Sulwyn: But it's just numbers and paper. It's not outside and it's not even pretty like music and painting.

*the mount obeys*

Aderyn: It just takes a little time.

Trevelian: Oh yes. The baryonyx are nearly as competitive as my brothers.

Garan: Well...

Yestin:

(There's nothing out of place.)

Tristram: As often as there is iron to be traded. Some of the owners of other mines will use their own horses, but most prefer to be able to haul greater amounts at one time. It means they are able to mine more quickly.

Iola: All kinds, but sometimes the ones Garan gives are dreadful. Sometimes Ta trades for things from far away cities and he gives me little trinkets.

Orrun: You could always go outside to do it. It will give you good handwriting, and then it will be very pretty. I've seen letters my momma wrote, and I was always just staring at them when was little because they flowed almost like a river in each word.

Kedmir: *nods* She's being quite the martyr, giving up her whims to a foreigner.

Rousen: *smiles* But I think your brothers cause more mischief than the baryonix do. Unless the baryonix is where they learned it from.

Tesmir: *looks around, but sees nothing* =_=

Tilmere: *nods* It must be a very successful business you run.

Hakor: *laughs* Ah, the tricks of big brothers. *shakes head, smiling* Does he? What kind of trinkets?

Sulwyn: But it's okay to write letters. I'm already practicing them.

Aderyn: How very rude of her.

Trevelian: Perhaps they are when in the wild.

Garan: Had you going there, did I?

Tristram: Indeed. Success that was handed down from my father and his. It will never be a grand pecuniary empire as many in the East would seek to have, but that was never the intention.

Iola: Yes... But they're usually fun. Always something with a story. My favorite is a little gilded pepper that brings you luck if it's in your pocket.

Orrun: And that's good. Practicing letters helps make your numbers look pretty, too. When you learn, you can help your Ta keep track of money, so he knows what he needs to buy in the city. Perhaps food for the family, or for the eguiterma and baryonix. Or maybe pretty dress for you or your sisters.

Kedmir: Indeed. *pats the baryonix* We can get along, aye?

Rousen: *nods* Do you let the baryonix and eguiterma out in a pasture to graze, or do they stay indoors? How many offspring do they give at a time?

Tesmir: =_= Maybe, maybe not. *pushes to his feet* Well, what next? Is there any place inside the barn to climb?

Tilmere: *nods* Do you use them to transport more than just mined material? Like vegetables or grain?

Jek: *has wandered into the barn, watching the eguiterma*

Hakor: Aye, they usually are. *grins* Now, I must know the story behind this little pepper.

Sulwyn:

*baryonyx bolts forward a bit when Kedmir pats her*

Aderyn: *gives Kedmir an encouraging grin*

Trevelian: We let them get their exercise, but the baryonyx do not graze. We do not breed them though. The brooding females are too dangerous. We capture and tame them when they are young.

Garan: *smirks*

Yestin: Not especially. The stalls and storage take up all of the space. *stomach growls*

Tristram: Oh yes. They have a very important role in both plowing, and harvesting our land. It is a seasonal need, but it has given our farming an advantage over others.

Iola: It comes from Shalin. It's a shriveled little pepper all covered in gold, only dragons and gargoyles and evil things don't like peppers because it makes their mouths burn, so if you have one in your pocket or in your money purse, they leave you be.

Orrun: *smiles* Don't worry, I'm sure your brothers and sister and Ta will find a way to make it fun for you.

Kedmir: *slows her down* Easy. *grins back* See? We are perfect friends.

Rousen: *nods* But in the wild? How many can they have? Can either swim?

Tesmir: There's got to be rafters or something. *smiles, hearing Yestin's stomach* I still have some fish.

Tilmere: I'm sure. They probably have more stamina than horses do.

Jek: *pets one of the eguiterma*

Hakor: Ah. That sounds like a clever little trinket. Do you get dragons around here often?

