Jenna and Solant have a talk in the caverns about Sidanna.

Jenna - Sunday, April 07, 2002, 10:21 AM
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Your location's current time: 10:22 on day 1, month 11, Turn 39, of the Tenth Pass. It is a autumn morning.

Fort LC> Solant smiles gently "I regaled the candidates with the story of our handfasting, love. I am sure my words didn't do you justice."

Fort LC> Danna nods, "So you'd sew your own dress, once you had the material?" She blushes again at Solant's reply, smiling in spite of herself. "Just the handfasting though?" she asks, seeking reassurance.

You head into the Living Caverns.
Fort Weyr Living Cavern(#199RJa$)
Approaching half the size of the Hatching Grounds, this cavern echoes with voices during the day, and the soft patter of feet during the night. Dozens of tables are spaced throughout, each with open space around to provide small amounts of privacy for the discussions carried on at each. The night hearth, with a cluster of pots of stew and klah, is situated near the large entrance to the Bowl. Several other hearths are spaced around the huge chamber, lending light and some heat to the room.

Broad marble steps to the southwest lead up to the impressive Fort Weyr kitchen. At the moment however those broad steps are marred with soot, as are the walls and the ceiling of the living cavern all around and above the impressive kitchen entrance. Many items of severely damaged kitchen equipment are placed in slowly growing piles near the entrance as clean up crews continue work after the kitchen fire. Two burly men stand near the kitchen entrance, preventing the mere curious from having access to the damaged area. No cooking can be done in the kitchens at this time and to make up for it most of the hearths in the living cavern have been pressed into use as cooking places. The cavern sees even more bustle than usual as bakers take over most of the walkways near the walls for the business of providing food for the Weyr. Residents enter and leave in an almost constant stream near mealtimes, back and forth from the large cooking pit set up near the lake. Only half the tables are in the living cavern, room is needed for both the cooking work and the clean up operation. The other half of the living cavern's tables are out in the bowl.

To the east, a short flight of stairs leads to the hallway to the inner caverns. A stout door to the north has a healer's emblem on it, marking the Infirmary. To the south is a wide tunnel, leading out of the Weyr, and a wide opening to the west leads to the Weyr bowl.
Contents:
Redus
Larathe
Danna
Solant(#6960PJce)
Meg and Peg
Fort Weyr Firelizard Perch

Jenna comes padding up from the caverns, a kerchief tied around her hair, absently scratching at an itch on one arm. She is rather grimy and dusty and stifles a /huge/ yawn as she heads towards the serving table. A casual, "Morning," is tossed out to the cavern through the yawn, all but unintelligible.

Solant looks a little embarrased "Well, everything actually. The day we met, the Gather at Boll...and the Ruatha problem" he adds quickly, "It was a romantic telling."

Larathe nods "yes, I would, without a doubt... I cannot afford the marks to get a weaver to make it up."

Larathe smiles "hello Jenna."

Redus chuckles a bit. "It was a good story." he says to Danna. "Told of the ballad even." He takes a sip of his klah and waves to Jenna, adding a "G'mornin'."

Danna's green eyes widen, "All of that?" she says to Solant, cheeks still flushed pink. "You've never talked about it to anyone before." She nods thoughtfully in response to Larathe's lack of marks. "A trained weaver could probably make a more slenderizing dress. They have all sorts of techniques that they use...The ballad?" She sounds faintly distressed.

Larathe laughs "why would I want a slenderizing dress?"

Solant looks a little embarrased "The conversation went that way. Besides" he lifts his head "I'm proud. Proud of you, and what you made of me"

Jenna gets herself a mug of juice, and heads towards the others, absently pulling off the kerchief about her hair and sending a small sandstorm of dust around. "Whew. Dresses?" She gives Danna an uncertain look and slides into a seat near the others.

Redus smiles at Danna's struggle with embarrassment. "You needn't worry. He said nothing that was less than flattering." His eyes study the hairdresser for a moment and chuckles. "Perhaps he understated your appeal." He grins at Solant and agrees. "And the talk did go that way."

