Anniversary Party Part the second
Natain takes a chance. Nodding like he knows people, the vague nods standard for party-crashers, he cuts along the wall, ducks a man carrying more glasses of wine than he ought to-- presumably to share, but who knows-- and comes up alongside the table of the only person he recognizes: Aida. Or, at least, the only one who's not too diminutive to immediately locate in the crowd: Roa. "What is all this?" he asks promptly, knocking his knuckles on the edge of her table to draw a little extra attention.
A couple more musicians join in, people fetching pipes and the like. A more defined dancing space is cleared out as the music becomes constant. The original harper is content to sit by the fire and drink the wine that /he/ gets. Unlike Miniyal who is left with an empty glass, but she doesn't seem to want to brave the busy beverage table to refill it. Meanwhile, Corin and Navan are showing off their present from the 'best daughter ever' and 'isn't this just perfect?'
E'sere watches Aivey slip through the crowd with a bemused expression, shaking his head. However, while she's away taking care of his needs, he takes the opportunity to skim the crowd again, noting faces, and particularly G'thon and J'cor departing together, before he turns himself to find a table to seat himself out. He makes sure to stay in a relatively noticeable spot as well--after all, no point sending someone after food if they can't find you to return it. He ends up settling himself at Kierom and N'ka's table with a smile of greeting for the group. "Evening, Kierom, N'ka, everyone," he greets them easily. "I'm not intruding, am I?"
Jolasek gives another smile, only this time it’s a nervous one as he nods his head again. "Thanks." is his murmured reply as he carefully pulls out a chair and settles himself in with a slight lack of gracefulness as he pretty much falls into place. Next, his wine glass is set on the table with his hand still gripped around it as though it might float away if he lets go. The stablehand glances between the group he's just joined for a moment before leaning forwards. "So what brings you all here tonight?" he asks, only to glance to his side again as the music gains some additions to it.
Aida begins to straighten when she catches Roa heading in her direction, her smile shifting from the distant warmth that she wears for the party in general to something much more personal and directed to the Telgari goldrider. "Roa," she greets, promptly extending her free hand in the woman's direction to beckon her to her side. "It's so good to-" there, she spots Natain, and her face lights up all the more. "See you." The conclusion at least escapes, and she turns enough to include the trader in the little group. "Natain. It's the celebration of the twenty fifth anniversary of Navan and Corin. Hello."
"Gash, what a-- " R'vain stops short a few paces inside the entrance, cool night air still clinging to his jacket, and just stares.
Aivey returns a short amount of time later, once more weaving her way through the crowd while simultaneously scanning it for signs of E'sere. When he's spotted she alters her course to carry her to where he's at. A plate piled with food stuffs pilfered from the kitchen is set before him, along with a mug of only slightly spilled drink. Aivey murmurs something that's liable to pass for as unheard before turning around and disappearing back into that crowd.
His attention is turn back to the table as he nods at Jolasek as he joins and glances at N'ka before nodding at E'sere with just a faint blush touching his cheeks, "Greetings E'sere. Have you met Kianda?" Kie indicates the girl sitting with them and peers at Jolasek, not quite sure of his name, "So many people here tonight...."
"The feeling is mutual," says the goldrider, her own expression brightening into something like relief as Aida is, oh thank Faranth, welcoming. She seems about to say more, but then Natain appears and he's offered a nod and a, "Good evening. It's...yes. What Aida said." Redfruit is lifted and bitten into. Thank the etiquette classes that she can bite into the juicy fruit without causing any dripping.
Kianda gives Jolasek an amiable nod, returning to eating. Finally getting that first bite swallowed, she wonders aloud, "Don't think we've met before, have we? I'm Kia. Kianda, if folks are being formal. Do you three know each other?" Her gaze goes to each of the men at the table. And timing is with her, for her eyes find Kierom just as she catches her name on his lips, and that gaze moves on to find the rider to whom he's speaking, studying E'sere.
Natain looks around for the guests of honor, recognizing them strictly on the basis that they are the guests of honor. He ahhhs like that paints it all in a perfectly clear light, turning back with a grateful-for-the-info smile. "Twenty-five turns together? Impressive. I'd go shake their hands or something but--" His failure in finishing the sentence seems owing to the fact that he turns to Roa with a quick, pleasant expression. "Evening, Roa. Is that food free for everyone?" Including party-crashing traders?
There's a definite twitch to N'ka's eyebrow now. He tips his wine glass up, taking a small, comfortable sip. Only after he's swallowed does he allow his eyes to roll up, and acknowledge E'sere. "I wouldn't say that," he says, gesturing around. "Just a couple friends having a polite conversation." It's Kianda that the gaze is next favored upon, and another lengthy pause and sip of wine takes place before he answers her with, "In passing." He busies himself peering at his plate before shoving it aside, and considering Jolasek. "It is, afterall, a party," he answers Kierom, though he's still eyeing Jolasek. He finally finds his manners and says, "N'ka, rider of Sevath."
"Good night, Aivey. Thank you," E'sere calls after the girl as she vanishes again, watching her disappear with lips briefly pursed in something like amusement. Then, he glances back sideways at Kierom, nodding slowly as he arranges his plate before him. "No, I haven't had the pleasure," he notes of Kianda, glancing up to study the girl in turn. "Good to meet you, Kianda--I'm Wingleader E'sere." Formal names and titles, of course--who'd expect less of him? How are you all? Nice jacket, Kierom. Is it new?" Nevermind the obviously patched state of said coat and the fact it's plainly not Kierom's at all. Instead, making the polite chatter, he looks next to N'ka, nodding once to the brownrider. "Ah, good, then. You're out of the infirmary for good now, N'ka?"
R'vain stares for quite some time, then raises a paw to ineffectively smash down his hair. "Ain't heard about some lordling wanting th'Weyr t'host 'is turnday," grumbles the Weyrlingmaster to himself and whatever people might be within a six-foot range of him. He starts out into the crowd with a perplexed frown on, aiming instinctively for food. No, for drink. Realistically.
Deprived of the object of her intent eavesdropping long before she learns anything of import, Issa quickly excuses herself from the auntie, just beginning to warm up to full chattering speed, explaining herself away with words like 'wine' and 'flushed.' And so Issa braves the throng again, skirting to avoid the most chattery clumps of older women. The greenrider is in a reflective mood, it seems, for all her silent glances. Roa's table is noted, as she passes them, though she has a restricted smile for only the trader among them.
