Braith: It is further south on the Cubbadryt coast; nearer to where it becomes the Brenkon River.

Blodwyn: *smiles* You have a good family.

Garan: *bursts out laughing*

Zveja: *watches Tesmir*

Tristram: Let's just keep that notion between the two of us. *grins at the twins*

Yestin: Something about you is.

Aderyn: *guesses* Perhaps he smells something fishy

Lyneth: *thinks and then nods*

Rousen: Have you ever been there?

Hakor: *Smiles and nods* *Looks at Tilmere* Although sometime, I think he remembers them, and he's quiet... Tesmir sometimes asks about them, but usually we don't get many answers out of anyone who remembers them. *Looks back at Blodwyn and grins* But you have a good family too. Everyone is full of energy and smiles.

Orrun: *Laughs, watching Kedmir*

Kedmir: *Grins at Garan before turning Rits again, heading toward Aderyn/Tesmir*

Tesmir: *Watches Zveja* Don't even think about it.

Tilmere: *Laughs* Although with Tesmir around, he might have three. *Looks at Tristram* Aderyn says you work with mines? How does that work?

Tesmir: No I'm not! Get the thing out of my face, Aderyn, before I make it go away.

Tilmere: *Flashes Tesmir a severe warning look*

Rune: *Smiles* *Hums the lullaby he had sung for Talidor*

Braith: Not yet. Father says he is going to take me in another year or so when I am a bit older. Then I will be able to go to gatherings and dances like the older ones do.

Blodwyn: *nods knowingly* It is hard to remember and think of what would have been. *looks at Tristram* *smiles* Aye. Sometimes there is no quieting them. *eyes glisten as she chuckles* They do have their differences and disagreements at times, but they look after one another.

Tristram: *shakes his head* Our animals do. There is one mine on my property that I have hired men to work, but the owners of other mines also hire my animals to haul ore. I allow them use of the eguiterma and trained men to lead them, and get a percentage of the ore for my own trade. The baryonyx have not been very efficient as beasts of burden, but they can be much more swift and more fierce, so I have worked to have some of them trained for battle, scouting, and carrying messages should the need arise.

Aderyn: *looks firmly at Tesmir* Do not try that. He is trained for combat and can tell you are afraid of him. It would not go over well. *pulls Zveja back a bit*

Yestin: *to Tesmir* You're better off just giving it to him...

Lyneth: *sit and listens*

Gwenifer: *smiles*

Rousen: That sounds fun. Do you like dancing? Aren't there places nearby that host dances?

Hakor: *Nods* I suppose. But sometimes it'd be nice to hear stories... *Smiles* That sounds like us. Tilmere and Tesmir argue a lot sometimes, but if someone hurts either of them, the other steps up. *Looks at Tristram* What was it like, when you first met him?

Tilmere: So you would ride the baryonix into battle? Not horses? What kind of ore do you collect?

Tesmir: *Glowers at Zveja* *Glances at Yestin* Nuh-uh. There are too few times when I can get away with mischief.

Rune: *Smiles* Would you like the words? Or just the tune?

Braith: I do like dancing, and there are often dances in Etana, but I have to wait until I am old enough to attend them. Father says I will be next year. *smiles and looks excited*

Blodwyn: *laughs* First met? He can't have been any older than my granddaughter, Briath, is now... Far too much energy, he had then. For whatever reason, his father was short a foot messenger and he volunteered. He ran all of the way into Etana to deliver a message of business to my husband and was quite out of breath when he arrived. I invited him in for a drink, he caught a glimpse of my daughter, and suddenly the Scalestrides seemed to have very many messages to send. *grins*

Tristram: Many still ride horses, but should defense be necessary, a baryonyx would be more welcome to me. Nearly all of the mines in our region are of iron.

Yestin: I wouldn't call facing off Zveja as getting away.

Zveja: *watches but still obeys Aderyn*

Lyneth: ...words...

Rousen: Ah. So will you dance with first? Have any brothers laid claim?

Hakor: *Laughs* How many were love letters, I wonder. I'm just waiting for the day when Tesmir falls in love. Revenge for childhood misery has yet to be repaid.

Tesmir: I'm not facing off! I'm telling him off! There is a difference!

Orrun: To you, maybe...

Tesmir: *Crosses arms* I'm not giving it up.

Kedmir: *Pulls up beside Aderyn, almost forgetting he has to pull down and back* Giving what up?

Tesmir: *Realizes mistake* Nothing.

Rune: *Smiles, then inhales*

Close your eyes, I'll be near.
You'll be safe and warm in here.
Hush, my child, the night will fade.
There's no need to be afraid.

