Logs:Compliments and Conversation
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| RL Date: 27 June, 2014 |
| Who: Azaylia, Alida |
| Involves: High Reaches Weyr |
| Type: Log |
| What: Alida has lunch in the galleries. Hraedhyth reluctantly allows this. The bluerider and Azaylia get a chance to catch up. |
| Where: Galleries, High Reaches Weyr |
| When: Day 8, Month 2, Turn 35 (Interval 10) |
| Mentions: A'rist/Mentions, K'del/Mentions, R'hin/Mentions |
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| Hatching Galleries, High Reaches Weyr Ringing the southwestern side of the hatching sands are ample tiers of carved stone benches, the lowest of which is some six feet off the ground -- just high enough to separate wayward hatchlings from unwary viewers, and vice versa. A metal railing on the outside helps prevent anyone from falling off; it also extends up the stairs that lead the way higher into the galleries. While most of the area is open seating, ropes section off some of the closer tiers when dignitaries are expected; those areas even feature cushions in the Weyr's blue and black. The higher one climbs, the more apparent the immense scale of the entire cavern becomes. The dragon-sized entrance on the ground is dwarfed by the expansive golden sands that glitter in the light. Everything on them is easily visible from the galleries, whether that's a clutch of eggs and a broody queen, or simply its emptiness and the handful of darker tunnels that lead to more private areas than the bowl. Wherever one sits or looks, however, one thing is constant: the overwhelming, suffocating heat.
The galleries are mostly empty, much to the complaint of chilled weyrfolk. There are a few brave souls scattered along the highest tiers, leaving Azaylia a whole row to herself closer to the stands. She's made use of the space, stacks of paper, a pitcher of juice, some abandoned knot of wool that could have once been an attempt to knit. Now, the Weyrwoman is watching her lifemate with obvious interest, a small smile curled on her lips. Hraedhyth is awake and circling her brood, blunt muzzle nudging an egg here and brushing some sand over there. One ruby eye is aimed at those in the nosebleed seats as she does, attention snapping to Alida as she lingers at the entrance. The tawny gold freezes, jaws parting before a low, steady growl sounds from her chest. Oh man... a growl. Well, that's actually typical from Hraedhyth, anyway, so Alida merely squares her shoulders, and murmurs towards the hyper-vigilant gold, "Just wanna eat in peace, big momma. In warmth." The bluerider is chilled enough that she's only now starting to warm up from the heat on the Grounds. Pause. "How about Ilicaeth grabs ya a nice herdbeast 'n drops it off, an' I promise ta just eat 'n keep quiet? Sound good?" Did Azaylia mention to her lifemate that Alida and Ilicaeth respect Hrae? It's worth points. At this point, the guard hasn't really noticed Azaylia's presence, given how utterly focused (and with good reason) upon the maternal dragon out there, skulking amongst her brood. His sands and arid heat are a beautiful blend with the environment of the Hatching grounds, and so when a fine puff of golden grains and mica drift up to carress the very fringes of Hraedhyth's mind, it seems perfectly natural. No words are offered, only the scent of perfectly-fresh herdbeast, all for her. (To Hraedhyth from Ilicaeth) Words, and not words of fear or retreat, only have Hraedhyth curling her muzzle away from those glistening, oversized jaws. Her wings lift, muscles rippling beneath her golden hide as she looks ready to lurch at Alida. Just when it seems she's about to leap over her eggs, her wings give a sudden flick before folding against her back once more. "You really should let me know you're coming. What if I wasn't here?" Azaylia murmurs, wearing a patient smile as she walks closer to Alida and the entrance. Seems as though the Weyrwoman is willing to escort the bluerider further into the galleries. "And she's already eaten, but thank you." With an odd little smile, "Seems as though a lot of dragons are willing to feed her, this clutch." Through the roar of her flames and the deafening thunder of her drums, Hraedhyth gives her snarling answer. « No. » She is full of many things. Maternal