Corin and Navan continue to hold court by the fire. They wave their bracelets at anyone who gets close enough, proudly showing off what their only daughter did for them. Their only daughter who slinks back a little more to try to find a bit of shadow by the hearth to lurk into. Lurk, yes. She hasn't run yet, but it's clear she very well might soon if things continue to grow. Really, her parents will expect it at this point anyway.
Aida's smile turns to something more 'private', tinged with understanding as it is for Roa's benefit. She reaches out to attempt to slide her free arm companionably around the goldrider's shoulders for a brief squeeze, following the gesture with a wink. It's as reassuring as she can be without offering words. "You're well tonight, I hope?" She asks, before the question is extended to Natain as well with both gaze and the added, "And you?" Further words begin, likely to answer the trader's question -- but it was directed to Roa and so she only smiles and gives a light nod. Even if Issa's smile was meant only for Natain, it earns the greenrider a lift of her glass in something of mixed salute and acknowledgment.
Jolasek turns his attention to Kianda at first, offering a soft smile. "No, we haven't." he says shyly, "I'm Jolasek, or Jol, I guess. And no--" and now his gaze slowly moves to Kierom and N'ka, "--I don't. Not for the next few seconds." He smiles a little more now, but slightly crooked and returning Kierom's nod. It’s then that he notices N'ka's attention on him and the stablehand shifts a little nervously before clearing his throat and nodding his head politely. "Well met, N'ka." he returns, his voice low again. "As I told Kianda here, I'm Jolasek." He then straightens up a little, fingers beginning to tap lightly against his glass. Ting, ting, ting. He then looks over at E'sere for a brief moment, offering a short nod before noting half to himself and half outloud. "Quite the gathering tonight."
A couple more people join in the music playing, trading out now. The song picks up in tempo and soon there's a reel being played and much laughing of people as they dance.
Shifting a little uncomfortably and blushing a little more, Kierom chooses to answer E'sere's question first, "Well, yes it is a new jacket to me, E'sere.." Kie eyes E'sere just for a moment before turning to Jal, "I'm Kierom, or Kie for short. You're one of the other stablehands here, right?"
Kianda meets N'ka's gaze with a puzzled one of her own, before summoning up her smile again, inclining her head to E'sere. "Honored to meet you, I'm sure, sir," she offers politely. A quick glance is aimed toward Kierom at E'sere's observation, but the girl comments not, instead turning her attention to Jolasek. "Ah, is that right? Stablehand, that is? That must be enjoyable, getting out to ride when the runners're exercised, no?"
"As a matter of fact, yes. I am. Healers decided I was well enough to be on my own," N'ka replies, his tone even, but not terribly friendly. He thunks his wine down on the table, a more forceful gesture than the delicate glass deserved. "Now that we all know each other," and his gaze flickers between Kierom and E'sere, "Perhaps it's time to enjoy this party?" A quirk of his mouth, and he slips out of his chair with a fluid ease, as if to prove his health. "Kianda, are you light on your feet? Not that I wish to steal you from your conversation, but I feel like a dance."
Roa's bite of redfuit is chewed and swallowed, and then winks and squeezes are accepted with a shy smile before she turns to Natain. "I have to assume, since the celebration is being held in a large public room, that any and everyone is invited." A rumble from the doorway followed by a large, loping red-haired figure heading towards the buffet table catches her eye, and he Weyrlingmaster's presence evokes a smirk. Point proven. It's then that she notes Issa and, like Aida, offers a greeting- a smile- for the one that was not offered from the greenrider. Then, lastly, Roa turns back to Aida. "I'm quite well, thank you. And you? It's a mite..." overwhelming? Teeming? "...busy in here."
Natain's attention tracks Issa momentarily, his memory taking a second to trigger before he calls in greeting, "Store room-- for the buckle. I found it, a few hours later. I should've taken your good advice." With smiling chagrin, he shakes his head like the matter is too big for him to figure out all by his lonesome. Back to Roa and Aida, he answers the H.A. (which is a lot shorter to type than Headmaster's Assistant), "Doing well. I've gotta few things for you, but I'll just drop them off later or something? I left them all behind. --Busy's one word for it."
"I knew I hadn't seen it on you before," E'sere continues blithely to Kierom, his smile satisfied. He glances briefly over his plate, so thoughtfully prepared by Aivey, and takes a couple of small bites with manners as impeccable as ever. "I'm glad to hear that, then, N'ka," he tells the brownrider absently as he makes as though to leave. "So you're both stablehands," he says, glancing between Jolasek and Kierom curiously. "How is that going, by the way? I don't think I asked last time we ran across each other." The latter, to Kierom.
Jolasek doesn't seem to notice Kierom's odd jacket, but is interest instead is focused on what he asked him. "Yes, I am." he says, somewhat hesitant, one brow raised. "Somewhat new, mind you. Are you the newest, Kierom?" Apparently someone has been listening to some gossip, or he's taking a wild guess. His attention turns to Kianda and he chuckles dryly, "That's right and its one of the perks. Although I'm usually set to cleaning, rather then exercising." Jolasek then falls silent, almost immediately as his fingers regain their nervous tapping against his wine glass. He glances up at N'ka now as he asks Kianda for a dance, smirking softly at something. His thoughts or the rider? Either way, he looks back to E'sere when again his rank comes into question. "That I am and have been since I arrived here."
Kierom peers at N'ka curiously and shakes his head, drinking more of the wine. Kie addresses E'sere, "Well, I'm actually settling into it now, since that was what my dad trained me to do. I remember more than I thought I would." Kie nods at Jol, "Cleaning is a lot of work, but the exercising is the fun part, if we can." Kie cocks his head at E'sere, "Everything going well with you?"
The gratuitous smiles from the Roa and Aida both go ignored as Issa passes their table, but she's called back by the words of the trader, pivoting to offer him a second smile for his trouble. "I'm glad, trader. We'll have to see about the perfume when we can meet sometime when there aren't quite so many prying ears." The pleasantries have a sneaking sense of some other meaning, but whether it's a flirtatious proposition or a darker jab at those nearby is open to interpretation. She spares the other two women a glance and, finally, smiles their way as well. But it's fleeting and she's turning again, now heading directly for where the wine sits.
