Difference between revisions of "Logs:Awkward Reunions"

Nighthearth, High Reaches Weyr

With its entrance located between the kitchen and the living cavern, this tiny bubble cavern is cozy, always kept warm and is filled with comfortable chairs and a small round table. At the far end, there's a hearth, outlined in ruddy, aging bricks, where a pot of stew simmers in the evening hours. Generally quiet, the nighthearth is the haunt of insomniacs and those seeking quiet from the bustle of daily Weyr life.

It's the evening before Turnover, and the Weyr's been abuzz with people preparing for the celebration to occur the next evening. Devaki, preferring the solitude of somewhere quiet like the nighthearth to the bustle of the caverns, makes his way inside -- hair damp and clothing dusted in snow from the brief trip from the weyr they holders have made their own, and the main complex. He makes a beeline straight for the hearthside, holding out his hands to warm them, only belatedly glancing to see what's simmering on the top.

Something delicious, though no part of it decorates the table near to where Hana is sitting, a project spread out of her lap, and a small needle flashing in the light that fills the bubble cavern. At the entrance of another, the young woman looks up, then immediately gathers up her things. "You look chilled, Lord Devaki; would klah suit?" she asks, getting to her feet.

The flexing of his shoulders indicates startlement; Devaki only belatedly becoming aware of Hana's presence. Something wry in his expression, and a quick shake of his head accompanied by a smile as he turns to face her. "Don't get up on my account, Hana. And please -- there's no one about. Dev is fine. I won't tell if you won't." He looks more relaxed and at ease now, gaze flickering over her project. "Something for Turnover for yourself, I hope?"

Hana pauses halfway up, then settles back in, "Only if you'll warm yourself up," she pauses a moment, then offers a tiny grin and adds, "Dev. And not as such - at least, it wouldn't be ready by then. I haven't decided yet who to finish it up for." That said, a pointed look is given to the stew heating on the hearth.

"Yes, ma'am," Devaki answers with all indication that he's humoring her. He does, however, reach for the pot of klah and pours out two mugs, lifting one as he steps closer to where she's seated to offer it to her. A faint frown crosses his features at that, then: "I hope you have something organized, then. Issedi will be most put out if you don't. Besides, I'd like a dance," he adds, with a smile.

"I was more concerned with my lady's wardrobe than my own," Hana allows, moving her project - a shawl with embroidery along the edges - back onto her lap, before taking the mug, "My thanks - but yes, I did have one or two things for myself. As for dancing, I admit, I usually enjoy doing so, as long as my feet remain safe." A dubious glance is given towards the other feet in question, hers tucking up under the chair as a grin lurks.

Taking the seat adjacent to hers, Devaki wraps his fingers around his mug. His hair is still damp, but at least most of that dusting of snow appears to have melted off quickly enough. "She's looking forward to it," the exile allows, with a smile for the mention of his wife. "She's turned in early -- I think she's been a bit under the weather with the cold." But he doesn't look overly worried, and he leans forward, as he answers laughingly, "Guess you'll find out. Tomorrow. Maybe you'll teach me a thing or two."

Hana takes a small sip of her klah, then sets it on the nearby table. "If you stomp on my feet, I shall have to cry most pitifully." She pauses a moment, then adds with a hint of mischief, "And possibly see about hemming your pants a tad bit short." The faux warning given, the young woman picks up her shawl she's been embroiderying, and sets the needle flashing periodly again.

Madilla isn't wearing her apron, when she steps into the Nighthearth, but there's every suggestion - in her attire, in the way she's got her hair so carefully pinned up - that she's nonetheless just finishing the day's work, no matter the hour. Tiredly, evidently lost in her own thoughts, she doesn't pay the existing occupants any attention, as she crosses towards the hearth to pour herself a mug of klah from the pot.

There's a shudder that's not entirely feigned on Devaki's part. Women crying is never fun. "I see I'd best be on my guard, then. In more ways than one," as Hana adds that part about hemming his pants, earning her a grin. "Remind me never to get on your bad side," he's muttering. He's seated next to Hana close to the hearth, hands wrapped around a mug of klah, and as he speaks his glance casually tracks the new arrival, surprise and interest flickering across his features. "Maddy?" it's out before he catches it.

