Lujayn

Meeting P'ax

2008-12-07T16:15:04Z

What: Lu meets one of Rielsath's weyrlings at last.
Where: Feeding Grounds, HRW

The spring air is light and fresh, the afternoon sun pleasantly warm and mild. Perched on the fence penning in all those tasty herdbeasts, Lujayn watches Rielsath pick her last carcass clean, both rider and dragon lazily enjoying the good weather.

P'ax comes down the bowl, following an eager Yyth towards the feeding grounds. He looks particularly tired this afternoon, wearing actual weyrling gear for the first time in four months like it weighs him down. Yyth for her part is skipping and flapping her wings as mightily as she can, hovering a few feet before coming down ungracefully. In her dark and bloody way, she seems happy even with this lack of grace. "Oh yes, you'll certainly have the element of surprise on your side now, love," P'ax replies dryly to one of her boasts.

Rielsath lifts her gaze curiously from the long-finished meal between her paws, slender snout tilting towards Yyth and the weyrling boy before Lujayn ever notices their arrival. It's with the last ungainly landing on the green's part that she turns to see what's interested her lifemate. "Good afternoon, Weyrling," She nods to P'ax with a smile for both him and Yyth's efforts. "Feeding time?"

P'ax scuttles to a stop when he sees Lujayn and replies warily, "Afternoon, ma'am." He shuffles stiffly forward again towards the fence. Yyth gleefully leaps it, wings spread, and then faceplants on the other side. "Grace like the wind there, Yyth." His elbow lands on the top rail of the fence, his cheek lolling into it. "Yeah, guess so. She's not even hungry, she just wants to play with them."

"Well, there's nothing like a little fun." Lujayn raises an eyebrow doubtfully when Yyth makes another rough landing. "Doesn't look like you think so, though. Long day?" Inside the pens, where the beasts grow restless at the arrival of another sharp-taloned dragon, Rielsath shakes off her midday lazies. At the word 'play,' she sits up a little straighter and cranes her neck down to get a better look at the dragonet. She gives a little hop forward, wings flaring slightly with the glide. Is this darkly-colored green here to have fun?

Dragon> To Yyth, Rielsath's mind reaches out curiously in a shower of little sparks, light and youthful. << What a funny landing. Did they teach it to you? >> An image of I'daur and Zunaeth, briefly.

P'ax shrugs. "Don't mind fun," he says in a bit of a grumble. "Just don't like it when she pulls their guts out. But I guess if it makes her happy." He gives a jerky shrug and clears his throat, extending his hand. "I'm P'ax. She's Yyth. One of yours, actually." Or, Rielsath's, at least.

Dragon> To Rielsath, Yyth sends a billow of noxious gas outwards to ignite the sparks, an explosion that results in a deeper darkness somehow. << Nobody teaches me. I teach myself. >> Disdainful splashes of mud are slung with her words. <>

"I figured," Lujayn hops down from the fence to grip P'ax's hand witn a nod, "Since there haven't been any clutches since Rielsath's. You can call me Lujayn." She takes a moment to observe his dragon when she's introduced, inclined to offer advice: "You can let her feed by herself by now, right? If it makes you squeamish. At least you don't have to cut up the chunks for her anymore."

Dragon> To Yyth, Rielsath doesn't seem to mind the mud, but slings it right back at Yyth with a series of playful sparks. << If you say so. >>

P'ax gives her a flimsy smile, "Lujayn it is." His gaze transfers over to Yyth, primly trotting across the feeding grounds to inspect the larger dragon. "Suppose I could, but she likes it when I come too. Says I have to be around in case she needs something. Wasn't so bad cutting the meat up. I dunno, guess it's different."

Dragon> To Rielsath, Yyth doesn't mind a little mud. <> Her attention swings to the sparking flicker of the gold's mind. << You are bigger than Tausreth. I did not think it was possible. >>

Lujayn follows P'ax's gaze and grins as Rielsath makes another teasing hop-glide, this time farther away from Yyth. "Guess so. Does she know it bothers you? Most times dragons won't want to do anything that makes their rider upset." Most times, but there are plenty of exceptions out there.

Dragon> To Yyth, Rielsath projects, << Show me. >> Rielsath challenges the green as she glides further across the feeding pen, landing with another flurry of the sparks that seem to attract the younger green so. << Sure I'm bigger. So's Teonath, but she's not half as fun. >> A thoughtful pause, waiting for Yyth to follow. << Would you rather be big or fun? >> >>

P'ax snorts. "She likes it when I'm grossed out. She's rather... what's the word? Ah! Macabre." His hand runs through his hair thoughfully. "If I really minded, I wouldn't be here. It's nice to be able to spend more time with her again. She was a little mad at me when I had to work in the lower caverns all the time." He swings himself up to sit on the fence, planting his chin on his fists. Yyth flaps her wings, rearing on her hind legs and stalking closer to Rielsath impatiently. Another leap, another bad landing.

Dragon> To Rielsath, Yyth stretches curiously into a long tunnel of focus, a shriek, high and grating projected through it. << How do you do that? >> Flying. << Teonath would not let me fly. She is not fun. >> The green agrees, and then: <>

"Then it sounds like you'll have to get used to it if you can't make her cut it out." Lujayn leans against the fence, finding herself a rather calm observer. Rielsath moves away as soon as Yyth gets too close, rising high enough to pass over her daughter and land on the opposite side of the pen, eyes whirling quickly with playful colors. "Doesn't sound like there's much room for compromise."

P'ax nods his head in agreement. "Yeah, she's pretty stubborn. So am I, though. I think our paths just sort of tend to go the same way a lot of the time. You understand?" He glances over at her and attempts another smile. "I'm guessing it doesn't bother you, watching her eat?"

Dragon> To Yyth, Rielsath shows a trail of dapples through the sky, challenging Yyth to follow if she can. << They taught me to fly, and now I fly all the time. >> A sense imparted of certain wing muscles working, the feeling of reaching out for the ground in a landing. << Me too! But you're flying now, almost. >>

Dragon> To Rielsath, Yyth takes the subtle feelings she projects and considers them hard. She emulates. <> she preens. << You see, I don't need them to teach me. I can learn. >> And then an amused snort. << Of course you're bigger. You're a gold. >>

Lujayn smirks. "That's how it goes, but it sounds more like she's making you put up with what you don't want to." Though she hasn't yet seen this macabre quality, Lu doesn't doubt it. "She comes here without me, too. But I like spending the time, like you said."

Dragon> And what does Yyth think Rielsath's doing? Skimming over this with an amused spark or two, the gold laughs brightly. <> (Rielsath to Yyth)

P'ax laughs outright. "I love her. Wouldn't you put up with something you didn't enjoy if it would make Rielsath happy? What does it hurt me to sit here with her." He hooks his toes behind the lower rail and goes back to watching. Yyth tries again, flexing the muscles in her wings and pushing off harder with her rear legs. She gets high enough to sweep her wings and then -- crash. "Yep. That hurt."

Dragon> To Rielsath, Yyth wallows in a pool of blood, letting it swirl and froth as she laughs in return. << It is all there for me to take. See I'm up! I'm flying! I'm -- Ow. >>

Lujayn echoes P'ax's earlier comment with a shrug, wincing at the shared pain. "She's stubborn, but so am I. There's a difference between making your dragon happy and letting them do whatever they please, though." Speaking of which. "Rielsath," As the gold readies herself for another leap skywards, Lu foregoes the mental link. "You're gonna hurt her if you keep showing off like that. Let I'daur do the dirty work." Rielsath snorts, but gives Yyth an extra few seconds to catch up. Work? Her?

Dragon> To Yyth, Rielsath stays clear of the blood, globbing up more mud to splash into the strange crimson pool instead. << Not yet you aren't. >>

P'ax just shakes his head. "I suppose. Oh well." He doesn't seem to mind, at least. Yyth gets herself back up and huffs a sigh, stalking after Rielsath again. "She's determined to show off too. She wants to prove to all of her admirers that she can fly well, especially since she wasn't allowed to before. I think her feelings are a little hurt that they can do something that she can't."

Dragon> To Rielsath, Yyth is happy to churn the blood up to mix into the mud. << Well... I will. You'll see. Better than any of the others. And then they will never catch me. >>

"Took the words right out of my mouth. Determined." Lujayn shakes her head at that, watching the green trail resolutely after Rielsath. "Don't let her push herself too much, though. That's where you come in as a rider, right, making sure she doesn't hurt herself. Especially when she's not as experienced as the others." Gray eyes fix back on Rielsath, who twitches her tail impatiently but waits for Yyth to join her. "I'd take extra care to make sure she's allowed from now on, since it looks like your happiness takes second place to hers. Can't blame anyone but yourself for that one." The junior comments matter-of-factly.

Dragon> To Yyth, Rielsath trails another line of flickering dapples, though they begin to fade. << Better hurry, then, if you want to catch up to them. >>

P'ax presses his lips together. "Yeah, I'm trying. She'll probably have a sore snout in the morning, but I'm not going to let her break a claw or pull a wing. She listens to me when it really counts." Yyth catches sight of that twitching tail and turns towards it like a piece of metal drawn towards a magnet. Pounce? Don't mind if she does.

Dragon> << I'll get there. >> She assures loftily, her pride stung just a little. <> (Yyth to Rielsath)

Dragon> To Yyth, Rielsath is proud as well, and aims a splat of mud at Yyth in response. << No one's faster than me. When you can fly, I'll show you. >> The dizzying feeling of a dive, a spiraling descent, shooting like a comet in a flash of hot light. << Come find me when you do. >>

Dragon> To Rielsath, Yyth takes the bait, so immersed in mud already that one more splatter is of nothing to her. Red eyes whirl behind the grime however, swiftly revolving at the promise of a challege. <>

"When does it count the most?" Lujayn asks curiously, intrigued to know where this line between happiness and safety lies. Perhaps frustrated by Lujayn's caution for Yyth's health, or satisfied with her encounter and ready to move on, Rielsath takes to the sky and rises past the feeding grounds and out of sight. Lu stays behind for the time being, mind skipping ahead to other matters. "At least you guys have your own weyrs now. The barracks were almost impossible by the time my class moved out."

P'ax presses his already thin lips together until they form a slash just beneath his nose, his nostrils pinching closed with the movement. "When she knows I mean it. She's like one of those dogs trained to hunt and kill tunnelsnakes. She won't let go of something until she's shaken it dead. When there's a fight or a conflict, she's got to stick her nose in it so she can blow the flame hotter. Usually it's me. And if I'm going to get in trouble because she's in there trying to rile me up, I have to pull her back. Close her off. Or when she wants to play too rough. I have to stop her from biting. She doesn't mean to hurt anyone, she just wants to play." He looks at her to see if this is making sense. Yyth warbles mournfully when the gold leaps into the air and flies off, and then turns towards the milling herd of animals, giving her energy over to catching one of them instead. "I sorta liked it, once everyone moved out and it was just us. We were all the way in the back anyway, and everyone hates me, so they left me mostly alone."

"As long as it's you in control of yourself and not your dragon, I'd say that's a step in the right direction. If you can influence her to settle down, so much the better." As Yyth goes off to investigate the beasts, Lujayn brings her focus back to the weyrling on the fence. "With those kinds of issues, it's not hard to see why people left you two to yourselves." Just another reason in favor of tempering a contrary dragon, but Lu's not going to harp on so many times in one sentence. "Is it pretty much an empty cave, your place, or did you fix it up yet?"

P'ax laughs. "They like her. It's /me/ they dislike. Which is fine. I'm not good with people. I never expected to really have friends. Eila and Raz try, in their way. But it's not like we're close. Friendly, but not close." His legs swing boredly. "Sorta a shell. There's a bed and a few chairs out on the ledge, but nothing else. It's not really mine, yet. The Weyrwoman said if Yyth caught up in a week we could have it. Yyth can't get up there anyways. We're still in the barracks."

Lujayn nods. "That's the way most are 'til you make it your own. Should be a busy week, if you're gonna get caught up with everyone else." Lujayn steps away from the fence, nodding one last time to the weyrling pair in farewell. "I've used up my spare time, I think. But it was nice meeting you."

P'ax nods his head absently as Yyth finally brings down a herdbeast. "Probably will be, you're right. Yes, nice meeting you, ma'am. Have a good day."

Vignette: Rielsath's Advice

2008-11-27T16:28:12Z

Lujayn retreats after listening to X'lar. She listens to Rielsath instead.

Rielsath was a dragon of few words at the moment, weaving a cloak of light and warmth to wrap her rider's mind. Lujayn was fed up with talking, anyhow. She only wanted to write. Her pen scratched out spiky words, neither printed nor in flowing script, meandering across the page as haphazardly as her thoughts: unable to follow a straight line for more than a few moments. Maybe it was a letter, a journal, or just something to occupy both the mind and hands.

She could feel her dragon fiercely, the gold providing all kinds of satisfying scenarios from what she would have done, somehow separate from the protective cocoon of support. Screaming. Hitting. Making him sorry however she could.

<< He hurt you, >> The single-mindedness was reassuring. << Don't let him. >>

Single-mindedness was for dragons, at least in matters of the heart, and Lujayn wasn't so convinced X'lar had all the blame on his shoulders. I could have done things differently, It wasn't the first time she had wondered. How much of it was my fault? She felt young for the first time in turns, trying to sort out something too complex, too fragile for her clumsy hands. She felt restless.

<< None of it. >> The provided light was blinding, obscuring the outside world. If there was a threat to her Lujayn, Rielsath would make sure it never got close. A chill swept through Rielsath's light, making the goldrider wonder if her dragon's attention was caught elsewhere, but the warmth soon returned, softer and sleepier. Dimmer. << Stay home. >>

Lujayn did.

Surprise visit

2008-08-20T18:19:05Z

Lujayn pays X'lar a visit at Ista. Started ages ago on PernMUSH and finally finished on NC!

Partway down the coastline of the characteristic black sand beach of the Big Island, close to Ista Weyr, stands one of its tanned residents. It being late afternoon, a breeze has picked up, a few clouds meander above, but nothing to portend showers. X'lar stands with his feet in the shallows, smiling fondly out toward the water where Malsaeth is currently hiding, with the exception of his darker headknobs that peek out of the water.

Dragon> To Malsaeth, Bright dapples on ocean waves announce Rielsath, high in the sky but coming closer. << Malsaeth, >> A river of bright snowmelt in Ista's humid clime, <> (From Rielsath)

In the drifting clouds is a more deliberate form, wingbeats stirring the clouds and adding to the breeze. Rielsath banks toward those black sands, encouraged by Lujayn to avoid landing in the sea itself. She circles once before landing, setting down as near to the shallows as she dares. When her rider dismounts, it's all fair game and the gold wastes no time getting her feet wet. As for Lu, she grins down the beach. "Thought we'd find you out here."

Dragon> To Rielsath, Malsaeth's laughter comes across like a thunderclap. << That is no fair, >> Malsaeth offers, in amusement. << Rielsath. >> Another thunderclap of laughter and he explains: << You saw me from above. I am sure you could not have seen me if you were in the water! >> Malsaeth boasts, light, pleased.

X'lar looks from the mostly submerged bronze to the arrival of Rielsath and her rider. A grin suddenly blooms on the bronze rider's face from ear to ear. "/Lu/!" X'lar calls out. "I was just thinking about you." There's another grin and he closes most of the distance between them, offering a shy wave before he says, "Welcome back to the island! It's great to see you!"

Dragon> To Malsaeth, Playing the bright flash of lightning to accompany such thunder, Rielsath can only tease as she spreads her wings and twists into deeper waters. <> (From Rielsath)

Dragon> To Rielsath, Malsaeth relishes the lightning as Rielsath replies back with it, clouds growing more stormy with the combination of his thunder and her lightning. He sinks deeper into the water, submerging completely. <>

Lujayn has a delighted smile of her own, glancing back just once as Rielsath splashes into the ocean. "I thought it would make a nice change of pace to have a visitor, what with you always Weyr-hopping." She laughs, shrugging off her flight jacket. "It's a pleasure to get out of the cold. How have you been?"

Dragon> To Malsaeth, Rielsath projects, << Or the ones too deep to catch, the big ones, >> Rielsath's tone drifts thoughtfully, beams of light reaching through the water for dark, murky depths. << Up here we eat the fish, but I'd hate to have one of those catch onto you. >> Her bright lightning-laugh again, considering herself immune to predatory fish. >>

"Funny," X'lar offers. "Mal and I visited Fort earlier today and it's still snowing there. I don't know what it is about it being so cold, but Mal sure loves it." There's a brief grin tossed back to the Reachian junior, nodding to her. "It is. A nice change, I mean," X'lar offers. "I like seeing you." He stretches and moves to sit down on the warm sand. "Sit? I figure it's better than just standing. I'd thought of joining Malsaeth, but I think he'd just trip me as I came into the water or something." A rueful look is sent toward the water where the dragons are and Xie tells her: "He did that for my 17th turn day. He thought it was great fun seeing me trip and sprawl out in the water like that." There's a pause and then the Istan teen smiles once more happily at Lujayn, telling her: "I've been great, actually. You?"

Dragon> To Rielsath, Malsaeth listens to Rielsath, especially as she grows more thoughtful in her remarks to him. His voice remains deep as usual. He plumbs the depths, verging deeper. Soon, his voice returns, but it's the same darkness as he has shared with her in the past. <> Malsaeth admits in a hoarse whisper. <>

"I hoped you would," Lujayn sits beside X'lar, already tugging off her heavy boots. "Tried to dress light, but there's only so much you can spare /between/." She explains as she works her feet into the sand with a smile. "It was hard enough to convince Rielsath she didn't have to land straight in the water. Maybe that would have given you an excuse to be tripped? I take it you didn't think it was so funny." Even as she grins at the thought. "It's been busy, but like I said, there's always time to find for friends."

Dragon> To Malsaeth, Rielsath envisions the oldest, meanest creature of the sea her mind can dredge up, spikes along its back and teeth in its jutting jaw barely silhouetted by some aquatic glow. << Let's hope they won't get hungry enough for that, >> Enjoying the mysterious landscape, its threats so different from the Thread and flame she's known in the skies. << We'd beat them for sure if they tried, though. Every last one of 'em. >>

X'lar grins easily at Lu, nodding back to the goldrider. "I know the feeling," the Istan remarks emphatically. "When you're going from Reaches to Ista, or any other place that's so cold to another place that's so warm, you can't really wear lots of layers or just a shirt and shorts. You've got to sort of balance the extremes of each Weyr's climates." Xie smiles back at her, nodding as he replies back back to Lujayn: "Well, I'm glad you found time in your schedule to come down to see Ista." And in response to her comments about Malsaeth's mischief, X'lar grins wide in reply, commenting: "At the time? Nuh uh. I was just so happy no one was around to see me do that. It wasn't too pretty. But now? Sure, I can laugh about it."

Dragon> To Rielsath, Malsaeth sees that vision of Rielsath's oldest, meanest creature of the sea, and tries to offer another image. The shape isn't all that different from Rielsath's version, but Malsaeth adds a lot more teeth, almost too many as it makes it look a lot more menacing, gleaming. << Yes, I'm sure there's enough smaller fish for them to eat that they would never even think about nipping at our paws. >> He moves his neck and head in mimic of the bigger creature, trying to look menacing in the water. << Every last one of 'em, Rielsath. >> Malsaeth replies in the affirmative.

Lujayn smiles over at Xie, leaning back on her elbows. "How could I not?" Looking up at the clouds, out towards the dragons, asking whatever comes to mind, she relaxes easily. "You wouldn't mind as much, after knowing what to expect from him? Or just because it's happened so many times?" She chuckles, shaking her head. "I'm glad Rielsath spent more time scheming than with pranks. Even though it looks like Mal's got you on your toes."

"Largely because it's happened so many times," X'lar tells her, grinning back. "It's just who he is, you know? And I'm /still/ surprised about him. There'll be something we're talking about and he'll just... stun me... by saying something just so profound. Or get me to stop worrying about something." There's a soft chuckle in response to Lu's last, telling her: "He's always keeping me on my toes, yeah." There's another warm smile sent to the other rider and his attention once again returns to the water.

Dragon> To Malsaeth, Satisfied with the order of things (namely dragons over fish), Rielsath follows Malsaeth's pantomime of the deep-dweller. << But everyone else, >> Lujayn, X'lar, << They're not fierce like we are. The fish wouldn't be afraid of them if they met in the deep. >> (From Rielsath)

Dragon> To Rielsath, Malsaeth is seemingly satisfied with this order of things as well. << Mine is only fierce when he's got his spear with him, but even then, he knows not to go after the bigger fish in the sea. He is happy to spear the yellowfins and smaller ones that swim in the shallows. >>

Dragon> To Malsaeth, Rielsath projects, << We should scare them off if we see any up here, >> Rielsath insists, skimming back and forth underneath the waves, watchful. << Just in case. >>

"I like how it works like that," Lujayn nods at his explanation, one most riders are familiar with. "They just know. No matter if they're annoying or cooperative, they know what to say. Wish I could do that." She tilts her head, smile more rueful. "It would save a lot of trouble."

Dragon> To Rielsath, Malsaeth seems to agree, trying to flash his teeth once more while submerged in the water. As if telling those bigger creatures of the water 'just try it'. << They know better. >> he replies with a hoarse whisper. << They know I would attack them if they came close to the waves. >> He seems so certain, too.

"I like how it works like that too," Xie offers in quiet agreement, smiling at Lujayn. "Exactly. Malsaeth just... knows." He pauses, canting his head as he listens to the goldrider, brows furrowing briefly as he asks her: "What kind of trouble would it save?"

"Misunderstandings," Lujayn doesn't have trouble answering, the word breathed with a sigh. "Some people are so touchy - I mean, no one in particular, but still. People can get all riled up because a comment by so-and-so was taken the wrong way, and all it takes is just one misunderstanding to make a big ordeal. It makes me think that if we could say the right things, we could avoid some nasty situations." She shrugs. "Or maybe even that wouldn't help, but I can hope."

Dragon> To Malsaeth, Rielsath's laughter shines again when she sees the display, a mockery of the imagined creatures. <>

"See, this is partly why I like you," X'lar remarks, nodding in emphatic agreement with what Lujayn tells him. "I don't see why people can't just relax. Life is hard enough with the normal amount of stress, I think. It's not worth anyone getting up in anyone's business because they take something wrong, or their toes are stepped on or something like that." He wrinkles his nose and admits, "I mean, sure, I can get a little too worried over some things in life, but I don't necessarily worry over them /so/ much that I let those worries rule my life." He gives the goldrider a brief look before finally smiling at her, commenting: "It's always good to hope."

Dragon> To Rielsath, Malsaeth replies back with a thunderclap of laughter in the darkness. <> Malsaeth tells the sunfire gold while lifting up in the water only a little. << X'lar tells me they sometimes live in schools. >>

Lujayn turns to listen at that introduction, always curious to hear. "I've been guilty of it," She admits. "Letting something get to me, or overreacting when there was nothing to be upset about - stupid kid stuff, when I was younger - but it's easier to give advice than to listen to it." All too knowing. "Can't do much more than try."

Dragon> To Malsaeth, Finding the very idea so distasteful, Rielsath can't help but be curious about the scenario. << I'm glad we don't live in schools, >> Off again like flashes of sun on the waves, << They must be so stupid that they forget, then have to learn the same thing over the next day, so they never leave. Ugh. >> (From Rielsath)

"Actually," X'lar says in thought. "That's the part of you that I like the most. You just make life... more grounded for me." There's another nod from the bronzerider as he listens to her, commenting, "I've overreacted too. And letting something get to me that way... It's hard not to get so involved in the little things. Which is what Malsaeth is so good for too, he makes me re-consider certain things. I mean, I know I talk. I talk a LOT. But... he knows me so well that he can stop me before I get overly... idiotic." He nods once more and finally states: "Exactly. Trying is all you can do to live your life better and without the restraints of the ... small things getting you down."

Dragon> To Rielsath, Malsaeth seems rather agreeable of the notions that the sunfire gold proposes. << Schools. >> he replies back. It's a word that speaks volumes of his distaste for it. << What an awful idea. That must be it. It's the order of things for them. They learn something once and then forget it almost as soon as they are taught. >>

"I'll try to keep it that way, then. If you like it." Lu's silly grin is a flattered one. "I don't mind that you talk. Sometimes I can't think of so many things to say, but it's easier when there's another person giving me ideas." A nod in Xie's direction. "Hanging out with quiet people is good too, I mean. A lot can be said without so many words, but sometimes it makes me feel like I'm getting half the picture."

Dragon> To Malsaeth, Rielsath scoffs at the silly fish, << And the teachers forget what they should teach, so most times they learn it wrong anyhow. No wonder they have to learn everything over. >>

X'lar gives Lujayn a grin to equal her silly one, replying back, "Just be you, Lu. That's the Lu I like." There's a pause before Xie tells her, chuckling softly, "I think we might be in trouble if you didn't like me talking." Another shy grin is given to the gold rider. "I agree though. I think that's why I think Griere is such good company. She doesn't talk too much. It's pretty easy to enjoy yourself in conversations with her because of it." He nods again before saying, "Then again, sometimes there's -too- many words. I mean, sometimes my metaphors are just /so/ rambling that /I/ don't even understand them."