R'vain reemerges from the crowd by the tables eventually, only to have to start back into the rest of the crowd now encumbered by a glass of wine in one hand. He frowns, gives up on that, and slinks off toward the wall to work around toward the lower caverns passageway in that way instead. But along the way he has opportunity to 'accidentally' brush shoulders with a kitchen girl carrying a tray of pastries, and in the process of 'helping' her to rebalance her burden switches his glass to the other hand so he can drift a paw over her derriere. She glances at him, says something shaped a bit like 'sir' with a question in her eyes, a little reproachful. But R'vain just clicks twice at her, a trick of tongue upon teeth. Satisfied he goes his way. A little horrified, /she/ goes /hers./
Kianda flickers a dismissive gesture at a comment of Jolasek's. "Cleaning's not so bad, when you consider the consequences of the alternative," she grins cheerfully. Another bite she gets into her mouth, then she swallows- gulps, rather- as she looks at N'ka in surprise. Her eyes start to shift toward Kierom, then she clears her throat and grabs for a quick drink from her wine as she rises with a sweet smile. "I tend to tread feet, N'ka, but with you as a partner, I've no doubt I'll improve beyond all measure."
"They let me in," Aida adds cheerily to Roa's words of everyone's invitation, wiggling her glass in indication. It's promptly drained a beat later and simply set aside, that hand lifting to brush curls out of her face. Even when she's dressed up, her hair won't behave. Boo. "It *is* terribly busy," she agrees. "But I'm well. Glad for the chance to be social, honestly -- the bulk of my time is spent working, these days." This does not seem to be a complaint, given the pleased little smile that follows those words. With that said, she looks more directly at Natain, lifting an eyebrow at him and mock-complaining, "You're going to spoil me, or at least ensure that I spoil myself thoroughly. Yes, later is good. I would not wish to cart them all around here even if you had brought them." Issa and her behavior draws the assistant's attention, and her eyes leave her companions to follow after the greenrider. Hmm.
N'ka grins, widely, and gestures towards the dancefloor. "Off we go, then. And I'll warn you that I'm a bit rusty." Before he actually makes for the designated dancing area, he allows another gaze towards the trio he's leaving. A slight nod of his head is his polite, though short, adue and he moves for the dancefloor, escorting Kianda if she allows him.
"And how long has that been?" wonders E'sere politely. "Where are you from--Jolasek, yes?" he makes certain of the name. Another look to Kierom then, and he agrees, "Quite well, in large part. I nearly broke my neck earlier tonight--my new acquaintance Aivey (I don't suppose you've met her, either of you?) was mopping, and I didn't catch the wetness in time. But, I got dinner out of it, so I'll not complain." He lifts his plate slightly to indicate it, meal continued in unhurried fashion. "Have fun, you two," he adds absently after N'ka and Kianda as they rise.
Roa watches as Issa comes and Issa goes, and the snubbing does not evoke much except for disinterest, Roa's gaze wandering back to her tablemates. Brows do lift high as Aida drains her glass, but the goldrider says nothing about it. Only takes another bite of redfruit, chewing and swallowing, before asking Natain, "How long do you think you'll be staying here?"
Jolasek stops tapping his fingers along his glass long enough to take a small sip of the remaining wine. As he does, he side glances to Kierom again, "Hopefully someone warned you about the one runner, right?" he says with a rather serious expression set on his face. But his attention is drawn back to Kianda before he can continue, "Hmm? Oh, I suppose. I don't mind the cleaning. Something to do while the weather is nasty." He gives both her and N'ka one last glance before turning to look over at E'sere now. The stablehand only seems to regard the rider with a long glance before simply saying, "Keroon." And then the tapping against his wine glass starts up again. "And yes, its Jolasek." he adds, somewhat bluntly before adding in "And I'm afraid I haven't caught yours?" He seems to relax a little now, the tapping stopping. "Aivey? No, I haven't. Well, might've seen her in passing but never long enough to put a face to a name." he says with a faint smile.
The gathering by the hearth seems intent on celebrating amongst themselves even with the addition of all the other people. Corin breaks them off a little in deference to her husband's desire to not be in a giant crowd. But, they don't look upset at the way things have turned out. Rather, the party that has gathered is watched with much amusement. Although Navan does look more and more at his daughter. Not just because she never got another glass of wine either.
Natain pauses long enough to make it plain that he noticed Issa's sneaking sense, but his smile, nod, and words are hint-free. "Looking forward to it." That's professionalism, ladies. "I could rattle off a line as how women oughta be spoiled, even if it is by themselves, but I'll spare you. Who is she, by the way?" A nod indicates Issa off by the wine, off by herself. "Ummm," as he turns back to Roa, brows knitting in thought. "Till the end of summer at least. Did you need something particular?"
Kierom watches as N'ka takes Kianda to the dance floor and nods at Jol, "Yes they did....eventually. I don't mind the stables and have gotten used to it." Kie motions to an empty chair, blushing slightly, "Join us, E'sere? Unless you have somewhere else you need to be?" Kie glances at the dance floor again, takes another drink of wine and offers E'sere a smile.
Kianda keeps a straight face as she takes N'ka's arm, despite the fact that she deadpans, "That's because of your iron constitution and brazen demeanor, my dear brownrider." It must be the wine; certainly she's never so flirtatious on a day-to-day basis. "But no worries, methinks. Just dance... naturally."
Aida lifts her brows in turn in echo of Roa's expression, giving the goldrider a fairly plain 'What?' sort of look. It's followed by another warm smile, and then she's rolling her eyes and flashing an impish grin Natain's way. "I think that counts as rattling off a line," she points out. "So you've hardly spared me. I believe her name is Issa; I don't know her, I've just met her in passing. She's very nice, and I *thought* particularly friendly. The crowd might be a bit overwhelming." One shoulder is lifted in an idle shrug, her eyes seeking the greenrider out again.
"Wingleader E'sere," the man introduces himself quickly. "I'm sorry; my manners are somewhat scattered tonight. But Keroon, ah. They've good runners, from what I understand?" As he says so, he moves to slide into none other than N'ka's recently vacated chair, making himself quite at home. He arranges his food in front of him. "No, no other demands on my time this evening," he confirms after a second, eyes cutting back toward Kierom. "I've offered my congratulations to the happy couple and so I'm caught up on all my duties."
N'ka seems to keep that in mind, as he inclines his head towards her, leading her to the floor with a gentle hand to the small of her back. "I think it has more to do with me not seeing a dancefloor for a few turns," he happily replies, his voice light. For the moment, it's clear his eyes are on Kianda only. When the do reach the dance floor, he spends a moment finding a comfortable position with Kianda. "Ready?" he asks, giving her a wink. "No going back now. Should I fear for me toes?"