Danna looks back at Solant, smiling. "I thought -you- made me what -I- am." She holds his gaze for a warm moment and then says to Larathe, "Oh...no reason really...just to add the illusion of height and slimness you know. Of course a lot could be done with your hair too. You're already such a striking young woman with that coloring, it seems a shame not to make you as devestatingly beautiful as you might be." She nods to Jenna, looking at the kerchief thoughtfully, "Dresses. I don't wear many myself, but they do have their place."

Solant swigs from his tankard "Thanks Redus. Well, we did a lot of things with our Turns" He comments to Danna.

Danna catches Redus's remark, and even after her many turns of marriage and distinct lack of youth, she seems pleased at the compliment. "Thank you."

Larathe laughs "I don't have time to mess with my hair."

Danna nods to Larathe and says smoothly, "That's why you need a hairdresser, such as myself."

Jenna wrinkles her nose lightly, "Well, for gathers and all, I guess. I rather like stuff that isn't a dress, even if it looks like one. I'd rather be comfortable than anything." She shoots an amused glance at Redus and takes a drink of her juice. The kerchief starts to slink its way to a pocket, as she notices Danna's gaze on it.

Larathe laughs "I don't have time to let someone else mess with it, I plait it, then I leave it after tying it."

Solant shakes his head "I think it depends what you're trying to do. If you're cleaning floors you don't want a dress, but cutting a dash at the Gather, you want to look your very best. And if anyone can make you look the best you can, it's Danna. You have my word on that." he puts his hand on his chest and bows slightly

Larathe smiles "I'm doing mending work... and I'm not very keen on gathers, too many people around."

Danna smiles, "I think you're also not realizing what a relaxing, pleasant experience it can be to put yourself in the hands of an expert hairdresser. And it needn't take very long. I think you probably could save time by not needing to braid it any longer if we were to cut it in some short, feminine style." She nods agreement to Jenna, "I also prefer to dress comfortably." She gesturestowards her tunic and leggings. "But Solant has decided this morning that I'm to have a dress."

Larathe laughs "maybe... what do you charge?"

Solant chuckles "Now, that's not quite how I'd put it. When we relax it is nice to see you dressed up occasionally." he looks to Redus "Are you taking notes?"

Jenna grins at Solant. "I'm afraid I'm hopeless when it comes to that. Mother tried to get me to have a custom fitting for a really nice gather dress a few turns back. The weaver talked about sewing ruffles in the bosom, and I turned right around and left." She rolls her eyes a bit and then eyes Danna, "Short and feminine?" She sounds a trifle curious. "How?"

Redus glances at the buckets he'd brought with him before opting to sit in a seat near Solant and Danna. Catching Jenna's amused look he chuckles a bit. He doesn't add anything to the dress conversation until Solant addresses him. "Notes?" He taps his skull and grins, "It's all being recorded, yes."

Danna focuses her attention on Larathe and Jenna, "It doesn't even have to involve marks. We can usually work out some sort of reasonable trade..." She turns to study Jenna's hair.

Solant grins at Redus then, swigging from his tankard "I'll be testing you later."

Larathe smiles "what kind of trade could I do though? Mending?" and she grins

Jenna almost automatically tucks the strands of hair about her face behind her ears, looking a trifle self-conscious. Then she immediately messes them up, frowning a trifle in annoyance with herself, "Runners have to keep it short. Mother cut mine when I was around ten, and I've not had it long since." She takes a drink of juice, not quite looking to see what Danna's expression reveals about her hairstyle.

Danna says thoughtfully, "We probably have some mending, but if you're able to do some simple stitchery, you could help me with making some hair ornaments. That would be a fair trade."

Larathe says interestedly "I could do that... but I'd like to keep my hair how it is at the moment thanks."

Danna nods, "It's up to you of course. But if you change your mind, just let me know. It could make a real difference."

Redus chuckles. "I'm sure you will, sir. So, far tho, I've been pretty good about dress selecting...well...except once."

Larathe smiles "ok, I'll do that then"

Solant just continues to smile. A man should never comment on a lady and her hair if he wants to remain in good favour. Over the turns he has learned that well. Instead, he comments to Redus. "It isn't always the selection that matters, it's thta you tried. I refer you back to our previous conversation about trying hard?"

