Fort Weyr - North Bowl
The northern end of the bowl can be an intimidating area, being that Fort is the largest weyr. The far north wall contains the gigantic opening to the hatching caverns, and to the west of that can be seen the sprawling ledges and carved stair cases that mark the way to the weyrleader's complex and junior queens ledges. The west cliff wall towers up, dotted here and there by darker openings that mark individual weyrs before it tapers to a point at Tooth Crag. At ground level on the western wall is the opening to the weyrling barracks, occasional glimpses can be caught of newly paired mates. On the eastern wall of the bowl is the entrance into the living cavern, the heart of the weyr.
Alisar arrives without fuss on a sturdy brown. He takes a moment to thank the hard working pair and then dismounts. Despite his efforts to be inconspicuous on trips like this, he is noticed and greeted by young and old alike, some because of his rank, others out of familiarity. The rider chuckles good naturedly, "I thought dropping you off north would offer some privacy… I guess I was wrong. Sorry about that, Alisar… enjoy your visit." Alisar smiles and waves the pair off before turning to return the inevitable greetings.
Talmar is standing over near the hatching caverns entrance, talking with Pottery Master Jopier. "And then, Sukith sniffed me. And then, Asiree asked if I would be a candidate. And then the Weyrleader gave me this new knot! It was really great!" he says quickly, clearly rather enthusiastic about it all. Then Tal spots Alisar, and runs over, just bursting with energy. "Oh, sir, hello, sir." he says, cheerfully. "Have you been by to pick up those wine goblets that I made?" he adds, having had other things on his mind recently apparently.
Kiorzil is humming happily as he bounces along, accompanied by a Xanadu-knotted Bluerider, who looks to be even younger than him. Peering around, unabashedly curious, the young man oggles. "The first Weyr, L'eir! The /First/. Isn't it amazing?" He burbles, bringing a skin of fruit juice to his mouth, taking a long drink. The Bluerider grins, peering around. "Hm. I guess so. Sir." He nods to Alisar, and Kiorzil offers a wave and a nod, but he's still chugging that fruit juice. "So…big…" L'eir continues, peering around curiously.
Alisar greets the two boys warmly. "Hello and good day. Harper duties to Fort and to yourselves lads. His eyes linger on Talmar as he remembers their earlier conversation well. "I did get the goblets and they were well received. Your work shows promise… I hope you continue your efforts!" He chuckles, "Yes, Fort is a big place… it took me quite a while to get used to all the hustle." During his talk, his eyes take in details of the two boys, noticing their knots, clothes and details. You begin to wonder if the Harper is memorizing them for a later song. "I see that the news I heard of eggs is correct.", he smiles. "Excellent news."
Talmar glances over to Kiorzil and L'eir, offering a quick wave to these two people that he doesn't know yet. "Hi there, I'm a candidate!" he says, proudly indicating his shoulder, and knot. "My name's Talmar, what's yours?" So excited! Then he turns back to Alisar, and nods. "I'm glad you liked them. I'm working on making the eggs in the clutch, now. Out of clay." he grins widely. "I don't have as much free time as I used to any more, but I'll get them done before the hatching."
Kiorzil has apparently finished the juice, as he lowes the 'skin, shaking his head and beaming over at Alisar. "Hello, sir!" L'eir smiles, nodding. "Xanadu's duties! Oh, it is. Very much so. I think…I think I like Xanadu more. It's too…well, big." Yes, that's all he can come up with. "Ki wanted to come see Fort." He explains after a moment, and Kiorzil beams, nodding cheerfully. "Hi! I'm Kiorzil. Congradulations! Good luck with that." The boy wiggles, wrinkling his nose happily. "Eggs out of Clay? Oooh."
Alisar explains, "I'll always have a soft spot for Fort. It was my first posting as a Journeyman. I find when I need inspiration for a new song, coming here helps me remember simpler times." His eyes show a sparkle of interest at the notion of pottery eggs. "A fine keepsake to be sure… perhaps for the other Candidates as well as yourself, if they don't break." He returns the greetings of the rider and Xanadus contingent with all the polish of a seasoned traveler and diplomat. "So nice to meet you… quite a change in the weather for you both, I'd imagine."
Talmar beams at Kiorzil. "Thanks! I can't wait! I hope I have time to finish the clay eggs before the real eggs hatch." But, that shouldn't be a problem. After all, the real eggs have only just been laid recently, and barely any candidates have been brought in yet, so there's plenty of time. "I'm thinking of making the eggs into clay, and then giving the eggs to the new riders, to match the ones their dragons hatched from." he says, nodding. "Maybe even, if they'll let me, I'll do versions of the dragons too." but that's a long way off yet.
