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 Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 12:51 pm
Oh, he *had* taken that the wrong way. It was true, plenty of Candidates left home in such a rush they didn't bring more sets of clothing. Not that they didn't have any, they just didn't bring them. Even Liu was getting all agitated from Darcir- her eyes were far from blue, and Merik felt more than a little guilty about that. He scratched behind his ear and shrugged sheepishly. "I, er... like I said. Sorry. Completely misunderstood you, there." He reached up to pat Balin on the shoulder, chuckling. "Thanks in advance, big guy, but I hope that won't be necessary. I'll just leave the scowling to everyone else."
Balin didn't seem to have much of a reaction to anything, but Faranth help any man who took jokes worse than poor Darcir. If he was agitated before, he was completely mortified now. The boy reminded him of crabs on the beach- one sudden movement and they magically pulled their eyes into their head and buried themselves. Merik wasn't exactly sure what he'd done, but he felt a little regret over it. Darcir really did need toughening up, if he was going to need apologies after every sentence!
He shook his head and wrapped and arm over each of the other Candidates' shoulders with a hearty guffaw. "Joking, only joking! You two just love dropping wet towels on the mood, don't you?"
((Woo two pages! x3))
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Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 1:59 pm
Darcir heaved a heavy sigh, glaring down at the bed (which had been about the only thing he'd stared out since his arrival). Things weren't going off very well, and fighting or arguing wasn't exactly his style. He was used to others being put off by his behavior, used to his solemn countenance aggravating others and his occasional bluntness to annoy but he was NOT used to being on the receiving the end of anyones jokes. He didn't know how to handle them, didn't understand them and certainly wasn't the sort to joke in return.
Maybe he should have found a different room. . . . .
Biting his lower lip, the young man focused first on Liu. She kept sending him inquiries and questions, flashing images of happier times in an attempt to reassure him. The little pictures were pleasant enough and did help calm him slightly. "There, there," he added, his voice dangerously soft and meant only for her. "No need to panic m'lady Liu. . ."
The little green gave one last petulant chirrup before her eyes returned to a gentle blue. It didn't take much to appease her, and Darcir was sick of arguing or fighting. He'd just have to keep an eye on how he worded things. If Merik wanted to read him as some snot than that was his choice.
Balin finally spoke up though, and his reprimand and warning caught the long-haired man off guard as well. He glanced over his shoulder at the bald haired and very large man, a delicate brow rising in curiosity. So he does speak. . . even though he knew the boy had introduced himself, there was more to him than just brooding silence. His quiet nature was reminiscent of home though, and his threat was something his father might say.
Finishing tucking the last of his clothes in to the dresser near the head of the cot, Darcir stiffened as an arm wrapped around his shoulders. Liu chirruped and leapt off her master's shoulder, weaving around the three boys before coming to a new perch upon Merik's haphazardly stuffed dresser.
Looking over at the blond, doing his best to find some sort of patience, Darcir's scowl resumed. It wasn't that he was angry, such a face was mostly default. "My mood is perfectly amicable," he corrected with a small shrug before inching away. "I just don't care for jokes." As if he had to spell it out.
Deciding to change the topic, sick of bickering and sick of Merik's teasing, he added, "Liu may need to be fed before they call evening meal. Do either of you know where the dining hall is located, or to whom I inquire about purchasing meat?"
There. Just start anew, look at the them as business companions and speak only when it was necessary.
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Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 12:00 pm
More scowling, of course. It was like that was the only response Darcir knew how to give. "Cheery as you may be, y'know, if you keep snarling like that, your face is going to stick that way." Unless it already had, which would certainly explain a lot... "Don't care for jokes? Now there's something you don't hear every day. Understandable, though. I have been picking on you a bit, haven't I? All in good fun, but I'd get tired of it too!" Merik patted him on the back, shaking his head and smirking. "I'll go lighter on you, but my friend, you're just such an easy target!" Really, this boy... was there anything normal about him?
The topic completely dropped out of his mind at the mention of Liu, and Merik spun on his heel to watch her with a big grin. "Fortunately for you, I was working in the kitchens all morning. It might have all been eaten now, but," his voice dropped to a jokingly loud whisper, "I think a couple of the drudges really like me." Not entirely true, but there were workers down there he felt were open to pestering. "So it shouldn't be a problem finding some leftover meatrolls. They might even have started cooking the evening meal by now. She does eat meat, I'm assuming?" He knew Dragons ate herdbeasts, so it made sense their little cousins were carnivores as well? He couldn't really picture a Dragon snacking on fruit- in any size.
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Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 2:04 pm
The long haired boy honestly didn't know what to say or how to respond. He wasn't snarling at anyone but just because he didn't walk around with a jilt in his step and a beaming smile didn't mean he was mean or aggressive. He just . . . . was morose in countenance, and quite serious. There wasn't often a good reason to smile, which was a shame, as his expressions were able to soften considerably when he did.