Hana's grin doesn't turn smug - not really. Just... slightly, even as she bites back amusement. "Never get on my bad side," she obediently reminds Devaki, before glancing up and spotting the company, ".. my lord." Because of said company. And then she's having to bite back amusement - or a comment, as she catches Dev's words and realizes it is Madilla. Fingers and the needle stills in that moment, before she lowers her head and starts to work on her bit of needlework. "Good evening, Ma'am."

The heavy jacket and deep hood drawn about Alida's body and features mostly obscure her from prying eyes as she strides deeper within the gutrock of the Weyr. The crisp, almost militaristic steps of strong, heavy boots - only them and a bare bit of heavily-pantsed lower leg showing out of the long coat - might easily lend enough folk to thinking a man lies swaddled within traditional High Reaches garb. Not a word spoken nor gesture offered, the guard moves towards the hearth-proper, a few errant flakes of snow shedding off her outerwear.

It's immediate, Madilla's reaction to the sound of her name: she freezes, her shoulders stiffening. Luckily, she recovers her composure before she begins pouring klah over her hands, but even so, it's several long seconds before she can turn around, expression unusually inscrutable, and seek out Devaki's face. "Hello, Devaki," she says, in a low, quiet tone. "It's been a long time. Hello, Hana." She'd probably just keep standing there, too, if it weren't for Alida's approach-- her sidestep away from the hearth is mostly reflexive.

There's a roll of Devaki's eyes ceiling-wards at Hana's comeback, but he's smiling all the same. His lean towards Hana straightens slightly, and interestingly, he pushes up from his chair: "Join us, won't you, Madilla?" with a gesture to a seat, "It has been -- too long. You look well." His gaze flickers past her briefly, to Alida, but there's no recognition, and his attention shifts back. "You two have already met?" a glance at Hana, as it to confirm, clearly interested.

Hana nods her head slightly, towards one of the empty chairs, "Would you care to join us?" she asks of Madilla, before nodding to Devaki, "We have similiar tastes in lighting when it comes to projects," she semi-explains to Devaki. Then, rather appros of nothing, tacks on, "The klah pot is rather fresh."

The unknown, utterly ensconed form of Alida cannot help but take note of Madilla's reactions to what looks like two rather harmless people - with bigger knots, though - the guard offering all three a simple bob of her deeply-hooded head and a grunted "Greetings..." in a gender-neutral tone as she passes by them all. moving right up to the fire. Nothing like near-complete anonymity in mixed company.

Madilla's hesitation is obviously, the reasons for it less so; nonetheless, after a moment, she takes a step forward. Her initial progress is foiled by Alida's remark, which has her turning to glance at the other woman once more. "Good evening," she says, cautiously, watching the hooded figure for a few moments. It is - and can only be - a short respite, however, and thus, she turns back to the two High Reaches Holdians, and nodding, moves to join them in one of the nearby seats. "You look well, too, Devaki. Or - is it Lord Devaki, now? I'm sorry. It's obvious marriage and fatherhood suit you. Hana and I," she turns to smile at the other woman, genuinely, "met a few nights ago."

There's a rising of brows from Devaki, clearly interested at Hana's explanation. His gaze tracks the hooded figure's path past them, giving a sharp nod of head in return, before he seats himself a moment after Madilla does. There's a quick smile for Madilla's self-correction: "You knew me before -- I think Devaki is fine." He seems at ease in contrast, although that furrow of brow kind of lingers as his gaze flickers back to the healer, as if he's noticed her discomfort but not the reason why. "I'd really love to introduce you to Vinien. Lily, too -- how is she?" A flickered glance to Hana now, looking pleased. "I'm glad you're getting to know people. Maddy was one of the few that was... genuinely welcoming for me and mine, when we were brought here."

Hana seems fair too pleased at the conversation going around her, as she gives the other seated woman a bit of an 'I told you so!' look, before nodding at Devaki, "That is good to hear," she leads off with before noticing the rising of brows. "I stole her favorite table to do some work and people watch," is semi-explained.

It's not until she's standing right before the night hearth's crackling fire that the figure in all that heavy Reaches garb starts to shed her outer layers, the hood of coat and the fasteners of it the last things lowered and undone - the stuff then lightly tossed to a nearby bench to dry a little - to finally reveal the somber and silent form of the woman within. Leaving the three to their conversation, 'lida simply hunches a little towards the flames, lifting her hands to it for some long moments as she warms her frame up. The next motions from the femme have her sitting down on the warm stone floor beside the hearth and unlacing her boots...removing them with soft grunts and placing them to her side while extending heavily-sock-clad feet closer to the blazing warmth. Given the faint white cast at nose tip and the pale pink upon her cheeks, she's been outside in the hellish weather for awhile. Warmth is all that's important right now, though the words of the three beyond her certainly do impinge on the guard's consciousness.