instinct, intensity, as well as a herdbeast offered earlier. (To Ilicaeth from Hraedhyth) Well shit. That only bodes ill for everybody involved, and when Hrae lifts her wings, Alida is already backing the eff up, ready to drop her food and move with all alacrity *out* of there. It's only the queen's sudden hesitation and then Azaylia's voice that forestall the guard's primed reaction, and slowly the bluie unwinds with a long sigh of relief...then offering the Weyrwoman a thankful little smile. Quietly, "Then I would've beat fuckin' feet outta' here. I might be brave, but I ain't usually stupid." Not around a life form that could mangle her with a careless motion, anyway. "Thanks, Zay." A slow and courteous little bow are given to the red-eyed gold out there, and 'lida's soon placing Zay between herself and the queen, and hopefully returning to the other woman's former seat with her. As for dragon food, "Probably 'cause Cadejoth's still recoverin'." 'As you wish...' might be the tenor of Ilicaeth's unspoken thoughts, the affable blue leaving his roaring dam in peace with a faint and gritty swirl of sands that resettle to the ground. He ain't stupid, either. (To Hraedhyth from Ilicaeth) "You're smarter than most." Azaylia admits, voice carrying whispers of annoyance. "I don't know what it is, but it seems she's even more protective this clutch." As she speaks, the two walk back up the steps and toward the area she's claimed while helping to guard Hraedyth's clutch. And looky-loos from Hraedhyth. "I don't think there's a gold egg. It could be its size." And as proud as the queen is, she may realize just how precious the few are. Azaylia gives a faint nod for Alida to sit before she does so herself, likely grateful for the company. "That could be it. Not that his wing has kept him from being a wonderful clutchsire." But then, Cadejoth has that reputation. "Seriously?" Alida inquires aside after Azaylia's admission of others. "I feel like bein' able ta live ta see another day..." the bluie replies with darkly humored aspersion of those apparently clueless others, the blonde carefully balancing her food on tray along the way. It's only when the two women settle their rumps to warm granite that she allows her green eyes to roam out to the eggs Zay spoke of, the woman careful not to meet Hraedhyth's red gaze. She so does *not* want to be seen as aggressive/challenging to the gold. Back aside to her companion, "Lots uv' factors, likely." As for Cadejoth, "He's prolific, that's fer sure." A look down to her massive mug of cool juice presages a soft, "You want anything ta drink?" She's willing to share, and the juice is fresh. Azaylia can only give a faint shrug at those who don't take Hraedhyth's particular brand of mothering seriously. Given that Alida is under the watchful eyes of her rider, the queen slowly turns back to her task of arranging her eggs. All ten are visible, and she doesn't seem to have them in any particular order other than 'close'. There's a soft laugh for Cadejoth's particular reputation, not that the goldrider intends to argue. "Oh, if you don't mind sharing? I let this get a little warm." Given her own fierce proclivities in certain areas, Alida would likely never take a personality like Hrae's lightly. "They're really pretty, this round..." the bluie notes quietly of the eggs she's oggling. "Surprised we c'n see 'em at *all*." Grin, nom. After clearing her mouth, "Enjoy! As long as ya leave me enough ta choke my food down, I'm good." Quietly to Azaylia, "How's the genetics uv this clutch turnin' out?" "Thank you." There have been compliments all 'round, but hearing Alida use the term pretty likely means a little more. "Hraedhyth doesn't usually hide them unless she's sleeping." Which makes it a bit frustrating for those who'd like to sneak a peak while the queen is less bitey. The Weyrwoman helps herself to some of Alida's drink, not overly generous with herself. Just enough to wet her throat. The last question catches her by surprise, "What do you mean?" Not quite defensive. Not yet. She's not often heard to use that word, so indeed, it is quite a compliment to the clutch...and perhaps might speak something subtle of Alida's frame of mind when around Azaylia. After using the juice - once the other woman is done with it - to clear her