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.
Spring is beginning to give way to summer, with the sun spending more and more time in the sky each day. Moria is taking advantage of this change, lurking on the beach to absorb some sunlight. With her firelizards playing in the waves, Ria is stretched out along a towel and wearing a swimsuit, though a very thin material extends over most of her skin. She seems to be dozing, eyes closed as she lays on her belly and soaks up the rays.
Avani is stretching her legs. For once, she doesn't have her message pouch accross her shoulders but rather a towel is in its place. Spotting the form upon the beach, she cuts her run down to a mere jog, trying to spot a good spot to enter the water.
The firelizards continue to cavort, but the bronze, recognizing Avani, peels off to investigate. Mulgrave, soaking wet from his play in the spray, wings over to Avani with a welcome trill. This change in sound catches Moria's attention and she lifts her head, shading her eyes with one hand as she peers up and down the beach. As she catches sight of Avani, the hand goes up into a wave. "Hey there," she calls, starting to prop herself up.
Avani glances at the bronze with a small smile, but returns the woman's greeting with a wave of her own. "Hello. How's the water?" The best way to find out without risking her own hide, it would seem.
Moria chuckles, calling to Mulgrave to get him to settle beside her instead of pestering Avani. "A little cool, but enjoyable enough. My firelizards seem plenty happy with it right now, and they are pretty determined to never be cold," she replies, pushing herself the rest of the way upright and leaning back on her knees. "Were you wanting to swim?"
Avani winces slightly at the request and finally offers a partia shrug. "Wade…" she admits after a moment, "I nearly got swept away when I was younger, and my Father forbade me to enter the deeper water, so I never learned to swim."
Moria ahs, nodding slowly and stroking Mulgrave's head with one hand. "I'd recommend you see about learning. It's never too late to do so, and it is a very good skill to have, especially living near both a lake and a fairly active river. I'm sure someone can give you lessons." She rises, the thin material of her suit shifting as she stands and bunching unevenly. She takes a few moments to smooth it out, so the not-quite-sheer limb coverings stay in place.
"I might someday," Avani offers, "But for the moment, I'm sticking to dry land." She grins and moves closer to the older woman, pulling the towel from her shoulder to hold it in her hands. "I suppose my Father would consider it safer to learn in a lake than the ocean." There is something in her tone which suggests just how tempting it would be to roll her eyes to accent that point, but there's no sign of it in her mud-green gaze.
Moria chuckles, nodding as she finishes tugging her swimsuit straight. "I can respect that. Did you want company when you wade, or do you want some peaceful time? I know it can be pretty hectic here, and you've been around a bit longer than I think you planned?" The last is certainly more question that statement as the crafter winds her braid up into a bun to keep it clear of her shoulders.
Avani shakes her head, "I've had a few messages to deliver, but I'm told that things might not pick up until summer fully sets in." She glances towards the water and nips at her lower lip, but she stops that the moment she realises that she's doing it. "While I appreciate the offer, I don't believe it would be proper to have company while I'm in the water. I was forced to…improvise my swimwear."
Moria smothers a smile with one hand, trying to make the movement look natural. "There are still some parts of the mountains with snow on them, and it would be awkward to try and get through. Plus, the felines are probably still winter-hungry. I'd hate to deal with them." She calls to her firelizards, gathering them in as she collects her towel. "I'll leave you to enjoy the water, then. I'd recommend you ask Hisolda about checking into stores to see if we have anything more suitable for future swimming, or wading, endeavors."
Avani nods, "I'll keep that in mind, thank you." She glances around again, looking for a suitable spot to enter the water from. As she moves, she mutters "Hisolda" to herself before remembering her manners and sending the departing Moria and her fair a wave. "We'll be sure to cross paths in the future!" she offers with her usual thin-liped smile.
Moria lets her smile show this time, since Avani is facing away, and nods even though the other woman cannot see it. "Take care, Avani, and watch that you don't go too far out. The lake has enough tide to generate undertow." With her firelizards in tow, she heads up the sparsely populated populated beach back toward the Weyr.