Dragon> To Rielsath, Malsaeth scoffs as well. << The teachers are stupid too. They think they know everything, but they forget things too. >> he replies back to the queen.

"It's fun not to understand things sometimes, if it's something like a metaphor and not dangerous like a flamethrower." Maybe Lujayn doesn't fully understand /that/, but she'll try to flesh it out. "To let something alone without picking it apart, knowing it won't hurt you to watch something instead of owning it. Some things though - especially firestone or the 'throwers - you have to understand. If you don't, that's just stupid." She pauses. "I don't think I've spent time with your Weyrwoman like that. But if your metaphors become monsters, I won't wait for Malsaeth to stop you. Promise."

Dragon> To Malsaeth, Rielsath projects, << Some teachers are good, >> Rielsath ventures doubtfully, weighing fish against her elders at High Reaches. << Especially when they're so sneaky, you can't tell you're learning until it's too late. >>

X'lar's brows arch upwards as he listens to Lu's former remark that leads to her metaphor, he's willing to hear her out though, shifting to study her as she talks. "I see what you mean, about the flamethrower, I mean. It makes sense to me at least. Sometimes it makes things worse if you pick it part like that. If you don't understand some things, however, like tactics for fighting Thread, you're a goner." There's another pause at hearing her next comments and Xie nods once more, replying back with: "Griere's quiet. But great company." A laugh follows as he hears Lu's comments about his metaphors, saying, "Oh, that's a good thing to know. Metaphors become monsters though. I like that."

Dragon> To Rielsath, Malsaeth projects back to the sunfire gold with, << This is true. You just have to find the right teachers. Maybe creatures of the sea just aren't good teachers overall. My X'lar had a mentor whose blue was like that. So sneaky you didn't know you were actually learning at the time. >>

"Well, we don't have to worry about that anymore. Thread-wise." Lujayn shrugs off her metaphor, eyes drawn to the water when Rielsath starts to swim out to deeper waters, golden form disappearing bit by bit under the waves. "Do you and Malsaeth have any plans? Without the wing structure, I imagine it must be different. Or more fishing? Wasn't that what you did before you Impressed?"

Dragon> To Malsaeth, Rielsath projects, <> Rielsath replies, boasting in that not-boasting way of hers. << If there was anyone worth teaching. >>

"Dock worker," X'lar offers, nodding off toward the structure in the distance. "I think the whole 'making my own fishing rods and spears' came out of me not wanting to do work," the bronzerider explains, grinning some. "So I came up with something else to do that was fun." There's a pause there before he lets out a sigh, making him further explain to Lu: "I've changed a lot. Being responsible for myself always scared the living daylights out of me." It's a soft, earnest admission from the Istan. His eyes look out to Rielsath, making the teen grin briefly. "I had this conversation with Griere once. About preserving the knowledge and skills of a dragonrider. I want to do that. Continue doing drills, sweeps. Keep track of stuff that's important. But really? The one thing I want to do with the Interval is help the Weyr any way I can." He gives Lujayn a look, smiling at her. "I like that about you, too," Xie adds. "The way you're all about High Reaches. Working to help it. That kind of thing, you know?"

Dragon> To Rielsath, Malsaeth seems amused by Rielsath's boastful assumptions, replying back with his usual growl <> There's a brief flicker of Zunaeth, then replaced with another bronze, Morveuth. <>

Lujayn grins, ducking her head briefly. "Sometimes I wonder if I have a choice in that, whether or not I want to help the 'Reaches and work for it. Rielsath pretty much guarantees I'll stay there and work for its benefit, and I don't think I would choose differently if I weren't bonded to her - but you can't help but think sometimes, 'what if.'" A nod for Xie; she knows what he means. "Fun is always important." Lu asserts, empathizing with the former slacker-X'lar. "It took me a long time to learn that work wasn't supposed to be fun. I'm not sure I've even fully learned that yet." An embarrassed smile. "Still looking for upsides to the dirty jobs, trying to fool myself into thinking I'm not doing work. It even helps, sometimes." She pauses, listening to his goals before continuing, "That's important, to be sure. Carrying on a legacy, right?"

Dragon> To Malsaeth, Rielsath catches the hint of amusement, turning it into more of those sun-dappled waves. << They must know something we don't. >> Almost affronted in her curiosity, mind kicking into gear at this new idea. << Some kind of secret passed through the generations. What do you suppose it is? >> The 'secret' takes form in her mind, a shiny treasure covered by a bell jar. << Where do they keep it when they're not using it? >>

X'lar nods quickly to Lu, replying back, "What if. It's a game I've played before too." He chuckles softly and adds, "But I've found that playing that game too much just takes you out of the moment. You know? If you're too caught up on what could have been, you don't realize what really is." A hand rises to rub at his forehead, another chuckle being emitted by the teenager. "I don't know if that made any sense, but..." Xie trails off." ... yeah." And he's soon off to address her latter comments, replying back to her: "Fun is definitely important." He looks like he's about to say more to that effect, but instead listens to the goldrider further. "It's hard for me not to want to leave something like a legacy for the generations that can actually do something about Thread. I mean, who knows what will happen down the line, but I just want them prepared." He smiles again, studying Lujayn again. "What about you? What're some of the things you want to do, outside of those dirty jobs that you find upsides for?"

Dragon> To Rielsath, Malsaeth doesn't seem to have that much problem with that amusement turning into those sun-dappled waves, just as long as he can rock them back and forth a bit more raucously. << Mine tells me it's experience. That's the true secret. >> Malsaeth offers conspiratorially to the sunfire gold. << Something we can only get by doing stuff. >>

"I would be back at Fort," Lujayn can't help but continue the 'what if' game. "In the runnercraft, probably. Maybe out at a station, but I wouldn't be here." She shakes her head free of those thoughts after a moment with a sigh. "You're right. It's easy to get caught up and forget what's really going on." Another easy grin. "I like that idea. Leaving a legacy, something that people will look back on and say 'hey, Lujayn was a pretty good dragonrider' or something to that effect. If that's possible, I think I'd like to do that. Work hard while I can and make things better for the time spent. Failing that, I could always learn to cook."

Dragon> To Malsaeth, Rielsath forms 'experience' under the bell jar, a golden trinket on a long serpentine chain. << It should be easier to share experience than to expect us to find our own, >> She decides at last. << There aren't such rare things lying around every storage cavern. >>

X'lar laughs softly at the last statement of the junior, repeating her, "You want to learn how to cook?" He grins wide at her before replying, "I think that's a great idea, Lujayn. It's always important to have hobbies." There's a pause before Xie explains, "I mean, I still have the whole fishing gig, but there are other projects I have too. I've got this miniature Seacrafter vessel, the Ice Princess, I've been trying to put together since I moved into my weyr. And I'm always writing down Mal's stories, too. And with Mal involved, there's always a new place to discover in the world." There's a pause and suddenly he grows serious, looking directly to Lujayn as he replies: "That does reminds me, though." A beat later comes his question: "What're your thoughts on meatrolls?" It's almost as if he could be talking about Pernese politics or another like-serious subject. But to the subject of cookie, Xie replies: "I'm pretty good at the whole roasting on a spit thing. And, with as much as I eat, I think I have fantastic taste." A beat. "After all, I like you." X'lar grins.

Dragon> To Rielsath, Malsaeth studies that golden tricket carefully, as if it were something to snag or steal. << But if we don't learn from our experience, does that mean we don't learn at all? >> The growled question is seemingly tumbled over and over like a feather of an avian caught in an updraft, studied immensely by the bronze until finally he decides: << There are rare enough things in storage caverns. Mine found a table with fish carved on it. Everyone has their own sense of what treasure is - what might be trash to someone might actually be treasure to someone else. >>

Lujayn is taken by surprise at the question, or is at least a little baffled by it. Will her opinions on meatrolls open some secret window into her psyche? Is it a metaphor in disguise? Could she possibly be overthinking this? "I don't know how to make them." She admits. "But I like to eat them. And I /can/ make some things, like cake and stew. But other than that I depend on the nice kitchens staff to keep me alive." Lu chuckles, letting her self-esteem take the offered boost. "That's true, you have excellent taste in food - but please don't eat me. I might have to like you less for it." A teasing sparkle of gray eyes. "D'you think I have good taste in you?"

Dragon> The polished treasure crumbles in on itself, eventually an oozing puddle of mud and other smelly things. << Well, not all experience is good experience. I try to pick good experiences. >> Full of agency and independence, not allowing that anything could happen to her without her choosing it. << We could learn from others' experiences, sure. That's what teaching is. >> (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

X'lar seems relieved when he hears Lujayn's answer with regard to the meatrolls. Really. Relieved. There's a small grin from the Istan as he replies back, "I was talking to a friend of mine, Iesia, about how I liked you, how you liked me, and she asked me whether or not if I knew if you liked meatrolls." There's a pause before Xie admits, "I like meatrolls a lot. But I don't know whether or not it would be a deal breaker if you had said you didn't like them." But he's on to another topic, clearly impressed as he asks her: "Wow, you know how to make cake and stew?? That's so cool." And then to her teasing, Xie laughs aloud, rewarding Lu with another grin bordering on silly. "Oh, I'm totally a catch," X'lar tells her, teasing. "I'd say you have amazing taste in me."

Dragon> To Rielsath, Malsaeth's study of the treasure quickly increases as the treasure itself seems to decompose. Death, it seems, is clearly a treasure to the bronze as well. He continues his enjoyment of the deeper waters, casting a glance to the gold in the water. << Not all experience is good experience. >> he repeats with firmness. << But even bad experiences are important because you learn from them too. Teaching. >> There's a sense of humour from the crimson-tinged bronze as he asks her: << Are you saying that teaching is important, Rielsath? >>

"Aha," Lujayn doesn't know what to make of the question from a girl she doesn't know. "But it turns out we have that in common, so maybe we shouldn't play 'what if' about what would happen if I didn't." She laughs, enjoying the bouts of teasing. "Yeah, I learned a few things from a friend in Fort, P'draig. He was a Baker before becoming a dragonrider; every so often I'd find him cooking while I was doing my own chores. When I did, I'd try to learn whatever he was making." Reminiscing, Lu smiles more quietly. "Sure you are. I mean, I don't need anyone to tell me - but it's nice to know that /you/ know you're great. You know?"

Dragon> To Malsaeth, Rielsath doesn't answer straightaway, stilled by her own roundabout path to this conclusion. To occupy herself, she resumes building the shimmering thing in its bell jar, reflecting and producing its own light. Putting on a distracted air, she continues to play with it and answers rather sheepishly for a dragonet who was once the bane of lessons, << If you say so. >>

X'lar very nearly double takes at hearing Lu's comments, asking her: "Paddy? Seriously?" He nods once more, telling the goldrider: "I know him. He's T'mic's weyrmate. And he likely gave me the best advice on how to survive flights, too." There's a thoughtful pause, however, as he listens to the rest of what Lu has to say on the matter of baking. "Wow, I didn't realize he had been a Baker," X'lar replies. "Or maybe Milani had told me that at some point and I just forgot." There's another pause, followed by a look of embarrasment as he admits to Lujayn: "I'm realizing lately that I have a lot of friends who are girls. But honestly? They're friends. Not that we aren't, but what you mean to me is way different than.." He trails off and grumbles under his breath. "And here comes the rambling. Sorry." There's an apologetic look in Lu's direction before he replies to her: "You're amazing. There are so many words I could use to tell you why I think that, but they're just words. I feel like I don't need to explain in so many words just how much I like you. You just... know. You know?" He raises a hand to rub at his face, shaking his head, "I have no idea what I'm trying to say. Just... there are no other girls for me except for you. I don't know if that comes across as weird or... ew, or whatever, but... It's the truth." And then a laugh, nervous, as he explains, "And I reaaaaaally don't know what made me say all that." He pauses at her last statement, making him smile warmly at her. And for a while, there really are no words from the talkative bronzerider. Beats pass. "You're amazing," Xie repeats.

Dragon> To Rielsath, Malsaeth still seems amused, but knows well enough to let alone, at least in this circumstance. Or perhaps it's because it's Rielsath. He watches her play with that shimmering thing in the bell jar, even adding a few details to it, making it that much more shiny, that much more of a treasure. It's a slow build-up. << Should treasures be kept in bell jars? Shouldn't they be shown off? >> It's an honest question from the thoughtful bronze.

"Seriously," Lujayn replies at first, but eventually just smiles and smiles when X'lar begins his rambling. If she were a shyer girl, she might have laughed nervously or stared at her feet for the duration, but from the safety of confidence she keeps up a warm smile, thrilled to share his company. Even rhetorical questions can't lure her from silence, but after another moment she scoots closer to Xie and settles her head onto his shoulder. When words ramble in circles, a little gesture can summarize most everything without a sound. "I know. You too." The goldrider still gazes out to sea, searching for a glimpse of Rielsath or perhaps Malsaeth amongst the waves, the afternoon sun as comfortable and warm as her silence.

Dragon> To Malsaeth, Rielsath covets her little trinket, but trusts Malsaeth enough to back away, remembering the same treasure as a lump of mud and ooze. << If you want it, you can have it. It's a secret, remember. >> She reminds him after a moment, heavier rays like dusky sunset in her tone.

OOC: Rielsath art

2008-08-01T16:30:27Z

A friend of mine needed business, so I was happy to commission a (lovely!) Rielsath. She's so very talented.

Mountain climbing

Pancakes with Leova

2008-08-01T16:27:45Z

(Log snitched from leovaried)

RL: July 24, 2008.
Where: Lujayn's Weyr
When: Day 21, month 3, Turn 17 of the Interval. It is a winter morning.
Summary: Early morning breakfast, gossip included. Lujayn shares her storybook.

The smell of something fluffy and sweet drifts around Lujayn's weyr, enough to rouse a curious Rielsath for a momentary sniff. As her lifemate moves out into the chill morning air, Lu steps back from the pulley elevator with a heavy tray and a wide smile. "Thanks for coming by so early," Hands full, she gestures with her head to indicate Leova can sit (or stand) wherever she wishes. "It's been too hard to convince anyone to stop by once they get into the swing of a day." Pancakes are piled generously atop a plate, some sausages on the side. A jar of preserves is already on the rider's table, one thing the kitchen needn't supply.

"Have to eat breakfast sometime," Leova teases as she takes up a lean on the back of the nearest chair, a couple damp curls clinging to her forehead. "I'd ask to carry something, but looks as though you got things in hand. Did you hear, though? K'del's mother's doing better again. With that and Snowstrike getting settled, he's gotten back into teaching real early-like, don't want to eat breakfast before /that/."

Lujayn sets the tray down carefully, staring for a moment before her sleepy brain puts the pieces in place. "Plates. You want a plate, right?" Apparently still waking up, Lu moves to a nearby cupboard and retrieves wooden dishes, enough for two. "Should have set these out beforehand. There's cider if you want, or I could call down for klah.." Hands on her hips, surveying breakfast - everything seems right at last. "That must be a good weight off his mind. Any leftover worry gets taken out on his students, right?" The teasing grin is fleeting before she starts to divide up the pancakes and sausages, practicing playing hostess despite the hour.

"Don't mind eating off the platter," Leova says with a straight face, and leaves off her chair to start pouring their drinks since Lu's got the rest. "Always like your cider. Hope the harvest will be as good this coming Turn," and never mind that the apple trees haven't so much as leafed out yet. As she sits, "Something like that. Have to say, it's good to feel at least a /little/ more competent... And. Breakfast. Breakfast's good. The last time we did this, was that before that Fall?" /That/ Fall.

"You'd hold the pancake in one hand and some strawberry preserves in the other, right?" Lujayn rolls her eyes and offers up a plate, complete with fork. "This is cleaner." She pulls out a chair and takes a seat, but doesn't blink at Leova's leaning. A few rays of frosty sunlight reach in through the exit to Rielsath's ledge, accompanied by a breeze that doesn't quite reach the kitchen area. Still, Lu shivers. "Don't know how she can stand it out there. Sun's hardly up and we don't have an assignment for at least two more hours." Slicing a sausage in two before dipping it experimentally into the preserves, "Your Vrianth fancy being frozen?"

Leova says, "/Lu/," the way another woman would claim heresy. "No, you put the preserves down the center of the pancake and then roll it up around them." Easy as pie? She leans a little further back in her chair, enough that she can tip her head against its back, and starts cutting up the pancake that's actually on her plate. "Vrianth? Depends on whether it's worth it. /Doing/ something, even if it's watching something in particular. Not new for your girl, though, is it?"

Lujayn shakes her head. "Sometimes I think she doesn't have reasons, that's the scary part." Apparently a hit, more bits of sausage join the strawberries. "And sometimes she does, so it's that much harder to tell purpose from what's really arbitrary." It's too early to think about draconic motivation, so she reaches for the cider instead. "Vrianth, though. Always very purposeful, from what I remember."

"Still is. Doesn't mean I always know what her purpose /is/, mind." And with that, Leova relaxes into a series of easy eating, adding in some of that sausage Lujayn's trying, some more strawberries. Eventually, "Heard you went to the Fort hatching?"

"Wouldn't miss it," Lujayn replies happily, feet swinging under the table. "Still miss that place from time to time; hatchings are great excuses to go traveling. Were you there?" Of course 'heard' is not the same as 'saw,' but those galleries can get crowded. "At least I'm not the only one in the dark, then. Thanks."

Leova gives her an any-time sort of grin. Then she's back to catching up: "See any old friends? And no. /I/ was cooling my heels at home, thanks to Vrianth. She went up the next day, but of course by then the eggs were long-cracked..." Not that she seems so broken-hearted, but a party somewhere warm is a party somewhere warm. And not that she can resist a glance over her shoulder, to that ledge there. "Idriloth. Again."

Lujayn raises a brow at her friend's news, lingering over her latest sip of cider. "I didn't hear /that/. Vrianth playing favorites, maybe?" She suggests, now on to spearing pancake bits. "Sat with N'thei and Satiet, but they booked it out of there pretty quickly. I thought I would recognize some of the Candidates, but it's like Fort has found itself some new faces since I last lived there." A little regretful, but like Leova's case it's nothing broken-hearted. "And X'lar. I got a chance to talk with him, too, after the excitement died down." If the talk with Xie was the unexciting part, her smile tells a different story.

"That and he's good. Wish, though... well. L'vae. You know." Leova's mouth pulls to the side and then she just eats some, listening, nodding for their weyrleaders' rapid departure. Again, for those new faces. But the rest, that has Leova sitting forward, pouring more cider and then giving Lujayn another look. An increasingly intrigued look. "You should /see/ your smile. What's going on?"

Leova's curiosity prompts a delighted laugh out of Lujayn, who grins toothily across the table. "We...talked." Maybe that's supposed to mean something in girlspeak. The barest shadow of a frown, "I worried about it being more of a dragon thing than a real thing. That Rielsath talking to Malsaeth influenced me, but that sounds silly," A roundabout explanation, but Lu doesn't waste time answering the question: "I can like whoever I want. If Xie likes me too, so much the better." She's happy to divulge, but there's still caution as she continues, "I know he used to be a little into you. Wasn't sure if you'd want to hear about it."

/Talked/. Apparently Leova gets it enough that her eyebrows go up, and then down when something pauses her. Again she looks over her shoulder, back towards her ledge. Slowly, back to her friend again, "Reckon it's... not impossible dragons might influence. But they also know us real well. Wouldn't mean it's not real, and it's not as if you can't decide what you like for dessert, hm?" Her gaze focuses on Lujayn again, and there's absolutely no hesitation at all in her, "He had a crush. Just had to wait it out. You like him, he likes you? More power to you. So..." and there goes the teasing, sideways smile. "Spill."

Lujayn nods, satisfied enough with that reasoning. "I figured it out after a while. No reason dragons can't like each other as well as their riders. Sounds better to have them in the mix than dragging their heels about it. If Rielsath didn't like Xie, I don't think she'd ever give it a rest." It's her turn to use that sideways smile. "Spill what else? I haven't seen him since, but was thinking of going down to Ista soon. We could do some flying, maybe. Faranth knows he's done enough of his own traveling, it might be nice to have someone else visit /him/ for a change."

Leova has to chuckle at that, covering her mouth so she doesn't lose any crumbs, and force a quick swallow. "No. Don't think she would either. And... are you saying that was the first time you met him? Visiting sounds like a good idea, for certain. Especially this time of Turn." How convenient, says her smile. "One thing, though, and... no offense, hm? but... what do you see in him?"

"We'd met before, of course," Lujayn is quick to correct that particular impression, setting a personal record for leaving pancakes untouched. "Mal would let Rielsath know if they were in 'Reaches, maybe tell some stories. Xie wrote up a book of the tales they spun and gave it to me last autumn." That's a good memory, and Leova's question sends her back to munching on pancakes. "He's fun. He's honest. I like being around him and look forward to talking to him. I get bits from Rielsath - secondhand from Malsaeth - about what he's like, a good person. Open and honest- did I say that?" At least there's no shortage of positive things from Lu's perspective, but it might have been preferable to a tangent. "And that he wants to spend time with me, that doesn't hurt either."

"A book? Of /their/ stories... sounds like he put some thought into it," and maybe Leova would do better to not sound /quite/ so surprised. But. Genuinely, "It all sounds great, Lu. He just better keep treating you right, is all I can say. And... you know? What you said about them talking, makes me think how we do have it easier in at least one way. Maybe. Dragons being able to talk to each other, we can know if someone's... not being themselves. I think."

Lujayn just smiles and smiles. "You want to take a look? I have it in the study," Head tilts to the exit hung with strands of colored glass beads. "It is great, it really is. I promise you'll be the first to hear if he doesn't - or maybe right after X'lar himself. Thanks for the support. It's nice to have one more person who thinks I'm not having a silly, dragon-induced, girlish infatuation. I don't exactly have a lot of experience here."

"Don't have much experience with telling the difference myself," Leova supposes with a smile pulled wry and just a little inward. "But. You're welcome. And even if it were infatuation, for both of you? Wouldn't be the end of the world. Enjoy it." Her gaze slides back to the study when she finally says, "I would like a look. Pretty sure I'd better have clean hands, though, hm?" There's the smile again, wider.

"I plan on it," Lujayn is still beaming as she rises to fetch the book, "Should be some napkins under the platter, that's where they usually hide 'em," She disappears into the next room with the swish of a curtain and the soft clink of glass beads, which hardly have time to settle before she reappears with a leather-bound tome. Metallic embossing in gold and crimson flashes on the spine. "Malsaeth and Rielsath's Stories." Lu announces proudly, seating herself in the chair next to Leova so they can share the book. "Let's see.. Posarth, Sleusath, Saladrith.. all here."

Leova finds and employs the napkins while she's gone, and then slides her chair closer yet upon her friend's return, leaning to look. And then to inhale, sharply, "That must have been some work, all right. Beautiful. And /Rielsath's/. Let's see..." and she doesn't seek to touch the thing, but she does look as Lujayn turns the pages, and sometimes she laughs as the stories go on. Sometimes even in the appropriate spots. It's easy to while away time this way, story after story until the book's done and it's time to go.

OOC: Lujayn's Soundtrack

2008-08-01T16:22:31Z

Because boredom spawns OOC Lujayn things: A few songs that represent points in Lu's life. I tried to be diverse. A song or two for Rielsath as well. :)

Modest Mouse: Float On
We'll all float on, don't you worry
As it's been pointed out to her, Lu's pretty easygoing. She takes events in stride and just goes with the flow.

Pink: Conversations With My 13 Year Old Self
I promise you that it won't always feel this bad
Not that she dwells, but being left standing as a Candidate multiple times isn't easy. Everything turned out okay, though~

Alanis Morissette: Wunderkind
Disbelieving eyes chilled to the bone, first to take this foot to virgin snow
Coming to High Reaches, the land of snow, not quite knowing what's in store. Ready to explore and experience.

Vienna Teng: Hope On Fire
If they're all going astray, don't let them take you in tow
Pure Lu and Rielsath. action > waiting around

Switchfoot: This is Home
I won't go back to how it was
After Impressing Rielsath, Lu lets go of her previous home, Fort, for where she really belongs. Home's an important idea for her.

Frankie Laine & Jo Stafford: Settin' The Woods On Fire
I don't care who thinks we're silly
This song makes me grin, like the idea of Lu spending a night 'on the town', being crazy and having fun.

Rielsath songs
Petshop Boys: Opportunities
I've got the brains, you've got the looks
Scheming at its finest, collecting followers (though her motives aren't so sinister).

Everyone needs a hobby (Vignette)

2008-07-02T16:38:56Z

Lujayn learns how to knit and not much else. Maybe asking how to bind off would have been a good idea.

Stitch by stitch. Lujayn worked slowly and precisely, looping the scarlet yarn with utmost care.

<< Why does it take so long? >>

Rielsath didn't have the patience to sit and watch her rider knit. She would sun, she would swim, but the existence of a project inevitably drew the gold back to ask questions. Or more accurately, the same question. Patient or no, it was downright fun to watch something come into being where there had only been a tangle of yarn before.

<< Lujayn, how many rows have you finished since this morning?

