Difference between revisions of "Logs:The Name of the Game"

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.

Even if the toasty setting of the Nighthearth is enough to make some forget the change in the weather, K'zin's muddied boots are evidence enough of the on-again-off-again rainfall. It's probably the reason that the metal-and-more-metal dragonchess board and set that he's set up on a table between two of the more comfortable chairs arrived in a soft satchel and took some doing to get set up. Whatever dinner he had must have been had before the actual dinner commenced in the Living Cavern, giving him plenty of time to prep for the lesson. As is, now that dinner's drawing toward an end for most, he's leaning over the board, adjusting the facing of this bronze piece or that silverish one.

Face smudged, hair begining to frizz from it's braid, a sure sign that she was at least at one point today, caught out in the rain. Edyis smiles though, when she spots the warm chairs and the chessboard, stopping by the Klah pot and snagging up a drink for herself and a second in case her teacher wants something to warm up. "I appreciate you taking the time out for the lesson." The mugs are set down clear of the board but within reach, and she pulls the leather journal out and a sharpened char stick, Notating the page with the title 'Chess Notes' "The set looks beautiful, did it take long to finish?"

"Yeah," K'zin's expression at the gratitude is... well, awkward, probably because: "Sorry it took so long to get the time. Things-" The brunette hesitates, trying to find the right words, and then there's a shrug as fingers push through his shortish locks, "They've been busy. Anyway," Quickly quickly comes the change of topic as he reaches for the klah she's brought, lifting it in silent thanks, before looking to the board with furrowed brow. "It took a while. Did it during weyrlinghood, when I didn't have enough to do to keep me occupied. Remind me, do you already know the rules and the basics or starting from square one?"

There's nothing more than a warm smile for the apology, "Life happens. Frequently, I am told. Don't worry about it." The Journal is set over the arm of the chair, and she thumbs through a few pages. "I've been reading the books in the records room in my spare time. I think I have the gist of the pieces." She eyes her sketches against the pieces laid out, "The different shaped ones having different abilities correct and variations in the way they move?"

"That's the gist." K'zin agrees, though no doubt putting her reading into practice and the small corrections or additional information he can provide along the way will cement the understanding of the operation of the pieces on the game board. "Ladies first," He invites, shifting back into his seat, the mug of klah kept wrapped in both hands as he blows lightly on the liquid. "How are you finding life in the records?" He asks after a moment of letting his eyes drift across the board.

Edyis takes notes on the corrections, in a neat precise script, careful not to smudge. She settles into the seat more comfortably, setting the book down and lifting her own cup to her lips. "The frustration is worth the education at least." A fond smile, "Master Jeroman is an interesting man, and despite the work load, I still find time for other pursuits." She tilts her head to the side studying the board intently. "What about you? I assume duties, and party planning have occupied your time?"

"Uh." That's an awkward sound. K'zin looks a little like the herdbeast spotting the incoming dragon and not getting a move on quickly enough. He uses the board for distraction, touching the pieces, if not moving any from their square until it's his play. "Yeah. Something like that." The party. Oh, the party. The party that was planned and executed so well but that K'zin attended for barely half an hour before taking off to Faranth only knows where. "I've had a lot of things to take care of out of the Weyr. The more things settle, the more things don't. Always something that can be done somewhere, I guess." That seems to remind him, "Oh! Did you still want to make a trip to Esvay?"

She's not laughing at him per se, but the expression. She just can't help it. "If I didn't know any better I would think you were trapped in a room full of wild whers, really there is no need to be nervous." She tilts her head watching him and the board, though it's her turn to look anxious when he mentions Esvay. "Telavi was kind enough to fly me there, and for the moment. It would be best if I haven't returned just yet." She bites at her lower lip waiting to move her piece in turn. "Besides with the dragonhealing lessons from Leova, it's going to be hard to find time to make it that way again."

