|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 7:21 pm
Merik gave his shirt another good wring and started to shake it out, spraying little droplets of brown water all over the floor, (but aimed at the wall enough that he didn't accidentally soak one of the beds in the tiny barrack). It looked like there were only two, which surprised him greatly, considering how many Candidates he'd encountered in only a short day at the Weyr. He was fairly certain this was the room his Searchrider had shown him when they landed, and it did seem empty, but she'd been in such a hurry the Greenrider hadn't even let him drop off his things before she ferried him off to the Candidatemaster to start working. He'd slept on the floor in the main hall last night, having been too tired to go off looking for the barracks and not wanting to ask an older patron of the Weyr where they were at such a late hour. Not that he had any qualms about asking foolish questions- it was just easier to sleep on the floor.
So, 12 or so candlemarks later, he'd still had to ask directions back to the barracks, but considering that they were all basically identical, there was no way he'd find the exact room that first woman had shown him. This empty room was as good as any, right?
He was only wearing a pair of dripping shorts and a grease-stained towel wrapped around his hair (he'd been cleaning in the kitchens, and unwittingly run off with it); Merik's sandals were in a small puddle next to the door, and his shirt (which was still pretty damp) now hung over a chest so full of unfolded things that it didn't close all the way. His stark-white farmer tan was as obvious as it had ever been, giving him more the look of someone who'd stuck their limbs in mud than gone Turns without taking their shirt off outdoors. But he really was clean enough himself, having just come in from some lake or another at the Weyr (likely the Bowl, but who really knew?). However, the soggy mess he'd made all over the little room - wet footprints, puddles, dripping walls - more than dispelled any semblance of cleanliness Merik may have had. Thankfully for whoever else this barrack belonged too, he decided with a disheartened shrug (since he really had tried not to wreck the place), the curtain between the beds had mostly spared the other half of the room.
"Maybe I'll get lucky and this'll dry up before anyone comes," he mumbled with a defeated sort of smile. "At least I didn't get the beds wet." If you could call those beds. They were really just a slab of wood with two old furs thrown on top. Merik sincerely hoped the Riders' weyrs were better kept than the Candidate barracks, or he had a looong future ahead of him. I hope, he attached quickly to end of that thought- with a chuckle. It was easy to complain when you were the low man on the totem pole, but in reality... who wouldn't sacrifice all their future good-nights'-sleeps for a Dragon? "I think this place will do just fine!" he blurted out at no one, as though backtracking over a mental complaint would affect his prospects in any way at all.
Merik turned to eye the puddle forming in front of the door for moment, rubbing his chin and trying to decide if it posed enough of a threat that he'd ought to clean it up before someone ran in and broke their neck.
((Edit: Just mentally go in there and change all the 'barracks' to 'alcoves.' New term for me. >>))
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 4:12 pm
The Weyr was not at all what he'd thought it would be. Though the man had heard that over-crowding was becoming a problem within the great caverns, never had he thought it to be this bad. There were people everywhere, crammed in to such a small place that the man felt ridiculously crowded and clausterphobic. The high walls of Ista loomed over them all, sprinkled with dragons of various colours. . .but the Bowl, and seemingly everywhere else, was bursting with people. The activity, hustle and bustle of everyone surrounding them didn't help with his displacement. . . . .
Yes, it was overwhelming. And he had very little time to adjust himself to such a change. He had heard rumors that dragonmen and women were idle, thoughtlessly lazing about the day or flying high with their great mounts. Fat and happy, so his father claimed, doing little but leach off neighboring holds tithes. And why should they support the dragonmen, he recalled his old man preaching; thread was but a myth and surely wouldn't return this time. Long gone were the days of old. . .the dragons should be assisting the holds, not the other way around. . . But thankfully, from the little time spent within Ista, Darcir was fast finding that idle hands were few and far between.
He still had difficulty discerting weyrfolk and caverns workers from the actual dragon riders themselves but Ista seemed efficiently run. If chalk full of people. . . Now, where was this room of his. . .? Just a few more down? Jaw clenched in aggravation as he sidled past the crowded and smelling hallways, the man could only hope his room was cleaner than the rest of the Weyr. With so many people, the clutter was obnoxious and the candidates alcoves seemed extraordinarily so.
His dark green fire-lizard gave an affirmative chirrup, circling high above the crowded corridors before she dove in to an appropriate room. This must be it. . . Laden with a pack full of clothes and some spending marks to live off, Darcir gave a grunt and pulled in to his room.
And what a sight to behold.
Not only was the room much smaller than he had anticipated (spoiled child that he was) but it was filthy! Newly formed puddles were staining the floor and splattered upon the walls; there were two cots separated only by a cloth sheet and some other boy standing half-naked before him!
To top it off, slowly he turned his dark gaze down and saw that he was standing in a puddle himself, right beside a pair of offending dirty shoes.
