|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:44 pm
As Panata finished slinging the last load over his shoulder, the large bang moving down and reminding the youth of its contents with a heavy thud against his spine, he staggered a bit forward under the weight. There was more moving to be done today, what with the hatching to close that people could practically hear the breaking of shells on the sands, leaving the Candidate to be pushed into more chores than he'd thought he'd be experiencing.
It wasn't so bad though, his body still used to the labor from working in the Smithcraft hall, so as he ran back and forth carrying more and more Panata actually seemed to be enjoying it. While the others around him groaned he merely smiled and bowed his head towards those he passed, even daring to whistle a bit with each new load. He liked being useful, being idle seemed like such a waste during the day, so when the Candidatemaster announced that they would be stopping for a while to get things in order, he was sort of at a loss for what to do.
Going to the lake again was always an option, but Panata really didn't have that much of a fascination with the water nor the old tale he'd been told about, so there was always the idea of exploring the Weyr. There were many places he'd never been to before, but just how long could he really keep doing that? Sooner or later he'd grow bored and probably end up lost, leaving him in a situation far from what he'd want.
So, as usual, Panata found himself in a bit of a predicament. He'd stopped his pacing for a moment or two to think, his hand resting on the base of chin, but nothing was really coming to mind. A nap, perhaps?
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 1:04 pm
Uuni was one of those other individuals with Panata who was groaning in pain. Her back ached. Her hands, legs, shoulders, they all ached!
Sucking in a deep breath, she half-fell and half sat unto the ground and leaned up against some of the bags she'd been carrying. The break was ever so thankful, but with it came the dread that they'd have to start back up again.
Not to mention, she stank and was all sticky and salty. This was not the type of activity she wanted to be hot and sweaty over. With her hair frazzled and growing a static from the summer air, Uuni knew she looked anything but sexy.
She watched a member of the male sex pace about with his hand on his chin as she caught her breath, her chest heaving. What a strange habit.
"'ey!" she called in his direction, though her voice was somewhat of a rasp and she had to swallow before continuing. "You okay over there?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 1:20 pm
Physical labor was not something Daeluin despised, like some candidates, whom she watched with disdain. The bags weren't really that heavy.. Then again, the young woman had been a trader before coming to High Reaches and within the caravan, everyone had to be able to pull their own weight. Literally.
Lulu was by no means any sort of strong woman, but she could heft a bag of firestone with relative easy. She picked bags there weren't too large; it wouldn't do to show off and end up pulling a muscle, or something. But nor did Lulu want to be accused of taking it easy. Not long after starting, Daeluin had worked up a healthy sheen of sweat, and just before calling a break, she had started to labor for breath.
She was grateful for the momentary reprieve. Daeluin liked to stay busy, so the unexpected break had her at a loss. What to do? Eat, maybe? The young woman shook her head with a frown; after such exertion, she probably couldn't keep anything substantial down. So, that was out of the question. As was a nap, it'd be unlikely that she'd be able to calm herself enough. Which left Daeluin standing there, much like Panata and Uuni.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 1:36 pm
"Me?"
Panata pointed at himself as the salutation from Uuni reached his ears and he looked around for a moment before deciding that since there were only about a handful of Candidates left in the area, the others having quickly scattered, she clearly was referring to him.
"I'm fine, but are you alright? You seem like you're having trouble breathing."
He slowly moved towards the young woman, his eyebrows creased in concern. After a few steps he shifted his gaze about to see if there was anyone around who could help should this person really be in trouble, and his eyes fell on another woman who just seemed to be standing around. She looked no worse for the wear, perhaps a little winded, and Panata wondered if he asked would she be willing to help him.
"And are you okay too?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 2:15 pm
It was only after a few moments that Daeluin realized she was not the only one simply standing there. It seemed like lack of anything to do was a common problem! She couldn't help but smile, however faintly, knowing that she wasn't the only one flabbergasted.
Lulu first focused on Uuni, giving the pale-skinned girl a once over. She didn't look to great. "He's right," Daeluin interjected gently, gesturing with an open palm to Panata. "You don't look so hot. You doing alright?" Daeluin frowned with concern. She didn't like the idea that the Candidatemaster was pushing some of the candidates past their physical comfort zone. She understood that in order to be a rider, one had to be fit- but this was a bit much. It wouldn't reflect well on him if one of his candidate passed out, or something.
