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 Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2004 5:34 pm
Dining Hall
Two tables sit looking over the room on a raised platform. It's here that the weyrwoman, weyrleader, and others of high rank sit. Resident and visiting Masters may be invited to these seats, as well as holders.
Six long wooden table sit perpendicular to the headtable, and this is where most dragonriders sit, interspersed with journymen, and ranking weyr people. Each has their specific table during official meal times.
Near the far end of the room sit three tables, their benches built a little smaller and higher. Here sit the 'weyr brats'. The children that run about the lower caverns.
Between meal times the dining hall is typically empty, with small gatherings usually forming in the kitchen. Occasionally a rider will look to escape the ktichens' hustle and bustle and come out here for peace and quiet.
Description by Chayse
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Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 10:58 pm
The Dining Hall was empty. Not particularly unusual, considering the time of day, but it was nonetheless...odd. Normally, any part of the Weyr had at least a few humans in it; riders, children, craftsmen and women. But the Dining Hall was just..empty. Wingsecond K'rel chuckled softly to himself as his eyes surveyed the room. His gaze darted to a side doorway at the sound of voices, and he smiled knowingly. So there were people about. They were just hiding out in the kitchen.
'You should join them.' K'rel's eyes momentarily unfocused as his brown spoke. Siventh continued, 'You, dear ridermine, have no life outside of your duties. Ten turns since our Impression, and still you know almost no one outside of our wing. I am bored.'
K'rel did not immediately reply, stiffling a laugh at his brown's tone and allowing his thoughts to wander back to the Impression in question. His lips parted in a sigh of happiness at the memory, and he heard Siventh echo the sigh in his head, both reliving the Hatching that had brought them together. All to soon, however, the brown renewed his complaints. 'To continue...'
"Siventh," K'rel spoke to the air, rolling his eyes. "I may not know many riders, but you know every dragon in this Weyr. I'm happy, you have no desire to know the riders, so why bother? Friends, acquaintances...they happen when they happen. Why should I search them out?"
'I'm bored,' Siventh repeated. K'rel laughed. 'Besides, you're handsome, and I'm easily the most desirable brown in this Weyr-' K'rel snorted. Siventh chose to ignore him, continuing, 'Riders should be falling at our feet! As it is, you are virtually ignored because you are...what's the word? Shy? And I am left in the shadows, because...well...like rider, like dragon.'
"I'm not shy," argued the brownrider, frowning faintly and sliding onto a bench.
'And I'm anything but,' Siventh agreed cheerfully, provoking another laugh from his rider. 'Which means you are not shy, and therefore you have to be bold, and arrogant-'
"Like you."
'Problems with arrogance, minerider?'
"You sound too much like a bronze sometimes," K'rel muttered with a grin.
'But I am not a bronze!' Siventh boomed proudly, sending his rider into a fit of laughter. 'I am the ever wonderous-'
"Arrogant-"
'-intelligent-'
"-immature-"
'-loyal-'
"-pompous-"
'-all around amazing brown Siventh. And you are my rider.'
"So kind of you to elaborate," K'rel replied, smirking faintly.
'Anytime, ridermine. Anytime.'
Anyone to enter the Hall within the next ten minutes would be greeted by an unusual sight: One young man bearing the shoulder knots of a Wingsecond, alone, completely dissolved in a fit of laughter.
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Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 11:25 am
Deciding to clean himself of those pesky miserable thoughts that seemed to haunt him when he was bored and had nothing to do, L'cian decided to have a walk around the Weyr, avoiding all places which promised to contain a lot of noisy people.
He had been in the kitchen earlier on and it looked like it was beginning to fill up with lots of people that he had no intention of speaking with. He was glad that his brown had dropped off into another sleep, otherwise he would most likely have given him a lecture on such anti-social thoughts.
The corridors were strangely void of people, something he was highly grateful for especially when he did not want to stop and banter. He expected that as the day drew on people would begin to show themselves and he hoped he would be elsewhere when that happened.
Despite what many thought, L'cian had not always been this much of a loner. The trait had grown on him over the last few years, perhaps due to his increasing dependance on his dragon who seemed to be the only person to ever truly understand him.
If it had not been for the sudden eruption of laughter coming from the dining hall, the brown rider would most likely have walked straight past. As it was, curiosity got the better of him and he pushed open the door, peering inside to see who was causing such a ruckus.