What. In. Faranth's. Name. Was. This. Place.
Liu had happily returned to her master's shoulder (after flying twice about Merik in curiosity), rubbing her head cheerfully against his cheek as her blue bejeweled eyes whirled with excitement. She was staring hard at the other candidate, curiously taking in his presence and ignoring Darcir's growing aggravation.
Jaw taught, the long haired man gave Merik an unreadable look. The stress that was fast attacking Darcir was obvious only in the form of knit brows, but he understood his place. He was with a hodge-podge of ranks, many of them beneath his place (or so his father would remind him). Grime and dirt were to be expected. . . . but really, this was where he'd be living. .?
Faranth help them all.
Pointedly stepping over the shoes, he shook his head but said nothing more to the boy. It was obvious this was his mess, seeing how his shorts were still dripping wet. No need to discuss the obvious, Merik made it clear enough where his standards of cleanliness lay, especially with how full his dresser drawer was!
They were roommates nows, for better or worse. . . . Standing within his room, over what appeared to be some make-shift bed, only now did Darcir understand just how far from home he was. . . .
He could only hope accepting his Search wasn't a mistake.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 5:48 pm
They'd slip if they came running in. But why would anyone come running in? ...Didn't I come running in? Oh, is that-? Merik's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden splashing of a pair of shoes into his line of sight. Very nice shoes, too, by the look of them. He didn't get a clear look at the body above, though, when a little green flitt drew his excited attention in two circles about his head. He clapped his hands together with a grin. "Oh, what a beautiful lizard! Is she yours? You 're very lucky, you know? She's wonderful!"
The look on his own face wasn't exactly shared by who Merik could only assume was his roommate, but that didn't phase him much. He'd probably grimaced at first sight of the alcove too- and it couldn't look much better soggy. He reached down to wipe his palm on his pants, but they only made it wetter, so he made do wiping the water off on his shoulder. Sticking his other hand in his pocket and rolling on the balls of his feet, Merik extended a friendly arm to the Candidate in front of him.
He was dull, but not entirely dumb. From the rich shoes and fine clothes on this man, it was more than apparent he'd been accustomed to better quarters than he'd just found himself in. Well... the fire-lizard gave it away some too. Not to mention the long hair, light skin, stiff posture and uppity swagger... Actually, on further examination, Merik couldn't help but smile wider. What a gorgeous roommate! He'd struck gold with this one. So far, nothing but good seemed to come his way at the Weyr. If Darcir ever stopping scowling, that was...
"I, eh..." he looked around the room a little and gave a sheepish shrug. "Well, if it's any consolation, your side is still dry. There's a lake in the Bowl, you know? I was cleaning the kitchens this morning... felt so filthy I had to wash my clothes too." He stepped forward and nudged Darcir to the side, unwrapping the towel from his head and stepping it down over the doorway puddle. "Still a little wet, but what can you do?"
Not the greatest first impression he could've made... Ah, but second time's the charm, right? This fellow gave off quite a disgruntled air, and seemed like one with very easily-offended sensibilities- but he'd been Searched even so, Merik thought decidedly. If Darcir was good enough for the Dragons, what right did anyone have to dislike him? Absentmindedly, he stuck out his hand again. "I really *am* sorry about the mess. It was unintentional, believe me. Name's Merik, and it looks like we're going to be spending quite some time together," he stated clearly with a bit of an off-kilter grin.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 6:46 pm
He'd been paired with a walking mouth. Darcir was feeling overwhelmed enough without listening to the babble and chatter shooting out of the mouth of the other. Hazel eyes stared hard at the lad who looked to be just about his own height and stature; but there were obvious differences too. His current appearance was definitely disorderly, and the farmers tan he wore proved he spent much time outside. . . either some sort of farmer or sea man, Darcir concluded. Certainly not one to have been left indoors. . .
But oh, goodness, the chattering that was going on! Darcir could appreciate conversation, yes, though such things often revolved around work or business. Idle conversation and chit-chat was not something he was used to and honestly had no idea exactly where to begin or what to say. His brows knit further as the young man went from extending his hand, to lurching forward in an attempt to clean up the spill. . . .
But there was no way he was going to be able to avoid conversation with this other. Feeling out of place and definitely unaccustomed to everything around him, desperation was the only thing that kept the long-haired man from snapping Merik's head off completely; though he could be cordial, he could still come off as surly and cold. But he didn't want to make an enemy, oh no, and with luck this other candidate could be useful to him or at least direct him on where to go and exactly what he needed to do after he settled in.
With Merik placed directly before him, hand extended a second time, Darcir took the chance to respond. The shaggy haired blond needed to breathe at some point, so it was here that he would actually speak. Reaching forward, he shook his hand in a firm but swift manner, not afraid to touch but not exactly comfortable with it either.
