The Shipwreck

Background information: There was a shipwreck somewhere and the Harpers, Herders, and Dragonriders were trying to organize the transportation of fresh water to the survivors until they can be transported home. Shinnai, Harper Master, summoned Aeia, Herder CraftMaster, in to help an already tense situation. Great stuff. It's then followed up by some RP between Aeia and Matison, back when they were working on their romantic tension and she was relatively newly-recovered from a serious Threadscore.
-- Aeia

Dining Hall
At first glance, the dining hall for Ista Hold seems to be a chaotic jumble of chairs, tables, and various other furniture. After a bit of review, though, an order comes out of the chaos, a pattern of tables around an invisible center point. A cluster of chairs is positioned in front of the heath fire, though it's rarely lit due to Ista's naturally warm climate. A soft undertone of voices undulates constantly in the room as Crafters and Holders alike enter the room to eat, talk, or merely relax.
The glowbaskets are lit and illuminate the room beautifully.
Gliding around are Gypsy, Pharoh, Tigre, Tyrrheno, and Sunshine.
Jueann, Shinnai, Kestria, F'rin, and B'ran are here.
Obvious exits:
Great Hall Flying Mug Kitchen

Kestria smiles, "I know, you said so when the note came, I think Tigre didn't want us to forget."

Tigre chirples and greets Aeia.

Rhymert flits in from the great hall.

Aeia stifles a yawn and a stretch as she walks in, then stills her step as her eyes take in the assemblage.

Tigre greets as well.

Shinnai smiles to see Aeia. "Oh, good, you got my message!"

Rhymert twitters frustratedly as she finally catches up with Aeia, circling around.

Tyrrheno lands on a table, tail twitching.

Jueann writes a quick note and ties it to Milo's leg.

B'ran places his hands in the air, all the turmoil. "Wait... wait."

Rhymert chirrups scoldingly, landing on a table in front of Aeia.

Milo suddenly disappears ::between::!

Aeia alters her course with a nod and draws up to the Harper.

B'ran says, "Everyone stop."

Kestria crosses her arms and looks at B'ran with a raised eyebrow

Jueann freezes and pales.

Shinnai stops, mid-sentence as she's about to talk to Aeia.

Tigre suddenly disappears ::between::!

F'rin frowns, somewhat, at B'ran's order, but falls silent nonetheless.

Tigre blinks in from ::between::!

Aeia looks over to the rider.

Tigre circles everyone clutching a bit of hide.

B'ran says, "We need one leader. All this isn't getting us anywhere. I think F'rin. "

Shinnai looks slightly miffed.

Shinnai says, "Sirs, Jueann, Kestria and I have been organizing since before dawn."

B'ran steps aside. "He's the ranking rider and we'll need someone to coordinate ground.

Kestria moves nearer Shinnai, silently adding her approval.

Jueann nods. she looks very pale now, but chews her bottom lip

Aeia says quietly under her breath, "It's *still* before dawn."

F'rin nods to B'ran, in agreement. "Aye... All this talk, and plan-making on each of our parts isn't leading anywhere. We do need a coordinated plan of rescue and search."

Tigre flies to a point before Shinnai and actually hovers. Big wings cupping the air. He drops yet another note.

Shinnai says, "Now, I don't mind someone else doing it, but it seems to me that F'rin is... pardon..."

Jueann whispers to Shinnai, "I just sent Milo to Rarah."

Shinnai looks up to Tigre.

Aeia rolls her eyes discretely and then looks to see what Tigre has delivered.

F'rin frowns at Shinnai, momentarily, before reaching for the latest note Tigre dropped.

Kestria speaks softly, "I believe the Harpers have always made good leaders, we've done well to get you here and others notified."

Shinnai unrolls the next note, reading it to herself before aloud. "A question. When is Fall?" a worried frown crosses her face.

Shinnai motions for the other harpers to be silent, please.

Tigre lands and looks at Shinnai. Waiting.

Shinnai looks to the riders for an answer. "Sirs? You know the timetables better than I."

Shinnai turns the note over, finding space to reply on the other side. She borrows the stylus from Jueann again and is ready to write.

Kestria flushes, and chastened removes herself to Jueann's side.

F'rin glances around the clustered people, then nods to Shinnai. "Aye... The next Fall isn't for several days yet, although I've not kept track of the area we're speaking about as well as I should have.

Sentra walks in from the great hall.

Jueann says, "Shinnai?"

Aeia looks to the Harper who summoned her.

Rhymert chirrups once to Aeia, shaking her leg that still has a message bound to it.

Sentra looks around at the crowds curiously, and cautiously slips over to a table.

Shinnai looks to Jueann. "Yes?"

Jueann says, "Milo's with Rarah. He should be back soon"

B'ran sighs and rubs his forehead. Then he sees Aeia and bows. "Master. Glad you're here."

Milo blinks in from ::between::!

Aeia reaches down and removes the message.

Jueann calls Milo to her.

Jueann calls to Milo, who flies over and lands on her shoulder.

Shinnai smiles. "Excellent. Well done," she commends. "Now, you're sure about this? We're not really sure *how far* south and east of Paradise this beach might be. Could it cross into another Fall zone?"

Shinnai directs her question to F'rin.

Jueann takes the note and reads it. "She'll be waiting in the clearing for the rider.

Rhymert
Her cheerful countenance brightens up the atmosphere, wherever she might be. A firelizard of almost a luminescent green, the color of new leaves, she glows with good humor and optimism. Her curiosity is unbounded, looking over everything with equal enthusiasm, no matter how dull the subject. It's terribly contagious, and often a smile will spread where she lands.
The bands on this little green's leg indicate that she belongs in Ista's Harper Hall.
Rhymert is 1 Turn, 5 months, and 18 days old.
Rhymert is awake and seems alert.

F'rin frowns as his gaze becomes clouded. He pauses, holding his stance for a moment before shaking himself. "Tchirnath says there will be fall over that area... and yes, Shinnai, it's possible for Thread to fall out of pattern."

Shinnai shivers involuntarily at the thought of people stranded on an open beach with Thread out of pattern.

Shinnai says, "Thank you, F'rin. I'll warn Master Thorn."

Aeia reads the message that failed to catch up with her earlier and waits for a moment to address her response to Shinnai.

Jueann pales at the news and shudders. She's very white now

Shinnai writes her reply quickly, asking Tigre to come a little closer so she can fasten on the message.

Tigre moves to Shinnai and holds out a leg. A big leg.

F'rin steps up to the table, glancing around at those present. "Now... Who knows that area best?"

B'ran says, "From the air?"

Jueann chews her bottom lip. "I know some of it around the hold."

Shinnai smiles. "Good fellow, Tigre," she praises as she fastens the message on securely. "Now, take this back to Thorn," she instructs, imaging the dolphincrafter as she looks directly at the firelizard. "To Thorn."

Tigre raises up on cupped wings and ...

Tigre suddenly disappears ::between::!

Sentra chews silently on a piece of bread, lost in thought.

F'rin shakes his head at B'ran. "No... From the ground. We need someone who can coordinate ground efforts to fight 'thread, as well as provide help with wounded, should that become necessary."

Jueann says, "F'rin, may I say something?""

Shinnai smiles as Tigre heads off with his message, then nods to the dragonriders.

