Fort Weyr - Shenanigan's Lounge
The natural walls of this cavern haven been completely covered and replaced by straight and sometimes curving walls of brickwork. There's method to the madness of covering stone with stone. It's as simple as the electric buzz in the room. New grade electric lights dot the fancy brick worked walls, with wires cleverly hidden behind, allowing more focus to be centered on the rest of the room rather than the numerous strings of wire needed to operate the lighting. Each bulb roosts in a bronzed metal flowering fixture, giving the room a rich atmosphere. Still, the walls are not the only place which has stone on stone appeal. The floor has been run smooth, the surface now slate rock, creating an imperial cast.
Beyond the actual foundations of the lounge, the luxury continues. High backed wooden chairs with padded white seats have been stationed all around the room. Between the individual chairs are benches fashioned out of the same rich wood with pillows made to flatter the cushions. There are low lying coffee tables or end tables near the individual chairs, while there's larger dinning room sized tables with chairs to match scattered as well, giving much variety to those who find themselves in the room. Decorative hangings and framed artwork has been neatly hung around the room, but to offset the meticulous method of the room, there's some pieces that give a sporty feeling to the room - such as a fishing rod or a snow shoe.
Of course, the final appeal of the room comes in the form of it's purpose; athletic competition. There are several games of darts lining the walls, various decks of dragon poker cards available, a large velvet lined pool table centered to one side of the lounge, a mat area surrounded by ropes, and an area that keeps track of all the runner races around the world via radio signal, giving constant updates on the status of the runners. Lastly, there's a bar here, small and built with brick as well. There's usually a bartender on duty willing to mix drinks during the evening hours.
The drudges won't tattle on her if any of them happen to notice her eye roll in the hallway. Hardly anyone seems to be about even if it's the afternoon hour. Most are smart and have stayed in the cooler caverns of the Weyr. Not even the lake shore sees many about, though a few brave souls try to cool off in the waters and then scurry for what meagre shade there may be. The only one's who seem to be enjoying this humid, hot summer are the dragons. Almost every ledge is occupied for those who are not on active duty.
Kimmila stalks through the kitchens, getting herself a roll before marching thorugh to the living caverns. Where is Th'ero? She experiences a momentary pang and then flare of frustration because he's not where he usually is. Not in /his/ office, dammit. « Where is yours? »
Where indeed? Velokraeth's answer is groggy and as warm and golden as the sunlight that is warming his hide. « Mhm? Oh, is yours done speaking with the usurper? She'll find what she's seeking in the usual haunts. Shenanigan's are not what he's up to, unless you count his terrible card playing. » No, Th'ero's not gambling but he does play lousily at most card games. How he was even coerced into playing a round might be an interesting story or simply that he was bored. So very bored.
Kimmila frowns and turns her steps towards Shenanigan's, moving inside and letting her eyes scan the area, seeking out Th'ero's table and whoever he's playing with. Hopefully he's not betting too much. She knows how bad he is.
Th'ero knows better than to cast any betting. This is just a harmless game of cards between a few Wingriders with nothing better to do between shifts. Not that he's decided yet which Wing he's truly going to settle in despite picking up a few shifts in Thunderbird. Kimmila will find him seated at one of the furtherest tables in the lounge, currently playing with two other riders and from the looks of things he's losing whatever game it is they're playing. He remains mostly silent, but the other two are muttering plenty enough amongst themselves and with a few good chuckles and low laughter.
Kimmila meanders over and pulls up a chair beside Th'ero, flopping down with a nod to the other two, giving her weyrmate a pointed /look/. Things did not go very well.
Th'ero notices that pointed look and it just so happens that the game is coming to an end. "'Lo, Kimmila." One of the Wingriders greet her, an amiable brownrider from Thunderbird and likely one she's worked with before on occasion. At least he's familiar enough with both that he offers an easy going smile. "That's that, I'm afraid! I win again!" he chortles, while the other rider just shakes his head. A greenrider, by his knot. Th'ero just smirks, but in a sort of good natured way. "Anyways, we'll leave him to you," The brownrider winks to Kimmila as both he and the greenrider stand. "We've best be off to our shift. Is it still miserable out there?"
