Logs:Dealing
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| RL Date: 31 July, 2008 |
| Who: Paige, P'draig |
| Involves: Fort Weyr |
| Type: Log |
| What: P'draig and Jekzith chat with Paige and Tiasheth about the herdbeast incident. |
| Where: Weyrling Barracks, Fort Weyr |
| When: Day 24, Month 4, Turn 17 (Interval 10) |
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| Evening is descending on Fort, the sunset has died away some time ago, leaving the Bowl bathed in twilight. The glows are unlidded in the Barracks and in the Weyrlingmaster's office, the area generally busy with Weyrlings chattering about the day or starting to get ready to doss down for the night. Neala is grumblingly scooping up Twilith's doody again, an almost nightly occurence as the blue still can't quite make it out to the midden in time. There's a complaint or two from the neighbors until the Weyrling gets the mess cleaned up. P'draig walks through the Barracks towards his office, carrying a few sheets of hide and one of paper and looks across the large cavern, noting who's there, who's not and what's going on in general. "Neala! Try to get him to go out there right at sunset tomorrow!" he calls over as he waves his hand in front of his nose good-naturedly. Next his gaze lights on Paige and scrutinizes her face briefly then moves on into the office. A moment later, Jekzith is the one touching base with Tiasheth, a tiny golden bubble holding a single green leaf floating her way. « P'draig would like to invite yours to come speak with him. » Paige is focused on getting her area squared away for the night - maybe a little too focused. The linens and pillow on her cot are still being worked on and smoothed over, even though no visible creases remain. She misses P'draig's scrutiny, but Tiasheth does not, so she isn't wholly unsurprised when Jekzith makes contact, sending a few leaves floating back in response. « She comes. » Reluctantly, the girl's movements halt as she finally pushes away from her cot, heading timidly for the weyrlingmaster's office. "Y'wanted t'see me, sir?" she says quietly, a few steps in from the doorway. While waiting for the message to be conveyed, P'draig has set down the messages he was carrying on his desk and has pulled the comfy chairs right in front of it around so they're at a more companionable distance from each other. He's also poured out two glasses of cider and turns as he sets the pitcher of liquid down. "Hey there Paige. Come on in and close the door? I wanted to check in with you, see if everything is all right. You seemed a little down at heels in lessons earlier and someone mentioned that you seemed ... upset at one point today." He gestures to one of the chairs, inviting her to sit. Paige's movements are rather careful as she shuts the door and takes the indicated seat, slight frame tensed as she gets settled. "Oh. Yessir, I was. Tiasheth was. I mean, guess - guess we were." And now that she's actually near enough to tell - her face does look a little splotchy, eyes and nose a trifle redder than they probably ought to be. One of those glasses of cider gets nudged towards the girl and then P'draig is settling into the other chair, elbows resting lightly on knees, hands loosely clasped between. "Mm. Feeling better now? Something you want to talk about?" he prompts gently, blue eyes resting briefly on those splotches. Taking the glass of cider with a murmur of thanks, the weyrling sips at it absently, taking a few moments to collect scattered thoughts. "Maybe a bit better, " she hedges, sighing a little. "'Twas jus' - we had a bit o'scare this afternoon in the feedin' grounds. Herdbeast rushed us. They all acted instinctively t'protect us. And he - he scared her, which was - worse." At least she's a bit more forthcoming, if somewhat vague. P'draig's expression remains open, amiable, inviting confidence until she mentions the scare in the feeding grounds. Then his brows draw downward a little. "A scare in the feeding grounds," Paddy echoes thoughtfully and then he's prompting again. "They? He?" His own glass is lifted off the desk and he tips it up for a drink, keeping his manner deliberately casual. "The dragons, " Paige elaborates, adding for further clarification, "Tiasheth, Mikhuth and Valioth. The beast came a'runnin' right at me and Tia and they all leapt at it." She fidgets a little, glass rotating in her hands. "And tha' was scary 'nough; she was 'fraid fer me and I was 'fraid fer her. 