Dragonwatchers
beach.jpg


Xanadu Weyr - Beach
The unerring range of subdued white rises and falls in a multitude of sandy dunes, creating an endless amount of tiny valleys constantly demolished and rebuilt by the frequent arrival or departure of a dragon. Smoothing out as it slopes gently to the edge of the deep blue water, the sand darkens and a shell here and there stands out for children to collect. The beach itself is set along a low cliff - the height lessoning as one heads eastwards, blocking a portion of the beach from direct access.
The wide wide stretch of water opens up to the east, the far distant shore way beyond the horizon and the beach curves ever so slowly round to east and west, distant arms of land embracing the wind-ruffled Caspian Lake. East leads up to the mouth of the Rubicon River, where the protecting cliff is merely an arms length higher then the sand, and beyond that, a winding road leading out of Xanadu's territory. Westwards, the beach narrows as the cliff swings out, leaving a path wide enough for dragons in single file before cutting in to the sheltered cove designated the Weyrling Beach. However, cut in the cliff face to the north are a variety of rough, wide staircases, providing access to the clearing and to the meadow.


"Err, a fire lizard's egg?" Eltanin replies, startled a bit by Johhny's sudden apparition. He chuckles though, giving Naeda a knowing wink. "Mysteries of life and personal tastes…."

Johhny laughs. " I wish! But sadly no. I found a massive waterfall though "

It's a warm sunny day at Xanadu. Naeda is lying out on a towel, dressed in her bright blue bikini and soaking up the sun. Eltanin and Johhny are nearby, and Naeda chats with both of them as she sunbathes. "I suppose so. Alas. People put so much importance on gender." She laughs a bit before looking to Johhny. "Is that so? Perhaps I'll have to find that later."

Johhny says " Its a bit of a long hike through the forest though. Cant really see it from the sky I presume."

Soriana has somehow managed to escape the office on this sunny day, and she wanders down the shore appreciating it. She's not in a swimsuit, but she still casts a considering gaze at the water before wandering on, stopping just before she walks into the group. Blink. "Oh! Hello."

Johhny waves. " Hello!"

"A new waterfall? It's maybe worth a look I guess." Tani echoes Naeda's reply to Johhny. As Sorianna approaches, he somewhat straightens and politely waves. "Weyrwoman…" He calls with a smile.
Naeda smiles and waves lazily at Soriana from her towel. Then Eltanin's greeting gives away the identity of the latest arrival, and that prompts her to be a little more formal. She sits up and salutes in proper fashion. "Weyrwoman."

Johhny faces Soriana and sloppily salutes, attempting to imitate Naeda " Weyrwoman. "

Soriana smiles, and waves to the group. Her gaze settles on Eltanin, and she asks, "How did that telescope work out for you?" before looking to Naeda for that proper salute and Johhny for that less-formal one. "Soriana," she says with a smile. "Unless this is a formal function and no-one's told me."

Johhny shrugs " Just trying to be atleast somewhat respect. Im not familiar with Weyr practices yet. Holdbred. "
Johhny says " Somewhat respectful. Sorry"

Eltanin tries to stifle a chuckle at Naeda's reaction and he discreetly winks at her before turning his attention on Sorianna, scratching the back of his neck. "Oh it's more complicated than I thought but then I'm just an apprentice so it's understandable." He grins, standing up and dusting his pants with both hands. "I probably should go back to see if I can be helpful. If you all please excuse me…" He nods his head to everyone in turn, adding a last wink for Naeda.

Johhny nods

Naeda looks relieved by the Weyrwoman's lack of formality, laying back down and returning to relaxation. "Thank you kindly." She looks a little disappointed by Eltanin's departure, pouting and waving goodbye. "If you say so. Later, Tani."

Johhny sits down. " So, Soriana. Do you know how I can be offically added to Xanadu Weyr? I just recently got here. "

Soriana laughs lightly, and nods to Eltanin. "Found your next set of things to work on, huh? Does seem to be the way of it when you're learning." She waves to him, smiles to Naeda as the other woman relaxes again, then looks to Johhny. "What hold are you from?" she asks curiously, then tilts her head and smiles. "And what do you do?"

Johhny says " Im from Telgar. I dont do much, although im decent in woodwork and trapsetting."
Naeda returns the smile from Soriana. "And I'm just visiting friends. I'm a Dolphincrafter from Western Weyr." Naeda explains. "The name is Naeda. Pleased to meet you."
Johhny says " Ah. My bad, my name is Johhny. Also, I know a few healing techniques."
Johhny says " Soriana. Do you know of the waterfall inside the forest?"

"Welcome to Xanadu," Soriana says. "I hope you enjoy the visit! Are you planning to visit with the pod here?" She laughs a bit. "I don't know if dolphineers do that, but… I had a friend in the craft, and she said the dolphins liked meeting people. Maybe that was just her companion." Soriana shrugs, then adds the, "Nice to meet you," to both of them before returning her gaze to Johhny. "Telgar. That's rather a ways." She seems curious about it, arching an eyebrow. "I suppose you could look for job openings, though I don't know what might fit those skills." She blinks at the question about a waterfall. "I've seen a few here and there."

Johhny says " If you want I can show you"
Johhny says " Beautiful fire lizards."

Naeda grins, propping herself up on her elbows again. "I'd like to meet the pod, if I can. Though I'd have to get permission from the local craft first. Still, always nice to meet more dolphins." The topic of waterfalls earns a little curiosity, but she has nothing to add.

