflapflap. "I might win something, pet. Marks mean better oil for your hide, or a good morsel of some-" Croon.
Places are found. Tables are filling up fast. Only a few do not have all the chairs filled in. Games have already started, cards being shuffled and dealt as the poker starts, people anteing marks into the 'pot'. Usually an eighth a mark is the ante.
Tobias holds out a half-meatroll towards Deacon, waiting for him to see it.
Being the only greenrider present for the moment, Cymber takes that greeting to be aimed at herself. Her crimson'd lips curve into the most supple, heart-stopping smile that this sable-haired lady knows. "How very pleasant to meet you, apprentice.." her husky voice takes pause as she considers this new person, "Tobias. Are you here for the game this evening?"
Serriena follows beside J'nah. In her arms is a tiny pink blanket as she coos down at Jorrien who would not go to sleep for the nannies. She gently holds him and smiles at J'nah. "Best find yourself a seat. They are filling up fast."
And while she converses with her firelizard, Dara slips into a seat just ahead of another person, looking a little uncertain as she drums her fingertips against the wooden table, looking about like a true newbie. Asheron, meanwhile.. spots the meatroll. What? Someone's getting fed and it's not him? The bronze hops from Dara's shoulder, swooping for Tobias and hovering there, in front of the apprentice harper. No, he will not perch. He only perches on His human. And that's Dara.
Tobias blushes under the gaze of this stunningly beautiful woman and stammers."I am watching,my lady...may I get you anything?".He is somewhat startled at her direct gaze...Tobias can play a gitar..but other things are still to come.
J'nah nods as his eyes scan through the tables again. He turns to Serriena and leans in for a kiss, "Wish me luck." he grins down at his cooing son and gives him a little tickle on the chin, then moves off to sit among the crowds, nodding across the table to Kinsarin.
Anson shakes his head, listening to Tobias talk to the greenrider before just shaking his head again. "Let's get goin' then." he says, looking to Tobias.
D'kar comes in from the courtyard.
Tobias offers the roll gently to Asheron."I know you won't land little one...", he pushes the bowl where the firelizard can eat at arms reach.
Tasuki comes in from the courtyard.
"No thank you very much, Tobias," purrs Cymber.. not able to help herself, honestly. Then her lush smile tweaks up at the edges in friendly fashion. "Though you could wish me luck." She glances around as if looking for someone in particular.. and, having not found them, she smiles a greeting to Serriena and moves over to smile at her son. "He looks like his father already, I think." But seats /are/ in short supply, so after a few exchanged words she moves to take one, offering that ever-invitational smile to Anson this time. "Fancy seeing you so soon again, teammate."
From within the hold comes the Lord Holder Corwyn. He stops just shy of where people are playing cards. "Remember you get to keep the marks you earn playing." His eyes twinkle with that statement and then he moves off to speak with someone.
Tobias watches Asheron gobble the rolls one by one
Magmus stretches, keeping Deacon at a somehwat respectable attitude. His canine rests tiredly underneath his table. "Hmm...This should be fun, eh Kevin?" Smirks, teasing the steward.
Anson raises a brow curiously at Cymber, nodding to her wearily. "Too soon, if you ask me." he pauses, "But, you left so early after the game the other night. Did you get yourprize in the end?" he asks curiously, keeping an eye out for Tobias the man opposite Anson.
Kevin glances off to his lord and trys to say something, but notices how quick he leaves. Always being looked over, apparently. An angry look is shot in the direction of Magmus. "I hope you braught marks boy, because your going to 'lose em fast." Smiles one of those fake I hope you lose horribally smiles.
A dealer between Magmus and Kevin begins to deal the cards as the men gather around the table. "The game is seven card stud," the man announces. He deals two cards and then turns over a third top one. After glancing at each person's cards he indicates for Kevin to start bidding with a high Lord Holder card.
Kinsarin glances at Cymber. What about him? He looks over at her and hms softly, looking her over critically. That dress is absolutely stunning. Yep, stunning enough to make you puke. But no matter... "There are three kinds of clothing," he announces quietly. "The kind that offends the wearer, the kind that offends the viewer, and the kind that offends /everyone/."
D'kar enters the Main hall, pulling riding gloves off as he stalks into this place. Tall and broad-shouldered, his shoulder-length, ebon hair is pulled back into a tight ponytail. Eyes of startling blue track, as he stops, left to right, taking in all those who are here before they stop on Cymber.
Kevin bits his lip, looking at his hand. "I'll ante one mark."
Kinsarin spares a glance at J'nah. "Shall we get to it?" he asks.
An elegant redhead, curves swaying in a vivid, skin hugging red dress, sits between J'nah and Kinsarin. Around the table, some of gentlemen wear a shocked look. Could this woman attempt to try and gamble within their ranks? However she pulls out a stack of cards and a throaty voice states, "Ante up gentlemen. Five card is the game and winner of the table takes all." Her voice ends on a throaty chuckle as she deals out five cards to each player deftly.
Tobiasleans back to watch.
Cymber inclines her head to Anson, settling down more comfortably at her place and resting a hand upon the table. "I did indeed, thank you. I hope you were pleased with what you chose.." It's a question, for she leaves it trailing, again turning to scan the room as if seeking.. ah. Her search comes to end and she beams a smile that none have yet received toward the tall bronzerider that just has entered.
Apprenhesively, Magmus look over his hand. "Oh, you might wanna call it quits not my good Steward.. I'll meet your one, and raise a half." He's a big spender tonight, Magmus is.