"Devaki, then." This time, Madilla smiles at the bearer of that name, though it's quickly hidden behind the mug raised to her lips. What she can't hide is the way she flushes at his mention of her 'genuine welcome', though her answer is an even-toned, "I try to make everyone feel welcome, that's all. I'm sure Lily would love to meet your son. She's nearly eight, now, and I think having a baby around is her greatest wish... though she'd prefer a girl, I'm afraid." It rather looks as though she has to force herself to turn her attention away from Devaki, turning it abruptly towards Hana. "What are you working on, Hana?"

"Her favorite table?" Devaki echoes, with a laugh. "You'll have to share the location, later. So I can steal it, too," he asides to Hana, with a wink. "Eight?" he echoes Madilla, in obvious surprise. "Hard to believe it's been that long. I... I think Issedi would love a girl, too," somewhat wryly. He falls silent as Madilla asks about Hana's project, sipping from his klah mug, his gaze wandering fairly obviously to Alida as she divests herself of her many layers.

Hana holds up her project, hand under the embroidered part; it's a filmy bit of a shawl, edging out the practical with the decorative, and only about half done. "Just a bit of busywork - and I can't do that, my lord - well, unless you are taking up sewing or embroidery like the two of us. After all, letting that lighting go for anything less would be a shame. And a girl to make clothes for would be lovely!" Hana doesn't coo. Honest. However, in an attempt to keep from going there, she glances towards the fire, a slightly concerned frown appearing at the sight of cold being stubborn about lingering.

Ahh, sweet warmth! The small stinging at cheeks, nosetip, and toes quickly subsides as her body warms, leaving Alida sighing in relief and some small pleasure. She's offering her left side to the fire by this point, and moving into a springy squat before the fire, letting it warm that one side of her in order so that she can better observe the main entrance/exit to the area. In that moment, Devaki's blue gaze is met by clear, deep greens...nothing of deference seen within, though the guard does offer him a bob of her plaited head. Hana's concern is also noted, the palest-blonde by the fire quickly shaking her head and lifting a forestalling hand up, as if to say 'I'm fine.'

"Eight," confirms Madilla, glancing back at Devaki, levelly. "It's been over four turns, Devaki. A lifetime." For those under the age of four, certainly. "Oh, Hana," she adds, turning back to the other woman: "That's beautiful. You do lovely work. I hope you all get your little girl; all three of you. Daughters are a wonderful blessing. Of course - so are sons." Sitting where she is, she can't see Alida from her present position, but with both of her companions glancing that way, she turns to echo it, expression twisting slightly in recognition. "Hello," she calls. "I believe I saw you in the Snowasis the other night."

Devaki's quick to set his klah down in order to hold up his hands in surrender, laughingly: "I'll leave the sewing to you ladies, if you don't mind. Even if it means conceding a good watch spot." His humor fades by measures however, at Madilla's reminder of how long he's been away. There's a visible grimace, and his shoulders shift uncomfortably. "For the best, all things considered," he says, though there's something apologetic there, too.

"I just want to borrow other people's," Hana avows, before blushing a bit at the complement, "It's just a bit of busy work for the moment." Dev gets a fond shake of the head and a grin, before she tucks away the needle, and gets to her feet. "If you all will excuse me - I should put some things out before it gets much later. Tomorrow is going to be a bit of a whirlwind, after all."

"You did..." Alida murmurs in easy alto tones to Madilla, the squatting woman bobbing her head once up and over to the Healer. There's no smile from the blonde, but her quiet gaze and relaxed features aren't held in a negative cast, either. Finally, she's warmed enough to lift smoothly upwards into a stand, and with that rise also comes a solid stretch that sets a few vertebrae to clicking. Next comes the klah simmering over the low fire, a small amount soon ladeled into a cup chosen from a nearby tray of them, then seasoned and sipped at with cautious relish while glancing into the flames.