Gwenifer: *steps out of the front door, followed closely by the promising smells of a well cooked meal, and looking a bit red from working in the kitchen* Where is everyone? I would have thought they would be down by this point. *eyes fall on Tal and she smiles adoringly, seats herself beside him and brushes a lock of hair behind his ear*

Aderyn: So I see... *grins*

Trevelian: I can't say for certain. They are fierce to guard their nests, but it is easy to find young ones on their own. Oh yes, the baryonyx are very swift swimmers. The eguiterma can swim, but prefer not to if they can help it.

Yestin: I was thinking it would be able meal time by this point...

Garan: He is fascinated by social and political interests, and can talk his way into or out of anything, but at midday, my brother is only a man, after all.

Yestin: *raises an eyebrow at his brother* Indeed...

Tristram: Oh yes. Though they seem to dislike horses, so it is somewhat harder to manage the two together.

Iola: No, never. I still keep my pepper in with my treasures though. Just in case.

Orrun: *inhales* I think they are still by the barn. Aderyn was taking Kedmir down a trail on the mounts, and Tesmir is being taught the ways of wall climbing from Yestin and Garan. Hakor went with Iola to get water, but they haven't come back yet. Should I fetch everyone?

Kedmir: *urges the baryonix to go faster, to get ahead of Aderyn*

Rousen: Could the baryonix pull a raft of supplies or things to sell across a river or something?

Tesmir: *laughs* He sounds like Tilmere. Well, we should get Yestin to the house before he faints from lack of nourishment.

Tilmere: *nods* What are other uses you have for them?

Hakor: *nods* Very wise. It probably protects your treasures from the little nasties, too, aye?

Gwenifer: There is no need. Wyn, would you go and wind the horn? *very gently picks up Tal, managing with practiced ease not to wake him*

Sulwyn: *hops up* Can Orrun try? *fetches the horn from beside the door*

*baryonyx moves a bit more quickly, but still seems ornery about it*

Aderyn: *grins and easily keeps pace*

Trevelian: Only for my brothers, who would find it more interesting to be dragged along and capsized. *laughs* They are not easily guided when they are in the water.

Yestin: No, I get snappish and irritable.

Garan: As he is now willing to exhibit.

Yestin: *flicks Garan's ear sharply and bolts off to the house*

Garan: And he loses all sense of decency! *charges after his quicker twin*

Tristram: There is also pleasure riding, of course.

Iola: The little nasties aren't very bad. Trevelian is friends with them. But yes, my pepper keeps my treasures safe.

Orrun: *smiles and stands* How does it work?

Kedmir: *urges more* Don't tell me this creature doesn't want an opportunity to throw me off?

Rousen: *laughs* That sounds like something Tesmir would try. At least until Tilmere caught him at it. Are there any official competitions done with eguiterma or baryonix?

Tesmir: *grins and takes off after them*

Tilmere: *nods* Do all of your family enjoy riding them?

Rune: *grins, watching Tesmir and twins rush off*

Jek: *has slipped into the eguiterma's stall, continuing to pet it*

Hakor: Is he? Are you friends with any of them? Or is there a favorite? That's good. Keeping your treasures safe makes for a fine collection.

Sulwyn: You just wind it.

(meaning blow like any horn)

Gwenifer: *stands* Only wait until I have the baby well inside where it will not wake him.

Aderyn: *gives a free laugh that she always has when riding* Give her time.

Trevelian: *laughs* I'm afraid not. Not with only the Scalestrides to man them.

Tristram: My younger daughters are hesitant at times, but they do still find pleasure in a leisurely ride, if not a rousing sprint as Aderyn and the twins often do. *grins and watches the twins fly by*

*the eguiterma groans and lifts its head to look at him*

Iola: He lets me look at them, but they don't like people very much... *nods* I have a good collection.

Orrun: Alright. *nods to Gwenifer* Yes ma'am.

Kedmir: *grins and urges the baryonix faster*

Rousen: Do they have any predators?

Tilmere: *smiles*

Rune: Does Aderyn work with them, as you and your boys do?

Tilmere: *turns, watching the twins and Tesmir* Is Tesmir hurt? It looked like he was bleeding.

Rune: *looks unconcerned* If he's running, it's not fatal. He's fine.

