Logs:Introducing Alais
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| RL Date: 2 June, 2014 |
| Who: Alais, Madilla |
| Involves: High Reaches Weyr |
| Type: Log |
| What: Madilla welcomes new healer Alais to the Weyr. |
| Where: Greenhouse, High Reaches Weyr |
| When: Day 17, Month 12, Turn 34 (Interval 10) |
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| Greenhouse, High Reaches Weyr A rustic and unadorned vestibule leads in from hewn spiral steps to a refitted ledge, enclosed by limestone pillars. Sturdy wooden framework captures elongated glass panes, tilted to absorb the most light during the day. The wash of heat from within, lush and humid, persists even into the dead of winter; the air is heady with the scent of fresh-turned soil and various flora. Long, deep troughs of soil line the inner stone wall, planted with an assortment of broad, leafy tropicals - practical and decorative alike. Fruit and vegetable baskets hang from rafters, optimizing space, tempting in reach with a perpetually ripening harvest. A series of stone shelving is devoted to flourishing, aromatic herbs and new green shoots; even the softest touch releases a burst of savory scent from tender leaves. Amidst the greenery, a handful of wooden benches have been scattered, making this a temptingly warm and secluded spot to sit. Shuttered vents serve to regulate humidity and heat given off from a small hot spring recessed into an alcove at the back; a secondary pool with cooler waters siphons off to provide a constant, fresh supply for irrigation. A small potting station nearby is cluttered with watering cans and gardening tools of various uses, with a wooden bin for composting materials tucked underneath. It's not so very cold at the High Reaches, this afternoon, but that doesn't mean the consistent warmth of the Greenhouse isn't welcome. Madilla, certainly, is making the most of it: her boots have been abandoned near the entrance, leaving the Weyrhealer to meander barefooted down the rows of medicinal herbs. She hums under her breath as she wanders, pausing every so often to inspect one of the plants, or to clip off some leaves to add to the collection in the basket she's slung over one arm. Less comfortable in her surroundings, Alais has entered the greenhouse with that wide-eyed look of one slightly lost in new surroundings. Nevertheless, the sight of abundant greenry draws a smile, and she's soon making her own way through the rows of plants, making a mental map of how things are laid out and what herbs can be found where. As her path inevitably brings her closer to Madilla, she nods politely and will throw out a soft (so as not to disturb the peaceful atmosphere) "Good afternoon." Despite her humming, and despite her careful progression, Madilla's not so lost in her work (if this really counts as work!) that she's not quickly aware of Alais' presence - and thus unsurprised by her approach. "Afternoon," she agrees, turning a warm smile down towards the other woman. "It's lovely in here, isn't it? Not quite the same as a real garden, but... warmer, I suppose, than it would be elsewhere." "It's wonderful," Alais agrees readily, lightly running her fingers over some soft frilly-frond of a nearby plant. "And reassuringly familiar, in content if not in form." Her shawl, previous tight around her shoulders, she now shrugs off and drapes over an arm. Madilla's knot has caught her eye and she smiles, gesturing at it with a slender hand. "I expect we'll be getting to know each other. I'm Alais, newly arrived healer." "I thought you might be," answers Madilla, smile brightening further (if that's even possible). "I'm Madilla; you'll be reporting to me. I was going to hunt you down to introduce myself, but here you are. You're settling in, I hope? The Headwoman and her staff have set you up with everything you need?" Her green-eyed gaze slides from the other healer and back towards the plants, and then to the basket she's carrying. "More than fifteen turns, and I still miss the Hall's gardens, but... what can you do? There are other advantages." Alais nods with pleasure, both in recognition of the other healer's name and in the reassurance of being readily recognized. "I wondered. I had intended to seek you out myself, but thought to visit here when the headwoman mentioned it. They've been very accomodating," she adds, in answer to the question posed. Her own gaze drifts back towards the way she came, not so much at the vestibule and stairs but at what lies beyond, the weyr as a whole - yes, surely there must be advantages. "I look forward to learning about them," she says, diplomatically and optimistically at once. "I haven't spent much time in Weyrs." Pause. "Or any, really. It's fascinating and intimidating at once." Madilla adjusts the wool shawl draped over her own shoulders, paying no attention to the fact that there's soil upon her fingertips. She returns her attention to Alais as she does so, studying the younger woman without any suggestion of anything more than friendly interest. "It's an adjustment," she says, simply. "In some ways. People are still people, though, wherever they are. The work is not so very different, you'll find, at least. Our facilities are less extensive, but still solid. And if you need anything..." Her smile is clearly intended to be encouraging. "We're pleased to have you with us." The encouragement is well appreciated, and Alais returns it with a grateful smile. "I'm pleased to be here," she says, and it seems genuine - despite whatever reservations she holds about her new home. "And very pleased to have met you, Madilla." She absently smooths a hand over her hair - checking the effect of the humidity, and casts another glance at the stairs leading back down. While the warmth of the greenhouse and the familiarity of the plants provide a tempting refuge, there remains a great big old weyr out there to be explored. "Where else should I seek out, would you say? I thought I ought to familiarize myself while I'm at my leisure, before getting immersed in real life." For that's what healing is, obviously. Madilla's, "Good," is firm, and clearly pleased, as much for Alais' answer as for her reference to 'real life,' which is surely encouraging. She adjusts her basket, head tipping to the side thoughtfully as she considers. "The living caverns, obviously," she says, after a moment. "The Snowasis, which is a bar, but a well-situated one. We've our lounge here in the complex, of course, but there's also a common room for residents in general, which can be a good place to get to know people. We'll give you the proper tour of all the infirmary facilities once you start work. Honestly, though... take a walk. Explore. People are friendly; they'll set you right if you get lost. Which," Madilla grins, "I did a lot, when I first arrived, so don't worry." Alais laughs, soft but warm. "Good, then the getting lost is normal, is it?" The advice given is accepted with a nod, and an attentiveness that implies a mental checklist being made at each suggestion off of Madilla's lips. All said, and her shawl gathered up to prepare herself for the comparative cool outside the greenhouse's comfort, she makes her goodbyes. "Thank you, Madilla. I look forward to working with you." "Completely normal," Madilla promises, with a laugh of her own. She inclines her head forward, just once, and adds, "And I you. Welcome to High Reaches, Alais. I'll see you soon, I'm sure. Enjoy yourself." She? She has more herbs to pick; more warmth to enjoy. And Alais goes. |
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