Jenna catches only part of Redus and Solant's discussion and gives Redus a blank look. "You wore a dress?"

Danna smiles back and then looks at Jenna once more, "It is very short," she agrees, "And that's practical. I don't keep mine too long for that reason," she adds, giving her braid a tug. "But you could keep it short and still dress it up a little for other occasions. Some of the hair products I use would make it seem fuller and we could add some wave to it..."

Redus answers Jenna with a smile and a nod. "Once. For a joke. Wasn't pretty either." Then to Solant he nods again. "I remember. And I know, the effort is really what counts."

Jenna ohs at Redus, looking a trifle relieved. Then she looks back to Danna and asks uncertainly, "Wave? I wouldn't have to fuss with it, would I? I mean now, it's just a little sweetsand, a quick dunking, and I'm set." She glances at Larathe, chewing on her lip.

Solant waves a hand "Say no more, Redus." he looks to the ladies "I have to say though, for such an array of pretties, we'd try with all our heart, hmm?" More ale is consumed

Larathe laughs "no... it wouldn't be pretty, on you."

Danna, fortunately, doesn't hear Solant's praise of the ladies. For all that it's part of his patter, it doesn't mean she enjoys it. "We'd find a way to make it not too fussy," she explains to Jenna.

Having to chuckle again and nod, Redus looks at Larathe. "Pretty wasn't my intention. If I'd have given the girls a chance they would have tried. But, as our Steward just implied, I'd have come nowhere near matching the examples in here this morning."

Solant muses at that then nods "Not bad, lad. Not bad. You're getting there." he chuckles and refills his tankard. My, he is getting through the ale this morning.

Jenna still looks a trifle uncertain. "Well, I'd *like* it to look a little different. It's not been changed, really since I was ten. Mother just sort of plopped a bowl over my head and cut around it." One hand steals up to absently tug at a lock, as Redus makes his compliment and she snorts lightly at him.

Danna smiles at Jenna, "I want to go check on my daughter right now, but find me later, and we can talk it over," she suggests.

Solant comments "She is meant to be in the harper lessons. I expect she's lost in the tunnels somewhere instead"

Danna nods to Solant, "Probably. It's my turn to go find her."

Redus settles back and listens after a nod to Solant's comment his way. Sipping his klah, he just enjoys the view.

Solant hmms "Very well. Chastise her again? It's becoming a habit"

Jenna nods to Danna, "I will." She sounds a trifle surprised at herself agreeing, and adds, "If Zak's with her, make him go to lessons as well? With Rey and I both searched, and his brother usually busy with sweeps and drills, those two may end up in trouble more often than normal," she says ruefully.

Danna nods to Jenna, "I understand," she says with that crooked smile. She gives Solant a quick hug, "I'll think of something."

Danna walks down the eastern stairs to the Inner Caverns.
Danna has left.

Redus' eyes check the view of the departing hairdresser and turns to Solant. "She's as you said, sir." he remarks. A sip then he asks Jenna, "What they got you doin' today?"

Solant looks at Jenna thoughtfully "Zak...he's close to my daughter, yes?"

Jenna says drily to Redus, "Rug beating. Could be worse, but the dust on some is so think, I swear they haven't been aired in turns." She then nods to Solant, "Yeesss," she says slowly and then says, "Sidanna seems to be rather... fond of the boy. And he's only eight." She manages to keep her tone fairly neutral, though at that last, her feelings are fairly clear. "He enjoys being around her. I'm hoping if I stay out of it enough he'll remember that girls are icky."

Larathe smiles "am I going to be seeing any of you around at the laundry?"

Solant sits and groans "Oh, shards. It's started then, has it? Do you happen to know what they do together??"

Redus chuckles. "Oh..You musta found the rug I didn't get to the other day." Then he raises a brow. "Girls are not icky..." Then a glance at Solant and a grin. "Having to worry already, sir? How ol is yours?"

