"Ugh, Thyra.. I don't see why we bother with them..." C'ben muttered as he pulled his tunic off, throwing it to the side as he made his way to the public bathing pool. "They don't give half a care about keeping their area green free at all, do they? I don't know why we even have to clear it.. I say we leave it and let thread eat it.. lead it right to their crops!"

B'litz, a fellow brownrider gave a grunt of agreement, settling himself into the warm waters. "Because we're dragonriders. Dragons tend to force you to have a heart.. or at least a hatred for thread. I'd hate to see all that land wasted away by the stuff." He splashed his face, washing the dark soot into the quickly circulating water. "I shouldn't have worn my good undertunic.."

"Always complaining about clothes. I don't see why you aren't a greenrider." C'ben jibed, eliciting a splash in his direction.

"Jealous of my talent eh? Besides, would you really want another greenrider tailing after you? What about S'ue?" The issue of S'ue being as bad as a holder girl was infamous, and C'ben had been unlucky enough to end up the object of the man's affection. The horror on the stocky man's face was evident.

C'ben threw his hands up, admitting defeat. "Fine! You're certainly not that bad.. Ahh.." C'ben too settled into the water, feeling the sore muscles ease almost immediately. "I wonder how things are going with the Weyrleaders... you think everything's alright?"

"We'd know the very second something went wrong with Iolath being there." B'litz frowned. "I hope she gets the affect she's looking for. I mean she's not the last Weyrwoman there is or anything but.." They left it unsaid, but both nodded gravely. There was obvious tension in the Weyr as the operation went on was evident; everyone was waiting for news. Whatever was going on, the situation was tense because they had gotten no word back yet.

"Alesia.. good woman. Crazy, but a good woman." B'litz remarked with a sigh. "And pretty, you'd reckon?"

C'ben made a gesture with his hand that meant 'so-so'. "I mean, not bad by any means.. but she doesn't pretty herself up much. Then again that's the grand scheme with these dragonrider girls. Maybe we should find ourselves a pretty docile little holder girl."

B'litz laughed, considering that. "Nah, too much trouble. You get spoiled on dragonrider girls. Holder women end up looking too stupid in comparison. Is it bad when we weigh a woman's worth on her threadfighting skill?"

"Speak for yourself! I measure their worth based on if they can put up with me!"

B'litz chortled. "And you wonder why you're still without a weyrmate? Conceited tunnelsnake."

(Anyone feel free to join in.. just two brownriders in the bathing room going on like little wherry hens.)

(Hmm... Is this during or after the seige?))

((I'd say During, based on "the operation went on was evident" and "ou think everything's alright" and "everyone was waiting for news. Whatever was going on, the situation was tense because they had gotten no word back yet." But I'm not Naks so if you want to wait for her to answer too, *g* whatever.))

(During =) )

((Aw.. no one want to harrass these two?))

((If no one cares...))

Saphyre wiped the sweat from her brow, completely exhausted. She had been exploring as much as the Weyr as she could, after her arrival, and her last stop was the Smith Hall. It was hot, but she was accustomed to the heat of the forge. One of the craft masters was intrigued by her interest and set her to work immediately to show him all she knew. It didn't take her too long, but several hours later, the toll of the work and the heat from the flames had wore her down. She had been told that there were public baths in the Weyr and she was eager to go down and wash away the sweat and ash from her body.

She slipped into the warm water, letting the good sensation overtake her. She waited a little while before using the Sandsoap on her dark hair. After washing herself thoroughly, Saphyre leaned back and enjoyed the soak.

Moments later, she heard the sound of two people coming in. Two men. The voices echoed on the high ceiling and she couldn't make out all of what they were saying. Fortunate enough to have brought two cloths to dry herself with, Saphyre grabbed one of the towels and wrapped it around her body and stayed in the water where she was.

First the two men spoke of events she knew nothing of, nor would she bother asking someone. It was none of her business, after all. Then their conversation turned to fellow women of the Weyr. It seemed as if these men preferred Weyrwomen to those of the Hold. Not only women of the Weyr, but female dragon riders. She stiffened with the insult not meant for her ears. Having heard quite enough, she cleared her throat to let the oblivious men know that she was in the bathing pool with them.

((Okay. I'm game.))

The communal bathing and washing pools were on the lowest levels of the Weyr proper, directly underneath the dining hall and kitchens. Zenna reached the end of the ramp and set the big wicker basket down on the stone floor so she could rest. This was the last load of soiled laundry sent down the weyr chutes. Despite protests from her staff, Zenna had attended each basketful this day. Keeping busy was her best way to avoid thinking too much, and today she needed it.

So she'd sent the well-meaning protestors to the other end of the Caverns to help hunt a lost watch-wher hatchling, and continued to tackle the laundry service alone.