"I think I'll take the risk," he added, giving another shrug of his shoulders. Faces didn't get stuck in place, any one with half an ounce of brain understood such a thing. But despite shrugging Merik's words off, it did tell Darcir that he was perhaps being a bit more cold than usual. Serious he might be, his mother had done her best to ingrain in him manners but as far as he understood he hadn't done anything wrong. He'd been, perhaps, a bit stern thanks to the room conditions and the prospect of sleeping on the floor like a canine but he wasn't TRYING to be mean. He just . . . wasn't exactly the most inviting.
". . . but my friend. . . "
If anything stuck out to Darcir that little line was it. He had half a mind to correct Merik in the fact that no, they were not friends. . .they couldn't be! They had only just met not even a candlemark ago and one could not rush such things. Acquaintances was a much more proper term . . . besides which, Darcir's friends ran few and far between. He had his family, but they could hardly be considered such a thing. . . he had had friends as a younger man and child but work changed friendship to business and hold acquaintances. Right now, Merik was merely a contemporary and peer, a fellow candidate. . . .
Perhaps his words were spoken in sarcasm or jest. Yes, that had to be it.
"It would be much appreciated," he added softly, hoping Merik would indeed yield on his joking. Otherwise it was going to be a very long night indeed.
Turning to peer at his little lady, the green fire-lizard understood she was now in the limelight. Chirruping, she craned her neck and stretched out her wings, crooning delightedly that everything seemed all right. Darcir wasn't upset, Merik was once again admiring her, and the bald one . . .well. . . he was staying quiet in the corner. This was how it should be, after all.
"Liu does indeed eat meat, though honestly I have yet to see her turn away any tidbit or snack. She's a bit of a glutton that way, unlady-like it might be," he added, his voice lightening considerably at the mention of his fire-lizard. It wasn't often he got to show off the little critter, and Darcir couldn't help but be pleased at Merik's intrigue.
"I take it you've not handled fire-lizards much . . .?" He wasn't trying to be rude, quirking a brow at the beast crafter. He just figured a person who worked with beast might have had more exposure. . .but then again, fire-lizards weren't herdbeast or runners. "If you'd like, I could always use another hand feeding her. . . in exchange for directing me to the kitchens." See? Business. It was all about business. . sort of. Faranth forbid he actually admit to being more than a little confused about the layout of Ista, all the strange people and (despite his aggravation at his roomates) not exactly wanting to lose such company quite so soon.
No, he wasn't nearly as social and extroverted as his family believed. He was, in fact, ridiculously shy and wasn't all that inclined to masses of people he didn't know. And the Weyr was by far someplace very much unlike home.
"The invitations open to you both," he added, looking over to where Balin resided. He wasn't so rude as to exclude the quiet one, mind.
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Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 11:09 pm
By then, even Merik wasn't exactly sure what parts of his speech were meant to be jokes. Words just kept falling out of his mouth, and he knew he didn't mean a good deal of them, but there was certainly truth underneath. It was a real shame all the pretty faces were so cold! A bit better than girls, though. It was rare a girl with nice features didn't grow up awful and spoiled. Every just had to have their flaws, didn't they? He rubbed Darcir's shoulder with a chuckle and a teasing 'tsk tsk.'
"Really, though, you should smile more. Has no one ever told you you look dead all the time? If this is a happy face, remind me never to make you angry!" The boy snapped his head up suddenly, wide-eyed. "Oh, but I didn't mean to tease. Sorry, pal. That one slipped out." Poor thing his roommate was; he acted like he'd never been joked with his whole life. Ice ice cold- it wouldn't do! But how did you lighten up someone who couldn't talk anything but business? Serious conversation was already turning out a bit harder than he'd expected...
Ah, but just like every child had to learn to talk, every child had to learn to tease! Did Darcir never play as a little chip? Unthinkable! There was a joke in him somewhere. It just might take some relentless prying to find it... Merik rubbed his chin, staring at the other Candidate without explanation for a few moments. Yes, he would definitely take this task upon himself. It had to be done sooner or later, didn't it? What better did he have to do before the Hatching? Lessons and chores, that couldn't make up a life. Besides, it could be fun!
...Maybe.
And then the conversation shifted back to Liu, and all the man's resolutions were forgotten with frightening speed. Darcir was clearly uncomfortable making assumptions about him now (though what wasn't he uncomfortable about?), and Merik felt guilty, even though that had been his original intention with all the previous reprimanding. As Candidates, everyone was better than them. He didn't care much how people thought about him, but he wouldn't have nasty things just assumed. He hadn't wanted to become any kind of touchy subject, though...
"Oh, no, my father didn't ever work with fishers or sailors, and I never got very acquainted with families rich enough to afford them." Ok, never even got within talking distance. What wealthy Holder had need to visit stables? "But I- I would love to help feed her." He tried to keep from shouting his excited reply, but felt the insuppressible grin probably betrayed it anyway. "They aren't very far from here. Well, sort of. But not really." He waved his fingers at the lizard, tittering a little. "Hungry, pretty girl?"
