Xanadu Weyr - Thea's Weyr
This clearing is sheltered by a thick canopy of trees, which seems supported at its centre by an immense, wild-growing fellis tree. Hanging from one of its high branches is a swing, made up of two ropes and a seat of softwood and leather. The grass is tall here and interrupted in places by clusters of white and blue alyssum. Alyssum covers the indentation of the wallow, remaining hardy despite being continually crushed. The constant sound of herdbeast in their pens can be heard close-by, though its source is invisible through the foliage.
The cottage itself is made of white softwood, like birch, though creeping vines cover all four of its walls from the outside and even encircle the brown-shuttered windows and matching door. The interior floor and walls are raw wood that has been sanded and lacquered to make them smooth and, for the most part, the inside is quite spacious. The bedroom area is plain, an ornately carved wardrobe providing the only real decoration, and at the rear of the cottage a brown lattice has been built into the doorway to a makeshift kitchen, where a breakfast nook has been carved into the wall, along with short counters. On one counter, a circle has been cut out and fixed with a clay-fired bowl with a nearby matching pitcher.
Restday for Thea finds the junior in her cottage, a few boxes stacked by the door and the woman emptying drawers to fill one more. Spring's weak sunshine washes the cottage with the pale light of early afternoon through the open door, for the day is finally warm enough to leave it and the windows open.
D'had's steps bring him to the door and he pauses there leaning against the frame, his usual smirking smile turning a corner of his lips. "Need a hand with some of those?" he asks after a minute or so of watching.
The clearing is empty, Seryth elsewhere at the moment, so there has been no warning, Thea has been lost in her own thoughts as she packs, her back to the door as well, so she's not expecting anyone, much less D'had. She's jumps when he speaks, whirling with eyes wide, followed by a weak laugh. "How nice of you to wake me." After a moment she nods, "If you don't mind, yeah. I'm almost finished."
D'had chuckles, pushing off the frame with a shoulder to stride into the space. "Didn't mean ta scare you. How you doin' today?" he asks, picking up one of the boxes to move it out to the porch.
Thea watches him from under her lashes, an attempt to study without seeming to do so as he hefts that box. Her careful answer, "I'm fine." She pulls out a drawer, dumps the contents into her box, slides the empty thing back into the dresser. She sends a quick glance at the position of the sun through the door, "Finished with drills already?"
D'had nods. "Good, good," he replies, depositing the box and returning for a second box. "Ducked out a bit early, they were doing alright without me and I wanted to see you. Figured you could use a hand."
Thea sighs quietly to herself as he steps out with that box, rotating her neck to relieve the tension as she opens the next drawer. She eyes the things inside for a moment, answering absently, "They going alright with the other juniors joining?" Because she still hasn't shown up for them. Her eyes are still on the contents of that drawer, "See… me? Why's that?"
D'had leaves that second box sit where it is, turning to step behind her and rest his chin on her shoulder. "Missed you? These drills are taking up more time…" He blinks, that question sinking in. "Figured you might have more idea on that."
Thea shoves the drawer in with her knee, muttering to herself, "Not my stuff." She slides him a sideways look as he rests his chin on her shoulder. "Um. I missed you too?" Uneasy shifting follows his last statement as she informs him quietly, "Ah, no. I haven't been training." Then there's a hasty change of subject, "Shall we make the first trip with the stuff?"
D'had blinks for the first comment that follows the drawer closing, and then again for the one on training. "You haven't?" There's no glossing over that. "I thought you wanted to?" So why she's not has him beyond baffled.
That blink is noticed, so Thea explains absently, "He left them here when he accepted Search. Dunno what to do with them." With that chin of his on her shoulder, she can't pack, so she merely leans back against him. "No. No, Donn I haven't." Another sideways glance at him, "I wanted to… do more than train." Her quiet admission revealing nothing more than acceptance, "I decided it would be for the best if I didn't."
D'had is silent for a long bit at that answer. "Its been a good while since then, could just take them to the stores, let someone else use 'em," he suggests of those things left. "Yeah but…" he's confused by that. "You gotta train if you wanna do more."
"Can do that, I suppose." About the clothes. Thea hears the confusion in D'had's voice, turns gently out from under his chin to face him. "But you…" she searches his eyes carefully, "You didn't want me out there doing more. You… remember telling me that?" Now she's confused too.
D'had lets her turn, resting arms loosely around her waist still. "Want you ta train though.." he replies, "Rather you know what you're getting into if we need you out there."