The trouble was, the work, while overwhelming, wasn't challenging enough. As the dragonriders' absence dragged on into the afternoon, Zenna's serenity was disturbed. She was irritable, nervous, and she chewed at her lower lip. Her hands were restless.

For now, they pressed into her lower back as the young Headwoman arched her slight body, stretching out the kinks brought on by carrying heavy weights all around the Weyr. And where was Alesia and her dragonriders? Had they found the caravan? Had they encountered resistance, or had they adjourned to the Hold itself?

Voices penetrated her thoughts and made her start. Male voices, coming from the bathing pool just ahead, talking on the same subject. Indolently, casually - and unaware who might be listening.

Flicking her hands, Zenna strode into the steamy room. She took in the tableau: two male dragonriders lounging in the water, and across the pool and ignored by them, a young woman who looked distinctly ill at ease. Smooth and soundless in bare feet, Zenna padded across to C'ben and B'litz. "Speaking of conceit," she said quietly as B'litz's jab hit home with his companion, "There's a one here, no dragonrider by the look of her, listening to every word you say." She jerked her chin in Saphyre's direction, and her usually mild brown eyes flashed fire at the two men. "What are you thinking? Such idle talk about your Weyrwoman, when she's out there right now risking her life and her dragon's so that you may continue to enjoy your ... your comforts." Zenna spat the word. She also found herself shaking in sudden anger, and took several deep breaths, slender hands clenched into fists.

C'ben would have been content to hightail it out of there before he'd get berated any more, but B'litz.... Maybe it was his inner woman that he refused to ever let out getting to him, or maybe it -was- the strain every dragonrider was truly feeling finally snapping within him. Whatever it was, B'litz practically leaped out of the water, eyes alight with a fire.

"So now men can't even talk without being berated? I'm sorry that we didn't happen to see her there, but shardit.. And what dragonrider truly lives in comfort??? Why do you think we are here anyways, resting? Every one of us is waiting for word on what is going on, and if our way of easing the tension is spewing out tunnelsnake shit, well fardle-it I think I have that right!" His voice cracked at the height of it with his fury.. hardly masculine. "And for your information we had just gotten back from cleaning up around Thyra's borders for.. for if things don't work out!" His face was red, and he was defensive.

C'ben was utterly horrified, also clambering from the water and donning a towel. An apologetic look was given toward the girl, but his attention was then on B'litz, grabbing him by the arm. "B'litz, just drop it, everyone's on edge right now, so let's just-"

"No! What did I say that was so horrible about the Weyrwoman? She's farking crazy, absolutely mad, going out there! Brave, but mad! I'm sorry that I'm not.. fussing about in a mess, but what do you expect, Headwoman? Every threadfall I could be -dead-. I'm Sooooo sorry that I take these things so lightly!" With that, he stormed past the woman to retrieve his clothes, donning them hastily before rushing out the door.

"Farking.." C'ben brought a palm to his head and stared in the direction his friend had went, a glazed over expression on his face. "I'm sorry Headwoman if we seem crass... but turns of thread makes the heart hard and the tongue rough... but don't ever imply that we don't respect Alesia as Weyrwoman." His tone roughened at that, giving her a hard look.

Then, he was distracted once again, and bugles of dragons rang through the Weyr. Moments passed by and C'ben furrowed his brow, obviously in private exchange with his dragon. "We are to prepare for the arrival of goods.. and prisoners." Obviously every other dragonrider would be getting the same message, because footfalls rang through the hallways. "I'd suggest you prepare. I must go." Without another word he too pushed past Zenna, donning his clothes hastily before heading out the door.


((Apologies for being long-winded and not allowing for much response, but with you two here I can allow you two to rp. Maybe Zenna can find something for Saphyre to do and they can talk about how awful those rough and tough dragonmen are. =P Apologies for my riders being on a short fuse.))

Saphyre watched the scene with wide eyes, unsure of what she could possibly do to make the situation better. Zenna had came and quarreled with the two dragonriders so suddenly, and then they stormed out just as abruptly. She felt fortunate that she didn't fully understand the situation they were discussing but she felt bad at the same time that she couldn't do anything to help.

"Um... sorry," she offered to Zenna. "I wasn't trying to eavesdrop or anything. I was kind of here first."

Under any other circumstances, Zenna would have considered herself well and truly berated. Even then, in the face of B'litz's sudden fury, she faltered for a second, wondering if she had indeed overstepped her bounds. His implication that he risked his life for her every Threadfall was not lost on the Headwoman. And she was, after all, new to the position ... and too young and pretty for it, if the idle gossip she overheard was to be believed.

Then, too, B'litz couldn't know the reason for her own tension, and why she'd spoken out as she did. Zenna trusted Alesia, and she'd asked the Weyrwoman to keep her background and family quiet.