Asheron does not gobble, thank you very much. He hovers - a much-practiced little trick, wingbeats timed to keep him aloft in the right place. A wedge-shaped head darts out, and nips the half-roll from Tobias' fingers primply. A chomp, a munch. He chirps a thanks, of a regal sort - chest puffed out, yes - and wings his way back to Dara's shoulder, where he devours the last of his treat. "..now where'd you get that, Ashling?" Image of Tobias. "Ah." A trickle of uneasiness in her mind; there's always the chance of someone wanting to steal or harm at a gather. Thoughtfully, she strokes the bronze's eyeridges.
Kinsarin's dealer catches his eyes. Oh yeah. Very definately. He blinks. "Huh? Ante up?" Confused, ayup. He waits for J'nah to do something, as he himself has -zero- clue of what to do.
Anson nods again to Cymber, "Indeed," he offers, absently, his eyes more attentive to his opponent. "Shall we begin?"
A stocky man deals a card to Magmus then to Kevin-Both face up. Kevin recieves a two of Hammers, and Magmus a Harper. "Bet again, gentlman?"
J'nah grins across the table to Kinsarin, sparing a look around the table. When the delaer makes her appearance, J'nah's eyes had been of those those who had looked a little surprised. He chuckles and tosses an eighth mark out for ante, then picks up his cards.
Kinsarin hrms quietly, still not sure what to do. So he does what any idiot would. "Um..." he says, then places a quarter mark on the table. "Will that work?" he asks the dealer with a totally clueless look on his face.
Magmus grumbles. "Yeah yeah. An eight of a mark." The hunter states, cooly watching Kevin.
Kevin bites his lip, nodding. "I'll see it...and I'll keep it at that." The steward nods, eyes firm and decisive-if eyes can be such a thing.
D'kar walks up to the table, lips pursed as his eyes catch sight of the game being played. He moves with a grace which belies his size, limber limbs taking him over to move up behind Cymber, a hand coming to rest upon her shoulder. "You aren't going to take all their money now, are you?"
Anson glances at Tobias, "You going to flirt all night, or we going to play?" he asks, raising both brows curiously. Impatient as ever isn't he?
Tobias grins at Anson."I'll watch for now"
Another card is turned over between Magmus and Kevin's table, each person looking at what they are getting. After examining the cards, the dealer states,
"Lord Holder still high."
The dealer at Cymber's table quietly waits for for others to join. As soon as the last seat is filled by Dara, he begins to pass out cards. "Five card draw," the dealer's voice is somewhat monotonous. "Two passes of cards. Bid an eighth mark to a mark." He passes out cards to both women and to a journeyman farmer, Henard who smiles at both with that charm of his.
Kevin smirks. "Still wanna keep playing Mag? I really don't wanna take yer marks.." The steward says carefully, eyes never leaving his own hand.
"Of course not, love," murmurs Cymber in a lower-even-than-usual tone, uptilted her eyes from beneath thick lashes at the man who's come up behind her. The smile widens, smoothes.. and she stares at him for a long moment. "I missed you." Then it's back to paying attention as she eases slightly backwards toward the touch of the bronzerider. Henard's smile is returned, and she attempts to get her bearings. "I haven't played this in so very long.. I think that I've forgotten how."
Anson mutters and nods. "Alright then. Could've told me that before I sat down." he pauses and looks to the game between Kevin and his opponent.
Oh look the warder decided to join Anson and Tobias. His heavyset self settles down between them and he says, "DEAL MAN," to the dealer who glares at him and then deals out the cards. Two face down and one turned up. "Seven card stud," he announces, "Ante up and make your bets." After glancing around he notes, "Impression of two's starts the bid," indicating Tobias.
Magmus nods, going through the betting phase once again. Minimal this time, the same way Kevin had anted before. He looks over his five cards, and nods.
Serriena sits near J'nah and smiles at Cymber. She watches the action between Kinsarin and J'nah. Jorrien is carefully held as she peers at the games watching them.
Once again cards are dealt and before Kevin or Magmus can raise the bid by much anymore, a lord holder states, "CAll." After putting in one mark as a bet. That means for them to show their cards.
Anson blinks as the warder sits down. "Finally. Some action." he comments, sizing up the heavyset man up. The stablehand's deep set green eyes glance to Tobias. "Let's get going then." he says as he rubs his hands together. Almost conspiratorially.
Tobias walks to the vacant table and pours a mug of klah.Leaning back against a chair, he watches the games with interest.
J'nah holds his cards down against his body, his eyes turned down as he peers at them, every once in a while his eyes searchign the faces of hos opponents for osme hint of what they may have. When everyone has ante'd and grabbed their hands, he throws out a quarter mark, then grins across to Kinsarin. "You're bet."
Dealers are found at every table, to keep the games clean. Servants dressed in the elegant finery of Ista Hold's colors, deliver drink and food to tables as the occupants get hungry or thirsty. Soon, serious games of five card or seven card stud are begun at each table, the gambler's taking their time to draw cards, weigh hands, and bluff their way to the pots growing within each table as bets are placed.
D'kar is rarely involved in social activities these days. He has taken to working whenever he can; drills with his lifemate. Renovations on the weyr which he shares with Cymber, his weyrmate. He is a man who keeps busy. Something of a workaholic, truth be told. Hedoesn't say anything in response to Cymber;s words, but his hand squeezes affectionately, before he pulls up a chair beside her so he can watch the action. "Hello, everyone," he says. Not smiling, but that doesn't mean he's in a bad mood. Those who know him well will realize that it is just the opposite today. He seems more relaxed than he has in quite awhile.
Magmus sighs, placing the cards down. "I have An ace of dragons, a harper, a 6, a 7 , a 9, a 5 and finally, a 10. Which means, Impression." The hunter states,
And Dara, who for the most part has no clue what the term 'flirting' entails, just smiles mildly back at Henard, a tad uneasy in the lare bustle. She'd really prefer to be back in the stables. "I'll bet an eigth mark," she ventures cautiously, the polished wooden chip landing in the table center. Asheron twines his bronze tail around her neck, chirping a quiet encouragement. Dara leans back, looking down at her cards.