Aeia interrupts for a moment for a pointed question to Shinnai. "Water?"

Tigre blinks in from ::between::!

Sentra falls asleep.

F'rin nods, to Jueann. "Aye... Feel free."

Tigre lands again by Shinnai.

Shinnai almost startles at Aeia's question. "Water! Yes..." she does want to hear Jueann out.

Jueann says, "You might go over to Paradise to ask that question. Rashan is a hunter over there and Luhel. They would know the ground best."

Shinnai blinks, wondering what Tigre's back again for?

F'rin glances somewhat annoyedly at Aeia. "We're already aware that they need water, food, blankets, etc."

Aeia says, "How are you planning to transport it?"

Tigre chirples and sits down in front of Shinnai and waits. He holds out a note just to her.

Shinnai holds up a hand. "Hold, F'rin, I sent Master Aeia a message asking for transport containers." Her eyes flash in annoyance at the dragonrider's arrogance.

Sentra rolls into a message tube and is carried away.

Kestria smiles gratefully at Aeia, too chastened to speak.

Shinnai smiles to Tigre almost absently as she takes the message, unrolling it and glancing at it even in the middle of everything else.

B'ran peers around to see if he recognizes anyone from PI. "By dragon. How else."

Shinnai smiles to B'ran. "But what are you going to carry it in?"

The Istan Weyrleader frowns in return at Shinnai. "Well, I'm glad you did... but we were talking about something other than water. 'Tis not polite to interrupt, and insert a different subject, either."

A largish message tube rolls out and Sentra appears.

Aeia chooses to ignore the attitudes of both riders, and addresses her reply solely to Shinnai. "If the cold of the ... /betweening/ will not affect it adversely, we have buckets and troughs to offer. Nothing insulated, however."

Shinnai gestures to the note. "And Master Thorn thanks you for the information. He reports one person severely wounded, others fine." She turns to Jueann. "Ari, Thorn's dolphin partner, will be at Paradise to guide the ship. let's be sure to tell them."

B'ran intakes his breath slowly at the impudent harper. He nods as the weyrleader speaks.

Sentra finishes her food and slips silently away.

Sentra walks into the Flying Mug.

Jueann nods.

F'rin frowns again, deeply; then turns toward the Master Herder. "Aeia. We are here to help as much as possible. As Weyrleader, I do request that you at least show us the respect due."

Shinnai nods. "Thanks, Aeia, I had thought you'd be able to offer something. Who better but the Herdercraft?" she smiles her thanks, then turns back to F'rin. "Weyrleader, the water won't do any more than freeze between, am I correct?" she follows Aeia's example and ignores the animosity.

Shinnai swallows the urge to be less than diplomatic in the interests of getting things done.

Jueann moves to the background.

Sunshine suddenly disappears ::between::!

F'rin turns toward Shinnai, considering. "Hrm... If it were to remain between for any length of time, it would... but betweening only takes three or 4 seconds... so - in large amounts - it shouldn't freeze that badly."

Aeia returns the smile to Shinnai in a tighter form and narrows her eyes slightly at F'rin.

Kestria watches the exchanges closely, clenching her tiny fists and biting her tongue.

Shinnai smiles. "Wonderful. Then, is it practical to ask your dragons to carry Master Aeia's troughs?"

F'rin glances at Aeia, catching her look; then shrugs. "We're all here for the same purpose... to help save as many as we can from the shipwreck. Let's not argue anymore, shall we?" Turning to Shinnai again, he considers once more. "What are the size of these troughs, and how heavy will they be with water in them?"

Shinnai turns to Master Aeia for that information. "Aeia?"

Jueann pours a glass of water and takes a slice of bread to settle her stomach

F'rin turns to B'ran while Shinnai and Aeia are conversing, muttering a question to him.

Aeia answers, "About the size of single-person bathtubs, and *very* heavy, as water tends to be." She looks to Shinnai. "I can send Prism with a message to prepare them, and to the cover them with wherhide to prevent sloshing."

You overhear F'rin mutter, "Do ... ... ... ... can go ... ... ... check to ... who might ... able to coordinate ..." to B'ran.

Shinnai says, "Gentlemen? I assume that it can be handled practically?"

B'ran listens and nods, muttering back. "I know Paradise very well. I can find Luhel.

Shinnai waits for their response before giving Aeia a yea.

Jueann smiles and nods. "Tell Rarah Hi for me."

F'rin turns back from his mutter to nod to Aeia. "That... sounds like they're going to be too heavy for dragons to transport, unfortunately." He sighs. "Would there be sufficiently fast craft to carry the troughs? We can handle lighter, leather bags of water to ease the immediate need."

Aeia says, "If the troughs are too heavy, we can substitute buckets."

Shinnai shakes her head. "No; the fastest ship can only make it there in a day. They've got the whole crew to supply and no fresh water."

Shinnai nods to Aeia, then proposes, "Buckets shouldn't be too heavy."

B'ran says, "Barrels?"

Aeia says lightly, "We carry them every day ourselves. Would that be light enough?" she asks the riders.

Jueann releases Milo, who launches into the air.

Shinnai smiles. "And, it'll be easier to distribute the weight across the dragon with buckets or, something barrel-sized."

Aeia says, "For barrels you'd need to speak to the vintners. I have none."

F'rin nods, again. "We'd best stick to buckets, then. They're more readily available."

B'ran nods. "We can tie the barrels together, hang them each side, maybe? F'rin?"

Shinnai nods, turning to Aeia. "Can you mobilize your apprentices to get all available buckets ready for betweening?"

Aeia removes the message tube from the leg of her slender bronze, and unfurls the contents, holding the small piece of scroll between narrow fingertips. "Yes," she says, and holds out a hand for Jueann's stylus.

Jueann hands Aeia the stylus.

Jueann takes out her little log book, "Need paper?"

Aeia leans the paper against the nearest table as she writes rapidly.

Aeia says, "No, thank you..."

Shinnai smiles gratefully to Aeia - as much for holding her temper as for the buckets - "Thanks, Aeia. It's a great help."

Shinnai turns back to the riders. "Now, if Fall could happen tomorrow, is there anything that we grounded folk can do to help you prepare to cover that area?"

Aeia re-rolls the paper upon completion, returning it to her little one and sending him home. "I am at your service," she says quietly in response.

Prism spreads his wings and takes off from your shoulder in a ripple of color.

B'ran turns to F'rin. "I could take Master Aeia to PI and show her the crew there?"

F'rin nods to Shinnai. "Aye... Although I think we will have closer to a sevenday before Thread will fall again. What we need most of is people who can cover the ground, and ..." He pauses at B'ran's interjection. "Aye. That might be best. Then she would be able to coordinate her efforts with the ground crews there."

B'ran nods. "And we can transport the crew from PI to the wreck."

Aeia frowns quickly. "Would that be necessary?" she asks. "My resources are here.

T'rell tries to surpress a yawn... he looks around to find the other riders, then joins them, rubbing his hand through his hair sleepily.

F'rin bows to Aeia. "Whichever would be best for you, Master Aeia. You know your resources best, and where you may help the most."

Jueann says, "Do anyone want anything like klah or something to eat before taking off?"

B'ran salutes his wingman. "T'rell. Glad to see you. Sorry about the nap."