He instantly recognised the other Wingsecond K'rel who was rider of Siventh, a brown dragon who was definately fit for his rank. Yet now L'cian was stuck in a situation in which he knew he had to make himself known. He had never felt so lost before, especially without Tallith's presence in his mind.
Finding the right words evading him, he simply cleared his throat loudly, hoping that it would grab the rider's attention. If it didn't then he could leave silently and K'rel would never know he had been there.
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Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 11:58 am
((Sorry, mum stole the comp from me xD;; ))
His own laughter completely blocked L'cian's 'greeting' from his ears, though Siventh noticed the presence of the other rider. And, as satisfying as it was to see his rider laugh again, the brown was desperate for company of any sort. One rider at a time, he would be sure his rider got to know the entire weyr. He could not stand another ten turns of silence.
"As good as it is to see you so cheerful, mine, you have company. Now talk!"
K'rel's head snapped up with the comment, laughter fading away at the sight of the other Wingsecond. Almost instantly, he relaxed somewhat. This was another brownrider, another Wingsecond. L'cian, Tallith's rider, if he wasn't mistaken. Though he knew neithr personally, he had heard them an excellent pair and well deserving of their rank. One conversation couldn't be bad.
Waving a hand in greeting, he straightened up where he sat, gesturing the other rider over. He cleared his throat once, uncertain as how to explain the display, then simply relaxed and chuckled softly. "Sorry, Siventh just told..a joke. Join me? Klah's fresh." He gestured vaguely to the pitcher on the table, eyeing it a moment before pouring himself a mug.
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Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 12:07 pm
Looking a little uncomfortable, L'cian at first thought that perhaps the rider would not hear him. He wasn't sure why that would bother him, but it seemed only right for two Wingseconds to get on and be able to converse in a relaxed state.
He cleared his throat again and strode over to join K'rel, not wanting to remain in the doorway like some naughty weyrling. It was strange to think of a dragon with humor, although now he thought about it, Tallith sometimes did tell jokes, although they were usually blunt ones and not the type he would find himself rolling in laughter over, thus proving to him that all dragons were unique.
"Siventh is a joker? Perhaps he could teach Tallith a thing or two." He cracked a grin and reached over to pour himself some klah, one could never get enough of the stuff.
"I wasn't expecting anyone to be in here at this time, why aren't you in the kitchen where everyone else is?" He was not one to hide his curiosity, for it did indeed seem strange that the brown rider would be alone in the dining hall when the kitchen was buzzing with life.
He didn't even stop to think that the same could have been asked of him, but didn't really care at that moment in time, quite content to sip the fresh klah.
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Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 12:22 pm
The brownrider cracked a grin, taking a moment to blow his klah cool and take a sip before replying. "Aye, Siv never stops, arrogant wretch that he is," K'rel muttered fondly.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"You do that," K'rel replied aloud, then fell silent when he remembered he wasn't alone. As if avoiding the question, he took another long drink of his klah, but finally set the half-full mug back down. Shrugging, he stole a glance towards the kitchen, then turned back to L'cian with a somewhat sheepish grin. "I've never been much of a..people person, to be honest. Grew up that way andhaven't changed, much to Siventh's disgust. Though, I could ask you the same thing. It's not often one's alone on a day such as this."
(Brb, lunch o_o; )
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Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 12:33 pm
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Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 12:42 pm
Taking another drink of the Klah he let out a small sigh and nodded, it seemed that all dragons whether green, brown or gold, were all proud creatures, and they had a right to be. Without them Pern would not be a very nice place to live, and despite their bad memories they were very intelligent beasts.
He noticed the link of communication between K'rel and Siventh and automatically reached out to Tallith's. The brown dragon appeared to be stirring, which wasn't unusual, for the beast had already slept well. L'cian shook his head very slightly, a smile tugging affectionately at his lips.
"I swear that dragon of mine is getting lazier by the day." He whispered, lifting his head as the brown rider continued to speak in answer to his previous question.
L'cian nodded, understanding completely how K'rel felt. It was strange how both Wingseconds didn't like to get involved too much with people. "I guess you could say that I'm not much of a people person either." He leaned back against the table and sighed, "It's one thing I don't think Tallith will ever understand about me."
