Welcome Home! (Sleet riders, Adventurers, All!)

[Slim]

((OOC: Happens three days after the return of the adventuring party.))

Chadath cut a handsome silhouette in the deepening red dusk, and he knew it. The big bronze stood on his ledge with his chest puffed and his head high, watching other dragons wing around the bowl. Soon, some of those dragons would head in to land on his ledge, and Sleet wing's nightly get-together would start to take shape.

It would be bigger than usual. At the end of today's drills, S'lyn had explained that he'd be putting together a special celebration in honor of G'tet and S'gur returning safely from their mission. (What that mission was, Chadath still didn't know. Or care.) He welcomed them to bring as many guests as they pleased and to let the Weyr know what Sleet was up to. Then Chadath had spent his afternoon checking in with his wingmates, trying to figure out who was coming and convince those who wouldn't commit to say they'd come.

So there ought to be a lot of them.

Chadath glanced inside, where his rider's mate had just finished setting up the klah, tea, and snacks to her satisfaction. His rider's daughter had finally given up on pleading with him to let her set up a makeshift bar, and fallen into a couch to wait for the party to start. And his rider himself had finished setting out the bottle openers, card decks, and whatever else it was humans did at parties. Chadath didn't really care. All he needed was an open ledge, a cool breeze, and the company of other dragons.

Everything is ready, he broadcast to his wing. And then, because impatience won out over poise, he added impatiently, Come on!

[Invisible]

Since returning G’tet had found himself falling easily into his old routine. Even if changes in everyday life still left him a bit flummoxed at times. Like when a couple of his wingmates took him to a local casino. He knew those had not been there when he’d left a couple days ago. A couple days that had spread into months. It was still hard to comprehend.

Kalpeth was thrilled to be back home around people and dragons she had forgotten. It was getting to know people all over again. She had been pestering G’tet all day about the gathering tonight and now that it was time she didn’t let up until he was all aboard and she was winging for Chadath’s ledge. We’re nearly there! she tells her wingleader’s bronze in an excited tone. G’tet was excited to get together in a social setting with his wingmates, but really. Kalpeth was overly excited. He counted in his head and wondered how the time travel would change her schedule. Normally she was so excited only when about to rise. Well, he’d keep an eye on her.

They landed with just a little of a hop jump to make up for a near tumble. G’tet patted Kalpeth as he slid off. “Nice one, beauty,” he told her before stepping inside. The party was invitation enough so he didn’t linger like he might otherwise. “Oh, no. First one here,” he said with a wide grin.

[dragon]

Arcaith heard Chadeth's call. Mine. Chadeth calls us to their weyr. The bronze looked over to J'rad and Althesia, his eyes whirling with excitement. Arcaith was going to enjoy being in the presence of other dragons.

J'rad turned to Althesia in response to Arcaith's words. "S'lyn's calling me to his weyr. A social gathering of sorts", J'rad said with a bit of a frown. It wasn't something he enjoyed, but Arcaith was stressing the importance of him going. "Come with me?", he asked. He really didn't feel like doing this alone. J'rad could handle a quiet evening of drinking and dragonpoker, but not something like this. However, this would be the first time the two realities would clash. His personal life and that of a dragonrider were about to go head to head.

J'rad made his way over to Arcaith and prepared him to carry Althesia and himself to his wingleader's weyr. Once done, J'rad was the first to mount and helped Althesia to sit behind him. He seemed a bit eager to go. As if he wanted this over with as soon as possible. The flight itself was relatively short, and the three found themselves at S'lyn's weyr in no time but the guest of honor seemed to have been the first arrival. Arcaith lowered himself to let the two off and settled down close to Chadeth. Good day, Chadeth. I assume you and yours are doing well? Arcaith was quick to catch conversation with the older bronze, enjoying the company of another dragon.

Meanwhile, J'rad made his way to S'lyn and G'tet with Althesia at his side. When the two were in view he nodded to each of them and spoke a greeting, "S'lyn. G'tet". He spoke their name and looked at each in turn for his greeting but little else was said. J'rad didn't want to be here, but he would endure it. He had already been convinced to come, no backing out of it now. And atleast he was able to drag Althesia with him.