Jenna glances to Larathe and nods, "Soon as chores take me there. Laundry I don't mind so much. It's kitchen's that's awful, but I think I got Tamsin to trade with me when I get it, if I trade with her when she gets snake hunting." She looks back to Solant, lips setting in a thin line. "I know she's kissed him. I'm *assuming* it's not serious and have been trying to keep him busy with his training, but, with her skipping lessons like she does, it's not that easy." A pause and she says, "She's just... free spirited, I guess."

"Kissed? OH." Solant's face falls "She is eleven. That is old enough. Traditionally, Sebring handfast young, if at all. If we were thirty turns ago, she'd probably have her first child by fifteen. I have to do something about it."

Redus smiles at Solant asks, "Having trouble with tradition suddenly, sir?" He can't help but chuckle as he slurps his klah.

Jenna clears her throat. "Well, my telling Zak he should focus on his running just made him slip away to see her that much more. And they do say that the weyrbred learn that sort of thing early on. But," she shrugs slightly. "She's a sweet girl, sir, really. I'm trying not to be all stuffy and holder-y, but it does seem to me that she might be a bit, well, ahead of herself?"

Solant sighs "I wish she was, Jenna. How much do you know of the Sebring? Have you ever met my sisters, Sanjisha? Or Siara?

Larathe frowns "none of them are here at the weyr are they?

Jenna squeaks lightly, "Siara's your sister?" She sinks a bit in her chair, and attempts to hide behind her juice mug. "I, um, yes, well, I've met her. Igen rider, isn't she?" She looks to Redus and Larathe. Change of subject anyone? Please?

Solant says with a wince "She is. I think you're starting to see my point? Sidanna is exactly the way she was at the same age"

The names of Solant's sisters don't ring a bell in Redus' mind. He looks between the Steward and Jenna, content on listening mostly -- sounds interesting actually; Solant has sisters. "Hmmm..."

Solant adds for Larathe "Both at Igen. Reputation? EVERYONE knows my sisters"

Jenna nods to Solant, "I, ah, see your point. But he's just *eight*," she protests

Larathe smiles "I've never been to Igen."

Solant waves a hand "I have no quibble with the lad, he's got enough sense to know what is what and I am sure that no blame lies with him. But one thing that always bred true in Sebring - the girls all need a good spanking most of the time."

Jenna looks relieved that Solant is the one that suggested it. She says slowly, "Well, Zak's one that, if you tell him /not/ to do something, he goes out and does it fifty times just to be sure it happens. So telling him to keep himself to himself where she's concerned won't do a whit of good, I imagine."

Larathe smiles "tell him to spend a lot of time with her, see if that works, or if it exacerbates the problem"

Redus laughs at Solants' words and stands, leaving his mug for later. "I best get to work." he says quietly, eyeing the buckets on the floor near one of the hearths. Walking away, towrd the buckets he mutters something about 'spanking'. Soon, he's scooping hot cools with a small metal shovel from the hearth, pouring them into one bucket for later.

Solant grins a little "I don't want to scare the lad, but if I played heavy father at him it might help. I doubt it's even come into his mind to be more than a playmate. But Sidanna is well aware of what she is doing, I am sure." he sighs "Born to ride green. How did I spawn such a wilful child? I was a GOOD son!"

Jenna mms. "Well, I talked to him about how it's better to spend time training than time thinking about girls. And he said 'girls, yuck', but then he's off playing with her again. How about this suggestion," She peers at Solant a moment and then says, "See if he keeps getting caught with her, without Rey and I keeping as close an eye on him as we usually do? Then perhaps try the angry da'?"

Solant hmms "I'll keep an eye out for that. Not a bad idea, Jenna. I am sure it'll not come to anything but it is worth a chance"

Jenna nods, perhaps a trifle too vigorously considering her brave words of it all being minor trouble. Then she grins a bit at Solant, "So the men in Sebring are perfect little innocents? Why do I have a hard time believing that?"

Larathe chuckles "no... the men spend their time trying to find ways of swindling... I mean getting a good deal out of people."

Solant laughs "I'm ther responsible one. My father, he was incorigible. Sanji, my sister...we didn't even know she was a sister for turns"

Solant starst at that "SWindling! We do not SWINDLE!"

Larathe chuckles "just kidding."

