Creating Connections
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Xanadu Weyr - Rustic Treetop Cafe

// Perched on the cliff overlooking Xanadu's beach is a gnarled and massive skybroom tree. The bark and outer layers are sturdy enough to support the thriving, brushy top, but the interior, which is hollow, contains a spiral staircase that leads to a cafe built on a high platform amongst the branches. With a panoramic view of lake, sky, Weyr and the mountains beyond, the treetop eatery offers both sheltered seating just inside the trunk and tables on the wide deck that encircles the old tree.
The cafe's decor is comfortable and rustic, but closer inspection shows the smallest embellishments to be artfully combined into one detailed masterpiece. The wood of the doors, floor and walls of the trunk have been stained a dark mahogany that lends the space a sense of intimacy. Tables in various sizes have been carved to mimic driftwood, the chairs and benches padded with oiled sailcloth cushions to provide weather-proof comfort. Each table has an aged brass lantern filled with shells and agates gathered from Xanadu's shores, the sparkling natural mosaics holding tapered candles upright in their embrace. Lamps hang from the ceiling on silver poles, the thick frosted glass carved into intricate pastel shells or swirling white-capped waves. At night the colored glass softens the glowlight to enhance the ambience.
During the day, the retractable doors allow leaf-spattered sunlight to fill both the outer deck and the smaller interior with green and gold light, as well as allowing pleasant breezes to cool the interior. On clear nights, farviewers perch on the elaborately carved railing are free for use to enhance the gorgeous view of the stars over the Caspian Lake, the Sea of Azov beyond and the rock formations of the Weyr.
//


Mid-morning, it's one of those sunny days that begs for a beach trip. The sun so bright that it reflects off of everything and causes minor eye pain; the sky is at the lightest shade of blue and seems more expansive than usual due to lack of clouds. Also, it's hot as blazes, there's been several reports of minor heat sickness, healers, caverns nags, and any busybodies that exist are warning people to drink more water, less klah, less alcohol. Worry warts abound as they aggressively push people to stay indoors during the hottest portions of the day and wear loose, light, cool clothing. All of the nagging must not have reached Evangeline, for today, she is dressed like she always is. A FULL-LENGTH skirt of heavy lavender material and shirt that while light in fabric buttons at her neck and wrists. Sitting in a cushioned chair facing the ocean with a basket of laundry on the left next to her feet, she has a pile folded on the table to her right. The calico spotted the NEKKID cat sitting in the clothing pile. She has somehow managed to make chores relaxing; she still looks a touch red in the cheeks, but there's a buoyant happiness to her as she works, legs swinging and head bobbing from shoulder to shoulder with a small song that is all her own.

It is definitely the best of summer days! Who wants to spend that crammed inside? Not Keruthien! He's no stranger to the health hazards heat can impose, however. Working as he does, as a Smith? Guaranteed to overheat now and again; especially now in these summer months. Which is why he'd gone to his work at the very crack of dawn, to maximize how many hours he had before a self-imposed siesta until the later afternoon and early evening. The cafe isn't one of his usual haunts but he felt like changing up the usual scenery and makes the trek over and up, immediately heading for the balcony. Evangeline isn't noted right off, as he strides across the the railing, leaning on it heavily as he smiles broadly at nothing but open air and the breeze off the water. Deep inhale, blissful sigh. "Much better." Refreshed, he'll turn to scope out a table and that's when he'll catch sight of her there, with her laundry. Grinning lopsidedly, he'll saunter over to the nearest table, setting down the rolled fabric case he has with him and tucked under one arm. "How're you not roasting alive in that?" he asks, genuinely amused AND curious. He's dressed in light, but casual clothing. "Hey, kitty!" Reaching out, even if he has to lean precariously, he'll attempt to scratch a finger under nekkid cat's chin.

There's a bliss in being all up in your own head, one of them is that nothing disturbs you. Evangeline hums a little song to herself, and when Keruthien speaks jerks her head towards him, eyes full of alarm for half a moment before a shy smile graces her face. A glance is given to her outfit, and one shoulder touches her ear, "I was born in a skirt- my legs burn easily." Both eyebrows lift and fall, her mouth tightening a bit because her outfits are always such a big deal. This look is only momentary as Keruthien scritches her cat, the feline elevating her chin for ease of scritching and purring. "That is Coatrack, she's not as outgoing as Curtains, but she wanted to come." The rolled fabric case catches her eyes, and she pushes herself up, folding her feet underneath her rear so she can get a better vantage point, "What's that?" The hand not holding a shirt points to the case, "Can I see?" There's a child-like excitement to her inquiry, head craning forward with curiosity. A red juice drink is delivered by a server, and Evi smiles at the woman shyly and stammers out, "Th- thank you, so much." Turning to the man, she asks, " Are you thirsty?" She offers the drink delivered to her to the Smith, a kind smile.