Surprisingly, Madilla seems to agree with Devaki on this one, for when she glances back, she nods. "I think so," she agrees. "But you're here again, now - and you've done so well for yourself. I'm glad. Oh-" Hana's move to depart has her expression turn momentarily dismayed. "It was nice to see you again, Hana." Alida's refusal to engage leaves the healer perplexed, looking briefly as though she's waiting for something else; receiving nothing, she falters, and then glances back at Devaki. Her cheeks are pink again.

Devaki rises when Hana does, gaze flickering quickly over her garb. "Take my coat," he says, starting to shrug out of it. "It's coming down wickedly out there, and I wouldn't want you to be sick for tomorrow." He's taken note of the exchange between Madilla and Alida, but it's only when the healer glances at him that brows go up and another glance is directed briefly to the other woman. With a clearing of throat, he introduces himself to Alida: "Devaki, of High Reaches Hold."

Hana hesitates a moment, as she folds her project away, and pulls the compelete shawl up over her head. Well, after she does the second two things. "... I am used to cold weather, you know," she starts with, before shaking her head, ".. but as you wish. Be warned though - if you get ill instead, I'll ask the old aunties for remedies." Never mind she's making a public threat, or that a healer is already present, or that she is too amused to make any of her statements serious.

There a faint and mostly inward sigh from Alida as Devaki looks over at her, but at least she clips off to him in polite, if neutral tones, "Alida, Pars hold. Well met, Lord Devaki." Greens are flat and the woman's features quiet, perhaps a little tired in some subtle way, but she is turned fully towards him while speaking, a long breath then blown upon her cup of klah so that she can again carefully sip at it. Madilla's perplexment and embarrassment are given a small lift of one pale brow, but nothing more.

"I'll dose him up for you," says Madilla, teasingly. "I'm sure I can find some remedies that taste terrible." Her smile, aimed at Hana, is genuinely warm-- but with Devaki actually managing an introduction from the unknown woman, she turns again to look at her. "And I'm Madilla, High Reaches' Weyrhealer. You must be new to High Reaches-- do you want to join us?" She's not begging, and yet it's still obvious to anyone looking closely that she's not entirely comfortable with the prospect of being alone with Devaki.

"I'll take that risk. I'm more afraid of Issedi's wrath than any auntie's," which is a deliberately obvious lie on Devaki's part, given Issedi's gentle soul. There's a wry look given Madilla for her contribution, and once he's settled the coat around Hana's shoulders, he adds, "I'll be over in a little while, once I've warmed up." Alida seems to be off the hook for the time being, or possibly he's just momentarily distracted, since he doesn't immediately follow up. Instead, he continues to stand, waiting for Hana to depart before he retakes his seat.

There is a quick smile, and a general, "Have a good evening, and stay warm," and then Hana is making her way out - and presumably, out into the cold weather for a short tromp through the bowl.

"So I noticed from your knot..." Alida notes without much emotion in her tone when responding to Madilla, another smallish bob of head offered to the Weyrhealer. "Well-met...and I am." To the offer of joining the two - since Hana seems to be about to depart - the guard gives a hint of a lip twitch, her green gaze going guarded for a few moments. A flick of eyes over towards Devaki, then back to Madilla presages a rumbled alto, "You unfortunately have the wrong person, I think. I'm rather...a-social." And HOW, apparently. A small roll of one shoulder is followed by another blow on and sip from her cup, greens flicked down to them.

Madilla's mouth opens in surprise at Alida's pronouncement; she looks... not hurt, but certainly confused all over again. With an answer like that, it's no wonder she gives up entirely, turning back towards Devaki with a genuinely bewildered expression on her face. Of course, having done so, she doesn't seem to have any more idea of what to say to him-- and thus hurriedly turns her attention towards her klah.

Once he's settled back down, Devaki collects his mug of klah again. Madilla's discomfort is worth another thoughtful look, and an attempt at a reassuring smile. Musingly, "Pars Hold. We did a visit there about a Turn ago, though didn't get a chance to stay overly long. What news?" The Lord, apparently, doesn't take no, even an anti-social no, for an answer, his expectant gaze on Alida.

She was expecting this - or something, anyway - from Devaki, and with the crisp formality of someone reporting to a superior, Alida ticks off, "Status-quo since your last visit, Lord Devaki. The holder and his family are well, and - barring the occasional scuffle or minor turbulence - the hold itself is well." How very bland Alida's features are, how flat her gaze.

