Difference between revisions of "Logs:Playing "guard""

If there's one thing which can be said of the exiles young harper, it's that she hasn't caused nearly the amount of trouble as some of the others have. At least not yet. Instead, once she sequestered herself in here save for sleep or food or other necessities, the past few days have seen her quite silent. Scribbling things down on hide, copying things from her own books. And, occasionally casting a longing glance at the vast stores of information here. Yet... loathe to request help so far in looking for it. She doesnt' even talk to her 'guard' as the exiles have been calling them, just gives meaningful glances when it's time to go.

Lujayn isn't shy about her entrance, a tray of klah and rolls in hand for this early-hour visit. It takes barely a minute for her to locate the former exile, only slightly familiar, and to place the tray at one end of the table scattered with papers. She smiles at the guard briefly, gaze meaningful. "If you need a break.." The goldrider hints, inviting herself to sit across the way from Emmeline. "I thought you might need something." The tray, help, conversation..? Who knows, but she's here. "I'm Lujayn." Delicately taking a still-warm roll and splitting it in half, nonchalant.

Another person, no matter what time of day, is a scarcity. So Lujayn's entrance is first greeted with a startled drop of the quill; and, quickly followed by a muffled curse as she scrapes her chair back to retrieve the errant item. "I... oh, yes. Lujayn. I remmeber you, from the first meeting." A fact that garners the goldrider a bit more of a warm nod and smile then the scribe received, certainly. "I'm Emmeline. Depending who you ask today, I'm either the island's harper... fake, of course, if you say it o a /real/ harper. Or, a traitor if you ask some of the exiles. And still others will tell you I'm the know-it-all little harper girl. Have a preference for which one you'd like to talk to? I seem to have a problem juggling all three roles these days." Even if it was meant to be snippy, the words just come out sounding a bit lost and sad really. And she knows it. So, clearing her throat, she tries another track. "What's the stuff in your cup? I don't think we've been allowed to try that yet."

"Emmeline the harper girl, the intelligent one who doesn't lose her head over every little thing. And I wouldn't call you fake." Lujayn decides, taking one steaming mug and sliding the other one in the girl's direction. "Once everything settles down, I wouldn't be surprised if you could be an apprentice at Harper Hall." She smiles reassuringly. "It's klah. Something to keep you going if you start to feel tired. Not too rich, I hope." She adds after a pause, careful not to drip any on the table as she dips her roll in it. "So, find anything interesting yet? I know there's a lot to go through here." Casting gray eyes around at the aisles of records, noting that the guard has taken the opportunity to find himself somewhere else.

Emmeline is able to let go of a deep breath, with tension rolling off of her shoulders at Lujayn's initial assessment. "That's real nice of you, ma'am." Not even those who call themselves her friends have been that charitable, perhaps evident at just how grateful the girl seems with such a simple statement. "I haven't even looked at all of this, yet. I've just been copying notes for our elders, so that I'm no longer needed." she explains, wrapping her hands around the cup full of heavenly smelling liquid and taking a first tentative sip. Overly wide eyes greet the taste, but she's careful to drink any of it very very slowly. "There are a few things I want to look for. Some of it's just... information. About how things work here. And about the dragons. Things I can break down so that they're understandable for all of us."

Lujayn sits back to listen, finishing off a roll more quickly than Emmeline can take a few sips of klah. It's breakfast for her, at least. "These aren't as sweet, if you're hungry." Nodding to the tray, she grins despite the girl's words. "Like it? And why wouldn't you be needed? That day, you even knew the greetings to High Reaches. I think it caught us off guard." The goldrider isn't above poking fun at herself, for sure. "I can help track down specific things - or answer questions." Lu offers, turning this over in her mind. "I keep forgetting this is brand new to everyone. The best way to learn about dragons and just the Weyr itself is to be out and about. Don't suppose anyone's too thrilled about that." Exiles or weyrfolk or both? "Otherwise, asking's a good course. Most of these are leadership records, Threadfall maps, clutch counts, stores records. We grow up learning about the Weyr. There /should/ be more practical information. Sadly, no how-to guides." She half-smiles, chuckling softly.