Aeia says tightly, "I would prefer to coordinate my efforts from here."

T'rell brightens noticeably at Jueann's suggestion. He salutes, belatedly, to B'ran and F'rin. "Nap? Dunno what you do at night, but I sleep," he grins.

B'ran raises his hand. "I would please."

Shinnai, standing by, nods a greeting to T'rell.

Jueann smiles and goes into the Kitchen.

Jueann walks into the kitchen.

Aeia acknowledges the new arrival with a nod of her own.

Jueann walks in from the kitchen.

T'rell covers his yawn with a hand as he tries to smile back at Aeia. He shrugs apologetically as he finishes yawning and manages to complete a relatively polite greeting.

Jueann returns with a tray of fresh klah and breakfast pastries. She moves to the riders first.

T'rell surpresses himself, realizing that he really should let the others pounce on the first.

Jueann smiles and offers the klah to F'rin first.

Shinnai sits back at the table, taking her sheet from Jueann's logbook that has her previous markings on it. "Herdercraft- buckets," she writes. "Paradise healers notified.... Threadfall preparations." She looks up to B'ran. "You said you'd get in touch with the hunters at Paradise for ground support?"

F'rin glances sharply at Aeia's response. "Well, then, that's the way it'll be." He pauses for a moment... again. "We /are/ here to help rescue those at the shipwreck, and bring aid to them. It was a madhouse in here a little while ago, with everyone making plans which were at odds with everyone else's plans. As such, I've taken charge, to ensure that we all work together."

Shinnai smiles to herself, awaiting B'ran's answer.

Kestria clamps her jaw shut on an angry retort, determined to obey Shinnai.

F'rin nods his thanks to Jueann as he takes the proffered mug of klah. "Ahh... Just what is needed at dawning..."

T'rell smiles to Jueann charmingly, hoping to get some of that Klah if ever his Weyrleader would take some first...

Jueann offers B'ran next.

Prism blinks in from ::between::!

Kestria glances warily at T'rell, a less imposing dragonrider, but still, if all of them are as arrogant as F'rin...

B'ran nods to the harper. "Yes. I know them well." he turns to Jueann. "My thanks."

Prism flies over and takes up his perch on Aeia's shoulder.

F'rin keeps his gaze on Aeia, levelly. "I trust that will meet with your approval, Master Aeia?"

Jueann turns to T'rell finally and chuckles.

T'rell notices Kestria's glance, smiling back rather sleepily. But as Jueann and her Klah appear, his full attention is on her. "Thanks," he mumbles gratefully.

Aeia returns F'rin's gaze. "Which, a mug of klah at dawning, or you taking charge from Shinnai?"

Y'sil chattanoogas in from the great hall.

Shinnai nods to B'ran, writing that down. "Excuse me, F'rin, Aeia." She sighs, standing again.

Kestria silently cheers Aeia.

Y'sil wanders in and looks up, nodding to all.

Jueann offers to Aeia some klah.

Shinnai says, "We have informed the seacraft, who will be sending the next available ship," she starts, running down her written list. "We've sent word to the healers at Paradise Island, who await transport to the site.""

Aeia takes the mug and lets her eyes slide calmly to Shinnai. "Matison is getting the buckets filled," she says evenly.

F'rin briefly nods to Y'sil as he enters, before returning his attention to Aeia. He begins to talk, but stops, as Shinnai runs down her list.

Shinnai says, "We have, with Aeia's help, found a means to transport fresh water. Blankets and food will need to be organized, but once found, are simple to carry."

Jueann smiles and offers the last dragonrider some klah too

B'ran salutes the weyrsecond. "Y'sil. Thanks for coming."

OOC: Jueann says "oops latest"

Pollina dashes out of the coldness of ::between::!

Y'sil gives a curious look to B'ran, eyes narrowing for am moment. Removing his slouch, he steps over aside to F'rin and listens intently on the events.

Shinnai nods to Aeia, and to Y'sil, and then continues. "We are collecting medical supplies from the Hold stores according to the direction of the Healers. Ah, Kestria, that reminds me, will you check on their progress and report back?"

Pollina chirrups to her clutchmate and drops a note by the riders.

Shinnai says, "We'll obviously need your help," she speaks to the dragonriders, "to transport all of these supplies quickly."

F'rin shifts, as he straightens his back. "Well... It does sound as if all reasonable steps for the rescue have been put into motion. I ... trust... that what you need, now, is fast transportation to the shipwreck site?"

Shinnai says, "Once we get the supplies and healers - and any volunteers to the site," she continues, nodding to F'rin, "we'll need the hunters to coordinate the ground effort against Threadfall.""

F'rin coughs, as he nods to Shinnai. "Aye... We're more than willing to help you there."

Pollina darts into the blackness of ::between::!

Shinnai smiles to F'rin. "Wonderful. We'll also need to consider the transport of the survivors and of any who are wounded. We've got a report of one serious injury, which likely means that ::between:: isn't an option.

Jueann touches Y'sil's arm, "Klah?

Jueann offers him a mug

T'rell shakes his head to clear it of morning fuzz, stopping just in time to prevent his Klah from spilling.

Shinnai gets to the end of her list. "Have I missed anything, gentlemen?"

Kestria stands, glad to have something to do and heads for the Healer Hall.

Kestria walks into the great hall.

You overhear Y'sil mutter, "What's ... ..." to F'rin.

F'rin nods, to Shinnai, returning the smile. "And very likely a trip by sea would be too slow for the worst injured. So... We'll need dragons for that as well."

Luck blinks in from ::between::!

Luck
Sassy fat, rounded sides curve down to narrow legs and that end in gold-tainted talons, tail following behind because it happens to be attached to pot-heavy butt. Still, voice gushes with marsh-mallow's sugary softness in stark contrast to raucous dam, luck gracing fledgling with an impish burbling delight in life and all its mysteries. In an arc of pale prismatic hues, wings vault the canopy of the rainbow, frosted with silver and are utterly, totally, magically delicious.
Stenciled onto each of her wingsails are a single blue dolphin silhouetted against a white circle on a background of maroon and blue.
Luck is 10 months and 6 days old.
Luck is awake and seems alert.

Luck bugles as she blinks in, arrowing straight for the huge bronze, Tigre.

She chirps demandingly.

Shinnai nods to F'rin. "I'm sure the healers will recommend one way or the other, and will have suggestions for how to transport. But then, of course you've had experience with injury," she says, deferring to greater experience.

B'ran bristles and turns to whisper in F'rin's ear.

You overhear F'rin mutter, "... ... ... shipwreck ... ... ... The Harpers ... mounting a rescue party for them, ... ... ... ... offer ... ... ... ... etc." to Y'sil.

F'rin nods to Shinnai; then bends to listen to B'ran.

T'rell drains his klah mug, then pipes up, "Want Sejith and me to start out and pick up people at Paradise while you get the supplies?" he wonders.

You overhear B'ran mutter, "These ... are really ... ... make me angry ... ... ..." to F'rin.

F'rin frowns slightly as he listens to B'ran, then nods, shrugging.

Jueann moves to sit, as she tires easily. She reaches for her glass of water.

Y'sil nods slowly, "Understood."

