Difference between revisions of "Logs:Small Steps"

Storerooms, High Reaches Weyr

Massive in scale, the Weyr's main storage passage connects to the kitchen on one end and the outbound tunnel on the other. Large enough to admit a wagon laden with goods, the tunnel easily permits the unloading and organization of supplies into the various storerooms.

Branching off from this corridor are multiple caverns, the nearer two being 'open' stores from which residents can readily help themselves, while the deeper stores are kept locked up tight with a posted sign and inventory hung on a hook outside of each. An alcove next to the public stores serves as a catch-all area for reshelving items whose destination is uncertain; two sets of stone shelving and several bins hold these items neatly until a stores assistant has a moment to deal with them.

Though the storage caverns vary in size, shape, and the smoothness of their walls, all belong to the same system: whitewashed walls, swept floors, and most importantly, neatly labeled and inventoried shelves providing ample space to stow all the supplies a busy Weyr needs. Though there's no direct internal lighting, a glowbasket may be brought in from the niche outside each cavern, the better to ward off pests and the inky dark of deep caves.

The tap of wood against stone echoes through the store rooms, which today seem to be surprisingly devoid of people given the wonderful summer afternoon. The sound continues, paired with soft sounds, as though someone were struggling somewhere amongst the shelves. Perched atop a chair and reaching for a box atop the shelves, one small scribe is standing on tiptoe both hands on either side of a small crate. "Almost got it"

The quiet must, surely, be the reason Rhey has chosen to lurk down here in the storerooms; nice weather makes his usual outdoor haunts less palatable, and Rosvelth is too busy crowing over a recent green flight victory to be tempted out-weyr. Even so, the brownrider, turning a corner on silent feet, seems disgruntled by the presence of someone else; another might reach up to assist (within the limitations of height, of course), but Rhey? Rhey does not. He freezes.

It's fortunate that Edyis has had years to adapt to whatever height limitations she has, and with what can only be described as a giggle, steps down off the chair with her prize, only to spot a lurking brown-rider. "What a pleasant coincidence, I came down to find new pen tips, and happen to run into the world's most elusive brown rider. How have you been Rhey?" She asks cradling the box in one arm while poking at the contents.

Oh. He's been spotted. Rhey takes an involuntary half-step back, as though this might be enough to send him into the shadows and out of sight; clearly, it doesn't work, not even close. His words, then, come on the back of a sigh: "I'm not elusive. He always knows where I am." Which is not, granted, much use to Edyis. "I'm fine." It's clipped.

The arch of that eye brow that accompanies those dark eyes settling on him more squarely, "Social interaction with actual people still isn't your strong suit is it? " The box is snapped shut and tucked under one arm. "Funny thing running into you here like this though, I was just thinking about you and Rosvelth."

Rh'mis doesn't answer that question. On one hand, he probably doesn't need to; on the other, that would involve social interaction, wouldn't it? That may well be on the same hand, come to think of it. He blinks, exaggeratedly, when Edyis mentions she's been thinking about them. "Why?" It's blunt; dubious.

"Mm, would you like the Nabolese we should stick together speech? Or would you prefer the truth?" her mouth twisting in a smile, "Of course if you aren't interested I'd understand."

Rh'mis' eyes close, squeezing tightly shut. It takes him a couple of breaths before he can come up with any words; even then, he does so with his arms wrapped squarely around himself. "What do you want, Edyis?" He's trying, honestly he is!

"Have you ever been to Monaco?" She asks, analyzing the reaction. "I need help with something, and it's a task that requires discretion. Not to mention a specific skill set."

It's Rhey's habit to keep his expression impassive - reactions are bad. This, however, is a surprise; he hesitates, his mouth opening ever so slightly, as, slowly, he nods. "You'd better tell me more," he says.

She leans against the shelf, "Nothing too exciting really, I spent some time in Monaco a few months back, and while I had access to the weyr records, I didn't get much on the holds. I need someone who can slip away unnoticed for an afternoon maybe once a month, and who can blend in with a crowd. I just need to get a quick look at the records in a few of the holds."

Silently, Rhey allows his hands to slide behind his back. The change in his posture is minute, and measured: he straightens, standing at his full height for perhaps the first time in... well, a very long time. "I could do that," he says, low-voiced.

"You certainly could, uniquely suited to the task in fact," smoothing her braid with a smile. "The better question would be will you?"

Rh'mis is not, as must now be plainly obvious, very good at answering questions. His gaze turns away from Edyis, focused instead upon a distant wall, and the shelves in front of it. "Why did you ask me?" he wonders, without glancing back.

She chuckles at the question, "Maybe it has something to do with your charming personable nature?" Tapping the tip of her boot against stone, "You know the information business, and know how to move around without attracting attention. If memory serves you had your own information ring in Nabol. Why not you? Should I be asking someone else?"

"Hah," says Rhey, which is perhaps as close as he gets to actual laughter. His fingers wind together, tucked so carefully behind his back, chin rising as he adds, "No, you shouldn't be asking someone else. I'm just curious. Fine; I'll do it."

"Good, first trip next week then?" standing up straight, untucking the box, "Or whenever you feel like a little bit of an adventure. I've got to get these pen nibs back to the records room. By the way, you look better when you stand up straight." Moving to leave unless he's got any further burning questions.

Rh'mis opens his mouth to confirm the first, and then... stops. He has no more burning questions, clearly, but that comment is certainly the reason he slumps again so quickly, stepping further back into the shadows as if, this time, to make absolutely sure he disappears. Small steps, Edyis. Small steps.