Solant harumphs

Jenna ooohs. "I think those are fighting words, Larathe. I've never traded with Sebring myself - oh! You'd know, Solant - do they trade to the southern continent at all? You've heard about those cushions that Rain's making? I'd dearly love one out of a feline pelt - I've heard they're everso warm."

Raeche comes up the steps from the Inner Caverns.
Raeche has arrived.

Larathe nods "morning Raeche

Solant shakes his head "never been south. we do enough business up North as it is

Raeche flounces in, some hides in hand. She nods to Larathe with a smile before heading over to get something to drink.

Jenna's face falls slightly. "Oh. Well, do they have any contacts with the other clans that I might talk to? I've been saving my marks-" She trails off and nods to Raeche, "Morning."

Solant chuckles "Give me a sevenday, Jenna? You'll have your cushion"

Larathe smiles "I'm going out, I'd like some fresh air."

Larathe heads out the cavernous entrance to the bowl.
Larathe has left.

Raeche smiles in Jenna's direction, setting her hides down to pour herself some klah. "Good morning, Jenna. Why the long face?"

Jenna's expression alters so quickly that she has to laugh at Raeche's question. "No long face any more. You'd really ask around, Solant? I'm sure it'll be dear, but I've got marks saved, and I'd really love a whole pelt - maybe make the rest into a blanket if it's big enough? It's make a wonderful turnday present for someone." To her credit, she doesn't spill just how *many* marks she has saved, but it's a near thing.

Raeche puts the pitcher down, picking up her hides again and nodding to Jenna with a grin as she looks for a place to sit.

Solant rubs his chin. "I'll get what I can for you. trust me. I'm Sebring!"

Jenna beams at Solant. "/Thank/ you! No more being cold this winter for me, then." She toys with her mug in her excitement, tapping it against the table. "Just let me know how expensive it is - I trust you to drive a hard bargin for me. I'm fairly awful at that - always pay way more than I should."

Solant laughs a little "I might even gte it for you so cheaply that you'd have enough for two. Depends how my poker face is going"

Raeche flashes a grin, looking between Jenna and Solant. "If you can get two, give one to me!"

Jenna grins at Raeche, "I'd say I'd play you for it in dragonpoker, but-" Her tone is amused. "I'd be happy for one. Two would mean definate turnday gifts for a couple of people."

Solant smiles slightly "You play poker, Jenna? Really? I must invite you into my evening game sometime"

Raeche settles down by a chess game, arching an eyebrow, lower lip sliding out.

Jenna grins a bit at Solant. "Raeche taught me. I'm *awful*, really."

Solant looks over at Raeche and chuckles "I'm always after new blood in the game - and if you're bad at it, that's even better. Stakes tend to be fairly low for newcomers, too"

Raeche's other eyebrow arches. "I'd be happy to join," she purrs.

Jenna laughs and waggles a finger at Solant, "*After* I get that pelt. Then I can afford to lose again."

Solant grins "I'll arrange a nice quiet spot for it. I hope you know what you're getting into"

Raeche's eyelashes give a few flutters. "I'm sure it couldn't be that bad."

Solant laughs "Girl, that won't work on me. I have a heart of stone where dragonpoker is concerned"

Raeche has a sip of her drink, declaring in lofty tones, "Fortunately, I'm good in other areas."

Solant laughs and then says "I bet you are. I'll do you a deal - if you shape up as much as you think you do, I'll offer you a business proposition that could make you a mark or two." he lowers his voice "And I'd appreciate it if you didn't let the Headwoman know about any of this?"

Raeche leans back in her seat, lips quirking up at the corners. "That sounds acceptable. I'm sorry - I don't know your name. I'm Raeche. A pleasure to... meet you."

Jenna sits, soaking up information, and gives Solant an innocent look. "Know about what? I don't know anything until after I get that pelt in my greedy little hands." She grins at the pair and falls silent again.

Solant bobs his head "Solant. Head Steward. I've seen you about but not really talked before. Ever played poker for high stakes?"

"My, Head Steward. Of course," Raeche murmurs. "High stakes? Ohh, maybe once or twice." A dismissive shrug.