Kiorzil's eyes widen and he grins, nodding happily. "Oh! Wow. That would be very fun, to be posted here. Just visiting is fun." He nods, elbowing L'eir, who is staring around still, apparently awestruck. "Oh. Yes. Fun." And Ki grins over at Talmar, nodding. "Oh, you probably will. I've told L'eir we've gotta go see 'em before we leave. I hope you're not /that/ busy." Cue nose-wrinkle. "Wow! You'll be busy!" He follows, as L'eir smiles over at Alisar. "Oh, yes! It is. And, it's wonderful to meet you too, sir!"
Alisar makes himself a little more comfortable by unbuttoning his riding jacket and removing his gloves. As soon as his gloves come off, practiced hands reach back to make sure his guitar is still secure. After a moments thought, he slips off the strap and tunes it briefly, satisfied. "Well now, I could tell you some stories of some of the Candidates that I used to know." He chuckles, "Though those that are now riders might take issue with some of the details." He winks, "I seem to remember that Fort has an excellent kitchen, have you two eaten yet?"
Talmar grins at Kiorzil. "I was born here." he says, nodding. "My parents are crafters, posted here." he adds, though he glances around. "It does seem kind of large, I guess." he says, shrugging. He really hasn't seen much of Pern at all, so he can't do an accurate size comparison yet. "I figured every Weyr was this size, though?" At Alisar's words, his stomach rumbles. "Oh, ah. Maybe I should eat something." he says, then grins. "And then, stories!" he adds, grinning.
While L'eir is peering around still, Ki is distracted by the guitar. He squints down at it, a bright grin forming. "Oh my. I /do/ like that kind of stories." He beams, chuckling happily. L'eir winces, shifty-eyeing and taking a step away from his friend. Kiorzil wiggles, shaking his head. "Not yet! I forgot to before we left." A glare is given towards L'eir—it's his fault, of course! "Born here? Wooww." The boy gives a wide-eyed stare about, before shaking his head. "Oh, no! I've been to almost all of 'em, and Fort is /big/. Food? Oh, sure!"
Alisar laughs pleasantly at the infectious energy of the two boys. He inclines his head, indicating that the rider is free to join them as well, of course. The Harper saunters unhurriedly towards Fort's Living Cavern, stopping now and then to greet the curious. His eyes glint with humor as his guitar is noticed, "You lot can have a closer look at /that/ when we get inside." "It'll give me time to get ahead of you in line and get to the food first." He laughs again, completely at ease.
Talmar grins, looking over at Kiorzil. "Yup. Born here. Spent all my life here, at Fort. It doesn't seem big to me…" he shrugs, then falls into step behind Alisar. "If you'll be getting the food first, then you'd better tell some good stories." he teases, still grinning widely.
L'eir smiles brightly, but nudges Kiorzil as the other start off. "Gonna go see Zeri." He says softly, and Ki beams, wiggling his eyebrows. "Aww, alright, abandon me for a /girl/." He whispers right back, before bouncing along behind Alisar and Talmar. "Oh, grand!" Throwing up his hands in mock exasperation, Ki grins. "Oh? Hm. I guess it wouldn't." Nod, nod. "Can't remember where I was born." Squinting, the boy hrmms, before laughing, and nodding.
Alisar offers, just before walking into the cavern. "Good stories indeed… because it seems once you get the Candidate's knot girls just can't keep their eyes off you." His own eyes dance, "You're in for a lot of attention, Talmar…" He sizes up the young boy, wondering if he knows what he's gotten himself into.
Fort Weyr - Living Caverns
This cavern, having been created by bubbles in the volcanic flow of this extinct volcano, has a breathtaking ceiling — a vast dome that arches high above the heads of the weyrfolk that scurry around beneath it. A hollow echo can be heard from loud enough noises, and the chatterings of various firelizards are consequently multiplied into a chaotic babble. All in all, the living cavern is a loud place.
Tables are scattered around the room, apparently in no particular order. Over to one side near the kitchens, two medium sized serving tables are constantly spread with snacks, klah, and other goodies. The tables look worn, yet perfectly fitted to the atmosphere of the caverns. In the 'corners' of the cavern, smaller two and four place tables are set up for more private talks or just a less chaotic atmosphere in which to eat.