..since I was oiled?

..since dinner?

How many.. ? >>

The rectangle got longer day by day, a fluffy scarlet snake coiled on her chair when she wasn't knitting on it. Nothing fancy, but it was the product of her own time and the materials from her own purse. Lu couldn't remember being so satisfied in months. Maybe once hers was done she could make one more, five more, as many as she could manage. The winter wind howled outside, but inside the weyr was toasty warm. It was her own little world.

Late one night, the rider put down her needles after a long stretch only to discover the garment had grown to monstrous proportions. Knitting back and forth was simple enough, but she didn't know how to make it any shorter. And as a matter of fact...

<< You don't remember how to make it stop, do you, >> Somehow amused by Lujayn's oversight, Rielsath raised her head to eye the scarf. << Well, it might fit me if you do a few more. >>

It was too late to find any of the old aunties to ask them about binding off the stiches. Her klah was still warm in its mug, and the glows weren't too dim yet. Settling back in her seat, Lu took up the needles again and started another row. If it was going to be amazingly long, she might as well make it properly so.

OOC: Knitting is one of my hobbies (*dork*) and I wanted to see what would happen if Lujayn took it up.

Pancakes~

2008-07-02T00:33:57Z

Log snagged from milaninc

When: Afternoon, 10/26/16
Where: Kitchen, High Reaches Weyr
What: The girls enjoy a pancake snack and chatter.

Afternoon, seems to be break time and Milani's scored a treat from the cooks: pancakes. A big stack of them that she's just sitting down to with a couple of pots of jam in one of the nooks. "Thanks Mellina!" she hollers, sticking her head out of the nook and directing this towards a plump woman in a pink apron.

That seems to be the magic word, at least for Lujayn. Flight jacket tied about her waist, hungry from duty or some other kind of aerial shenanigans, her eyes light up at Milani's announcement. "Did I hear that right?" Turning away from a prospective snack of leftover meatrolls, she grins hopefully at the assistant headwoman. "Of course you'll be sharing..."

Niena is over with two older people, talking and accepting some gifts of her own -- the first of tonight's muffin bake. The two have to get back to work but Niena sees her clutchmate and the assistant headwoman and heads over their way.

Up come blue-green eyes and Milani mock-guards her plate as Lujayn steers a course in her direction, then she laughs brightly. "Absolutely, pull up a plate and fork. We've got ummm ... blueberry, strawberry and quince jams and apple sauce to go with them." Says she, turning the jars to see the labels and then popping the blueberry open. "Mmm, smells good. Can't wait. Grab a pitcher of water?"

"Ooh, sure." Lujayn pivots on the spot, moving quickly to get the pancake-ticket pitcher. So doing, she catches a glimpse of Niena and raises it in greeting. "You snagged something too, huh?" Winking at the muffins. "Everyone's getting lucky today. I'm lucky to have lucky friends." Setting the pitcher down, Lu leans over to get a look at all the jams. "This is above and beyond standard pancakes. Delicious." Is her happy verdict.

Niena nods. "Trade for a pancake... and some water. I'm lucky to have parents who are also weyr cooks."

"Thanks!" Milani says gaily to Lujayn and starts loading up her plate. "Everyone's lucky today, here, pool the loot, Niena and sit," the assistant headwoman invites, smile warm as she spoons jam onto the pancake on her plate. "How've you two been?"

Lujayn starts decorating her food straightaway, a dollop of each kind of jam circling the cake. "Trade's fair, but they're really Milani's." As an afterthought, she plucks up a second pancake before taking a seat. "Busy, but in different ways than before." Her will is no match for the delicious food before her; the next words share space with jam and puff pastry. "Less drills, more.. work." Grimace. There's no other word for it.

Niena winces in empathy. "It's my day off, so it's been nice and quiet. And seeing my parents is always nice." She puts her assorted muffins on the table, keeping a fingerroot one for herself.

"Nice work," Milani points out for Lu's pancakes, grinning widely at the other girl. "And I hear you about work, definitely hear you. It was a fun summer full of Gathers and now it's all hunkering down and getting ready for winter!" She cuts into her pancake and starts munching, tips a look over at the muffins. "Ooo apple-cranberry, dibs! And good for you, day off. Got any other plans for the day?"

Lujayn shares the grin, regarding her pancakes happily. By now the neat arrangement of jams has degraded into an every-fruit plate of chaos, but all those flavors were headed to the same place anyhow... "It'll be a fun winter, too. Rielsath wants to stock her ledge full of snowballs." If that's anyone's idea of 'fun' besides her dragon's. "Though I'll miss the Gathers. There should be one even if it's cold out. We can handle the weather."

Niena says "Aside from meeting my parents, nothing really. Masoth and I might go flying later." She takes a pancake and some preserves from the nearest jar, spooning them liberally over the cake. "Mmmmmmm. These are worth the trade, muffin-wise."

"Snowballs, skating, yeah, it should be a good winter!" Milani says with determined enthusiasm. "It's just the work getting Stores ready is always busy." She takes another bite from her plate and grins across at Lujayn. "Turnover for sure. There's always a bonfire here and we could sneak out of the cold for a bit too. I like flying fast. Vrianth flies really fast. Malsaeth too. Does Masoth do any tricks now Niena, or is he still really ... smooth?"

"Tell me about fast," Lujayn's grin hasn't faded much over the last few minutes. "Rielsath tries to be as speedy as those little greens.." Shrug, stuffing her face. "Turnover! Still a ways away, but I won't forget about it."

"Rielsath likes to go fast?" Perk. Interest from Milani as she cleans off her plate, gets another pancake and daubs this one with apple sauce. "Not that far away, Only another two months. I'll be eighteen then!" The assistant headwoman makes big eyes at her companions. "Right before Turnover anyway."

Niena says "He likes going fast, but not doing any tricks, unless he's playing keep up with Vrianth." She pauses for a moment, concentrating. "Ah, he says he would like to go flying now. Please excuse me."

"Snowballs, skating, yeah, it should be a good winter!" Milani says with determined enthusiasm. "It's just the work getting Stores ready is always busy." She takes another bite from her plate and grins across at Lujayn. "Turnover for sure. There's always a bonfire here and we could sneak out of the cold for a bit too." Bobbing head for Masoth's flying. "Nice and oh! Have fun!" A wave and Millie's back to eating.

"It's not easy, but even something Rielsath's size can get moving if she starts high enough. Have fun," Lujayn parrots Milani's farewell, reaching for a muffin after Niena departs. "Eighteen, really? Anything special planned?" If she did remember, Lu's a good pretender.

"Would you be up for taking me along sometime? Is she a daredevil?" Milani's looking rather intense about that, for that matter. Thrill-seeker? Maybe. Then a bright beam and a nod. "Yep. Eighteen. Nothing so far ... got some thoughts maybe. I want to go see Amerie at Weaver at any rate, for part of it." Millie seems unfazed about whether or not Lu remembered.

Lujayn tidies up the pool of various jams on her plate, drawing spiky lines with the fork's tines. "In a nutshell, basically. I thought you didn't like flying so much," A curious glance upward, "But I know she'd be glad to show off."

Milani blinks across at Lujayn. "Me? Oh no. I like fast flying. Very fast flying." She nods very seriously. "And if she wants to show off that sounds like a /lot/ of fun." Beam. Bite of pancake oozing applesauce down through the fork's tines that requires licking up.

Pause. "She thinks that might be a kind of challenge," Lujayn laughs, setting her utensils atop an empty plate. "It sounds like fun: scare Milani with daredevil flying." A wink as she stands. "Thanks for the snack. I'll try to find you the next time we go out for fun, yeah?"

"Now see, that's the ticket," Milani replies gaily, joining the laughter. "And you're welcome. Definitely. Enjoy the rest of your day, Lu. See you around!"

"No problem." Lujayn snags one last muffin, kind enough to drop off her dirty dishes before heading off. Can't leave Millie with all the cleanup, after all. "See you later!"

Righting wrongs

2008-07-02T00:30:48Z

When: day 11, month 12, Turn 16
Summary: The latest 'Fall has Rielsath in a fierce tangle. Malsaeth sorts out a few knots.

Dragon> Darkness reigns supreme as Malsaeth's voice reaches out to the Reaches gold. There is no lightning, no rain or thunder booming off in the distance, just the pitch black darkness. << Rielsath... We heard of the 'Fall. Your Threadfall. >> A pause. His growl that much more apparent as he speaks with light concern despite the darkness that seems to follow his voice. << Are you and yours well? >> (Malsaeth to Rielsath)

Dragon> There is a light somewhere in the darkness, the dancing flame of a candle held close against any chance breeze. A light sigh makes it flicker, though it does not extinguish the soft golden glow. She keeps it close, along with more tumultuous memories of Threadfall. << We're here. We're fine, >> Silver-toned blue creeps up from the flame's base, cool and hot simultaneously. << It surprised everyone, even us. >> (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> There's some sense of protection of that dancing flame of the candle in the darkness. Even if he himself created the pitch black himself, there is a brief feel that he might protect that flame at all costs. There is no breeze to extinguish it, no rain to douse it. << We sympathize. Ista was hit in much the same way. Unexpected. Surprising. Devastating. >> His growl becomes a hoarse whisper as he speaks in the single candle-lit darkness. (Malsaeth to Rielsath)

Dragon> It's different for her to express uncertainty or even a trace of fright, so different that Rielsath pushes those fetters away and lets Malsaeth share what light there is. << It wasn't supposed to be like that, >> The gold's youthful voice almost makes this statement a pout, though her frustrations are hardly childlike. Her tone rattles, frost pluming from her words and disappearing into the blackness. << It won. >> (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> As much as the bronze may delight in the fright in his stories, there is a part of Malsaeth that protects the gold from that fear and uncertainty. That horrifying fact of nature that is Thread. << When things are so unpredictable, it shatters the order of things. >> he replies, his whisper that much lower, deeper. << The fact that you are here and talking to me tells me it has not won at all, Rielsath. >> He even goes so far as adding fuel for that single candle, making the flame that much taller in the darkness of space, more certainty in response to her frustration. (Malsaeth to Rielsath)

Dragon> Brooding, dark colors weave against the void, bruising violet and blue drifting in before fading away in silence. << I'm here, >> The growing flame draws her attention, lulling her back into a solemn trance. << They're not. >> At least four different faces, or vague memories of what used to be, drift up from the candle like shapes out of smoke. << Or others, Lu and I .. helped, >> What is that word, that unpleasant thing that requires finding pain within another dragon and hiding it from them, acting as a living shield? << They are alive and still defeated. >> (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> There's a moment when Malsaeth watches those colours weave against the void, but it's almost absent. The bronze seems uncharacteristically focused on the conversation and the dragon speaking to him. << It is a result of living a dangerous existence, Rielsath. >> he answers her, his voice still a mere hoarse whisper. For every image she shows him, he shows others in turn. But rather than sadness enveloping them, hope and potential is woven within them. Those who still live, to counter those who have died. Life to her death. It is a strange juxtaposition considering his own darker personality. << Mine has always believed we help how and when we can so that others live. The responsibility is ours to help protect, to foster that which still lives. << They are /alive/. This is what matters. Everyone has the capability of moving on from it. Even defeated, there is strength there. >> The candle dims to a mere spark to defend his theory. Even though it is a spark, the potential is there. And thusly, he stokes it, nurtures that spark so it once again rises into a fully formed strong flame from that candle. (Malsaeth to Rielsath)

Dragon> Argumentative when challenged no matter the situation, and now finding herself arguing for a side she'd rather not be on, Rielsath lets the temperature rise with her frustration. << Things aren't always how they should be, >> A moth to the flame, unable to douse it or simply walk away. That would be giving up. << If one person is hurt, we all are. There should be a way to fix it forever, to make sure... >> Of what? Everything seems wrong. << To make it right. >> (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> Light flickers in the darkness that isn't the candle. A spark of lightning possibly, but it doesn't seem to last. Just a flicker. << If they are not always how they should be, then you take the time to make it right. >> He lets that flame on the candle continue rising with the heat from the gold's ire. << Everyone has their part. Every thing has a way of being. From rider to dragon to the grass on the ground. >> An image of an extremely detailed blade of grass flashes. << Sometimes it cannot be changed. By changing it, it changes everything around it too. >> There is a pause and then a question, his whisper making the candle light flicker only briefly. << Would your Lujayn like to talk about it too? >> The question is followed by an image of the High Reaches lakeshore. << X'lar may talk, but he can listen too. If it would help yours. >> (Malsaeth to Rielsath)

Dragon> Fierce agreement, relieved to find something true amidst confusion. All this energy and no enemy to spend it on.. << We do. We make things right when they go wrong, >> The icy shore is considered, a hint of calmer protectiveness felt for her lifemate. << Maybe. I just don't want them to hurt. >> The injured, her Lujayn, everyone. (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> Relief seems so tender and fragile in the darkness, perhaps because of Malsaeth feeling Rielsath's own fierce agreement and relief. << We make things right when they go wrong. >> he repeats, if only for more emphasis, agreeing on every level. << It is up to her, is it not? X'lar finds other ways of working through it all. But he has always found that talking helps the most for him. >> The darkness continues to sit there, lit only by that single lit candle. (Malsaeth to Rielsath)

Dragon> Though the conversation has taken an upward turn, no other lights join the first and only candle. Darkness or not, the flame provides warmth for it all. It does happen to be Lujayn's choice, one Rielsath asks after in a pause. << When he's here, she will meet him. She's worried, too. >> That's as close as it gets to admitting her own anxieties in plain terms. << Isn't he? >> (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> The bronze needs only that single flame from the candle in the darkness. << Of course, Rielsath. >> Malsaeth offers to the gold, to assuage her anxiety, but still earnest in response. << How could he not be worried? >>

Dragon> No answer comes from the gold, her focus upon the eternal flame and the vast, surrounding darkness, enjoying silent company. After a time it becomes apparent she has drifted away, leaving the candle behind to its own end - whatever that may be - with Malsaeth. If X'lar is worried, he might still need it. (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Malsaeth and Rielsath's Storybook

2008-06-24T07:32:41Z

Where: Lakeshore, HRW
Time: day 6, month 11, Turn 16
Summary: Lujayn finally receives the book of stories and chats with X'lar. Rielsath formally meets Malsaeth.

The night is quiet and cool, though the autumn breezes are much milder than what winter will soon bring. Lujayn is leaning against the side of an unmistakable Rielsath, the gold's front paws stretched out into shallow waters and her snout focused on the rippling waters. Lu's attention shifts here and there, first to the sky before twisting around to regard her lifemate, an amused word spoken before turning to look along the shore. It's a casual, relaxed pair that whiles the evening away here.

The heavy beating of wings is the only signal a dragon arrives at the lakeshore, Malsaeth's crimson-chased bronze hide glinting under the moonslight. X'lar mutters something as he makes his way down a foreleg, dismounting with something less than fluidity. There's a rumble as X'lar touches down to terra firma and he looks toward the queen and her rider. "Beautiful night," X'lar tells her easily. For the way the bronzerider says it, he could be saying something akin to 'Ista's duties'. "I think when you can't go between, you realize just how much you take for granted," Xie tells her. It's almost as if he's already in a conversation with the goldrider. And then, suddenly, a grin appears and X'lar adds, "And Ista's duties, Lujayn."

Dragon> Lujayn senses that Rielsath does not sound surprised, but she's interested enough to alert her rider: << It's Malsaeth. X'lar's probably with him, too. >>

Rielsath is the first to notice anything, perhaps from the bronze's reflection upon the lake or her awareness of the sky above. Her attention draws Lujayn's, who stands to watch the Istan bronze descend. "Especially for Malsaeth, if he enjoys it as much as I hear." She's fine with conversation, but politeness begets politeness and she replies with a "'Reaches duties" in turn. No longer watching the boring, ritual exchange, Rielsath gives her own (undoubtedly more interesting) greeting to Malsaeth with a bright warble - a voice hardly as dark as her surroundings. "Enjoying the freedom, then? Blinking around to all the different Weyrs in record time?" Lu asks with a grin.

Dragon> It may be dark on the beach, but Rielsath's words bring back the last colors of sunset and a light that throws the shore into fiery relief. << You're here, >> She observes happily, curiosity blooming up in rays of yellow and white. << Why? >> (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

X'lar smirks briefly, telling the goldrider, "Funny thing gossip... spreads like you would not believe. And it somehow includes the activities of dragons." He looks over his shoulder at his bronze lifemate before rolling his eyes. "Please," X'lar tells the bronze, almost exasperated. "He doesn't mind it though. The gossip. Just means there're more people talking about him." He looks past the rider to the dragon, the gold making him grin. "Evening to you, Rielsath," Xie offers quietly and then his attention returns back to Lu. "My freedom's been rather minimal as of late. Ista fought Thread a while back. Got hit in the back by a stray tangle after Malsaeth flamed another. Been healing from it. Hurt like a mother." The last comment elicits a wide grin from the Istan teen. "How about you?" he asks. "How's life been treating you, Lujayn?"

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth relishes that sunset, that moment of time stuck in between day and night. For a moment, it's almost the bronze's intention to simply let it be. But soon that sunset darkens, his characteristic bass growl calling to the gold in a pleased sort of way, the first time to see her form rather than simply hear her voice. << We wished freedom. And food for X'lar. >> Amusement colours his voice, touching it ever-so-gently. << But now that we are here. And you are here. X'lar can give yours the book. >> A flash of the lettering, now bronze and gold: Malsaeth and Rielsath's Book of Stories. The book has changed some since the last time he showed her the image. Bound in better hide, the lettering striking and clear. Professional.

Dragon> Lujayn senses that Rielsath is vague, enjoying some sense of power. Finally meeting this storyteller. << They're hungry. Or at least X'lar is.. >>

"It helps if he's spreading it, too," Lujayn agrees, leaning back against Rielsath's side as she speaks. "We still send wings out for the scheduled 'falls, but there hasn't been a thing. Some wings started easing off; Satiet has the Aurora riders doing the same preparations as ever." A quick glance around, just in case the name should summon the woman. Resentful or merely observing? Hard to tell. "At least you got to see some more of it. Malsaeth showed Rielsath a bit," Thrill seeker, definitely. "But not the injury. It's great that you can get around again." She smiles, laughing briefly when her gold relays a few of Malsaeth's words. "You came here to get food? I don't have much on hand." Apparently what she heard was not the important part.

"It helps if he's spreading it, too," Lujayn agrees, leaning back against Rielsath's side as she speaks. "We still send wings out for the scheduled 'falls, but there hasn't been a thing. Some wings started easing off; Satiet has the Aurora riders doing the same preparations as ever." A quick glance around, just in case the name should summon the woman. Resentful or merely observing? Hard to tell. "At least you got to see some more of it. Malsaeth showed Rielsath a bit," Thrill seeker, definitely. "But not the injury. It's great that you can get around again." She smiles, laughing briefly when her gold relays a few of Malsaeth's words. "You came here to get food? I don't have much on hand." Apparently what she heard was not the important part.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath urges the sunset in reverse, letting the shadows grow long over a shore. In her mind's eye, the lake is frosted and the sands are covered in snow, moving towards a lavender dusk rather than a fresh new dawn. What fun is a sunrise? << If he can, will he? >> She asks hopefully, poring over the details of this book. Even with these things to discuss, she's greatly curious about Malsaeth as well. << You're bigger than I thought. I always thought you'd be small, 'cause you were younger than me. >> Who woulda thought.

X'lar laughs aloud as he hears her initial comment to him. "Very true," Xie remarks. "Give him one compliment and it just encourages the beast's behaviour." He looks over his shoulder at Malsaeth with a brief smirk. Xie, too, seems to look around when Satiet's name is spoken, very nearly cringing. "I've heard if you say her name three times she finds you and turns your heart to ice. Although, some other people say it isn't ice but stone." He grins once more, to lessen the rather undiplomatic comment. "I met her once," Xie tells Lujayn of Satiet. "She is very.. refined." He looks to Mal with a roll of the eyes again, walking back toward the bronze, his hand digging into a saddle bag. Soon he takes out a bound volume, the moonlight hitting it just so as to glint under it, much like Malsaeth's own hide, or perhaps even Rielsath's. "Thought you might want that book I was telling you about," X'lar remarks. "So you can read her the stories she might not remember." And then there's that topic of food. "I like the food at High Reaches," he comments simply. "I hadn't had dinner yet and Malsaeth suggested Reaches." He hands her the book, if she wants it. Professional might not be the right word to describe it. It seems rather refined in itself, as if it was a constant work in progress, something done with love, until the artist or book-maker decided it was right. "Hope you like it," X'lar comments. "I've got another copy of it at home. So this is your copy to share with Rielsath."

Dragon> Sunset or no sunset, the shadows appear to be relished most of all now. The snow's pure gleam, the shadows growing longer. All this and more represented in his own mindvoice. Mysterious. << If he can? Eat? Always. >> Humour laces through the words tightly. << You are as I thought. No more, no less. Golden. >> But the child-like curiousity is infectious as he quickly replies back, << Not as big as you, but big enough for adventures. >> Adventures. Right. (Malsaeth to Rielsath)

Lujayn only shakes her head with a grin, but follows a few paces after X'lar when he moves back towards Malsaeth. She's patient enough to wait then, both pairs of eyes - rider's and dragon's - fixed on the glinting volume the Istan reveals. Lu takes it carefully, catching the embellished names, opening the book to find familiar titles, face brightening more with every discovery and rememberance. "It's all here, isn't it? Amazing." Hugging the book to her chest, she beams at X'lar and his dragon as Rielsath cranes her neck down, wanting a look for herself. "That's such a big project.." First holding it up cautiously for her lifemate to examine, then drawing it back for her own hungry eyes to examine, Lu doesn't quite know what to say. "And after all this time, too. Why don't I treat you at the Snowasis? It's the least I could do, really better than the cider and bread I keep laying around - oh, this is wonderful. Thank you so much." Saying everything is a good solution for these situations. "It's nice to see her meeting Mal, after turns of stories." Looking back up to the dragons, taking an abrupt turn from thanks.

"There's only so much I could write," X'lar tells her, smiling as he watches her reaction to taking it, holding it. "I mean, Malsaeth shares every image, every word of his stories with me. I've managed to get him to tell it a bit slower, but... Well, it's hard to put an image a dragon creates into words, but I tried my best." He nods toward the volume and goes on to talk, telling Lu: "Doing it in duplicate made me that much more proficient in writing. My vocabulary too increased with every story." There's another beat from the Istan bronzerider and soon X'lar comments, "I seem to like projects, I'm realizing. I have a large miniature model of a Seacrafter ship called The Ice Queen I'm putting together in my weyr. That's something I do only if I've got time before drills or such." There's a moment while he hears those thanks from the goldrider that X'lar finally tells her: "Glad you like it." X'lar looks from Malsaeth to Rielsath before laughing softly, "I remember when both of them were hatchlings. Granted, I was in the galleries when I saw you Impress, and I was on the sands when I Impressed myself, but... Time flies like dragons don't it." He pauses at Lu's comment about the Snowasis and X'lar finally tells her: "Maybe another time? I wouldn't mind just staying right here for now. Of all the places in Pern, this is one of my absolute favourite spots in the world." He nods toward the lake with a fond smile.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath is all focus with the book before her, the famed volume. Satisfied with her investigation, she eases back to shadows and snowdrifts with a wave of genuine warmth. Gratitude. << You didn't forget. >> This comes close enough to surprise, brighter colors on the other side of shadow. << The book or the stories. She's just laughing inside now, it's gone all silver, >> Happiness more graceful, like a shower of metallic rain and gentle bells, shared from Lujayn to Malsaeth via the innocent gold. << There's lots of adventure here, if you try. Lots of boring people don't. >> Hmph. From her high and mighty snowbank, neither she nor the bronze belong to that group of unfortunates.

Dragon> That love for storytelling of The Grand Adventure and the revelation of its value is sheer wonder. Shadows loom, but they're not necessarily bad, only present, growing, encompassing that love for the volume his rider wrote for him and her. << Of course not. They are our stories. Our adventures. Even if we did not go on them ourselves in reality, Rielsath, we were there every inch of the way when Sleusath did his inspection, when the gold found those firelizard hatchlings... When that wily blue found that lake that reached into never... >> So many stories, so much love for every word, every image. << He appreciates her thanks. There's more to it. A connection, bond, if only because of our sharing of the stories. >> Soon, X'lar's own voice is shared with Rielsath's. Intermingling with that shower of metallic rain and gentle bells is the clear sunlight of an Istan dawn, the ripple of water reaching the shore, just brimming with possibilities. << It is unfortunate that some do not venture forth into that great unknown. >> So unfortunate. (Malsaeth to Rielsath)

"That's fine," Lujayn is as content to stay put as X'lar, barely resisting the urge to open the book again and relive the tales from beginning to end. "Let me know when I can pay you back, though." She insists somewhat firmly, smiling through it all. "I think everyone might have more time in between drills, especially with Thread getting so scarce. It feels like more work pops up to fill in the empty spots, though. Every time." Looking across the lake, catching hints of the moons' reflections in between waves, silence drifts comfortably by. "I love coming here, with friends or by myself, whenever I want.. what do you like about it? It seems a little out of your way." She asks more quietly, settling into a thoughtful mood.

