28.13-TURN'S END!!!! ((Open to ALL!!!!))

[Mik]

Once again, K’dae’s cheer had won the battle of gloom as he had asked the Leadership himself about taking on the organizing and conducting of a Turn’s End Gather amongst the Weyr residents as they were currently snowbound and all having at least a minute case of stir craziness from being cooped up inside so much. Knowing that both Tsunath and Fraith were due to clutch practically any day now, the Dragonless Dragonhealer had decided against using the warm Hatching Grounds for the festivities and had managed to set up the Dining Caverns and a somewhat larger side cavern for the festivities. He had gone so far as to decorate both areas with warm, tropical pictures and things of the warmer weather regions, making sure to have things from all corners of Pern depicted or represented, even going so far as to ask some of the Future Riders for input from their Time as well.

Yes, K’dae had turned a Turn of mishaps and struggles into a joyous ending for the typical Turn’s End Celebration, but this one held an optimistic feeling to it as if only the best could be coming in the new Turn for the residents of Izuko Island Weyr. So, it was that, the unusually cheery Dragonless man danced his way throughout the Weyr in the marks before the festivities would kick off, singing a ballad of joy and good fortune.

The Gather Song (revised slightly by K’dae)
Gather! Gather! It's a gather day!
No work for us, and Thread's away.
Stalls are building, square's swept clear,
Gather all from far and near.
Bring your marks and bring your wares,
Bring your family for there's
Food and drink and fun and song.
The Weyr flag flies; so gather along!

Of course, his wonderfully silent Jaxath would not convey his message to other dragons, but that was what his own two legs were for. Many other tunes echoed the corridors and windswept areas of the Weyr that K’dae made his way through, ending his circle at the Candidate Barracks before whistling his way into the Dining Caverns to finish helping prepare the meals and drinks and festive areas for this joyous event.

Later that evening, the cheery man kicked off a toast to all who came, saying, “To one and all, we’ve struggled and prevailed! Let’s enjoy a night of mingling and cheer and hopefully not too much rolling in the furs!” After downing his toasting drink, the cheery man headed for the Harpers’ area and kicked off the first of many upbeat and uplifting ballads that would be played that evening.

((ooc: Everyone, come enjoy some festivities at your leisures! It’s about time Izuko’s Residents have some fun!!!))

[kendrall]

M'riel wasn't one for Gathers nor for feasts. He just wasn't the festive type unless he was in the mood, and those times were few and far in between. He had only been the Weyrleader for barely over six sevenday, and here it was - Turn's End. So much had transpired ever since Oreath caught Josiath, and the future Rider found himself ascending to the second-highest position in the Weyrleadership. Second only to Shayna, but by all rights her equal. Shayna had endured the premature birth of her daughter the morning after Josiath's Flight; Ardalae and K'ryn had likewise become entangled in that situation. M'riel had crafted a beautiful runner's head pendant from pecan wood, then carefully stained it to bring out its natural beauty before affixing it to a wherhide cord. It was his way of thanking Ardalae for not only being there for her friend Shayna, but also to remind her he still held her in high esteem.

Then there had been some tension between himself and some of his Riders, specifically R'bao, M'cleod, and Seleti. He and Seleti had gotten into a bit of a spat during one particular training exercise, and the Greenrider took off after M'riel charged her with insubordination. R'bao was already upset that he and Shayna could no longer be together, and the Weyrleader was essentially keeping them apart for multiple reasons. But the man was chosen to accompany the rescue group due to Serguth's ability to Search, and after a daring rescue mission the Blue rider was the only one who escaped relatively unscathed. Mac was another story altogether, but after some convincing on Shayna's part, the former Weyrleader was made a Weyrsecond and put in charge of all clandestine operations. M'riel was grateful for Mac's experience, and the former Raider had performed brilliantly on many occasions. Seleti was still a bit leery of the future Rider, but was otherwise humbled by the thought M'riel would risk his own life to come and save her.

The whole thing led to a crucial decision to incarcerate Swift due to his past ties with a Raiding clan thought to be responsible for the poisoning of the waters at Igen. M'riel had put Mac in charge of the official investigation, and after it was determined Swift was only trying to rescue Seleti from the hands of his former Raiding clan, the Weyrleader made a few changes to the existing wing structure. Seleti would be permanently assigned to Golden Falls and would report to the Weyrwoman; Swift would be temporarily assigned to the same wing until he could be re-evaluated. The brash young Bronze rider also received an official reprimand from M'riel, and was warned to never pull the same stunt again.

