Log file from Jacquia. 7/2/2000 17:20:39 Miner Courtyard Not especially large, the smooth stone area is still big enough to accommodate several dragons landing or taking off without danger from the cliffs. The ground is big square flagstones, cut from pale granite and remarkably hard wearing. However, at the midpoint of the courtyard is a creation of a master stoneworker - a centerpiece to draw the eye. It is a globe; a relatively stylized model of Pern, done with intricate inlay work that has covered the entire orb with semi-precious stones that gleam in the light - the high polish the work of dutiful apprentices. In diameter, it would be approximately ten feet (three meters). Looking northwards, people can see an imposing granite bluff with various openings cut into it - which is the MineHold itself. Nevertheless, glance west and you see the ground drops away steeply - a carefully paved wagon track leads down towards Tillek Hold proper. To the south is nothing but rough rocky outcrops, sharp-edged and dangerous land to traverse. The east is also rocky but a well-trodden path winds through the outcrops and up over a ridge. It is a winter late night. Obvious exits: Path to Firestone Quarry Mines MineHold Entrance Stables Wagon Track Fly Jacquia Petite is the word, although cute is not. Lean and lithe, she resembles a cat-made-human in her unconscious grace. Sharply unusual, her face is not one to be forgotten easily; from the keen-edged cheeckbones to the elegant line of her slim nose. Visibly tilted eyes are dark brown, meltingly velvet depths an almost hauntingly strong contrast to the paleness of her skin. Expressive as her gaze often is, her full lips colored a dusky rose are equally expressive. Compliementing her features is her hair, a sable mane of glossy waves that falls a little past her shoulders. She's clad in close fitting wherhide trews and a neat tunic, the former so dark a grey it is oft called black and the latter a dark, rich green. A cream blouse protects her arms, and her slim boots are matched by a slim black belt around her waist. Clinging to Jacquia's shoulder is Maixence. On her shoulder is a knot in black and white cords, shaped into a loop with a small tail and tassel. Pinned below the knot is a badge, the Tillek Hold crest with the crossed pick and shovel in black embroidery over it. These denote her position as a messenger for the Tillekan MineHold. She is awake and looks alert. Jacquia is 22 Turns, 5 months, and 20 days old. Bith ambles awkwardly in from the Steep Wagon Track. Bith Burnished copper intermingles with darkest bronze over a flowing torso; it is large and bulky, overrun with a thick musculature. Never one who could be called sleek in shape or form, his short -- nearly blunt -- coal black muzzle ends abruptly, clashing into the wan hide where large, expressive eyes settle. Pale flesh lasts only a moment, however, before it slips back into the stygian darkness. The remainder of his padded body hides beneath gargantuan wings of mottled umber and cinnabar; the appendages are nearly long enough to drag the ground when not in flight. A rare unfurling, though, reveals the glitter of polished bronze that touches torso, belly, and limb. Thick black leather straps are fastened securely around Bith's neck. Normal enough straps until they are seen closer. On one of the straps, D rings have been secured at intervals along the length of the strap. On the other, buckles have been tightly stitched to the leather. Astride Bith is D'ven. Bith is 2 Turns, 7 months, and 9 days old. He is 37 meters long, with a wingspan of 61 meters. Bith seems to be listening. From Bith's neck, D'ven slips off off the bronze, offering him a light pat on the foreleg. D'ven slides from Bith's neck and lands gently on the ground. D'ven Long hours spent in the care of his lifemate have made a difference in this once scrawny herder apprentice. Shoulders that have broadened and squared are just one of the changes that have occured since impression. Dishwater blond hair has been cropped short. Something remain the same, the dark brown eyes that consider the world around him have lost none of their curiosity nor has his smile lost any of its natural warmth. D'ven wears a black linen shirt, a row of ivory buttons down the front. It is tucked into a pair of black trousers that are tucked into black books. Perched on D'ven's shoulder is Budejovice. On D'ven's right shoulder he wears a knot comprised of orange and black cords with a single loop and a small tail with a tassle at the end. Through this is weaved a bronze ribbon. He is awake and looks alert. D'ven is 18 Turns, 10 months, and 20 days old. Bith rumbles as he settles down to consider. D'ven offer a quick grin as he looks around, finally spotting a girl,'Hello!' He calls out as he strides over. Jacquia is seated beside the huge globe that gleams softly in light spilling from the Hall's main entrance, apparantly alone and unoccupied. "Hello there!" is called out to D'ven, a smile tugging at her features. "Perhaps you could help me...I am looking for a gem...to be made into a necklace..." D'ven asks once he is close enough. Jacquia ahs softly and shakes her head, getting to her feet as she does. "No... well, not personally. I'm not a miner myself - I just live her. Work here. I'm their messenger. If you wnat, however, I could take you inside, to CraftHead. I'm sure they'd be able to find what you're wanting." D'ven nods his head quickly, his smile warming his face, 'I would like that very much...If its not taking you from your duties?' Jacquia abruptly laughs softly and indicates negative with another quick shake of her head. "No, not at all. I'm not an apprentice - they don't work me to a wraith." she offers with a return smile