X'lar smiles back at Lujayn, nodding quickly to her. "I will, honest," he tells her in earnest after hearing that insisting remark from the goldrider. "With Thread getting so scarce... or gone," Xie comments thoughtfully. "Or erratic... No one has a straight answer about it all." He shrugs, letting his shoulders roll some. "It soothes me," X'lar finally tells her after a few passing beats, his eyes drawn to the shore and the water. "The sound the water makes, the placidity of it all just... makes me comfortable." He takes a deep breath of that High Reaches air, letting it fill him. "Malsaeth likes the cooler climates. The changing colors in the leaves. The snow. All of it. I'd be lying though if I said I was here for him only. After a few times coming here, I realized just how.... majestic this weyr is. How beautiful it is." He turns around 180 degrees, his eyes absorbing the landscape, the horizon. And then his attention once again returns to Lujayn, studying the rider carefully before finally asking her: "Does that make sense?" Look like Lu's not the only one in a thoughtful mood.

Dragon> The landscape is almost patchwork: shadows against snow, through rain is falling while the sun shines, and Rielsath watches it shift with a happiness bordering on awe: green sunspots, fluttering blue ribbons. Gleeful, unable to further contain the energy coursing through her (if she had ever tried), a shiver runs from her snout to tail, its forked tip twisting over the sands. A single paw flicks up from the waves, threatening playfully. << We're not sure how that works, that they know each other because we do, but I'm glad of it. >> Snowball fights, hide-and-seek, all of their games played mind to mind pale in comparison to the possibility of something tangible. <> Tee hee. (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> Once again, the bronze relishes those shadows against snow, the rain falling is just a bonus. His mind ever so gently reels at the awe, watching that glee thoroughly run free and wild against the backdrop of their minds. There's a sneaky outstretched paw that flicks from the waves, telling her in response: << It is rather inspiring, isn't it? >> It's a simply growled question, verging on hoarseness. There's a flicker from that paw of his, stealthful. << Who says I won't splash you first? >> comes the challenge, a thunder boom of laughter. (Malsaeth to Rielsath)

The compliments meant for High Reaches, /her/ Weyr, might have been compliments given straight to her for the way she beams. Lu smiles, taking the same slow survey of the land. "Perfectly." She agrees after a moment. "I'm not sure if I'd be happy anywhere else now, even though I spent so many turns in other places. Snow, seasons, every little part of what's right here. I just love it." No snow as of yet, but the air is crisp and the skies are clear. Lujayn's now silent thoughts are broken by a splash: Rielsath has moved, one submerged paw lifting to spatter droplets of water towards Malsaeth. In contrast to her quiet rider, the gold's eyes whirl with the playfulness of youth. "And the lake. More than just for looking at."

Dragon> Inspiring. That's the word. << It is. >> Sneaky and stealthy, she can do that too, or at least balance that more shadowy state of mind with the exuberant, golden giddiness. <> That threatening paw lashes, a splash much less than something her wings or tail would have created while swimming but still quite satisfying - unless his reflexes are enough to get her at the same time. (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

"Don't get me wrong," X'lar comments slowly. "Ista is, as Griere puts it, glorious." But? Is there one in his voice? The Timor wingrider looks out to the water and smiles fondly again. "Ista will always be home, but Reaches is... something more." Malsaeth is indeed quick enough to get her at the same time, his paw darting, his frame shifting only slightly as the night just enhances his sneaky-stealthy personality. X'lar looks at the sound of the play between bronze and gold, grinning despite himself. "Apparently," he adds, dry, still grinning. "I would have never imagined." Lujayn's rewarded with another wide grin from the bronzerider. "From what Mal has shared with me, she seems... bouyant," X'lar says with a smile. "Like she could play forever."

Lujayn nods at each stage of X'lar's explanation, head tilted slightly as she listens. "I hope you find out what this place is to you. That is, if you want to." It's hard not to watch the splashing, harder not to grin. "Sometimes I think she could, but then she goes into a sulk or starts scheming up a plot, or sometimes she comes up with something else entirely. I've almost given up on trying to predict what she'll do, which in ways makes it easier," A wry laugh. "If she's in the mood to do the opposite of what I'm guessing. Sounds like Malsaeth gave you a positive impression, at least."

Green Kaylith's at HRW
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Messages marked for deletion flushed (1 deleted, 2 remain).
"I'd have to say it is something I want to explore more," X'lar tells her, smiling once more to the goldrider. Xie's eyes are drawn too, to the play, the splashing. "It's amazing how some feelings get so jumbled together at first that it somehow becomes a quilt. You know you attribute one or two feelings to an object, a place, a person, and.... the feelings get all interwoven, creating this quilt of something just.... more than that, you know? It's not a bad thing, it's just... encompassing, perplexing." He talks. Thoughtful though. "Predicting what Malsaeth would do," X'lar remarks, rolling his eyes. "That's harder to do than wait patiently for meatrolls, I'd say." He looks toward the gold and then back to his bronze. His dragon. His lifemate. "Sounds like it's nice that they found one another," Xie adds thoughtfully. "Share those stories together. Seems like they're kindrid spirits, you know?" There's a pause and a puzzled glance toward Lu, then finally a nod of understanding. "Mal... You only think he's contrary but days later you realize... he actually did it on purpose. I should have totally realized that during the Hatching, when he scared some poor girl half to death on the sands.."

Lujayn lets her mind wrap itself around the simile, "You can't tell the difference between feelings and the place, sometimes, the person or the thing," She decides finally, "What comes with it and the things your mind is sticking in there only because it can." Carefully shifting the book from one arm to the other, Lu smiles to X'lar. "That's a good way of putting it, and it's pretty lucky that they still get along. Or that anyone can get along with anyone else, either, for such a long time." Thoughtful, playful, it's tough to balance one mind with the other, and a little of both comes through. "I don't know, she might be contrary for it's own sake." Memories: her impression, his, the former much more distinct. "Oh, I remember that. Maybe just the bit where he jumped up and scared /you/, though."

"I like that," Xie tells her cryptically, nodding back to her in thought, his eyes looking past the dragons to the vastness of the lake. Finally, he looks back to Lu, grinning back at her, replying: "That was his first prank he played, raking my chest like that." He shakes his head, looking at the bronze with fondness before finally going on to say: "I didn't know he'd done that. I just felt Impression, that link between him and I form, blossom... and it took hold of me. I didn't even notice I was bleeding until healers came at me when I left the sands with him." He chuckles softly at the thought before glancing back to Lujayn, saying, "It was pretty memorable for me too."

Lujayn doesn't ask, letting the cryptic reply sort itself out in due time. "Good thing someone noticed eventually. For a first prank, it looked like a serious one." Reminiscing, especially at night by the lake, feels almost natural. "It's easier to remember when it's happening to you, not someone else. All I know is that Rielsath wasn't there one moment, and then she was. Like it had been there all along, but I had just missed it completely." Gazing fondly towards the playful gold and her sneaky playmate, Lu blinks sleepily. "She can stay out here all night if she wants, but thinking back in time is making me tired. I'd better put this somewhere where it won't get sandy." Shifting the book again to view it, she grins. "Did I mention at all how neat this is?"

X'lar chuckles softly, saying, "Nothing about Mal is every that serious when it comes down to it. Except his love for the chase, the feast, the hunt, between and flaming." He pauses briefly, looking back to Malsaeth so fondly. But it's Lu's words next that turn his attention once more to her. "I'm so happy you like it. I changed the binding a couple of times until I felt like it... looked the way I wanted to look." He points to the spine, where, on the top, a single red-bronze zig-zag pattern is etched; on the bottom, is a single flame, brilliant camplight. "That marks the stories as theirs," he tells her. "As ours." He smiles happily at Lujayn's reaction again, telling her: "And just thing, a couple more turns and you'll have another one, full of new and exciting stories to add to your collection." He glances to Malsaeth again, grinning at his sneaky ways. "Because it just so happens he's got dozens of stories just waiting to be told to your beautiful gold." And soon he nods once to her, grinning back at the sleepy blinking. "Have a good night, Lujayn," Xie tells her. "T'was good to have met you again, and for Mal to finally meet Rielsath eye-to-eye, as it were."

"All the good things a dragon should love," Lujayn agrees with the list, turning the book to and running her fingers over the spine's embellishments. "Wow. I mean it, the next time you need anything, just ask. Or have Malsaeth ask Rielsath if you're not here." The idea of another book seems too good to be true, but embraced all the same. "Maybe she'll tell him stories sometime, when he runs out of tales to spin for her." Sleepy, but managing finding that reserve of politeness, "You have a good night, too, once you get back to Ista. Always nice to see a friend." Rielsath is still lounging on the beach when her rider retreats, perfectly happy to wait for Xie and Malsaeth's departure before finally curling up on her ledge.

"I doubt he could ever run out of tales to spin for her, Lu," X'lar remarks to her. "... he's an incredibly creative dragon, my Malsaeth." He nods a couple times at hearing Lu's next comments, grinning back at her. "Of course," he tells her, smiling again under the moonslight. "You have a good night too, Rielsath," Xie offers to the queen before moving to mount up, not all that gracefully either. "Come on beast..." X'lar mutters. "I need meatrolls." And soon, once again, the sound of wings beating together are heard, this time signalling the dragon's departure rather than his arrival, leaving in the darkness of night.

OOC: Synopsis of 'away-ness'

2008-06-22T19:52:54Z

I now realize the bbpost I made in May (from my efforts to reduce spam and foo about personal life) may have not adequately described my situation. Yikes! Here's something that will hopefully remedy that and keep people from wondering 'where the heck did Lujayn disappear to!?'

I'm a guest in someone else's house at present, and will be until mid-August when I leave for university. When I log in it's because I've hooked up my laptop to their wires, which is amazingly generous of them. Even so, I don't think staying online for hours every day falls into the category of 'polite house guest' and don't want to press my luck in that territory. I log in when I can (almost every day), but usually don't have enough time to stick around for a satisfactory scene.

Conversely to most situations I know of, the periods of time when I'm in school are much better as far as RP is concerned - I seem to have super powers that enable me to balance mushing and educational responsibilities without much hassle. I cannot wait to get out of here and into my own living space, back to the gratifying experience that is learning (*is shot*) ... I mean, back to all of you awesome people. :D

Thanks for your good faith and everything like that. I am seriously still here and chomping at the bit to get back. (Wait. Wasn't I still here? Er...)

Love you all. <3

The future

2008-05-26T04:25:55Z

Time: day 1, month 7, Turn 16
Summary: Malsaeth wakes Rielsath to discuss the future and other rhetorical things.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth's thoughts are clouded, rain a distant pitter patter. << Do you sleep, Rielsath? >>

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath slumbers only lightly, flickers of candlelight awakening at Malsaeth's words. << Not anymore, >> She replies with warm amusement, hazy light slowly focusing as she gains awareness. The beam swivels, searching out the Istan bronze. <>

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth considers the statements before seemingly, amusingly replying back << Didn't mean to wake you. >> Although, considering its sly tone, that might be exactly what the bronze was up to today. << No. Mine thinks about the future, as do I. >> No stories tonight. Not yet, at least. Instead, it's simple admissions from the crimson-chased bronze. << Do you think much about the future, Rielsath? >>

Dragon> Almost like a child sneaking out of bed, the beam narrows and dims, half-hidden in the darkness. Rielsath replies with whispered conspiration, happy to share Malsaeth's sly tones. << Don't worry. >> She might grin, but it's hard to tell in the murky half-light. << The future is interesting. It can be anything, >> Keen to share her thoughts, more confident. <> (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth watches the beam narrow and dim, the pitter patter of rain continuing onward as he speaks to the sunfire gold. << We can shape it as we like, this is true. >> the bronze replies in agreement. Curiousity drives the rain to intensify, but only subtly. << What do you wish the future to be, then, Rielsath? >>

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath reflects light off of raindrops, watching them sparkle like falling stars for just a moment. In the darkness the comforting warmth she carries is prominent, sharing comfort and inner fire. << To be here, with my mountains and my Lujayn, like everything is just now. I do wish, >> Almost guiltily, a red-orange flicker in the amber light. << That we'd burn Thread again. Everyone says it's gone for a long time yet, and I hate it, but what else can we fight? >> The innate ferocity contradicting with a lack of opponent, the battle over and won - << Fighting is better than winning. >>

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth watches those raindrops sparkle for a brief moment before making it snow as the mountains of Reaches are discussed. << Pern has its share of beautiful sites, this X'lar and I have discovered. He may not see it, but Reaches is one of the most beautiful places ever. We've been there many times already. >> Another pause, sending the snow into a blizzard as his thoughts continue to churn. << We wish to fight too. We are good at it, X'lar and I. There are other ways to fight. Other things in the darkness to fight. After all, even though Thread may be our purpose, it is but one of many, Rielsath. >>

Dragon> An agreement, however brief, meets Malsaeth's statement. << There are many places, but this is my favorite. >> Rielsath rushes forward to meet the snow, delighted to find it in the conversation. From the blizzard's embrace, she finds space to reply, << What do you fight now, Malsaeth? And when you think of the future? >> Somewhere in the snow, the light flickers. (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth considers Rielsath's question, letting that snow continue to fall as he notes the gold's delight in discovering it. <> Another pause and the younger dragon's considering the question further. << We fight for a place in this world. To fight for the promise of adventure. I fight for my own, the Istan dragons and X'lar himself, who wishes to lead. >>

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath lets the snow subside, more absorbed with Malsaeth's words than any meteorological apparition. << Does he? >> Faint surprise echoes with the flash of a falling star. << Is that what you want? >>

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth considers quietly. And soon, all rain, clouds and other meteolorogical phenomenon disappear. Not even the clouds seem apparent. There is but that bass voice of his, his growl more predominant now that he has nothing else in the background. It's different for him to speak like this, just his voice and nothing else. <> There's a pause, making that darkness loom worse. << Does this surprise you? >>

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath responds in kind, snuffing out her candles and flickering stars. Just two voices, now in the darkness of thought. <> Her voice is nowhere as deep, bright with youthful inflections. << You'd better wish for Thread, then, 'else there won't be any wings for you to lead. >> Just a single fiery spark, finding cause for amusement. << Or will you chase Aerianth? >>

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth pauses in his next comment to the gold, just, for the moment in awe of the darkness, appreciating the candour. << We wish to be different. Different than Wyaeth's or even Nikoth's. X'lar is... not like them, nor am I like other bronzes. >> A glimmer of amusement from the bronze at the last question. <>

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath is not one to play for long at flirtatious games, more rough and tumble than other females. Just one of the guys, only not? << Of course I'm more interesting, >> She can't keep her light extinguished forever, and soon from the laughing warmth comes the first embers of a humble campfire, carefully cooled to crimson. << Different, sure, >> As if she can't discern the bronze's qualities for herself, perhaps just a little coy after all.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth seems amused; as the embers of the campfire arrive, Malsaeth's clouds begin to rumble into existence. << Did I say your name, Rielsath? >> But it's obvious from the tone, it was she he was thinking of. But Rielsath isn't alone in playing flirtatious games. He gets what he can and moves on. << Different, but altogether better. >> comes the boast from the younger dragon, amusement once again leaking into his voice.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath lets the first question pass, unabashed at her assumption. Malsaeth's confidence is a source of further curiosity, fueling the sparks to hungry licks of orange and golden flame, dancing underneath the returning clouds. << If you're different, does that mean they're all the same? >> A small thought, but it sends smoke to cloud her light. << And I'm not like anyone else. I know that already. >>

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth's thoughts flicker, like muffled lightning underneath those flames. << Everyone is different, in their way, mine tells me. But doesn't make them the same? >> It's a rhetorical question. << I've not met many or any who have the same... appreciation for the void of between, for example. >> He seems to accept that last remark of the sunfire gold's easily, just as easily as his own confidence.

Rielsath> I bespoke Malsaeth with <> Talk of /between/ draws Rielsath's thoughts back to the recent story, taking her conversation with it rather abruptly. Differences, similarities, all the rhetoric swims in her mind. << It was a different way to think about things, >> More dryly, kindling popping underneath bright flames. << But altogether better. >>

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth considers the change of topic and opines, <> He seems amused, however, as the next comments come into being like embers to fullly fledged flame. << Exactly. >> he offers. There is nothing more to be said on that matter. After all, he was the one to tell it.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath takes just a moment to think, and unable to find her own answer: << How many does that make, then? You have been collecting stories for a long time. >> As long as she can remember, but there's always a sense of more beyond her own memory. << And you say you have visited Reaches. The next time you come, have yours bring this book. >>

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth provides an image of two volumes, side by side, leather bound, with the words 'Malsaeth & Rielsath's Stories' etched on the front with practiced precision. << Mine tells me any time yours is free, he will bring yours a copy, Rielsath. >>

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath inspects the image, finding no fault with either volume. << She is free now, except for being asleep, >> A gentle laugh, her own light hazy once more with drowsiness. << I'll tell you when, someday. >> Going back to the etched leather covers fondly, drinking in the sight with anticipation. << Malsaeth and Rielsath... It must have taken some time. Thank you. >>

The beginnings of /between/

2008-05-22T05:06:56Z

Time: Day 16, Month 6, Turn 16
Summary: Lu and Rielsath are out flying when Malsaeth pitches his latest story. Multitasking is brilliant and so is the latest metaphor.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth's thoughts are jumbled, like clouds trying not to be clouds, until finally an image of a lake surges forth. A big, dark black lake, in the middle of a caldera. This ain't some pretty lake to have a picnic beside, but rather some daunting horror of a black lagoon.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath settles the jumbled clouds with a sweep of crystalline wind, invisible but for a touch of sunlight prisming through. Perhaps it's summoned from wherever she is; her tone suggests the thrill of flight, her own daredevil style. << What's that funny lake? >> Again, the golden-laced breeze, << Doesn't look like anything I've seen. >>

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth seems settled now, helped perhaps by Rielsath's sunlight. Whatever the case, the bronze returns back to that big dark lake and Malsaeth replies << Oh, you have never heard of Saladrith's Lake before? I shall tell you the story, Rielsath. >> And with the hook firmly in place, the bronze then asks << Or not, unless you want me stop before I have started? >>

Dragon> Maybe the wait draws on and on for Malsaeth or maybe it doesn't, but Rielsath takes her time replying. There's a thrilling twist, her physical sensations conveyed through colors - orange and blue spiral together, a giddy barrel roll. When all has straightened out to level flight, << We'd like a good story. >> Somewhere in that blaze of color is Lujayn, either along for the ride or helping to fuel it, but there's no telling which. << Didn't you just start? Silly. >> (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth seems bouyed further by the flight of the gold through their kindred minds. << Who's to say that all the other stories I've told haven't been good? >> comes the bronze's sly reply. And then, he returns back to that lake. << They say that the lake was dark like night because of the sand underneath it. Some other riders thought it might be coloured as such because... it was haunted by the ghosts of dragons, like some liquid pool of between. >> He lets the first part of the story soak in before continuing further.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath has an image, a deep-bottomed lake with sunlight rippling through until black depths swallow it whole. Purple rocks and silvery fish abound. << Black sands, that's right. Ista's so weird that way. >> Flying high, so near to the sun, she borrows some of its radiance. Confidence defines her every word. << But we always know where we're going. How would we get lost in a lake? >> A sudden absence, the sunlight vanishing as Rielsath herself blinks /between/. ..four, five, and out the other side in a sunburst of warmth to illustrate her point.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth seems amused before zooming out, providing better coverage. No, not Ista. This seems... different, in some way, no where near Ista. A lake created by Malsaeth's own curiousity and cleverness. << There was one dragon, Saladith, who thought to see just what was underneath this lake. >> And with that, Saladith, a loam brown dragon appears, just above the lake. And soars forward, right through that lake, past the fish... and darkness follows.... Soon, the crafty brown quickly finds himself somehow bursting out of the lake, but not the same one he had dove into to begin with... << The lake was bottomless, they said, but Saladith discovered that it was only a hole that led to another lake, this one... >> An image of this second lake, just as bottomless-seeming, but instead of it being dark like the other, this one was a bright glacier green hue.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath parallels Saladrith's dive with a steep descent of her own, the faintest of sounds bridging across as a needle-thin whistling. Wind envelops her, but it does not control her. Rielsath shapes it with her wings, over currents and into the warm thermals; there is no 'other side' for the sky. << Did he come out.. >> Something from Lujayn's mind, captivating with its simple logic. << On the other side of the world? >>

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth sends Saladrith back through that lake again. << To the other side of the world, Rielsath. >> It is voiced with agreement with Rielsath.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath goes back through that darkness with Saladrith, though who knows where the other side of the world might be for the gold and her rider. Always the warmth upon returning, chasing off lingering chills from icy /between/. << How did the ghosts get in it? >> Calmer flying yields more questions.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth considers the question before finally telling the sunfire gold << That is another story, for another time, Rielsath. >> Hooked again, he retreats slyly from the gold.

Dragon> Who's to say which stories should be told, and when? Rielsath's first reaction is to chase after the hook, to let no rest come to Malsaeth until she hears what he has in store - but her rider is there, tired and ready to go home, and something wouldn't be right about the story if she were not in the air to hear it. << Another time. >> Lightly, as if on her own terms, she disappears from the Istan skies. Back through the lake of /between/, to what could well be the ends of the earth. (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Snowasis Afternoon

2008-05-15T23:43:42Z

Where: Snowasis, HRW
Time: day 21, month 5, Turn 16
Summary: Lujayn plays a partial game of rummy with Raian, and promises to visit the caravan soon.

Afternoon light slants into the Snowasis through the patio entrance. At a table near there with a half-empty glass near one hand, Raian sits shuffling through a deck of cards with seeming idleness, nimble fingers moving the cardboard rectangles back and forth rapidly, turning them this way and that so they ruffle together neatly before he cuts the deck and sends them flying back the other way. The cards make a soft shucking sound as they move back and forth, the trader sitting in relaxed fashion other than the movements of his hands.

Present just long enough to have a drink in one hand but no seat, Lujayn leans on the bar as she surveys the Snowasis's afternoon occupants. Raian's card-flicking catches her eyes, and before long the junior weyrwoman is headed over to see what's going on. "Need another?" Noting the half-emptied glass when she invites herself to have a seat, Lu sets her own drink halfway between them. Meanwhile she takes in the neat clothes, groomed features, and the shuffling cards, all with a smile. "Not too busy in here during the day, huh?"

Raian looks up as the goldrider approaches and he has a quick and easy smile, rife with charm for her in answer. "Nah, not right away," the trader notes for the glass. "I'm still working through that one slowly. Thanks for the offer though. Maybe if we both finish what we've got, we can play for the privilege of buying each other another round." The man winks at her then an resettles the cards in one palm. "Not so much no, usually just enough to have a quiet game or two though. I s'pose you're off-duty?" With a meaningful tilt of his head towards that glass of hers.

Turning her glass idly, Lujayn nods. "I am," She affirms with a small smile, plucking it up for a quick sip. "A game of cards sounds like more fun than sitting around drinking all afternoon. What d'you play?" A raised brow for his wink, at ease in the quiet atmosphere. "You must be good."

"Always good to get a little break in ain't it?" Raian says friendly-like though her statement brings a little gleam into his eyes. "Lots of different games," he notes casually though. "What's your favorite? Can play just to play for the first round," he offers magnanimously and flips the cards, fans out the deck just a little showily. "Just because a man can shuffle, don't mean he can play. But I'll lay claim to plenty of practice."

"Sure is," Lujayn agrees, "Especially after early mornings." Then she takes a moment, more thoughtful. "You've been coming here for a while, long enough for people to learn they'd lose money to you in a game. I couldn't help but notice you weren't playing with anyone just now," She offers with a grin. "I like rummy over poker," A little shrug, watching the cards as they fan. "Playing, shuffling, I do both only casually."

"Don't always win," Raian points out, with a chuckle. "I like to play for the fun too. You know. Entertainment." Another flip of the cards and he's dealing out for rummy. "Playing better then, is that something you might want to learn," Rai asks peeking up at the young woman as the cards to different spots on the table and then part of the deck goes down right in the middle.

Lujayn studies her cards, but glances to Raian now that the distraction of shuffling cards is gone. "Maybe." She rearranges one or two cards, eventually drawing another card from the deck. "Don't have much time to devote to a new career, really. It's just for fun." She restates, half focused on the game but mostly on the conversation. "You came in with the Vijays, right? Bet you get a lot of practice with them."

"Exactly," Raian says gaily and flashes that charming grin again. "Told you, I like to play for fun as much as anything else," he repeats and shifts his own cards around. "Your start," he offers over and props an elbow on the table. "I /am/ a Vijay, actually," the trader drawls loosely and lifts his non-card holding hand to extend her way. "Raian Vijay, at your service."

Lujayn draws almost absentmindedly, sizing up her new hand before discarding after a moment. Hand now empty, she grasps Raian's hand with a smile. "Lujayn, Rielsath's," is her own introduction, "Are you enjoying yourself so far at High Reaches?"