"I wouldn't want to throw it up on you." Emmeline admits, a bit sheepish despite the way she glances at the rolls. "Two unfamiliar things in a row may not settle very well." Ahem. "This stuff is... it's great! Will it be a problem for me to go get it in the mornings instead of the tea they've been serving?" Because that's what everyone needs. The harper hopped up on caffeine. "I... I guess that's a good question. But I can assure you I don't feel needed. Especially not when my own friends won't say a word in my defense." But seeing as she's had days to turn this all over in her mind, she's able to smirk with dry humor about the situation. "You should understand... they don't care right now about proper greetings, or how things work. They're sick, and sad, and bitter. We've all lost family and friends. And, people think it's because of the dragons. Or that we were poisoned. And they don't trust any of you. Not one single person." That, of course, makes her sigh. "Maybe... maybe I should just start with what people think about the exiles. Maybe I can use that, somehow."

@emit It's hard for Lujayn to keep her pensive thoughts from reaching her expression upon hearing Emmeline's account of the exiles. "Once they're able to move around, maybe they'll be more confident. It shouldn't be too much longer if everyone keeps their temper. Weyrfolk included." She sets her mug down, "Orders were to evacuate everyone before the storm hit- some riders grumble about ingratitude, others don't want to take the time to teach kids' stuff to a bunch of older folks. But most of us are trying very hard to work with you. Half the time we just don't know how to help. Myself included." Choosing her words more carefully, speaking more slowly. "I'm here to help, at least. Anything you need." She brightens as the conversations drifts back to lighter topics. "Yeah, klah's usually over the fire all day in the living cavern, especially in the winter. I'd like to take groups up there so they can get used to serving themselves - that's what's usually done, go when you're hungry and sit around as long as you like."

"We're all caught up in the past, I think. We feel that we're owed rescue, and recompense. But just as it wasn't us that have been accused of any crime, none of you were the ones who committed the crims against our ancestors either. It's a... well, a difficult situation all around." Listening carefully, and trying to think quickly, Emme sits there mulling over the options. "I think... that right now, the best thing to do would be to share information openly with the group. Tell us what's happening, where we stand, and when we can go... if that's what we choose." Of course, knowing she can wander off to get klah any time of day makes /her/ day a bit brighter. Since this drink is now her new obsession. Yum. "We used to eat communally. And then we would all be served by whomever was in charge that day, so that the food could be rationed appropriately. It will be a change for us to serve ourselves and not be limited by quantity. So it may be confusing for some."

"Most of that isn't anyone's individual call," Lujayn warns gently, "The decisions about when and where you can go, if you stay here or - if you choose - be brought back to the island." That last possibility has her shaking her head. "I don't imagine many people would want that? What I mean is, there are meetings and talks and all kinds of things that go into these decisions. Rielsath would have had you all here that first day if she got her way," The rider can't help smiling at the thought of her dragon's insistence. "Maybe a liaison to the meetings could be worked out, so everyone can feel included. No secrets." Even that feels like a stretch. "It'll have to be brought up and talked about. No hasty decisions around here, that's for sure." Says one of the more impatient weyrfolk, quick to act as opportunity presents itself. "I'll be in the barracks later today to do just that, I think. Answering questions, making sure people get where they need to go. Didn't take them long to figure out that I have the patience for that kind of thing." She mulls over her next question, phrasing it as non-offensively as possible. "What do I call your lot? You're sure not convicts or exiles, I don't like calling you that. But it doesn't feel like you're part of High Reaches. Not Weyrfolk, cotholders, or crafters." Looking to Emmeline for a diplomatic reply, she stares into her mug of klah. "Exile's got such a stigma to it. Keeps everyone apart from the rest."

"You'd be surprised. There really are people who want to go back there. Because it's all we've ever known. The familiar is comfort." Emme replies, her brow furrowing as she takes in the information on how all of those decisions are made. "Yes, a liason. One of our group. That might help." she agrees, sounding hopeful. "It will take patience, I can almost promise you that. They're not even being patient with someone who is supposed to be one of their own. You might want to be prepared for bitter questions. And accustions." she admits quietly, looking uncomfortable with having to say that. "Might want to skip the part were you spoke with me too." she mutters, taking another long sip of the warm and stimulative drink. She's thinking on that last question, see. And it takes a moment, but finally... "Islanders." she suggests. "We've lived on Islands, so it seems fitting. And yet, doesn't carry the same connotation as exiles."