He shook the hands of greater men than Merik . . . but greatness didn't mean anything now that he was a candidate. It would be an adjustment, especially in the fact he was forced to deal with all these people. . .
"Darcir," he grunted, voice cool and grave. His gaze did search around the room a final time, as if wishing away the grime. "It is unkempt but I understand that not everyone's standards of cleanliness are the same as my own." He wasn't trying to offend or insult, merely stating the obvious. "This entire Weyr is turned upside down, merely something I must adjust to." He added as an after thought, shrugging his shoulders a bit absently.
". . and it looks liek we're going to be spending quite some time together." The words echoed and repeated over and over . . . Well, with any luck, they wouldn't cross paths quite so much. Perhaps during meal times or during the night, but it seemed that there would be many duties to be performed as a candidate. Hard labor and dirty work, yes, but . . . .better than idle and pointless chit-chat, right?
Saying nothing more, Darcir slipped past Merik and set his small trunk of clothes on the bed. Part of the man was surprised the bed didn't snap in two but such were the way of things. Preparing to unpack, Liu decided that a spot of attention on her was better than none at all and Darcir was not being particularly inviting at the moment.
Chirruping happily at Merik, she glided back over to the lad, hovering before him as she hoped he might be a new obliging perch. "She doesn't bite," Darcir added, back still turned to his roomate as if he were attempting to forget him there. "But I can call her away if you would prefer." He would have called her back without hesitation had not his roomate expressed keen interest in her earlier.
And though Darcir seemed cold and very stiff around the coller, socially, he did love his little fire-lizard very much. And getting to show her off was something he secretly did enjoy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 7:26 pm
Merik rubbed his neck and frowned a bit at the snappy handshake and an introduction that could've been described as little other than cold. Well, less a frown than a blank and befuddled stare. Pretty thing though he was, this aloof young man immediately came off as far from the ideal companion. He'd apologized, hadn't he? Ah, but no matter! Scathing remarks bounced off Merik without leaving a dent. The alcove wasn't clean by his standards either, but Darcir's statement was clearly truth. Merik had slept in barns before, he'd lived with great dirty beasts for eighteen Turns. Why, he'd slept on a dirty floor not even a day ago. And then there was this boy before him, without so much as a tan! Certainly their standards were about as different as they were themselves.
"Oh yes, this Weyr..." he started with a smile, but it melted more into a shrug when Merik realize that, for once, he really had nothing to say. Well, actually, he had tons to say. One day, and he had so much to say, in fact, that he couldn't even begin to say it all. As different as the two of their lives had been before, Weyr life was just about that different from both of them. It was a bad pain and hugely enjoyable all at once; Candidacy would take anyone some time to get used to. "It's quite a change of pace for me too, I have to say."
Merik stared at Darcir for a moment, examining his obvious uneasiness with very confused contemplation. "Are feeling alright?" he blurted out, deciding such discomfort was clearly the side-effect of an illness. "There are more towels and things down in the kitchens, y'know, if those furs aren't enough. My back hurts just looking at them," he chuckled. "I don't know how you get food or drink when there's not a meal set up in the dining hall, but there's certainly no shortage of people to ask." Hm... what else could he offer up to tell the sick? "I'd wager I'm about as new as you are, so I'm not sure how much good I can do. Oh, but I'll certainly help with anything you need doing." He smiled and gave a curt nod.
Now that he was in company and his pants had stopped dripping (though they were still completely soaked), Merik returned to his bed and slipped back into his shirt. Inside the Weyr was notably cooler than the kitchens or the Bowl, and he'd actually been a little chilly without it. The young man started to fetch his shoes as well, but Liu's chirps drew his attention sharply away from anything else. "Oh, absolutely not! I was a Beastcraftsman - did I mention? I've been bitten by much worse than fire-lizards. And she's so pretty; who wouldn't love her?" He held his arm up at her with a huge grin, having completely forgotten his initial impression of Darcir. Anyone good enough for a critter this lovely was surely good enough for him!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 8:35 pm
Nestled near the back of the room was a small trunk, the clothing inside crammed to the very top, but each and every article inside neatly folded and placed atop one another. The object had gone unnoticed thus far. Perhaps the two men dismissing it as the others. Either way, it hardly stood out against the more interesting things in the room, being a beat-up looking thing the dullest of browns in color. The true owner would make his appearance shortly, and his presence, for the time being, would bring more tranquility than Darcir's had.
Balin's day had been spent lifting, carrying, lifting, carrying. Complaining was not within his character, but had it been, he still wouldn't have said a word. Transferring heavy things from one place to the other was nothing if not a pass time of his. Had they not told him to, he'd have done it of his own accord, anyway. This hobby translated to an obvious visual; his body was not lacking in the muscle department. It was, however, currently lacking in the shirt department. For someone so otherwise reserved, any looks he got on the way back to his room didn't seem to phase him. He was too busy. Busy thinking.