Raian has a firm handshake, nothing weaselly about it and he inclines his head politely as she introduces herself. "Well met Lujayn. Rielsath. She's a queen isn't she?" He's been paying attention to the talk in the Snowasis and around the Weyr then. His fingers withdraw, return to the cards to take his turn, draw and discard. "It's been an interesting winter, good to see the spring again. Weyr's a nice place. I wasn't too sure about my father picking here to over-winter at first, but it's worked out pretty well."

Lujayn nods mutely about Rielsath, taking her time about the next turn. Shuffling the most recently-drawn card around. "Lots of good trading, then? Now that the weather's improved, I've been meaning to visit the camp to see if anything catches my eye. Maybe with a friend or two." She grins, discarding. "Well, it's good to visit different places now and then. See the world."

"We'd be glad to welcome you, show off the stock. Got all sorts of things that might be of interest, depending on what you're looking for of course." Raian's voice remains even without any wheedling in it as he takes his turn swapping out cards again. "Get to see a lot of different places on the road. Different from flying around, it's an up close and personal view when you travel by wagon. How many different places you been to, weyrwoman Lujayn?"

"Maybe something to decorate a weyr, or a piece of jewelry," Lujayn muses, laying down a sequence of three with just a little widening of her smile. "Depends on what you're selling, too." Replenishing her hand, maybe assembling a list in her head, she watches Raian. "I've visited the Weyrs, lived at a few of them. Used to go between Harper and Healer halls a bit when I was a message runner, but lately it's the 'Reaches for me. Not that I mind, but I'm sure there are lots of little places I haven't been."

"Rugs, wall-hangings, interesting bits of art-work," Raian ticks off, rearranging his hand a little and he grins over the edges of his cards, eyes twinkling a little. "All kinds of jewelry, most of it traded in for other things, so it's a little eclectic." His brows lift a little as she names her former occupation and a hint of admiration slips into his expression. "Message runner, so you've seen it all pretty well at ground level. D'you miss that sometimes? Big switch going from that to riding a queen dragon ain't it?"

"I run the bowl most mornings," Lujayn tilts her head, "And the area outside the Weyr's a good place to get air, as long as the weather isn't horrible. But- ah, I'll definitely have to visit before you pack up for the summer." A smile as Raian details what the Vijays have to trade, not at all impatient for the game to continue. "Running's not specific to any place. I can do it wherever I want, kind of like trading."

"Good to keep up the skill," Raian agrees and his thumb strokes lightly along his jaw. "We're only a slope up, the caravan," notes the trader. "Easy enough to find for someone who knows their way around the trails out there. And yes, portable occupation. Bet you're fierce in a race too," he notes and finally sets down cards, trading again.

"I'll bring some friends," Lujayn grins, though it's a moment before she realizes her turn has come around. Drawing and discarding quickly when she spots the new discard, she laughs a little at herself. "Sorry. Got caught up in talking, I guess." Straightening her hand with little taps on the table, Lu has to agree. "Racing's fun, too. Rielsath likes it almost as much as I do."

Aubri has arrived.

Quite near the entrance from the patio sit Raian and Lujayn seemingly sharing a game of rummy, partly empty glasses of liquor ready at hand. The pace of the game is relaxed, the posture on both players likewise: just a friendly conversation. Rai leans forward a little to eye what Lujayn discarded and picks up the card with nimble fingers. "No problem," states the trader easily, "this game's more about havin' something to do while we talkin, isn't it?" And maybe from wherever she is, Aubir might recognize the smile Raian uses to set customers at ease and reel them in, nice and slow.

From the sunlit patio comes the low patter of conversation drawing nearer. A tall blonde and a shorter bluerider step out of the light and into the dimmer illumination of the bar, the former flashing a wide smile at the latter. With the slightest hint of resignation the bluerider makes some murmur of agreement, they shake hands, and each go their separate ways, Aubri with the look of a cat having licked at the cream. Catching sight of Raian and his pr-er companion, she schools her features into a gentler sort of polite smile, tucks a stray curl behind her ear and ambles over that way. One slender hand finds Raian's seat back and she leans her weight into, easily lounging on her feet. "Room for one more?" The question is asked first of the trader, then of Lujayn, the latter getting a slightly deeper smile. Green eyes are slow to find the goldrider's knot, and on spotting she tacks on an easy, "Ma'am."

"You can take my cards," Lujayn offers when Aubri comes up, pushing back her chair. "And what's left of the drink, if you want it. I've been here a bit longer than I meant to." Still, she doesn't look remorseful when she smiles to Raian. "I'll see if I can't get a group together to visit the caravan in the next sevenday or so - I'll be sure to search you out." Standing with a wave, she moves out towards the warm sun of the patio and the bowl below.

Meme: Lu's dating persona

2008-05-15T19:31:32Z

I had never thought of taking memes for my characters before. XD What a good way to avoid studying (thanks, f-list)!

The Wild Rose

Random Brutal Love Dreamer (RBLD)

shmolorful, but unpicked. You are The Wild Rose.

Prone to bouts of cynicism, sarcasm, and thorns, you excite a certain kind of man. Hoping to gather you up, he flirts and winks and asks you out, ultimately professing his love. Then you make him bleed. Why? Because you're the rare, independent, self-sufficient kind of woman who does want love, but not from a weakling.

You don't seem to take yourself too seriously, and that's refreshing. You aren't uptight; you don't over-plan. Romance-wise, sex isn't a top priority--a true relationship would be preferable. For your age, you haven't had a lot of bonafide love experience, though, and this kind of gets to core of the issue. You're very selective.

The problem is them, not you, right? You have lofty standards that few measure up to. You're out there all right, but not to be picked up by just anyone.

Your exact female opposite:

The Dirty Little Secret

Deliberate Gentle Sex Master

Always avoid: The Bachelor (DGSM)

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OOC: Rielsath's Picture

2008-05-15T04:28:12Z

Drawn by my talented friend Lunaries. Background made in Terragen.

Rielsath

Many kinds of blindness

2008-05-13T06:50:21Z

Time: day 6, month 5, Turn 16, of the Interval. It is a spring evening.
Summary: Malsaeth tells another story, then shares in conversation. Rielsath plays with leaves.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth begins his newest story with a preamble: << Best keep a glow around for this tale. >> And with that, begins creating an image of a rider-dragon pair, a short woman of late adolescence and a lime green dragon, old enough to be out of weyrlinghood, perhaps even old enough to have been in a wing for a couple turns already. << Maorith and Talena were a good pair for fighting. The green was as cold as ice to others, but to her Talena, she was as warm and gentle as the sun. >>

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath never has a dearth of light to spread, and so shares it now. The advised warmth seeps slowly, blazing orange sunbeams and crystal clear waters pooling outwards. A list of images flickers through her mind, almost too quickly to catch. Glimpses of other pairs, comparing and discarding when they fail to measure up to this new duo Malsaeth presents.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth adds his own, clarifying those waters from a higher advantage, the bronze seemingly flying above the beach in Ista himself, the sunlight's warm caress shifts as darkness makes itself known. Clouds gather slowly. << It is said that Talena happened to love Maoirth more than just the usual love a rider has for their dragon, and vice versa. They were a pair in love that sometimes, it distracted them. They may have been clingy with one another, but both seemed to be hard as rock to other dragons and riders. >> The bronze allowed the scene to be set, filling the sky above Ista with Talena and her lime green lifemate. << And then, one day, they were given an assignment. To give a message to someone on a nearby island. It wasn't important enough for a Wingleader to go themselves, so they sent the ice-in-their veins Talena and Maoirth. >> He trails off, allowing the sunfire gold to absorb the story so far.

Dragon> A colorful ripple, waves fading through all the fiery colors of a sun's reflection. Rielsath drifts along behind, watching the events unfold from her casual quiet. Oh so patient, if only for a moment, before her silence is broken with << Who'd be stupid enough to live on an island? By themselves? >> (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth considers the questions asked by the gold before answering in his usual deep growling bass << Perhaps someone who wished never to love again. Or perhaps it was someone who wished never to be seen by another person, someone so closed off, that only an island could contain their fear of the outside world. >> And with that spoken, he quickly flies in the air behind Talena and Maoirith, allowing the story to resume. Darkness filled this world like none before. Flickering shadows, vicious rain, ominous thunder and an insidious streak of lightning. The little island cottage looms ahead in the horizon as the pair continues to fly toward it. <> Their attention was no longer on the cottage, their sights blinded by their love.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath is in turn made curious and disgusted by the displays of affection, wondering just why the two would have to voice such a thing constantly. She gains speed as Malsaeth does, following him after the besotted lime green and her rider. Always carrying that glow of liquid sunset, even through the clouds and rain. The next rider pair to flick through her mind is of Lujayn and herself - then discarded. No, they are still different. Another image, this time X'lar and Malsaeth, and a question posed with a flare of sunny yellow: are they similar to this pair? She holds up the two in juxtaposition, trying to overlap them into one image.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth considers the last image of he and X'lar before making it warp and ripple, like an image damaged by a constant barrage of water drops upon it. And then, soon, another image of X'lar and Malsaeth appears, but this time, represented by symbols, images: X'lar as a perfectly poised fishing spear ready to be thrown into the ocean, a hundred notations and facts clearly organized in lists, mnemonically and other ways, a bated breath, a strong, but bleeding heart covered in chains, even perhaps the calendar of records to symbolize time; and Malsaeth? The hand that holds the spear, the chains against the heart, but above all, the bonfire flame, always persistent in its heat. << No, we are not like them. Never like them. >> But perhaps this is only said because the bronze knows where this particular story is going. The darkness fades, lit by that sunny yellow, giving Talena and Maoirith enough of a distraction from their love of one another, to see the cottage. They land. The message is picked up, but not without Talena's personality being prickly, hard, like a rock.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath files the symbols away: spear, heart, chains. Her approval of the fire is evident by the surge in her own glow, a moment of golden noon adding lightness to the intense bonfire. She inspects the cottage, wonders at Talena's sudden shift in personality, but waits to see what happens. The answer is enough to satisfy her, at least until the next question comes along.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth almost feels uncomfortable as those symbols are filed away by the other dragon, but it's short-lived as that fire's lightness is very well received. Anything to add intensity to his own glow. << Talena was never good with people. She would rather be with her dragon than others. The only thing different about this was that giving this message to the cottage dweller meant less time to be with her dragon. >> Soon, the pair leaves with the message given. It seems this story does not revolve around any haunted cottage, oddly enough. No, this twisted story is headed somewhere much darker.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath lets a paler, silvery echo of intrigue linger as the cottage and its strange occupant disappear from the story, following Talena back to her beloved dragon. Already trying to shake the suffocating feeling between the two, already looking for freedom on behalf of the misguided green but hardly wishing to end the story.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth moves the story forward, toward a much, much darker territory. Clouds cover the entire landscape now. With no rain, the wailing wind is the only companion to the pairing of Talena and Maoirith. <> Their words of love for one another was perhaps even louder than the wind itself. Indeed, it would seem that these words distracted them so... that Maoirith could not see the craggy outcropping right in front of them. Talena was the first to see it. << My love! Between to the Star Sto- >> And black follows. No words, no rain. No wind, nothing..... This is by no means the end, but perhaps the twist of the nail into the coffin of the story.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath dares to laugh at the foolish pair, a harsh flash of scorching, merciless sun so different from her usual youthful brilliance. This is to be mocked, this strange picture, and she does it well. Do they reappear, or is there more? Is this the moral, that love blinds? Rielsath circles even in the darkness, her light gone. There is no light to pierce the cold shadows of /between/, even in Malsaeth's make-believe tale.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth is, truth be told, relishing that moment of uncertainty from the older dragon, that sunfire gold. If anything that darkness of the void that is between becomes alive, palpable. Lasting much longer than just three seconds, if anything, it lasts lifetimes, only compressed into seconds. Finally, those crags appear again, dappled by bright sunlight. Another rider and their green arrive, and what follows is a horrified scream. << Within that craggy rock on the side of the island were the pair that loved too much, the pair blinded by love of themselves and each other, stretched into the rock like tragic statues. >> Time had passed, see... Time had passed too much for anyone to perhaps even remember poor Talena and Maoirith with their rocky disposition, locked in love's embrace. << Yes, love blinds, Rielsath. >> comes his final comment, finally ending the twisted story.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath has an image now, a real image to share with young Malsaeth. A rock eroded by time, some words carved at its base. Slowly, one can realize the sharp, jagged zenith could be bent wingsails, the outline of a dragon and rider grotesquely, faintly visible the longer one stares. <> Not boastful or horrified, but wanting to share and teach. << Have you been there? >> She pulls free of the promontory, reveling anew in the freedom offered by an open sky and warm sunlight. Maoirith and Talena were unfortunate, but Rielsath knows she is different.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth considers Rielsath's remark and question that follows it. << Yes, Nalaieth showed me once, but we have not seen it with our own eyes yet. Soon. >> He seems amused almost as he feels Rielsath's need to share and teach. <> He projects an image, clearly defined with every detail. It's the weyr in all its glory, not even a cloud can be seen. << Mine loves the view, but there are other views he wishes to see too. >> Humour laces the last comment for some unknown reason.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath shares the humor, intense sunlight sparking a smoky fire. << What's that? >> She inquires immediately, recognizing that landscape but finding herself unknowing of the second.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth seems sly at first, feeding the fire with his own intensity. << Ista or the other views? >> comes his question, still laced in amusement. << Do you really wish to know? >>

Dragon> When Rielsath repeats herself, it's more belligerent than her initial question, impatient. << That's what I said, >> Less smoke, more fire, throwing unpredictable sparks. (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth seems sly still, but the sunfire gold can likely feel his reluctance to reveal too much. Soon, however, the bronze shows an image of Leova, who, despite her 5'5 stature, seems much, much bigger in presence. << He was blinded by her. >> And then another image. Lujayn. << He wishes to see yours some day, to show her my stories written as X'lar writes them. >> An image duplicates, two thick volumes. << Every time he writes for me, he writes twice. One for me, one for yours. >>

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath takes a lightning-quick moment to retrieve memories, hardly considered a pause. << That was a long time ago, >> And something was different back then. << When he was called Xielar, >> This is the name her rider's mind provides her with, though Rielsath does not remember a time without Malsaeth, when he did not share stories from faroff Ista. And that word, /blinded/. She searches for meaning, claws of fire prying. << Blind like Talena? Blind like Maoirith? >> Then, more assured and smug. << You'll be here soon enough. >> As if this is already fact, as set in stone as the unfortunate pair of Malsaeth's latest story. << And we'll be here, too. >>

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth considers Rielsath's comments, oh so many of those comments. << He is no longer Xielar. >> is his first reply, almost said in disgust. << When we met, he was and will always be X'lar. >> His growl is further enhanced by the scraping of tectonic plates buckling. << Not like them, no, Rielsath. >> A pause and he reveals just a little bit more information, the sound of the earth breaking beneath follows his voice: <> He shows X'lar, alone, in the water, fishing spear poised to be thrown into the water full of fish. << He still has feelings, but he knows better than to express them at this point. Not yet. >> He seems to pause as he feels that certainty from the gold. << We hope to be there soon enough, yes. >>

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath understands, forthcoming questions quelled by the bronze's own form of certainty. << Sure he's not, >> She agrees, and in fact can't conjure any memories of her own that feature a Xielar. << That would be just weird. >> Letting Malsaeth's explanation fill the space around her: fish, water, spears. << Well, as long as he learned something, >> There's some doubt in her tone, something darkly singed from all that bright flame, but she moves on quickly enough. << Come when there's snow. >> She urges happily.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth seems to surround all those words and images with clouds, masking it all as he considers it all, absorbing it. And the he catches that doubt, making his thoughts more turbulent. << You do not believe he could learn? He is not the same man. Every day he changes into the man I know he can be. >> This comment is wedded with an image of X'lar mounted on Malsaeth, clothed all in black with a sash of blood red around his waist. << When will there be snow? >>

Dragon> The doubt was not for X'lar, but rather over whether or not learning something could be the greatest good to come out of a situation. This from one who can hardly sit for a lesson, only paying attention where she feels attention is due - and that's rarely for any teacher. << Later. >> Her reply carries warmer spring drafts, hinting at a summer that is much milder than Ista's but still comfortable. (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth shares that own restlessness toward sitting for a lesson. << Mine tells me it will get hotter here. I like it, but would prefer snow. And brown leaves. >>

Dragon> Those crunchy leaves are changing colors and whirling through the air in place of fire, though all the right colors are there. Just as wild, but a chillier sense. A taste of burning ice, the harshness returning for another long winter. << It'll be here soon. >> (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth watches those crunchy leaves change colour and fall with abandon, the chill of burning ice. << Mine tells me he is already trying to find the right jacket for it. I look forward to it all. The snow, the ice, the changing colours. I like it all. >> In place of the symbols of Reaches, Malsaeth replaces them with the burning sun, miles of black sand beaches, and finally an endless ocean. << Mine loves these things. I try to make him see there is other things to see, like this ice of yours. >>

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath could be accused of having too much pride for High Reaches, though as long as the conversation keeps praising it... << Of course. It's the best place there is. >> Even the warmer summer, devoid of snow or crispy leaves, is more pleasing than any other winters that await at Weyrs Telgar or Fort. Rielsath knows these, and they just don't compare. Another spray of leaves, just for his amusement. << If he wants to see mine or Vrianth's yet, he'll come. >>

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth considers this in great amusement. << You are like mine. He sees nothing better than Ista itself. He is proud to hail from here, to be a part of the people. >> He dives into these leaves enjoying the playfulness of the situation before spreading wings and flapping, sending leaves everywhere, like rain. << He will. He no longer hates it in ignorance. He understands now that beauty can be seen from other places. I've shown him images already, places that he will go with me. >>

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath wonders. << Who would hate this? >> A flurry of leaves descends, and suddenly the curious gold is gone. Just an inert pile of leaves. You can ignore that tail snaking out of one end, it's really nothing at all...

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth seems very amused by that tail, seemingly diving back into the leads to find the body and legs to go with the tail. He makes the leaves shake with his humour. << Do you do this often? >> For anyone else, it might sound corny, but for Malsaeth, speaking in his growly voice, it verges on outright brazenness.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath knows how to lurk when she feels like it, hiding away in a great mental pile of bright crimson leaves. << You don't? >> She counters, conjuring a faint image of thunderclouds.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth lurks with the best of them, seemingly moving to hide among the thunderclouds. <> Despite his bronzen hide being such a crimson hue, he lurks well, almost like a chameleon among the clouds. << Though he prefers the sky now. With me. We fly a lot now. >>

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath rustles away some leaves, the tip of a snout poking forth. Just enough to watch. << Just like you should. We can share the sky, that's the same wherever you go. >> If Rielsath happens to disagree with Malsaeth's rider, perhaps they might agree on this point. << Clouds /are/ fun. >> The glowing laugh, maybe a flash of lightning if she were secreted away in the clouds but all too conspicuous in the leaf pile.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth darts back into those leaves to find the other parts to the gold as the bronze spots the snout. <> He provides a couple bubbles for atmosphere. And then soon, more leaves fall on that suspiciously inert pile of leaves. << Clouds are very fun. Mine tells me I can hide in them, and watch from afar. I like this thought very much. >>

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath shuffles to one side, now a moving pile of leaves with snout and tail. The tail playfully whips at Malsaeth as he pries further, though her attention is grabbed by the bubbles. << We can go anywhere, but I belong here. >> The snow, the Seven Spindles, everything. << Do you think that way about your home? >> Oceans, black sands, endless summer rains.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth considers this question before showing a bright shining anchor, still hanging from a boat. << Mine is my anchor. We may go any place in the world, any place, and wherever he decides to be, whomever he decides to become, I am there no matter what, Rielsath. >> It's a brief admission, but earnest in its reply, strangely uncharacteristic of him to reveal so much. << There is something peaceful of the ocean too, going far below, into the depths where no one can see you. >>

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath also considers, replying along the lines of that peaceful ocean and the peaks of her indomitable mountains. << We make sure the other doesn't go too far, >> It is harder for the leaf-laden gold to say what it is that defines her relationship with Lujayn. Perhaps the darkness of lurking is making her sleepy, so far away from her usual sunlight, for Rielsath's voice is fainter and slower. << Find us when you are here. >> An easy appreciation for Malsaeth's openness, by no means shooing him from her mind. He can stick around if he wishes to play with the leaves, though it might not be much fun if she's sleeping.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth considers this before agreeing, replying << Boundaries. And balance. These are two things mine tells me about constantly. >> At his age, perhaps it's the right course of action from his rider. << We will, Rielsath. >> comes his last remark, the clouds growing and growing until his presence is gone too, leaving those leaves and snow for the warm sunshine of Ista's tropical weather.

Hypothetically

2008-05-13T05:22:23Z

Where: Star Stones, HRW
Time: day 6, month 5, Turn 16, of the Interval. It is a spring evening.
Summary: Leova and Lujayn finish dinner high above the bowl. A pie is sacrificed.

Many days at High Reaches are perfect for starcrafters' lectures on clouds, but not this day, which is getting close to not being day at all: clear, warm, with long shadows cast by Rukbat just beginning to sink below the horizon. And quiet, too, aside from occasional chatter and the sounds of eating that have slowed with their meal, too, being just about done. Leova idly pokes at the marrow of her porcine chop and asks, "Do you even have room for pie?"

Lujayn leans back, twisting her napkin around with a contented expression on her face. "If we sit here long enough, I think so. Would be a shame to come back with leftovers." She eyes the remaining dessert, but it doesn't look as if she'll be reaching for it any time soon. Instead, her chin tilts upwards to view the hastily darkening sky. "First star," Lazily remarked, pointing upwards to a tiny glinting thing, visible by the grace of absent clouds.

"Right.." Lujayn is about to lean over so Leova can follow the line of her hand, but then the greenrider has it and she slumps back again, maybe too full to hold her herself up properly, maybe just relaxed. A smile flickers across her lips. "If a pie fell out of the sky? I would be more worried about whoever was hit by it."

Leova yawns. "Wonder how big a mess it would make." She puts her things away and idly wipes at face and hands before thinking to add, "Not if it hit somebody. Just if it fell. On the rock. How much it would splatter."

Lujayn grins then, stretching forwards to have a peer aaaall the way down to the bowl below. "If we're not going to eat it," She begins casually, watching Leova from the corner of her eye. "It doesn't look like the bowl is very busy tonight."

"It would be a waste of food," Leova points out, not in a way that suggests that should necessarily stop them, but just to put it out there. "But. If we wound up having a bite. Later. And still didn't want it. Probably nobody would want the leftovers."

"That makes sense," Lujayn concedes with a shrug, though her hand pushes thoughtfully at the dessert and she watches it slide with a not so thoughtful smile. "How long is long enough to wait? Until later?" Looking back to the sky, gaze flicking back and forth between a handful of stars that appear as Rukbat retreats.

"Mm." Leova tracks Lujayn with the pie, decides, "When we feel like it. Though. Probably shouldn't let it get too dark. Because then we couldn't measure very well, now could we." She looks back over her shoulder, out at the icy mountaintops that reflect the light while the valleys swallow it.

"By the time we get down there to see, someone could have eaten it." Lujayn adds, still keen on tossing a pie from the star stones if her smile says anything about her thoughts. "Or if a rider comes from /between/ at just the right moment.." She chuckles, though her eyes stay fixed on the sky. One, two more stars. "Lucky there aren't any clouds tonight. Moons'll give a good view of the splatter."

"That would mean we'd have as much time as we wanted," Leova says, perhaps with disappointment, as she turns back. "'Course, could also throw it off the outside instead of the inside. Less chance of catching someone that way or of someone finding the results. Not as flat, though."

"I don't know about you, but I have drills tomorrow," Lujayn teases her friend easily. "So I wouldn't sit up here all night. Bowl's the way to go." A decisive nod, though by now her stomach has recovered from a generous dinner and she's looking tempted by the flaky crust and fruity filling.

"Swapped with W'jar, got the watchrider's spot again. So I might get a nap in," Leova teases back. "Unless we're just dragging people back and forth again like today." And with Lujayn looking the way she is, and the shadows growing the way they are, she leans over to grab her fork back and wipe it clean of savories. "Think I'm just going to try it. For starters."

Lujayn wields her own fork quickly, not to be left out. "Getting to it before I can, that's a good idea." At least it's not winter: the spring evening is still, its earlier warmth vanishing as night's chill arrives. "I doubt we can eat an entire pie." Is that a challenge?

Leova grins over at her. "From splattering it all to eating it all. Any in-betweens?" And with that, she resettles so she's on her stomach instead of sitting, propped up on an elbow so they can eat straight from the tin like the very same oversized plate.

"Don't eat so fast that you splatter it onto the bowl later on?" Lujayn suggests a rather unpleasant in-between with a mischievous grin. She doesn't wait any longer before digging in, leaning close over the pie to keep from dropping even a single crumb.

It's enough to get Leova laughing right through her bite, though she manages to contain it all so she, too, doesn't lose crumbs. Not even to the plate. As she forks up another goodly helping, "That's not in between. That's /both/! I call unfair."

"Why not do both if you can?" Lujayn asks in between bites, slicing her fork through the crust after a tough moment. "I mean, not with the pie. But with everything else, I think it works."