Jek: *Looks up at the sound of the lullaby, his eyes almost half-eager, but quickly looks away*

Braith: I'm not sure. Perhaps Father, but I don't think I will know until the day. No, none of my brothers have yet. Trevelian isn't so fond of dancing and Yestin and Garan would do something dreadful if I danced with one of them first.

Blodwyn: They didn't come until later. But his father knew him well and kept letters of business coming, and young Tristram Scalestride would show up at our door with flowers he claimed were for me because I always offered him refreshment (he reminded me so much of my boy, I could hardly help it). But while he would call on me and ask after our family and business and speak of the weather, he always had an eye out to see if he could find her through a doorway or out of a window... *smiles and shakes her head* That sounds more like my grandsons. What miseries will be repaid by his finding love?

Aderyn: Please just give him the fish, Tesmir. There will bit less trouble that way.

*most everyone is now watching, Tristram looking particularly concerned that there could be trouble*

Talidor: *falls back to sleep at Rune sings*

Lyneth: *listens and smiles*

Rousen: *Nods* If you could choose, who would you dance with?

Hakor: *Chuckles* Your son? What is he like? *Grins* Oh, childhood pranks he's pulled on me. Hiding my pillow, stealing desserts... maybe a few things he has done to the others.

Tesmir: *Scowls and tosses a part of the fish at Zveja* P(

Kedmir: *Glares at Tesmir* You thief!

Tesmir: You let it sit there to be trampled on or stolen anyway! *Backs away from Zveja more*

Rune: *Smiles at Talidor* Still a bit sleepy, eh?

Orrun: *Has taken to examining Ausma with fascination*

Braith: Probably Father. But I wish I didn't have to wait a whole year before I can go to a proper dance.

Blodwyn: He would have been just my son-in-law's age, but I lost him when he was very young. *waves her hand dismissively* How will love allow you to revenge him?

Zveja: *catches the bit of fish and swallows it*

Aderyn: Zveja would likely have ended up with it anyway.

Gwenifer: *smiles*

Lyneth: *nods* He always falls asleep like that.

Ausma: *lifts up her head and looks at Orrun* *decides he isn't a threat and ambles over to a tree, stands on her hind legs, and pulls a branch down with her mouth*

Rousen: *Nods* It won't seem too long. Keep busy and time will fly. You could even practice.

Hakor: Oh, I'm so sorry. *Grins a little* Ah, I get to embarrass him in front of the special lady. He's too alert for me to catch him, but with his attentions on the lady...

Tesmir: *Stares at Zveja* There, you've had your fish. Happy?

Kedmir: Yes, but still... I've never known my brother to steal.

Rune: *Smiles* He probably needs to replenish his energy often.

Orrun: *Follows Ausma* *Climbs the tree and watches from above*

Briath: *smiles* I do sometimes; with Father or Lyn.

Blodwyn: *smiles* You sound like my grandsons.

Zveja: *starts sniffing at Tesmir again, but Aderyn calls him off and turns him away*

Aderyn: *furrows brow*

Tristram: *sees Aderyn pull Zveja back and relaxes*

Gwenifer: Aye, he has plenty of it when he is awake.

Lyneth: *hums a little bit*

Ausma: *breaks a branch and pulls it to the ground to eat the leaves off before coming up for another*

Trevelian: *has wandered away from the conversation with Tristram and Tilmere* *approaches the tree* Beautiful, isn't she?

Rousen: That must be fun. What dances do you enjoy?

Hakor: *Grins* Tesmir can't have all the fun. He learned from Jek and me, but now Jek isn't much fun, so I'm usually called on for mischief. Although I do get a coin or two out of it when Tilmere asks me to talk Tesmir out of really out there schemes.

Tesmir: *Glowers at Zveja* *Looks at Aderyn* What?

Tilmere: *Watches Tesmir, frowning, then turns back to Tristram* What do you do with the iron? How light are the baryonix?

Rune: *Glances at Lyneth but quickly looks back at Gwenifer, but listens to Lyneth's humming* All little tykes do. Does he usually behave himself, or is he has mischievious as his brothers?

Orrun: *Leans over, watching closely* She is. Although something so big looks like it ought to be carnivorous, but she eats leaves. *Reaches up and yanks a short branch off and dangles it within Ausma's reach.*

Braith: The cwlwm (cooloom) and the lein droi (lain droy) are my favorites, but there have to be a lot of people for them to work well.

Blodwyn: I am certain Trevelian would be quite well off if he could convince he's brothers to avoid trouble.

Aderyn: Nothing. *takes Zveja a few paces away* *to Kedmir* How is she coming?