Solant grins "Ever had anyone get angry at losing? or been caught cheating?"

Raeche's eyes slide sidelong. "Ooohhh... maybe once or twice," she repeats, clearing her throat gently.

Solant cocks her head "Ever cheated and suffered the consequences?"

L'nan has arrived.

Raeche's lips spread into a wide, lazy grin. "Define 'consequences'?" she asks Solant.

Solant chuckles "Have you ever had your kneecaps kicked in?"

Raeche shakes her head. "Oh, no. I can usually think of something else to placate people like that."

L'nan appears much like a dragon blinks into being in the sky, and he looks around wildly as if trying to find someone. He spots his target, rushes over to a wingrider, and mutters with him for a bit. They seem to come to an agreement and the wingrider walks off. L'nan turns and catches the 'kicked in kneecaps' comment with a wince.

Peros comes up the steps from the Inner Caverns.
Peros has arrived.

Peros waves as he wanders in.

Solant laughs somewhat "Again, that is for quieter discussion."

Peros pours himself a mug of cider and sits at a table, rubbing his eyes.

Raeche smiles at Solant, murmuring, "Of course, Head Steward." She tilts her head to the left. "Do you think I can handle your game?"

Solant snorts "If you walk as well as you talk, you should."

Raeche smiles more broadly, looking pleased by this. "Trust me."

L'nan makes a detour towards the meal table, grabs up a few fingerfoods, and finds a seat. He seems rather distracted, though cheerful enough.

Solant grins "I don't even trust myself

Raeche has a long sip of her drink, arching her brows at Solant. "Really? If you don't trust yourself, how can you ever take risks?"

Solant chuckles "I like excitement"

Raeche leans forward in her seat. "Oh? What kind of excitement?"

Jenna grins a bit at Solant, "Who doesn't?" She gives a nod to Peros as he enters, and then her eyes drift L'nan-wards for a moment.

Peros waves to Jenna and winks.

Solant muses "Well, sometimes it isn't too good. Stories...I have many!"

L'nan winks at Jenna before he can stop himself, and then grins goofishly at her.

The wink by Peros doesn't turn Jenna's head; she merely gives him an arched eyebrow. L'nan's however, gets a smile and a cheerfully commented, "You look absolutely full of yourself today, Lu."

Raeche murmurs, "Stories? Let's hear them, Head Steward."

Solant hmms "Excitement...well.." he rubs his chin "What would you rather...how I was once a suspect in a murder hunt, or the time I got a few wagons of frilly skirts and had to find interesting things to do with them"

"Oh, frilly skirts," Raeche says, nodding sagely. "And then the murder."

L'nan takes on an offended look. "I do?" Then a pause and a cocky smile. "Well.. what's not to like, eh?" He's joking, of course.

Solant grins "Well, you may have seen the logo of Hugo the Firelizard? The Sebring Mark of quality? Have you?"

Raeche inclines her head to Solant. "Mmmn-hmmn. Father was a trader."

Solant hmms "Well, when we first developed it, we ordered a lot of shirts with the logo on. A promotional offer, you see?"

Raeche purses her lips together. "That doesn't sound like it would work very well. Did it?"

Solant snorts "Not at all. Danna was rather pregnant at the time. I don't know if that had anything to do with it. I ended up with two wagonloads of floral skirts."

"Quite the mistaken order," Raeche murmurs. "Floral skirts? I could see some people liking those - depending on what they looked like. Were they hideous?"

Solant smiles pleasantly "Utterly rancid. Weavers must have thought I'd gone guite mad."

Jenna clues back into something Solant just said, "It's name is Hugo?"

Solant looks at Jenna "Hmm? yes. Hugo. Pleasant little firelizard with a cheeky smile."

Raeche smiles. "Hugo is an adorable name. Really. So you had the floral skirts - couldn't they be dyed a dark, dark colour? What happened with them?"

Jenna repeats under her breath, 'Hugo'. Just then, one of the younger candidates comes searching for her, to tell her she's late for something yet again, and she dahses off without a word to anyone, leaving her mug behind.

Peros looks up, curiously, "Who is Hugo?"

You walk down the stairs, into the Inner Caverns.