How could they have let that brother of his in this place? He was going probably going to get himself killed. Heaven forbid he actually Impress, he would definitely get himself killed. Then, the dragon, too, would die, and Balin would be known as the young man with the brother who had done something stupid, died, then gotten a dragon killed. This was his train of thought when he made his way in. The frustrated expression could have easily been mistaken as one in response to seeing his two new bunkmates. Be that as it may, he hadn't actually taken time to size them up until after he had his trunk upon, searching through it for whatever loose, light shirt he could find. Not overheated, but close to it.
It took some time, but he did find one, and only then did he straighten and turn his head to examine the two in the room. Three males in one room. No problem. This was just like home. The feel to it was so familiar that uneasiness in the company of strangers hadn't settled down to cause him woe like it usually would have. This would be okay. He could handle this. Water on the floor, messes, all these things he'd dealt with his entire life. There was nothing these two could do that might bother him his brothers hadn't done in advance many a time. Or so he thought.
"Balin," he grunted, coming off as far more gruff than he'd intended. His tone was hopefully made light of by the finishing words. "Good to meet you."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 9:42 pm
Merik saw Balin enter out of the corner of his eye, but was far too interested in Liu's flitting about to look at the third roommate until he spoke. On turning to face him, Merik took a small start at how much bigger the man was than himself. He was pulled to look quite intently at Balin's smooth head as well, and though he knew enough of manners to conscientiously keep from staring up there, Merik still felt a bit guilty at how many times his eyes flew back to look harder for his reflection in the other's head. He cleared his throat and, with a quick smile, rushed up and extended a hand to the newest comer. "My name's Merik. Ex-Beastcraftsman, if you didn't get that from the yellow shirt. I don't think you were in here to hear, but my offer goes to you too. I'm a day fresh to Weyrlife, you look more at home than I imagine I do, but I'd be glad to help you with anything at all!" He nodded twice. That covered the basics, right? Darcir didn't seem the type to do much filling-in, and Merik didn't mind taking it upon himself to get Balin up-to-speed on their conversation... if it could be called that.
He pointed a thumb over his shoulder at Darcir and added, in a very teasingly voice: "And that is the most stoic fellow you've ever met. Not sure where his training lies, but it looks like he made quite a mint from whatever it was." Merik turned for a second and shrugged, trying to make it clear he was only kidding. If anyone seemed likely to take a joke the wrong way, that boy did, and he certainly didn't want to get any more on Darcir's bad side than he already felt he was.
"Good to meet you to, ah... you said Balin?" His face had the look of a sudden idea clicking, and Merik laughed out loud. "You were here before the both of us, weren't you? I got here second, I swear it. That leaves you, Darcir!" He turned around again with a hearty smirk. "Only two beds, friend. Looks like you get the floor!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 10:18 pm
Balin listened to his new roommate ramble on and knew it was going to be a long however many turns he decided to stay. Just because he was used to chaos didn't make noisy guys less... well, noisy. At least he was better than his brother. Balin wasn't sure if it was good or bad he hadn't been roomed with Bachi. It was nice to not be watching him constantly, but on the other hand he couldn't watch him constantly. Who knew what that boy would get into without a watchful eye cast upon him all day!
The young man nodded along, just to show he was listening, trying to keep his bothersome sibling from plaguing his thoughts. It was, after all, the polite thing to do. Somewhere between the word 'fresh' and 'look', he'd lifted his hand to trace his fingers through where his hair would be if he still had any. At the mention of Darcir, his eyes cast a second glance at the fellow, but paid him no more mind than that. It seemed him and the quiet one would get along just fine. And, as far as chatterboxes went, Merik was tolerable.
So long as staring at his head didn't become an every day occurrence.
Balin walked past Merik, acknowledging the offered hand with more of a sidewards high five than a hand shake. He didn't leave the room, instead just following an unmarked path to the wall. Before he pressed his back against it and sat gracefully on the floor (more so considering his size), the tanned fellow crossed his arms, closed his eyes and mumbled to the other two, "I'll sleep on the floor, so don't worry about it."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 12:41 pm
Liu happily took a perch upon Merik's proffered hand, her eyes whirling a bright blue. She was happy to meet others, unlike her master, but understood she was not allowed to annoy them fully. It wasn't that she wasn't happy with Darcir, for the little green fire-lizard was doted upon ridiculously in private, but while his attentions were preoccupied she understood she could play the role hostess. At least in a fire-lizardy way.
Reaching forward, she happily rubbed Merik's cheek before crawling delicately up his arm and settling upon his shoulder. He'd make a good perch while Darcir was busy unpacking. . .even if he were a bit damp. Whisteling encouragingly at the chattering one, Liu paid attention to his warbling, even if she wasn't entirely clear on what he was going on and on about.