Eventually R'vain makes his way fully 'round the room to the end of the rows of tables. Beyond them lies his goal, the passageway leading to the lower caverns. But between there and here is a greater obstacle than just tables-- temptation. Roa, there, in sight, and with her a blue-eyed young woman. Sights, and excuse to see them. So the Weyrlingmaster prowls among the tables toward that new target, spreading a toothy grin over his mouth as he goes.
Jolasek chuckles a little to Kierom, "Well, thankfully they did. Because I was informed after the fact." He nods his head respectfully to E'sere, "Well met, in any case." he says to the Wingleader. At the mention of the Keroon runner stock, he seems to settle a little more into his seat, relaxing. Or is the wine finally kicking in? "Of course they're good runners. Mind you, I haven't heard the latest news from my folks up in the Beastcraft. But still, some fine runners." He then glances back over to the larger crowd and to where the happy couple still reside. "Ahh, so that is what the festivities are about?" he murmurs. Trust Jol to always be a slight step behind.
Issa pours herself wine once she reaches the table, curving her fingers about the belly of the glass and settling herself into a glamorous sort of slouch as she turns again to watch the crowd. Missima is found again, a quick glance just to keep track of her mother's erratic movements through the crowd as she heads for the dance area with another older harper. A sigh is exhaled, quiet enough but visible in the lift of her shoulders, and she lifts the glass for a long draught.
Kierom glances at the table of honor as his eyes turn back to E'sere, "Yes, duties are important." With a glance at Jol, Kie smiles, "Well, it does pay to know a few of the guards here before you go to work in the stables." Kie takes yet another drink of wine as he glances at the dance floor before turning his gaze back to E'sere, not commenting that he took N'ka's seat. "Getting Duties done early means you have more free time later, right?"
If Kia's surprised at the unbroken attention from N'ka, she gives no sign of it. "I quite assure you," she smiles up at him, "Your toes are quite safe. The rest of you, however..." The girl trails off with a chuckle. "Shall we?"
Miniyal hasn't fled yet, she's just being very quiet and very still in her spot near enough to her parents. She can hear what's being said by them, but doesn't contribute anything to the conversation. Quite content to stand with her hands behind her, holding the wall up as she occasionally looks beyond her parents to the party that's gathered.
Roa hmms, looking over at Natain. "Oh, no nothing in specific. I was only curious. Although, I suppose, if you have the time, I wouldn't mind looking at your scarves. The thin silky sort. Aida's right. Her name is Issa. She's a greenrider. Oshisyth is her dragon." Comments on the woman's friendliness are not really touched upon, and she may have lapsed into silence except, look who's come prowling closer to the table. And now...here is something one may never see again...Roa actually breaks into a delighted, *delighted* smile as R'vain skulks closer. "Weyrlingmaster. Good evening."
"I've only visited Keroon briefly," admits E'sere, "and I didn't have time to really see the runners while I was there. A shame, I think, to go to a place and not see the very things it's famous for." He shakes his head, expression wry, until Kierom speaks again. "It does, it does. Did you need something?" he agrees easily, with a brief nod of assent.
N'ka laughs comfortably as he swings Kianda into a comfortable spot on the dancefloor. He chooses a relatively easy step (Oh, heck, he's utilizing the 'step and sway' method) to the current song. His characteristic eyebrow arch reappears, and he says in amusement, "I'm not sure whether to be scared, or pleased." A brief glance over Kianda's shoulder, and then he has her attention once again. "See now? Isn't this much more fun than chatting about tea?" he teases.
Natain laughs weakly, echoing, "Overwhelming. Mmyep. Looks like she found the wine, so good on her." He takes possession of an abandoned chair with his fingers clasped along the back of it, staking his claim without sitting in it. After Roa greets the Weyrlingmaster, he tosses in an additional, "Evening, sir." Then, abruptly, "Do you dance, Aida?"
Jolasek shrugs his shoulders a little and resumes the tapping of his fingers again against the wine glass. "It is a shame, but there's always another time. I haven't been back to Keroon since I arrived here." He then glances back to Kierom, a thoughtful, if not curious look on his face as he does. "Weren't you a guard before?" he asks, even as his gaze moves towards the dance floor, watching the dancing pairs for a moment with little interest.
Aida's head turns when Roa breaks out with that smile, and starts looking past to try and spot who it is that the woman is beaming at. When Roa actually speaks her greeting, there's a brief touch of startle in her expression, and then she too is offering a warm smile in R'vain's direction. "Good evening, sir," she adds, her tone entirely friendly. Nothing further though, because then she's turning her attention back to Natain. Pause. His question apparently requires a good bit of consideration before she eventually gives an agreeable sort of nod. "I do," she says. "Not terribly /well/, mind."
Kianda lied. Oh, she's not the best dancer around, but she's had practice, and it shows. Easily falling into step with N'ka, she lets her expression change slightly, to that of a girl enjoying herself. "You may just have a point there, N'ka," she murmurs. "Rusty or no, somehow this is a lot more fun with you than it was with my little brothers."
That smile is an invitation. How could it be otherwise? R'vain finishes his approach and slides up next to a chair near Aida, Roa and Natain, dropping a big hand onto the seatback for a rest. "Good evening," says he with a nod of his wineglass first to the woman he doesn't know but in passing, then to the one more familiar, and last to the trader. To /him/ R'vain makes a quick comment, easily enough lost in the offering of a dance, "Still have a mind t'buy something from you." Just in case all the women are apt distraction from business. Hey, it works for some. The Weyrlingmaster turns his grin again upon Roa, the number of teeth revealed only increased to reflect her own apparent willing greeting. "What's th'occasion, weyrwoman?"
From the kitchen emerges a trio of cooks. Between them they carry a cake, very carefully, across the room. To the hearth they go where the cake is set down on a smaller table dragged over for the purpose. It's the sort of cake often served at weddings and is definitely quite fancy all things considered. It is set down with a flourish and Corin and Navan clap and oohh over the cake. Even Miniyal perks up at the sight of it, although she's not likely to actually partake.
Kierom gives Jol a brief smile as he answers, "Yes, I was sent here as a guard from Nabol where my brother is, but most of my family lives in Big Bay. Due to circumstances, I am now a stablehand here since I didn't want to leave." Kie doesn't comment more on the situation as he glances again at the dance floor before smiling at E'sere and a faint blush touches his cheeks, "Well, nothing big E'sere, just wanted to.....talk sometime if you weren't busy?" Kie raises an eyebrow at E'sere, still smiling.