Lulu looked towards the short, dirty-blonde haired boy, shrugging off his question. "Me? Oh, I'm fine," she assured him. In fact, after nothing more than a few deep breaths, Daeluin was ready to start back up again. She curled her hands into fists and flexed her arms, grinning over at Panata. A little showing off wouldn't hurt, right?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 2:53 pm
"Yeah you," she answered with a chuckle and another deep breath as she wiped the sweat off her brow.
The question of 'are you alright' was supported enough, she supposed, by her heavy breathing. But, really, wouldn't anyone be breathing hard after that? Clearly not muscle man and buff woman there. People were nuts.
"Yeah, I guess so. Unless one of you two wants to play Weyrleader and carry me to water?" Because she would totally be okay with that.
Not moving with use of her own physical body sounded great right now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 4:10 pm
"I don't think I could lift you, you look too heavy."
Panata was frank and honest, his head tilted slighty to the side at this woman's request of him, though his face broke into a laughing grin as his gaze turned towards the other woman and her odd posing. It seemed like she wanted to show off to him, and he found it all rather funny. It amused him how two girls could so very different yet still both be candidates.
"But I can run and get you some water, if you would like. It's no trouble at all for me to do so. The same for you, miss."
He wanted some water of his own, his throat a little dry from the work, but he didn't want to be rude and not offer any to the ladies before him. He was slightly sweaty despite not looking like it, though Panata managed to get the luck of never looking like he'd come out a bath when he had been sweating for a good well. The only proof he had worked at all was his bangs matted to his forehead, though he easily brushed those out of place.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 4:18 pm
Lulu was a bit surprised at Uuni's response. Pick her up and carry her? To where, the lake? Daeluin wrinkled her nose. "I'm not the Weyrleader," she stated bluntly- but couldn't help a smile from appearing. She wouldn't have minded being swept off her feet by some roguish, handsome bronzerider.. But, that was beside the point. A blush crept up underneath Lulu's dark skin thanks to her thoughts. She chuckled, turning away from both Uuni and Panata in an attempt to hide it.
"But, I suppose I could always give you a piggy-back," she offered with a shrug. The lake wasn't too far, and Uuni looked a little smaller than she.. But probably not by much, weight- or height-wise. "We could head over to the lake while Pint-Sized here goes and gets us all some water?" Daeluin suggested amiably, shooting the smaller boy a wry grin. He had offered to get them water, after all- and who in their right mind would turn down a cold refreshment after a sweat-breaking chore?
"So, how about it?" Daeluin grinned easily at her two companions, and bounced on her feet. "The lake isn't far, and you don't look all that heavy," the dark-skinned candidate insisted to Uuni.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:20 am
Man. Boys. They sure knew how to throw an insult, didn't they? She shrugged it off.
"See?" she said, pointing in Lulu's direction. "She knows how to treat a lady." Passing Panata a wink, she once again addressed the girl.
"That would be lovely." My goodness. Could the day get any better? She had someone to pack her around, and a water-mover, too! She was still hot and sweaty, but all those things could change in good time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 7:26 pm
Panata's face paled when he realized he'd probably insulted the girl, and he quickly bowed his head down to her in apology. He didn't want to say anything else, since she'd already winked at him and presumably forgave him, but it was in his best interests to stay silent and polite.
He did raise his head after a few moments and smiled, rubbing the side of his face with the back of his hand.
"I guess I will go and get the water for you, and meet you both at the lake then. I will try to rush, so please do not worry about having to wait for too long."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 6:12 am
The dark-skinned candidate grinned. This was all coming together quite nicely! At first, she'd been presented with a dilemma. Daleuin had had no ideas as to what to do with her break! But, luckily for her, these two had also been puzzled. Together, they'd been able to come up with something that sounded nice and relaxing. Not to mention, it was about damn time Lulu got to know some of her fellow candidates!
"Oh, no rush kiddo," Lulu hastily assured Panata. He seemed a bit uneasy, and eager to please, so she wanted to make him feel like he was already doing a good job. "We'll meet you at the lake, but don't run. Take your time. No need to spill any of the water, and have to go back to refill the pitcher!" Daeluin pointed out smartly, but gave him a warm, friendly smile so he would know she was only being helpful.