"You… do." The two words are as full of confusion as they could be. Thea rests her hands against his chest, tiling her head to one side as she considers him carefully, "I… I'm willing to, but you… you said you wanted me by the radio. At my post you said. I don't want to cause you worry, Donn. If I did go out to help, would it make things worse for you?" She puts it as bluntly as she can, "I'd just be in the way if you're gonna worry about my safety."
"Want you there," D'had agrees, after a minute of his own confusion for that look of hers. "But if we need you, want you ta know what you're doin'. Worry about you, yeah, but … Just don't want you out there if you don't need ta be."
Thea relaxes, her look of concern eases, "I thought for a moment that you'd forgotten." There's relief in her voice as she speaks. She nods her agreement, "I'm willing to train, if that's what you want. D'son said much the same thing." She snuggles under his chin again, sliding her arms around his waist to link her fingers bahind his back. "I'm willing to be where where you want me. If safe is the place, then…" She shrugs.
D'had just might have. He's had plenty of time to perfect the act of covering his tracks in that. There was enough confusion floating around between them about the issue. "Want you ta be ready, just don't want you in harm's way if I can help it."
Thea nods from where her head rests, "I understand. It's okay." And it is by the sound of her voice. There are many things she's had to adjust to since coming to Xanadu. Her arms tighten about him for a moment before she speaks again, changing the subject, "Donn…" She's troubled, hesitant to continue but pushes herself on, "I'll never bring them to our weyr. I promise."
D'had returns that tightening of arms with a hug of his own. A confused expression returning to his face at the words that follow her hesitance. "Bring who?" Change of subject he doesn't seem to mind, but what the new subject is.. no clue.
Thea can't bring herself to lift her head it seems. Muffled from his chest, she explains, "After flights." Something odd is in her tone, "You were so upset. I wish… " She doesn't say more, just shakes her head. "I wish there was more I could do for ya about that, but…" She's shrugs. It's all out of her control.
D'had ahhs, nodding. That makes everything clearer. "Its okay," he assures, one hand reaching up her back, from where his hands are twined around her waist, to stroke her hair. "Ain't no one's fault. We went through that. I"m just.." how to say, "out of practice." With the other being the one involved in the flights and not just him.
"We did." Ah, out of practice. This clears something up for Thea. "I thought with you being a rider so much longer than I that you'd have…" she chuckles just a little, "just accepted all that long ago. I was totally not expecting that reaction, Donn." She finally lifts her head, "What is between you and L'ton anyway?" Curious as ever, she is.
D'had chuckles, "Yeah, but havin' some greenling go up ain't the same as you." Some random rider isn't his weyrmate. "Sorry," he adds apologetically when she looks up. "We've.. been at a lot of the same flights." Not that he remembers any one in particular, but there's been many an occasion where they both happened to chase. "Lets just leave it at that."
Thea shakes her head, a baffled look on her face, "Ah, okay. I'll have to take your your word on that. At least… it won't happen often?" Small comfort for her if this is what she must look forward to each time. "So it's… competition then." She leaves it as he's asked but can't stop the quiet laugh that bubbles up. "Men." She casts a look about her empty cottage before returning to him. "I'm ready to leave this behind, I think." Her head nods towards those boxes. "Shall we?"
Of course its competition. When two of them end up at that many of the same and one doesn't win and then.. yes, competition. "Right," D'had agrees, "Not often," and next time should be hopefully better - reaction-wise at least. "If you're ready," he agrees a moment later, stooping to pick up one of the remaining boxes.
Thea coughs, turning her head away for a moment, gaining control of her expression. When she turns back, there's a faint twinkle in her eyes as she draws away to close the cottage windows and perhaps to be out of swatting reach. As she shuts the one over the table, she teases over her shoulder, "Siebith could catch her before any of them could get off the ground, you think?" She passes him to close the other one.
D'had chuckles, "I think Siebith's chased one gold ever and he's never caught." Teasing in return, "And blue's don't fly golds." Never happened before so why should it now. "You got everything now?"
Thea closes the other window and turns to him with some surprise, "He… chased a gold once?" This is news to her. Another look sweeps the empty room as she's striding back to the door and him. "I have everything. I'm not one to collect stuff." She gestures to the few boxes by the door that contain all her possessions.
D'had nods, "Quirinth calls 'em when she goes up," he says with a shrug. He's no clue why by any means, but that's what happened. He sends his own glance over the space, nodding again. "Lets go then."
Thea winces at that news, flashes a quizzical glance at D'had, but otherwise remains silent. She nods, bends to pick up one of the boxes, and steps out the open door, waiting for him. "Lets go home." Said with a great deal of relief to be leaving the cottage.