Madilla answers Devaki's smile with one of her own, though the wattage is definitely less; she's uncertain, somehow. Still, she can't help but look pleased when his more direct questioning actually pushes Alida into answering. It evidently gives her the confidence to try again, because a moment later she turns back towards the blonde woman, and wonders, "What brings you all the way from Pars in winter?"

"Good, good," Devaki murmurs, kind of thoughtfully, before he adds, "Xoami is settling in well, I take it?" he's casual in his mention of former exile, though the way he leans forward conveys a keen interest all the same. A glance at Madilla, and he, too, looks back towards Alida for the response.

A flick of eyes over at the Healer - greens boring into Madilla's own gaze for a moment - and then the stolid Alida clips off to her, "Holder Pars business, ma'am. Important enough to send to the Weyr immediately." Eat that, nosey. Maybe the Hold thought they'd be lucky enough to lose the taciturn guard in the snow forever. No such luck. And back to Devaki those cool greens flick once again, more klah sipped in order to allow the woman to frame her words decently before speaking. "Well enough, apparently. A few complaints now and again, but..." Shrug, sip.

Madilla's cheeks go pink; her brow furrows. A moment later, she drops her gaze, focusing upon her rapidly cooling klah in lieu of more attempts at communication. "I hope Xoami is doing well, also," she says, quietly.

A twitch of brows betrays Devaki's surprise at that answer of Alida's. "Indeed. I can't imagine anything that important that wouldn't go to one's Lord Holder, first, before the Weyr." A tap of fingers against his lips; it's hard to say whether that pause is expectant of an answer, however. "Are you heading back that way soon? Perhaps you can carry a message for me." Another glance to Madilla, and a brilliant smile, for that. "I'll tell him you asked; he'll be pleased. He always has an eye for a pretty lady, of course; he might try and convince you to go and join him."

A dour look is offered to Madilla for only a spare half-second, Alida then shrugging her shoulders to Devaki's next words. "I wasn't informed of any specifics, sir. The cargo was small, limited to one wagon." Me dumb grunt, kill interlopers only. "Yes. Another 5 days, and I'm to head back...unless really bad weather sets in, of course." Again, that extremely bland and dead look floods the guard's features, is buried behind her cup.

Madilla laughs, lowly, for Devaki's remark. "He'd fail, of course. High Reaches is our home. I couldn't take the ch-- Lilabet away, not even with his flattery. Besides, my craft needs me here." She's Weyrhealer now, after all! She can't seem to help but chance another glance in Alida's direction, as though she's still desperately attempting to understand the woman... attempting, and failing.

"Shame," Devaki murmurs with genuine sentiment and a rueful sort of smile for Madilla, briefly warm. "If I thought there was any way to tempt you to the Hold..." A slow nod for Alida, now, "I see. That's good to know. I'll pen something up the day after Turnover and make sure it gets to you." Draining the last of his klah, he makes to stand. "Speaking of, I'd best turn in. Vinien's an early riser, so we all are, too."

Alida is nothing but nearly-inscrutable, her features almost always of the 'poker' variety, her manner cool and distant just as often. Comes with the job, perhaps. Her eyes are all for her nearly-drained klah as the Healer and Holder exchange their pleasantries, however, the woman used to being a 'decoration' in the presence of her superiors. Again, comes with the job. As Devaki apparently both informs and releases hefr with his next words, the blonde gives a smart nod and a clipped, "It'll be delivered to him directly from my hand, sir. Have a good eve." And in a smooth motion, the bitch settles on her butt to done her boots once more, then rising again to stuff all her outer garb back on, layer by layer. "Good eve..." is lipped off to Madilla even as she pivots about, and finally the woman paces out from the smaller cavern, looking mildly relieved to be done with the work of socializing.

Madilla's expression falters, visibly, at Devaki's remark: her eyes go a little wide, and then, hurriedly, she shakes her head. "Good night," she says, sounding quietly relieved. She seems less relieved with Alida's departure-- her gaze follows the other woman out, quizzical and confused, and not altogether happy.

With a nod towards the departing guard by way of farewell, Devaki turns his gaze back to Madilla. "It's good to see you, Maddy," he says, softly. "I hope you'll... save me a dance, tomorrow night." Perhaps thankfully, he doesn't linger over long, already stepping away for the exit.