'Twouldn' have been so bad if'n he hadn' - hadn' - " But she breaks off, apparently unable to really describe what happened, casting a quick glance back over her shoulder toward the barracks. "Ahh, so the bronzes protected you," P'draig re-states a little, nodding and has another drink from his glass. Jekzith's thoughts slip towards Tiasheth again, calm sagey greens and earth tones specked with golden sunlight highlighting a drift of empty bubbles. « Mine wishes to know if you are all right now, Tiasheth? They speak of what happened today. » The question is posed somewhat carefully, though there's a sense of deep curiosity in the brown. "That does sound pretty scary. It's a little difficult handling the beasts before they can fly. Can you tell me though, how that beast came to be charging?" He leaves off pushing about the mysterious 'he' for now. "It seems like you're both all right now and you're safe here in the Barracks." Tiasheth supplies what her girl cannot; there's a blurry image of the scene, dragons leaping forward and Paige running off to the side. Fear, revisited, sweeps through in a sudden wind; a roiling sense of more fear erupts from below ground, mixed with a strange sense of abject horror at facing an imminent demise that isn't dragon or human, belonging to another type of creature entirely, tinged still with what lingered from Imirath's mind of smoke and rain and mud. And her own horror at having to feel this as much as the fear for herself and her lifemate; all of this, this was unacceptable. In her seat, Paige shifts again, shoulders relaxing a little. "Imirath wanted V'delin t'let a partic'lar beast loose, " she says at last, "and so he did, but it came fer us, not him. He brought 'er down, but not - not right away." And her eyes squeeze shut all fast-like while her dragon relives the unpleasant sensations, opening again with a quiet exhale once they're over. There's a sense of momentary dismay from Jekzith, then he is providing rock solid support, cushioning against the memory of the fear. « It does not have to be this way, » he murmurs softly to her, coloring the sending in the soothing leafy shades she loves so well. P'draig takes a sudden sharp breath, eyes narrowing as he deals with the sensory load coming from Jekzith. A moment later he's focusing back on Paige. "V'delin and Imirath let a beast loose on you?" His hand tightens a little on his glass, but there's no other overt sign of the Weyrlingmaster's temper. Instead he leans forward, meaning to cover one of Paige's hands gently with his own. "Do you remember those exercises, Paige? About 'cloaking' things a little? Take a deep breath and think about one of the images that's comforting to you, it might help take the edge off of the memory, for both you and Tiasheth." Embracing the leafy shades, Tiasheth supplies a few of her own, even if they're a bit quivery. « The beast's mind was as terrible to feel as fear for her, » she says softly, small, but says little else about herself, taking comfort in the brown's support. « Paige is upset for - many things. We were scared, but she is also saddened for Imirath's. I am not sure why. » Paige is quick to shake her head. "Not - not V'delin, P'draig. He was jus' lettin' it out fer Imirath's meal. He didn' know nothin' 'bout what 'twas gonna do. S'not t'blame, he was startled like the rest o'us." Quickly, she sets the glass back down on his desk, hands gripping at the arms of her seat, instead. "From what Tia tells me, Imirath thought 'twould be - excitin' t'face one of 'em. Was tryin' t'show her how t'pick the ones that're - 'fraid, or somethin'. S'how he hunts." Stilling her hand beneath his, she nods a little, gaze briefly unfocusing. And Tiasheth's contact with Jekzith eases and softens after a long moment, crisper leaves stirring forth in the wake of a more focused calm. Jekzith continues to soothe, shining warm sunlight on those colors to brighten and solidify them. « Sometimes, it's better not to try to feel them, » the brown suggests gently, « and to make it go quickly before they even realize what's going to happen. » Curiosity is piqued by what she says about her rider though. « That is very interesting. Perhaps P'draig can figure it out. » Paddy is nodding understanding as Paige explains further. "So Ven was just getting Imirath some lunch and things kind of went pear-shaped because Imirath had his own agenda," the Weyrlingmaster summarizes again and sighs a little. "That bronze always has had a mind of his own." He observes that unfocusing on Paige's part, touches base with Jekzith and seems pleased at how the pair have worked things through so far. The brownrider's hand tightens just a little on Paige's. "It's going to be okay, Paige. They don't all hunt that way. You and Tia will figure out what works for you." « I would not have tried, » Tiasheth replies delicately, leaves growing more verdant in response to that warmth, « but Imirath - seemed to think that conducting an introduction was a good idea. » Hastily, she