"Aren't you worried about them sunburning?" Speaking of that topic, Keruthien's gonna spit that out as it comes to mind. Coatrack is given a fond stroke of fingers along her head as well, until he finally withdraws and flops back into his seat. It's said in the same genuinely curious tone, not a malicious edge to him or the way he grins at her. "I'm terrible with the sun most days too but I've learned after the first few painful experiences." More or less! "Love the names, by the way!" There's a wink and a nod towards the hairless cat, while he settles in. His hand happens to be resting over the case he brought, so her child-like excitement is met with a chuckle. "Yeah. Probably easier to see it than for me to explain it. It's just some work I brought along. Forges run too hot for days like this and I got ahead with my queues requiring it for now." Unfolding the case, it will yield mostly small tools to start but as he continues to lay out other panels, it's evident there's more. Turning it to face her, she'll see a delicate looking chainlink bracelet, half completed. Pinned nearby are a few delicate looking charms of simple shapes and designs. "I've at least got some of my other projects to work on." As the drink is delivered and then offered, he blinks and looks a little puzzled. "Isn't that yours?" he muses.

The question seems to brighten up Evangeline's day, her cats are her favorite subject. "They do sunburn, the collector Nana got them from said two hours a day though, because they need light too." Sitting up taller still so she can nod away at his explanation, popping her lips out with a small click of noise but maintaining friendly eye contact to show her interest. "So, you make jewelry? Could you make things to put on clothes? Little baubles?" Placing the shirt she has not yet managed to fold in her lap, one of her hands snakes out, "May I?" Pale small fingers hover over the charms, not daring to touch them, but her excitement is real, and she gives a happy wiggle of approval. Placing the drink on the table, her eyes dart down and mouth scrunches to one side of her face, "Yes, but, see you're a man." As if somehow his gender would explain why he should have it, "It's how I was taught." Both shoulders shrug up, and she waits to see if he will take the beverage. "I can get my own, I wouldn't want to seem rude." Sometimes it's more apparent than others how holdbred Evangeline is. "If you make me something, I could help make you something!" The bright idea coming to her full force, lightbulb over her head and all, face lighting up.

"I wouldn't want to be stuck trying to slather ointment on them, either! Though I guess if they've had it done all their lives?" Keruthien's not very savvy when it comes to most animals, domesticated felines being right up there. He doesn't even have a firelizard! Her question is met with a tilt of his head, thoughtful. "Baubles? You mean like decorative pins or clasps, like some fancy folk like to sport?" He says it like it is, in his head, but again there is no harshness or judgement; merely observation and no filter. "Jewelry is one of my studies, yeah! Otherwise I do regular blacksmithing and the like. Jewelry is fun, since it's smaller and oddly complex. Resources are precious, so getting thrifty and making something is even a bigger challenge." Happy as a clam to discuss his work, he'll nod as she shows avid interest in the charms. Two are removed, one flat like a coin with a design worked into it, the other in the shape of a native flower. He scoffs at the reason for the drink, lighthearted and amused. "If I'd known that being a guy would get me special favour, I'd have started working on that TURNS ago! Ah, well." Another grin, as he sobers. "You don't have to do that special treatment with me. That's yours, so you enjoy it! I'll order my own, when I'm ready." A brow quirks at the suggestion of a swap and, curious now in turn, asks. "What's your skill set? Or rather… what do you make?"

"They like it, they have to be bathed once a seven-day and oiled afterward to prevent cracked skin." Evangeline informs with a wave of her free hand to her furless feline friend. "Yes, like maybe tiny cat heads? Or flowers? Something I could sew on clothing. Metal BEADS with tiny etchings." Examining the trinkets, she runs her fingers over them, weighs them in her hands as her Weaver's brain thinks through her idea twice, thrice, and then she nods happily both to him and to herself. "At home, I always ate after my brothers, I never thought about it." With his permission, she takes a sip of her drink, putting the charms down and pulling out 6 pieces of paper that have been folded half a billion times into semi-square shapes. Opening one reveals a list of Znames, at least 60 of them with titles and ranks next to them. Something about this makes her blush, and she turns it over to reveal a drawing of an Aline dress, half of it covered in feathers. All around the picture of the dress is sign language signs. She uses every inch of paper she has. "Um, so, here… Just." Unfolding more, she finally finds a document with cat outfits all over it and pushes that to him. "Or.." Another two papers reveal more names, more signs, drawings of felines, and lists. "This one, here!" EUREKA. Pushing a paper towards the man, she has drawn out at least 10 different outfits, some of them are finery that would cost a few marks, but they all look comfortable. "I can sew anything-Ma didn't want the crafthall keeping me, but the weavers here think I could advance even if I impress." Something she is proud of, her voice reflecting her love of her work.