Tobias sits down and waits for the next hand
Cymber pauses but long enough to aim that devastating smile at D'kar once more. "Pull up a chair, love.. you'll bring me luck." Then she considers, lips pursing as her eyes meet those of her opponent across the breadth of the table. "I'll see that eighth mark." Slender fingers send a matching chip, polished as well, to roll itself still at the center of their table.
Anson glances to Tobias, "Ante up, and let's get a game going, eh?" he asks, looking to the warder again.
Kevin jaw drops in agony. "Oh..All I have is A Lord holder, a lady holder, a steward, a holder, a 4, a 12 and a 7. Looks like I have a Wedding, seeing how the 12 is of sheaves. Sorry Mag, I told you I didn't wanna take yer marks."
Kevin sighs regretabally, taking the handful of marks off the table.
Between Tobias and Anson the dealer deals the cards again. "Five card draw," he announces giving five cards to both men. "Two passes and you can bet a quarter mark to a mark." And the games are off.
Magmus eyes widen in disbelief, as he pounds his head on the table. "Ugg. I'll just get them back when I teach you how to hunt. Good luck." The hunter offers the Steward a hearty hand shake, and a game well plaid.
Kevin nods, laughing. "Oh, most likely you will." The calmness of the Steward is shown, as he awaits his next victim.
Kinsarin looks rather confusedly at his card. "Um... I don't get it," he murmurs.
J'nah peers out at the growing prize pile and the other players at the table, and then at his hand again. Then he smiles widely and tosses a half-mark out on the pile.
Henard places two cards on the table and then says, "Two," the dealer hands him two cards in exchange and after raising them to look at them with his other cards, he says, "I 'll raise that eight mark," he raises to Dara's eight.
Tobias places three cards on the table and notes "Three please".
Kinsarin bites his lip. "Er..." he murmurs. "I'll... uh... I'll match it?" he asks, setting down a half-mark cluelessly.
Anson antes up before looking back at his cards, not moving anything, but a twitch of an eyebrow and a slight, nearly imper ceivable nose wrinkle at Tobias. He nods once and glances to the dealer, having already ante'd, he bets a small amount of a mark before putting down three cards down himself.
At the table where Kinsarin and J'nah sit, the dealer asks, "How many?" each player trades in different cards trying to get a hand they can work with. One man trades in three cards.
Tobias looks at his new cards and pushes forward a single Harper mark
"How many?" the Dealer looks between Tobias and Anson after dealing out the other cards at the table.
Tobias "Three"
Kinsarin hrms softly. "If I knew how to play, I might say I had a good hand," he mutters.
"A fourth mark," A green rider states. "And I'll raise you a half mark." He eyes Hana, rider of brown Inkynath from across the table. Hana's aquamarine eyes sparkle with undulated pleasure, "I'll see your half mark." She pauses and pushes a full mark into the pot. "And raise you one.." she pauses and then puts a half mark in, "And a half." The greenrider looks deeply at her. A few tense moments alight around the table before he snorts, "FOLD." And folds his cards away. Hana laughs and leans over collecting her marks. "Let's see your hand," a resident next to her states. "I had the baker's dozen, that's it." Hana laughs and arranges her marks, her excellent bluff causing the greenrider to gasp at his lost chance to the pot.
Anson blinks quite obviously at Tobias before sticking his tongue out as he thinks, "One..." he says slowly, betting again, matching his opponent's bet.
"Three." J'nah shoves his three discards down to the dealer, pulling back his three new cards, and giving them a good looking over, his face still not belying if its good or bad.
Magmus stifles a laugh, glancing at the cheating greenrider. "Tough break..." Can't help but feel sorry, since he to lost. Oh well, there's always tomorrow?
Dealers shell out cards, as each ask for them. Bets are made, placed within the growing pot of marks on the table. The tension between tables is also rising as they play to win.
Kevin waits patiently for his neck game, shuffling a deck of cards to pass the time. He bends the cards slightly, applying a bit of pressure, then lets go. The cards fly rappidly from one hand to the other, as he repeats the trick again and again.
A young man, from Ista hold, seems to be having remarkable luck. He has won five of his six games. A holler and a whoop of joy announce his winning his seventh game, also losing his last opponent, a Bitran beastcrafter, bumping him up into the semi-final rounds. "Good luck with your game," His dealer smiles and packs away the cards. "Take your winnings over to that table," he indicates a round wooden trestle with three women with Nerat knots on their shoulders. The man runs a nervous lock through his brown hair and smiles as he approaches the table sliding easily between the three women. "Hello," he greets smoothly, sure to charm them.
Anson nods once as he glances to his hand, then frowns again as he looks toward
Tobias, eyes narrowing slightly at the man. "Shall we show, hmm?" he asks curiously. Tobias nods to Anson."Call"
Cymber considers her cards, lovely features betraying nothing beyond her pleasure in the game.. for she never does lose that enchanting smile. It's not at all seductive right now, just a pretty thing that she angles to Dara and to Henard and to the fourth player upon occasion. Eyes of blue flicker downward and with her fingertips she toys with the pile of chips that is hers, waiting the next move from the players at the table.
D'kar watches with mild interest, more comfortable just being near his weyrmate than anything else. He looks as if he could nod off any moment now.
"Uh.." Dara looks down at her cards, blinking once. Asheron chirps once more, a bit worriedly. "No, it's all right, Ashling," the girl whispers to her winged companion without really realizing it, a faint grin slipping as she looks down at her cards again. "One," she decides, setting down a single card. She fidgets slightly; likely nervous still.
Anson nods again to Tobias, spreading his cards out smugly. One harper, two 13's. "That's a conclave if I do say so myself."