adds, « He - meant well? » Despite the pair's inclination to think well of everyone they meet, the little green can't help but to be a bit dubious when it comes to V'delin's bronze after getting a first-hand taste of his machinations. "'Xactly, " Paige nods, looking much relieved. "Seems t'have tha' lots o'times. His own agenda. And I know we ain' the firs' pair t'feel the effects of it." Still, she looks a little lost, lifting a shoulder briefly in a one-sided shrug. "Yeah, once she fergets 'bout the beast's fear, " she says more quietly. "Makes me kinda grateful fer them shorter memories o'theirs. She's excited 'bout gettin' t'chase 'em 'round, but bein' chased..." Not so much. « Every dragon has a different way, » Jekzith muses, echoing his rider, « you will find yours and -- yes, he probably only meant to share his likes. » Still careful there, but he keeps the sunshine coming. "No, Zerith, of course," P'draig answers Paige with a confirming nod then he smiles. "Well, you know what? When she's ready, she should go with Jekzith, because that's how he is. And if they can bring the fun back into it, maybe that will help. Tiasheth also doesn't really strike me as the type who'd ah -- share all the details of her eating with you now she's older, so I really think you'll be fine. I'm just sorry you got scared that way." His hand gives hers a little parting pat and he leans back in his chair again. "I think though, that I'll just have a quiet word with Ven about Imirath and the dragonets. Nothing too serious but just a heads up." « I hope so, » Tiasheth says for both points, sending the greening leaves upwards in a spiraling dance to meet the sunshine. "Zerith, " Paige repeats softly. "Yeah." Her expression brightens a bit as her dragon, too, cheers up considerably at the idea of getting to hunt with Jekzith when they're both ready. "Really? Tha'd be - tha'd be great. Somethin' fer her t'look forward ter." She even laughs a little. "Naw, she dun share the details of her food with me, not at all. Tha' was the firs' thin' we tuned outta each other fer." There's a grateful smile for Paddy, but it turns a trifle sad after a few moments. "Sometimes I feel bad fer havin' such a good relationship with Tia. I mean, some people dun seem t'have tha' with their dragons, 'specially if they'd be willin' to spend a full day apart. Not tha' I'm sorry tha' I do, jus' - sorry tha' not everyone does, I s'pose. Guess it must be harder if'n the dragon's kinda like Imirath." « I /know/ you will, » Jekzith says confidently and drifts shimmering bubbles towards the young green, to dance with leaves and sunbeams. "You betcha," P'draig says with a grin. "He's kind of like a kid Palia's age, forever and ever, Jek is. Though he's not thick either, figures the darndest things out!" The Weyrlingmaster laughs then and nods. "Good. Something to look forward to helps, I think, when things get tougher." That sadness peaks his brows briefly then he just smiles again. "Ah Paige, but who's to say that that kind of matchup doesn't work for those riders and dragons? You and Tiasheth seem like, the best of friends. Jek and me we're like that too. Buddies. Partners and well, our thoughts are kind of ..." he laces his fingers together, "unless I make a point of making them more like this," and he draws fingers free to just rest atop each other. "V'delin and Imirath are probably more well-matched than you might think at first. Ven has his wits about him usually." Paige grins back, finally reaching over to take up her cider again and drink it properly. "Seems real smart t'me, sir. Tiasheth finds Jekzith t'be great t'talk ter. He always seems t'know jus' what t'say. And she says he makes purty bubbles." Tiasheth gives a mental beam as all the pretty things swirl together, even crafting a few, watery looking bubbles, herself. « Bubbles, » and she picks up on Paige's train of thought cheerily. « I blew some in the lake with a little practice. I showed Mikhuth; it was great fun! » The girl watches P'draig's hand motions, head tilting a little as she considers his words. "Maybe they're matched better'n they seem, " she allows, doubtful, "but he's so much nicer'n his dragon and seemed - surprised t'find tha' I had an easier time of it. S'jus' - a lil troublin', y'know? Shouldn' we all be happy with 'em?" Shouldn't everyone just be happy? "He's not lightning quick witty, like some, I guess. Compared to Inqueth, who was his clutchmate, he seemed slow sometimes, but, yeah, he's not." P'draig smiles fondly about his brown. "Azath was the big bubble-maker, he got into that with her a lot." The Weyrlingmaster's tone takes on a certain weight, regret mixed in with fond nostalgia. "Glad she's enjoying them though." Jekzith sends electric