Jek: *smiles and rubs it under its chin* Hello.

Hakor: Ah, so they are shy little things. *nods* What are some of the other treasures you have collected?

Gwenifer: *smiles and takes Tal indoors, closing the door behind her*

Sulwyn: *covers her ears*

Aderyn: *pretends she doesn't notice and keeps stone in pace with him as if it is nothing*

Trevelian: Not many when they are grown, but they are very small when hatched, so the young are very easily caught but eagles, turtles, and the larger fish.

Tristram: *grins* Oh yes. I have had her working with them since she was a little girl, and she has always been eager to sharpen her skills and improve her mind. She handles a baryonyx better than any of her siblings have.

*the animal fixes him with a calm eye and lets out a low breath*

Iola: I have a shell that Aderyn brought to me from the sea, some feathers and wee little bird nest, a large gray butterfly that I found in the garden, and a purple rock that Garan brought to me from when he and Yestin saw the river.

Orrun: *Winds the horn*

Kedmir: *looks at his baryonix* Not very competitive, are you?

Rousen: What are predators to the grown ones?

Rune: *grins* She does seem very skilled.

Jek: *smiles*

Hakor: *grins* Those sound like very lovely treasures. *looks up at the sound of the horn* What was that?

Rousen: *jumps at the sound, stiffening*

Kedmir: *twists to look behind him*

Jek: *also jumps, but still appears calm, yet curious*

Tilmere: *looks toward the house* Is everything alright?

Sulwyn:

Aderyn: She was about to say the same thing.

Trevelian: Wolves may manage to take one down if it is wounded... They gryphons fare better, but they seldom come this far north. Dragons must also prey on them from time to time.

Tristram: *smiles proudly* Aye, she is.

Iola: *hops up* That's dinner. *grabs Hakor's hand* Come on.

*Kedmir's baryonyx begins to turn off and go out toward the fields when he is distracted*

Trevelian: *smiles and turns his eguiterma back toward the house*

Aderyn: *turns back as well*

*the eguiterma grumbles and eyes Jek warily when he is startled*

Tristram: Oh yes. It was my dear wife's contriving to have a horn sounded at mealtimes should the family be scattered about the land.

Orrun: How did I do?

Kedmir: =_= She is a hindrance! She is the part of us who holds us both back from greatness!

Rousen: *nods* What are gryphons?

Hakor: *grins and pushes to his feet* Do we bring the water?

Kedmir: *turns back around quickly* *steers the baryonix back onto the path and turns back to the house*

Rousen: *turns as well*

Kedmir: How do you like it, Rousen?

Rousen: It's nice. Different, but I like it.

Jek: *looking about warily, but when he sees nothing suspicious he returns his attention to the eguiterma, rubbing its nose*

Tilmere: *grins* Very clever.

Rune: Some of us could benefit from that.

Tilmere: For when? Mealtimes, or getting out of bed?

Rune: =_=

Sulwyn: It was loud.

Aderyn: She is your tool to wield as you please. It isn't her fault if you wave her over your head as though she is only a stick.

Trevelian: Great beasts, I've heard. Though I have not seen one. They are a form of catamount in body, but they have the beak, wings, and talons of a great eagle.

Iola: No. It goes back in the well. We'll have milk, or light wine, or beer, or maybe cordial.

Aderyn: *nods toward the house* It's how we know it is mealtime.

*the eguiterma draws back and watches his hand suspiciously*

Tristram: *laughs* At any rate, let's not leave the ladies waiting, aye? Have we all the members of your party?

Yestin: *reaches the door, winks and Sulwyn, tears it open and dashes in*

Garan: *is only a few paces behind him and flies into the house as well*

Orrun:

Kedmir: =_=

Rousen: *listens attentively* I've never seen anything like that. Are they dangerous? Besides to eguiterma and baryonix, I mean?

Hakor: *nods and drops the bucket back in the well* Well, now you have me thirsty again with all of those options.

Kedmir: *grins* I would race you, but with my luck in getting anything to go at a pace faster than a man can walk, I know I would lose.