At least someone in the room would pay Merik some mind. . . yes?
Darcir, on the other hand, had already begun to carefully unpack his belongings. He hadn't brought much, but the clothes he did bring were dyed in various colours and made of fine materials. The bed in which he would sleep still gave him the creeps but such was his new lot in life. He knew everything would have been different as a candidate, but he hadn't expected things to be so busy, so crowded, so smelly and dirty. With so many people cramped in a Weyr, and a plague spreading through (so he'd already heard) he wondered how the dragonmen and women could live in such a space! If this is how it was always Darcir wasn't so sure he'd want to stay if he didn't Impress. Then again, if he went back, he'd probably get married off. . . . Ugh. Best not to think about that. For now, he needed to enjoy this escape. . .
Even if he was extremely uncomfortable with his quarters. Though Darcir came off edgy and cold, in reality he just didn't understand how the blond haired man could have so much to say! Did he never stop. . .? Whom had permitted him to speak so freely and just idly stand there? He could try to clean up his mess as they now had water marks staining the walls. A beastcrafter, eh. . .?
Great. So he was accustomed to living with dirt, grime and filth. Though the man could appreciate the mounts such as runners and herdbeasts, he still thought of them as much more dirty than a dragon or his own fire-lizard. Practical to keep around as work animals, but he didn't envy the positions of their various keepers. "It all makes sense now," he added to himself, turning half-way to give Merik a look.
Was he . . . ill? The scowl that had lightened as he had unpacked returnedi n full force as he was accused and assumed to be unhealthy. It was almost insulting. "I am quite well, thank you, though your concern is unwarranted. Though I appreciate the services offered to help, I feel things will fall in to place soon enough with little guidance." Maybe. Faranth forbid he actually claim he needed help. Besides, he was intelligent enough to learn merely by watching or questioning the proper authority figures. . . not the whims and guesses of a new candidate such as himself.
Another man entered, causing him to glance over at the other figure. Another man, no doubt, and one with significantly less hair than himself! Really though, he passed little judgement on him outside of assuming he was another candidate and (hopefully) not as loud and chattering as Merik. Darcir wasn't sure he could handle any more forced conversation. . . . But Balin's gruff introduction did cause a brow to raise and a sense of relief overcome Darcir.
Someone he could relate to. Almost. Someone that might not make him ridiculously uncomfortable and uncertain, as Merik's chatty nature was rather disconcerting. It wasn't that Darcir didn't want to talk, he just knew better than to be idle and waste time. It was ingrained in his mind that relaxation were for lazy folk, prattle was unnecessary and unwelcome and he would be a great disappointment if he followed such ways. So to find himself with a candidate that wasn't accustomed to such strict ways was . . . . odd.
And right now, Darcir wasn't sure how to respond. He couldn't exactly ignore Merik but his upbringing didn't allow for him to really get in to the conversation. His home life was still too close to him, was still something he fell back upon. . . . Perhaps with time he'd open up and even relax some but until then he could only keep a taut jaw and scowl.
Liu herself chirruped a happy greeting at Balin, still content to use Merik mercilessly as a new perch.
Darcir didn't mind Merik introducing him, even if it were in some sort jest. It was strange - it wasn't as if they had known each other that long - but he'd accept it nonetheless. Yes, he was stoic . . . but there was nothing wrong with being serious. Life was serious. "Darcir." He added, giving a firm nod over at Balin before turning back to unpacking his things.
Nothing else needed to be said. . . Merik could do the chattering for both of them, if not half the Weyr.
But then, he heard, that he was supposed to sleep on the floor. If Darcir's jaw could drop it would have but thankfully he was much more a composed individual. The look he threw Merik was completely unreadable but the slightest curve of a brow proved he was but a breath away from objection.
Thankfully. . . Balin interrupted before he could say anything. Yes, he figured, if he were the last one to enter the premises he might be forced to sleep on the floor; but why hadn't Balin picked a cot and placed his belongings on a bed in the first place? Thankfully though, he hadn't, and seemed much more content to sleep on the floor than Darcir would have been. Canines and beasts of burden slept in such places. . . Candidates in over crowded Weyrs would do so as well, it seemed. But Darcir's pride just couldn't fathom that he might be one of them. From a just stand point, three boys in one room harboring two beds wasn't fair. It still could be weeks before the hatching of the dragons. . . was it right for Balin to sleep on the floor?
Oh for Faranth's sake. Though he hated himself for mentioning it, he did add, "Perhaps we could trade off and on, so you're not the only one to suffer such a surface every night." See? He wasn't completely heartless, even if he dreaded the outcome.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 1:30 pm
Another quiet one... Merik shook his head and put his hands on his hips, finally starting to feel a bit unsure at how to approach his situation. If a little distant, at least the big guy seemed to ignore his talking. Not exactly what he'd wish for, but a significant improvement on Darcir, who only seemed less inclined to open up with every passing second. He labeled it off as some sort of... fish-out-of-water syndrome. If anyone was out of his element at the Weyr, that boy was. He didn't have to be so prickly about it, though, and Merik did get the nagging suspicion it would take more than familiarity with his surroundings before he started getting full sentence responses from Darcir.