Tobias lays down his cards."An impression of two 9's"
The extra player turns in but one of his cards as well, and then looks blandly to Cymber. She merely shows him her smile and then purses her lips in a fashion that's just as disarming as had she squelched all expression. "I think.. two for me." A pair of cards are slid forward toward the dealer.
The dealer hands out the last cards to Dara and Cymber and says, "Make your bets." Henard tosses in a quartermark. "1/4" he states.
Anson grins. "I know my dragonpoker. But you fooled me for a moment there before you bet again.." he comments, "Good game." he offers, collecting the loot.
Kinsarin hms, looking at his hand. He looks just as confused as ever and waits for J'nah to do something.
Tobias grins at Anson."Thanks"
"I'll see that," Dara replies more quickly and glibly than before, sliding another wooden chip across the table. Asheron still twitters from time to time, chewing on a loose strand of his Darapet's dark hair, come loose from her horsetail.
Anson bows his head, grinning rogueishly before counting the marks. "Indeed.."
J'nah eyes each person in the game still on last time before giving a long glance at his hand. He shrugs and lats out his hand, three 11's and two 9's. "Full hold." He smiles, just a bit mind you, as he awaits the other hands to be shown.
Tobias sips at his now almost-cold klah.."I thought I had you there.."
Cymber takes some time in considering her hand.. then merely places them facedown and slides the entire lot toward the dealer. "I suppose I'll let this one slide past. Have to let somebody else win at least one hand tonight, don't I?" From beneath the lift of her brow, her eyes sparkle as she teases, then winks at Dara.
Drinks and food are served, one kitchen helper setting a glass of Benden wine between a brown and blue rider who peer intently at each other. Their knots identify them as being from High Reaches Weyr, no doubt there for the summer heat as well as the fun. Their eyes meet across the table, each trying to size the other up. "By Feth's tail lay down U'soga," the bluerider lays his cards down showing a conclave of eights. The brownrider smirks. "Full Hold," He lays down a harper with two's and ten's. "Fardles!" The bluerider grins at his wingmate. "You'll get on to the final rounds. I want my marks back when you're through. You'll be rich enough to grant that to me." He laughs congratulating the brownrider along with others at the table
Kinsarin hrms a little. "Um... I don't know what you call it," he states, setting down a 5, a 6, a 7, an 8, a 9, and a 10.
Kevin smirks, hearing Kinsarin. "If they're not of the same suit, they're called a wedding, if they are the same suit, it's a gather.
Between Cymber and Dara, Henard lays down a hatching, two 8's and two 3's. "Let's see you beat that," he smiles at the women
"A good hand, I'd say. But not good enough. Thats called a Wedding, five cards in a row. However," J'nah indicates his Full Hold, "Mine beats that. Tough luck, and you did fine for a beginner."
Abalonie comes in from the courtyard.
Anson facepalms at Kinsarin, as his attention is swayed to the nice hand of his. He strokes his chin quietly as he considers the man with the good hand.
Kinsarin hms. "They're not," he says quietly in Kevin's direction.
Tobias stifles a laugh as he whispers to Anson."The other differemnce between a wedding and a gather is one is fun the other is forever"
Anson blinks slightly at J'nah. "Well...I'll be a runner's stinky behind. "I've not seen a Full Hold played in ages..." he comments, mostly to himself.
Kinsarin hms a little to J'nah. "Oh..." he says quietly, shrugging. "Good game, anyway."
"Hmm.." Dara blinks once, looking down at her cards. "I forget the name, but I think five of a kind is good?" The girl lays down a quintet of Hammers, a little unsure of what to do next. Fingers drum on the tabletop again, softly.
Abalonie walks into the Main Hall, looking decidedly shy amongst people she doesn't exactly know. She finally does spot people she knows and smiles a little, heading slowly in their direction.
Anson blinks again at Dara's hand. "Shards..." he says softly. "Not bad." he offers to Dara, somewhat amused. "Nice hands all around." he offers.
Soon the tables, have emptied their occupants on to the semi-final round. The tables are shortened, awaiting the players to join them that won at their respective tables.
J'nah grins sideways at Anson, "I didn't have a thing until I drew. I got lucky." He w smirks, then nods back to Kinsarin, "Aye, that it was." he slides his cards back to the dealer and gathers his winnings, winking sideways to the nearby Serriena, "Looks like you taught me well."
Tobias considers he will remain a Harper...it's less expensive
Serriena grins at J'nah. "Told you it would help." Seems fishing is not the only thing she won't participate in because it's not fair. She coos at baby Jorrien. Henard glances at Dara and says, "Shards girl you got yerself some beginner's luck there. That beats me." He tosses his cards down and gives up his pot to her.
Kinsarin hrms at the dealer softly. No matter if he lost; now he has an excuse to sit near her the rest of the tournament. So sit near her he does, though not so close as to arouse a lot of suspicion.
"Well.. I hope it lasts pasts my beginner phase," the girl grins faintly, a bit shyly, collecting her won marks. Asheron's wedge-shaped head snakes 'round to nibble at one inquisitively. "They buy food. They aren't food, Ashling."
Anson shifts in his seat, grinning to Dara, "Looks like it's just you and me now, eh?" he asks, clasping his hands on the table before glancing to the dealer. "Ready when you are." Impatient as always, his own victory has at least set him to be just a little smug, though not thoroughly cocky, he's ready for seemingly everything.
Tobias speaks to a drudge quietly, who then vanishes.The drudge reappears a few minutes later with a small apprentice-made gitar,which Tobias begins to tune.As he is not playing he will play something.
Kevin pulls himself up from his seat, bringing his marks with him as he makes his way to J'nahs table. The steward takes down, places his newly won marks on the table, and smiles. "Evening there J'nah. Ready to play?" An eye brow is raised, light reflecting off of his ring.