Despite this rationale, Zenna wanted to run after B'litz and pound on him with all her might. Little good it would do her. Whatever he'd said, his reaction proved his conceit. And she very much doubted he'd have stayed in the water if she hadn't pricked his conscience. However badly she'd done it, Zenna had at least managed to win her objective. She tightened her jaw as C'ben, too, brushed past her, and stood staring after both men for a moment, working through her rage, before she was calm enough to turn to Saphyre. The poor child was cringing against the edge of the deep tub, and now here she was apologizing to Zenna.

"Oh, no," she murmured, and her warm brown eyes smiled even though her mouth was still tight. "You've nothing to be sorry for." Zenna's voice was under control, thank Faranth. "They'd no business discussing Weyr secrets, or speaking so loosely about their Weyrwoman, in front of you, and they knew it." Almost absently, she plucked a dry towel from the rack and placed it on the ledge near Saphyre, so that it would be at hand whenever the girl wanted to get out of the water. Then she grinned, a mischievous smile at odds with her rank dimpling her face and making her look a decade younger than her 26 turns. "Why else would they bluster about so, screaming imprecations? Anyway, I've not seen you around before, so you must be a new arrival ... adragonback, if I'm not mistaken?" Zenna tilted her head, studying Saphyre, then nodded. "You've the look of a candidate about you. My name's Zenna, and I'm headwoman here at Kharasi - at least, until those two finish with me." Her smile deepened.

Saphyre liked the headwoman Zenna immediately. She seemed to be the mother figure to all of those in the Weyr who needed looking after. She was especially grateful when Zenna laid a dry towel on the ledge next to her, since her current one was soaked from using it to hide her body She could sense Zenna's uneasiness to the two dragon riders that had exited the bath but she felt that the headwoman meant no ill will towards them.

"Thank you for the dry towel, Zenna," she replied, smiling. "My name is Saphyre and I'm actually not a candidate, though I am honored that you think so. I'm here to learn more about metalworking at the forge. The Smith Hall at Kharasi is truly a magnificent sight. I've been showing the crafts master my skills today and I needed a relaxing soak." Saphyre pushed a stray ebony curl out of her tanned face. "And I think now would be an excellent time for a cup of klah." She climbed out of the bath and dried her face with the fresh towel. "Would you care to join me?"

Her hesitation lasted only a moment. "You know, I think a hot cup of klah would do me a world of good right now." Her voice, and her smile as she nodded to Saphyre, were soft. "I hope you'll be able to tell me something of metalworking, in terms a novice will understand. I know almost nothing about it."

The headwoman waited while Saphyre dressed, chatting to help herself calm down after the altercation with the two dragonriders. "Of course, seeing as you'll be with me, we'll get the best table and the best klah the Weyr has to offer. Are you hungry at all? It'll be a snap to put together a tray of bread, dried fruit, and cheese. I do know about the Weyr's cheese - our ovines make some of the best on Pern, rich and buttery." Yes, talking helped. Not only did it keep her from dwelling on the fight, but from worrying about the overdue coup operation, too. She did snort softly, once, to herself, remembering C'ben's suggestion that she prepare herself for Alesia's return. As if she hadn't been ready for that since before dawn. She flicked imaginary dust from her skirts in quiet indignation, but made no other show of anger. Poor Saphyre had seen too much of that for one day.

"The best table in the Weyr? Ah, Lady Zenna, you continue to give me such honor. And I not even a dragon rider! I would be delighted to tell you what I know of metalworking, just ask me anything. I may not be able to answer all of your questions, but I will tell you all I know." Saphyre shivered slightly after climbing out of the hot bath, but warmed up slightly as she dressed. She was really looking forward to spending more time with the head woman. Perhaps she could tell her more about the people of the Weyr, because she really hadn't had the time to get to know anyone.

She dried her dark hair thoroughly with the dry towel and ran her fingers through her curls. That would have to do until she got a chance to give it a proper combing. Once released from their tie, her hair fell down to the middle of her back. She shook her head loosely to let the curls fall back into place. "That felt so nice!" She smiled warmly and her eyes sparkled with a new brightness. Saphyre took a step forward and then, blushing slightly, she turned to Zenna.

"Um, I'm not quite sure which way to go. Would you lead the way?"

"Did I hear something about metalsmithing?" The singsong voice of Egai trailed into the room, the girl stepping in with her hands shoved into her pockets and a grin on her face. "Saphyre right? I've been looking for you for nearly a candlemark!" Her exhasperation was clearly exaggerated, and she smiled cheerfully at Zenna. "Hello Headwoman!"