"Depends. Can you do both well?" Leova pokes at the pie, squishing the filling up through the fork's tines and lifting it up that way. "Lot of things get to be just fair-to-middling."

"Sure." Lujayn nearly drops the next bite, keeping it level with her fingers while raising the fork to her mouth, messy fingers for her trouble. "It's usually worth trying, just to see."

"Starting out's one thing," Leova says, eyeing the biteful on her fork, easing it slowly towards her mouth. Just in time before it disappears, "Think one usually rules out the other in the end, though. If it's going to stand out."

"What are we talking about, now?" Lujayn finally asks, mind all knotted up with pie and vague statements. She drops her fork, taking a break from stuffing her face. "Or are we talking about anything?"

Leova pulls up a quote from somewhere, her tone reflective, "We still talkin' about pie?" More normally, "Things generally, maybe. All-purpose runners, they're good for a cothold, but if you're going to race really well, or pull really well, you breed to that." A sidelong glance, "If that sort of talk won't turn the pie in your stomach."

Lujayn blinks. "Doesn't sound like it. I think I was being philosophical." Returning the glance, leaving her fork lie. "But if you meant something else, keep going.."

"I did," Leova says slowly, looking back. "But." And now she looks down at the pie. What's left of it. "Should be getting back. Something I forgot about. But if you drop the extras, let me know how it turns out, hm?" And she gives Lujayn another smile, one that starts out like it's going to be quick before she holds it a moment, and starts gathering up the non-pie things.

Lujayn lifts a brow but doesn't protest, leaning over to get the other fork, twisting to pack up her half when her foot connects with the tin and sends it skittering, tumbling down through the darkness. "Oops." Is all Lu has to offer, smile perfectly innocent as she tries to follow its progress down to the bowl.

Leova finds herself chuckling. "Tragic. Tragic accident." But rather than stop to check out the crusty carnage, she keeps moving, and then she and Vrianth are moving, and then with a last, "See you next time!" they're gone.

Cat figures, bells, and beads

2008-05-10T07:33:43Z

Where: Storerooms, HRW
Time: day 31, month 4, Turn 16
Summary: Persie and Lujayn sort through a box of knickknacks and chat about traders.

There's a while left now, until dinner time, and while most people might be off doing productive things, finishing up sweeps or things like that, Persie is poking around in the stores. She's basically sat herself down on the floor and is going through a box of oddities, weird little carvings, glass knick knacks, useless bits collected over the years. And she's singing to herself, a wordless song she seems to be making up on the spot, a lively fanfare accenting the discovery of this thing and that thing.

At least Persie isn't the only one who likes to spend time poking around in stores. Pushing the door open with one hip while a large, lightweight box occupies her arms, Lujayn starts in at a brisk walk when the sound of singing makes her pause. She glances down just in time to avoid tripping over Persie and her sundry box, setting her box onto the floor and sliding it against the wall with a foot. "Cleaning house?" She bends to peer over the greenrider's shoulder - Persie's box is far more interesting.

Singing as she is, and in her own little world, Persie doesn't realize that there's anyone even coming toward her until Lujayn is -right there-. And then the greenrider looks up, startles and lets out a little yelp. When Lu sets her box down, Persie is giggling at herself, a hand at her chest as she gets her heart rate back down. "Oh shells, you scared me. You shouldn't sneak up on a girl like that. What are you doing? What did you bring?" The goldrider is peering down and her former teacher is peering over, scoping out each other's boxes. But she gives up and answers, "No, this is just stuff that's down here. Just random things. I wasn't doing anything so I thought I'd look and see if there was something spectacular that needed to come home with me. I did find this... Wait, where is it?" Because whatever treasure, how it's misplaced.

"I have to practice sneaking somehow. Don't get much chance anymore." Sneaking over for the moment, however, Lujayn kneels down and scoots closer to examine the odds and ends box. "Brought down some of my old clothes, the ones in good shape. Stuff I outgrew since last spring, now that there's very much of it." She glances back to the abandoned box, thoughtful. "Couldn't give any of my weyrling stuff away; most of those were beyond mending." Random stuff sounds more interesting than old clothes, at least when the old clothes used to belong to you. "Oh, neat."

Leaning over to have a look, Lu pokes at a little carving that resembles an exaggerated, masklike face. "I wish all the boxes were like this. Now that I have room to keep things, trinkets have started to catch my eye."

Persie's listening while she hunts, she really is, and eventually what she comes up with is an odd little cat, ceramic it seems, with a sort of pouty face. "Look at him. I saw him and thought he looked so unhappy to be in this box. I think I'm going to put him on some shelf down here, so he can watch all the comings and goings and give people dirty looks when they leave a mess." She holds the cat up next to herself and immitates it's frowny, displeased face. And she also hands Lujayn that mask thing. Now it's her turn.

Lujayn grins, laughing at Persie's funny face. "You two go perfectly together. Why don't you take him home?" The grin turns to puffy cheeks when she's handed the mask, blowing dust from its carved features before imitating its open-mouthed smile. Fingers deftly wipe away the more stubborn bits of dust and she places it back in the box, one hand fishing for something smooth and shiny that's caught her eye. A tinkling noise announces a small glass bell, its clapper chipped but still jingling away when she pulls it out by a string. "Now this is pretty. Glass, even."

Persie laughs brightly, setting the cat aside. "I have too many little things like him at home already," she says with a wrinkle of her nose. But there's another snicker for Lujayn's mimicking. "Very nice." And then, "Oh! Oh that is pretty. What a nice little sound, too. There are so many weird things in here. I wonder when the last time was that someone looked around." She combs her hand through the box again, folding up a leg so that Lujayn can get a little close. "Hey," she remembers. "You're a weyrwoman." Persie is, as always, Captain Obvious. "Does that you mean you know about that hidden room thing?"

Lujayn lets the bell swing back and forth, chiming with each little oscillation. "Judging from the dust, I'd say a while." Carefully wiping the trinket to gleaming with her sleeve, "That I am," She has to agree with Persie's statement, just as blandly, "I thought the Weyr was buzzing with that news, though. Secret rooms are hard to keep secret once they're found out."

"Yeah, but you're like.. a -weyrwoman-, so you must know all about it. More than other people, right?" Persie's brows are lifting up, a quizzical glance for the blonde beside her. "Where is it? What was in it? I heard it was behind a bookcase. Who's been, like, moving bookcases around?" she wonders with a little laugh. "Someone strong, I'd imagine."

"I wasn't exactly involved in that part," Lujayn confesses, reluctantly setting the bell to one side in order to start unfolding a bunch of spiral-patterned cloth squares. "I know Milani was there, but she wasn't the one to find the room in the first place." A covert glance over one shoulder, just in case someone might be listening. "A few people say there were traders poking around down there. Have to say, it sounds pretty likely to me." Blasphemy against those poor traders? "Used to be secret, now just a boring old storeroom like this one." A large gesture for the room at large, complete with a waving banner of rainbow cloth.

Persie leans in because things are getting all sharey and secrety. "The traders? Why would they be poking around behind bookcases? They don't even live here." And then her voice picks up again. "Not generally, anyway. Hey, do you know where they were before they were here? Like, where they were trading last? I wonder if they keep, like logs of that sort of thing. All the places they've been. Traders don't really seem like log-keeping people though, do theeeey?" And that last word draws out as Lujayn unfolds a colorful banner and makes Persie's eyes get all big. "Ooh!"

Lujayn shrugs, her voice not quite as soft at Persie's. "Maybe they were just curious. Being in a new place and all, I can understand that. And it doesn't sound like they were doing anything /wrong/, right? Just an old, forgotten room?" She takes a moment to think, not coming up with much knowledge in the way of Vijays. "Um. Nabol, I think?" Cracking a smile, Lu shakes the bit of musty cloth towards the other rider teasingly. "Oooh, pretty colors."

Persie looks just a bit guilty about her smile as the goldrider goes waving the rainbow banner at her. "You should keep that. Or I'll have to take it home. Or maybe wear it." Her hands go out to catch the fluttering end. "I wonder if it could be clothes somehow..." Her pale head cants to the side and the traders seem forgotten, at least for the moment.

Lujayn holds fast to the cloth for a playful moment, tugging back on it but eventually relinquishing her grip when Persie snags the other end. "I didn't come looking for new clothes. You can keep it." She grins, sizing it up. "Maybe a bandana, or a hanky? Doesn't look big enough to be much else."

"Ooh, a bandana!" And immediately Persie goes wrapping the dusty cloth around her head, tying it rather artfully on the side. "I heard that the traders are sort of.. direp, disrept..." She makes a face, like it take effort to find the word and spit it out. "Disreputable. Disreputable sorts. Do you think they are?"

"I haven't met very many of them." Lujayn muses, delight spreading across her face as the next thing to emerge is another sparkly - a strand of blue glass beads. "One was chatty and friendly, the other not so much. Can't judge too well by that." She twines the beads around in her fingers, smiling when they sparkle. "Now that it's spring, I think most will be moving on to trade in different places." Does she think they're all a bad lot? Well, "Other than the secret room, I haven't heard about any mischief from them here or anywhere else. So who knows."

"And that guy at the lake. You were there, right? And one of those trader guys showed up?" Persie recalls. "Or is he one of the? Was he the friendly one?" Which she might find a touch worriesome. "Oh, Leova said you have a curtain of beads. Did you find it down here somewhere? Maybe that's a strand from it." And then a frown. "Moving on already? I was going to see if they have beads. I want one of those curtainy things."

"Oh, no," Lujayn is quick to correct Persie, shaking her head. "He was definitely the less friendly of the two. I met Chedayi, too; he's really chatty and kind of nervous, I think. But nice." Back to the beads, nodding. "They were there when I moved in, but I told Leova I'd keep an eye out for more. Somehow I don't suppose one string of beads will make a curtain." She frowns, jostling the box a bit as if to make similar items appear. "We should make a trip out to their camp sometime, if that's where they're keeping what they trade. Maybe you'll find some beads." And Lu? She's probably just itching to get a look at something new.

"Oh," breathed out in a sigh of relief with a smile to match. "Well good. Because if -he- was the friendly one... And the other one was nervous but nice. Ok. He sounds okay. I haven't really met any of them. I'd like to go to their camp, though, and see what they have." Persie's fingers are toying with the end of the rainbow fabric, wrapping it and unwrapping it. "What I mean was that string," a finger poked at the one Lujayn is holding, "Might have come from your curtain. Is it missing a strand?"

Lujayn laughs, nodding along. "Then we'd be in some serious trouble, huh? And.. I didn't notice anything missing. Odds are there's more than one bead curtain floating around the entire Weyr." Letting the strand coil serpentine on the stone floor, she leans back to watch Persie and her colorful fabric. "I don't know why I haven't been to visit yet. I wanted to go when they first arrived, but it was so harsh outside and then they were busy just getting settled in, then /I/ was busy, and it never really worked out. We definitely need to catch 'em before they haul off too much stuff."

"Me too!" Persie answers with enthusiasm, for both points of wanting to check in on the traders and managing not to for some reason or another. "We should go. And if you go without me, you have to tell me how it was. The people and all. Leova seems to think they're sort of... that I'd need to be careful. You don't really think that though, do you? I mean... they're just people. Right?" She unfolds her legs, putting a few odds and ends back in the box before she stands up with her rainbow banner around her head and a grouchy cat in her hand.

Lujayn helps gather the knick knacks, but coils the string of sparkly beads around her fingers again. Seems this one's staying with her. "Who knows. I don't have any good reason to think they're dishonest, but nothing that says they're all honest either. But I did get a funny feeling from Kyres. He could have been nicer to people he was meeting for the first time." Her pout, though genuine, is short-lived. "I'll try not to go without you, then. Promise." Beam. "Is he getting a home after all?" In regards to the little cat figurine.

With the box loaded up again, Persie shoves it back into its dusty, lonely home with the side of her foot. And then the cat goes up on the shelf above. "Right there. That's not too noticeable, right? I mean, he's at eye level, but I don't think he'll jump out at anyone. And then he can watch what's going on. Maybe people will feel his little eyes on them and come over and check out the box." She nods. An excellent plan. "Thanks for finding this thing," she says, hands on either side of her head, holding the colorful fabric to her pale head. "And soon we'll go see what the traders have." She flashes a bright grin, eager already.

Dusting off her hands and getting to her feet, Lujayn watches their distraction go sliding away into the shadows once again. "I hope so. That's a fun little box." She gives the cat a silly salute before turning to face Persie on her way out. "Sounds like a plan." She promises brightly, toying with the beads again. "Good luck with your bandana. Hopefully there aren't any little bugs on it!" A last grin before Lu heads off, waving farewell.

Storytime: Sleusath's Tale

2008-05-07T05:30:17Z

Time: Day 11, Month 4, Turn 16
Summary: Malsaeth has another story for Rielsath, who plays illustrator.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth doesn't ask if he could begin, nor does he hesitate. If the sunfire gold wants him to stop telling his new story, she'll have to stop him only after he provides his hook. For this was a story. A story about meat. << The weyrlings were butchering meat one day in the barracks and soon discovered the meat was all gone. The only sign the weyrlings could see of foul play were splashes of blood from the meat. >>

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath is not so concerned about the lack of meat as she might have been some hours ago; her belly is full, her mind content with the day's feast. But there are days in Lujayn's memory that show her eating at all hours, always needing more, and so she peers in on Malsaeth's story with the soft, dusky presence of sunset. << Did the greedy weyrlings eat it all? >> She teases, well-fed and all the chattier for it.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth seems pleased enough to hear the prompting question from the older dragon. So without further ado, the fiery bronze sets the tone further by allowing clouds to rumble and shake, making the scene a dark and mysterious one. << Oh no. There wasn't that much meat left in the vat anyways. >> An image forms of an electric blue weyrling dragon, Sleusath. While dragons were curious, Sleusath was almost obsessive about facts. So it was Sleusath to the rescue, so to speak, as Malsaeth shows the bright blue venturing out of the barracks in search of this taker of meat.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath follows Sleusath, this bright shock of blue lightning, quite easily against the more somber clouds. << Before that, before it ran out. Did they eat themselves into thicktail? >> A hidden laugh amongst silvery rain, amused to think of poor little 'uns causing themselves distress before learning about moderation. Adopting a new perspective, back when the world was enormous and she was not, the gold watches Sleusath begin his journey.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth makes the clouds shake further, perhaps emphasizing his own amusement at the question of the gold. << Some did. But not Sleusath. He knew better. He waited, too. But when it was his turn to eat, where was -his- meat? >> As the rain falls fast and hard against the electric blue dragon. The bronze restrains himself from allowing the idea of meat get the best of him, the dragon already hunting on his own by now. << The blood drops splattered in the snow, so Sleusath followed the trail as long as he could. >>

Dragon> A lightning storm brews as the raindrops strike Sleusath's electric hide, sparks flying here and there to add excitement. A bowl covered by pure snow, crimson daubs every few paces marking a spooky trail for the dragonet to follow. Rielsath continues to illustrate as her whims take her, the trail of blood leading far into the distance. (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth seems almost impressed with the addition of that brewing lightning storm that the gold adds to the story. Lightning strikes, emphasizing his thanks for the illustration. Malsaeth sends Sleusath out in that cold morn, following the trail of the suspect. Far into the bowl he goes... Snow soon falling down in droves, but not yet in blizzard-like qualities yet. Soon the trail ends. Sleusath stops. Though the snow stops for a moment, Sleusath's drive does not. Does he move to the lake? Or follow steps toward the other side of bowl, toward the caverns?

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath sends a spiral of silvery snow across the bloody tracks, erasing them bit by bit from the dragonet's sight. The rock walls of the bowl stretch up endlessly, leaving barely enough room for a hazy sky and snow-stuffed clouds. Despite the thoughtful silence from Malsaeth, she is not shy in urging Sleusath on. << The caverns. >> Dark, endless tunnels await for a thief to hide away in.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth follows Sleusath. While the snow may erase that trail bit by bit, this electric blue dragon will never be swayed, his tenacity to find the truth of the missing meat seemingly endless. << The caverns then... >> Malsaeth's bass answers, sending the little blue into those caverns. << What he found was meat. Not much, but enough to tell him that he was on the right trail. >> Mal sends a thrilling streak of lightning in the background to light Sleusath's way.

Dragon> Shadows close in, the sky cut off by rock on all sides, though flickers of lightning reflect down the cavern's length. << Did he eat what he found? >> Faint glowlight deepens the darkness, its dimly flickering guidance casting exaggerated silhouettes of the traveling dragonet. (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth seems almost as thrilled as Sleusath as he feels the gold seemingly cater to the story better than expected. << Oh yes. How could he not? He was hungry, after all! >> As glowlight deepens the darkness, Sleusath ventures forth after eating the last little morsel. Soon, he heard an undeniable sound of eating. Also? The echoing sounds of screeching. But this blue would not be deterred, not this far into the chase for the truth.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath is more than pleased to add ambiance, happier with involving herself than being a passive observer to Malsaeth's story. The screeching echoes around the tunnel and magnifies itself for Sleusath's hearing, the eating noises continuing as constant background noise. The glows are fewer and even dimmer, deep enough into the cavern where even lightning has trouble reaching.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth adds darker touches: scrape marks against the cavern's walls here, an extra reverberation there. << What was Sleusath to do? How to approach the sounds? >> The ruddy-hued bronze's growl asks the gold. He sends the electric blue out, farther into the darkness as the sounds just get louder.

Rielsath> I bespoke Malsaeth with << Straight on, >> Brave Rielsath is further drawn in with the details, though the tunnel goes deeper and darker than ever before. A chilly current of air from somewhere below stirs up dust and strange shadows. << It's making too much noise to hear him coming. >>

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth stops all noise, all sound from the cavern, making Sleusath stop too. Flame suddenly appears in the corner of his eye, followed by the scent of charred meat. << What could make such small flame? >> Malsaeth puts the question to the gold, his voice jarringly breaking the silence.

Dragon> Silence is louder than any noise so far, pressing heavily inwards. Little shadows fly here and there, prompting Rielsath to take up where Malsaeth's question ends. << The lizards, >> As much curiosity as contempt is in her bright voice, catching hints of fire along each word. << They had stolen the weyrlings' meat. >> Hey, who's telling this story anyhow? (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth seems pleased and impressed, perhaps he was letting the gold choose the story as it went along. Nonetheless, he seems to fill the cavern with half a dozen blue and brown firelizards eating what was left in the vat, eating that meat as Rielsath has suggested. He doesn't seem to mind in the least that Rielsath might be telling the story.

Dragon> The tiny figures of firelizards are dwarfed by even Sleusath's young form, large enough to stand a chance against such impetuous firelizards. The next beat of silence is followed by a throaty bugle, the blue dragonet's charge scattering firelizards and chunks of meat every which way. << Sleusath knew he needed to reclaim what had been stolen, >> The screeching returns, this time a frightened and frenzied noise as the lizards take flight, seeking escape. When shadows clear with the friendly light of a lit torch the firelizards have vanished, leaving behind a considerable stockpile of meat. << He called his siblings to share this good fortune, >> A smug twinkle of sunlight, sneaking in through some rocky crevice. << But only after eating his fill. >> (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Moving Forward

2008-05-07T01:04:34Z

Where: Center of the Fort Weyr bowl; Weyrlingmaster's office
Time: day 11, month 4, Turn 16
Summary: Lujayn visits Fort for the first time since leaving for High Reaches. Rielsath and Jekzith play in the lake while Lu talks with P'draig.

Rielsath> Jekzith senses that Rielsath imitates those friendly bubbles the brown likes to send, more of a soapy, champagne-colored cluster. Her greeting is casual: << It's warmer here. >> The bubbles fizz with surprise at finding this mild springtime.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Jekzith sits up and pays attention lazily. << Rielzath! You're at /Fort/! >> There's a sense of buzzing excitement as he shares this news with his rider. Bright bubbles float on a stream of rainbow colors, warm and welcoming. << Warmer than the Reaches? Oh yes. But not as warm as /Boll/. And he makes a picture of the jungle-bound hold. >>

Coming out of the Barracks wiping his hands, P'draig has a slightly distracted look on his face at first then he focuses, face forward and there's a bright smile on his face. "Lu!" he hollers out, waving across the Bowl with his rag.

Lujayn is loosening Rielsath's straps, the gold fidgeting with impatience at each buckle; she'd much rather be commandeering this new lake or having a taste of the Fortian herdbeasts. At last Lu turns away, only to find her lifemate patiently in place, gazing across the bowl. The flap of a rag catches her eye and she beams, moving to close the distance as she waves. "Are you cleaning again? You haven't got weyrlings on the way, have you?" As she draws nearer, the rush of happy chatter begins. "Good to see you."

P'draig is indeed in work clothes, shirt much patched and mended. He sticks his oily rag into his belt behind him and holds both arms out, apparently meaning to sweep the Reachian goldrider up into a bear hug. "You too Lu. And nope, no weyrlings yet, but the clutches're so far apart, I take the cots apart in between, air the mattresses out and so on." A gesture to a set of mattresses stacked out in the spring sunshine. "How've you been? How's your Rielsath? Shells she looks /good/." Beat. "And so do you."

Dragon> A flicker of sunlight, made that much easier by Fort's temperance. Rielsath is delighted to have caused such surprise. << Sure I am. >> Her mind is busy searching through the new things before her, the familiar-but-different sense of a new Weyr, but still has room for Jekzith's conversation. << If the spring is warmer, is the lake, too? Does it freeze in winter? Do you have snow at all? >> (Rielsath to Jekzith)

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Jekzith bubbles more happy thoughts her way and stretches his wings wide. << The lake does freeze in winter. Enough for them to do *this* >> He imagines skates on feet. << But it's not right now. Want to come swim it with me? There's lots of interesting stuff way down deep. >> He flashes dark depths, green water, purplish rocks and silvery fish.

Rielsath can't miss the fact that she's being talked about, pausing from where she was ready to upend a stack of mattresses in favor of giving P'draig a good once-over. "As good as ever," Lujayn agrees and returns the bear hug, noticing she's that much taller when measured up against the weyrlingmaster. "Thanks," Starting to shrug off her jacket meant for a colder climate, "Persie gave me the haircut. I decided to keep it after everyone told me it was stylish." Beam. "Keeping in work, that's good. Everyone's been a little busier since the traders came to 'Reaches, it seems. Always something to do."

P'draig reaches out to tousle that haircut. "Better'n the one I gave you that one time, definitely. Persie's good with the shears," the Weyrlingmaster says fondly. "Miss her too, actually." He's thoughtful briefly then focuses back on Lu. "Traders? Yeah? How's that going?"

Dragon> The glimpses given of myriad colors, unexplored places, and buoyant bubbles are more than enough incentive for Rielsath to abandon smelly old mattresses. << Yeah! >> Bright anticipation, already trying to get the exact location from scattered images, already making her way there. << ..purple rocks? >> A flash of the Weyr's mountain, though an intense violet instead of its normal grayish tone. << Where do those come from? >> (Rielsath to Jekzith)

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Jekzith shakes himself up off the ground and trots over, leading the way to the lake. << Just over here. P'draig says it has something to do with them being underwater. I don't know really, but they do look interesting! >> And boosh, he's gliding out over the water and diving in. << Follow me! >> Exuberantly.

"Thought it was strange, the way they decided to just set up in the middle of winter. Right in the mountains." Lujayn turns slightly to watch Rielsath wander towards the lake, but is soon assured there won't be any trouble. "Maybe they'll be leaving soon after the snow melts, maybe not. I haven't gotten a chance to pin them down yet." That unsatisfied curiosity is evident in her thoughtful shrug, then a smile. "Need a break from chores, or rather another pair of hands? Rielsath's going to terrorize your lake, I think."

"Guess they needed to camp somewhere? We've had the Sebring here for a long while now," P'draig gestures in the appropriate direction. "It's tough on the caravans, the weird Fall, though thank Faranth we're almost done with those," the Weyrlingmaster continues with a smile. "And huh. Jekzith's likely going to give her the tour. He likes doing that. Better the lake than my Barracks." With a wink. "Break sounds good, want to come in for a drink? Or just pull up a rock and we can sit out here, whichever floats your boat."

Rielsath> Jekzith senses that Rielsath senses the splash and follows quickly, icy wings folding close to let her skim just over the waves. Then it's a huge splash of her own as she lands, twisting after Jekzith. She's there, following, not to be left behind. << How deep does it go? >> Now stretching out beams of light to pierce darker waters, searching for the bottom.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Jekzith flashes an idea of the depth. Deep enough to make it dark at the bottom, those rays of light fading out almost all the way down, shimmering in the greeny gloom before then, though. He adds a little daredevil burst of speed as he streams onward. Can she keep up? Can she? << The rocks are over that way, >> a mental nudge given.

Lujayn cracks a grin as her gaze turns to the barracks. "If she'd fit, she might. Jekzith gives tours?" She raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "That's funny. I wouldn't mind a drink, though," Knotting her jacket about her waist, gloves in one hand. Everything getting squared away. "Pretty soon, I think the starsmiths said. Don't think I'll believe it until it happens." A suspicious glance upwards, as if the merest discussion might bring silvery Thread down upon them.