Jek: *stretches out his hand, palm up, but doesn't touch the creature*

Tilmere: *nods* Aye. *looks around* Well... Three of them are already down there... *sees Kedmir and Rousen return* There's two more. And Jek is in the barn, I believe... I think we have everyone.

Tesmir: *a little ways behind* *slips and stumbles, but keeps his feet and races after the boys inside*

Sulwyn: *grabs Orrun's hand with both of hers and pulls on it until she is leaning over* Come, come. Let's eaaaat. *pulls Orrun inside*

The entryway is cool and dark. The walls are mud gray, the ceiling is timber, and the furs covering the empty windows are drawn back to allow light and breezes to pass through. Noise and delicious, warm smells are pouring out of the large doorway to the left.

Trevelian: I believe so... but I have only heard of them once or twice.

Iola: *jumps up and stops the rope from going all of the way down* If we leave it down there, it gets all water logged.

Aderyn: It just takes discipline. You'll be great once you get a better feel for it. *smiles warmly*

Tristram: *nods, glancing into the barn* Be careful. They can nip fingers clean off. There is a meal ready if you would like to join us.

*the twins are nowhere to be seen*

Orrun: *grins and follows her inside, inhaling the smells* It smells amazing.

Tesmir: *grins at Orrun and Sulwyn and heads for the door, peeking around it*

Rousen: They don't... take people, do they?

Hakor: Oops. Apologies.

Kedmir: *grins* *looks at the baryonix* See? Someone believe I am not hopeless.

Jek: *looks up, then nods* *withrdraws his hand and exits the stall, leaving the barn* *ducks when Rune tries to playfully swing at him and rush off* *grins and darts after him, catching up quickly*

Tilmere: You can't outrun him, Rune!

Rune: No harm in trying!

Sulwyn: D'you want to sit next to me?

The room is large with a high ceiling. The windows set at the same height as they are in the hall, allowing little natural light in. A few rustic chandeliers hang from the ceiling with candles lit to brighten the room. A long table is in the center of the room and stretches nearly the whole length of the room. Three or four women are bustling back and bringing various types of food to the table. First a large tray of mutton, then several meat and fruit pies, a platter of fish and cooked onions, a plate full of bright red crayfish, several loaves of bread, and three fine-looking birds on a bed of strawberries and cheese.

*the sound of the twins can be heard coming from the kitchen beyond the dining hall*

Trevelian: I would not be surprised to hear it, though I have yet to.

Iola: It's alright. You don't have a well. *takes his hand* Come, let's go see what is for dinner.

*the baryonyx gives an irritable grumble and shifts unhappily beneath the saddle*

Tristram: *laughs and begins walking toward the house* The country air seems to do them good.

Orrun: Sure.

Tesmir: *inhales* Smells amazing.

Orrun:

Tesmir: *tries to snitch a strawberry before looking into the kitchen*

Rousen: Oh. What do you do when predators come after your eguiterma and baryonix?

Hakor: *grins and follows*

Kedmir: Oh, you're fine. We're almost there.

Tilmere: *smiles and follows*. Aye, it does. A break from the cares of city life is a rare treat for them.

Jek: *outpaces Rune and beats him to the house* Ha!

Rune: *slows to a stop, panting* Ha nothing, you rogue. I could best you any day in combat, if not in speed. *pushes him away and heads inside*

Jek: *smirks* I'm sure. *slips after him*

Sulwyn:

*one of the ladies walking by smiles to herself when she hears what Tesmir says*

*Yestin and Garan appear out of the bustling kitchen, cleaning crumbs off of their shirts*

Trevelian: They are so large, we have never had the trouble. Not with so many there.

Iola: *leads Hakor into the house and to the dining hall*

Aderyn: *laughs and makes Stone lie down before she dismounts* Here, hand me your lead.

Tilmere: You are more than welcome to call more often if the opportunity affords itself.

Aderyn: *laughs when she sees Rune and Jek charging around and going inside*

Orrun: *enters the dining hall* *eyes widen as he takes in the size of the room*

Tesmir: Where did you two go? I lost sight of you when I came in.