Keruthien reclines thoughtfully, as she begins to list off a few ideas. He has an answer for each, but which is which among is rambling may be difficult to parse. "… tiny anything is gonna have to be very simple or it won't work. Flowers are common and not so difficult. Metal beads? Depends on the size and type of metal - some are light enough but they'd be tricky to handle or easily damaged…" It goes on for awhile like that, with some of his thoughts trailing to incoherent mumbling. He'll only glance her way after much of that paper is unfolded and while he does peer at several of the drawings and scribblings, he doesn't pry too heavily into her private affairs (even if they're out there for him to see). There will be an appreciative look over some of those outfits, some more so than others. "Not a bad idea, y'know? If you got a passion for a Craft and a love for the work involved, why not go for it! At least you won't have to shelve that dream forever, if you do Impress. I plan to keep up with the Smithcraft too, I mean… I just got Journeyman rank not long ago!"

Evangeline's hands make quick work of folding back up her papers, shoving them into the hidden pockets in her skirt but leaving the one that has the outfits on it out for the Smith. "If you needed hemming, repair work, or-Um gather clothing. I could do it." There's a blush on her face, whether, from the excitement or how forward she is, it's not clear. "You don't have to answer now, but if the need arises. I would love some small beads for my designs." Her hand waves towards her pictures and one finger circles the charm before her body settles back into the chair, and she resumes a relaxed posture. "If it's not too forward, sir, can I ask where you're from?" Taking on a conversational tone, the shirt in her lap being expertly folded into a perfect square. "Congratulations on Journeyman, that's great." Sipping at her drink, she looks out at sea and resumes swinging her feet back and forth.

"I could probably drown you in beads," Keruthien admits, a touch smugly for supposed "connections" but it may be that it's not as hard for him to come by the decorative material. Even if they hadn't tread the idea of a swap, he'd likely offer some reduction of price. "Gather clothing? Dunno if I've ever been to a Gather so fancy that I'd need the clothes to match it," he muses, poking a little fun at himself. "I'm not big on formal parties, anyhow! But… I may take you up on the other offers. Can't say I've anything I need now but, maybe soon?" It may be much earlier, even! The charms are reclaimed and tucked back into their spots, while he deftly picks up the unfinished chain. Her question is poised just as he begins gathering his tools and the links, already setting into a rhythm so ingrained it's nearly possible for him to do the work on autopilot. "Thanks!" he murmurs, only to chuckle heartily at her formal questioning. "Not forward at all! And I'm from here. Xanadu Weyr, born and raised! Both my parents are riders. Actually… most of my family are."

"That can change though, if you have spare beads- I have marks." Evangeline gives a conspiratory smile, how she has any marks AT ALL is a total mystery. "Soooooo." Dragging out the O and bobbing her head from side to side, "You've been here a long time." Yes, Evi, excellent deduction skills. A furrow to her brow, and she grabs more laundry, "Are all the dragons hatched here always so loud. I have to sneak out and sleep at Nana's sometimes. I mean, were your parent's dragons loud? Sorry, if it's personal, but. My Nana impressed TURNS ago, and my cousin, and her father but. None of them ever sound like Ilyscaeth or Xermiltoth. Is that a rider's fault?" All of her words come rushing out of her mouth without any modulation, she speaks fast and excitedly about the subject before waiting for a response. She is every inch of an almost 16 turn old girl. "Nana says it's a rider's job to quiet the dragons, that they lack discipline and manners." Both eyes roll, indicating she may have heard about this a lot.