Apart from trying to find a missing Candidate, and soothing Shayna's fears before getting into a heated argument with her over a decision that nearly cost them their relationship, no one in the entire Weyr could explain why the dragons, whers, and firelizards had become so agitated. Just six days prior to the Gather, Threadfall had been reported at Keroon Hold. The deadly silver strands hadn't been seen in over a generation or more, and by the time M'riel led the Fire Dancers Wing in response, Thread had already burrowed its way into the ground, devastating trees and crops. Roughly two-thirds of the livestock Keroon prided itself upon was gone; a fourth of the Hold population likewise perished. The Dragonriders did what they could to destroy the burrows, but were viewed with cold suspicion by Lord Holder Aton and his wife Kalene. The situation only grew worse as a group of recently-orphaned children and a couple of adults tried to leave with the dragonmen, and Aton himself ordered his men to open fire on the would-be seditionists and the Riders. One adult was cut down by a hail of arrows, two of the children suffered wounds as did a couple of the Riders but nothing serious. Aton immediately declared the orphans and the surviving adult Holdless, and warned M'riel to never return to Keroon. The Weyrleader simply pointed to the death and destruction caused by Threadfall, and told the Lord Holder that as long as he was the Weyrleader and Thread continued to fall through the skies, he and his Riders were bound by an ancient oath to defend Pern from Threadfall.

Now that Turn's End was here, M'riel stood at the foot of his bed fiddling with his sash. It was a long strip of silk dyed a deep crimson worn over the left shoulder and diagonally across to his right hip, then back up again; typically the material was reserved for high-ranking officers while red woolen sashes were the more traditional dress for non-commissioned officers. But as the sergeant major of the Guards and the second-in-command, M'riel was allowed to wear the fancier crimson sash as part of his dress uniform. At the very top of the sash were his Weyrleader's knots and the insignia of Izuko Island, indicating his rank and the Weyr he now led. Directly underneath were his old knots he wore as a Sergeant Major, along with the insignia of High Reaches Hold two hundred Turns in the future.

Next to the sash lay a pair of white dress gloves, and a towel with a few black stains here and there. M'riel was known to keep a pair of polished black wherhide boots specifically for formal functions, and he'd spent part of the morning shining them until he could see his own reflection in them.

Then there was the pendant he fashioned for Shayna. Crafted from the finest darkwood he could get his hands on, it was two dragons rampant, bodies entwined and jointly clutching a single round-cut diamond. Both dragons had a moonstone inlay to them, lending them a sheen when the light hit it at the right angle. Getting the wherhide cord attached to the pendant was a bit tricky, but after he had a chance to look at the final product, the Weyrleader couldn't be prouder of his handiwork.

Finally, there was his dress overcoat. It was part of his dress uniform; a deep blue in color, nearly black. Attached to his overcoat were various specially-crafted stone and wood buttons in various colors and patterns that he received over the Turns while in the Guards; each one denoting distinguished service, gallantry in battle, multiple commendations, and finally every single campaign he participated in.

"Shay?" he called aloud, wondering if his weyrmate was still getting dressed.


~~~~

In the meantime, R'en was busy getting dressed in his finest wares. A deep green vest on top of a freshly washed white tunic with billowing sleeves, black trews and black boots completed the ensemble. He was busy helping Ekaterina and Aquila, whom by now were starting to show signs of their pregnancies. The Healer was actually looking forward to becoming a new father, and couldn't keep the excitement from his face nor his voice.

~~~

L'yak, too, was busy getting dressed for the Gather. He chose dark trews and boots; a blue silken tunic with a deeper blue jerkin on top. The Weyrling was hoping to see a certain Green Weyrling at the Gather, and wanted to do his best to impress her.

[sorra]

Bresala had been feeling a bit down as the weather turned worse and she wasn't able to get outside as much. The one time she always looked forward to though was her time with K'dae. The man could always make her smile and she couldn't help but wonder if one day they might take their relationship further. She was afraid to ask though as she didn't want to lose her closest friend by coming across as pushy. So for now until K'dae said something the green rider would content herself with being his friend.

A smile touched Bresala's lips as she heard a familiar voice and slipped out of her weyr. "Hey handsome," she said, turning to follow him. It seemed like he had something planned. Of course he hadn't told her anything and she was shocked to realize that he had managed to put together another Gather. The green rider smiled brightly and set to work on helping him finish getting things ready.