Rielsath> Jekzith senses that Rielsath searches out the green and the purple amongst other promised colors, going so far as to chase after a school of silvery fish that crosses her path. Scattering them in every direction, little underwater stars, she turns at Jekzith's prompting to explore the rocks, making a tight loop before she realizes he's leaving her behind. << Can't lose me, >> She challenges back, just as happy to race as she is to have a whirlwind underwater tour of strange rocks.

"Yeah, you know Jek, always has to be in the middle of everything," P'draig says with a fond laugh for his brown. "And uh ... especially to lovely ladies of the golden and green persuasion," he says with a little sheepish grin and a scratch of fingers to the back of his neck. "All right, a drink it is. How strong you want that?" The Weyrlingmaster towards towards the door to his office. "And yeah, hope to Faranth it actually /stops/ and they're /right/." A breath huffed out and Paddy's moving onward.

Dragon> Building a 'map' for Rielsath to follow out of sub-surface landmarks. Still he's keeping up that thread of challenge, a string of bubbles held out tantalizingly with the view they're trying to reach reflected in iridescent surfaces. << Can't catch me? >> And there's bright, cheery teasing in that.

Lujayn shares the grin, though hers is hardly sheepish. "Don't worry about it. She's not going to tease him or anything - Rielsath likes to roughhouse, still. Just one of the guys, y'know?" Following after. "Not too strong. I still have to fly back sometime today," The request is joking, merely nodding in agreement with the more longing idea of an end to Thread.

Rielsath> I bespoke Jekzith with << Can so, >> Rielsath sends silvery strands after Jekzith, fishing line to catch on his tail and tangle him up. No sharp hooks, at least. She arcs over each little mark on the map like checkpoints in a race, sometimes distracted by this or that but always reminded of her almost-antagonist. Pop! There goes one bubble. << See? >>

"Heh, that's good. Jek's not like, a wooer really, I mean he tries a little, but mostly, he likes to have fun and he's really earnest about it." P'draig nods about the drink thought. "Got it - so just a little wine maybe," he proposes and reaches the door, holds it open for the goldrider. "After you weyrwoman," he says with a light tease in his voice.

"It's easier than having a dragon chasing tail all the time," Lujayn confides with earnest relief to her tone, "Like some flirty greens or the ladies' men that hang around. I can't decide whether she actually knows she has that kind of swaying power over some of 'em." The goldrider rolls her eyes, but precedes P'draig into his office with at least a nod of thanks. "That's right, I was tapped a month or so back." If the knot was any indication. "More exciting than flying resupply, at least."

Dragon> Tangly strings are eyed with some fascination. Jekzith doesn't avoid them, lets them streak after him though he colors them all the colors of the rainbow. << Niiiiice >> he compliments her racing and he swims on a dark promontory of rock starting to come into view.

"I'll bet. Especially if it's not something you're interested in," P'draig answers with a lopsided grin and turns to step inside after her. "And glad the work's working out. It can be a big switch. Regular person to weyrling, Weyrling to full rider. A lot to have happen in only a turn and a half to two turns." Inside he moves to get a wineskin and some glasses.

Dragon> The strings don't pull at Jekzith, merely making it more difficult for him to elude his sightseer. Rielsath watches the rainbows, constantly comparing their bright colors to the darker, mysterious tones about her. << What's that? >> Though not forgotten, she allows her competitive thoughts to subside when something larger comes into view. << That's different from the other rocks, looks like, >> Curiosity propels her, less following Jekzith and more setting out on her own course to the promontory. (Rielsath to Jekzith)

Dragon> That shape grows larger as she approaches, Jekzith's swinging around it and a beam of light slants down from above. Gleaming deep plum highlights shine forth briefly then are clouded again, more like purple-black. << This is it, >> Jekzith proclaims simply.

"Not especially. But some people are fun to be around." Lujayn concludes while her eyes adjust to the dimness of indoors. On the subject of changes, "Lots of people go through that every clutch, so there must be a trick to it. Not that it's not hard," Thinking back to studying, the extra duties, late nights, she chuckles. "As long as you can adapt." She decides finally, inviting herself to have a seat. "So what's the news at Fort? Anything big happen lately? Or small?" Leaning forwards, watching the gathering of glasses.

Rielsath> Jekzith senses that Rielsath can indeed see this is what the tour has led up to, streaking in close to examine the rock's slick, purple surface. She noses at the illuminated patches and searches out the crevices in shadow, finally following it down, down, down. << It grows out of the ground! >> She exclaims, half asking and half deciding for herself. << No one can see it from above. >> Special, secret knowledge. Rielsath beams brightly, a wash of sunlight to bring out those colorful highlights.

"Not so much a trick, but that's what the Weyrlingmaster and his or her helpers are for," P'draig says, tilting the skin over both glasses and bringing them over to the table. He sets hers down in front of her, then pulls a seat out for himself, dropping down into it. "Mostly a lot of waiting going on here. Waiting for a queen to go up. Waiting for a bronze to catch. Figure out what's going to happen next."

Dragon> Proudly agrees. << Yep. It's one of the niftiest things about this lake! >> Bright bubbles again, mentally winding around the image of the rock. << There's some secret hidey holes in it too. Too small for us, but the fish like them. >>

Lujayn turns her glass about a few times, taking a small sip as P'draig speaks. "I'd bet on Siarith, if all the talk's about a queen rising. She hasn't gone up yet, right? Might be soon, but it depends on the dragon and I don't really know much about her..." Speech broken for another taste of wine, she picks up smoothly where she left off. "What do people expect to happen next? Sounds like they're waiting for something else."

Rielsath> Jekzith senses that Rielsath seeks out those hidey holes, prying with bright talons and brighter eyes. << We could make them bigger, >> She suggests, purple fragments floating through her mind, bits of the rock chipped away to make room for a lurking gold dragon. The perfect hiding spot.

"Nope, she hasn't and generally, I'd agree though that'd be a bit of a heavy load for her to carry. Not that her training hasn't been good, but, think about becoming Senior from your first flight ..." P'draig trails off and shrugs. "She's a very warm person," the Weyrlingmaster describes Fort's Junior. "Kind of mischievous though, like you." With a fond grin across the table, he tilts his glass her way. "Just for things to move on, to have things settled you know? Because everything could change."

Dragon> The hidey holes are fairly small, but one or two allow a talon and on crumbles weakly under prying paws. << Won't be much rock left if we do. >>

Rielsath> Jekzith senses that Rielsath agrees reluctantly, spiraling away from the rock to spook some fish out of tangly seaweed. << Where do you hide, then? >>

Lujayn laughs for a moment. "That's modest, seeing as you were her weyrlingmaster. Sure she had good training." That's right - she remembers with a blink, "I forgot, you don't have an official Senior yet. That makes it a little different." A little raise of her own glass in P'draig's direction, nodding. "Sounds like changes any way you look at it. Thread, weyrwomen, everything else."

Dragon> Letting his voice taken on a winning bit of mystery, Jekzith replies: << Down a lot deeper. Where it's /dark/. >> And lo, he's disappeared. << Come find me! >> Little bubbles left behind as hints but not as clear as the earlier map.

Dragon> Letting his voice taken on a winning bit of mystery, Jekzith replies: << Down a lot deeper. Where it's /dark/. >> And lo, he's disappeared. << Come find me! >> Little bubbles left behind as hints but not as clear as the earlier map.

"Oh no, I meant from Jenna," P'draig says laughingly. "I only handle the basic training. No way I can train a /weyrwoman/ that's beyond my scope." His head bobs though for her statement. "Yeah, Za's Acting. If Siarith goes up, it'd be Suvain." A soft sigh and a shake of his head. "Poor Jenna. Niyath'll never rise again."

Rielsath> Jekzith senses that Rielsath doesn't waste time picking up the chase. After all, the rock isn't going anywhere. She follows along its rough edges for a time before branching off, though there's not much that could mislead her when the only direction to go is down. The young gold doesn't try to bring sunlight down here, instead trying to create a phosphorescent glow to light her mind's eye to Jekzith's scattered bubbles. Some people talk about fish with lights.

"That too," Lujayn agrees, "But you do some of it." She thinks more carefully, catching the somber tone from P'draig's statement. "She's all healed up, though? Out of the infirmary, moving around. I think I would be more worried about that than whether Rielsath was going to lay more eggs." Not that either of the pair have ever been very maternal. Still mostly childlike themselves.

Rielsath> Jekzith senses that Rielsath moves fearlessly in the dark, confident of her senses even without sight. She drifts more slowly when Jekzith calls to her, making smaller and smaller circles around where she thinks he must be hiding. Some lakeweed tickles her belly during this back-and-forth search; she snorts bubbles out.

Dragon> Bubbles! Jekzith blows some to meet hers, swirling them around each other in a little vortex that spirals up towards the surface. This might give away his position but being found can be fun too. The lake weeds stir a bit and that could be a brown hunkered down there.

"I understand," Kind of almost. Lujayn can only fix her serious expression on the table before her, not accustomed to such worries. "I hope it all turns out well. Not much more can be done to help, then. I really don't know what it's like."

"No, it can't," Paddy says softly and tilts his glass up again, drinking deeply. "I usually have some whisky if I think about it too hard," he notes with a little lopsided grin. "Anyway. Just need a queen to rise to let things change so we can all move forward."

Rielsath> Jekzith senses that Rielsath pauses, drifting only slightly as the slow currents of the lake flow around her. Quiet. A flick of her tail is enough to turn herself around, moving with care over the tops of the weeds. At last her wings open, pushing her down into the slithery plants, darkness in darkness, and suddenly there's Jekzith. << Gotcha. >> Less of a triumphant pounce than might be expected, a sense of predatory satisfaction at pursuit's end. << That was pretty clever. Does anyone ever find you down here? >>

Lujayn is at the end of her own glass, letting the last few drops collect before finishing them off. "Sounds like a plan," She smiles, lighthearted again after P'draig's summary. "Almost too bad you have to do so much waiting. Better than rushing things, I guess."

"Waiting can be tough, yeah. In the meantime, I have to admit it's been nice to have some downtime. Just regular not too hard duties and so on. Plenty of time with Palia." P'draig smiles over at Lujayn and tilts his head. "Ah - Weyrleader's calling, Jekzith tells me. Better go change my shirt. I'll see you up Reaches way soon though, or you know, don't stay away long Lu." Rising, Paddy offers another hug, before walking her out, then retreating to his weyr to wash up.

Dragon> << Got me! >> Delighted as he slips out of the weeds and taps his nose playfully at her side. << Got you back! Some do, some don't. It's fun either way. >>

On the edge of winter

2008-05-01T22:25:17Z

Where: Lake Shore, HRW
Time: day 21, month 3, Turn 16
Summary: The dragonriders long for a real spring, whiling away time on the slushy lakeside. Lujayn manages to cast some of her plant army off on Leova before Kyres arrives to bring Lu's trader acquaintance count up to ... two.

Cold. Snowy. Icy. But at least it isn't sleeting. Leova picks her way awkwardly down the cliff path, cursing up a blue streak even before she misses a step. Up on her ledge above the lake, Vrianth may look like she's sleeping, but she's got a careful eye on her rider. Very careful.

Secath doesn't have an eye for anything. She's looking basically asleep on the cold beach, her plump little self sprawled in the most attractive way she can manage, and Persie is sitting on her. Well, on her forleg, leaning back against a shoulder. She's got a slate with her, but she's just using it as a lap desk for the scrap of hide she appears to be writing on, only there's no writing. And she seems almost grateful that there's the distraction of that string of curse words to pull her attention from the page and up to Leova. She waves her pen in greeting.

The chilly, jacketless afternoon is a little much for Lujayn to battle, but she's doing her best alongside the lake. Shying from those frigid waters, her feet scuff along through sand and slush. Every so often she bends down to let her fingers root through the mess, coming up with another rock to add to her pocket. As far back as she stands from the waves, it's a wonder there's any splash when she sends one flying. "Getting a little warmer, I think," She quips to Persie, looking up when Leova's swearing reaches her ears. "Cold without a jacket, but too hot when I wear it."

And speaking of distractions, turns out that Persie makes a mighty great one of her own. Leova spots her from the next-to-last step and starts trudging towards the other greenrider once she's safely down, waving back to her the whole time. With both hands. One of which has a glove and the other of which does not. And once she makes it around the side of Secath, there's Lujayn in view, so she waves at her too. "Supposed to be spring. Spring."

Persie wrinkles her nose to see Lujayn sticking a dirty rock in her pocket. "What are you doing?" But then her brows go up, her smile brightens, "Taking the beach home?" And the laugh that's growing for the idea chuckles out at Leova's wave. "I -know-! she calls back emphatically. And also, "Hey, you lost a glove." Just in case that wasn't obvious.

Lujayn looks down at her sweater, lighter than Leova's jacket, with a smile. "I figured I should start acting like it. Coax out the springtime and all." Drawing out another rock from her heavy pockets, she examines it before answering Persie. "I got tired of bending over every time I wanted to throw a rock. So." Another wind-up and another splash as the stone hits the lake, sending cold droplets nearer to the shoreline. "Though a little beach-themed weyr might be cute. I thought I'd get a move on redecorating before this."

"And it's," here Leova adds in a few of N'thei's favorite bleepings. See? She did pay attention during wing meetings. "Cold. If you find one? Tell me. Please. Doesn't even have to fit." She sticks her hand in her pocket now that it doesn't have to be on display any longer, and says, "Tell me if the idea works, too, Lu. Like the beach idea. Though you'll have to work on the little." That's coaxed out a smile, at least, if not spring itself.

"My last weyr, back at Fort, was really close to the hatching caverns so it was always sort of warm. It was sort of... I don't know, jungley when I got it. Like, jungle decorated," Persie recalls with a cock of her head. "Beachy colors... that would be like blue and tan?" And on the topic of spring. "It's starting to warm up other places. I was over at Nabol the other day. The trees are all starting to bud." She lets her pencil fall into her lap, writing happily forgotten. Secath, meanwhile, with all the activity, cracks an eye open to give everyone an annoyed look.

Maybe this isn't the best time to ask Secath for a favor. But Leova does anyway. "All right if I lean?" she asks, waving to the green's side. Maybe she'll be all quiet that way, who knows. Certainly she spends some time looking around. "Sounds nice right now, its being warm. If not too warm. Don't know how hot summer there gets."

"I remember you at Fort," Lujayn pipes up to Persie, returning Secath's annoyed look with a blank, placating smile. "Jungle-themed, huh. I already have a nice spread of plants, so ... hm." Food for thought as another stone goes flying, dropping, splashing. Lu leans over to get a glimpse of Leova on the other side of the lounging green, foot scuffing the ground again in search of rocks to toss. "We were candidates on the tail end of summer, right? I think it was pretty comfortable here."

"Go ahead, lean away!" Persie offers cheerily, no matter how grumpy Secath might look. The dragon lets out a huff but seems ready to allow it. "Or have a seat." Nice. "It's not too warm there, not like Ista or Boll or anything. Summer is nice. A little warmer than here." She flashes a little 'what are you gonna do' sort of smile and then reaches a hand out to Lujayn, "Me too." A rock, please.

That huff means Leova does not in fact take a seat, though she does lean against Secath, her ungloved hand resting against warm green hide and going for a bit of a muscle-rub if the dragon seems so inclined. "Right, summer. Plants, they're continuing to take off? Viviana gave me the one but from what she said it's fragile."

Lujayn had been rolling the next rock around in her palms, but turns to give an underhand toss towards Persie instead of out at the lake. The newest, dirtiest find from the ground is hers to throw instead, idly clearing it of wet sand. "I have ferns up the wazoo; they just don't stop sporing or whatever as long as you keep them warm. Seriously, you can have as many as you want." A rambling explanation of her burgeoning greenery, thinking over Fort for a moment. "Yeah. I didn't notice a lot of difference when I first came here. Seems the same with the four seasons, but colder all around."

"I had a plant once. It was supposed to grow blueberries. It didn't, though," And that's all Persie's got on plants. That and a general air of 'yeah, I killed it'. "I kind of miss the warm weather, like, warmer-warm. So I go..." There's a bit of a fumble as she barely catches the rock, "Places." She gives it a look then, a sort of serious determined look, and with her glance shifting toward the water, she does her best to lob it as far as possible from her seat. Plunk.

"Are they going to start sporing in my boots?" Leova asks with a straight face. "Because that won't do. Don't know if I'm prepared to start fostering ferns out." She turns to watch Persie toss the rock, although she's less watching the outcome than the greenrider herself.

"Only if your boots have a few inches of dirt in them," Lujayn reasons, still trying to sell her fern babies to Leova. "They grow like crazy. Lots of lush, green conversation pieces." A hopeful grin, digging around in her pocket and turning up with a little handful of grit. Back to scuffing, and she thinks out loud: "Of course, if you have some old boots you'd like to use as planters..." Another handful of slush and rock, glancing up at Persie from where she's crouched to get more projectiles. "What kinds of places?"

"Any place, really. All over. Like I go to Nabol in the fall and pick apples. Or I go to the lounge at Boll, and the bridge down there. I like that bridge. Just anywhere." Persie gives a little shrug, a roll of her thin shoulder. But she must have felt Leova's eyes on her because she turns a quick glance toward the other greenrider, along with a guilty sort of smile.

Down the path comes a lone figure, his attention being fixated on a ledger in his hands. Kyres notes the voices and looks up, surprised at the group gathered near. He draws closer, tucking the ledger neatly underneath an arm. Best to keep it from prying eyes, of course. His voice is deep, his eyes searching each in turn. "Hello, Reachians. Enjoying a break in the weather, are you?" He stops just outside of the group and waits for his answer.

Leova gives Persie a casual smile back, unworried, one that shifts to the taller man as he approaches. But it's Lujayn whom she addresses: "Depends on if you count the socks. Tell you what. One for starters." Because it begins with just one. Still looking at Kyres, "Something like. Though it looks like it might be bad again. Hope you traders aren't too hungry for the road."

"I'll bring it by. Maybe a little flowery something, too, so it doesn't get lonely." Lujayn is looking towards Leova when Kyres comes strolling down to the small group, otherwise her curious eyes wouldn't have missed that quickly hidden ledger. By the time she turns to face him, rock in hand, she's not looking for suspicious things. "And you, too. Weather's free for the enjoying."

"Plants survive up here?" Kyres drawls, his eyes lighting on Lujayn in consideration. "Then you must be good. I didn't figure much survived in this weather." He shrugs a shoulder, nodding to Leova and offering the barest of smiles for Persie. "I'm Kyres, by the way. I will leave you to your meeting. I was just passing through."

"And instructions," Leova suggests. "Instructions are important." Persie's little jump tugs on her glance, but then she straightens from her lean. Pats Secath as thanks. Looks back at the trader again. Dryly, "A very formal meeting, to be sure. But if you're passing through, maybe you can be allowed to skip all the very lengthy and elaborate introductions this time. Just one question: what is it that you do, particularly, Kyres? Around the caravan."

But Leova isn't going to get her answer today. She gets that distant look and abruptly walks off, a wave of her hand as apology.

Lujayn nods to Kyres, "They sure do thrive. As long as there's someone to take care of them, they'll keep growing. We're not so harsh and lifeless up here as you think." She tosses the rock in her palm from hand to hand, finally launching it out to the lake when Leova starts to ask questions. Not as pointed as the greenrider, but she watches the trader for his response with ears open. "With instructions," Lu promises as a farewell to Leova, waving after her friend.

Persie must find Kyres' smile odd, her brow twitches slightly, but she just makes her encouragement all the warmer. "No, it's not a meeting," she laughs as if Kyres is just being silly. "We're just sitting here. On Secath." Well she is. Leova is just leaning, or was. Persie waves as she heads off. And the green has closed her eyes and doesn't seem to be paying much attention to any of the annoying creature climbing around her.

Kyres watches as Leova makes her exit. He considers her back for a moment before looking back to the two remaining women. "As she's left, I don't know if I should bother answering." Amusement glints in his gaze. "And I will note that I was in error on the subject of plants here, then." He looks to Secath, as if just now noticing her. "They like it, when you sit on them do they?"

"I'm still curious to hear," Lujayn continues where Leova left off, albeit with a more genuine tone. "I don't know much about what traders do." She looks to Persie after his own question, letting her field all Secath-related questions.

"She doesn't, but she's grumpy." Persie returns, apparently without any worry for Secath's mood. "But yeah, what do you do?" She seems interested to hear as well, still wearing that eager smile.

Kyres seems amused by the question and he readjusts the ledger under his arm. "The obvious, of course. I trade. I choose items to purchase from one Hold or Craft and take it with me to the next to trade with profit in mind." He lifts a brow, "I am in all respects a simple middle man in the trade of goods." Curious, he looks to Secath as he asks his next. "And what is it /you/ two do?"

The motion of readjusting catches Lujayn's eye, gray gaze refocusing on the ledger. "That's a list of what you trade, then, or what you're looking for?" Nodding to what he holds under his arm, moving on to her next burning question rather than answering his.

"Nothing in particular?" Persie wonders, canting her blonde head to the side. When he turns the question around, though, the greenrider looks a touch sheepish. "I... I'm a dragonrider. A weyrlingmaster." She scratches at the side of her neck and fixes her smile to something a little more confident, or it would be if the neck-scratching didn't mar it a bit.

"Oh, this?" Kyres asks, feigning surprise at the ledger found under his arm. "Of sorts, yes. It lists possible items I might want to purchase for after our stay here." As Persie is the one to answer his own question, his attention goes there and stays. There's that hinted smile again, barely quivering at the corners of his lips as she tries to hide her sheepishness. "A weyrlingmaster, meaning you wrangle the weyrlings?"

"And a barber," Lujayn tacks the trade onto Persie's list, tugging at her own purposely-uneven 'do. "Gives great haircuts, at least for the weyrlings." The last rock in her hand is offered as she passes the greenrider, headed back to her own weyr to collect some of those plants for Leova. She excuses herself more or less quietly, with a "Hope Secath feels better" for Persie and a respectful nod towards Kyres, leaving the two to discuss ledgers and duties.

Story Time: Live from Ista

2008-05-01T04:35:31Z

Time: day 16, month 3, Turn 16, of the Interval. It is a spring evening.
Summary: Malsaeth spins a yarn to Rielsath.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth's thoughts, while murky from half-sleep, grow. << It was a dark and stormy night. >> he begins, not seeming to mind whether she's asleep or not. For now, anyways. After all, he's got a story to tell.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath's night is clear and frigid, winter turning ever so slowly to a milder spring. The view of her bowl changes with these words, reflecting Malsaeth's opening words. << Was it really? >> No sunlight this time, just the frozen black breezes of her mountains dancing in curiosity.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth colors the night with stars hidden by overlying clouds, the moon a mere cresent in the background. << And everyone was asleep in the weyr. So no one could have ever expected to hear... the sound. >> Suspense builds as rain falls.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath watches after the stars with a quiet sort of patience, though she can't help but weave in the Aurora's shimmer with those colorful sparkles. Listening, just as notable in her silence as her chatter.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth lets the fog appear, tumble out of the clouds. << The sound that was like a thunderous wailing. One dragon, Posarth, seemingly the only one awake, flew from his ledge, in search of the sound. It called to him. Soon, others flew off their ledges and followed their hearts. >> The mist seems to grow and grow as he continues to tell the story to the sunfire Reachian gold.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath has a little flickering of flame, enough to keep the mists from engulfing her as they spread, though this golden circle of light is small. Letting her mind trail after Posarth, this mysterious protagonist dragon, she joins the legion of heart-followers as a tail of candlelight. Still quiet: Where, where?