Tristram: Trade the raw ore, or have it melted and refined. I am not very familiar with that process, but from there it can be forged into useful things. Light? Oh, not very light at all, but they are nearly all muscle so they are incredibly swift when they need to be.

Gwenifer: He is active, but a good boy. He is fascinated by everything. *rubs Tal's back as he sleeps on her lap*

Trevelian: I have heard stories from beyond the Sands that there are many large creatures that browse as the deer do. There is also said to be a monstrous beast in the Cubbadryt that does the same.

Ausma: *reaches up and pulls the branch down*

Rousen: How do you do the cwlwm? I've never heard of either of those.

Hakor: *Grins* Probably. *Glances at Gwenifer* Did your daughter like mischief as a child?

Tesmir: *Watches Aderyn nervously, but turns away to the twins* So, what do you to enjoy doing?

Tilmere: *Nods* Are they good for fighting, with all that muscle?

Rune: *Smiles* As is natural for any child. *Looks at Lyneth* That was beautiful.

Orrun: Whoa, really? Where are the sands? *Smiles when Ausma takes the branch and tries to find a really leafy one for her*

Braith: In the cwlwm, everyone puts their hands in the center and clasps two other hands at random. Then the people become as a rope and must be untangled.

Blodwyn: She watched it from afar, but she minded her manners well.

Aderyn: *to Kedmir* He hasn't swiped things as a lark before?

Garan: Anything fun.

Yestin: And preferably not boring.

Garan: You?

Tristram: Aye. I have seen the wild ones squabble rather brutally. We have not yet had a need to see them in human battles, but I have endeavored to train them to recognize familiar colors so that they do not simply attack whatever may move.

Gwenifer: Aye. The world seems all sunshine to them. *smiles*

Lyneth: Thank you. Your song was pretty.

Trevelian: Some few hundred miles to the east and stretching as far south. Would you like to ride her?

Rousen: *Smiles* That sounds fun. How do you do the lein droy?

Hakor: *Grins* She never found mischief?

Kedmir: *Shrugs* On occasion he will snitch things from his brothers, but not usually from other people. *Smiles and rubs Rits' neck* She handles beautifully. I believe it's me that's the awkward one.

Tesmir: *Grins* Probably the same. I enjoy climbing things.

Tilmere: *Nods* That's a good idea. Are wild ones more prone to attack whatever moves?

Rune: In troubled times, making sure the sun shines for little ones is the best thing for them. *Smiles at Lyneth* Thank you. It many a time put me in my wee years to sleep. It still does.

Orrun: Wow. That sounds so far away... *Blinks* I... I can? I mean, you would let me?

Braith: That one is more complex. The party forms two facing lines and the steps are a somewhat intricate dance of weaving around the other dancers. I have practiced it some with my family, so I hope I won't make any mistakes when I can dance in company.

Blodwyn: Never until she was courted. Then my mild-mannered daughter became strangely knowledgeable in every strange happening in Etana. Though she never put her own hands to it, she seemed to have held councils or been alerted to all manners of trouble.

Aderyn: Well, it was your fish he took.

Rits: *stretches her neck a bit*

Aderyn: *smiles* It only takes a bit of time to adjust. Perhaps you would like to practice a bit more quickly?

Yestin: Any experience with walls?

Tristram: Only if they are cornered, which is a very difficult thing to do. Those trained for battle are rewarded for keeping steady, but are also encouraged to defend themselves against man, so there is always the risk that they will forget any allies save their rider.

Gwenifer: *smiles* And they have enough brothers and sisters to see that it is so.

Lyneth: I like night songs...

Trevelian: I have only heard the legends that travel through the trade routes, from one city to the next. *smiles* Of course. She is a gentle creature that is rather more easily handled than the others, so there is little danger in it.

Rousen: That does sound complicated. But it must be fun practicing with your family. Practice makes perfect.

Hakor: Strange happenings?

Kedmir: True, but we were cooking it. *Looks up at Aderyn* Quickly? What'd you have in mind?

Tesmir: Walls? Not much, but a little. Why?

Tilmere: *Nods* But differentiating with colors would probably help, wouldn't it?

Rune: *Smiles* Indeed. The sunshine collects in them and they disperse it. *To Lyneth* I do too. It scares away the bad dreams and the spooks under the bed.

Orrun: Legends? *Looks at Ausma, then clambers down the tree and touches Ausma's neck tentatively*

Braith: *nods and looks a bit bouncy as she keeps thinking about her first dance*

Blodwyn: Any sort of mischief that happened.