Cymber smiles at the goings on, and leans over to offer congratulations to Dara. "Anson's a sucker for a smile, make sure to flash him one when he's dealt." She murmurs that loud enough for the man to hear, glancing at him, teasing.. then looks more than content to ease back in her chair and reach out with slim fingers to find D'kar's hand. Turning about, she presses a tiny kiss to the man's cheek, then watches the birthing of the new bout.
Anson snorts at Cymber. "Am not. I don't...or at least I try not to get distracted during a game. One of the first rules my garanda taught me.
The redhead dealer moves to the table Dara and Anson sit looking between them. "The name of the game is seven card stud." She deals out two cards down and then places two up. She glances at everyone's cards cards and tells the table, "Brown and Gold dragon, impression starts the bet. Please start the bet," indicating Dara should start bidding as soon as she weighs her other cards with what's showing on the table.
"Mm.. I suppose, then." Those fingertips searching out a beat lighten to a soft, barely audible tap - just enough to calm the girl, not enough to be an annoyance. Cymber's comment makes her just.. blink. There comes that awkward naievity again. "..Oh. All right." Looking a bit confuzzled, Dara's hand moves to stroke her firelizard's eyeridges thoughtfully, as she often does.
D'kar smiles at the kiss, Cymber able to melt his icy stone more than any other. He scoots in just a tad to more closely watch (ostensibly), though in reality, it's so he can put his elbow upon the table, put his chin in an upturned palm, and sneak a quick nap as the others play.
Kinsarin follows the redhead, ayup. He can't get away from her.
J'nah pushes a strand of blonde hair back from his eyes as Kevin sits down at his table, "G'deve there Steward. I'm as ready as I'll ever be." He shoves his own winnings out where they can be seen, a slight smile wrapping across his face. "I'm just getting warmed up."
Kevin licks his lips, nodding. "Hopefully I'll have to cool you down then." Slyly grins, chuckling. "Hopefully we don't get that squat, ill-smelling dealer..He was to slow." A frown crosses the lips of Kevin, however brief.
Abalonie finally decides that everyone is busy playing cards and just finds another place to sit, out of the way. She sits in the corner and studies her hands in her lap, palms up.
Anson settles into his chair, looking from dealer to Dara. He looks to his cards that have been dealt. Nearly visibly wincing, he tilts his head and grins. Now he seems cocky enough.
The dealer shuffles the cards and passes them out between Kevin and J'nah and the table. "Five card draw, harpers are the only wilds." He passes five cards to each man and the one woman at the table. Hana, rider of brown Inkynath looks at both with a challenge in her eyes.
Dara chews on her lip thoughtfully - a habit picked up from Abalonie, perhaps. "Hunh," she murmurs to herself, idly tapping one of the cards. "Hunh.." Taking one of her newly-won marks out, the girl sets it down on the wood tabletop, hand lingering for a moment as if unsure. Really, bet that much? One-fourth of a mark is no piddling--Asheron nips her ear gently, and her hand retreats.
Tobias plays softly, the music softly backgrounding the steady games in
progress.
Hana starts the bet to the right. "quarter mark." she tosses into the table.
Serriena watches the game and smiles at Cymber. "Better luck next time eh?" She questions her friend and then coos at Jorrien again.
Anson tries to tune more into the game than whatever music plays, matching Dara's bet and increasing it by one/eighth of a mark. He glances back to Dara, and looks back to his cards.
Kevin looks over his hand, trying to stifle a laugh. "Oh, I do in fact feel bad for you all..." Being incredibally vain, the Steward pushes a shiney half mark into the center of the table.
Kevin glances towards the blue rider, eyeing him calmly. "And your bet, my good friend?"
J'nah grins and throws in a matching half mark, smiling lightly as he peers at his hand, "Now now friend, patience. And I wouldn't feel /too/ good about your hand." Grin.
Magmus watches the game between Kevin, J'nah and Hana. He mumbles something about his marks, but settles down.
Kevin eyes narrow, brows furrowed, as he intently studies each of his cards. Finally, he places two of them down and pushes them toward the dealer. "Two." He confidently says, eyes flickering to the other members involved in the game.
Tobias stands and segues into the "Fire Lizard song", one of his favourites
More cards are dealt to the table at which Dara and Anson sit. After dealing the dealer glances around and indicates the impression now made of Anson's cards. "Impression of 5's." She glances at Dara's aces, "Agaist aces. Will the high impression start the bet?" She nods to Anson to start bidding.
Anson nods again to the dealer, pausing in his throw of a half-mark.
J'nah raises an eyebrow as Kevin passes in two cards, then narrows his gaze upon his hand again, as it gets around to him, he sighs and slides two cards across to the dealer, "I'll take two as well." He smiles across to Kevin, "Most interesting, isn't it?"
Fenix walks into the crowded hall with his face lit up with excitement. He then jumps into a nearby chair and says, "Ahhhh cards, what a great game."
Cards are dealt by the dealer at J'nah, Hana's and Kevin's table. Hana glances at each man then tosses in a half mark. "You don't have it," she grins at J'nah.. "I can tell you're bluffing."
Kevin smiles one of those quaint patronizing type smiles. "Oh yes, very intresting..very intresting how bad you bluff?" The steward grins, nodding in agreement with Hana. He meets Hana's half mark, and raises by a...whole.
Dara's eyes widen by a fraction at the mark. Oh, sharding shells. Her lips twist slightly, thoughtfully, and she cautiously tosses in an eigth of a mark. "Mn," she murmurs slightly, her bronze flitter chirping once.
J'nah raises the other eyebrow now, first at Hana, then across to the other man. "Oh, am I that obvious?" He smirks and looks at his hand again. From his stash comes a matching full mark, "Just how sure are you about that?"