own throat of food, the blonde murmurs, "Maybe I'm thinkin' too much uv' when there were two clutches out there..." Smirk. And two queens, and way too many people and candidates and craziness. The goldrider's response to her general inquiry inspires a flick of clear green eyes over to cher benchmate, a small study of Zay's reactions as she responds, "Conversation." Pause, peer. "Is there somethin'...?" Cue vague hand-flutter upon the air before her. Unpleasant? Azaylia relaxes some, "Oh." Perhaps a touch guiltily, "I just... I suppose I'm a little defensive. What with Cadejoth and Hraedhyth being so closely blooded." And the concerns and opinions she may have heard from others. Another sip, "The eggs are healthy, and I expect the babies will be too." It's said with a confident little nod, a smile offered as quiet apology for her jumping to conclusions. As she continues to nom, Alida takes in what Zay has to say with a neutral mien, though she does nod once to acknowledge the fact of the bronze and gold's close genetic bond. Quietly, "Not much one c'n do about a dragon's choice uv' mates." Back out to the eggs goes her gaze... measuring, thoughtful. Ventured with a certain hint of caution, almost whispered, "Maybe you c'n exercise a...judiciousness over which offspring 'r allowed ta attend certain Flights? Y'know... ta insure a more, uhm... varied pool." "Either Hraedhyth chooses one, or she chooses them all." Azaylia admits with a murmur, far from ashamed at her dragon's peculiar ways. The goldrider slides a glance over to Alida at her soft suggestion, considering it with a light furrow of her brow. "I could." In that she's able. But, "It hardly seems fair. And there's no guarantee that the riders would stay away." Given that Hraedhyth is unlikely to bar any able-bodied male from giving chase. "It's something to think about." "Looks like she wanted both Lythronath *and* Cadejoth, this round..." Alida comments with a certain wry turn of humor, the woman then tucking into her beefy sandwich again. "Wonder what the Weyr would've done with another 17 turn old as Weyrleader..?" Lip-purse. If Lynner would have won. "Fair... I'm all fer fair, believe me, but in this case, it's got little ta do with maintainin' healthy...stock." A former beastcrafter like Zay will hopefully be able to appreciate her usage of the term. Sigh. Sip. "You or K'del could always *pre-order* certain pairs out uv a Flight. Not always, uv course. But enough ta insure much less chance uv inbreeding." A quick pair of nods agree with the other woman's take on mulling these thoughts over, and then the pale-blonde is shifting to a hopefully less touchy issue over another sip of her juice. "How's the whole Savannah/R'hin thing goin'?" Azaylia gives a faint nod, "She did." Easy enough to talk about, given how long ago the flight was. "And Leiventh. Some Fortian bronze..." But mostly, Cadejoth and Lythronath. Thoughts of another teenage Weyrleader does make the goldrider squint, not quite a wince. "I think he would have grown into it. I'm sure K'del would have helped." As if anyone would have been able to keep him out. Sturdy arms are placed on either side of her, long legs stretched out and crossing at the ankle as she looks toward Alida. "Dragons are hearty. I'm sure this clutch, and the rest, will be fine." Mention of R'hin has her brows furrowing some, more in confusion than anything. "It seems to be going well. You'd have to ask the Weyrleader for more information on the wings." "Hrae seems ta like 'em strong, powerful..." Alida comments with a little grin as she looks out to the broody gold. Even if Cadejoth is a little goofy and 'scrawny,' he's perhaps strong in that he's already proven himself a Weyrleader, before. A soft chuckle emerges from the blonde as Azaylia admits to other males her queen found attractive, and the bluie can't help but mumble as she again glances over to Zay, "Almost wish I could be like 'er, sometimes." Not so inhibited and choosy about her own male(s). Nom. That proto-'wince' is noted, and the goldie's summation is given a small nod while the green-eyed woman literally and figuratively continues to digest. "Eh; not interested in Wing stuff. More..." Think of the word... "...integration, I guess." Shrug. "Heard they... he rub some people the wrong