Is he going to question where she has marks? Nah. Keruthien assumes a lot but for the most part it's all harmless in nature; just like he figures if she has any income, it's not by illegal or shady means! Excellent deduction skills! He'll only grin for that, leaving the obvious unremarked on. "Mhm," he intones thoughtfully, having to set his work down for a moment as his brows knit thoughtfully. "I'm not sure? It might be that I'm used to it, like a lot of things? I mean, Leirith hardly surprises me anymore and I've never heard K'vir's Zekath." Wait a minute. How does he know those two? "Your Nana might be right in some cases but in my limited direct interaction? It's like they're all different personalities. As for my parents, well… I can't recall if Kalsuoth or Ujinath were ever "loud". Now, my cousin, Ezzie? — Oh, that's short for Eszrisa, by the way. Her green is as brash as she is!" He leans forwards a bit, dropping his voice to a hushed, stage-whisper. "Don't let her ever hear you say that!" Picking up his work again, he'll resume his lengthy pondering ramble. "I've never met a gold quite like Ilyscaeth or a bronze like Xermiltoth. My dad's mother, Thea, I never met her or her gold Seryth, before they died. So I can't compare her to the others." He shakes his head, a vague half-smile curving his mouth upwards. "So I wouldn't go as far as to putting all the blame on a rider. I mean, I can barely grasp the depth of the bond they share, so… who am I to judge?"

Evangeline listens intently, pulling a piece of paper out and writing down the names he says in some of the minimal space. "That makes some sense, though dragons don't make a lot of sense most of the time. Leirith is too loud— hurts my head." Wrinkling her nose in distaste and shaking her head, "Ilyscaeth isn't so bad, Citayla told me she corrects her and asks for her to tone it down." Slowly she folds another shirt and stands, leaning against the rail and looking up at the sky. "My cousin's dragon is quiet, thank the first egg because she is so LOUD." Shaking her head back and forth, she laughs, "I think everyone has an Ezzie, or well in my case an Ony." Turning around to face him, she asks, "Do you think you have a better chance because your parents are riders? I have Nana Enyou, though only we call her that. She's Senkyou to everyone else." Her questions are all innocence and babble, but this one seems more. There's weight behind it, and her bottom lip slips into her mouth. "Nana and Ony impressed the first time, but I wasn't raised around dragons. I'm from half moon."

Keruthien laughs, "Maybe you're right?" Agreement on the form of similar relatives with brash personalities. He'll let his gaze follow for a moment when she stands, but otherwise he's back to mostly focusing on his work. It's probably keeping him decently grounded and not just going on his usual wild tangents and devil-may care attitude. It could be too that the hot summer day is keeping even him relatively calm(er)! "Nah, I don't put stock in bloodlines. Might give a tiny bit more of an edge? Or at the very least we've got a better idea of what we're in for. Beyond that? Who knows how those eggs will split, come the Big Day! My uncle, he's a rider too?" Omitted details are that it's Fort's Weyrleader. "Only one of his sons ever Impressed — that's K'vir, by the way, though I don't know if my other cousins ever tried." There's no mention of his previous stint as a Candidate. For whatever reason, Keruthien withholds that, yet freely talks of his family with her.

Keruthien laughs, "Maybe you're right?" Agreement on the form of similar relatives with brash personalities. He'll let his gaze follow for a moment when she stands, but otherwise he's back to mostly focusing on his work. It's probably keeping him decently grounded and not just going on his usual wild tangents and devil-may care attitude. It could be too that the hot summer day is keeping even him relatively calm(er)! "Nah, I don't put stock in bloodlines. Might give a tiny bit more of an edge? Or at the very least we've got a better idea of what we're in for. Beyond that? Who knows how those eggs will split, come the Big Day! My uncle, he's a rider too?" Omitted details are that it's Fort's Weyrleader. "Only one of his sons ever Impressed — that's K'vir, by the way, though I don't know if my other cousins ever tried." There's no mention of his previous stint as a Candidate. For whatever reason, Keruthien withholds that, yet freely talks of his family with her.

Let's be honest, Evangeline has almost no idea who the Weyrleader of Fort Weyr is. The harpers have been working on her learning the political landscape of Pern, an Area she did not get a lot of exposure to due to her upbringing. "You might be right." Evi takes on a more relaxed stance and allows her weight to shift from foot to foot, though she is always holding herself with good posture. She's a lady. "Nana and her brother both impressed, but they were the first." Gathering up her basket and cat, she says, "I need to get back to the laundry, I am behind, but they let me have lunch." There doesn't seem to be any food consumed, and her drink is half full. "They're not going to be happy." Placing the folded clothes neatly with the unfolded, she puts the calico form of the naked Coatrack on her shoulder, and the cat settles in like a wrinkled goblin parrot. "Thank you though, let me know about the beads." With a polite nod, she goes to toddle down the stairs, hopefully not dropping any of her things.

"Will do and good luck!" Keruthien tips his fingers off the side of his temple in a mock salute to Evangeline as she gathers her stuff. He seems to be settling in for the long haul, so once their farewells are shared and she's gone, he'll refocus back on his work. Which he'll do until either hunger or thirst (or some other form of mayhem) draw him away as well.

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