The dealer looks as the bets are made at Anson's and Dara's table. Swiftly the cards are dealt again, one turned up by her as each player receives one. She drops a card on Dara's impression. "A harper, that makes a conclave." She deals two more and then drops one on Anson's cards. "Another harper." There is a gasp. "Two conclaves, Fives still bid." The dealer waits for Anson to bid.
Abalonie continues to simply study her palms, light glittering a little along the back of her cheek that faces the room. She bites down on her lower lip, seeming to do more than simply consider the lines in her palms before, with a sigh, she rises to her feet and heads towards the door. A pause at the door and she looks behind her, then just leaves.
D'kar stands up, flashing a glance down at the table for a moment, before leaning in closer to Cymber. "I was hoping we might have that walk on the beach....I don't have anything planned for the next two days..."he leaves the rest unsaid. But there is the barest hint of a wicked grin lingering beneath the stoic surface of his face.
Kevin chuckles, nodding. "Most indefinately sure. The question is...how sure do you think how sure I am of how sure you are..." Squints. "Oh, shard it...Just give up." The steward casually grins, waiting to see if Hana will raise the pot any higher.
Anson nods again, putting down yet another halfmark, at least assured enough that he's got a good enough hand to beat any other. Ready and willing to play, that's Anson.
"Abalonie?" Serriena has been quiet from where she is holding Jorrien and watching J'nah and Kevin play. She calls out to the girl before she can reach the door.
Hana looks at her hand and throws her card down in disgust. "Fold." She apparently didn't have a very good hand and decided to leave before her marks were all gone.
Soon, the drinks have dwindled down. The excitement and newness of the game takes on new meaning as those who are unlucky beginners or inexperienced drop out of the event. The serious bidding can begin and actually rouses a table as a journeyman farmer and a journeyman beastcraft begin to shout their bets. "AN EIGHTH MARK!" is shouted by the farmer who is retorted by the other man, "See that and raise you HALF!" Marks are tossed on the table as the farmer scowls. "Your runners got into my crops, these marks will pay for it!" He tosses in his half and raises a whole mark. "Call!" Both men drop their cards. The farmer lets out a shout of triumph seeing his gather beat the beastcrafter's wedding. He leans forward to collect his marks, only to have his hands caught by a woman, an apprentice harper by her knot, stating, "Gentlemen had you stopped arguing you would have seen my bets being made..and," she lays down a High Conclave, three baker's dozens and a harper, "I thank you for your generous donation to the Harper craft." A lazy smile accompanies her remark and she collects the marks on the table to their astonishment.
They're tied.. and that's all. "Shouldn't push it, should I pet?" she murmurs to her firelizard, setting down another eigth mark. The bronze nips Dara's ear again, gently warning the horribly new player. Hush, na. Hush.
Ever so rare is -that- expression. Cymber's taken quite by surprise and she flushes in a most charming fashion, demeanor altering subtly as she considers D'kar from beneath the sooty veil of her lashes. "Only two days, love?" she murmurs throatily, voice so low that only those at either side might hear. Then she is rising in a rustle of sisal and the faintest scent of musky perfume. Slender fingers settle within those offered so gallantly by said bronzerider, and it isn't long at all before the pair of them are sliding away toward the door.
Kevin laughs heartily, eyes honing in on the blue rider. "Now, the question is. Do you raise it and let me win even more of your marks? Or Do you fold now..." The steward leans foward, hiding his hand from any onlookers.
Around the table, the dealer lays out more cards, and soon the time to call is near. Each person lays out a hand, with Anson's conclave of two fives and a harper beating everyone. All eyes look towards Dara to see if she can beat him or not.
Abalonie pauses as she hears someone say her name, turning around again to blink large eyes at Serriena from beneath her bangs. She smiles and lifts a hand to wave towards her friend, but continues on out of the Hall without much more to say about it.
Abalonie heads out through the large, metal doorways to the cobbled courtyard.
"Shells, am I supposed to bet again?" Dara blinks once, then.. "Oh! Oh, I'm sorry." Dara turns her card over carefully, perhaps a bit afraid to look. Prudent people aren't really the best at gambling.
"I came to play cards, not wimp out like some holder." The bluerider grins across the table as he slides another full mark out into the pile. "Now, it seems the question would be: Are you willing to part with /your/ marks?" J'nah smiles widely and awaits the answer.
Kevin laughs. "And playing cards we are. I do know how expensive riding straps are, and I would hate to see your handsome blue without them...But, if your really think I bluff...raise the pot." The Steward remarks with a casual shrug.
Tobias grins at J'nah."Wimp??..does that apply to Harpers too??".Tobias' eyes twinkle.
All those around Dara's table await for her to turn her card over. "Did you wish to bet?" the dealer questions glancing at the large pot on the table.
"Mno." At the 'threat' of that, Dara's card quickly flips over.
Kevin rolls a whole mark through his fingers, smiling. "Met, and raised...by..." The whole mark is flung into the center, an eight following after it. "By en eight. Care to raise the pot again my dear bluerider? Or are you prepared to fold and lose." He says it with complete control, his face emotionless.
The entire table gapes at the final dragon turned over by Dara. "High conclave wins!" The dealer grins at Dara and motions for her to collect her winnings and head over to the final table.
D'kar heads out through the large, metal doorways to the cobbled courtyard.
Magmus is tempted to blurt out whose bluffing and whose not. Instead, he chuckles. If he had to lose, others must as well...
"I would raise, but I have a feeling you are dipping into the holds coffers, and I'd hate to see the good folk here lose all that money." J'nah grins and slides an eigth out. "Call."
Eyes widen another fraction of an inch. Again? Rather pleased, Dara, once again collects her winnings. "Shouldn't lose my head now, should I.." she murmurs softly to Asheron, who warbles agreement. That heady, light feeling that overtakes those new to dragonpoker is working on Dara now. Bother.