Rousen: *nods* Do you keep any other kinds of creatures?

Hakor: *follows, and his eyes go wide at the sight of the room* This is a big dining room.

Kedmir: What? You don't think I could dismount myself? *hands her the lead* *looks at Rousen* How was it?

Rousen: I liked it.

Tilmere: *smiles* That is very generous of you. Thank you.

Kedmir: *smiles when he sees Rune and Jek run about*

Sulwyn: *grins again, excitedly*

Garan: Well, we have to know how to make ourselves scarce. There are times that our very survival depends upon it. *nods solemnly*

Trevelian: *lowers his mount and dismounts* We have a fair amount of livestock on our land, but no other mounts.

Iola: Yes. Tada sometimes has meetings or feasts or dances here. I haven't been to them yet, but I can stay today, because it's just your family, not a business partner or a bunch of adults to just talk to. We've already met.

Aderyn: I said nothing of the sort, I simply have equal confidence in her willpower. *nods toward the mount* *takes the lead and makes her lie down before tethering her to the fence*

Tristram: Some of your brothers seem to need as much exercise as my twin sons do to keep them from trouble. Mutually agreeable arrangement, aye? *smiles*

Orrun: What's your favorite food?

Tesmir: You do?

Rousen: *copies Trevelian, his dismount isn't graceful, but he keeps his feet* *rubs the eguiterma's head* Do you pasture the eguiterma or baryonix with the livestock? Or would they bother each other?

Hakor: *grins* I'm glad to hear it. I'd probably be rather bored if you didn't stay.

Kedmir: *laughs, dismounting* Ah, now that I believe. *pats the baryonix* You have suffered my company most nobly, madam.

Rousen:

Tilmere: *laughs* Aye. Less trouble some of them can get into in the open country. *grins* They can't hide their mischief from watching eyes here.

Sulwyn: Huckleberry tart.

Yestin: Well, of course. One can never be too careful when one is in the business of wreaking havoc.

Trevelian: They tend to compete for food and upset each other. The stress is not good for either of them, so they have their own pasture. *takes the lead and ties Rousen's mount to the fence*

Iola: But your family is fun too. So is mine, and Trevelian, Aderyn, Yestin, and Garan are old enough to go to banquets and dances. Braith will be next year. I still have three and a half.

*the baryonyx sniffs at his hand which still smells of fish*

Aderyn: Now we get to suffer instead.

Tristram: *furrows his brow wearily* You might just be surprised... *chuckles*

Orrun: The way you say it makes it sound delicious.

Tesmir: *grins* True. I need to learn to disappear like that.

Rousen: Do the mounts ever get sick? When happens when they do?

Hakor: Ah. Well, I find your family rather fun, too. Mine varies, but most of the time some of them are hilarious if you catch them in the right mood.

Kedmir: Sorry, girl. My baby brother stole the rest. *gasps in mock offense* *clutches his heart* A harsh blow is this! And from a lady, too!

Tilmere: *smiles* Well, with so many more eyes, more strategy will be involved. Tesmir isn't one for that. He prefers to do first, and plan later.

Sulwyn: Yeah.

Yestin: The key is to know the looks and words that lead to you being sought out. *looks around the hall, waiting for the others*

Trevelian: They do not get fevers as we do, but their skin does get infected at times.

Iola: I think they're fun.

Gwenifer: *comes back in from the rest of the house with a newly awake Talidor* Is your father not in yet?

Iola: Not yet. I haven't seen him.

*the table is now well furnished and the kitchen activity has settled. Only two servants remain, pouring light wine into goblets*

Aderyn: What? I never said it was a bad thing.

Tilmere: Ah, I see.

Orrun: *grins* So where do you usually sit?

Tesmir: Ahh.

Rousen: What do you when that happens?

Hakor: *chuckles* Aye, they are. Even the old ones.

Jek: *watches the goings on silently*

Kedmir: 'Twas implied! *falls to his knees* I cannot recover from this!