D'had doesn't see that look that comes with that news, which is likely a good thing. Following outside he nods, shifting the box in his hands so that he can lean over and leave her a quick kiss as he passes. "Home." Sound good, don't it.
Thea forces a smile at that kiss, her eyes retain a faint shadow as she reaches to close the door firmly behind them. "I've…been wanting this for a long time." She turns to walk down that forest trail beside him without looking back.
"We're finally getting there," D'had replies, waiting for her to close the door so she doesn't have to catch up. "Better late than never, right?" He's quiet for awhile as they walk, and then turns a glance over to her. "You don't think it's too much, do ya?" the additions likely.
"Too much?" His comment rouses Thea from deep thought into confusion. The former words sink in and she hastens to assure him, "Late? No! I meant… I'm glad. Needed to get away from…" Her head tilts back over her shoulder indicating the cottage and clearing behind them before repeating, "Is what too much?" She's watching him while navigating the path at the same time.
D'had nods, "Got ya," he replies about moving. The rest however gets a bit more explanation. "The room, the new.. stuff," for lack of a better term. There were a lot of changes to his place and considering what little he had in it before…
Thea shakes her head, a warm smile chasing away whatever was haunting her and causing her eyes to crinkle as that smile reaches them, "Not at all. It's beautiful and-" she laughs softly, "You are there. It's perfect." Another cautious sideway look at him follows that, gauging his mood. "Ya didn't have to so so much; I'm easily satisfied. But if it helps, I do think it's all wonderful."
"Just.. well I started, got some help on some of it," D'had replies. That was obvious at the first look. "Wanted it to be right for you." And he might have gone a bit overboard with what he let people do. "Glad ya like it," he adds, tossing a smile her way.
"Ya did fine. Don't worry so?" Thea sways towards him to give him a bit of a nudge, not considering that he's loaded with two boxes and she's also weighted with one herself, which makes that nudge stronger than she meant it as she tips off-balance.
D'had chuckles, "Ain't worried, just wanted ta make sure ya like it," he tosses back, not exactly expecting that nudge. Added with those boxes it throws him off too, stumbling a few steps.
Thea recovers with a brief laugh, tilting her head at him. "Are you sure, Donn? If it's too fancy we can…" she shrugs unsure how to finish, "…simplify?" As her steps turn towards the coastal road, she eyes him from the corner of her eyes, "I don't want you feeling out of place in your own home, ya know."
D'had shrugs best he can with those boxes in hand once he's recovered his balance. "You can decorate however ya want," he replies as they continue down the path.
Thea eyes him for a few more steps, then quietly, "Donn? Something's wrong. Won't you tell me what's bothering you?" Something about him… "You're… acting so, oh I dunno, unsure." Her steps falter. "Are you regretting all this?"
"Everythin's right," D'had replies, a smile sent her way just in time to catch that falter. "Careful," he notes. "Really babe, I'm glad you're moving in, will be nice ta have ya here. Just want everything ta be what you want."
Thea breathes again. "You're there," she points out again, watching his face carefully, the tension that had crept into her shoulders leaking away, her lips curve into a gentle smile. "And that's really, truly enough for me. Stuff…" she shrugs, "is not so important. People are. You are." She walks by his side with more confidence, "Everything is… perfect."
D'had nods, "Right," he agrees, "Just over thinkin' I guess," he'll give into that, throwing a smile back at her. "Maybe we both need ta not worry so much?" Maybe.
Coastal Road
This coastal road runs parallel with the edge of beach that stretches endlessly beside the Caspian Lake. From coast to inland the dunes of the beach grow smaller and smaller until they eventually peter out into nothing but small moguls in the sand. The path is eventually seen to be blocked by a river that reaches the lake just south of the point where the road turns west and crosses a grassy meadow towards a sturdy wooden bridge that can be seen in the distance.
Thea snickers, "Probably so. And you should know, I do not demand perfection. So if you're worried I'll leave if things aren't just so, think again." As to her not worrying so much, she flickers a look at the weyrbarn as they draw near and there might be a tiny bit of trepidation in her tone as she informs him, "I know nothing about using those fancy-powered gizmo's, so If I burn the place down, you'll, ah… get over it right?" She's teasing… mostly. Or so says her smirk.
D'had blinks at the mention of burning things down, turning a questioning look her way before shrugging it off. "'Salright, don't know much bout 'em either," he admits. He's just figured out enough to get by.
Thea laughs at that look he turns down at her, "You… know I'm teasing, right?" She sets her box down on that porch, shaking out her arms, rolling her shoulders. "I'll have someone show me how to work them, but… you know, me and machines…" She shrugs, flicking her hair out of her face so she can see him better as she reassures, "I promise to leave the flamethrower outside?" That should help, yes?