"It's just-- sort of a touchy topic. That's all." K'zin's baritone might sound a touch defensive as his fingers fiddle with the pieces. But soon enough he's distracted, his eyes coming up to land on Edyis' face at the mention of the younger of the two greenriders. "Oh." Beat. "Oh. That was-- that's good." Yep. "Good." He repeats the second to himself, awkward again. "Dragonhealing." Even that isn't safe, his cheeks go from dusky to rosy in no time and he's staring down one of the pieces like it's trying to give him a lifeline. It's possible that rumor of Rasavyth's first flight win to none other than Leova's Vrianth about a month or so back might have reached the record room, but certainly Snowasis and elsewhere.

The curious arch of her eyebrows, and the sudden interest in her mug prevents her from speaking for a few moments. Edyis probably hasn't heard of Rasavyth's win, or at least her mentor hasn't spoken of it. "I don't know about good, but it was kind of Telavi." She assents, before she studies the board again, "I think you mentioned you draw? Have you undertaken any new projects lately?" She asks, watching the board again calmly, perhaps trying to throw him a lifeline.

Drawing. One would really think that would be safe. Only K'zin's cheeks darken to a yet more impressive shade of red. "Telavi is a kind person." He says matter of factly because somehow Telavi ended up being the easier choice of topic. The bronzerider clears his throat and it takes him a moment to come up with something that is an appropriate answer. "I've been helping Tolman with his ears, lately. Drawing ears, I mean." Which doesn't directly answer about K'zin's projects, but it's something related to drawing anyway.

Dark eyes focus intently on K'zin, or rather the incredible shade of red he seems to be turning. In her turn she moves another piece, before mulling over the next words. "Ears, I suppose those can be challenging in themselves." She tilts her head again, thoughtfully. "You know if you're uncomfortable teaching me, I can ask someone else, I get the feeling that you are very uncomfortable right now." Judging from the red in his cheeks.

"Do you remember how, that first time we met, you told me I didn't need to censor myself? And then I didn't, and then--" Then she choked on her wine. K'zin doesn't say that part aloud, it's not needed. "You're just on a streak of bringing up topics that require some censoring." The man's fingers shift another piece on the board, before attempting a light tone, "So far, we've sort of talked and not talked about my dead father, my act of stupid rebellion, my ex-not-girlfriend, the woman who helped me get over my fear of flying and my dragon made me fuck, and my drawings which aren't appropriate for anyone your age." For all that there's only a few turns separating them. "The dragon chess is fine. It's just that the rest doesn't make for comfortable conversation with someone I barely know." He spreads his hands and makes a helpless gesture to the air. The blush continues, but he manages to say all of that without it getting worse.

Oh. The crackle of the fire in the hearth the only sound heard for several minutes, before she manages to say anything. "I'm sorry. I had no idea." She manages, finally, though there's not really anything to say beyond that. She sips from the cup again, knuckles slightly white to the observers. "I kind of know how you feel. We brushed over - well somewhat similar circumstances. Although, I admit my life is fairly devoid of the sexual element." She exhales, finally moving again in her turn. "So maybe we can try for something that is safe conversation for strangers or at least moderate acquaintances?"

"It's fine." If it's a lie, it's a convincing one. It even sounds a little off-handed. "I was just explaining." In brief. K'zin's shoulders rise and fall. "Though, really? I rather doubt you know how I feel. Me giving you that run-down doesn't really begin to delve into the iceberg that is the uncomfortable situations in my life, of late." Another shrug, and he looks to the chess board. "You know, I don't think I'm going to be good company tonight." Now that all of that is on the forefront of his mind. He might not be a teenager anymore, but maybe shaking off the inclination for that sort of angst is more complicated than just having a turnday pass. "Mind if we do this another time?" He nods to the board.

The young woman is quiet, "Not at all. I appreciate you taking the time out to do so." Whatever her thoughts, or responses she keeps them to herself. The notes wrapped up, and there's a soft sigh, before she breaks into a smile, if it isn't genuine it's impossible to tell. "Happy Belated Turnday." Gathering her mug and things and setting back off in the direction of the records room.

Alas, even the happy turnday wish is received awkwardly: with a wince, not a smile, but K'zin is ducking his head down and starting to collect the pieces into their bag for transport back up to his weyr. From him? There's not another word; maybe it's safer that way.