Soriana nods to Naeda. "I'd introduce you to my friend, but…" A laugh. "She was searched by Ista. So she's there now." A shrug, and then Soriana hmms. "I don't remember if her friend went there or not. Echo, his name was." But it's not important, and then she looks back to Johhny, blinking at his changes of topic. "I'm not really intending on a hike today. And what about firelizards?" Hers are off somewhere flying around, though there's bound to be plenty here on the warm beach.

Johhny Turns his head towards Naeda, interested. " What is a pod? " then looks back towards Soriana. " Hm, could have sworn I saw a head pop out from your shoulder. "

"A pod is a group of dolphins." Naeda explains. "They're social creatures, they live in groups like that." She then looks back to Soriana, smiling a bit. "I appreciate the thought all the same. I'll ask around later, perhaps I'll be able to find a local crafter. But mostly I'm just here for vacation."

Johhny says " Interesting. Ive only heard of stories of dolphins."

"Only the one between them," Soriana says of heads on her shoulders, and laughs. She nods to Naeda. "It's nice to get some time away sometimes. Not that Western's not a pleasant place too!"

Naeda nods in agreement with Soriana. "No matter how nice one's home is, a change of scenery can be nice from time to time." She looks out at Johnny. "Watch the water while you're here, you'll probably see one if you pay attention."

Soriana smiles to Naeda. "So are you in the Weyr itself? Or one of those little holds out there whose names I can never remember?" She nods agreement about seeing the dolphins in the waves, too. "They tend to follow the ships."

"The weyr itself." Naeda answers Soriana, beaming happily. "There's a lagoon there that the dolphins absolutely love. It's a wonderful place to practice the craft. I grew up there. Hopefully, I'll stay posted there when I walk the tables next turn."

Soriana nods. "I've visited a few times. The time difference always gets me, though - I'm never sure if I'm going to arrive early or late for things." She gives her head a little shake, smiling. "Oh, and good luck with advancing!"

Naeda grins brightly. "Thanks! I mean, I guess I shouldn't talk like it's a done deal. But I work really hard, and I've been an apprentice since a pretty young age. So I'm feeling confident about my chances."

Soriana laughs. "Don't worry, I won't tell your journeymen that you're overconfident." She's teasing… right? "Wasn't all that long ago that I was taking my grade two tests and hoping I was right in thinking I did well on them."

"Oh… you're a healer?" That's the only craft that uses grades which Naeda is familiar with. "Wow. That must be difficult to juggle with all your other duties."

Soriana has been chatting with Naeda, but then something draws her attention and she smiles and waves before heading a bit further along the beach to talk to another dragonrider briefly. Once that's handled, she looks around to see what else is happening.

JohhnySits down and leans back on my elbows, looking around.
Johhny waves at Soriana from along the beach
Johhny waves at Luraoth. " Hello. "
Luraoth dives out into the lake and swims around.
Johhny gasps and mumbles " Beautiful things "

Soriana smiles, and returns the wave to Johhny. "That's part of weyr life," she says, her smile a fond one.

Johhny says " From what I've seen, dragons are amazing. I havent seen a queen though, only browns and a green."
Johhny says " Massive creatures though. I have to say that."

Soriana points out into the water where Luraoth's splashing around, though she's too far away for details. "Well, there's one." She grins.

Johhny laughs. " What was it like when she hatched? "

Soriana laughs. "Hot. The sands have to be very warm for the eggs… and loud. All the hungry dragons, all the people watching… it's utter chaos, sometimes."

Johhny says " I was busy making some latches for Weyrling riding straps when Eastern hatching began. Its really loud."

Soriana nods. "It really is." She smiles. "Did you go watch?"

Johhny sighs. " No. I was behind on making the latches for the dragons when they hatched. Way behind.
Johhny says " I mean for riding."

Soriana nods. "That's too bad. Perhaps next time you can manage to sneak away and see! Though, it's more fun if you have someone to cheer for.

Johhny nods. " Yeah. Ill see if I can do the straps and buckles after the hatching. Its not like they ride moments after hatching.

Johhny says " Want to see if we can find that waterfall again?"

Soriana laughs. "No, not at all." She smiles, then hmms. "Out in the woods? You should be careful if you're going there, there's wild felines around."

Johhny says " Wild what? Those arent on the northern continent."
Johhny nervously looks around.

Soriana nods. "They're not. They're about the size of a large canine, and mostly they go after ovines and the like. You're not going to find them in the Weyr itself, but once you get further out, it's important to be careful."

Johhny" Thats terrifying. Well I suppose we are safe, your queen is out in the water anyways. " says, then casually points out to the water towards Soriana's queen.

"I've never seen one this close to the Weyr," Soriana says. "But I've seen tracks, oh… a half-hour's ride or so?"

Johhny says " Cool. Speaking of dragons, do you think you could bring Luraoth up here? Ive never touched a dragon before. Might as well start big."

Soriana's lips tug sideways. "Dragons can think for themselves, you know. And some of them don't like being touched."

Johhny looks a bit a saddened. " Oh.. Sorry. "
Johhny says " Didnt mean to assume,"

Soriana smiles. "Just something to be careful of, before you get into trouble. Luraoth, well… she tells me she's busy swimming - and chasing a fish."

Johhny says " Alright."

Soriana glances out to the water again. "Well, anyhow. I should be going - but it was nice meeting you." She smiles. "There's a woodcraft shop up thataway," she points to the meadow, "if you're looking for a job there."

Johhny stand up. " Alright. Thank you. If you need me I'll be working in the woodshop or forge. Have a nice day Weyrwoman. "


Add a New Comment
Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 License