Upset thoughts, though, were few and far in between, as Merik's mind was much more intent on focusing every bit of his attention on Liu, a river of babble streaking through his head. He bit his lip and pulled his neck down into his shoulders, grinning like a child while he watched her make her way up his arm. Oooh she's adorable! She's beautiful! That tickles! She only has two claws? She's so green! Look at those wings! How far can she fly? How high can she fly? Could she out-fly a dragon? How high can they fly? Her eyes are so colorful! BYTHEEGG they change color! I wonder why? Oooh...
Darcir's snide reply to Merik's concern wasn't even quite enough to take his attention off the little lizard; he nodded a little and mumbled something about "Offer stands either way."
Introducing them to Balin, though, was preoccupying enough to take his eyes off Liu for a time, even if his thoughts were still whirling and convoluted. He hadn't honestly meant for Darcir to sleep on the floor (though he probably could've done with some toughing up), just that the thought of the other Candidate's reaction tickled him very much. Balin's coming to the rescue caught him a little off guard, and he ran his hand through his hair with a light-hearted, if disappointed, sigh at the deflation of his joke. These two would take some breaking in, for sure. They were much too serious for their own good. All those stony faces were probably what was making Darcir sick!
If Balin's intervention had surprised him, Darcir's offer knocked him right to the floor. There really was a heart in him! Somewhere under those sharp clothes and disgusted faces... Though the young man looked immediately regretful of his kind outburst, Merik still felt a little guilty at putting him in such a position in the first place. He held his hands up in front of his chest and shook his head. "It's fine, really. I was only kidding. I just wanted to see," he smirked over at Darcir, "the look on your face! I slept on floors all the time back home. Albeit they were dirt and not rock - we had some herdbeasts with night terrors. But I'll take the floor, I don't mind at all. I'm not even unpacked."
He reached up to pat Liu a few times, then plopped down on his trunk. He'd have to go find someone with authority to pester for more furs, of course, but he really did want to help his roommates out... and it looked like he would be hard-pressed to find anything else they'd ever need of him.
"Oh, also," he tacked on, looking back up at Balin sheepsihly. "The water's my fault. Really sorry about that; I got filthy, so I went swimming."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 5:51 am
One would think Balin, too, would have at least some interest in Liu considering he'd elected to reside in a Weyr. After all, he hadn't so much as cast a glance over the thing. If this was how he reacted to the larger versions, it was going to take one tolerant personality type to deem him worthy of Impressing. But, at that moment, Balin's eyes reopened and finally lifted to observe the creature.
His attention was drawn away from it by Darcir's response, and then pulled from him by Merik's. It hadn't taken much for him to get a grip on exactly what was going on here. He felt bad, he really did, that Merik was trying so hard to lighten the atmosphere with no compensation as encouragement. Balin couldn't just shift his serious stance same as a tiger couldn't change it's stripes. Not alone. In theory, someone could paint on them, and alter the pattern of their coat. That's what Balin needed.
No, not someone to paint on him. But nudges toward any alternation of his traditional behavior. And, from the looks of it, doing that was going to be as difficult as catching a tiger. Not to say he was heavy handed with either roommate, nor did he have plans to be. These were not his brothers, even if said brothers were the reason for feeling at ease with them. But that didn't mean his usual methods went out the window. This could be settled just like any problem with them. Who'd have thought they'd be debating over who got to sleep on the floor rather than who had to?
"I don't mind it," came the calm reply to Merik's apology. Really, if anything, the water was a welcomed surprise. His feet were hot as Hell, not benefiting from his lack of shoes while he'd been working. "Why don't we just alternate for the floor? We'll go one person every three days. Me tonight, one of you tomorrow and the other the next day. If someone has a particularly hard day ahead of them, they can always trade days when their turn comes."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 6:35 pm
Darcir heaved a small sigh and gave a slight shake of his head. Everything was so new, so different and the serious man was extremely uncomfortable when it came to Merik's teasing. It wasn't that he didn't like it, he just didn't know how to respond to such a thing. . . . No one in his immediate family did much joking around. His sisters had been allowed such leniency as younger women, but he himself? No . . . Nothing but a waste of breath, or so his father scolded. Any semblance of fun or loosening of his spirit had been quickly nipped in the bud at a very early age.
Merik himself was both fascinating and infuriating. How could one be so cheery and so damn talkative? Faranth, didn't he run out of things to say or grow weary from such chattering? Though he didn't understand the beastcrafter, at least it would give him something to observe and stew over later that evening. With luck, once the sun set and they turned in for the night, the soggy blond might actually shut up and give him some peace.