Luck circles the room, seeking someone she knows. She squawks, loudly, trying to draw attention.

Shinnai waits politely for the riders to finish conferring.

Tigre chirples to Luck.

Jueann looks at the new fl and smiles.

Aeia finally takes a long draught of the klah, closing her eyes for a moment.

T'rell can't quite hold back from taking another of those breakfast pastries... wouldn't do to arrive hungry on a rescue mission.

You overhear F'rin mutter, "I ... ... ... but ... ... ... this ... They've only ... for ... help ... transportation. So... ... ... ... ... get." to B'ran.

Milo chirps greetings

B'ran nods and clenching his jaw asks. "Shall I mount my wing then, Weyrleader?"

Luck circling the 'Mug once more. She seeks.. she finds. A person is selected. You! And *plop* She lands on Y'sil, offering a paw right in his face. Letter included.

Y'sil tilts his head, "Weyrleader? If there's anything I can do..." Stepping back slightly, he turns towards the Harpers and smiles a bit.

F'rin nods, to Shinnai. "Aye... There's only so much planning we can do in advance. We'd best wait until we find more about the conditions at the shipwreck."

Y'sil lifts a brow as he takes the note and begins reading, stepping back from the crowd for a moment.

Shinnai spots her firelizard picking at someone's leftovers, and summons her over with a short signal as she waits on the riders. Borrowing Jueann's stylus, she smiles as they finish. "Exactly. I'd appreciate it, Weyrleader, if you'd keep us apprised of the situation so that we can send more volunteers or supplies if necessary."

F'rin nods, to B'ran. "Aye. If you would, B'ran. And be prepared to take on the water buckets Aeia's people are providing, as well as other provisions."

Jueann straightens suddenly, Excuse me." she runs from the room.

Jueann walks into the great hall.

B'ran says, "Shall I stop there at Herder first, then and on to Paradise for the ground crew"

Jueann walks in from the great hall.

Shinnai's glance follows Jueann out the door with a sympathetic grimace. She shakes her head, then turns back to the conversation.

Tigre chirples to Luck and actually points a wing to Shinnai.

Jueann smiles and tries to find a spot away from the discussion.

Y'sil looks up with a anxious look, "Who's responsible for the rescue effort?"

F'rin holds his hand outward, indicating for Y'sil and T'rell to wait. "So... Where do we stand now?"

Shinnai holds up her list. "We're the central coordinators," she identifies her and her harpers.

Kestria walks in from the great hall.

Narali walks in from the great hall.

Tigre chirples and hops over to Shinnai and then back to luck.

Aeia nods slightly to show that she concurs with that statement.

F'rin nods, acknowledging Shinnai's claim. "True... But do you still need help searching?

Narali nods to everyone, looking round to see who's in charge. "Narali, jman Healer," she introduces herself.

Luck cheeples at bronze. No know that person. Silly blue rider she know.

Shinnai nods. "Of course. We can't *perform* the rescue from here."

Y'sil nods slowly and with a few steps, makes his way towards them, lifting up the note and placing it into Shinnai's hand, "I believe you'll want to take a look at this."

Shinnai nods to Y'sil. "Thank you." She reads over the note. "The Dolphineers at the scene are wondering where the healers are," she explains, her glance worried. "That seems to be their primary concern."

Jueann gasps.

Kestria hurries to Jueann's side.

B'ran sighs with impatience born of youth. he turns to the weyrleader. "Now, sir?"

Shinnai looks earnestly at F'rin. "If one of your riders can take a couple of Healers, I think the attending Dolphineers would appreciate it. We can help the rest load up with supplies here."

F'rin smiles, then nods again. "So... We need to set up search teams, quartering the area where the shipwreck happened... as well as preparing transport of food, water, and supplies to that area." He turns toward Y'sil, querying. "Would you mind handling the search patterns?" To T'rell, he states, "We need to get healers there as soon as possible. See to it."

Narali raises a hand. "I'm prepared to be taken to the place if necessary," she volunteers.

F'rin nods to B'ran. "Now, B'ran. The sooner the better."

T'rell nods. "Yes, sir," he salutes more crisply now that he's mostly awake.

T'rell smiles to Narali. "Great, come with me, then." he gestures with a hand. "Any more healers here?"

OOC: Jueann says "Rarah has to go soon"

B'ran salutes sharply and turns, then almost as an after thought stops and bows to Y'sil nods to the WeyrLeader and bows, "Right away, sir! I'll have the wing get to it."

Shinnai and Aeia. "It's a pleasure meeting you, crafters."

Jueann smiles

Aeia nods to the bow and then waits for specifications on when her buckets will be needed.

Shinnai smiles to B'ran. "A pleasure meeting you, Riders," she includes the others as well. "Thank you for your efforts."

Narali nods briskly to T'rell. "I'll meet you in the courtyard, I just need to fetch some things."

Narali walks into the great hall.

T'rell looks around. "No? Ok, I'll be waiting for you."

T'rell walks into the great hall.

Y'sil turns about and steps out.

Y'sil chattanoogas into the great hall.

B'ran strides in silent alacrity into the great hall.

Jueann says, "Shinnai, they will find them, won't they?"

F'rin nods, to both Shinnai and Aeia. "If there is nothing else, I'd best be on my way, to arrange for further help, as needed."

Shinnai nods. "Of course. The dolphineers are already there."

Shinnai nods. "Thank you, F'rin. I'll have the supplies gathered in the courtyard."

Jueann nods and picks up her tattered log book. She nods to the weyrleader.

Aeia says, "The water should be gathered outside Herder Hall."

Jueann says, "my poor book.""

F'rin nods, as he gathers up his notes and papers. "Then, clear skies, everyone." He turns, heading outside himself.

F'rin walks briskly into the great hall.

Aeia explodes as soon as he's out of earshot. "Riders!!"

Shinnai smiles to Jueann and Aeia. "Thanks, folks. Oh, don't take them too badly. They don't talk to other *people* enough."

Jueann finds her stylus and puts both in her pouch. "Shinnai, I think I should get some rest, if you don't need me anymore

Shinnai nods. "Thanks, Jueann. I think we'll do ok."

Aeia rubs her face and shakes her head.

Jueann smiles and bows to all. "Shinnai, Aeia." She leaves in a little hurry.

Jueann walks into the great hall.

Shinnai breathes a great sigh. "Kestria, thanks."

Aeia looks at Shinnai. "Shall I go back to Herder Hall and help coordinate the buckets?"

Shinnai says, "Or you can stay and have breakfast."

Shinnai grins at Aeia.

Aeia returns the smile after a moment. "I'd almost forgotten that."

Shinnai chuckles. "Me too, to be honest." She summons a drudge over. "So, Kestria, how are the supplies coming? Do the healers need anything?"

Kestria falls asleep.

Kestria has disconnected.