D'had chuckles, leaving his boxes beside the one she had. "Sure you'll figure it out," he assures, reaching for her hand now that both of theirs are free. "We'll figure it out," he corrects.
Thea laces her fingers through his as he takes her hand, tilting her head to one side and studies him for a moment. Silence settles like a gentle cloak as wind off the lake stirs her hair, bringing with it the fresh scent of the water, damp earth and things just starting to grow after Winter's retreat. She closes her eyes, breathing it in for a moment, a look of peace on her face. Her eyes open to find his, and a slow smile answers his assurance, "We will."
D'had returns her smile, gives her hand a quick squeeze before unlinking his fingers from her's only to scoop her up to carry her inside. "Welcome home beautiful," he says with a grin.
Xanadu Weyr - Siebith's Weyrbarn
Covered in rough, weathered wood, aged by the weather and the sun, the irregular grayed clapboards outside of this weyrbarn lend the place has a rustic, masculine charm. White shutters and window boxes overflowing with brightly-hued tangles of flowers on the lower windows and flowering vines twine about the supports for the porch overhang add a feminine touch, softening the stark stone steps leading to it.
The worn stone floor of Siebith's area is just inside the large sliding door. The living area of the weyrbarn has an open, airy layout gives the utilitarian, bachelor-like plain white-washed walls and simple hardwood floors a sense of wide open spaces. A sturdy mahogany-toned table with chairs that somehow manage to match despite their variety accent the earthy, wooden tones of the kitchenette. The same dark reddish hues are in the door at the far side of the barn, as well as in the low-slung coffee table in front of the plush, worn couch. Dusky sea-blue rugs are scattered here and there. Dark golden curtains hang on either side of the many windows and partition off the loft up above, led to by a black wrought iron set of ladder-like stairs. Lilies arranged in glass vases on the tables provide a crisp of white counterpoint to the dark wood tones.
A new addition, the bedroom has walls of the same plain white, but the floors are made of newer wood, still shiny with polish. A four-poster bed of the same red mahogany takes up the most of one wall of the small space, a blue-and-cream linen coverlet spread on the wide mattress. A set of wooden bureaus take up the bulk of the wall opposite while another wall has been painted upon in the very center with a seascape mural, its crisp blue waters and sandy shores. The final wall is graced by a feminine-looking writing desk stacked with papers and bedecked with knick-knacks. Over the bed, a set of stained-glass windows allows golden-brown light mingled with white whorls and blue haze to shine into the room with the rising of the sun, though both panes are able to be unlocked and swung wide to accept lake breezes.
Thea squeaks, unprepared for being scooped up, her arms reflexively swing 'round D'had's neck as he moves with her through that door. She laughs, eyeing him with amusement then leans her forehead against his as she looks deep into his eyes and murmurs, "You took me by surprise." Although truth be told, it's what he's been doing from the start. Though this time there were no cupcakes involved.
D'had chuckles, "You did too," he notes. She took him by surprise at some point along the way too. "How about I go get those boxes and you can get your things put up," he suggests.
Thea just smiles mischievously from where she's leaning on his forehead, her fingers tickling the back of his neck. Ha! He can't stop her from doing that while he's holding her. "Sure, I can do that, but…" She snickers adding, "You'll have to put me down first."
D'had tries to pull away from that tickle, but she's right about one thing, he can't make her stop while he's holding her. "Well then…" he waggles a brow at her before letting her slide down til feet touch the floor.
Thea's feet touch the floor, but she's seemingly reluctant to let him go right away. She's having too much fun tickling him. But she relents with another laugh, her hands release his neck. No sense tempting him to throw her in the lake.
D'had has places other than the lake he'd like to throw her, but they can at least get her things inside first. There's a grin before he steps back outside, bring in those two boxes he'd carried over. "Where you want these?" Directed where to set them, he'll leave them to fetch the other and add it to the pile.
There are times a mind isn't so hard to read, that grin of his says it all. Thea just rolls her eyes answering, "The bedroom?" Well, because the boxes are full of clothes, after all. She steps that way to open the door for him.
D'had chuckles, the last of the boxes set in place he turns back to her with a grin. "So weyrwoman…" he teases, "What would you like to do this evening?"
Thea laughs, a teasing light gleams wickedly in her eyes, as she's edging towards that open door, ready to flee for the needling she's about to do. Since he's already promised her… "Well Weyrsecond, how about you take me to Ista?"