Rousen: Will food get you moving?

Kedmir: *gets up* Maybe.

Tilmere: *smiles* But he's a good boy. He does know where to draw the line most of the time. And I sometimes admire the courage he has in several of his stunts.

Sulwyn: I sit next to 'Deryn and Braith.

Yestin: *looks around to see where everyone is*

Trevelian: It can be difficult if it irritates them. They don't want us near a wounded place. We do manage to clean and sooth those wounds, but it is easier to prevent illness than to treat it.

Iola: Do you go to banquets in the city?

Lyneth: *watches Jek shyly to see if he'll do the flowers again*

Aderyn: *looks embarrassed. then relieved when Kedmir gets up*

Trevelian: Aye, we should not keep them waiting any longer. *allows Aderyn to enter first and giving the Annors a chance to follow*

Tristram: That is well that he learned good morals before his mischief came over him. *comes to the doorway just after the others have gone in*

Orrun: *grins* Are they good mealtime mates?

Rousen: *nods* I'm sure a lot of animals are like that sometimes.

Hakor: Not many, no. On occasion we would go to dances that were open to anyone, but we usually weren't invited to any. At least us younger ones weren't. Sometimes we would be invited for dinner by a friend, though.

Jek: *smiles at her a little* *a vine creeps through the window and blossoms a dark red flower, dangling over the windowsill*

Kedmir: *follows behind Aderyn*

Rousen: *enters the house, sniffing*

Tesmir: Finally! Did you four rode to the next country and back?

Kedmir: *swats at him, but misses when Tesmir ducks*

Tilmere: *enters the house* Aye. He knows between right and wrong. Sometimes he tests those boundaries more than I'd like, however.

Sulwyn: *nods*

Trevelian: Aye, but a dog, even a snappish one, is more easily subdued.

Iola: You don't get invited? Why not?

Lyneth: *looks to the window and hides a smile in her fists*

Aderyn: *relaxes a bit more*

Trevelian: Aye. The scalebacks are capable of most impressive speeds.

Tristram: I believe every father in my world and yours can sympathize with that.

Orrun: So, if I'm to sit beside you, who will be moving? Or will I kidnap you and take you someplace else beside me?

Rousen: That's true...

Hakor: *shrugs* We aren't very high on the social chain anymore, so we aren't in those circles. We're usually pretty busy anyways, so we don't have time to go to any. Sometimes they're very sophisticated, and we don't have the proper clothing. But whenever there is an open dance, we sometimes go to those. Because usually they don't require very formal attire.

Jek: *smiles, and a second vine creeps in through the window, sprouting another lily and waving it back and forth gently, like it's waving to Lyneth*

Kedmir: It smells amazing in here.

Tesmir: Serious? *looks at Kedmir*

Kedmir: Aye, we did.

Tesmir: *looks at Tilmere*

Tilmere: *smiles in a way that says "I saw them. They're right."*

Tesmir:

Tilmere: *chuckles* We just have to watch and reinforce the boundaries when needed before they break loose.

Sulwyn: Oh... Can't everybody?

Iola: You don't have party clothes?

Lyneth:

Braith: *enters from the kitchen and also watches the flowers*

Aderyn: Our household spares no expense for company. *enters the hall*

Trevelian: *grins*

Tristram: *laughs* True, it is not so dissimilar from herding at times.

Orrun: *smile flickers* Oh, I'm sure we can. How shall we arrange it?

Hakor: No. We usually have other things we need to buy more than party clothes. We have nicer clothes for somewhat formal occasions, but nothing strictly party.

Jek: *smiles* *both flowers wave at the girls, a third sneaking in and starts to braid with the other two*

Kedmir: *smiles, following behind*

Rousen: *grins when he sees Jek amusing Braith and Lyneth with the flowers*

Tesmir: How far did you go?

Kedmir: Seemed not far at all with the speed we were going.

Tesmir:

Tilmere: *laughs* Aye, there it is very similar. I still remember days when I and a few others of my brothers had to chase the younger ones about just to get them in bed.

Tesmir: *grins* We like keeping you on your toes.