of her own. "This way then..." Accompanying her words is a quick gesture in the direction of the main doors with their welcoming light. Bith seems to have other plans...with a speed that seems impossible given his size, Bith has placed himself directly in the path of the pair and has begun to inspect the girl, 'Bith!' D'ven grumbles.."Must you?" Jacquia checks herself, haveing taken only a single step towards the MineHold. A bronze dragon is big enough to make anyone pause to reconsider - and she definately reconsiders. "I... I take it this is your lifemate?" she finally queries of D'ven, glancing sideways at him with a certain uneasiness. D'ven smiles in gentle reassurance, 'That would be Bith...and yes, he is my lifemate..I am D'ven....and as for waht he is doing?' He just looks askance at the bronze, who is very carefully sniffing the girl. After a few moments inspection, his tail wraps lightly around the girls legs. Jacquia stays very still. Not frightened but her self-assurance seems to have abruptly vanished. "Hello Bith." she offers the bronze, with a tilt of her head. "D'ven... Ah... I've not really met that many dragons. And umm, he seems to be in the way. If you're wanting to see the CraftHead that is." D'ven doesn't seem to respond for a few moments, his gaze turned inward as he converses with his lifemate. With a renewed interest, he turns back to the girl and asks,'By the way, I don't think I caught your name?' The girl blinks. And a blush creeps over her cheeks - she's usually quick to introduce herself. "Jacquia. I'm called Jacquia." is offered, witha slightly raised eyebrow and another smile - although it is a tentative smile. Bith just croons gently as he tightens his tail around the girl in his version of a 'hug'. D'ven just shakes his head, 'Silly.' He says aloud to the bronze before turning back to the girl, 'Bith has decided he wants to keep you.' Jacquia's expression shifts from uncertain beneath a strained smile to confused, to wary and then back to openly uncertain. "Keep me? D'ven, that doesn't make sense. Bith, why would you want to keep me? I'm sure I wouldn't be much use to you!" Hastily spoken words as she eyes the tightening tail. "Let me explain," D'ven adds with a smile, "We currently have a clutch of eggs hardening on the sands at Ista Weyr..and Bith thinks that you would make an excellent candidate." He pauses to ask warmly, 'Jacquia, will you return with us and become an Candidate for Serath's clutch?' "What?" Ah, Jacquia takes a little time to comprehend the request. "Oh. Search. Me." She stares at D'ven with her dark brown eyes open wide before swingign round to stare at Bith in exactly the same manner. Then back to D'ven. "I... I would be honoured to Stand as a Candidate for Ista." Bith offers a gently croon before he whuffles the girl, 'How soon can you be packed..and get permission?' D'ven asks even as Bith releases the girl. Jacquia is a messenger - she's used to packing quickly. "It shouldn't take long to ask Master Lachien. And I can be packed in minutes - not that I'll need so much of what I have here. Tillek winter clothes aren't the best for Ista." She semi-rambles, glancing at Bith to make sure she can move. Bith croons as he nudges her towards the door. D'ven chuckling, 'I think he is trying to hurry you...silly bronze' Jacquia laughs softly and vanishes, hair swirling round her shoulders and a trace of sweet but light scent left behind. True to her word, she doesn't take very long - although once she reappears it's with a collection of curious apprentices trailing out to watch as well. She carries a small backpack that evidently carries her clothes. D'ven grins as he reaches for the pack, 'Have you ever been between before?' he asks as he fastens the pack the Bith's straps. Tarila bustles in from the Steep Wagon Track. Jacquia nods, brushing strands of ebony from her eyes as she hands over her compact pack. "Once. It was... disturbing." Abruptly, she shivers but then shrugs. "We will come out again, won't we?" The question is asked with a arch tone, teasing gently. Tarila smiles, walking into unfamiliar surroundings. She looks around, and bites her lower lip a bit. "That is the general idea" D'ven notes calmly as Bith extends a foreleg. "Just use those D rings to climb onto his back." The newcomer is given a polite smile,'Good Evening' Tarila nods as she is spoken to... her eyes follow around to a dragon, and a small gasp is let out. "My..." she murmurs, and shakes her head, snapping back into reality. "Sorry; H'lo." Jacquia tosses a glance and a smile over her shoulder to Tarila but her attention is on the dragon before her. Onto his foreleg first, and then she uses the d-rings to scramble upward and finds herself aside the bronzen neck. You clamber up Bith's neck and set yourself between two neckridges. D'ven seems used to that reaction to his dragon, but he does look rather proud, 'Have a nice evening' He notes before he climbs up after Jacquia. D'ven clambers up Bith's neck and settles in between two neckridges. Tarila sighs softly, in awe of the dragon. "You too, sir..." D'ven settles down before turning to consider Jacquia,'All set..or do you need help with the buckles.' Jacquia is working out how the buckles go, nimble fingers fastening them securely. "Might be an idea to double check them... I don't want to learn I did them up wrong the hard way." D'ven chuckles as he leans back to verify..."Aye nicely done." Bith spreads his wings and takes off! Above Minecraft Hall The sky over the Minecraft Hall. Below, you see the Minecraft Hall. It is a winter before dawn. Obvious exits: Land Southwest West D'ven grins, 'Okay...we go Between now.' Bith disappears ::between:: with a snap of his tail. ----------------------- End Logfile.