Kestria
Kestria is a delicate beauty standing only 5'3" tall. Her long chestnut hair is streaked liberally with gold and falls in gentle loose waves to her waist (unless pinned up in some elaborate style). Large, slightly slanted eyes peer up at you (almost everyone is taller than her) from under exceedingly long, lush eyelashes. Her eyes are a unique mixture of light brown flecked with gold, appearing as if little bits of sunlight were caught in them. Her small pert nose is dusted with pale freckles (the only disturbance in her otherwise flawless, tawny complexion). Below her nose are soft, sensuous lips, most often curved in a smile. Her body is equally sensuous in its fit and toned contours which are in perfect proportion to her more delicate stature. Small graceful hands are tipped with long shapely nails (watch these hands for 'finger twisting' - a sure sign she's nervous). Kestria is given to quicksilver moods - ever changing from heights of joy to depths of despair; from dreamy distraction to spirited anger (rarely). No matter what her mood though, she is always affected by the moods of others - an empathic soul to be sure.
Kestria is clad in a soft, body-hugging tunic of cream, embroidered at neck, cuffs and hem in gold. Tan colored trous fit snugly to her delicate, yet shapely legs and dark brown wher-hide boots come up to her knee.
Kestria wears her Harper Student knot on her shoulder with pride.
She is sleeping.
Carrying:
Flute
Kestria is 17 Turns, 9 months, and 6 days old.

OOC: Shinnai says "Whoops, there she goes."

Aeia orders several pastries and something warm. "It must be just after dawn," she comments.

Kestria has connected.

Kestria wakes up.

Dee walks in from the great hall.

Dee nods to all. She walks to the Harper. "All taken care of."

Luck suddenly disappears ::between::!

OOC: Dee says "who do I @send to seacrafter?"

Shinnai smiles. "Thanks. Has anyone started on supplies?"

Tigre OOC Tali and myself if you could.

Aeia accepts some pastries from the drudge finally, and dunks one into her klah. "I'll make this quick," she says. "And then I'll get back and help Matison."

Tigre OOC That is Thorn.

Dee shrugs. "A master was barking orders orders when I left

Kestria takes a deep breath before responding to Shinnai, "Narali said she had a journeyman on emergency supplies.

OOC: Dee says "ok I'm still new here and don't know many"

Dee nods to all, "If you need more just request to the guards

OOC: Shinnai says "I don't know who, actually. Try Taliesin? Or if there's a *seacraft list."

Dee salutes and leaves

Dee walks into the great hall.

Shinnai smiles. "Great. You're all such a great help," she gushes.. must be hungry.

Aeia finishes up the first of her pastries. "Helping requires no thanks. Avoiding strangling that Weyrleader... for *that*, I will accept your thanks."

She starts on her second one.

Tyrrheno flies up into the air and disappears ::between::!

Brown Tyrrheno looks to Catia.

Shinnai grins, taking a pastry from that convenient tray. "I'm sorry about that, Aeia."

Kestria's eyes glint goldly as she looks to Shinnai.

Aeia pulls apart the layers of hers, shaking her head. "We all have our uses, and the parts we play in making this world work, but I really fail to see the basis from which they draw their overwhelming sense of superiority."

Shinnai shrugs. "Who can tell? I think it's just from sequestering themselves in all day. But really, there are some nice ones. Believe it or not."

Tigre makes a phhbbt type noise.

Kestria sputters angrily, but is so angry, nothing understandable comes out of her mouth.

Aeia's eyes flick to the big bronze as she continues eating, and then her eyes look at the sputtering young Harper.

OOC: Aeia says "Harper Student, rather."

OOC: Shinnai says "Close enough. :)"

Shinnai says, "Shh, Kestria. All in the name of cooperation. If you noticed, F'rin wasn't really in charge anyway."

Shinnai grins.

OOC: Aeia says "You know me, a stickler for accuracy."

Aeia says, "Thought he was. They always do."

Kestria stammers, "But...., he...., they....., oooooo!!!!" her small hand hits the table hard, rattling dishes. It looks like another quicksilver mood change has taken over the usually pleasant unassuming young woman.

Shinnai shrugs. "But it didn't matter what he thought. And we managed to get it all accomplished anyway."

Tigre BUGLES and takes wing at Kestria's actions.

Kestria's mood swiftly changes to contriteness at having startled the bronze fire lizard. "Oh, Tigre, my apologies."

Aeia waves a pastry at the diminutive Harper Master. "*That* is why you are a Harper," she says emphatically. "You're a diplomat. I, on the other hand, am far too prone to *that* kind of feeling when confronted with arrogance." She gestures to Kestria. "Even if I manage to keep it contain. That is why I work with animals."

Shinnai grins. "Right. And that's why I don't do so well with animals - they take advantage of me too much."

Aeia says, "And people don't?"

Kestria keeps her voice soft with an effort, "If memory serves me correctly, Harpers /used/ to be respected by Dragonriders and didn't have a problem allowing them to lead in situations like these."

Shinnai chuckles. "No, People react differently than animals do. You need to be more subtle with people, where with animals, it just doesn't work," she shakes her head ruefully.

Shinnai takes another bite of that pastry to calm her rumbling stomach.

Aeia smiles around a bite of pastry. "Subtlety has never been a strength of mine," she remarks. "As for dragonriders having respect, I'd say it has gone out of fashion."

Aeia finishes her breakfast, and then steals a cloth napkin, placing into it several additional pastries. "I'd better bring these back to Mat," she remarks. "He probably hasn't had breakfast yet, either."

Tigre suddenly disappears ::between::!

Aeia gets up, balancing the small bundle in her arms. "Good day, Shinnai." She also nods to Kestria. "I am certain we will intersect again during this effort."

Kestria smiles up at her champion and nods.

Shinnai smiles. "Good day, Aeia."

Aeia heads out.

----- A few minutes Later -----

T'rell says, "Ok, Narali, if you need help carrying anything, lemme know."

Narali nods. "Thank you."

Narali walks through a door into the Healer Hall.

Aeia stops as she takes in the bronze and its rider. "Haven't left yet, or back already?"

T'rell stops as Master Aeia appears. "Oh, Master Aeia, I'd like to start getting some of that water," he suggests.

T'rell grins. "We've been there twice already," he grins, patting his big bronze carry-wagon.

Aeia says, "I see. I was just heading back to Herder Hall to see to the progress with the water."

Sejith snorts at his rider, causing T'rell to snicker lightly.

T'rell says, "Oh, sorry, I didn't mean that at you, Master Aeia. We'll come along and help out, ok?"

Aeia nods. "I will see you in a few moments," she says, and heads in the direction of home.

----- A bit later -----

Outside the Stables
You stand outside the Ista Hold stables, which serve double duty as part of Herder Hall. Beneath your feet is a small square of paved stones fitted tightly together and laying flush against a sheer cliff face which rises to the South. Nestled in this face is a large archway fitted with double metal doors leading into the stable. Just outside the arch and sitting beyond the edge of the stones is a trough and a water pump. To the West, a well-traveled pathway leads past turnout paddocks filled with grazing runnerbeasts, terminating at the riding ring, and branching off towards the Hold pastures.
The area is a little dirty, dirt from the path trailing across the stones, and some weeds poking through the cracks.
It is a fall sunrise.
Over in the paddock area, you see two runners.
On the ledge above the large doorway is Random.
You see Thom, buckets, and several busy Herder Apprentices here.
Matison is here.
Obvious exits:
Hold Valley Turnout Paddocks Stable Fly

Aeia calls out, "Good morning!"

Matison smiles to Aeia, pausing as he places yet another bucket with the growing collection. "Good morning!"

T'rell walks in from the Hold Valley.