N'ka steps it up a bit, seeing as he has a talented partner. He introduces a few more fancy moves, and a twirl here or there. He grins, and his eyes dance as he responds, "Why, thank you. And, if I do say so myself, Kianda," and he pulls a swift twirl just then, "You're rather light on your feet. And here you lead me to believe I'd be the talented one of this pair." N'ka plays the courtly gentleman, though his smile is genuine towards his partner. Continuing their thread of conversation, he offers lightly, "And while my sister wasn't horrid, it's much nicer to dance with someone not related. Makes me look better in front of the higher ups."
"Another time," agrees E'sere. "Someday, when I'm less busy, I'll make it a point to visit. I believe an acquaintance of mine from the Caucus is posted there now, actually, so perhaps I'll go visiting." Said musingly, accompanied by a light shrug toward Jolasek. Then, to Kierom: "Certainly," he replies with another short nod and a quick smile. "I've always time--or at least, I can make time where I need to."
Intentional or no, the query seems to be misinterpreted and Roa lifts her hand at R'vain's question to gesture around the room. "Corin and Navan's twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. I'm not sure if it was intended to get quite this large but, well, here it is." Yes. Indeed. Natain and Aida and their discussion of dancing is given a glance, brows lifted slightly, but she adds nothing to it.
Natain returns glossily to R'vain, "Still have a mind to sell something from you. When the timing-- and the crowd's-- a bit more friendly for trade." Which a crowded room with a big, fluffy cake is not. He drops a hand toward Aida, palm up invitingly, pulling his smile a bit to the left with the invitation. "Do you dance with people you buy scarves from? --Which. Yes. I'll put some away for you too, Roa. Any color in particular, or a little of everything?"
"You've stumbled onto another feminine secret," Kia manages to tease between the faster moves. "We females enjoy being underestimated, even when it comes to dancing." She does have to laugh at N'ka's last comment. "You don't really seem the type to worry about what the higher ups think of you. You smile too much to be worrying so."
Jolasek raises his brow again, "Oh really? From the Caucus?" he muses, but then chuckles lightly, "Well, if and when you visit, do tell me. Or I can let you know the best times to go." As for Kierom, he doesn't seem to prod more out of him at all, but instead nods his head a little. Yet he still looks like one eager to hear more, but he simply looks away and back to the dance floor. "Well, in any case, we'll probably enjoy having you help in the stables. More, the merrier." he says to Kierom without directly looking at him, his gaze now fixed on the dancers and then on the arrival of the cake. "Well, would you look at that?" he says while turning back to look at both the new stablehand and Wingleader. "Cake and everything. Quite the party, if you ask me."
Aida casts a glance Roa's way at the brow lifted look, her own expression touching with something of a challenge. It's held for two heartbeats, and then she's putting on another warm smile and turning back to Natain, this time not pausing in the slightest as she reaches to place her hand in the one offered. "Not usually, but I will make an exception in your case," she tells him. With answer given, she notes towards Roa (and by proximity, R'vain), "See you later."
N'ka shakes his head, pretending to look miffed. "I do?" he asks, dancing comfortably. "I thought I smiled at just the appropriate moments, when the situation calls for it?" He grins again. "Underestimate? Kianda, if women want to be underestimated, I've got that done pat." Leaning in, he whispers, "At the moment, I'm getting used to you startling me. Crazy conversations, fancy dance moves. I'm going to need to sit down just so I can figure out what's going on." He grins again, teasing once more, and laughs light heartedly.
Kierom nods at Jol and smiles a little, "I do enjoy the work, even though it can be hard at times." Kie takes another drink of wine and blushes again, turning his attention to E'sere, "I do have some questions for you when you get a chance?" Kie raises an eyebrow, not wanting to bother the Wingleader just right now though.
E'sere smiles at Jolasek, nodding. "I'd appreciate the advice. My friend is the Weaver posted to the Hold now, as I recall--Latrim's his name. A good man, though I haven't seen him recently. We were together in the inaugural Caucus, and I must say, he made a fine shirt even then." He plucks pointedly at the sleeve of his own current one then before continuing his slow progress through his meal. "Of course," he adds sidelong to Kierom. "It's a little too busy here now to talk, so once it's cleared out a little?"
The cake is cut with little ceremony, although Corin and Navan do it together, laughing at something they've whispered to one another. As it is cut the kitchen workers begin to pass it around. There's plenty, it seems, for everyone to get a slice. Around the room it goes, slices of cake for everyone!
"A wedding anniversary." R'vain looks up and casts a gaze out into the crowd. Now that he knows what he's looking for he can, after a few moments, pick out the general idea of the pair and the celebration's purpose. He grins a bit as the cake becomes part of the celebration, but is distracted by Aida's farewell and flicks her a jaunty little salute and sly cheshire grin. "Enjoy th'dance," he says, then draws back that chair beneath his hand. A look at Roa might, actually, request permission. Then he does one better. "Mind if I join you a sec?"
Kianda laughs, initiating a twirl or two herself. "Now, what would be the fun in being predictable all the time? For either of us, eh? And I think," she aims a jerk of her chin toward the circulating cake, teasing right back, "That your stomach is what's driving you to a seat."
The song comes to an end, people laughing as they go off to get cake. The next song played is a slower one and Corin and Navan abandon the fire to go dance, leaving their cake for when they are done dancing.
Natain pats the back of Aida's hand with his fingers briefly, saying, "That's gracious of you, an exception in my case." He looks duly flattered while he draws Aida toward a partially cleared space where a couple has just swept off to get some cake, leaving R'vain and Roa with a nod back that way. "Are you actually not a good dancer? 'Cause every girl I've ever asked to dance has said that exact thing," he informs on the way over.
Jolasek leans back in his chair a little, "Oh yes, it can be. But not as hard as some work can be." he offers in reply to Kierom. Back to E'sere, he smiles crookedly again. "Ahh, I'll be sure to remember that name. Maybe my folks have heard of him." His expression then shifts to a thoughtful one as the stablehand seems to drift off into his thoughts for a moment. Just as the cake is being served, he pushes his chair back and stands. He gives a quick glance around the caverns before starting his farewells, "Well...I should get going. It was nice meet you both." he says somewhat hurriedly, giving no explanation as he nods quickly to both the other stablehand and Wingleader before slipping into the crowd and then out towards the lower caverns. And he lingers a moment at the entrance to the lower caverns, before disappearing completely.