The difference between them was that K'rel had always been that way...when he himself had changed. It had not been a complete change though, for even when he had been younger he had stuck to just a couple of friends, as well as his brother. Yet that was better left from the discussion, he didn't want to talk about that.
Why not? The sleepy tone of his dragon entered his mind.
You stay out of this Tallie. L'cian hushed him.
"I guess over the past couple of years it seemed more professional to not get involved with too many people. Life is a fragile thing and easy to lose..." He trailed off, frowning at his own choice of words. It was he who had decided not to continue on that subject but there he was, dangerously close to it.
He cleared his throat and took another sip of the klah which was beginning to cool. "The Weyr sure has changed recently," he changed the subject quickly to one that he sure everyone was talking about. "A lot of rumors floating around, mostly about the Weyrwoman." He paused again. "I don't see why many people object to Ephia as being the Weyrwoman, it's what she has trained to be after all, so why send for another?"
It was a topic that he and Tallith often pursued in their weyr when there was nothing else to do, and each and every time they could find no fault with the woman or her gold. He could not help but think that maybe he had over looked a flaw that others had spotted.
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Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 1:11 pm
"Siv's just getting more active," K'rel replied with a laugh. Now that the initial greeting was past, he was beginning to relax, growing used to the company of another. "Every day he complains that we don't do enough, or that we don't know enough others, that sort of whatnot. He can't just relax and be content. I suppose I should be glad he's staying in shape."
His laughted trailed off, and he sighed, absently tracing doodles on the table with one finger. "Mmhmm, Siventh's the same way. He can't understand why I just don't like being around big groups...or even individuals at times. He's so outgoing... Of course, one has to make some sacrifices for his dragon. I guess this'll be mine."
As L'cian continued, K'rel winced slightly with the words, though he nodded his agreement. Perhaps a bad choice indeed, what with the Weyrwoman's death still fresh in everyone's minds. But he was right, of course... It was always risky to get to know others well, especially as Dragonriders. Anything could happen during Fall. One could easily lose someone close to them.
Thankful for the change of conversation, he brightened up somewhat, diving in wholeheartedly. This was something that had been a good distraction from the death of late, and thus K'rel and Siventh had discussed it many times themselves. Though, it was hard to tell if they were for or against the appointment of the young Weyrwoman.
"She's still young... Ephia, I mean. Ariath hasn't even risen before, has she? This would be her first. That's probably why there is so much uncertainty. Sure, she's been trained, but she's never really had to cope."
"Ariath is an excellent Queen."
Don't you go flirting with Golds, Siv.
"And why shouldn't I?"
K'rel sighed.
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Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 1:26 pm
"That is very true I suppose, and probably why so many are against her. I haven't actually spoken with her enough to get to know her properly, but from what I've heard she is reliable and her queen is doing well - a sure sign of health and responsibilty on the rider's part." L'cian shrugged, drinking the last of the klah and setting the mug down on the table. He crossed his arms and frowned slightly.
"It's just a shame that all this had to happen now, it's not long before that queen of her flies." He quickly tried to do a few sums, trying to work out exactly how old Ariath was.
She's old enough. Tallith rebuked somewhat cheerfully.
"I guess we'll find out soon enough if she can live up to it, and if not..." He trailed off, not quite sure what would happen. Ephia would have to cope, she would have no choice in the matter.
"There are many who will help her through this time, and prepare her for what's to come. Although I don't think any words can truly describe to a queen rider what happens during a flight."
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Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 1:35 pm
"I can't say I've spoken with her either, though I've heard the same. Aye, the queen is healthy. One can't miss seeing Ariath around. A fine queen... Yes, there's no doubt that the pair would do good as Weyrwomen. The only real hesitance comes from the youth..." Trailing off, he sighed.
"I hadn't thought of that, actually. Perhaps that is a reason for bringing in another queen? Someone to run the Weyr until after Ariath rises? Another Weyrwoman just to help her get settled, you know? It would make sense. No one is ever truely prepared for their dragon's first rising. It always helps to know you're not alone."
Again K'rel fell silent, using his klah as an excuse to remain as such for a short while. After a short while, he set the mug back down, smiling only fintly. The Wingsecond shrugged, glancing back up to the other brownrider. "Either way, I hope Ephia gets it. She may be young, but she knows the Weyr. She will do better than an outsider."