Aderyn: *nods thoughtfully* *grins* Well, if you've got your balance, we could try a race. Rits is quick as the eguiterma go.

Yestin: Only curious.

Garan: They're a bit more difficult than trees and rocks. No where near as many hand holds.

Tristram: That is the hope, but only a true test will tell and I'm not so keen on finding one. *smiles*

Gwenifer: *beams at the thought* It sounds as though you could write songs, yourself.

Lyneth: Spooks?

Ausma: *leans toward the touch a bit, but keeps eating*

Rousen: *Smiles and tilts his head* Would you like to dance now? We could get some of the others to join in. If not, that's alright.

Hakor: *Chuckles* So maybe we know where the twins got it from?

Kedmir: *Smirks* I'll beat you.

Tesmir: I'll bet. But no, I haven't tried the city walls yet. Besides, I think the guards would shoot me down faster than Tilmere would if I got caught.

Rune: *Smiles* I'm not good with creative thinking. Swordplay is more my forte. Tilmere is the one who is good with words. *Looks at Lyneth* Monsters under bed.

Orrun: *Runs his hand down Ausma's neck* Do I just... climb on?

Braith: *looks surprised and smiles* Oh, yes please. What sort of dances are there in your home?

Blodywn: From their father. Undoubtedly. *smiles*

Aderyn: *narrows her eyes and returns a sharp grin* You might have mentioned that after I told you how to make her run. *spurs Zveja and he bolts forward*

Tristram: *sees Aderyn bolt and grins*

Garan: It needn't be a city wall. We began on houses.

Yestin: Wood and plaster are much more difficult than stone.

Gwenifer: Have any of my older children yet tested that forte? It would be like them... Has Tilmere written any verse?

Lyneth: *eyes widen a bit* ...

Trevelian: Make her lie down first. Get her attention by holding her lead, then put one hand on the ground and she ought to understand you.

Rousen: Hmm... *Smiles* There is one that requires a lot twirling on the lady's part. The gentleman must make sure they hold on to each other, because sometime other dancers will try to cut in. It's a dance that lets you dance how you like, but in time with whatever music is played.

Hakor: Of course. But I'm sure having two parents who had experience in the art didn't hurt.

Kedmir: *Tries to copy Aderyn to get Rits to run*

Tesmir: *Nods* I'll have to try that... It would certainly keep them wondering where I had gone, since they wood expect to look for me climbing walls.

Tilmere: *Chuckles* True. But I'm sure if you ever needed to test, some boys might have some energy they need to burn off.

Tesmir:

Rune: I'm not sure. He may have. He enjoys politics and a good debate now and then. Perhaps his mind has a creative streak too. *To Lyneth* Don't worry, love. The spooks never hurt you. They only live under the bed and sometime make funny noises. They like trying to mimic snoring, but it never sounds right.

Orrun: *Moves his hand to Ausma's lead, then puts his other hand on the ground, watching her carefully*

Braith: *listens with a smile* Is it difficult to dance it?

Blodwyn: *laughs knowingly*

*Rits moves a bit more quickly but is not quite at a run*

Aderyn: *is already several paces ahead* *looks back with a grin*

Yestin: Oh yes. It is quite brilliant. *grins*

Tristram: I am certain all of my older sons would eagerly ride into battle, but I would not send any of my men unless there was need. We have made every effort to train them with precision, but the only true test for them would be war.

Gwenifer: *smiles*

Lyneth: Why do they live under the bed?

Trevelian: Only add a downward tug to the reigns.

Rousen: Depends on the music used, or the speed. You just have to make sure you're not caught.

Hakor: *Pauses, then almost hesitatingly asks* What were you like, as a child? Or what was your childhood like, compared to your daughter's?

Kedmir: Alright, fine! How do I get her to speed up?!

Tesmir: *Grins* any tips for climbing walls?

Tilmere: *Nods* It's hard, though, letting the younger ones learn to fight when and if the time comes. Watching them train, the idea of them going to war... they are growing up, but it's still hard not to see them as the little ones you watched grow up.

Rune: Because they like to listen to the lullabies mothers sing. They would come out from hiding, but they aren't very attractive so they stay under the bed. They're called spooks because when they sneeze, or snore, they sound a little scary.

Orrun: *Gives a tug downward on Ausma's lead*

Braith: Caught by what?

Blodwyn: As similar and different as many things are. There are times I would like to think life was simpler then, or that my grandchildren live in a world that is safer now than it once was, but life will always go in waves. At times it will be good, and at times bad. It may even seem to be both at once. We can only learn to keep striving through whatever may come.

Aderyn: What was that? I can't hear you from all of the way back there!