Aeia draws up and reveals the contents of the stolen napkin. "I bear gifts."

Matison grins at the contents of the napkin. "You're amazing," he comments gratefully, then notices T'rell. "Morning," he addresses the rider.

T'rell nods to the herders. "Master Aeia, I left Sejith out there so's not to scare the runners," he explains helpfully. "What can I do to speed stuff up?'

Aeia turns around, her expression doing a small flip-flop as she notices the rider and then takes grateful note of his consideration. "The buckets should be ready for loading," she says, and then looks to Mat for confirmation.

Matison nods. "You can start taking these full ones," he suggests. "And all the runners are in, so your dragon can come right up here. Make it easier on us," he adds.

Several busy Herder Apprentices finish filling up a few more, and set them by the others. A few others fasten the weyrhide coverings on the topped-off ones.

T'rell says, "Okey," he replies, then lets out a whistle like the one used to call runners in from the meadow. Comically, instead of a little runner trotting over, a rather large bronze dragon comes instead. "Here we are.""

Sejith walks in from the Hold Valley.

Several busy Herder Apprentices look very impressed, and stop their work for a moment.

Matison turns on the busy Herder Apprentices. "Hey, get back to work," he scolds. "Haven't you ever seen a dragon before?" he grins at Aeia, knowing that some of them likely haven't.

Aeia takes a small reflexive step to one side. "You'd know best how to load him up," she says.

Several busy Herder Apprentices snap out of it at their Master's orders.

T'rell nods. "Sure thing," he says agreeably. "Ok, Sejith, stand over there, will ya?"

Sejith obviously is used to this sort of thing and plays along with it for fun. He stands just where he's told, his eyes whirling with amusement as he regards the herders.

Matison directs one of the apprentices to take his place in the brigade as he starts a new one for Sejith.

Lorianda emerges from the stables.

Several busy Herder Apprentices [now capitalized] stand there with their buckets, looking somewhat at a loss. A few of them snap out of it and get into line to help Matison.

Matison says, "Lorianda, come over here and help load up our friendly dragon with buckets."

T'rell stands for a moment... what's the best way to do this. "You got any rope, or straps?"

Lorianda nods her head to Aeia and Matison. "G'day, Masters....." She notices a dragon right in front of her, blinks and gapes. Tearing her eyes away, she hurries over to help.

Sejith blinks contentedly at Lorianda, eyes whirling an amused green.

Aeia replaces the folds of the napkin over the pastries to keep them warm and clean, and sets them down on the flat surface of a mounting block.

Matison grins at Aeia with a shrug... "No rest for the weary."

Lorianda does a double take as a dragon actually looks at *her*. She smiles delightedly, then with an effort, turns to her masters. "What may I do to help at the moment...?"

Aeia allows a grin to slip onto her features. "No breakfast, either?" she quips.

Matison turns on a seemingly idle apprentice. "You - go fetch some of that rope from the supply closet. As much as you can carry."

Several busy Herder Apprentices stand by Sejith and start to hand buckets to T'rell for loading up. One of them hurries off at Matison's order.

T'rell boggles at all the buckets being thrust at him. "Hang on, we gotta get the rope first!"

Lorianda pipes up, offering.." I could go fetch some rope..."

Several busy Herder Apprentices come over with foolish looks, and set their buckets down. The one sent off returns with several loops of hemp.

OOC: Aeia notes that she did desc ropes into the buckets, too. *grin*

OOC: Matison grins. "Cool."

OOC: Lorianda smiles

T'rell takes the rope offered, and begins slinging loops over Sejith's back. "Hey, Sejith, duck!" he admonishes as one loop doesn't quite make it.

Several busy Herder Apprentices giggles.

Lorianda giggles softly, watching the dragon as she helps load buckets

Sejith crouches as low to the ground as he can, sneaking in a little nap.

T'rell says, "Ok! You, you, and you..." he points to three herders, including Lorianda.. "start tying buckets onto these loops. But they gotta balance.""

Several busy Herder Apprentices start asking T'rell assorted questions about the dragon as they leap to tying on the buckets.

Lorianda nods, quickly trying to tie the buckets onto the loops, with nervously fumbling fingers.

Matison assists by fastening the ends of the loops to the flying strap hooks as the rider directs. "Wait, Jerin, don't tie so many in one place, it'll unbalance."

T'rell nods, taking part in the fastenings. "Over here we need one," he directs, making sure the knots are all tight.

Aeia says, "Cut the chatter, Tonna and Yavin, and listen to his directions."

T'rell receives a bucket for his efforts, attaching it firmly to a free spot on the makeshift harness.

Aeia walks over and lifts two buckets from the cluster near the pump, and hefts them over to the collection receiving covers. Her steps sound heavy with the extra weight.

Matison steps back. "How many will you take in one trip?" he asks, before the apprentices get too psyched.

Lorianda tries to stay as small and unnoticed as possible, simply nodding to the other app's gossip and chatter, and excited mumblings about the dragon. She grunts slightly as she strains to lift a heavy bucket.

T'rell thinks, getting a slightly faraway look as he confers with Sejith about it. "Ten more should do it for a trip," he answers finally. "Don't think we could fit any more than that anyhow."

T'rell suddenly grins. "No, Sejith, you can't drop any between," he scolds.

Aeia sets her buckets down and rubs unconsciously at her left shoulder as she goes back for more.

Lorianda grins at Sejith for that last answer, tying buckets on carefully so they are balanced.

Matison directs the bucket brigade to reorganize, sending some from loading back to filling as the quota is filled.

Several busy Herder Apprentices redirect their efforts.

Matison intercepts Aeia to take her buckets. "One at a time," he tells her. "Don't overdo that shoulder."

T'rell counts the buckets. "That's a good load," he comments. "We got fifty of those things tied on. Can you still stand, Sejith?" he asks with a grin as he finishes checking the knots.

Aeia makes a small face at Matison. "Hurts more to be imbalanced," she says stubbornly, and goes back for another two.

Matison rolls his eyes, filling another at the pump before covering it over.

T'rell steps back, motioning for the apprentices to do the same. "Thanks, guys, we'll be coming back for more soon."

Lorianda steps back quickly, so she won't be in the way and the dragon won't bump her when she stands. She looks over her shoulder at him as she goes to stand by the other apprentices, almost tripping as she doesn't watch where she is going, and her cheeks turn red.

Sejith heaves himself up, making much of his *heavy* load. Yeah, heavy. Right.

Several busy Herder Apprentices stand well back from the bronze. Many of them turn around and start carrying buckets from the pump to the covering area, while others watch the bronze get up with his load.

T'rell grins at his dragon. "Yeah, yeah. You ain't that bad." He steps toward a large shoulder. "Thanks, Master Aeia," he calls, "we'll be back."

T'rell scrambles up Sejith's shoulder to sit between two neckridges.

Lorianda breaths a sigh of relief, as the others are too interested in the bronze to notice her fumble.

From Sejith's neck, T'rell carefully avoids all the buckets.

Aeia calls back. "We'll be here."

Lorianda watches, awed, as T'rell mounts, watching eagerly to see him fly.

Sejith springs aloft from the courtyard.

Aeia directs the awed Herders to cover some more buckets for transport. She kneels by a few of the covered ones, checking the tightness of the weyrhide and rope.