Kevin chuckles. "I don't need to use the holds coffers, Magmus gave me enough of his to last a few turns." Looks back, teasing the hunter. "I told you I'd take yer marks, m'boy." He chuckles, going back to concentrate on his game.
Magmus snorts indignantly, sipping from his mug of klah. "Oh, quiet you.." He mutters out.
Tobias bows to the dragonriders and turns on his heel
Tobias heads out through the large, metal doorways to the cobbled courtyard.
Kevin nods and places the cards down infront of him. The only thing worth noting is an impression of 12's. The other cards are of none importance, really. "An impression of 12's, as you can see." Bites his lip, nervously.
Magmus can't help but smirk.
Kevin shoots the hunter an angry look. "Quiet you." His eyes go back to J'nah.
J'nah grins, "Nothing left but the crying, I suppose." He tosses his hand out onto the table, fanning out the cards to show A Steward, an apprentice, and a wingsecond. "A conclave." He smiles now, "You almost bluffed me out.. too bad." He chuckles now, "Good game."
Kevin chuckles, nodding. Hands are shaken, and good luck given. "Oh well, there goes all of Magmus' marks." The steward grins, trying to keep a strait face. He didn't lose any of his, apparently.
Tobias comes in from the courtyard.
Tobias follows a slowly curving corridor to one of the guest rooms.
Magmus grins at J'nah, congratulating him. "At least someone respectacle has my marks now..." Snickers in the direction of Kevin. "Nice bluffage there, buddy." Stifles another laugh, making his way to fix himself a mug of klah.
Kevin rolls his eyes, getting up to join the rest of the people watching the games, leaning against a nearby un-occupied table.
J'nah gets a pouch out of his belt now, scopping ihs winnings into it and tying it up. Too much to carry by hand now and all. Then following his cues, he slides over to the table, grinning across to Dara, "Well, looks like its time for the real game now." He grins back to Magmus, "I might give you a chance to win em back later. Depends on how this goes doesn't it?"
Another gentle nip on the girl's ear, which is.. getting rather sore by this point. "All right, all right.." Rising, she and her chips move to the last table, one hand twisting nervously about a wrist. She most likely won't lose any of -her- marks. But with a bit of luck, she might gain the bluerider's. A grin is returned, slightly wan, as the girl sits.
Soon they are joined by the female harper apprentice, a resident from Nerat a girl who won against the lucky boy with seven wins, and two boys, identical with twin knots on their shoulders identifying them as riders from Telgar weyr. One is a greenrider and the other a bluerider. "The game is five card draw," The dealer deals out five cards respectively to each player.
To start the game, the apprentice woman throws in a half mark.
J'nah gives his hand very little interest as the game begins. His eyes scan though the players, sizing them up, watching their faces. He tosses in a matching half mark and eyes the next person.
A fourth mark joins the apprentice's half, contributed by Dara. Asheron shivers once, chirping off and on-key. It's a sound that makes Dara cringe slightly; though they've been winning, neither are very comfortable in this sort of environment. Nuh-uh.
Serriena glances to see who will stay in this game. Already one of the boy twins drops out folding his card. His twin however matches the half mark and dara's raise of a quarter.
J'nah considers his hand carefully, face blank but brow furrowed in thought as he runs thorugh different things. When the betting lands in hislap again, he looks out and absently tosses in a quarter mark, matching the bet.
Fenix waves to the inhabitants of the main hall a goodbye, and with that says, "It's about time i hit the sack, goodnight everyone." Soon after saying his remarks he is gone.
The dealer waits as all bets are placed and matched and then deals cards to each player who needs the amount specified. The twin takes two cards. The apprentice four cards. The girl from Nerat takes three cards.
Belena comes in from the courtyard.
"Three," Dara murmurs, practically sinking into her chair. The cards are slid across the table, but the girl looks like she wishes she was anywhere but here right now. Dresses such as Cymber's and the whole prospect of gambling are new and alien to her, and she's finding she rather dislikes it all.
Magmus watches the game with a mild intrest, still unable to fathom exactly how many marks he did lose, and how many he has left..
"Three." J'nah discards three from his hand. letting them slide into the rough pile near the dealer. He eases the new cads into his hand and examines them. Even still, he gives nothing away with his face or eyes, and he goes back to studying his opponents.
Once again the player to the left, the apprentice starts the bid. "I bid a quarter mark." She tosses her marks into the pot growing in the middle.
Kinsarin waves over to Belena. "Hi!" he calls, sitting near a redheaded dealer dressed to kill.
Serriena watches the game with interest. She can't help but peek at J'nah's cards and then coos at Jorrien stating, "Your daddy has learned well from his mommy." She grins and watches to see who will win the final round.
Ellyandri comes in from the courtyard.
Belena glides into the main hall, looking about to see what the buzz is this evening. Her eyes light at the vision of people with...gasp! Dragon Poker cards! She quickly moves to peer over shoulders.
Magmus looks up from his mug of klah, nodding a silent greeting to the late arrivers. His eyes, weary and tired, return back to the card game to see it's results.
Dara meets the Nerat girl's fourth, sinking even further in her chair.. any more and she'll slide under the table. Asheron twitters and chirps, Dara's anxiety - even moreso since looking at her cards - transferring to him, and back to her, and back to him again. At least she doesn't see Belena enter - that'd likely make her faint or worse.
When the betting gets to J'nah, he lets a small smile curve onto his lips. He flips out th matching fourth mark, and then with a small pause, flips out a half, raising. His face resumes that blank look as he defers to the player next to him.
The twin greenrider flips in the bet and J'nah's raise. The apprentice looks at it and folds her hand. The Nerat girl joins the raise and looks to Dara to raise.