To Uuni, Daeluin made a gesture that read 'Okay, if you can climb up on my back I'll carry you.' She turned her back to the girl and bounced so that her knees were loose, ready to compensate for the extra weight. "Oh, and before we get super-friendly, I figured you should know my name," Daeluin quipped with a wry grin and giggle. "I'm Daeluin, but please, call me Lulu. All my friends do!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 10:46 am
The fact that he felt guilty over his insults was probably even more funny than the fact that he had unknowingly insulted her. There were boys that dropped their pants and asked for you in the latrines, and those that blushed at the mere mention of it. Uuni was taking a guess that he was the latter, and for the time being, that suited her just fine.
Uuni was going to drink lakewater at this rate, so she was a bit put off over the whole 'no rushing' that the girl proposed. She had no right to complain, however, so she didn't, and left them all to guessing as she slowly gotto her feet.
Uuni laughed at the super-friendly as she approached. She dropped her voice a touch and decided to put her own piece into play. "If we're getting that friendly, then I don't want a name."
But it was as far as she went with her tease, instead putting her hands on the girl's shoulders to have some support as she took an experimental jump.
Legs and body safely secure with no sign of falling, and she thought they were ready to go. Man it was nice not to have to walk anywhere. Even that jump had felt tiring.
"Well, it's nice to meet you, then, Daeluin. I'm Uuni, and everbody just calls me Uuni." Her voice was quiet as she didn't want to blow out the girl's eardrums.
She looked back over at Panata and waved him a small goodbye with the tips of her fingers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 11:12 am
As the two girls started off Panata bowed in a manner of farewell, quickly scurrying past them to get to the kitchens for some water. He'd completely forgotten to give them his name, seeing as they hadn't asked him for it and he made no effort to give it out. It probably didn't matter for now as he'd be seeing them again at the lake, if he would make it there in time.
The route to the kitchen was easier now thanks to adventures earlier Panata had experienced, and as he got inside he scurried around looking for something he could tote water in outside. There were several nice pitchers but he didn't dare take them, less the wrath of a kitchen worker fall upon him.
As he stood around looking one of the workers seemed to recognize him, giving him a hearty greeting and asking him what he needed, so without any further delay he was given his requested items and sent out of the kitchen with a firm but friendly scoot.
Panata started back out towards the lake, doing his best not to spill anything en route.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 6:01 am
Daeluin wasn't really dying of thirst, so she didn't see any reason for Panata to rush. She thought that the mousey boy was a bit jumpy and uneasy; she would really rather that he didn't spill any of the water on his way from the kitchens to the lake. Even if it only was water. She hazarded a guess that Uuni was pretty thirsty, though, and wouldn't want to be kept waiting too long. So Lulu offered the girl an apologetic smile, but it was quickly replaced with a grin as the girl took her up on her quip.
If they were getting that friendly, than Uuni wouldn't want to know her name? Well. that said a lot about her. Daeluin snorted with amusement.
As soon as Uuni was up on her back and settled, all Daeluin had to worry about was getting her to the Lake. Panata had already set off towards the kitchens for their drinks. It really was not a long walk to the lake, nor was Uuni very heavy, so Daeluin made no haste.
They arrived within a few minutes; Daeluin let Uuni slide down off her back before taking her own seat on the ground. The long-limbed young woman took a deep breath then sighed happily. "Yeah. The lake was a good idea."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 2:33 pm
Uuni thought Daeluin was pretty quick for a girl. Then again, post girl's seemed to be on the strong range compared to her own lanky self. This suited her just fine. After all, she was the one getting a ride as opposed to her packing counterparts.
Safely returned to her feet, the first thing she did was strip off her shoes. Her feet were tender and a few raw areas threatened to rise to blisters as she picked her way gingerly towards the edge of the lakewater.
She only had to walk out a short distance before find a dry, partially sumberged rock to settle onto. Hiking up her skirt, she worked her way onto it and let her legs hang into the water. The rock was a bit small and not the most comfortable of sitting places, but the cool (read freezing) water was doing wonders for the heat and the sweat she'd accumulated.
There simply wasn't snow melt lakes in Ista. Nothing compared.
"Mmmmhmmm," she answered back to Daeluin. "I'll give it about five minutes before my feet go numb," she continued, squinting up at the sky. A brief wind picked up now and then, pushing a few scattered clouds through. Perhaps it would rain later.
Now, where was that boy Panata with water?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