Yestin: Don't look down.

Garan: And get your hands dusty so your sweat doesn't lose you your grip.

Tristram: Doubly so, as a father... *a shadowy thought can be seen in his eyes*

Lyneth: Like gargoyles?

Ausma: *lies down*

Trevelian: That's the way.

Rousen: Other dancers. They will try to cut in and leave your partner trying to recover the rhythm with their new dance partner. Tesmir somehow manages to cut in with every single pretty girl who dances.

Hakor: That sounds like something Tilmere would say... What are the differences between what life was like when you were younger and what it is now?

Kedmir: *Prods Rits with his heels and clicks his tongue* Come on, girl. There's a fish in it for you if you run!

Tesmir: *Nods* I wonder if there's a wall around here? That would be so fun if we found ruins or something.

Tilmere: *Nods* No doubt. I sometimes wonder how our father would have handled Tesmir when he wants to go off and fight, if he would have let him go or not.

Rune: I've never met a gargoyle, but perhaps. They might have different names to some people. Whenever my parents thought I was sleeping, I would crawl halfway under the bed and try to see them.

Orrun: *Grins and stands up, letting go of the lead* Now I climb on?

Braith: It sounds very interesting.

Blodwyn: Trade was much smaller then. The Iarnens were already mining, but there were many more skirmishes among families. More men hunted than kept livestock or visited markets. Society has become more amicable since then.

Aderyn: *walks Zveja back to Kedmir, grinning widely* The eguiterma browse like deer. They don't bribe as easily as the baryonyx.

Garan: There are walls near home, and I don't think it's that far from here.

Yestin: But you won't find many ruins out here. They're all further east.

Tristram: Would have? *traces of concern cross his face*

Lyneth: Sometimes they're called creeps, because they squirm.

Trevelian: Aye, only be mindful of her feet.

Rousen: It's fun. It's a nice way to end a day's work. Makes you feel like you aren't entirely grown up yet.

Hakor: What are larnens?

Kedmir: *Sulks in the saddle* How do I get her to go, then, if bribery will not do?

Tesmir: What are the ruins like? *Glances at Tilmere* Would it be possible to sneak off to these walls?

Tilmere: *Nods with a small, sad smile* Our parents died when Tesmir was only a baby, so he didn't receive the kind of discipline our father gave us older ones.

Rune: *Grins* Ah, Clever names. So you have held one? Or did you just watch them squirm?

Orrun: *Steps around to the saddle, watching Ausma's feet before awkwardly climbing into the saddle.* It feels different than a horse.

Braith: *smiles* I'm not grown yet, but I don't see why that should mean I can't go to dances.

Blodwyn: We were the first to settle Etana and begin mining. That was long before my time. I believe my great-grandfather was the one to first be called Iarnen, though it may have been his father.

Aderyn: *giggles at Kedmir's sulk and rides circles around Rits* Shall I tell him, Rits? Or are you enjoying yourself at a slow trot?

Garan: We've never seen them. They are in the region of Aldon, we are in Cargan. Much to far to visit casually.

Yestin: But the walls at home may not be so far. We could ask Father if we may go.

Tristram: I am very sorry to hear that.

Lyneth: *shakes her head quickly* No, I don't like them. Only Trevelian does.

Trevelian: *nods* I have heard it so. Lean back and draw on the reins if you wish her to stand.

Rousen: How old are you? *Grins and looks around* Do you want to find people so we can get a dance going?

Hakor: So larnens were the first miners?

Kedmir: No, she's not. Can't you see she's dying to run? She is stuck with an imcompetent rider who doesn't know how to tell her to go faster.

Tesmir: I wonder if Tilmere'd let me...

Tilmere: *Nods* They died fighting for our freedom. Tesmir will know that, even if he doesn't remember anything else.

Rune: Ah. Why don't you like them?

Orrun: *Nods and does so, tensing slightly in anticipation for the rise.*

Braith: Twelve years. *looks around* Do you think we could?

Blodwyn: The first in this region. That is how we earned the surname.

Aderyn: *leans over and pats Rits' nose* You poor thing. *grins at Kedmir* You have to bring your foot up under her foreleg. Right where it meets the shoulder. *gets Zveja trotting a little more quickly again*

Yestin: That shouldn't be a problem, I'll just go and ask Father. *approaches Tristram and Tilmere*

Tristram: *nods silently* *sees Yestin approaching and prepares himself for some grand proposal or another*

Yestin: Father, would it be alright if Garan and I showed Tesmir the stables?

Tristram: *looks at Tilmere* Unless we would like to move the entire party to my home?

