
Xanadu Weyr – Caverns
A massive cavern in it's own right, this one has been skillfully adapted for human habitation. The high ceilings have been painted a light, soft ivory, as are the walls where numerous tapestries hang to provide brilliant color and insulation from the stone. The floor has been left in its natural state, pale pink granite speckled through with glittering mica and dark flecks of basalt, leveled carefully but kept sufficiently rough to avoid slips.
The cavern itself is loosely divided into areas, each one set up to be suitable for some segment of the Weyr's population. The most frequently occupied area, however, is the one near the Kitchens where tables of varying sizes provide a place to sit down and eat or chat and a buffet of consumables is almost always kept stocked. Its plain that on most days, this area wouldn't accommodate anywhere near the full population of the Weyr and equally plain that on such occasions when a formal meal is laid out, tables are appropriated from all the other areas.
A big fireplace is set into the wall near the Kitchens as well, several comfortable chairs nearby providing haunts for elderly residents or riders who like a good view of all that happens. Rugs cover the floor in strategic spots, all of them abstract or geometric in design and most in the softly neutral colors of undyed wool.
Exits lead off in all directions, a big archway the largest and that leading outside. Shallow stairs to the west lead to the offices and administration area while tunnels to the east lead to the infirmary, kitchen and resident's quarters. Southwards, a sloping tunnel leads down to the hot springs and southwest is a wide tunnel, carefully roped off to avoid accidents.
Jeffin is scrubbing down the tables as dinner is just about finished. Most of the people have all ready come and gone. He's got a bucket of water by his feet as he scrubs and moves.
Thea pokes her head into the caverns from the administration hallway, glancing about the room and noting it is empty before entering with a relived sigh. She's missed dinner, perhaps by choice, but she is hungry and so it is that she heads towards the tables and speaks to Jeffin, "Hey Jeffin, how are you tonight?" She eyes the serving tables. All the food has been cleared. "Ah I am too late. I… guess I could go to the Tavern." By the sound of it, that's something she's reluctant to do.
Jeffin looks up and smiles at Thea, "Hello Weyrwoman, how are you feeling?" He nods, "I'm afraid so, but for you I can go get something, I'm sure that it's just in the kitchen ready to be put away. I also have something for you, don't worry it's not anything booze related."
Thea turns her head back towards Jeffin with a smile lighting her eyes, "Ah would you do that Jeffin? I'd really appreciate it. I'm sort of… avoiding crowds these past few days." She slides into one of the chairs. "Something for me?" She blinks her surprise, then a tinge of pink reaches her cheeks, "Ah okay. No booze. I'm for that."
Jeffin smiles, "You find a seat I'll get you a little bit of everything." He heads into the kitchen and is gone for a few minutes. He comes back out with two places, one covered and one that isn't. "Here is your dinner." He sets down the uncovered place with a little bit of everything from dinner, including healthy vegetables. "And here is dessert." He uncovers a small personal cake that has the design of a gold dragon on it. It's not professional quality, but it shows the time and care that was put into it.
Thea is already sitting. She shakes her head, peering after him with a small, amused smile tugging at her lips. Is it her imagination or is he a bit rattled? His return is greeted with a bright smile. As the plates are set in front of her she inhales deeply. "Smells great, Jeffin." The other plate is eyed with curiosity. As he lifts the lid, she leans forward to inspect the cake. "Oh, Jeffin!" Her eyes lift to him, "That is so pretty. Did you make that?"
Jeffin smiles, "I'm glad that you like it, the kitchen staff works very hard to make great meals for the weyr." He nods, "Yes I did, no booze and no burns. It seems I've gotten over my dessert block."
Thea lifts her fork and digs into the dinner while he speaks. "That is so thoughtful of you to do that, Jeffin." She chews thoughtfully and swallows, then asks with a sparkle humor dancing in her eyes, "Didn't want me ending up carried out of here after eating it huh?" Her lips quirk into a small grin as she says that.
Jeffin smiles at Thea, "Well I felt bad that you suffered so much from my help with Cenlia's treat." He bows politely, "If you'll excuse me I'll get back to the tables and you enjoy your dinner."
Thea looks up from her dinner as Jeffin is walking away. "Oh, now, Jeffin! It's all right. What little suffering I had the next day was apparently worth it. I haven't seen so many people so happy to see me coming in a long while - if ever." There's a mischievous light in her eyes as she says that. Yes, folks have had a good laugh out of her being drunk. "And from what I hear, I had a pretty good time too. If only I could remember it! Alas." With a wave and a small chuckle she resumes her meal.