Kimmila nods, "Yup. Enjoy," she says with a smirk and then a wink. "Grab yourself some water on the way out. My treat!" Haha, water is free.
The greenrider snickers while the brownrider just rolls his eyes and scoffs, "Thank you for your kind generosity, m'lady." he quips while even putting on a little half bow. "You two enjoy the cool and darkness then and think of all of us poor miserable sots sweating off our hides out there. Clear skies!" There's a mocking salute and the pair trundle off, leaving Th'ero and Kimmila in peace. The lounge isn't too crowded for now. Th'ero picks up the cards and begins sorting them back into a single deck. "Do you want a drink before you tell me how it was with Mr'az?" he drawls quietly.
Kimmila snorts. "I'll take a drink after," she mutters, shifting in her seat to half look at him and half watch the lounge. Already suspicious of those more loyal to Mr'az. "Basically he's letting me keep my wing, for now. But. He doesn't want me reporting to you. I say fuck 'im."
Th'ero quirks a brow but doesn't argue with her. He has his own drink right now, likely his usual ale and he'll note her caution and likewise follow. He keeps his head bent, his voice lowered and to anyone looking their way it just seems like he's being… affectionate with her. Not quite in character but with alcohol involved he could pass as tipsy or on his way to drunk and in a frisky mood. Let them think whatever they want but he knows they're no longer the main focus anymore. "Mhm. So he's paranoid already? Suspecting you'll spill everything to me so that I can later stab him in the back with it?"
Kimmila shrugs. "I have no idea what game he's playing. He flat out admitted the wing was a good idea and that we needed it, but then turned around and threatened me with removing it from me. If he's smart, he'll shut his stupid mouth and let me do my job."
Th'ero reaches out under the table to gently rest his hand against her thigh. "He was never good at political talk. Too blunt, too open with his opinions. He was trying to make a point, Wingmate. He doesn't trust you and doesn't expect you to trust him. So he feels threatened. If he feels he has to, he'll remove you and replace you with a rider loyal to him. Stupid of him but a typical tactic of anyone unsure of their position." He snorts and then mutters into the rim of his mug as he lifts it to his lips. "I almost pity him."
Kimmila shrugs again, covering his hand with hers beneath the table. "Let him replace me then. The new rider will have a hell of a time doing what I do."
Th'ero chuckles low in his throat and gently squeezes her hand. "Don't think it'll come to it. His threats are empty, unless you openly flaunt that you've been divulging all his dirty little secrets to me or other dissenters to his rise to Weyrleader. I'd have thought he'd have more common sense… but it troubles me how well he's adjusted." If he has at all.
Kimmila lifts a brow. "You think he's adjusted? And no, I'm not so foolish as to flaunt things. But I do not keep secrets from you." Duh.
Th'ero snorts. "No. I think he's pretending to be just to put up a front of confidence. And I know you're not foolish and neither am I foolish enough to go flaunting that I know things I should not have knowledge of. So I'd like to see how he can prove your disloyalty."
Kimmila nods. "Exactly. I think I'm safe. He knows how good he's got it." Her hand squeezes his gently. "So do you know what you're going to do yet?"
"You certain about that?" Th'ero mutters and it's difficult to say if he's teasing her or not. He drains the last of his ale and then flags one of the servers. This'll be her chance to order something if she desires to. "I'll likely stay with Phoenix, but still take the occasional shift in Thunderbird if Abigail calls for extra volunteers. I doubt Mr'az will be sending me out much on political duties."
Kimmila smirks. "If he doesn't now, he will if he replaces me." Then she snorts softly. "A shame. He could really use your help to bridge this change…"
Now it's Th'ero's turn to shrug his shoulders. "It's his loss if he doesn't wish to extend his hand or admit he needs the help. I'm not going out of my way and from the way he behaved around you? I doubt we'd see eye to eye." Which never means good things will happen. As the server comes to their table, he'll ask for another ale and then amend it and request a pitcher. "Anything for yourself?" he murmurs to Kimmila. Drink? Food?
Kimmila orders herself a glass of hard cider and leans back in her seat. "Bored?" she asks then, gesturing towards the table where the card game had taken place.