Liu, sensing his slight distress, gave Merik one last little chirrup before delicately removing herself form his shoulder and gliding back to Darcir. She happily perched upon his own shoulder, wrapping her tail about his neck and crooning reassurances. Her eyes whirled a bit faster but kept up their blue-green appearance.
Glancing over at Balin, as the man reaffirmed what he had suggested, Darcir gave only a nod and a grunt in response. Even though his pride objected to sleeping upon the floor, he also understood that sacrifice was a thing of honour; on the nights he were to sleep in such a state, he'd make sure the floor was clear of dirt, grime and puddles. . . .
"Then perhaps we'd best get to cleaning this floor." Turning an eye to Merik, quirking a delicate brow, he asked, "Are you in possession of only one outfit or might a change in dryer clothes be beneficial. . .?" Surely he had more than one outfit. . . otherwise Darcir feared he'd have to give up a pair of slacks to the man.
Placing his packed things to the side of the bed, Darcir gave their room another look. With three of them, it wouldn't take more than a moment to clean up the mess.
((Swear he's not ignoring your boy, Noyama. Merik's just the only one really chattering. xD ))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 7:26 pm
(( Heh, 8 hour drive back. I thought I'd have internet at the beach, but I couldn't stay connected. Had a secluded vacation, though. x) ))
"Ah, well, if you two really want to sleep on the floor. I'll admit, I was kinda hoping someone would step up and offer turns." He laughed. "Though it almost looks more comfortable than the beds!" Balin was quiet, definitely, but just the right kind. Merik nodded to himself. That man was always thinking! Must've been it. He was one of the brilliant type. Or the type that got things done. Good boy, either way! He was a little at a loss what to think of Darcir. Quiet and angry... possibly smart, but who knew when he never said a word beyond sarcastic shoot-downs? Eh, but that was more likely just a shell. Nobody was so cold inside; they'd drive themselves mad! Nothing some relentless talking couldn't break through... probably... maybe...
"Every couple of nights, that sounds good to me. Not to sound rude, but Darcir, pal, really, you look like you could use some toughening up. I'd think a Dragon was more comfortable than a floor, but you've seen Riders. You get what I mean?"
He let out a little squeak when Liu left him, pouting out his bottom lip at her. She looked like she was trying to cheer up Darcir as well, and he thought about inquiring on the boy's well-being again... but he was concerned, not a masochist.
Merik was a difficult one to upset, but that next comment was really toeing the line. Of all his loves, his craft was the only one that mattered in the slightest. The young man had to consciously try not to sound snarky in his reply. A good rebuttal was definitely in order, but barking got no one anywhere... deserved as it may be. "One outfit? Am I in the wrong taking offense to that? Drudges have one outfit! Drudges! I may have been your lesser then and I may be now, but whatever you think of me, I don't come from that low a background. I was a Beastcrafter, my friend, not an urchin. I've done a great deal more work in my life than I'm willing to bet you have, and I won't be talked down too by some-" he stopped mid-sentence and ran hand through his hair, shrugging apologetically. He turned to Balin with a sad sort of smile. "That was rude of him, right? I don't want to take arms at nothing. But you, uh... you hit a chord with that one, Darcir. All these quiet, somber looks- you're getting under my skin. I have to say, the two of you will really be a trial. Hah, you're as interesting as sticks in the sand!" He cast a quick glance back at Darcir. "Thorny ones..."
He ran both hands through his hair a few times and took a deep breath. Merik was likely trying their nerves much more than they his; he knew he could be quite the mouth. And it was in everyone's best interests not to stay on edge. "Not my place to lash out, though. I'm sorry. Times are tough, eh? And who should be in better moods than us new arrivals? We've had the least of the sad food and watered-down klah. Cleaning up sounds like a fantastic idea... though the water is almost dried. And yes, if you're still wondering, I do own more than one pair of pants. These've stopped dripping, though, so unless yo want to watch me change, I don't see a lot of reason to... But if you still want me to, that raises a whole new set of things for us to talk about." He laughed a little boisterously for it having been his own joke, and made a motion to pick up the grimy towel from before.
((My 'u' key is broken, so if any are missing...))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 11:12 am
Again with the teasing. . . . Again with being poked at. The long haired man wasn't entirely sure if he should take offense to Merik's accusation that he could use some 'toughening' up. Just because he was prim and proper and hadn't been coerced to spend ages outside didn't mean he was a pansy. He understood the definition of hard work, and while his sisters had an easier time doing little (they were, according to his father, the fairer and weaker sex) it was the men that had to pull their weight. No, he didn't frequently spend a lot of time outdoors and no, he had never had been forced to sleep on the floor. . . but he did work. Life wasn't just fun and games, even when straddled with wealth.