[anhydrous]

It seemed that over the past few months Althesia had become something of a permanent furnishing of J’rad’s weyr. Tonight was no exception. She sat cross-legged on the floor, cupping her chin in her hands while she studied and frowned at a handful of sketches that she had spread on the floor. The same two dragons had been replicated nearly a dozen times, subtle differences in pose casting each one in a distinct light. Grand, but warm. Shards, this shouldn’t have been so difficult.

Touching the corner of one sketch lightly, she was about to ask for the millionth time which one J’rad preferred when he posed a query of his own. A social gathering? One eyebrow arched in surprise.

J’rad spent many nights in the company of his wingmates, but never had Althesia been invited to attend. “Of course I’ll go,” she assured immediately, glancing over to Arcaith and smiling at the eager whirl of his eyes. It was clear enough whose idea this had truly been, which lent another facet of amusement to her smile.

The short flight to S’lyn’s weyr passed much too quickly. Althesia savored what J’rad was sure to be used to by now, arms wrapped around his middle as she stared around the air of the bowl from the unfamiliar perspective. Her bronzer had never thought to take her flying. She’d been a-dragonback a few times before, but never long enough to grow tired of the thrill. Even from such a brief trip, the adrenaline rush sent her heart pounding furiously.

She slid down Arcaith’s side with a renewed source of energy, running a hand through her hair so that the lengthy waves could resettle from the flight. The cool air had forced her to assume a much more appropriate wardrobe, the neckline of her sweater loose, but piled around her collarbones instead of plunging down her chest. Her clothing-choices wouldn’t ruffle any feathers tonight, that much was certain. Really the only thing still up in the air would be what her bronzer’s wingmen thought of her.

Seemingly untroubled by such cares, Althesia accompanied J’rad in from the ledge towards the gathering that he was so clearly going to despise.

It had to be admitted; the woman played her part well. She stood along side her bronzer as he spat his rough greetings, one hand snuck in around his arm to rest lightly while flashing the two unfamiliar men genial smiles. “Hello,” she said warmly, countering J’rad’s tone with a much friendlier introduction. “I’m Althesia. It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” And indeed, nothing in the casual set of her features would suggest any different.

[Slim]

Chadath sidestepped on his like an excited crab, making room for Kalpeth. His memories of her had grown vague in the months she'd been away, but he foresaw a need to give her room on the landing, and was rather pleased with himself when his insight turned out to be good. Arcaith needed no such adjustments, and was greeted by a rumble even as Chadath edged up on the green to bump her shoulder in welcome. We're well, he answered Arcaith, but stretched his mind to reach both of them. And yours, I hope the same. It'll be good to have so many come. I'm looking forward to it. He lifted his head and called out cheerfully to another wingmate circling above, picking a spot to land.

Warned by his dragon that others were coming, S'lyn strode to the entrance to greet his guests as they arrived. Masha left that role to him, preferring to sit next to her sleepy daughter and needle her quietly about how she chose to live her life, as some mothers do. S'lyn put on a grin for G'tet, who might not have been accustomed to quite such generous warmth from the wingleader he remembered. "That or the others are hiding behind my furniture, ready to jump out and surprise you." His greeting was, at least, as formal as it had ever been: a hand held forth, a handshake offered.

While he was doing so, T'rad and Althesia walked in. S'lyn gave the latter a quick look, as unfamiliar with her as she with him. "Good evening," he said. J'rad was offered the same handshake, Althesia a mild, gentlemanly bow but no contact. "A pleasure to have you." With everyone greeted, he stepped back so he could address them all as a group. "Would you care to make yourselves comfortable? There are drinks, food - help yourself to anything." S'lyn had to greet other guests as they came in, and Chadath had indeed just told him more were coming, so the three of them would have to get comfy without their host for a moment.

