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.
One of the large fire pits has been erected on the beach, mimicking those that are now occupying the clearing, and its around this that a large animal has been spitted and is currently roasting, pulled by a pair of canines who are seemingly well behaved. Various boxes of ice are set around the beach with large glass jars of chilled juices, while flat breads and sliced vegetables are spread on makeshift tables. The beach is lit with various torches, and as dusk is falling, people are starting to mingle.
Erdric is strolling causally along the water's edge. He seems to be continually scanning the beach and the cliff's face for something, who knows what. Currently his walking back towards the spot just down from the narrow staircase that leads up to the clearing and meadow.
Ysa appears at the top of those stairs with the company of a green firelizard perched on her shoulder and using the height from the cliff to glance around the beach. She looks over her lizard-less shoulder, sighing audibly for a moment before moving down them. Unlike Erdric, she's more casual about going down to the beach, kicking off her shoes once she gets to the and. "Hey!" she calls, spotting the young man. "Hey, Erdric, right?"
Erdric had stopped as the figure appeared at the top of the stairs and watched as Ysa made her way down. "Hello Ma'am." He returns the greeting. "yes, yes it is Erdric." He smiles that the jr. Weyrwoman remembered his name. "What brings you down to the beach?" Better ask her before she has the chance to ask him.
Ysa wrinkles her nose at his greeting. "Ysa's alright, really." She smirks when she realizes she did get his name right, tilting her head to study the young man for a moment before turning towards the sea. The firelizard on her shoulder studies him as well, but her gaze was more intense. "Just for a walk, really. That /was/ my intention, but it's a good thing I ran into ya out here. Been looking for ya since I've heard 'round that you've gotten some letters." She really does go straight to the point as she turns back towards him with eyebrows lifted curiously.
The laughter of children echoes around the beach long before the group comes in sight. They seem to be having races up and down the dunes, giggling as they run.
Erdric turns on the older woman quickly at the mention of letters. He had been continuing to scan the beach as she had talked but she had is full attention now. "Letters? What do you know about any letters?" His question is calmly asked and even toned despite the fact his heart skipped a beat and he can feel his blood pressure suddenly rise.
Ysa looks even more curious, if that's possible, at his reaction. Her brows drop down suspiciously, though, and she shrugs her shoulders back. "I've gotten this letter, ya see," she starts nonchalantly. "And I've kept my ears open. I wanted to know what kind of threat 'm dealing with, if it's something that we really need to worry 'bout." She drops her boots on the floor, sinking her feet into the sand before crossing her arms.
Erdric raises his eyebrows now as he carefully studies the Jr. Weyrwoman. "Do you have the letter by chance?" He is careful not to react to emotionally and tries not to give away his apprehension or concern despite the fact he is almost now sick to his stomach.
Ysa waves her hand dismissively. "No, not on me. It's probably somewhere in my weyr." Her brows draw down now as she studies him. "Why do ya ask that?" She doesn't seem that concerned at the moment, only confused at his hesitation. "Well, ya have been gotten one, right? Or a few? Did they tell ya that danger was coming, too?"
The children flock along the beach, their race now heading towards Ysa and Erdric instead of up and down the dunes. As the group nears it becomes apparently that they're going to run right over the pair instead of going around — some jumping to get clear, others veering off at the last second. Once past they split into smaller groups, twos and threes heading off in differing directions.
Ysa — As the children pass you feel a tug on the back of your shirt and something landing on your hand. Looking down you will find two pebbles beside you - one black, one white.
Erdric — As the children pass you feel a tug on your hand, and something being forced into it. Looking down you will find two pebbles - a black one in your hand, and a white one by your foot.
Erdric continues to study Ysa but adds, "Yes I did and indeed they did mention danger was coming. Do you know if anyone else who received any notes?" As he is finishing he sees the kids running towards them at the very last moment but doesn't have time to react other than to brace for impact. Luckily they manage to split off and avoid running over Ysa and himself. He then feels a tug on his hand and something being put into it. How come he hadn't seen whoever standing there. He must have been distracted by the other children. When he pulls his hand he find a black pebble in his hand and looking down spots white one. "What in Faranth's name?" He says as he reaches down to pick up the white pebble that wasn't there before.
Ysa shakes her head at him, frowning even more now. "No, just on my pillow, of all places. Now it's ya, too, that I'm certain of. I've been listening 'round, but nothing else." She turns a bit too late towards the children, glaring after them at first and taking one step back. "Brats—What?" She jerks at the tug, but still finds something in her hand instead, and her face wrinkles up even more. "Rocks? Shells, something weird going on or what?" She scowls after the kids before turning to nod stiffly towards Erdric. "Same thing? I think there's something going on here, an' there's no sharding way that 'm going to let people get hurt if that's what they're saying."
Erdric gets a slightly more serious look on his face as he notices Ysa too has pebbles in her hand. "This is too strange and I do not like it one bit. No one is getting hurt on my watch." He looks after the kids, even as young Ori disappears between. "Ori get back here you…" he calls out after the bronze but he is gone. "If those dratted kids frighted him away so help me, they will be the ones hurting." The younger boy is obviously frsutrated and not a little bit concerned now. "What do you think we should do Ma', Ysa." He catches himself at the last moment and uses her name as instructed.