Sulwyn: I dunno.

Iola: You can be in our circle though. We'll invite you and you don't need special clothes.

Braith: They're beautiful.

Aderyn: *arches an eyebrow at Kedmir when she is behind Tesmir's back and he can't see her*

Tristram: And we keep you on yours... in our turn. *grins knowingly, in a way not unlike Yestin often does*

Gwenifer: But not now, Cariad. Dinner?

Tristram: Aye! Dinner. *claps hands together* *looks around* Find seats where you will, we needn't make it formal. *sits down at the head with Gwenifer at his left, Blodwyn at hers, Trevelian at his right, and Aderyn at Trevelian's*

Orrun: *nods* Well, I'm sure we'll figure something out, aye?

Hakor: *grins and makes a bow* A very kind invitation, Miss Iola Scalestride.

Jek: *smiles* They're called comitza lilies. Some people call them the seventh's mark.

Kedmir: *puts a finger to his lips behind Tesmir's back*

Tesmir: You do?

Tilmere: Aye. It's the only way to keep up with you.

*Kedmir, Rousen, Orrun and Jek sit on Trevelian and Aderyn's side, and Tilmere, Rune, Hakor, and Tesmir on the other*

(With whatever spaces are needed for the Scalestride chillens. I didn't think being bunched together would make for easy conversation. )

Sulwyn: *after Tristram has spoken* Oh. I guess I can sit with you.

Iola: *grins*

Briath: They are very beautiful. *smiles*

*the rest of the party finds seats*

(Trevelian, Aderyn, Kedmir, Rousen, Braith, Orrun, Sulwyn, Jek, Garan, and Gwenifer [Talidor between her and Tristram], Blodwyn, Lyneth, Tilmere, Rune, Iola, Hakor, Yestin, Tesmir)

*the Scalestride family all bow their heads and are silent for a few moments-excepting a squeal from Talidor-before dishes begin to be passed*

(There are plates at each setting, and knife, but no spoons or forks.)

Orrun:

Jek: *smiles* Feel free to take one if you like.

*the Annors hesitate, a little caught off guard, but with a silent motion from Tilmere they do the same before dishes are passed*

Tesmir: *glances at the setting and looks at Tilmere*

Tilmere: *gives him a brief look that says "just use it and be polite"* *smiles* It all looks very good.

Rousen: It does.

Hakor: *looks at Iola* What would you recommend?

(*tries to imagine little Iola next to a much bigger Rune* :3)

Sulwyn: *says to no one in particular when the silence is done* Thank you.

Braith: After dinner.

*Blodwyn and Gwenifer smile at the compliments*

Iola: You should have all of it. *to Rune* Would you pass the crayfish, please? :3

Aderyn: *uses her knife to serve herself a piece of ham and apple pie*

Trevelian: *stabs some mutton with his knife* Aderyn?

Aderyn: *holds out her plate* Thank you. *passes the pie to Kedmir*

Yestin: *takes a fish and passes the plate to Tesmir* Your favorite, I believe?

Garan: *laughs and heaps his plate with poultry and some cheese and strawberries before passing the trays on*

Lyneth: *watches Tilmere shyly*

Blodwyn: *whispers to her* Just ask, little Lyn.

Lyneth: *shakes her head and watches a chicken and onion pie that is out of her reach*

Braith: *sips her wine with dignity and waits for the dishes to be passed to her rather than scramble for them*

Orrun: *looks at Sulwyn curiously, but becomes busied with keeping up with the passing dishes* What would you like, Sulwyn?

Hakor: *laughs* All of it? I shall do my very best.

Rune: *smiles and passes her the dish, taking a crayfish for himself as he passes it*

Kedmir: *takes a piece of pie and passes it to Rousen, who passes it to Braith*

Tesmir: *laughs and takes some fish*

Tilmere: *fills his plate modestly, passing dishes along* *glances up to see Lyneth watching him, and her follows her eyes to the dish and smiles, reached for the dish and passing it to her*

Jek: *smiles and passes Garan the ham* You look like you'll need a second plate.