[Invisible]

“Now you’ve gone and ruined the surprise for me, sir,” G’tet told S’lyn as he pretended to try to peer behind the furniture. It was just a quick peek because then he was taking the hand offered to him for a quick shake. “Good to be home, sir.” Then he stepped back because others were coming in and he didn’t want to keep the wingleader from greeting them. Not when he could go find a drink right away. He thought he might need it considering some things. What is wrong, G’tet? Is it not good to be home? Kalpeth was pleased to be home and enjoying the company of her wingmates once more. Even if she didn’t quite remember them all.

Just not so pleased with some of the fellows, Kal. It’ll pass. As soon as he could forgive them for waging war on his sister anyway. It might be awhile. His emotions definitely had an effect on who his green greeted warmly. Chadeth was all but ignored when he arrived. J’rad got no better greeting from G’tet inside the weyr. There was the stiffest of nods towards the wingsecond and his companion. “A pleasure,” he told Althesia before a quiet, “Excuse me,” sent him off to get a drink.

The greenrider had considered bringing someone along, but didn’t think Aleda would get a very warm welcome and considering Genet’s last interaction with the wing, well, even if H’gar had been willing to let her free he would not have brought her. Despite the begging she had done when she’d heard about the gathering. That had left just the few men he occasionally spent time with and he didn’t want to have to make sure they understood this was not some grand gesture to make any relationship known as he had no desire for something like that from any of them.

[dragon]

J'rad is J'rad. Arcaith answered simply. The posture and reputation of the bronzerider was known to a number of residents and dragonrider alike and surely Chadeth and his weren't oblivious to this knowledge. Yes, the answer was enough to speak volumes of the man. I can not wait until the others arrive. I do enjoy the times we mingle with them. The bronze continued before acknowledging the green Kelpath. My dear Kelpath, I hope you and yours are well. I hope this party is to the taste of you and yours.

J'rad managed to do some mingling on his own but not much. He shook the hand of his wingleader and barely acknowledged G'tet's words and reaction. As S'lyn went to greet other guests, J'rad removed himself from his spot and went to find something to drink. J'rad wasn't interested in starting a conversation, nor to seek the attention of another. He was sure some fancy speech or discussion would start soon, or perhaps a game of dragonpoker or something else. But for now, he'd enjoy the freedom and allow himself a drink.

[Omnia Munda]

Jordeth twitched beneath his rider's ascent, though J'fel was not ungraceful about his mounting. Is this a good idea? he asked his rider, not for the first time, even as a mental nudge commanded him to bend his haunches and prepare his wings, which he did. Dragons can be territorial -

None more than you, interrupted J'fel, sharply but with good humor warmed by affection. He pinched his hand gently along the trailing edge of the neckridge before him, signal to ascend, and tightened his thighs against the beast's hide as gravity descended beneath them and Jordeth lurched sleek into flight. His wings caught the air and swung wide for the slow soar toward Chadath's ledge. I wish you were more cautious, he sighed, and received for his trouble a gentle slap on the neck.

We come, he told Chadath, working to keep his misgivings out of his tone. His efforts to replace them with a jovial demeanor were imperfect. He is grateful for the chance to see them all together.

What Jordeth meant by them of course went unsaid. He waited his turn for a landing upon the bronze's ledge, thereat to deposit his rider. Awkward as he felt, the weyrleader's bronze dallied a moment to offer Chadath a pleasant nudge, but made clear his intent to be gone again until his rider should have want of transport, the better to leave the ledge clear for others yet to land.

J'fel was nothing like awkward. He carried a bottle and a basket and an easy grin, as saucy as he'd been before time changed, before it was even suggested that time should change - whoever's suggestion that had been, since it certainly wasn't his. For some reason, the weyrleader could not find it within himself to be troubled by that. After all, they knew now where - or rather when - the missing children should be.

"Hello, hello," said the weyrleader, making quick salutes and waves and paying especial attention to the opportunity to grin at S'lyn: see, I am a social creature, be pleased with me; he gestured with his laden arm, too, where shall I put these?