blue to color those watery bubbles, happy energy seeping through. « You did? That's great! I like to do that too. We should go do that sometime! » Paddy listens as Paige muses and his shoulders lift a little. "As far as I know, V'delin's not /un/happy with Imirath. And overall, some people like a challenge more than others. I think Ven would get bored with a very biddable dragon," he notes with just the faintest hint of humor. "I'll talk to him though, see how things are going." Paige's expression shifts a little as his tone gets weighty; regret and bubbles just don't mix together, do they? And perhaps it's a bit of Tiasheth's own confusion influencing her there, for she's quick to add, "Oh yes, likes 'em lots. S'very relaxin' when the day's nice, she says. And more fun with someone along. Wants t'try, er, 'bubble races.'" « I did! » the green echoes, jubilant. « They swished nicely. Yes, yes we should! Mine are not all that impressive, I'm afraid, but Paige seems to think that they'll get bigger as I get bigger. » Relief filters into the girl's visage again, hands relaxing around her glass more. "Guess tha's true, " she has to admit, smiling. "Thanks. Jus' - please dun tell him I said nothin'. I mean, 'twasn' the smoothes' conversation I ever had with anyone. Never told anybody he ever said anythin' t'tha' effect." "Mm, it's fun play for them," P'draig agrees, smile back as he tips a nod outwards towards where, presumably Jekzith sits hunkered in the Barracks and Tiasheth rests. « Great! » is the brown's enthusiastic response. « She's right. They'll get bigger. And you'll be able to blow longer and longer streams of them. » His thoughts are all happy blue-green touched with gold now, pleased to have found another bubble aficionado. P'draig nods. "I won't. Shouldn't have to, it's not just what happened in the pen after all, there's Zerith too, so." Paddy takes up his glass again and empties it in a few swallows. "Good stuff," he notes about the cider then grins over at Paige. "If you're feeling settled again, go on back, almost time for dinner if you haven't had any yet, or to catch some shut-eye." "Yeah, Nerine's pretty mad 'bout all tha', " Paige agrees, finishing off her cider, too. "Not tha' I can blame her fer bein' so." More at ease, she's considerably less tense and smiles a bit more easily, contemplating. "Spot o'dinner and a lil nap mightn' be such a bad idea, " she decides, standing with a little stretch. "Thank ya, sir, fer the cider and the talk and everythin'. We feel better 'nough now t'try settlin' fer the night, I think." « Marvelous! » Tiasheth agrees, sending another swirl of crisp leaves through. « And then one day, I can teach the others how. » Others, fellow weyrlings? No, not quite; there's a blurry wash that sharpens slightly into random images of little dragons at play with a much larger version of her in their midst, blowing bubbles for them. "I ... gathered that. Might need to sit her down a little too." P'draig rises as Paige does and turns to walk her back to the door. "You're welcome. I hope you get a good night's sleep. Come by if you need to talk some more too," he says encouragingly and pulls the door open. Jekzith's mind spills over with golden light at what Tiasheth blurrily shares. « Yes! They are so much fun to teach! » And his answering image is a little crisper, vivid from shared memory with his rider, his own little dragons, some more sharply drawn than others, flying in the sky, blowing bubbles in the water, other things, all accompanied by the warm taste of Ista's humid air. "All right then, Jekzith's looking forward to more bubble blowing and in a month or so, there'll be beast chasing. See you later, Paige." Paige's smile turns tentative as the weyrlingmaster mentions sitting Nerine down for a bit of a talk, too. "Might be - a good thin', " she says delicately, nodding. "Thanks. I will, if'n we need it." And as she slips out, Tiasheth's happiness at the imagery peaks briefly as her girl rejoins her in the barracks. « They must be, » she says wistfully, adding, « We all must be. » Her touch drifts away, leaving a lingering sense of earnest adoration for showing little dragons how to do all the wonderful things that they're learning. "Mm," P'draig just smiles again and keeps the door open, moving into it but not out into the Barracks as Paige slips out. He leans against the frame looking out across the still-busy Barracks a thoughtful look on his face. Jekzith meanwhile sends leaves drifting playfully through the baby dragons, leaves and bubbles and dappled sunlight. « They're wonderful! And you are. All of you. » Fondness is returned in answer before his mindtouch gently tiptoes away. |
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