When the dancing started she quickly found him. "Care to dance?" she asked, finally starting to come out of her shell a bit.
~~~

Shayna was thankful that the main troubles were finally settling down. Too much had been going on lately. The only high point had been the thought that Fraith and Tsunath would be clutching soon. Thread had returned not long after Seleti and Swift had gone AWOL and then Shayna had gotten in an argument with M'riel that had nearly sent them both in opposite directions. She was tired of arguing and all the messes that seemed to be going on. She was glad that Venteran at least seemed happy enough and Sanyara was starting to grow which thrilled her as she had been worried about her daughter.

The Weyrwoman sighed softly as she pulled a white dress on and secured the ties along the side before tying the gold sash around her waist that matched the sequins in her bodice and the silver along her sleeves. She had pulled her hair up in a twisted braid while letting a few wisps fall around her face. Her eyes still looked a bit blood shot from not getting much sleep, but at least she seemed happy again. She slipped on her slippers just as M'riel called her name.

"Coming!" she answered him, stepping out of her room as the dress swirled around her ankles. She was shocked to see him so dressed up and smiled. "Well, don't you look extremely handsome."

~~~
Ekaterina grumbled as she pulled a tunic over her head and let it settle over her long skirt. She wasn't feeling well as this pregnancy was not sitting well with her and she really didn't want to go anywhere. She glared at R'en as he helped her and Aquila get ready. "You are way too happy," she said, feeling a bit miserable and grumpy.

~~~

Dixi grinned as she got dressed. The girl pulled on a dark green almost black dress and piled her hair up on the top of her head. Jadith was thankfully sleeping, so she might get a bit of peace and she may even be able to steal a dance with a certain blue weyrling. At least she hoped so.

~~~

K'ryn was just straightening out his burnt orange shirt with the black vest before turning to face his mate. He smiled at Ardalae as Koda watched them from the rafters. "Almost ready, love?" he asked the gold rider. He still couldn't believe that they were finally together after everything that they had been through.

[fireflash]

Tish had heard the singing as K'dae had passed her room. There had been plenty of talk and gossip from the lower caverns about the gather for the last few days, although doubts had been raised as the weather it could be pulled off. Year end gathers were not a new thing for Tish, although a gather at a weyr was, she was a trader and traders spent their lives going from one hold to another, one gather to the next. She had never been one to dress up, but this time however she felt compelled to. She had spent the last few days bartering different bits of fabric and fur from various weyr folk and was now putting the finishing touches to her outfit. It was the first time since Tish had been at the weyr that she would wear a dress. Well it was kind of a dress. More skirt and blouse in reality. She wanted to represent her people, her family and the traditions of the trading caravans. She was to wear a half cut blouse that showed off her lower tummy and a long flowing skirt of many pointed layers. She had even managed to acquire some jingly bracelets. Tish loved to dance and this outfit was perfect for it. Putting the finishing touches to her hair she made her way to the gathering.

[goldenauthanth]

She stood there in clothes nicer than anything she had ever worn before, clothes that befitting her rank more than what she had had before. It wasn't that Siarie lacked for things, it was just she had never had requirememts for them before..
The fabric was smooth, a loosely fitting dress that was suitable for a girl so young. Light blue, with darker blue stitching with a white blouse beneath. It wasn't the type of dress one would have worn to the larger turn over gathers at the northern holds.. but something more tasteful for the rank she had inherited when impressing Sherath. Even the gold agreed for once that her rider looked suitable, even though she sulked in the wallow that hers would be leaving her behind..
Siarie felt Sherath was jealous. Of course, Sherath did not agree. The only reason the little goldling would remain in the barracks was the order placed on her by the older golds..

----------

Taenia was trying her best to reconnect with Weyrlife now that she was almost standing back on her own two feet. It wasn't easy, she would admit.. there was always the feeling of something missing. She felt that a good turns end party would benefit the Weyrs residentd after the difficult last couple of months.. but she couldnt help but feel sorry for Keroon.. just what type of turns end were the threadfall survivors having?? This new turn would bring a lot more sadness as everyone struggled to relearn missing knowledge of the past..

but now was not the time to dwell.. now was the time to hold her head high and socialise.. and smile.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using proboards

[Katlyn]

Arda had gotten dressed earlier in the evening but had settled back down to finish up some hide work after doing so. Her egg heavy gold Fraith slept soundly against Zarepheth, though thetipofher tail seemed to twitch restlessly. It was almost. As though something was bothering her, but it wasn't enough for her rider to notice, or to even wake her up.

When K'ryn called to her to see if she was ready, the gold rider nodded. "Just a moment," she replied, grabbing the overcoat to her dress. She had taken to wearing a single style since the cold weather at settled in, but it was a style all her own, and she had a multitude of options now. The main dress was a simple bronze-copper color that her own Copper blended in nicely with. It had a simple neckline and the sleeves were plain. It split on the sides just above the knees to reveal black, flowing pants. Over top of that was another dress, though this one only had shoulder straps. It was split all the way from where her arms went to the bottom, though it was tied on both sides with a bright blue-silver tiefrom where her arms were to her hips. This dress item was slightly darker than the under dress, and more of a bronze than copper color. She had tied the sides tight enough to make the outfit form fitting, but loose enough to still be comfortable. And from where the shoulder straps were, someone had embroidered in a bright golden copper thread flowers which span across her torso and down her right side. Her knots were attached to the left shoulder strap. The overcoat that she had grabbed was the same overcoat she wore everywhere now, simple, thick, and warm with a hood and long, semi flared sleeves, as well as fur along the trims, and buttoned to about hip level. Her now shoulder length hair was left plain and down.