"What gave it away?" Th'ero drawls as he follows her gesture and waits until the server is out of range. He shifts in his seat and his brows knit together in his usual brooding fashion. "Of course I'm bored." he grumbles. "I don't mind the duty of a Wingrider, but I no longer have access to half of what I'd do. There is still respect from most folk but I grow tired of the sympathy they try to hide… or don't. Or the questions. Endless questions! The card game was a relief. I joined them because they offered but didn't pry further and stuck mostly to bantering amongst themselves. Good pair, those two."
Kimmila frowns a little bit. "Questions about what? What could people possibly want to know?" He lost. The end. Grump.
Th'ero snorts and gives her a sidelong look. "Wingmate, you know how some folks are. They mean well but it's all about the gossip." Their drinks arrive then and after paying the server he will waste little time in pouring himself another mug of ale. No nursing his drink this afternoon.
Kimmila rolls her eyes and shakes her head. "Faranth. People have no shame."
"You should know that most folks have no shame," Th'ero continues to grumble even as he lifts the mug to his lips, casting a quick look around the lounge and taking note of the few patrons left. He's silent for awhile, content in nursing his drink. It's only when a rowdy crowd enters that he frowns and looks to Kimmila. "Do you want to leave? Go… home, I guess." Their new weyr. He's still chafing over their new quarters.
Kimmila sighs, nodding her head a little bit. "Yeah…I guess we should." She's been avoiding home, for the most part. It's just depressing. No bath tub…
"It's probably for the best…" Th'ero remarks quietly as he drains the last of his ale and begins to rise from his chair. At least she has him to look forwards to, returning to their new weyr? "That group over there… Velokraeth tells me the greenrider at the centre of it is proddy — or at least his green is close to it." And he's in no mood to overhear that party or be swept up in it and neither does the pale bronze, of all things, seem interested outside. "Come, Wingmate."
Kimmila frowns at that. It's not for the best. She's still resentful, after all. "Sure," she mumbles, draining her drink and linking arms with him so they can go back 'home'.
It's not the best that they at least have somewhere still to call theirs and retire there in peace? Th'ero doesn't like it, but he's glad to have somewhere to go out of prying eyes. Pulling her close to his side, he'll be sure to give that group a wide berth but luckily they're too into their own business to notice an ex-Weyrleader and his weyrmate slinking by. Once outside, Th'ero doesn't relax but keeps a steady pace as they walk out towards the bowls… and onwards. Their new home is on the very fringes of the Weyr itself. Something that grates his nerves to no end because he knows there are other weyrs and yet this one was deemed 'suitable' for their needs. Grudgingly, he admits it's at least large enough.
It's not for the best that he has been replaced. Or put so far away. "What," she mutters bitterly, "Does he think if we're even seen close to the leadership ledges that people will revolt against his rule?"
Th'ero can't help but laugh a little at that, even if quietly and under his breath. "Careful, Wingmate. You might be overheard." he drawls in a dry, teasing tone as they approach the imposing wall of stone that makes up the Weyr wall. "Should I call Velokraeth?" Or will she call Varmiroth down?
Kimmila nods. "Please," she mutters, peering up the wall towards their ledge. "Varmiroth is napping and he didn't sleep at all last night."
"Why is that?" Th'ero asks, concerned and then cranes his head up as he focuses his thoughts on Velokraeth. Above, there's a flash of pale bronze as wings extend as the bronze stirs and lazily pushes from the ledge to glide downwards. He lands close to them, almost too close for comfort and Th'ero swears under his breath, while Velokraeth just looks smugly amused as he offers his foreleg to Kimmila. Ladies first!
Kimmila chuckles a bit. "Oh, he was looking at the stars and dreaming…"
Th'ero shakes his head and gently takes Kimmila's hand as he leads her to Velokraeth's raised foreleg, helping her up the first bit. Not that she needs it, but he's ever the chivalrous man. He leaves her to settle comfortably on the bronze's neck before mounting up behind her and Velokraeth makes as smooth a take off as possible. Not that he has to go far and once on the ledge, he'll crouch down and allow them to dismount.
Kimmila mounts up, up and up and up (bronzes are big!) and then up they ride, and then dismount into their little ledge and tiny weyr. "I hate it in here," she mutters as she stalks in, looking around with a frown. "When will Kayeth rise again?"