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth sends Posarth out in the fog, a keening in the background making the scene all the more appropriate. Lightning strikes, lighting the way so very briefly for brave Posarth. << And so he searched and searched, and all the while, the wailing continued. >> Soon, the story is propelled further into the fog where a lonely island can be seen from Posarth's skyline advantage. A glint of fire. Something remarkably dark and mysterious lying in the middle of the island.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath holds fast to her candle, wavering and dim though it may be, a soft guide through the story. She'd rather swoop right down to the island to investigate, though the pace of the storyteller holds her back from plunging right in. So she waits, though with a bright, harsh edge of anticipation to her silence.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth lets the fog disperse only a little, making that little flame on the small lonely island in the big black sea that much brighter. << So Posarth began flying downward, so quickly downward. But the wind was harsh and furious that mysterious night. Every time Posarth tried to get to that island, to find the source of the sad frantic wailing, the wind would buck him again and again. >> The fog lifts finally, no rain in sight. Only thunder threatening rain. The story moves at Malsaeth's own pace, allowing conflict to enter the story of a dragon against nature.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath folds her wings with Posarth, diving down until the wind tears her back. Again and again, though, she goes. Not one to give up, scarlet irritation faint in comparison to the vivid ochre determination of her mindset. << Where is his rider? >> She finally asks, fed up with silence. << Couldn't his rider help? >>

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth seems to appreciate the questions, even if he does not answer them. << Posarth finally reached the wind after one last attempt. The fire seemed to blaze. A single tree now charred was lit like a glow. Underneath it lied the remnants of a small clutch of wild firelizards! But as Posarth looked around, he could not see any new firelizards on the island. In the distance, he could hear the wailing. The keening sound even closer now. >>

Dragon> Nothing but anticipation, no questions to ask that aren't obvious. Only an insistent urging, fiery colors persisting through darkness and fog. Go look, Posarth, find what's out there. Rielsath imagines the island, the tree and fire, adding details of her own making. The scent of burning wood and the colors on all the scattered shells. (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth seems to be inspired by the older dragon, the sunfire gold's urging all the more enticing as he continues the story. The dark night seems to get darker as the fire from the tree dies out. As lightning crackles, Posarth's shiny gold hide can be seen. Perhaps it is her personality, or perhaps it is the mother in her, but the gold surges forth, to find the source of the wailing. Soon, soon, the sound is closer. A gold in miniature, a wild gold firelizard lies in the water, following after two smaller firelizards, both green. << So Posarth darted forth, hoping to help the firelizard as rain began to fall, the night grew darker. But stormy weather is not any kind of deterrent for Posarth. >>

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath is glad to offer inspiration, guarding her candle from wind and waves as Posarth journeys on. She has slim pickings of maternal emotion thus far in life, but who wouldn't feel sorry for some little ol' firelizards? Her heart twinges, though this flash of rosy pink isn't advertised so loudly, covered with more intense red.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth lets Posarth fly further into the water, and soon, when she was close enough, dipped her head down in the cold dark waves to scoop the female firelizard up. << The wind, oh it was fierce that night, as Posarth tried to get at the two young hatchlings. But tried she did. >> Lightning flashes and it seems to spurn Posarth forward, showing the gold speeding ahead before finally, finally catching the younglings. The keen ceased, the gold firelizard was finally with her newly hatched children, but where was Posarth to take them to safety?

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath hovers, bright golden and flickering, back and forth across the dark water as a lantern might search for one lost at sea. The flash of lightning is a relief, illuminating the situation, but then Posarth is gone and the Reachian gold goes back to her searching. << She couldn't have just disappeared, >> Deciding rather firmly that the heroine could not have vanished so promptly.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth lets rain fall, lightening strike and soon, from the mountains, the fog arrives again, tumbling over the water. With no light to see, with no light in that darkness, the fog just sets the tone for a darker, more mysterious conclusion. << Her rider woke up later that day to find her Posarth gone. Her mindvoice there, just hovering. >> The conclusion is not yet done. The fog seems to disperse so slowly, glints of gold seen, but only sparingly.

Dragon> Contemplation comes in a mix of dark navy and some more spirited red tones, though dark and heavy. << Not gone, then. >> /She's/ gold, lending all the more spark to that faint glimmer of color that fights the mist. << If her rider could hear. >> (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth seems to expect the comments from the sunfire gold, seems to welcome it as much as the questions from before. << Her rider searched for her lifemate all day. She could only see darkness, only hear worry. >> But, out of those clouds, out of the lashing rain, out of the fog and other extreme weather outside, came the soft yellow glow of Posarth, tired. Ragged as she was, she still had that gold, still had those hatchlings. Soon, rider and dragon are united. Despite the dark of night and the dire conditions discovered, the brilliance of the pairing of maternal queen and her rider shines through like a beacon through the night.... << Did you like the story? >> he finally asks, as he allows his story of bravery to settle.

Rielsath> Malsaeth senses that Rielsath follows Posarth back, circling back and around, even straining forward to lead the gold back to her rider. Then there's reunion and a satisfied listener, finally letting her mind relax into its dappled sun and wintry flurries. << Yes. >> It's easier to tell a story when you can use images alongside words, not held back as humans find themselves. She lets the light dance here and there, soaking it up and adding it to her own luminescence. << It was a good story. >> Perhaps she had been sleeping initially, for her solar flares are dappled with sunset colors.

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth covers the story with a thin layer of gloss, his way of tying the story in a neat little bow, saving it for future tellings. <> he growls. << Stories told right are better than anything except maybe meat. >>

Dragon> The fog and clouds are gone, leaving a clear blaze of orange across Rielsath's horizon at High Reaches. The descending golden disk of the sun is her own conclusion, a flash of light to mark the gloss with its reflection. The verdict is overwhelmingly supportive, though soon she's drifting back to sleep with thoughts of Posarth and rescuing firelizards circling in her somnolent mind. << Stories about meat, >> She offers faintly, a wisp of pale gold vanishing to night's complete embrace and nothing more. (Rielsath to Malsaeth)

Dragon> Rielsath senses that Malsaeth makes the fog and cloud arrive again, the blaze of orange seemingly duller with the haze of weather. << Next time. >> he tells her, seemingly growing more and more tired himself, seemingly satisfied by such a good story. The fact that the gold's supportive only makes him prouder. << Next time, another story. >> And with that, the wisps of the fog leave as he slumbers.

Talking with a trader

2008-05-01T04:02:08Z

Where: Eastern Bowl; Living Cavern, HRW
Time: day 16, month 3, Turn 16, of the Interval. It is a spring evening.
Summary: Lu meets Chedayi, one of the traders with the Vijay caravan. Feet are eaten and Lujayn is mostly easygoing about it.

There's not much happening in the bowl during early evening. Riders come and go, departing for dusk sweeps, while others meander towards supper. As for Lujayn, she's out enjoying the slight respite from a long winter. Jacket buttoned up against the chill of spring evening, she makes a slow circuit around the bowl. Just walking and enjoying the fading sun, though her direction is slanted in the way of the living cavern as she draws nearer to food.

Cutting across from the direction of the feeding grounds, his red-coat collar turned up to his chin, his hands pressed deep into his pockets, Chedayi is a bright blur in the twilight, walking briskly toward the caverns himself. "Bit cold, isn't it?" he calls over the bite of a breeze-- not so bitter for the Reachians, but his ears sting red with it.

Steps quickening to keep pace with the man as he passes, Lujayn grins. "Still mostly winter, as far as I can tell." She tails after him, not in such a rush to escape from the outdoors, but doesn't fall so far behind she can't ask a friendly question of her own: "Not quite used to it yet, then?"

"Ever!" With certainty! Chedayi slows down his pace a little bit, deliberately? So now he's more in-step with Lujayn than likely to beat her to the caverns by a good clip. "I dunno how you lot keep up with it, like to freeze off your body parts and walk around all stumps and like icicle fingers." He drops a look, abruptly, toward Lujayn's hands and adds in haste, "Not that I think you've got icicle fingers, sure they're lovely fingers, not all pointy and frozen and ugly."

Lujayn laughs without a bit of offense to be seen, drawing her hands up when Chedayi's gaze falls to them. She spreads out her fingers, turning them this way and that with a grin. "Who knows. Maybe I'll get inside and they'll melt right off." Icicles or not, it's still cold outside, so she tucks her hands back into jacket pockets before they really do freeze. "D'you normally winter in warmer places? Oceanside, maybe?"

Eyes widened, Chedayi takes an involuntary backward step when Lujayn reveals her hands, like he can't shake the idea of icicle fingers despite his assurance otherwise. When they turn out to be just normal fingers, he smiles weakly; "That would be strange, wouldn't it? And you'd be standing there in like a puddle of your own fingers, and probably get in trouble for making a mess." His laughter is frail but growing while he picks up his steps again, nods deeply at her question. "Aye. Most anywhere's warmer than here though. Seems you've got the hang of winter though?"

Lujayn chuckles, fingers wiggling in her pockets after Chedayi's wide-eyed reaction. "I've always had winter. I think it's my favorite of all the seasons; snow is more fun than hot sun." She seems to have forgotten her dinner destination in speaking with this trader, but when he keeps going so does she, if only to follow after for conversation. "I'm Lujayn," The hand of icicle fingers extends again, as normal as ever. "Is it hard to camp outside of the Weyr? During this cold weather and all?" A little frown, unable to imagine sleeping away from a dormitory or weyr.

Chedayi's tentative, no denying it, all this talk of frozen fingers making his handshake downright ginger. When he finds Lujayn's fingers solid and fleshy, he smiles brighter and adds an extra pump; "That's a relief really, that they're not really icicles. Not that I believed they would be, but wouldn't it've been strange?" Her question sets him to thinking while he jams his fists into his pockets again, back to tramping his path to the cavern. "Not so bad really, not down in camp. Keeps out the wind and I'm used to it by now and all. Could ask how it is here, all this communal living and sharing dormitories and bathtubs and practically wearing each others' socks. Probably not at the same time though, would get a bit cramped, wouldn't it?" Serious.

Lujayn shakes Chedayi's hand firmly, unconcerned about icicles or melting hands if her friendliness is any indication. "I didn't mind it at all. You see more people, make more friends, keep up to date with all that's going on. Since I got my own weyr," A backwards glance to some unseen ledge, though she knows it's there. "It's been lonelier than before. I've always been in dormitories or barracks." Chasing away the pensive train of thought with a shrug, Lu cracks a small smile. "And some people have really interesting socks."

"Oh sure, people with six toes or really bulbous feet or say just one leg and the other one, where their foot should be, is just like a stump on the end and they have to have a special sock made up to cover it." Chedayi takes a half-dozen more steps while thinking about it, just now arrived at the cavern's entrance. He steps to one side with absent-minded courtesy for Lujayn to precede him, one finger brought up to scratch at the edge of his chin. "Move someone in to share your weyr with you." ... "I mean, if that's your sort of thing. If you're like looking for company. Not /company/ company, just regular-company."

"I was thinking crazy colors or weird stripes, but," It's Lujayn's turn to go wide-eyed, thinking over the variety of deformed feet and legs that must exist to have custom-made socks. Chedayi's courtesy is accepted just as absently, a little nod of thanks as she heads into the living cavern. It takes a bit longer for her to process that second remark, response a little stymied. "Well. I guess I could do that. For regular-company, not company-company." Er. "I think most people were glad to have their own space, though. Not really scrounging to be roommates again."

Chedayi runs a hand all brisk through his hair like that might help the look of it after being wind-tossed; it accomplishes nothing except to accentuate the stand-up-mess that fringes his head, but he seems satisfied with the unseen result. "Oh aye, but it's worth trying if you're really so lonely. Not that I think you're /so/ lonely." Nervous chuckle. "I don't even know you, right? So how could I say how lonely you are. --Or aren't. Maybe you aren't, who'm I to say? Do you want something to eat?" He grasps at straws to keep his foot out of his mouth.

Lujayn raises a brow, pausing to let him catch up and thaw out after leaving the chilly bowl. "I didn't catch your name," Loneliness aside, she moves to grab a pair of plates, passing one towards her companion. "Almost the only reason anyone comes in here, I think. I've never been to the living cavern just to sit on my behind and talk."

"I'm sorry. I'm rubbish at introductions." Chedayi looks torn; he needs to hold on to his plate, probably with both hands considering what a jumpy bastard he seems to be, but he also clearly thinks twice about offering a follow-up handshake. In the end, he sticks his hand out halfway with a lame smile to match it. "Chedayi. You're the new goldrider, aye?"

Already going about the business of collecting supper, Lujayn turns a bit more distractedly to shake Chedayi's hand again. "Not sure about 'new,'" She grins, moving along the table to let the trader get a crack at his own meal. "It's been almost a turn and a half for me, but there are other riders who have been here ages longer." Scooting a little farther along, trying not to make any sudden movements that might scare him off.

Chedayi gets food in turn, seemingly at random-- some of whatever vegetable, a little meat on the side, sure, some bread, honey, fruit, whatever's out very hodgepodge. "But like new/er/. Not like brand new, like just impressed, or else you'd have some explaining to do, wouldn't you? Jam?" He holds up a spoon all poised with the stuff, smiles invitingly.

"Er. Sure," Lujayn has the plate in both hands, extending it with a perplexed blink. Hopefully the jam will end up on her bread, not the tubers. "That's me. The new one. What about you? Have you been with the Vijays for very long?"

Somewhere in between. Chedayi plops it down so part of it hits the bread, part on the plate, then smiles brightly for being so darn helpful. He does something similar to his own plate. "Oh aye, long time. It's all a family business, you know, except for one or two hangers-on. Not like this place, what with all random people thrown together and trying to make like they tolerate each other. Not that you don't all tolerate each other, not that people tell stories about how rough and crazy weyrs are. --You're weyrbred?" He looks for some place to sit, somewhere that he can put food in his mouth and stop things coming out of it.

Smile returned with a smile, Lujayn leads the search for a table. Sliding into a seat towards the end of one that's mostly empty, she lets her plate drop an inch so it lands with a punctuating clatter. "You've got that right, actually. Not everyone gets along here, or anywhere. At least it keeps life from being boring." She concludes with a nod, waiting for Chedayi to settle himself before starting to eat. "Weyrbred, true. You've just got me pegged!" Beam. "There are always stories to mix things up."

Chedayi, to deny his people-reading skills; "Nah, just that you said how you're lonely." His eye twitches at the corner, so on the verge of running off at the mouth again to deny having just called Lujayn lonely. Again. Instead, he cuts off a big bite of his meat and tucks it into his cheek, buys time with chewing. "Not so many stories, not so many as you might think. Just the usual ones, you know, about weyrs being all dens of iniquity and you can't trust anyone and it's just rampant violence and drinking and nudity." Judging by the flash of red that blends his face in with his hair, it occurs to him that saying 'nudity' to someone you just met may not be socially appropriate; even at a weyr.

Lujayn shrugs. "Guess I did. Not right /now/, though," She makes sure to emphasize, looking around at the living cavern for a moment. "Reaches is as packed as ever, just living by myself gets lonely." And that might be the end of it, but the more Lujayn puts into her mouth the more words seem to pour right out, chewing or not. Her grin is bright, not so delicate with her conversation as other ladies. Chedayi's blush draws a delighted laugh from the goldrider, "That it is. You have to watch out for the ones without clothes; they're usually more drunk and violent than the other ones."

Quick; "I do. I do watch the ones without clothes, watch them even more than the ones with clothes, especially the girl-ones, I--" Chedayi stops mid-sentence, his eyes cast upward in a moment of recollection and realization. "Oh! Oh, you said watch /out/ for them." Twittering laughter. "Aye, yes. I do that too, watch out for them." He taps his index finger alongside his temple, like that's a clever thing Lujayn's just brought up. "Good reminder though, for us as aren't weyrfolk."

Lujayn muffles her more imappropriate laugh with one fist, though it's better than Chedayi's foot. "That too," She agrees when snickering subsides, scooping the wayward bits of jam back onto her bread. "So we're drunks and all, or so the stories go, but what do you think so far? You've been here at least a month, if I remember." Less glib now, though Lu continues to smile.

Chedayi answers soberly, seriously, the flush fading the more Lujayn continues not to point out his conversational idiocy; "What do I think? Ah, big question. So far everyone seems pretty sane, not much like the stories, except the communal baths." For some reason, that draws a shudder where one might expect a relish. "Derecho-- he's kind of like a mate of mine. Think he likes it better, girls flirt a lot, seems like. Not you." Abrupt! "I mean, you haven't been. Not that you never have. I wouldn't know that. Maybe you do."

"That's fine," Lujayn continues to take the many abrupt moments in stride, not much bothered by Chedayi's flustered backtrackings. "I don't /try/ not to," She begins to explain, on shaky footing with this topic. "I just don't. It works fine for some people, but kind of mixes things up more than they need to be." Those pesky public baths! Lu nods in understanding. "My weyr has a private bath. Lonely or not, I think I might prefer that to sharing with everyone."

"They'd be all right." Chedayi steers wide of the flirt-subject now, clearly displeased despite having brought it up-- all part of his running mouth. "The baths. Except they ought to like ban old people, or they should maybe have their own section where no one would have to see them and have that image burned into their mind forever and sometimes wake up in a cold sweat because of it." By the end, he's clearly reliving the horror, beads of sweat breaking out on his forehead, eyes all glistening in remembrance. Done eating.

Lujayn grins, taking the opportunity during Chedayi's ramble to polish off sections of her own dinner. "Shut your eyes, maybe," She advises, "But then you might run into someone, and that would be a bigger mess in the baths. Someone might think you were the flirt." Twirling her fork idly, she just has to ask another question: "You going to be all right after that horrifying experience? Need to see a healer?"

Chedayi seizes on the terrifying notion of running into someone, jabs his finger at the air to punctuate the possibility; "Exactly! And then you might touch something accidentally, some saggy or wrinkly part of some old man or woman, and you'd have to live with that the rest of your life, right? How you touched some withered old droopy body part that no one's got any business touching any more, not for years." Out of his haze, he latches his eyes briefly on to Lujayn's and explains suddenly, "Get a bit carried away."

For a moment no sound escapes Lujayn, though her lips are parted and the shakes of laugher make her shoulders bounce. Her gray eyes are bright and round, the entire expression comprised of 'did you just /say/ that?'. Taking a few deep breaths to avoid embarrassing the trader boy to no end with her cackling, Lu distracts herself with piling utensils atop her plate. "Well." Daring to look back up at Chedayi, she stands. "I think I'll be off, but you be careful in those baths. In fact, you should stop by and use mine if the oldtimers don't clear out." Turning with a wink, she smiles to herself. Maybe a little bit of a flirt.

"It's all right if you need to laugh. I'm used to it." Somewhere between self-deprecating and self-amused, Chedayi shrugs. He also stands up when Lujayn does, polite since he can't possibly have eaten enough to sustain himself with what he's picked at so far. "Right, and keep you from succumbing to loneliness. Only proper thing to do. Nice to have met you."

Tapped into Aurora

2008-04-28T18:25:24Z

Where: Snowasis, HRW
Time: day 6, month 3, Turn 16
Summary: Satiet and Lujayn share drinks at the Snowasis. Rielsath is insanely curious.

Of all places to be summoned by the weyrwoman, the Snowasis seems to be an unlikely bet given it's informal attitude and the general leisure that hangs about the cavern. Still, when Teonath ventures forth sand-dusted clouds of thought towards the winter bright queen, it's to request Lujayn's presence in the aforementioned bar, where the raven-haired woman sits waiting, legs crossed, on a stool at the counter. Two clear, glass mugs rest before Satiet, the contents of which appear to be some liquor klah concoction.

Dragon> Rielsath bespoke Lujayn with << What does she want? Tell me, tell me... >>

Rielsath's reply is curious and shimmering, urging her rider quickly to the Snowasis and hovering around Teonath's mind for any clues about the reason of the meeting. Lujayn is a bit less excited than her lifemate, though she wears a smile as she enters the cavern at a much slower pace than the young gold would prefer. "Good afternoon," She greets Satiet before settling onto the next stool over. Perched there, she leans towards the counter, not yet reaching for either drink. "Rielsath got the message along pretty quickly."

Dragon> A dancing ring of reflected light, dapples skipping up from puddles and others glinting from snow, all hovering expectantly. Rielsath's fearsome curiosity has stirred. No questions for now, but the shimmering lights nearly ring out themselves. (Rielsath to Teonath)

Rielsath's shimmering curiosity is batted away by her dam, careless licks of smoke flickering up into that hovering in efforts to cloud and shroud her own thoughts from the younger gold. But in the shrouding is a thread of indulgence, silvered about the edges and lifting sporadically in tantalizing snippets of very vague, amorphous 'what might bes.' "She did," Satiet agrees, a hand scooting one of those steaming mugs towards Lujayn. "And we appreciate her alacrity." Though the slender woman doesn't offer up her own smile, she's relaxed, her shoulders rolled back easily and the tilt of her head less appraising of this weyrling and more welcoming. "Did you enjoy the ball? Did you," a beat skips, pale eyes narrowing faintly in thought of that night, "Go to the ball?"

"Of course I went," Lujayn reaches to grab the sliding mug, pulling it closer as she reminisces. "I'm glad I got a chance to visit the weavercraft beforehand, so I wasn't just a weasel in trousers and boots." Rielsath's focus fills up the silence as the girl takes a sip, adjusting mirrors and angles in the background of her mind to focus each little beam of light on a single point, trying to pierce the smoke offered up by Teonath. "It was a spectacular event. The best I can remember."

Ah, the weasel. Enlightenment dawns in Satiet's un-narrowed eyes, a curt nod afforded this knowledge. Her lips quirk to one side, fingers playing an idle dance about the glass mug's handle. "Did you enjoy dancing with your weyrlingmaster then?" It's much easier to spot I'daur, masked or not apparently; the cane gives him away.

Lujayn mirrors the small smile, perhaps channeling a bit of the weasel for the time being, or more likely Rielsath as the gold's persistent thoughts continue to hover, looking for an opening. "He needs some fun." She shrugs, feet swinging idly as they dangle from her stool's high seat. "Did you know it was me all along? I thought it was hard to tell."

In the repositioned mirrors that pierce light through her clouds, Teonath rumbles a low-toned amusement, the experience of years deftly bringing more smoke, backlit by a bonfire's flames, to shroud her thoughts. "The costume," Satiet begins, her mug lifted to hover below her lips, "Was striking enough to be noticed. That it was you?" The goldrider's pale, clear eyes slant sidelong to sweep up and down Lujayn's athletic frame, only to stop at those gray eyes. "Was more difficult." As for I'daur, the slight woman shifts in her stool a bit, one leg dropping to dangle inches, more like feet, away from the floor, and then remarks, "He does. But he'd say he finds fun enough in his bottles. Did you," Satiet tips her head again, her turn to be curious, "Happen to notice who he came with?"

Light met by more light, Rielsath attempts to insinuate herself into the flickering flames, using her own fiery arsenal to sneak down through the smokescreen. Perhaps a bit of damp, some ice melting under the sun's glare. What fuel burns there? "Oh, good." Lujayn looks pleased, relaxing even as her dragon insists that she pry at the meeting's purpose. "Glad it wasn't obvious." Gray eyes blink once, bright and curious despite the casual conversation. "I'daur mentioned someone called Anouka a few times, but I didn't recognize the name." She admits after a moment. Another sip, another shrug. "There's more kinds of fun than drinking. Nothing wrong with a little change."

There's a telling pause on the weyrwoman's face, the delicate features frozen for just a second before a crafted smile emerges, not unpleasant, but not cheerful either. "Ah. Her." The explanation follows with in a two-worded response, "His ex-weyrmate." But enlightened again, Satiet tucks this information away with a succession of head nods before moving on. The mug falls to the table, one hand curled about it, the other rested at the counter's edge. "Rielsath's persistent. Almost child-like. She reminds me of one of my daughters."

Lujayn watches all the more closely, the answer coming before she can press a question upon Satiet. There's more interesting things to discuss than ex-weyrmates and escorts at a ball, so the young goldrider plunges onwards. "Rielsath is Teonath's daughter," A thoughtful tilt of the head, tucking a strand of tawny hair behind one ear. "So she's /almost/ your daughter. By association, or something like that." She laughs briefly, grinning with that teasing look. "Think if she keeps at it long enough she'll get somewhere?"

The hand at the counter's edge drops, falling into the folds of Satiet's pants and when it reemerges, lays the intricate cords of a junior queenrider's knot on the counter with the badge of Aurora tucked in the middle of the double loops. "I-," Satiet pauses, a rather perturbed blink overcoming what she meant to say as the image of Rielsath as her daughter, by association even, falters her train of thought. "Oh Faranth, no." Face contorted a little, as the image imprints that much more deeply, the raven-haired woman shuts her eyes and shakes her head quickly though the older gold's merriment at Lujayn's conclusion wafts the smoke clouds away to reveal an image of Rielsath flanking Teonath's side in flight and fight.

The weyrwoman's negation of her idea makes Lujayn smile all the wider, laughing that much longer. Both of those merry habits freeze when the knot appears; though she knew it eventually had to happen it's hardly less of a surprise. Rielsath's mind swoops joyfully down through the smokeless opening, sparks of exultant brightness flickering here and there. Yes, yes, yes. Delight shared by dragon and rider alike, Lujayn dares to grin again. "It was a good idea, at least. Is Teonath telling the truth?" There's the knot, the image from Satiet's gold, and still she asks. "Are we ready?"

Teonath, amused, watches this spectacle in her mind without much to add to it; what more could she conceivably say or convey now? "I imagine if you're not ready now, you'll never be." Dry, that quip, Satiet is nonetheless affable in her inclined head. "I won't give you pretty speeches of being honored to fly with you, or if you'll honor me by flying in Aurora. We'll discuss the terms of your new rank and what kind of duties you'll perform in the future with Jaispe. For now," the weyrwoman tilts her head to the side and slips off that stool, "We should be sure not to be late for the lower caverns staff meeting, yes?"

Lujayn nods, collecting the knot carefully. "That works just fine. I'm sure there are a lot of.." Something akin to panic flashes across her expression, though it's less severe. It might as well be 'ack!', but the smile doesn't disappear; that makes it that much more of a fleeting manic moment. "That's right, the meeting." Down goes the rest of the klah, mug set upon the counter with a heavy thud. Slipping off the stool, she starts off purposefully, maybe with a bit more of a spring in her step than her usual energy would provide. "Let's go."

They could walk in hand in hand, arms swinging and cheerful. However that's not Satiet, and that kind of behavior might scare Lujayn. Instead, the weyrwoman begins a brisk pace out to the lower caverns and the meeting venue, expectant that the newly made junior will tag along.