"Blue and silver, by way of color," Roa says to Natain, in reference to scarf preference. She lifts her hand in a small wave as the trader and Aida seem bound for the dance floor, and then she turns back, and must look considerably upwards at the weyrlingmaster. She pulls out a chair for herself, finally sitting at the table she's been leaning on as cake is sliced. "I don't mind at all, as it so happens." Roa's free hand, the one not holding napkin and redfruit, gestures towards the seat the Weyrlingmaster is nearest.
Kierom nods at E'sere, the blush nod fading, but he bites his lower lip a little. Kie waves to Jol as he leaves, "We'll chat more later, I'm sure. Well met." Kie smiles at E'sere, "Yes, when the crowd thins some, I definitely want to talk." With that, Kie takes a drink of wine, setting the glass back down, smiling.
"Have a sweettooth, hm?" N'ka asks, his gaze rising briefly to survey the area, cake included. "I could go for a bite. Though it's not my stomach that drives me. That's been placated." He slows their dance, and gives an informal half-bow to Kianda, grinning. "And, thank you for the dance. Nice to know, too, that my toes are safe."
Aida follows Natain towards the floor, only given a moment's pause when the music slows. Oh dear. She casts a glance back over her shoulder towards Roa and R'vain, then one around the cavern in general. Satisfied with whatever she sees (or doesn't see), she pulls her focus back to the trader, laughing and shaking her head. "I'm not particularly skilled, no," she says. "I've not had much practice. Thankfully, I'm not all that clumsy, either."
Kianda's eyes twinkle merrily, even as she returns N'ka's bow with a slight curtsey. "And the same goes for you. Dare I ask," she wonders rhetorically, turning to make her way back toward their table, "What /is/ driving you at the moment?"
"Consider it practice then? Seems like something someone in a high-profile position oughta know how to do off-hand." Not that Natain's position is all that high-profile, but he falls into the first steps of the standardized slow dance with practiced ease, keeping hold of Aida's hand, his own appropriately on her hip. "How'd you manage not to dance much? --We follow Gathers as much as we can, as many as we can in a given turn."
N'ka grins, and shrugs. "Perhaps this is a good time to start keeping secrets like you women do? I think I'll keep my motivations to myself." They make it to the cake (or, close as they can) and N'ka stands politely with Kianda. "Perhaps, though, it is my sweettooth as well? I've been eyeing the cake," he confesses, with a small grin. He takes a moment to glance back around the room, a casual seeming look at who is still here, and who isn't.
R'vain settles into the chair. "Thank you," he even manages to say, though he's starting to look a little suspicious, and his emerald gaze turns a bit keen upon Roa as he looks her over, starting with the outstretched hand and sweeping up to her face, then down to the redfruit. He's interrupted by the delivery of plates of cake, and sets aside his wine long enough to take two cake-servings and offer out one to the little Telgari. "Uh. You had some wine yet?" Read: Are you soused?
Miniyal does what a daughter is good at. Take things from her parents. So, while they dance their slow dance she grabs the opened bottle of wine by their glasses and takes one of the glasses as well. /Someone/ stole her glass too after all. Never trust an old man. Filling a glass she empties half of it, refills it, and returns the bottle to the table. But, she resists the cake. For now.
"Good evening, Jolasek," E'sere tells the stablehand as he departs as well. Then, to Kierom, he nods once, finishing his meal and setting utensils neatly across his plate before he pushes it away. "All right then. I'll be here--somewhere. I think I just saw L'ret--my wingsecond, have you met him yet? I'll have to introduce you at some point--I just saw him walk by, and I need to tell him a couple of things quickly while I've got him at hand. If you'll excuse me?" He's standing already, offering the former guard another quick smile before he hails the brownrider, stepping over to speak in quiet tones with him.
Proving that she was pretty much dead on in her 'not very good at this', Aida settles into the dance with a bit too much care, not terribly relaxed with it. There's no stumbling or toe stepping as she sets her free hand against the trader's shoulder, but it does take concentration for her to follow correctly. "It does seem like something I should get decent with," she says. "Perhaps I'll pester someone to teach me more thoroughly." This thought draws out a chuckle, and she rolls her eyes. "In between studying everything /else/ that I have been, though goodness knows how I'd find the time. And how did I manage? Mmm. I traveled with my father? I'm usually more interested in talking or watching than I am dancing, anyway."
"And so the student learns from the master," Kianda laughs. "I rather thought you might, though." Her quick eyes catch his wandering glance- at least the second of the night- and briefly follow it before she reaches for a pair of plates burdened with slices of cake. "Your sweet reward for an enjoyable dance, sir."
The little cake is accepted, as courtesy dictates, and set down on the napkin. And ignored as Roa takes another bite of redfruit. Chew, chew, swallow. "No wine yet. I think I'll be passing on alcohol tonight." Another bite of redfruit before she adds, idly, "and with the early mornings you've been having, you may want to moderate as well."
R'vain tips his head toward his glass. It is full, but singular. Moderation as far as he's concerned. Then he leans forward, resting an elbow on his knee so he can ask his next question in a lower voice, audible probably only two tables away instead of six. "Did I save you from certain doom or what? Not that I mind y'seemin' glad t'see me."
Kierom nods at E'sere, blushing some, "I do need to be introduced to him sometime, E'sere and will seek you out. I am glad you joined us here." Kie blushes more and glances quickly towards N'ka but is focused on E'sere as he smiles, "I still need to talk yo you soon."
N'ka favors Kianda with another smile, though it's far more stressed than before. "And so I do. But I think I shall go back on my previous words, and turn down the cake. Kianda, thank you for the dance, but I think I should take my leave. I'll see you in the caverns, I'm sure." He moves to give her a friendly hug, if she's amiable.
Natain asks with a gleaming smile, "That a subtle way of telling me that you'd rather be talking or watching than dancing? Because you could've said no, if that's the case." He does what he can to make up for Aida's stiffness, leading the slow turns a step slower and looser than they really ought to be. "Not as I'd like to take up your precious free time, but I've got some to spare for a week or two if you decide you actually do wanna learn. Could be leisurely studying? Instead of the dust-and-ink kind?"
Kierom watches E'sere leave, now sitting alone as his previous companions haven't returned yet and he glances towards N'ka and Kianda then, smiling a little.
Kianda looks up at N'ka, surprised, then her brow furrows slightly in concern as she looks him over. Hmmmm. "Well. Worn you out, have I?" she smiles slightly. Burdened with two plates, she couldn't avoid the hug even if she wanted too, but she doesn't try to duck away anyhow. "And that leaves more cake for me! Take care of yourself, then, N'ka."