Lorianda sets away to busily covering buckets, giggling now with the other apprentice girls about bronze riders, blushing slightly as she checks the secureness.

Aeia takes a piece of rope and winds it around a bucket rim as two Apprentices hold the weyrhide tight. She grunts a little as she pulls the rope and ties it off.

Yssath flies down to a landing.

Yssath
Her hide, is a swirl of vibrant greens. At her outermost tips, a smattering of white, graduating to darker shades of emerald. Her wings, shade to a translucent sea green. The very soundness of this not so delicate green show. A body well tuned. With each movement, a rhythmatic ripple issues throughout her body. With talons that look to be able to rend anything, she moves. Her head shifting from side to side on occasion, surveying the area around her. Perhaps, as if to look for prey. The hide glistens luxuriously from a fresh oiling. Enhancing the many shades of green.
A well-oiled pair of riding straps are fastened securely to her neck.
Astride Yssath is Katherine.
Yssath is also carrying Yssath's firestone sack and Whip.
Yssath is 4 Turns, 3 months, and 20 days old.
She is 23 meters long, with a wingspan of 38 meters.

From Yssath's neck, Katherine unbuckles the straps from herself.

Katherine slides from Yssath's neck and lands gently on the ground.

Yssath looks about, looking towards the paddocks as the scent of fo.. I mean runners.

Lorianda blinks as yet another dragon glides in and lands, smiling delightedly, but continues the task at hand. She checks how tight the coverings are on the buckets carefully.

Aeia stands up from the bucket she's finished tying off, rising from her crouch with a smooth movement and narrowing her eyes slightly at the direction of the dragon's regard.

Katherine removes her rider's cap, "I'm here to help deliver water." as she surveys the area.

Aeia nods. "You're in the right place, rider Katherine," she says, and motions for the Apprentices to form up. "You know the drill now."

Several busy Herder Apprentices move towards Yssath, bearing a few lengths of rope and the first of the buckets.

Matison was *just* about to sneak some of that breakfast Aeia saved for him... oh, well.

Aeia says, "Use the rope to fashion a harness - you know your dragon best - and they'll tie the buckets on."

Lorianda grunts softly as she heaves a bucket up, body leaning backwards slightly at the unaccustomed, unbalanced weight. She takes slow teetering steps up to Yssath to deliver it.

Katherine gathers the rope, slinging it about the green's neck.

Several busy Herder Apprentices Many Herder Apprentices, busily milling around.

buckets
Several sturdy metal buckets, filled to the brim with water and covered tightly with stretched wherhide, fastened by rope wrapped around just under the brim. Several are tied together at the handles by more rope, and others are strung along rough poles.

Yssath ducks down attentively as the rope is tide. Katherine smiles, "There we go." as she finishes off the knot.

The filling of buckets ceases, as the last of the Herdercraft's spare buckets is done. The last covers are tied on.

Several busy Herder Apprentices step in, hefting their buckets with experienced arms and fastening them in place, careful to balance the weight. Several buckets are handed to Katherine, one at a time, so she can determine their placement.

Katherine taking the buckets begins to move from one side to the other maintaining an equal load bearing balance.

** HT crashes, and resets to previous checkpoint... **

Outside the Stables
You stand outside the Ista Hold stables, which serve double duty as part of Herder Hall. Beneath your feet is a small square of paved stones fitted tightly together and laying flush against a sheer cliff face which rises to the South. Nestled in this face is a large archway fitted with double metal doors leading into the stable. Just outside the arch and sitting beyond the edge of the stones is a trough and a water pump. To the West, a well-traveled pathway leads past turnout paddocks filled with grazing runnerbeasts, terminating at the riding ring, and branching off towards the Hold pastures.
The small courtyard is well-swept and clean, a credit to the Herder Apprentices.
It is a fall midmorning.
Over in the paddock area, you see two runners.
You see Thom and Several busy Herder Apprentices here.
Obvious exits:
Hold Valley Turnout Paddocks Stable Fly

OOC: Aeia resets the clock to before Katherine's arrival. *grin*

Aeia pulls a bucket-covering tight with a small grunt.

OOC: Matison grins.

Matison checks the coverings on the full buckets.

Aeia looks up at Matison. "Leave the buckets to me and grab some breakfast while you can," she instructs.

Matison remembers breakfast. Imagine that. "Right," he grins. "Thanks." he strides over to the mounting block, taking a short breather while wolfing down breakfast.

Several busy Herder Apprentices bring up some more hides and stretch them over the last of the buckets.

Aeia pulls another rope tight. "Hope they don't taste like dust," she remarks. "We're sitting drumming up enough."

OOC: Matison says "BTW, Katherine set the clock ahead. She's at the island already, unloading buckets."

OOC: Aeia says "Okaaaaaaaaay."

Several busy Herder Apprentices are working on cleaning up the hide pieces and rope, then.

Aeia stands up and wipes her hands on her trousers, squinting in the mid-morning sun that angles low across the ground.

Aeia says, "Put that stuff back into storage."

Several busy Herder Apprentices nod, and file back into the barn.

Several busy Herder Apprentices walks into the stable.

Aeia leans against a hitching post. "I think that's enough excitement for one morning," she says, somewhat sleepily.

Matison smiles. "What, you weren't prepared for a sudden run on our bucket supplies?" he wonders, leaning against it too.

OOC: Aeia sorries for idling.

Aeia shares the smile. "No, not exactly," she admits. "Nor was I prepared for going toe-to-toe with the Weyrleader." She lets out a whoosh of breath and shakes her head, still smiling.

OOC: Matison is a Master Idler.

OOC: Aeia noticed, which is why she was peeking at her mail. *grin*

Matison raises an eyebrow to a quizzical angle. "Oh?"

Aeia says, "You don't want me to start. Let's just say that he proves that riders have enough ego for two sentients, and leave it at that. We both came through it alive, but I don't think he's very fond of me now." Her eyes defocus a little as she looks out into the valley. "Might as well be mutual."

Matison chuckles. "Trust you to get into a row with someone whose best friend is the size of a small cothold."

Aeia smiles again at Matison. "...and could eat half of my stock in one meal, yes, I'm aware of that. I won't ask what the 'trust you to...' part is supposed to mean."

Matison grins. "Oh, never mind. These kids did themselves proud today," he comments at the few left on cleanup crew.

Matison looks down at Aeia, consideringly. He scratches his chin... "Maybe," he finally acquiesces, a glint in his blue eyes.

OOC: Matison says "well, bluish."

Aeia turns a look up into those /bluish/ eyes that is supposed to be scathing but doesn't quite make it. "It's only been a decade, after all. I figure it will be another two before I really know the job."

Matison shrugs noncommittally. "Maybe."

Aeia says, "Maybe I'll learn it, or maybe I'll need two more decades to learn it? Never mind, don't answer that; I'd prefer to think you have a high estimate of my abilities." Her eyes turn back out over the valley.

OOC: Aeia says "oops, forgot about that last "."

Matison grins. "Of course I do." He chuckles to himself.

Aeia smiles and relaxes against the post. "Do you think they'd miss me if I just never went inside and sat behind my desk today?"

Matison nods. "Oh, sure they would. But I wouldn't go in if I were you," he adds.