Talmar grimaces at Alisar. "Eww! Girls are /icky/!" he says, frowning. "Is it too late to say I don't wanna be a candidate?" he says, as he steps into the Living Caverns. As for Kiorzil, Talmar looks confused. "You don't remember where you were born? But where did you grow up, then?"
Alisar agrees in his own fashion, "Yes, I suppose at your age girls are rather icky. I think that's the way it's supposed to be lad… if you're not ready, they're nothing special." He sets down his guitar, and makes his way to the food. A few of those in line offer him a favorable cut so he doesn't have to be at the very end. It looks as though he will indeed get to the food first.
Talmar follows Alisar, hoping to sneak into the line behind the Harper. "So… I don't have to deal with girls, then?" he asks, frowning. "Well, that's good. I didn't really want to give back my new knot, anyway." he says, with a grin.
Alisar chuckles, "You're free to ignore girls as much as you want. I'm just saying they may not choose to ignore you for very much longer." "I wouldn't worry about it too much. Candidates are very busy, as a rule… and that offers you some protection too. You can always say you have something else to do if the situation is uncomfortable." As he talks, a boy of about 10 comes up to Alisar wearing a look of recognition. "Alisar? Do you remember me? You taught me my letters when I was just a little…" The boy looks a little embarrassed now that Alisar is a Craftsecond. "Could we talk later… I.. I need some advice." Alisar smiles, "Of course Tadius… I'll find you later." The boy goes on his way, pleased.
Talmar nods, looking rather relieved now. "Oh, good. Girls are icky." he repeats, firmly. "They like all mushy stuff, and play with dolls. Silly girls." he says, shaking his head. "Why do girls have to be so silly?" he asks then.
Alisar considers the question for a long moment. Perhaps it's more complicated, in the Harper's mind, than it first appears. He offers the most simple explanation that he thinks the boy can understand, bending down slightly to look him in the eye, as friends do. "Girls are more about feeling. I think boys are more about doing." That's the best he can offer at the moment.
Talmar nods. "Girls are silly and icky." he states, then shrugs. "Some girls are okay. But only the ones that don't want to do all the mushy stuff. That stuff is gross."
Alisar shrugs in kind, getting his food. "There may come a time when you don't mind so much." He sits, but not before using his influence to get the lad a better spot in line, chatting briefly with someone who offers a good spot.
Talmar comes up to the front of the line eventually, his process made much quicker by Alisar's assistance, and grabs something to eat as well, then moves over to join Alisar. "I don't think I'll ever change my mind on girls." he states, firmly. Of course, he will, but he doesn't realise that yet.
Alisar doesn't want to burst the lad's bubble on that score. "Good for you! I admire someone who can stick to their opinions. If you decide you don't need girls then that's the way it's going to be." He chuckles. "Have you had much of a chance to look at the eggs? Most Candidates have that on their mind far more anyway."
Talmar grins, glancing briefly in the vague direction of the hatching sands. "I got a look at them right before I was searched, and then just before you got here, I was looking at them then, too. But I haven't been on the sands, only in the galleries. But X'an said we get to /touch/ the eggs later on! I can't wait!" he says, enthusiasm returning now that the subject is no longer girls.
Alisar nods, very familiar with that custom. "Most Weyrs feel it's important that you're familiar with the eggs before large and clumsy things start stumbling out of them." He takes a bite of his food, approving of it with a nod to himself. "I'm sure you'll have your favorite egg picked out eventually." Though the man is without a dragon himself, he seems quite comfortable to be so, and yet not resentful in the slightest for dragonkind or their friends. Perhaps that's why he's who he is, because he seems to respect where other people are coming from, be they Craft, Hold, or Weyr.
Talmar grins. "I already like them. And one in particular. It has nice sunset colours." He's talking about the Ancient Homeland Egg. "But they are all very nice eggs." he adds, grinning. "It's all so exciting." he says, nodding. Little does he know just how much waiting is in his not-too-distant future. And chores, lots of those coming up too.
Tadius returns, looking somewhat expectantly at Alisar. "I hope we can talk before you leave…" he says wistfully. Alisar smiles the knowing smile former teachers have when a student really needs them. After the boy leaves he says quietly, "I'd better go see what he wants. I'm sure we'll find each other again later today or soon… even if you are swamped with chores." He grins, offering an encouraging nod. "Good luck."
Talmar nods at Alisar, then glances towards the kitchens. "I'd better get to work, anyway. Chores." he says, hastily shovelling food into his mouth before he has to go. "I'll see you around."
Alisar stands, talking briefly with Tadius, again, eye to eye, before departing with him.