"Actually," and Roa doesn't bother leaning forward as, quite frankly, her voice is soft enough as is, "I was hoping to speak with you anyhow, and was pleased that you obliged by showing up in a public place rather than necessitating my seeking you out in your weyr." The redfruit is polished off and fingers are wiped off on her napkin. The little cake remains, solitary and uneaten.
N'ka smiles, and nods his head at Kianda. "I'll tell you about it later. And," he leans in for a last whisper, "You were right. I snuck out. So blame the Thread for my lack of stamina." And then he's off, striding purposefully towards the table he had earlier abandoned. "Finished?" he asks, arching an eyebrow at Kierom. "Unless you want cake, this seems like a good time to leave." His voice is low, but not low enough to stop eavesdroppers.
"All right," replies R'vain. Crooked brows are usually too subtle for him, so Roa will have to settle for him having forked up a little nibble of cake and forgotten it midway to his mouth. It sits there on the tines, looking delicious, being ignored, between them as, intent, the Weyrlingmaster obviously awaits something more from the little Telgari goldrider.
The slow dance winds down and people leave the dance floor. Another slow song is begun, couples dancing closer now, as the ones there are passing up cake for now. Corin and Navan return to their seats and fresh wine is procured as they nibble at their cake and look over their gifts.
Kierom blinks at N'ka and nods. He peers at his wine again and then back to N'ka, "Leaving would be good I think." With that, Kie stands up and follows N'ka.
N'ka needs only that, and he's off, moving purposefully for the bowl without a backwards glance. And then, he's gone.
Aida rolls her eyes again, chuckling softly. She continues doing her best to follow along, and though she does eventually start to relax some, her steps are still not entirely sure. "I could've said no," she agrees. "But I did feel like dancing some tonight. I *ought* to, and so I do. It wouldn't do for me to be a wallflower." Pause. "And as much as I appreciate the offer, I think I should decline." This has her frowning briefly, but her smile returns soon enough, just as cheery as ever. Something more is almost added, but whatever it is goes unsaid, her mouth shutting on the words. As the song winds down, she starts to slow her steps, lifting an eyebrow slightly. Preparing to break away, without actually doing so yet.
Roa brings her hands up, elbows on the table (oh woe! Etiquette derailed!) and fingers clasping lightly. Leaning inward now, a little closer to the Weyrlingmaster and his hovering cakelet, the Telgari murmurs softly, "Tialith and I want in."
Kianda watches N'ka go, and murmurs softly to herself, "I'll hold you to that promise, brownrider." With a slight smile, she chuckles, and turns to return to her seat to feast.
Miniyal stares into her wine glass, still lingering by her parents as she watches them. The party continues on, although as the hour grows later people do start to wander off. Although cake is lingered over as is the wine since it's flowing so freely. But, perhaps it's the reason for the party, there's more and more couples going off.
Natain asks with natural curiosity and a bit of flair, "You think you should decline or you're gonna decline or you wanna decline? You think you should's a little vague." It also amuses him, gives him a momentary grin right in the middle of Aida's stuttered stop and brief frown, right around the time the song shifts. That has him pursing his lips promptly afterward, momentary irritation before he takes the polite step backward and relinquishes Aida's hand. "I should deliver you to the cake now, huh?"
So much for subtlety. R'vain stares at Roa for a moment, then throws his head back for a good, solid laugh. That, if not the words that caused it, can certainly be heard several tables away. Finally the Weyrlingmaster looks at the goldrider again, grinning as wolfishly as ever, eyes delighted. "Want in! Like it's some kind of honors committee! Y'got no idea-- well! I'll give you an idea. But you /will/ have t'visit me, weyr or office or sommat, for it." For emphasis he pops the bit of cake at last into his mouth, then puts plate and fork down next to the wine and leans close again to say something more quietly-- after swallowing, natch. "And f'this one visit, y'got my word I'll do only as y'ask me to. Safe as cotholds."
So much for subtlety indeed, but Roa's expression remains neutral, eyebrows only creeping upwards the littlest bit at that laughter and the raising of the ante. Maybe it's a threat or maybe it's a challenge, but the girl's chin tips upwards and the goldrider's response is only a single curt nod. Deal.
With her hand released and Natain taking a step back, Aida follows suit, her own step away taken and her hands folding together behind her back. There's a brief twitch of her lips up in amusement, whatever had her frowning forgotten. "You should," she agrees, a hint of emphasis on the second of the two words, something of a tease there. "Or at least to another glass of wine. We ought to go say hello to Miniyal, as well. As far as the teaching me to dance more easily goes...I am going to decline."
Issa seems to have overstayed her welcome at the wine table, for after she tops off her glass, she's on the move again, mingling until she finds herself near the happy couple again. A pensive sip, brought to her lips slowly and lowered just the same, is taken before she speaks. "Corin," she greets, waiting for the woman to look her way. "I never got to give you my congratulations. My mother tends to talk enough for the both of us, but I wanted to tell you myself." Issa carries off the easy sentiment with a practiced grace, nodding respectfully while she speaks, offering a charming smile. Her pale eyes dance across to Miniyal briefly as she pauses to drink.
Corin smiles at Issa from over her wine glass. "Oh, that's fine. Most mothers do fall into that habit I think. We have to go on about our children." Or child. Speaking of Corin's child, Miniyal notices the look from Issa, the second one in a night. What is up with that? But, she doesn't say anything about, she just barely managed a nod of acknowledgement of the look. Besides, her mother is talking. "Did you see what she made for us? Made is all by herself." Like a drawing made in the nursery, this will be displayed to anyone who gives her a chance.
With the deal sealed R'vain scoots back his chair and pushes up out of it, hands flat on the table to aid him up. Grinning and shaking his head at the Telgari weyrwoman, he remains caught up in his amusement long enough that he's off among the tables and through the doorway leading to the lower caverns stair without even seeming to know he's forgotten his cake and wine behind.
"Ought we?" asks Natain with a fractured chuckle, broken partway through. "Say hello for me-- since I've never even met her and now's probably not the best time to butt in for a how-do-you-do." Talking and leading on back toward the wine, he neglects to procure a glass for Aida, concluding in a daunted tone, "Think you can find your way safely from here? Rough going between cake and wine and courtesy calls, I know, but you up to the challenge?"