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Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 1:47 pm
"Yes I agree, it might unsettle things even more if a strange Weyrwoman was sent here, there has been so many transfers recently and I don't think it would help at all, especially the riders who have been here as long as Ephia." He nodded thoughtfully, not seeming to mind the pauses in their conversation.
Why do you think so hard? Ariath is a good queen and so is her rider.
And you dear brown should also learn to be judgemental. He grinned again and glanced around the empty dining hall. Yes things were definately quieter than they usually were.
"I think it will actually be a great relief when Ariath rises, this weyr needs to be cheered up, and what else could be better than to have a large clutch in order to attract the youngsters here." For surely at times of hatching the Weyr was always at it's happiest, thoughts of new riders and dragons always kept spirits high, even in times of despair.
((I hafta go in a few mins.))
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Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 1:56 pm
(('Tis alright, so do I n_n; ))
"Well, here's hoping it's Ephia, then," replied K'rel. Grinning faintly, he raised his mug in a quick toast to the pair, then downed the rest of his klah. The brownrider set his mug down with a contented sigh, nodding his agreement with the comments while at the same time trying to decide if he wanted more klah.
"A good point," he admitted in reference to the flight. "This Weyr needs a nice long flight to lift everyones' moods, and a good Hatching with a bronze coming first."
"Brown would work, too."
Arrogant.
"Shy."
Ignoring Siventh, he continued, "We could use a few good omens around here."
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Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 6:31 pm
Ephia had retreated from the kitchens and had planned on returning to the solitude of her weyr but Ariath's constant prodding for her to get some time with others was beginning to annoy her. So, feeling that the only way she could get her lovely dragon to be quiet Ephia agreed to go to the dining hall. Now, she knew Ariath would agree to that, thinking there would be many riders there preparing for the morning breakfast, but Ephia had seen how many riders and Weyr occupants were inhabiting the kitchens, maybe, just maybe, she could get away with seeing no one in the dining hall should they still be sleeping or just in the kitchens. It really didn't matter to her.
Slipping through the large archway that lead into the Dining Hall, Ephia was quite pleased that only two people currently occupied the large room. I she remembered correctly they were brownriders K'rel and L'cian. She carefully slipped around the many tables in the room to move to the one she had taken as her customary spot. This meant she would need to pass the table the two riders were at, but seeing as they were in such deep thought, Ephia felt she could move past without them knowing.
As she moved passed the table closest to them snippets of their conversation reached her ears and floated in the air around her. One of the prominent names in the discussion was her own. Stopping momentarily after passing the two she caught more of the conversation and felt her heart beating faster. The two were speaking of her being Weyrwoman and they approved?
'And why shouldn't they?' Ariath's voice echoed in her mind, still quite sleepily.
Ephia brushed the question away and was about to move to 'her' table when the two riders raised their mugs in her name. Feeling a rush of heat to her face Ephia allowed a smile to cross her face, something rare since the death of the previous Weyrwoman.
In a rushed, practically unthought decision she walked up behind the two, her smile still gracing her face as she spoke. "It's nice ot hear some people believe in my abilities, even more so than I do." Her smile changed slightly to one of joy to something somewhat sad as her words slipped past her lips.
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Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 9:35 pm
As a third voice joined the conversation, K'rel tensed, staring pointedly at his mug. He remained silent through her words, carefully considering them, eyes falling closed. Quite suddenly, he straightened up, eyes snapping open when he realized who must be behind him.
"Yes, it is the Queenrider. Now don't just sit there, talk! She is socializing for the same reason you are."
At this, K'rel raised an eyebrow, wondering if his brown was lying. Surely the weyrwoman would have no trouble knowing the riders of her own Weyr. But then, perhaps everyone assumed that, and so she knew very few? He certainly hadn't spoken with her before.
Realizing the silence may appear as rude, then Wingsecond glanced back over his shoulder to Ephia, offering a warm smile and nod in greeting. "And why should we doubt them, weyrwoman? You have done an excellent job running the Weyr since..." He trailed off uncertainly, smile fading at the memory. Clearing his throat, he brushed it aside and continued. "This is your Weyr, and these are your riders. You'll do much better than some outsider, as I was telling L'cian."
((Sorry that took so long e_e Got distracted))
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