Lyneth: *shivers* They move like spiders.

Ausma: *stands slowly and arches her neck in a stretch*

Trevelian: Well done.

Rousen: Twelve? Why, that's plenty old enough to dance! *Stands and offers her his hand* I don't see why not. I'm sure we can coax our siblings into it.

Hakor: Oh. So larnen is a surname too?

Kedmir: *Scowls* Poor her? Why not poor me? I'm stuck with her as much as she is with me. I think you and Zveja plotted against us. *Brings foot under Rits' foreleg*

Tesmir: *Watches eagerly*

Tilmere: *Smiles* If it wouldn't inconvenience you and your family. We wouldn't want to be a bother.

Rune: *Nods* Mmm, spiders are unsettling. But I'm sure the creeps won't hurt you. Then your brother wouldn't like them very much.

Orrun: *Leans back a little as Ausma arches her neck* *Glances over the side* Wow... I'm on an eguiterma.

Braith: *faces turns shy when he offers his hand, but she takes it with a smile*

Blodwyn: *nods* Aye, it is my husband's.

Aderyn: He doesn't mean it, Rits. And Zveja doesn't like plotting. *pats Zveja*

Rits: *picks up her pace*

Aderyn: *spurs Zveja to stay in stride*

Tristram: Nonsense! *claps Tilmere on the back* We would be happy to have you.

Lynneth: *nods*

Trevelian: Aye. How do you like it?

Rousen: *Pulls Braith to her feet* Let's find our siblings. Which of yours would be the most likely to dance?

Hakor: I see now. I didn't know a surname could also be a name for what you are.

Kedmir: *Straightens in the saddle* Didn't I? I think she has it out for me. *Puts his foot under Rits' foreleg again*

Tilmere: *Smiles* Then we would be glad to join you. *Looks around, seeing his brothers fairly sprawled out in the clearing* Kedmir! Bring the creature back around for the ladies!

Kedmir: *Scowls and brings Rits to a halt* You're going to make me lose!

Tilmere: You will live to see another day. We have been invited to the Scalestrides' home.

Hakor: We are?

Tilmere: Aye, now help fetch your brothers.

Rune: *Looks up at the commotion* Looks like we're going somewhere. *Looks at Lyneth* Do you enjoy traveling?

Orrun: It's... I think I like it. *Leans back to see what's going on. His feet accidentally getting under Ausma's forelegs*

Tesmir: *Grins and gets to his feet, then pulls Jek up* So, does this mean we're going to another world?

Braith: I don't think my brothers will... And not Aderyn if she's riding... *looks over to see where Iola and Lynneth are* Oh, are we leaving?

(Quick, what does Annor mean?)

Blodwyn: But that is what a surname if for. There are still many families without them, particularly in areas further from the larger cities. There, they have yet no need for surnames as most are known simply by one name, or also by their father's if need be. Other families, such as my husband's, came to be known by their trade.

Aderyn: A loss in pride, perhaps, but a gain for chivalry. *brings Zveja around and charging him back to the others before bringing him to a sharp halt and laying him down for a dismount*

Tristram: *looks between the three animals and thinks*

Lynneth: Sometimes...

Gwenifer: *Smiles and Lynneth and stands, waking Talidor as she does so*

Ausma: *takes a few quick steps forward*

Trevelian: *warily* Careful...

Garan: Another world? It's only a few miles west of us...

Rousen: *Looks up, a bit disappointed* I hope not...

Hakor: Oh. I wonder what ours means? I don't even know what we are...

Kedmir: True. More than can be said for Tesmir. *Brings Rits around and stops her near Aderyn* How do I get her to lay down? Or should I jump off?

Tesmir: B( Jump off.

Rune: *Stands and offers his hand to Lyneth* What is your favorite part?

Orrun: *Stiffens and yelps, pulling back on the reins quickly* Oops. o.o

Tesmir: It is?

Rousen: What's going on? We're not leaving, are we?

Tilmere: Relocating. The Scalestrides have invited us to their home.

Blodwyn: Not know what you are? You do not know the meaning of your name?

Aderyn: You could jump. Or lean rather far forward, or hand me the lead.

Lyneth: To see the different land and the flowers.

Trevelian: It looks as though our families are gathering. Would you care to walk Ausma to them?

Garan: Certainly. You could hardly bring baryonyx and eguiterma to another world.

Braith: Oh, are they coming with us, Ta?

Tristram: Aye, love. But it means you'll have to ride Zveja with your sister. Would you mind very much? *touches Braith's nose with his finger*

Braith: I suppose not... If she doesn't do anything mad.