Mouth opens, mouth shuts again, and Aida gives Natain a bemused sort of look, disappointment lingering beneath the surface. She lifts a hand to tug on a curl, studying him for quite the impolite pause before she puts back on her smile. "I think somehow I will manage," she tells him quietly, though her tone is flippant. "Though I shall be weeping over the abandonment later, I assure you. Do enjoy the rest of your evening, though?"
Issa merely enjoys looking at people. Or so it would seem as her eyes slide over to Miniyal as she's brought into the conversation. "No, I haven't," she says, the conversationally inevitable response. Her inflection draws up to indicate that she would love to however. With something a little more surprising, "How are you enjoying the party, Miniyal?" Another look for the woman she knows only through their association with certain now-missing weyrwomen.
Natain glances to the tugged curl with a momentarily smitten expression. Like a lot of the looks that cross his face, it's hard to gauge its authenticity-- practiced as they often are. "And me without even a clean handkerchief to offer for all those tears. --Thanks for dancing with me, Aida. You weren't too bad. Enjoy the cake and what-not." Before he can make the mistake of talking himself into staying around any longer, he wheels on his heels and trots through the more navigable crowd to the lower caverns.
At her table, Roa is simply staring at that plate of mostly uneaten cake and at the glass of non-drunk wine. She shakes her head, a tiny smile creeping to her lips and fingers lift and flick lightly against that glass, making a dull noise. Then the Telgari pushes her chair back and stands, leaving cake and table and, as she seems to be heading towards the exit, the celebration behind.
Aida lifts her chin to watch Natain go only about halfway through the crowd, then swings her attention back around to the hunt for a glass of wine. Once she's got one in hand, she looks over towards the cluster around the happy couple -- and then apparently decides against her initially declared further course of action. So instead she looks to where Roa...was. Well. Frown. There's a moment spent hunting in the crowds for the tiny woman, but eventually she shakes her head and gives up, instead finding another table to lean against and nurse her glass as those dancing are watched again. She does at least have the grace to refrain from pouting, her easy smile settled back into place.
Corin smiles again and nudges Navan with her elbow. "Come on. Show her. Let me see yours too!" And she reaches for his arm to wrestle the bracelet off. It's just a wide ribbon that's been embroidered. Not perfectly, but still. Corin undoes hers as well and lays it on the table. When Navan's is placed under it it's a little more clear what it is. A map. Cleverly done, actually. And marking where High Reaches is there's a nice looking diamond. Probably nicer than Miniyal could really afford if people are paying attention. Two diamonds actually as both bracelets have one. The other one marks a spot on the map as well, but it's doubtful people would recognize the small cothold's location.
Miniyal blinks at the question and takes a drink from her wine before mumbling, "It's been lovely." That's what you say, yes?
Cake down the hatch, and Kia even manages to finish off the snacks she abandoned earlier. For several minutes, she sits back, sipping at her wine until it, too, is consumed. A yawn harkens bedtime, though, and she rises to meander her way toward the lower caverns. The double gift does make her glance over... and blink. After a moment of peering, she murmurs, "Clever," with a little grunt, and goes about her merry way.
Sparing a nod for Miniyal's answer, Issa moves to drink again. But she's interrupted in that motion by the presentation of the bracelets, which she then hovers over, her eyebrows lifting. "Beautiful," she marvels mildly, adding then, "Really clever." She straightens with a nod, favoring both Corin and Navan with smiles for their parental pride. "Well done." This bit is delivered at Miniyal, and the greenrider pins the records keeper with another gaze, waiting for a response.
Once the presents have been displayed, they are returned to the wrists they came from. Navan whispers something to Corin that makes her laugh as she looks around and then whispers something back. Miniyal finishes off her wine and just mumbles, "S'just a map. No big deal."
Aida watches and drinks, finishing the glass in hand off perhaps a bit more swiftly than she ought. It's traded for another and she abandons her leaning spot to mingle again, moving amongst people to find someone to chat with lightly. All smiles and cheer, of course. Chat chat chat.
"Just a tiny, intricately embroidered map. With diamonds. I guess you're right, no big deal." Issa's voice is as dry as the wine she then takes a sip of, and there's only the barest hint of a smile when the glass lowers. The greenrider is shooting one of her looks again, but this time it's for Miniyal's parents instead. "I'm surprised to see you still lingering," she admits, turning her gaze back to her only after the musing is complete. "I would have thought you'd have been following after Ganathon by this time."
"And give up our party so easily?" Corin teases with a lighthearted laugh. "Still, you are right, young Issa. We should be heading off soon. These late hours are for those younger than we are." Navan, delighted to get to leave, begins to gather up the gifts, having brought a basket to do just this in. So practical.
Miniyal looks at her parents as they gather things up and indeed, seems more relieved than anything. She can flee soon it looks like. "It's not very good," she manages to mumble. About her work most likely.
Aida's chattering partner leads her towards the tunnel that leads towards the lower caverns, and this time she doesn't turn away to find another. She just finishes her glass, finds somewhere to dispose of it, and slides on out.
Issa turns her smile on full force to see off the couple, swirling her wine idly. "It was good to see you both again," she offers, her dazzlingly socially acceptable responses continuing on their streak. "Have a good night." Miniyal she favors with a studious stare, a clear indication that she intends to keep the conversation going as soon as her parents are out of earshot. "Have you had a chance to meet our new Weyrleader," she does indeed continue, "Or are you biding your time?" The conversational nonchalance is seamless.
Miniyal lets her parents pack up without her assistance so it doesn't seem like she's rushing them off. At Issa's question she frowns and then just shrugs. "We've met," she says neutrally. Not a good meeting judging by her expression, but are any meetings good?
Corin and Navan get everything packed up and wave goodbye to their daughter and head out. They'd say goodbye, but look! She's talking. With another person. How could they interrupt that?
"Hm," Issa offers, nodding as she contemplates that answer and, probably more closely, that expression. "I'd love to hear your impression of him. If you don't mind," she adds, perhaps picking up on the other woman's awkwardness. She peers into her wine for a moment, but looks back to Miniyal, having to peer up as her chin is still tucked "With Diya gone, I find myself with a deficit of opinions."
Watching her parents go, Miniyal waits until she is sure they are gone before letting out a relieved sigh. Issa gets a thoughtful look and then a cautious look and finally a nod of her head. "We can talk sometime. I guess. Sure." Which is all the greenrider gets before the head of records mumbles something about work. In the middle of the night, of course. And then she flees.