Since the floor matter had been resolved without much use of his offer, Merik was relieved he could at least be useful in this small way. So all the better if Balin came! It seemed unlikely there'd be any way to help the big man out directly; through Darcir was the next best thing.
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Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 7:55 am
Any dragon who Impressed Balin was in for a mouthful. No, a mindful. The man did as much thinking as he didn't do speaking. Merik and Darcir had stopped fighting, and that was more than enough of a reason for him to stop paying attention to them. They were troublesome, but they were grown. Mostly. Bachi and Miah... Still young. Too young to be here. Why did they search them this young?
With that he found himself in a wretched mood. Some lashed out in anger, but not him. Balin couldn't fathom taking any form of rage, mild or wrathful, out on anyone. Not even someone who deserved it. He'd much rather excuse himself and handle it alone.
Which is what he did.
The offering went without answer. Perhaps he didn't even hear the extended invitation. Balin lifted himself and gave them both a hard look, as if to say 'And you better behave!', before he dismissed himself from the room with nothing more than a mutter.
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Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 10:26 pm
Merik stared abashedly at the door for a few moments, shoulders sunk and a frown forming on his face. Did he do that? What happened? He wasn't that annoying, was he? Was he? Where in the world...? The boy lunged towards the door then, sticking his head and shoulders out. He cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted down the hall. "Whatever I did, I'm sorry!"
Merik walked back to the bed with a shrug and a befuddled sort of look on his face. "Was that my fault? I'm sorry if I'm irritating, I don't mean to be. It wasn't my fault, was it?" He shook his head, smile quickly returning. "He probably just had things to do. Didn't he say he had a brother? Bet that's it." Balin hadn't seemed in a very sour mood. He didn't say much besides grunts, but they were grunts of the angry variety. Right? He just had more pressing matters than feeding a Fire-lizard... though Merik decided very giddily that he would've set a great number of things aside to do that. Sweet little Flitt!
"...You don't have a brother here I should know about, do you? Give me a warning if you're going to walk out on me." The boy crossed his arms, sighing through a smile. "I do feel like that was my fault somehow. I'll have to make it up to him later. Think he wants a lanyard?"
((I didn't mean to ignore Balin like that! He just wasn't talking much. Sorry. D': ))
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 4:45 pm
((I'd say this is mostly a wrap. . :3 Lemme know if you'd like to RP s'more. Darcir still has to congratulation both M'rik and B'lin. . . mwhahaha!))
Darcir watched as Balin said nothing, rose, and left the room. He gave little more of a grunt, his scowl forever upon his face. Liu, on the other hand, gave a reassuring chirrup, not at all put off by the boys unspoken rejection of such an idea. Though secretly Darcir was quite sure Balin might regret the option later (because who wouldn't want to feed his Liu?) there was a notion that there were other things to do. . . . Like actual work and chores.
His father would have a conniption if he discovered that his son had spent his first moments idling around a messy room with a Beastcrafter and a bald kid. No no, it was time to make himself useful and productive; he would not be a burden or free-loader upon the Weyr, even with his title as candidate. Feeding Liu, of course, was first priority and then he could figure out what chores to dive in to after meal.
Quirking a brow at Merik, noting the concern that seemed to radiate off the poor boy, Darcir gave a small grunt. "I'm sure he left for good reason." Though getting away from the walking mouth sure sounded like as good an excuse as any! "Fretting will do you no good, so relax." As if he should talk, hypocrite. Ah, but this conversation wasn't about him. . . it was about Merik, and it didn't seem like the beast crafter to actually be the worrisome sort. Best distract him with his fire-lizard.
Liu gave another encouraging croon, neck outstretched to Merik. Her eyes were laced with red though, a sign of her hunger, and Darcir could even feel a little hungry himself. Silly lizard . . . "My siblings are all back at the hold and Faranth forbid they ever are Searched. I don't think they'd last a day," he admitted with a shrug, before heading out of the room not bothering to see if Merik would be in tow.
"Come on. Let's get her some food before she decides your ears look scrumptious." Oh wow. Was that. . . some sort of joke!? It absolutely positively was, even though his voice was as grave as ever. Maybe he wasn't completely a lost cause.
Maybe.
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 8:16 pm
(( Ohyes, any time! x) ))
"Imagine that, you telling me to relax!" Merik chuckled a little, shaking head. Now wasn't that something? If ever he'd met an uptight boy... "Do appreciate it, though." He reached out to rub Liu just on top of her head, trying to think filling thoughts... whatever that meant.
"So it's the toughest of the Darcir clan I've come into acquaintance with, then? I'm so sorry." He snerked. "Not to say you're the most uppity person I know, but I could hardly imagine a whole happy family of you. Let alone of people who wouldn't put up with this just for the idea of Weyrlife! No wonder you're so angry." That was harsh, maybe, but Merik still laughed a bit at the idea. Poor roommate, growing up with those rich, powdery ol' stuffed-shirts! His stick in the mud was probably the black sheep of their dreary family.
And a joke out of him, even! Merik followed without a reply, too busy trying to not look like he wasn't absolutely beaming.
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