Kinsarin hrms quietly, waiting for a victor to be decided.
Lllp. Someone, please, kill her now. The poor girl's in agony. "I am going -straight- back to the stables after this, and I'm not coming out for a turn," mutters Dara decisivley, a sudden bit of anger flaring up inside, and quickly dying down. Wrath isn't her thing, far from it. Asheron cheeps, huddled around the girl's neck like a bulky bronze choker as she lays down one card. Were she not holding the rest of her cards, her head would be in her hands right now.
Cards are discarded around the table as the last of the cards are dealt to each player. Each player gets the same amount as discarded and the final hands of betting can begin.
Kevin watches from his vantage point, eyeing each of the players. Even he has no comments, as the final stages of the game comes about.
"I'll just.." Sink into the floor? Good idea. Wishing fiercely to -end this- as soon as possible, Dara slides one last fourth mark across the table. Asheron's grip on her neck by this time is a near-chokehold, and she's not exactly noticing due to her state that would send her hurtling down through the floorboards if she could.
The quartermark is seen and raised by the greenrider who adds in a mark.
J'nah slides his new cards into his hand, the slight smile still worn on his face. IS it all talk and no show, or is he serious? It shall be know very soon. He flips another quarter mark out absently, deciding not to raise any more. He smiles and awaits the next move. Tension mounts, hmm?
A final mark is thrown in by the girl from Nerat. "Call," the girl sets down a small gather. The greenrider puts down a small wedding and they look at J'nah and Dara to see what will be laid down.
Dara's cards appear one by one. Lord Holder. Master Craftsman. Weyrwoman makes a conclave, and.. Harper makes high. Cards free of her fingers, Dara reaches up to untwine Asheron's tail from her throat, still looking very, very green. And no, it's not from lack of air.
J'nah sighs heavily and tosses down a simple hatching. Every one of those hands beat his. "Well, talk about getting whipped. He smiles around to each of his opponents, "Good game everyone." he grins to Dara, "Enjoy the money, hmm?"
Kevin grins happilly. As long As J'nah didn't keep his marks, he's happy. "Ohh, congrats Dara! You did well."
Lord Holder Corwyn was watching all this time. He comes over and nods to Dara. "Congratulations." A smile is given to the young girl and then he points outside. "I believe there is a prize out there with your name on it as well." And those simple statements have the Lord Holder retreat into the hold speaking of beginner's luck.
Magmus chuckles. "Aye, that was a very good game. Very good indeed." Even the hunter was impressed, which is not an easy task.
"Oh.. I.." Dara stares at the cards for a long time, before she realizes - oh. She won. Pale, slightly jittery finger collect the wooden chips, and Dara rises, smiling shakily in thanks to the Lord Holder. "... ..thank you." Asheron's tail tightens around her neck again as he peers at the man, warily. And with that she flees, slipping through the crowd quick as she can - yes, quicker than she ran in the flag race. This isn't the sort of place for her at all.
J'nah stands up from the table once the lord holder departs. He scoops his remaining money into his belt pouch, grinning over to Kevin, "I still have some of your marks friend. Remind me to thank you for them later." He grins and moves back to Serri, bending down and cooing at his son, "Daddy got beat, Jorrien. Never bluff with two pair. Remember that."
Dara heads out through the large, metal doorways to the cobbled courtyard.
Serriena looks at J'nah with an amused look in her eyes. "You sir will need more lessons." she grins and looks up at him. "I shall have fun teaching you." She looks down at the son who is sleeping quite soundly. "He finally went to sleep I think the minute you started playing." She stands and draws her other arm through J'nah's. "Shall we go put him to bed?"
Magmus flails. "My marks, you mean. He cleaned me out, he didn't even use any of his blasted ones." Grins. "Ah well, I'll make them all back teaching him how to shoot a crossbow." Smirks.
J'nah pats the coin purse, "Now, it wasn't a total loss. I just had bad luck." He winks and then stands back to his feet. "And yes, I think I'd like to head off. Evening all." That said, they leave.
Magmus smirks. "Oh, that was before I lost half my savings. Now, It's time to get some fresh air." Finds his way out.
Magmus heads out through the large, metal doorways to the cobbled courtyard.
Twilight> Magmus comes out of the large doorway from the inner Hold.
J'nah heads out through the large, metal doorways to the cobbled courtyard.
Twilight> J'nah comes out of the large doorway from the inner Hold.
Belena looks slightly disappointed that she's missed the fun. Which is great luck for everyone else because Belena is the cheater to beat all cheats when it comes to cards. Only she doesn't feel so about it. She just plays by 'her rules'. In any case, the weyrlingmaster makes her way out of the crowd and up the stairs of the weyr.
Kevin heads out through the large, metal doorways to the cobbled courtyard.
Twilight> Kevin comes out of the large doorway from the inner Hold.
Twilight> J'nah heads out beneath the arch along the Island Road.
You head out the large, metal doorways and onto the black flagstones of the
Approaching the table of prizes, Dara's hands hover over each one. "..you think, Ashling?" Chirp. The night air does her good - color is beginning to flush back into her tanned cheeks, as she mulls over the receptacles.. until her fingers close gently on the tiny, wrapped box. Nothing fancy for her, and she does like small things like that.
Twilight> Dara blinks, opening up the box. "I.. oh." More richness.. but it is pretty, not like those flamboyant things they'd have worn inside the hall. Asheron wheedles, leaning forward to inspect the sapphire ring nestled inside. "It.. it is pretty, isn't it? It would go with.." A chirp of agreement. And it's odd, very odd that you could find Dara in a state such as this.. she's sure of herself, yes. But perhaps not so sure of the rest of the world.
Twilight> Tasuki comes out of the large doorway from the inner Hold.
Twilight> Tasuki has arrived.