Aderyn: *looks up at the sky with an innocent grin*

Tristram: *laughs* Does she give her word as a knight that she will act collectedly for her sister's sake?

Aderyn: Anything for you, Ta. Even if I must go so far as to behave like a dignified lady.

Tristram: Excellent. *picks up Sulwyn* Then you and Lyn shall ride with your mother, and Iola shall ride with her grandmother, and I shall have to manage the troublesome young Talidor.

Hakor: *Shakes head* I didn't know it meant anything. We... well, Tilmere said Father was an overseas merchant, so I assumed, when I was little, that that was what my brothers and I would do. But after he died, we lost all of that. So I don't know what we are.

Kedmir: *Considers, then leans forward*

Rune: Those are exciting things. You enjoy picking flowers?

Orrun: *Turns Ausma and walks her to the others* *Copies Kedmir and leans forward*

Tesmir: Why not?

Tilmere: *Looks around, making sure his brothers are near* No one wander off. I don't want to have to go looking for anyone.

Tesmir: I feel as though that was directed to me.

Kedmir: *Dismounts and looked at Aderyn, lifting an eyebrow* Do you not usually act collectedly?

Blodwyn: *nods sadly* A new beginning then... Annor... *thinks* It means a calmly flowing river, or a place near a calmly flowing river.

Rits: *lies down*

Lyneth: *nods* Mhm.

Ausma: *trots over to the other animals and lies down*

Trevelian: Well done.

Aderyn: I don't know what you're talking about.

Hakor: *Eyes light up* It does? I like the sound of that.

Orrun: *Smiles widely, pleased with himself, as he dismounts. Not gracefully, though.*

Kedmir: *Smiles, watching her* Mhmm, I'm sure you don't.

Tesmir: Come on, everyone! I have walls to climb! Mischief to create!

Tilmere: *Gives him a sharp look*

Tesmir: Uh, I mean... uh, mischief to avoid.

Rune:

Orrun: *Still fascinated by the mounts. Currently watching Zveja. Reaches up to pet his(?) nose*

Jek: *Watching the ground, where three vine are slithering across and wrapping loosely around Tesmir's, Garan's, and Yestin's ankles, too light to be felt.*

Blodwyn: *smiles*

Trevelian: Rather different from a horse, yes? *takes Ausma's lead and keeps her still*

Blodwyn: *mounts Ausma*

Iola: *scrambles up in front of her grandmother* Aderyn's not allowed to go fast. That means we can get home first!

Aderyn: Zveja could walk faster than that old lizard could run.

Trevelian: *hands the lead to his grandmother*

Blodwyn: *takes it* I won't have Ausma rushing off just to win a silly race.

Aderyn: Ha ha. *to Kedmir* See? Perfectly mild mannered. *mounts Zveja* Come on, little sister, let's mount up and get going.

Braith: I'm not that little, Aderyn...

Aderyn: Well, come on. We can drink tea with our pinkies out on the way back then.

Braith: *climbs up in front of Aderyn*

Gwenifer: *passes Talidor to Tristram and mounts Rits*

Tristram: *picks up Sulwyn and Lyneth and puts them in the saddle in front of Gwenifer*

Gwenifer: *to Kedmir* Would you hand me the lead, please?

Yestin: *to Tesmir* Still something to be learned of subtlety... *takes a step forward and falls on his face*

Garan: *bursts out laughing*

Zveja: *sniffs when Orrun approaches him, but allows his nose to be touched*

Kedmir: *Laughs* Not allowed to go fast? You poor thing.

Tesmir: Shouod we get horses? Or will walking suffice?

Kedmir: *Smiles and hands her the reins* *Looks at Aderyn* Mhmm, I'm sure. *Chuckles at Aderyn's and Braith's banter*

Orrun: *Still watching the dinosaurs* *Rubs Zveja's nose gently*

Hakor: *Pulls Orrun away* Come on, we can try following them through the trees.

Tilmere: *Looks up quickly* Hold on, what? No one is tree climbing!

Rune: Let them have their fun. They will learn it's too slow and come down.

Tesmir: *Busts out laughing* My subtlety is a work in progress. I just need to remember that Tilmere is almost always at my heels. *Steps forward to help Yestin up, and he too falls over* =_=

Jek:

Rousen: *Trying very hard not to laugh*

Tilmere:

Aderyn: *leans back and puts the back of her hand to her forehead, dramatically*

Braith:

Trevelian: There are no horses in this region, but if we keep a quick pace we shall be able to keep up.