Lujayn nods every couple of seconds, soaking up the warnings as well as the information. "Even if you do go back, it won't be the same now that Pern knows you're there." She doesn't say more; the truth of the statement is a given. "Is it really that bad? Your standing with them? I'd think all this work you're doing, they should be grateful." She peers across the table at what few papers are arranged there, the scrawled notes and helpful hints. "I'll take it to them if you want. Coming from me instead of you, the reaction could be different. From dragonrider to.. Islanders it is." She says with finality, smiling. The rolls are cooler, klah no longer steaming. "Feel up for stretching your legs? I don't mind playing escort if you're curious about seeing other places."

"I guess it wouldn't be the same, would it. Some may think it would be better, now that we might have a means of trade or a link to survival out here." Emme reasons, then perhaps looking sheepish again. "Probably not as bad as I paint it to be. It just feels that way. You'll note that you've been my only visitor." she points out, but shakes her head anyway. "This information is all based on the books handed down to me by my ancestress. They'd see it as a betrayal if I'd been sharing it with you. Better, for now, if it came from me. And then later... when I learn more of how the weyr and dragonriding works, that might be better coming from you." She perks up at the idea of stretching her legs though, and willingly stands up to stretch. "That, I think, would be great. I've not seen much except the baths and... here."

Lujayn's eyebrows raise in slight surprise. "I can fix that. You'll just have to be the visitor instead of waiting for people to come to you." It seems decided, then, that a change of scenery is greatly called for. "Right. I'll keep to the weyr stuff for now." She promises, collecting the tray and pushing back her chair to join Emmeline. "The weather's not great for being out and about if you haven't got a jacket," Indeed, the goldrider's still in her winter furs, draping a scarf over one arm and holding gloves under the tray in a balancing act. "Maybe take this back to the living caverns and a little look into the stores? Winters here tend to linger. You'll need warm clothes. Ones you like, not just the things sent out to you." A little jerk of the chin towards the exit, and she's headed out.

Movement to the Stores

Having returned the tray and uneaten food to the kitchens, Lujayn quickly doubles back to the main storage room. Doors lead in nearly every direction, some locked and others open, illuminated better as she holds up the glow to give her companion a better look around. It's quiet at this time, luckily, no one to question the rider and islander or to interrupt their outing. Giving Emmeline a few minutes to get her bearings, the rider stands back to let the girl choose which path to take. "We can go to the public stores; I don't have keys at the moment for anything else - and the Headwoman likely wouldn't appreciate us rifling through every single room, either." She offers, waving the glow towards the nearest two doors. "A lot of it is clothes, some textiles, a bit of simple furniture."

Emmeline certainly needs a moment to both catch her breath at the size of the storage rooms /and/ get her mind around how much is in here. "I... just, wow. Our storage was so small. And we had to work so hard for the little we could put in there." Her voice is hushed and wistful, as if she's afraid it will echo back too loudly. "Uhm... clothing. I've been waiting till everyone else picked through what was brought." As evidenced by the ill-fitting but warm (for her) clothing she has on. "This s great." And she does, indeed, step to the nearest doors to peer inside and then find the one that has clothing inside it.

Lujayn follows dutifully with her glow, lighting the dark and slightly musty room. There are shelves, boxes and bins, very carefully labelled and meticulously organized. "Go for it," The rider encourages her friend. "I don't need anything myself. D'you need gloves? We can't keep you guys cooped up inside forever." Searching for a box that might have winter clothing in it, used but definitely wearable, she paces the shelves with eagerness to help. "Or scarves? I haven't kept great track of what they've had delivered to you." Lu remarks apologetically. "You've got shoes at least, I remember that being a top priority. Socks?" And she's off in another direction.

"I haven't had much reason to go outside yet, so gloves and a scarf. Yes, definitely." Emme agrees, seeming in awe of the organized boxes. Ones that she runs her fingers across in order, up and down the rows until she finds things she wants. Pants. Shirts. Smallclothes have been taken care of already fortunately. "Socks would be good too." she agrees, looking down at her feet a moment. Shoes on, yeah. But socks? "What kind of fabrics do you have here? I don't know what this is that I have on now, but it's itchy. Might be because our skin is sensitive or something. But, I'd prefer not to always be scratching myself." It could be embarassing depending on where that itch is, afterall.