Tesmir: *tries the wine*

Sulwyn: *sits up on her knees since her legs don't reach the floor* Bird please.

Iola: *grins* Thank you. *takes two and passes them to Hakor* Have some of these first.

Braith: Thank you. *serves herself a piece before passing it to Orrun* *balances the slice carefully on her fingers and begins to eat it*

Lyneth: Thank you...

Blodwyn: *serves Lyneth her piece of pie, then glances at Tilmere's plate* Oh, take what you like, young man. There is more than enough for us each to have our fill.

Garan: *takes it and adds some of that too before passing it on* I would rather just be given one of the serving dishes.

*the wine is deluded with water to make it lighter for the children. It has an air of flowers to it*

Orrun: *passes her a plate of chicken* This bird?

Kedmir: *plate is nearly full* It all looks delicious.

Rousen: *attempts to copy Braith in eating his slice of pie*

Hakor: *grins and takes one, looking at it curiously as he passes the dish on* What kind of creature is... was it?

Tilmere: *smiles and nods*

Rune: *tries to suppress an amused smile, overhearing Blodwyn*

Jek: *chuckles* Don't we all sometimes?

Tesmir: *takes another sip before hurrying to keep up with passing dishes, his plate rather full*

Sulwyn: Yes.

Aderyn: It usually is.

Iola: It's a tasty creature. A crayfish.

Garan: *grins* You agree, don't you, Tesmir?

Orrun:

Kedmir: I don't doubt it.

Hakor: Crayfish? It doesn't look like a fish.

Tesmir: *looks up* Exactly.

Jek: *laughs*

Tilmere:

Rousen: Trevelian, how long do baryonix and eguiterma live?

Sulwyn: *tries to pull some of the meat off of the bird with her fingers instead of using her knife* Can you do it for me? *takes some of the strawberries and cheese*

Aderyn: *smiles as she eats her pie*

*most of the table is busy with eating rather than speaking*

Iola: They live in the river and streams. That makes them fish for food.

*both twins set to eating with focus and energy*

Trevelian: Ausma is our oldest, and she has been with the family for... *thinks* forty years? We do not know how old she was when she was caught though. She is the oldest, but the others that we have lost died of various ailments, and at no particular age, so we cannot yet tell if she is exceptionally old, or is she has some time left.

Orrun: *smiles and pries off a piece from the chicken with his knife* Any more?

Hakor: They do? *tastes it* ... It's good.

Rousen: *nods* That's a long time... have you ever seen old ones in the swamp?

Tilmere: *glances at Rousen like "let the man eat"*

Tesmir: *has begun eating*

Sulwyn: No thank you. *munches on her meat, strawberries, and cheese*

Iola: *passes a pie to Hakor* Try this too.

Trevelian: They can be difficult to follow in the swamp. Particularly the older ones. It is most simple to find the younger ones.

Tristram: *to Rousen* Your city keeps horses, aye? What is that like?

Lyneth: *tugs on Tilmere's sleeve and passes the tray of meat to him*

Garan: *to Tesmir* What's the food in your world like?

Orrun: *takes some chicken*

Hakor: *grins and takes a piece, passing it on before biting into it*

Rousen: Difficult? They're so big, though... *looks up as Tristram speaks* Horses? Aye. They require a fair amount of care. They need to be kept brushed, and their equipment clean. They have to be broken, like your mounts do. Orrun knows more about their care than I do. He works at the stables in the city.

Tilmere: *looks down at Lyneth and smiles, taking the tray and taking some of the meat before passing it on* *to Lyneth* What is your favorite food here?

Tesmir: *swallows* Depends on who's cooking. *clears his throat when Tilmere glances warningly* Well, I suppose it depends on where you are. In Piensor, meat is usually eaten. We get most of our meat from the forest and the animals there. Deer, cattle, bird, and the like. Sometimes we can season it and then it's delicious. We have fish, but rarely. It's easier to find fish to eat in the port cities. *grins* Sunberry pastries are amazing, too. They're bread with a sweet, jelly-like filling.