Gwenifer: Thank you. *spurs Rits to rise and begins to plod westward*

Blodwyn: *gets Ausma up and follows*

Aderyn: *waits for Orrun to stand back and gets Zveja up and has him follow the others at a pace that bores her*

Garan: *laughs harder* He's not the only thing at your heels! Speaking on subtlety. *turns to look at Jek without moving his feet*

Kedmir: You'd best keep her in line, Braith. I suspect mischief behind the despair.

Tilmere: *Nods* It will let the younger ones burn off any excess energy.

Kedmir: *Smiles* You're welcome. *Watches the creatures plod*

Rune: *Barrels after Orrun and Hakor, scaring them into an alarmed run after the dinosaurs*

Rousen:

Tesmir: *Spits out grass* *Glowers at the vines*

Jek: *Lifts an eyebrow with a slight smirk* *The vines tighten and jerk toward Jek*

Braith: I really do try, sir. *means it seriously*

Garan: *falls over too, but catches himself on his hands before he face plants* And this is how it will all end when your dry wit can't get us our of a fix. We'll be tied by the feet and dragged off into slavery by some desert caravan.

Yestin: *lies idly on the grass* If that happens and you talk this much, I'm going to plan my daring escape without you.

Garan: Well that would be frivolous. Then you would have to spend actual money to buy me out of slavery later.

Tristram: *approaches, carrying an energetic Talidor* I thought you boys were keen on returning home.

Kedmir: *Starts to laugh, but stops himself and isn't if he should*

Tesmir: =_= Jek let go.

Jek: *Stands up and brushes himself off* I don't know. I actually have you under control now. Letting you loose might be a bad idea.

Tesmir: I swear I will cut these vines.

Tilmere: Tesmir!

Tesmir: He won't let go! *Looks at Tristram* We are. We've just been momentarily detained.

Tilmere: Jek, let the boys go.

Jek: Do I have to? I have them in my grip. It's not every day that happens.

Kedmir: Should we tie them up and sell them off to slavery? Three young, energetic lads would fetch a high price. We would be rich men.

Aderyn: *turns in her seat and tries to watch what's going on behind*

Garan: Is it bad to cut the vines?

Yestin: I am content to be dragged home if Jek finds he has the energy.

Tristram: *to Kedmir* I have considered it, but I cannot afford to lose a business partner over the amount of trouble they would cause. It would cost me too much.

Tilmere: *Rubs temples in exasperation, but he's smiling*

Tesmir: *Tries to disentangle himself* Kind of. They're kind of connected to Jek, so cutting them or something will affect him, too.

Jek: *Shrugs* I'll live. It's not very bad.

Kedmir: *Laughs* That's true. Well, you could always make them your own labor force. Keeps them busy.

Tilmere: Jek, let the boys go, or else we'll fall behind.

Tesmir: Fall behind? I don't think a snail could lose those creatures. *Jerks the vines off and stands up*

Jek: Fine. *The vines around the twins go slack*

*the riders are already a fair distance ahead*

Aderyn: You know we could win.

Braith: No...

Aderyn: And then you wouldn't have to ride so long.

Braith: No...

Aderyn: Just a brisk trot.

Braith: No...

Aderyn: Just to lead the pack.

Braith: No...

Aderyn: Just to charge back, scatter the men, and then come back to the line and be boring again?

Braith: No.

Aderyn: *gives Trevelian and exasperated and pleading look*

Trevelian: *gives a bit of a shrug that says he can't do much about it*

Garan: How are they connected?

Yestin: *to Kedmir* We already fill that role.

Tristram: Aye, and you earn your extra chores quite well with your larks and destructive diversions. *switches Talidor to his other arm*

Garan: *to Tesmir* Lucky thing my sister didn't hear that. Her quick riding puts many a man to shame.

Yestin: *untangles his feet and shakes the vines like he's shaking hands* It's been a pleasure.

Hakor: *Watches Rits' tail* Think it's strong enough to ride?

Orrun: Maybe, but I wouldn't try it. You'd get thrown off faster than you would a horse.

Jek: *Shrugs* I don't know. They've always been that way. Earth magic in general don't seem to be connected, just these. I haven't met any other sevenths to really learn more. *Vines grip Yestin's hand, giving it a firm shake* Thank you for being such a good sport.

Kedmir: Do you? So your father has taken advantage of you already.

Tesmir: *Laughs* Like Kedmir?

Kedmir: *Face reddens, but ignores his brother*

Tesmir: *Still laughing* I meant a snail couldn't lose track of them.

Tilmere: Alright, if you three have had your fun, we ought to catch up to the rest.

*Kedmir and Jek race off. Tesmir pulls Garan to his feet and races off*