Th'ero dismounts after Kimmila, lingering just long enough to give Velokraeth an affectionate caress to his ugly, blunted muzzle as quiet thanks for his work as an elevator. He'll follow Kimmila inside and his hand rests on her back, trailing down and resting low. Lingering and purposely. Some of their furniture is in here, as much as he could move and cram. It makes for cramped quarters but he wasn't about to leave it all for Mr'az. "That she hasn't even gone to clutch yet? Could be Turns. I'd put more marks on Kouzevelth and Rhenesath rising first well before we see Kayeth rise again."
Kimmila scoffs, leaning back against Th'ero's hand. Then, sighing, she turns to let his hand slide around her body and face him, arms sliding around his waist. "I…I'm sorry," she murmurs. "This has to be harder on you than on me. I just…got…/used/ to things."
Th'ero does not stop her from moving, shifting only to aid her movements as his hand slides around to her back again, allowing her to step in close to him. He lowers his head, touching his forehead to hers and chuckling softly for her apology. "You've nothing to be sorry for. We both were used to things. We both knew this could happen — and it did. We'll make due. At least we've each other."
Kimmila nods, leaning up to kiss him, light, fleeting. "That's the most important thing," she murmurs. She pauses for a moment and then adds, "but this weyr is hardly fitting a former Weyrleader. It's an insult."
Th'ero might have hoped for something more than a light and fleeting kiss, but he'll return it and not press her for anything more for the time being. He does brush his lips against her forehead though and then sighs as he draws his head back to look down at her with a crooked smirk. "Of course it is. Another would have never dared but Mr'az is not that kind of man. I'm afraid I earned that much from him. It's not like I've been kind to him since his transfer here. Faranth, I'd think he'd be glad enough that I never stood between him and Nyalle. Now he has it all and you'd think him content and beyond pettiness."
Kimmila rolls her eyes. "I never liked him."
"I never truly hated him," Th'ero admits as he steps from her side and further into their cramped and modest weyr. He's heading towards their bed, sitting on the very edge of it. "He's good at being a rider. But a leader?" Not so much. Grimacing, he shakes his head. "What point is there in dredging all of this up again? Done is done."
Kimmila sighs. "I know, I know. I'm just…it just makes me upset, is all. And…guilty."
Th'ero tilts his head, brows knitting. "Guilty? How?" Do tell. He gestures for her to join him, moving further onto the bed after he's pulled off his boots.
Kimmila sits down and removes her own boots before scooting up to snuggle against his side. "I…miss…the perks," she mutters
"Ah, I see." Th'ero murmurs and not without a slight smile. That's all she feels guilty about? He draws her close when she snuggles against his side. "Have to admit, it's quite the change. Thankfully… I've several marks saved up." Given he's still being wishy-washy on which Wing to settle in.
Kimmila lifts a brow at him. "Oh?"
Th'ero chuckles, "Does this surprise you?" he muses and waits on her answer. Surely she didn't think him a fool. If he was smart enough to keep a few critical records and reports hidden from Mr'az, it stands to reason he's been cautious about the flow of marks over the Turns of his run as Weyrleader.
Kimmila snickers. "No, not at all, but I'm curious what you plan to do with them."
"Continue to spoil you and our children," Th'ero answers without pause and it's difficult to tell if he's teasing her again or dead serious (or both). He tilts his head again, this time to kiss her hair as he rests his head close to hers. "It's security too."
Kimmila laughs, nuzzling his neck. "I appreciate that so much. How much you care for your family…"
Th'ero leans into her touch and his smile broadens to something far more genuine than he has done all day. "Of course I care for you and our children. I may not be Weyrleader, but I'll do my best to see you all happy."
Kimmila nods. "I know," she murmurs, leaning up to kiss him softly. "And I love you for it."
Th'ero returns her kiss and will try to steal another before allowing her to sink back against his side. His hold on her is gentle, but firm. "I love you too." he answers and it has not wavered in the slightest over the Turns. They've been through far worse than a loss of title.
Yes, though Kimmila is still miffed at the loss of perks.
Th'ero is of the mind to remind her she hasn't lost all the perks, if she's so in the mood for it. What else to do, to pass the time and take their minds off things?
Sounds like a fantastic idea!