[Invisible]

Arcaith was in for something of a snubbing from Kalpeth even if she could not remember exactly what happened even though G’tet had told her twice today. She just knew that Arcaith’s rider had been involved. Arcaith. We are fine, thank you. Abrupt from the usual talkative and happy Kalpeth. The sunny day in her voice had dark clouds moving in. G’tet inside the weyr was watching the arrivals with a drink in his hand. Just a beer that he would nurse through a good long while since he had no desire to get drunk tonight.

G’tet wondered if he shouldn’t have brought someone anyway, but no. It was best to be nice. They were his wingmates and he would hate to get shuffled to someone else and have to fit in all over again. He would make things work. Eyes flitting around the room they were back to the entrance just as J’fel entered. Now there was a figure he missed looking at. He was far enough away he could get a nice look since no one was around to notice. One of the best things about weyrlinghood had been sharing the barracks with J’fel. His sister may want nothing to do with the weyrleader from what she’d said, but he thought she was quite insane because of it.

[anhydrous]

If Althesia expected her introduction to be received differently, she certainly didn’t show it. A smile and a nod were her only replies, letting her hand fall away from J’rad’s arm as they drifted away from their host. She kept quiet for now, lingering on the edge of her bronzer’s bristling aura while he poured himself a drink.

She bit her lip, watching as the liquid settled in his glass. There might have been the slightest hint of jealousy in her stare, although she didn’t say anything. Not about the alcohol, anyway.

Leaning in so that she might not be overheard, Althesia posed a quick query to J’rad. “What’s the occasion for this gathering?” She asked quietly. As she had been trying to occupy her mind, she realized that he hadn’t said why they were getting together. That might be important. She wouldn’t want to deny someone congratulations if congratulations were due.

With her back to the ledge, Althesia hadn’t seen J’fel’s entrance. The smooth roll of his voice shook her to the core, eyes wide with shock. She froze, refusing to turn and look, muscles tensing. This could not be good. Worries snapped into focus in rapid succession, her eyes locking onto J’rad’s so that a silent plea could pass between them. Her eyebrows were knitted, not technically scared, but certainly nervous.

All in all what exactly she was begging wasn’t clear, but there was definitely something desperate there.

[dragon]

Arcaith was a bit surprised by the response he was given from the green. To his knowledge he'd been nothing but cordial and kind to every female dragon in this weyr. But he shook the response aside and decided it best to leave the green alone. However, eyeing the weyrleader's bronze, Arcaith knew things were about to get interesting. He wasn't going to warn J'rad who had just arrived either. He'd find out soon enough. But Arcaith's quick glance to the weyrleader's bronze was shortlived and now his focus turned to other dragons that were arriving.

J'rad would have no knowledge from his bronze that the weyrleader was now present in his midst. The only way he found this out was through voice recognition and ears twitched slightly when he did hear the weyrleader's voice. J'rad didn't turn around, nor give off that he noticed nor reacted to the weyrleader's presence. However, he noted that he would not have come if he could have forseen this outcome. Instead, he turned his focus to Althesia. "Apparently one of our riders have returned from some journey", J'rad answered Althesia in plain toned voice. When he did pay Althesia notice, he saw that desperation. It was all too obvious the sticky situation that could be presented if things went along a certain line. A certain line that seemed all too probable. However, J'rad was not interested in satisfying such a thing and would avoid it. Not out of fear or any such thing mind you. J'rad simply didn't want to give anyone the pleasure of knowing anything about his personal life, especially not the weyrleader. He gave a glance to Althesia that spoke volumes. Stay calm. With the thought past him, J'rad sipped the liquid he poured for himself, savouring every last drop as he often did.

[Slim]

Whatever had made all the other dragons so touchy with each other certainly hadn't gotten into Chadath. The big bronze was positively reveling in the opportunity to play host to so many, and his recent impatience had already been replaced with genial excitement.

It is good to see. We'd hoped it would turn out well, and there are many coming, he told Jordeth, standing up to greet him with a bluff knock of knuckles. The other bronze would be one of many who only stopped by to drop off their riders, but as long as Chadath had a few others staying to keep him company, he could forgive the rest. Oblivious to whatever bad mood Kalpeth was picking up from her rider, he settled back down with his side companiably pressed against hers.