way." Sip. "Cheeky fucker." Look who's talking. That certainly catches Azaylia's attention, dark brows lifting with obvious concern. "Like Hraedhyth?" The queen in question is finally satisfied with the collection of eggs and eases down onto the sand in a protective semi-circle. She gives a low rumble to those still in the galleries, a reminder that she hasn't forgotten about the intruders. The goldrider doesn't seem particularly worried about the threat, tilting her head as Alida specifies. "Oh. I don't know. Riders in the Wing seems friendly enough." As for R'hin, "Sounds like him." A dismissive shrug. "Yeah... sometimes. Well, in her..." More handwaving takes place, Alida looking a little chagrined for some moments before she tucks in her chin a little and mutters confessionally, "Boys." Lip-twist, eat. That rumble of Hrae's gets instant and full attention for a moment, the bluerider finally returning her attention to food and company in time to smirk wryly at what appears to be Zay's own opinion of the Savannah Wingleader. In aside, "Wonder if the Weyrleader's thinkin' uv ultimately changing Savannah's name." It really doesn't fit in, now that they're at 'Reaches. It *would* be an admission of keeping Savannah around permanently, of course. "Boys." Azaylia repeats with gentle amusement, more maternal than anything. "They're not very hard to figure out." There's easy confidence there, "As long as it's not a relationship you're looking for." As she's far from an expert when it comes to the monogamous tendencies of most. "I'd imagine it's up to Savannah. They already lost their home," A fact that has her lips thinning, twisting to fight off a frown. Once her expression smooths, "No sense in taking more away from them." A quick stab of her point finger at Azaylia's 'relationship' gives the word all the emphasis it needs, Alida rolling her eyes a little, snerting softly. "They say *we're* odd..." Not even half as odd as males, seems the blonde's unspoken opinion. Still... "Women 'r freaky too, though. Too much walkin' on glass with most uv' 'em, from what I've seen." Seeing as she's rather more the 'up-front' type. The goldrider's word of Monaco's ejection of Savannah also has Alida reacting, her nose wrinkling as she mutters, "Shitty uv 'im. Dunno that I would've done different in the turd's place, though, if I'd've apparently hated R'hin as much as he does." A look up and over from food to Weyrwoman finds the bluie nodding again. "Insult ta injury. Know all about *that*." Behind the woman's green eyes is a wealth of experience of both, and the subsequent emotions such brings. "I wouldn't know." For as much experience Azaylia has, it's not with women. The rather gruff exception to the rule having been several turns ago. Though she doesn't mention his name, there's no doubt who her angry words are for, "I don't care how much you dislike a person. It's not right." Spoken as someone who has had to compromise her own comfort for that very belief. "Especially their families." The Weyrwoman takes a moment to find her composure, giving a gentle sigh as she begins to gather up her things. "That sandwich looked good." By way of explanation. Even she has to eat, sometime. All Alida does is purse her lips thoughtfully, then polish off the last bites of her meal, washing them down with the last of the juice. "Aye..." is soon enough murmured in only slightly-hesitant agreement with Azaylia, the bluie dusting crumbs off her hands, blotting her mouth, and then frowning as the heat of the Sands finally gets to her. Warmed up and more, now. "I'll buy... unless yer sick uv me," the blonde notes briskly to the other woman, a faint smirk touching one side of her mouth. She waits to rise, however, not wanting Hraedhyth to take such badly. Secondary-clutch-mommas first! Azaylia accepts the offer with a small smile, "You don't have to do that." And no, she's not sick of her. The knitting is left behind, more concerned with the paperwork and pitcher of juice as she moves to stand. Hraedhyth lifts her head then, offering a snarl that may sound suspiciously like a croon at the end there. "I'll be back." She says out loud, motioning with a nod for Alida to follow as the Weyrwoman leads them out into the chilly afternoon. |
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