"Sorry, I was trying to finish up on some final paperwork," she apologized to K'ryn as she joined him, overcoat already on. He could see her dress when they got there!

[kendrall]

((OOC - Posting to keep this moving))

M'riel simply grinned at his mate when she complimented him on his appearance. "Truth be told," he said, "I haven't worn my dress uniform since my days as a Sergeant Major." He slipped the dark blue overcoat over his white dress tunic, then after fastening some of the loops together the Weyrleader took his sash and slipped it over his shoulder, taking care not to disturb the many decorations he'd earned in his long and distinguished career as a Guardsman. The Weyrleader knots and Izuko Island insignia were now at the top nearest to his left shoulder, as his old rank and insignia were properly spaced just below. M'riel took his time in affixing his crimson sash to his shoulder, then leaned over to pick up the pendant he made for his weyrmate. Turning to face her, he held it up for her. "This is for you, Shay," he said softly, but a warm smile was on his lips. He would slip it over her head once she accepted it, and after she was ready he would take his white dress gloves and pull them over his hands.

He wasn't entirely sure if Shayna would ask him about the various wood and stone buttons on his dress overcoat, all of them neatly affixed in about five or six rows over his upper left pectoral muscle. At least he would be able to answer truthfully if pressed about them.

~~~~~~

"It's Turn's End," R'en said cheerfully at Ekaterina when she grumbled at him. "The one time where the three of us can actually make merry. Although just to be fair, I won't consume any wine or whisky." As a field medic, he would have to ensure neither of his weyrmates drank alcohol. They were both too far along in their pregnancy where they were showing, and it would leave little doubt in everyone else's minds just exactly whom the father was. "Besides, I couldn't be more honored than to escort you two." He would help both ladies with their hair - sharing quarters with them for quite some time gave him some experience in that one area - and once they were ready he would offer them an arm and proudly escort them to the Dining Caverns.

~~~~

L'yak started off towards the Dining Caverns, wondering if he would see Dixi anywhere along the way. He was looking forward to dancing with her.

((OOC - L'yak and Dixi will be continued off-screen))

~~~~

Shibora rarely found occasion to dress up, but since this was Turn's End she figured she may as well join in the fun. Her normally short, curly brown hair was starting to grow out a bit, and for once she decided to tie it back into a neat runner's tail. The Blue Rider picked out a blue dress crafted from a velvet-like material; deep blue in color, the fabric narrowing towards her hips and flaring back out again at her ankles. The sleeves were also narrowed towards the wrists, but still allowed her plenty of freedom to move her arms. Shibora decided to wear the dress just off the shoulders, but still allowed her to maintain her modesty to a point. A touch of makeup on the lips, her favorite slippers on her feet, and a short but warm dress cape to help ward off the chill and she was on her way to attend the Gather.

[sorra]

Shayna watched as M'riel finished getting ready. She studied the stone and wood buttons on his sash, recognizing a couple of them, but not too many. She would certainly have to ask him more about them, but later. Right now they needed to get down to the Gather. This would be a nice treat. Shayna was just reaching for her cloak when M'riel pulled out the necklace.

Her silver eyes widened in shock. "For me?" she asked, gently touching the pendant. She hadn't expected anything like that. "It's beautiful," she whispered, turning so he could help it on for her. "Thank you so much," she said, turning and kissing his cheek.

~~~

Ekaterina rolled her eyes. "You try be merry when you feel like you swallowed a ball," she retorted. It wasn't so much that she was unhappy to be pregnant. It was more that she felt miserable and didn't like it. She did truly want to enjoy the Gather, but she wasn't so sure how long she would last. "Oh you better not drink any. Aquila and I aren't allowed. We're not about to allow you either," she shot back. This was his fault after all as well.

~~~

K'ryn shook his head as Ardalae apologized for not being totally ready. "Love, it's fine," he assured her with a smile. "I know how long paperwork can take. What matters is we're together," he said, moving to slip his arm around her shoulders. He couldn't believe the two of them were finally together. It had taken a while, but he couldn't have been happier. She had been his best friend and was now his mate. "You look beautiful," he whispered in her ear before kissing her cheek. "Now, shall we go join the others?"