"Of course, I'll lead." Zenna tilted her head quizzically. "You really haven't been here long, have you? And you're nearly as thin as me - we need a good meal, both of us. Come on." She gestured Saphyre to accompany her. "I'll take you the long way, if you're not perishing too badly for klah and food. That way, I can point out a few interesting areas." They began to stroll out of the enormous bathing cavern. Zenna was relieved by the cooler air wafting out of the tunnels; the steam and heat in the cavern were oppressive to one fully dressed. She spared the overfull laundry basket a glance and made a mental note to send a drudge after it. She needed a break, and was pleased with Saphyre's company. Smiling at the girl as they entered the main branch of the corridors, she said, "All right. My first questions is, what exactly is slag? A few of our dragonriders were former Smiths, and I overhear them at mealtimes, reminiscing about the old days. And they're always talking about slag, and different ways to - what's the word they use - refine it?"

Before Saphyre could respond, the ever-cheerful Egai nearly ran into them as she came headlong down the corridor toward the bathing room.

"Hello, Egai." Zenna smiled back at the new arrival, then flicked her grin to Saphyre. "It seems you're somewhat in demand today. Egai, the child is perishing for lack of food and drink. Can it wait until she's eaten, or do you need her at once?"

Egai seemed to consider this as she stretched lazily. She was a very young girl, much younger than any of them, and seemed to revel that she was being asked if something was okay. Sometimes Zenna was much too kind to them. "I'm perishing too! I think I could use it since I'm still growing and all" She grinned broadly and rocked back and forth merrily on her heels.

"All right." Zenna grinned cheerfully at the young girls, her dark mood much relieved. Their high spirits would certainly keep her from thinking too much about Alesia and the recovery group, and it was true she could stand a strong cup of klah. Or three. "This way, dear ladies," she joked with them, and led the pair down the narrow back way to the kitchens, planning to secure the small hearth at the east corner and feast herself silly on klah and sweet breads. She'd started the bake this morning and they ought to be hot and fresh by now. "Follow me, step lively, and let nothing stand in our way!"

Grinning at their giggles, Zenna led them onward.

((I don't want to god mod and make everyone in the eating hall, so I won't. But I'll allow anyone else to power play us there. ^_^ ))

((So is this pretty much finished? I noticed Zenna already is elsewhere in the Weyr. ^_^; ))

((Oh, sorry dear. =) Oftentimes a little bit of god moding is acceptable, and oftentimes necessary. Usually it's small things like assuming a person follows, etc. It's just one of those unspoken rules that you tend to have to learn what is right and wrong. hehe.

Sorry for leaving you confused. We can assume that they went and ate something, but I'm more than willing to throw your character and Egai together in a rp if you wish. I halfway expected it would end up that way anyways since I needed Fury's character elsewhere.

I suppose Egai could show her where she will be staying now if you'd like. If you have any other ideas as to where to go with it though, feel free to let me know. Otherwise, if you just want to make a rp and open it up to anyone, feel free to do that as well! hehe. ))

((I may join up with someone or do something else. Thanks Nako. I was left a bit hanging there. =P ))

((Marzipan, I'm very sorry. I got confused as to intent as well. I set Zenna's return to Alesia for after they had all eaten, and so am quite willing to play out their meal. I was waiting for someone other than myself to make the next post, and misunderstood your OOC comment.

In my defense (it's a lame one though), I could say that Zenna had asked Saphyre about slag before they were interrupted, and she is still waiting for a reply on that score.))

((Lol... aha, true. I have to admit I was waiting for Marzipan to post as well. Don't be afraid to take initiative Marzipan, especially when it's your 'turn' to post. Technically there is no "turn" based thing.. but you'll get a feel for it eventually. ))

((Well I'll just be honest here. I don't know anything about slag, so I didn't have a proper answer to start with. ^ ^; So I wasn't sure where to go from there. I also didn't know anything about the kitchens to be able to accurately describe them. I'm trying to do my best!

But we don't have to continue here anymore. It's cool. :3 My rank should be "complete and utter noob cake" =)))

((ROFL! And here I was hoping to actually learn something about slag, which has always been a cool word in my book, but I'm a noobcake on that score too. Curses! Now I shall have to go Google "slag." Marzipan, I am definitely laughing *with* you here.

Stormy, I owe you a response. I'm sorry for my complete and utter absence all week, which I can partly...okay, mostly...blame on the fact of my employer calling me 4 out of 5 weeknights around 9 pm to discuss a project we're sort of in very deep over. In short, real life stress has crushed my creativity. However, there's light at the end of the tunnel - whether the company's ready or not, the project ends next Wednesday. So while I'm working all weekend (typing here from work computer in fact), I can let the chips fall where they may after Monday, which is my deadline, and I hope get back to all you wonderful, fantastic writers again.))

((Well that makes me feel a lot better. ^_^ Hope to see you around the boards again when your company's project is over. Hang in there!))