But what could he say to such comments. . .? Honestly he didn't know how to take such jest. He could play the defensive card, he could also opt to say nothing. Part of him understood that the words Merik chose weren't meant with any hostility, but at the same rate, he was most uncomfortable being laughed at. . .
"I may not be rough and tumble, but it would be unwise to assume I've lived a cushy life." He averted his gaze, clamping up as soon as he allowed himself to speak. He didn't have to explain himself to Merik, and the beastcrafter probably hadn't the least interest or desire to delve any deeper. Yes, Darcir could be a gentleman and could converse properly. . . but right now he was totally out of his element and quite painfully shy. He had yet to fully understand Merik and Balin and the poor souls would have to suffer his stiff personality until he could properly assess the pair.
Liu gave a gentle chirrup, tightening her tail around Darcir's neck and pointedly fussing over his cheek. Her eyes whirled with tinges of orange, concern for her disconcerted master obvious. He wasn't having a very good afternoon, and the little firelizard just didn't understand why. There were all sorts of things to look at and so many big-ones and . . and . . and . . .
Darcir reached up and offered the little fire-lizard a small pet along her neck. Her eyes stopped whirling so swiftly though she did peak curiously at Merik and Balin, suspicious they might be the source of his aggravation. Things would have been fine. . . until Merik took offense to his suggestion of changing clothes.
His scowl, that had almost fallen away to a more neutral stance, instantly returned. His brows knit in aggravation and his jaw went taught as new leather. Liu squealed protest once more as the man closed his eyes as he listend to Merik's rebuttal. Why was he throwing a fit and taking offense. . .? Honestly, Darcir hadn't been trying to be rude. He had only made a suggestion that perhaps the damp boy might do better in dry clothing. And his question of one outfit wasn't that out of place - some candidates came with close to nothing! Personally not wanting to walk around in damp and cold clothes all afternoon, he would have promptly changed and he had merely thought that Merik would be the same.
Apparently he was in the wrong...
Listening to Merik's objections, the man waited until he had a chance to respond. His words were quiet but stiff and proper, his own defenses and walls have returned. There would be no settling him now. "I meant no offense and shall apologize for you taking my suggestion as such. Do what you wish, what you may - I had only thought to help if you were indeed lacking." No need to argue over who did more work, over who was right or wrong. He apologized (his mother would have flayed him if he hadn't) and that would be that. . . .
At least until Merik opened his maw again and poked fun about that. The-topic-of-which-could-never-ever-be-discussed was hinted at and Darcir couldn't help but feel both appalled and highly embarrassed. Though he understood that such lifestyles were freely open in the Weyr, (and yes, he had even SEEN men and women of the same sexes holding hands! *shockgasphorror*) on his way around the Weyr it was STILL wrong. Partially liberating, in a way, but something Darcir had yet to come to terms with. . . That sort of lifestyle or sexuality wasn't something he could admit to, wasn't something he could even think about, and certainly wasn't something anyone could ever, ever, EVER find out about him!
Liu gave a startled creel as Darcir's emotions shifted so swiftly. From his usual brooding self to a twinge of panic and hidden embarrassment, Darcir practically shrunk back from Merik. He glared once at the boy and gave a shake of his head, turning away from both Balin and Beastcrafter. "I should think not," he growled softly, irritated that once again he was being teased and poked fun at.
Merik couldn't possibly know. . . no one did. No one at all. He was to marry a woman, thank you, and that was just he proper way of things. Joking about such taboo subjects was definitely unacceptable to Darcir and he made that perfectly clear.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 12:24 pm
(IT's fine, Uta. XD <3)
Balin let them bicker for a little while. Experience told him that if he stopped them now, it would just pent up and end up resulting in a worse squabble later. He was confident in his ability to gauge the proper time to step in, but was also ready if he happened to get drug in before that time. Sure enough, Merik wasn't doing him any favors, and Balin was almost taken aback by how... familiar this was. These two, age aside, felt so much like his brothers.
It was only natural he'd handle them like his brothers. "You two cut it out or I'll knock your heads together," he warned. The voice he spoke in sounded dull, flat, as if he didn't mean it. But oh, if they got bad enough, he just might. His status as biggest-guy-in-the-room did not go without notice. And, neither did Darcir's reaction. The attitude wasn't a surprise. Neither was him shifting as if to ignore them. It was that he almost, almost looked as though he had cowered that caught Balin's eye. It didn't matter much beyond that. Not to him. Whatever Darcir's problem was, it wasn't his business.
Just like he wasn't concerning himself with things not of his concern, he didn't feel all that inclined to worry about any 'questions' Merik might have had based on their answer. He could think what he wanted for all Balin cared. It wasn't worth moving for.
"You've nothing we haven't seen, I'm sure," came the careless response. Indeed he looked at ease, remaining in place, arms tucked behind his head now as if he had intent to sleep fairly soon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