Watching as the pile grows steadily, Lujayn keeps an eye to make sure the stores aren't depleted upon their departure. But Emme's pickings appear reasonable and she doesn't comment. After all, the islanders have practically nothing even now. "That'd be wool, woven from animal hair. It's the warmest fabric you can get despite the scratching.. like a sweater, you probably want a shirt under it to keep that from happening. A lighter garment." She holds up a woolly sweater in faded sky blue and a cream shirt of smoother textile to go under it, just for example. There's going to need to be a lot of refolding here after the Junior's done rifling through boxes. "D'you know what'll fit? I can always take stuff back if it doesn't. Or there might be a belt. Maybe. Those usually don't make it here, just used up until they break and get sent to the scrap pile, the buckles to be put into new garments." She muses.

Emmeline is nothing if not practical. Everything she sets aside appears to be only the necessities and none of the frills. No skirts, no dresses, no adornments of any kind. Just solod colors and reasonable fabrics. And, she does begin to fold items when she's decided against them. "I hadn't thought of that. Should have, too, considering how we have to layer up in the winter a lot." With what they had, anyway. She's also quick about it, and settles on a couple pairs of pants and a few shirts with shirt-to-go-under it pairs. "This will do perfectly I think. I imagine we're all going to grow out of whatever we get now anyway. The healers said we would gain weight."

"Looks good," Lujayn approves, silently adding a woolen scarf to the pile and a pair of lightweight gloves. She folds a couple of discarded pieces back into boxes, taking a glance at the rows of shoes - most of them not winter-ready, others solid workboots that are a bit impractical for the islanders' current living situation. "Anything else? I can't imagine you have a lot of space in the barracks, but we can order a smaller table to be brought down, or some extra chairs. Blankets." Eyes roving the shelves a last time, she meanders to a shelf of books and peels out a relatively thin tome with once-colorful pictures over the front. "These are children's stories," She explains, paging through it. "Of Pern, that is. Stories about dragon hatchings or clever Crafters who invented things, adventure stories about Thread, simple things - firelizards, holders, everyday life. If you think it would be of help." Not necessarily an essential item, but the conversation back in the records room has Lu's mind turning. "An introduction that's not so scary."

"Oh, no. There's still not enough room for anything like that." Emme admits, thinking of the still-crowded barracks despite all of the people who had died of late. "I've got everything I need here, thank you so much." The emphasis on the words seem to convey gratitude for more then just the clothing or escort to the sotrage rooms, but for the sake of both their comfort she leaves the rest unsaid. "That will help with the children, too. Their minds are still young enough to be accepting of the new experience. Assuming their parents allow it to be taught and read to them. And, I can write down important points from it for the others. Maybe try to pass the books along for everyone to read, without being pushy." The colorful pictures already have /her/ entranced anyway, bringing a bit of a bemused smile to her lips.

Lujayn beams. "There are definitely more of them; starting slow sounds like the best idea. You'd get more culture out of these than the records room, not that facts aren't useful." One last look around and it seems they're done. "Got everything, then? I hope your guard isn't wandering around confused. I do need to see you off to wherever it is you'd like to return to. I'll just think of it more as a pleasant walk than an escort service." She winks, clearly enjoying Emme's company far more than following a duty to 'guard' the islanders at every moment outside of their barracks. "Scarf might come in handy on the way back if we need to cross the bowl." Making hasty but legible notes on the inventory sheets to leave record of the few items they've collected today, Lu hangs the ledger back up with a satisfied expression. Returning the gratitude without so much as a moment's hesitation, she makes a small bow. "Pleasure taking you out today, truly."

"I don't know, it'd be find of funny to see the guard wandering around confused." Emme admits, a bit of her playful nature returning when she mentions the original escort. "Maybe we could sneak up on him when we make our way back." is suggested, amidst a sudden smile. She puts on the scarf then, just in case they have to cross the bowl. "I should grab my things from the records room, and then make sure I get all of this back to the barracks. I can't just cart it around with me everywhere." Even if she would still prefer to avoid that other room. Not entirely certain about etiquette, the young woman returns the bow given and then just waits for Lujayn to lead the way.