The atmosphere inside was not, of course, so universally accepting. S'lyn's circle of friends still included men from Blizzard as well as from his own wing; many softened their voices, and a few openly turned to watch, as the new Weyrleader came prancing into his predecessor's party. Had he been invited? Would he be welcome?

"J'fel, good to see you!"

Apparently so. The rest of the partygoers could breathe easy, although many were still listening in.

S'lyn clasped the young bronzerider's free hand in a firm handshake, then turned his attention to the goodies hanging from his other arm. "And you come bearing gifts, all the better. My mate can handle those for you - Masha!" He lifted his hand and snapped, summoning Masha from the couch. She slipped up to J'fel without a word or glance, taking the things from his arm as smoothly as a butler takes a coat, and bustled over to the refreshments tables to settle everything. Mysteriously, every item that J'fel had brought wound up being placed in an out-the-way, nigh unreachable location.

Thankfully, it took Masha a little while to snub the new Weyrleader with such care, and during that respite Emeni seized her chance to escape. Tugging on the cloth wrapped round her thumb, she heaved herself off the couch and quickly dug herself in amongst the riders who'd already gone for beer. Safely ensconced, knowing that her mother wouldn't possibly chase her down for a lecture here, Emeni breathed a sigh of relief. Her expression, clear as day, said 'thank goodness'.

[Omnia Munda]

J'fel grinned widely though he could hardly match S'lyn's grip - just to be welcomed so was enough. He had a grin ready for Masha, too, and words - probably something about how it was so good to see her, and how was she doing, and the party seemed to be going well - but she was there and gone with such smooth efficiency that the boy weyrleader was left lips-poised but silent, expression arch and bemused.

He turned that expression to Masha's weyrmate and said, "You know, I think she likes some of your friends more than others." A hand lifted to pop a light slap against the other man's shoulder and J'fel half-turned to regard the rest of the celebrants. "No matter. You really know how to put one on, don't you? I suppose I better go make the best of it."

It was wryly said, a jest, mostly, but also a cue to be excused from his host; it wouldn't do for him to stick by S'lyn here, nor for S'lyn to be monopolized by the weyrleader. J'fel was conscious of these things, but as his gaze took in the others present his mind flickered quickly among other topics. G'tet's here, good, I can present him my thanks... our portraitist, ah, she has company, a pity...

It was these thoughts Jordeth listened to from his waitful perch on the rim of the bowl.

[Invisible]

Kalpeth’s bad mood passed soon enough because what mattered Arcaith when she had Chadath right there to lie beside. Even so her eyes followed Jordeth’s arrival and she sent a teasing wisp of a Good evening to you, Jordeth. It is good to see you again. To her he was just another bronze, but since she knew her rider had a ‘thing’ for his she thought to greet him. But she sent a greeting only before her attention turned back to Chadath to tell him G’tet worries.

Within the weyr G’tet did not know what Kalpeth did outside. He had his beer and had been nodding greetings to those who arrived. His eyes continued to stray to J’fel because he couldn’t help himself. He assumed the man would not care being quite aware of how good looking he was. To find something distracting to do he made his way to Emeni. He owed her thanks for befriending his sister in his absence after all. “Good evening, Emeni,” he offered with a roguish smile.

[anhydrous]

Althesia’s brows straightened, the wrinkles in her forehead fading to perfect smoothness under the careful inspection of her bronzer. His eye contact was steadfast, pinning her to the floor silently while he lifted his glass to his mouth.

Never in her life had she wanted a drink more badly than she did in this instant.

Anxieties twisted in her stomach as she crossed her arms over it casually, suddenly self-conscious. She saw her body every day, there was no way for her to know what the change would look like from week to week. As usual, J’rad had no answer to that particular question either. It would have to become more obvious for either of them to really notice, for observation to speak instead of speculation.

Regardless of her worries, Althesia managed to call forth a pleasant expression and look over the party indifferently. She rested the majority of her weight on one leg, sure to stand just close enough to J’rad to keep party-goers away. He tended to have that effect.