Aeia closes her eyes slightly. "Oh?"

Matison nods seriously. "It's booby-trapped," he explains. "The minute you go into the office, the door closes and you're stuck hip-deep in paperwork!"

Matison shrugs. "And that's it. You'll never be seen again."

Aeia opens her eyes and looks back at Matison. "Well, then, for the benefit of the Craft, I had better err on the side of caution and avoid that untimely demise."

Matison schools his features into seriousness. "A wise decision."

Aeia says, "Thank you, Mat, for helping me avert such a disaster." She puts her hand on her chest with stiff dramaticism. She drops it. "What shall I do instead?""

Matison thinks carefully. "Well, there's a spot up on top of the ridge that's just crying out for a picnic."

Mason emerges from the stables.

Mason nods to the Master.

Aeia blinks a little, surprised, and then turns to the approaching apprentice. "Good morning, Mason."

Matison waves to Mason from where he leans against a hitching post, conversing with Aeia. "Morning."

Mason says, "morning"

Mason says, "say Master, do you ever want your marks for Dragon?"

Aeia says, "Oh, yes, that would be appreciated; five would be enough."

OOC: Aeia says "'pay 5 to Aeia'"

Mason nods and hands Aeia 5 marks.

Aeia puts the marks in a pocket. She remarks to Matison, "I don't even want to contemplate the paradox involved with Apprentices paying their Craft to buy their runners, the profits of which go to their own salaries.

Matison nods sagely in agreement. "Better not," he warns Aeia. "It'll lead you back to your office, and remember what I told you about that."

Aeia says, "Right. Thank you, Mason. I will deposit these as soon as I decide my office is safe to enter."

Matison hides a slight smile.

Aeia flashes a private smile to Matison.

Aeia lowers her voice and turns to face the other Master. "Now, you were proffering suggestions, I believe, for alternative activities for the day."

Matison nods. "I certainly was. As I was saying, up on top of the ridge there's a spot where I think some of the herd's been escaping. I wanted to check that this morning, before the bucket brigade." he changes his story slightly.

Aeia picks up on the change. "Well, I'd certainly be interested in seeing that," she says. "You might need some assistance rounding up stragglers to bring them back."

Matison nods. "I'd expect so. You think you can spare the time?" he wonders.

Aeia looks to the left, then to the right. "I don't see anything pressing that needs to be done," she says.

Matison allows a small grin. "Good, ready to go?"

Aeia rubs her hands together. "If you are."

Matison nods, businesslike. "Let's get some lunch together - I don't think either of us got much breakfast this morning."

Aeia nods and motions for Matison to lead the way.

Matison strides into the stable.

Aeia heads into the stable.

Ista Stables
A long cavern lined with stalls on either side of its wide, stone-surfaced aisle. The atmosphere is rich with the presence of beasts, and the rafters are often full of firelizards. Several doors lead from various parts of the aisle to small caverns, and a stairway winds tightly up to the loft.
The glows here are lit, illuminating both aisle and stalls well.
There are several boxstalls here. There are fifteen stalls, zero of which is without a nameplate. They are mostly clean, though droppings and wet spots are not completely absent.
In the stalls, you see Nighthawk, Telgar Sunstone, Fly-by-Night, Perceval, Cokah, Blackwing, Jordan, Interval, and Rellin.
This aisle could use a little sweeping.
Over in the south wing, you see one runner.
On an overhead rafter is Tasala.
You see For Sale Sign (l fss), stalls, Name the Critters Board, a red wheelbarrow, and Faxx here.
Matison is here.
Obvious exits:
Office Outside Kennels Tack Room South Wing Stairs

Matison blocks the door to the office. "Remember, don't go in there," he warns. "Wait here, and if I'm not out in five minutes, get help," he jokes melodramatically. "And whatever you do, don't let the door close!"

Matison strides through the doorway into the office.

Aeia laughs and holds the door open, staying well outside the frame.

In Cokah's stall, Cokah nickers softly in expectation of dinner.

Mason walks in from outside.

Matison emerges from the office.

Aeia says, "You survived."

Matison nods to Aeia. "Yep," he replies hurriedly. "I think we're set to go."

Mason straightens the blankets hung on the doors.

Aeia nods, and gives a wave to Mason as he works. She heads for the door.

Matison emerges from the stables.

Matison grins. "We're free!" he whispers secretly.

Matison heads out into the valley.

Aeia heads out into the valley.

Matison says, "Now, where do you think that spot would be?"

Matison muses.

Aeia suppresses a smile. "You'd be the one who'd know."

Matison raises an eyebrow. "Oh, I suppose so." With that, he starts off in a particular direction. Yes, it's that way.

Matison strides over towards the upper pastures.

Aeia ascends to the upper pastures.

Upper Pastures
These pastures are situated up against the slope where the sides of the valley become slightly less steep. A cool spring winds through the center of the large expanse, heading downhill to where it crosses under the fence and heads towards the lower pastures. One gate along the northern edge opens into the lower pastures to the northeast, and is almost always kept open; another on the eastern edge leads to the track that traces around the riding ring. To the south, the valley side rises, and tunneled into its side you see a wide cave entrance where the animals have ample protection from Thread.
It is a fall midmorning.
In the lower pastures, you see four runners.
On the other side of the riding ring where the paddocks are, you see two runners.
Grazing in the pastures are Firefly and Value.
Matison is here.
Obvious exits:
Lower Pastures Trail Towards the Paddocks Up

Value kicks up her heels and scampers across the grass.

A trail that cuts around the southern edge of the riding ring to the turnout paddock area.

Matison looks at the fenceline. "I think it must've been here," he nods to Aeia.

Aeia follows, trudging through areas of thick grass. "Hmmm. That's odd. I don't see a break."

Matison shrugs. "Must've fixed itself," he grins.

Aeia catches up to him. "Amazing," she says with a smile. "I didn't know fences could do that."

Matison unslings the crackers and fruit from his shoulder, finding a comfortable spot in the upper corner of the pasture with a view of the entire valley.

Aeia settles down, folding her long legs under her. "Nice view," she comments.

Matison nods. "Isn't it?" he crosses his legs beneath him to sit in the tall grass.

Aeia's eyes turn back to Mat. "Yes. Now, what have you brought for us?"

Matison unpacks a redfruit, tossing it in Aeia's direction, and takes another for himself.

Matison opens up the sack of crackers, too. "Sorry, it's not the best the Hold could offer, but hey, I didn't have much notice," he grins.

Aeia catches the redfruit easily. "Fruit and crackers in good company beats paperwork any day."

Matison glances at Aeia. "I hope so. Otherwise I'd worry."

Aeia says, "About my taste for paperwork, or my estimation of the value of your company?"

Matison replies blandly, "I've suspected lately that you like your paperwork better than you like me."

Matison takes a juicy bite of redfruit.

Matison grins merrily.

Aeia looks indignant. "And whatever would give you that idea?"

Matison widens his eyes in surprise. "You mean, it's not true??"

Aeia takes a bite of her own fruit. "Most certainly *not*. It's your company that keeps me from going insane over that paperwork."

Matison nods understandingly. "Ah, so that's it. I'm a buffer between you and your paperwork."

Matison munches on a cracker.

Aeia says, "Absolutely. A great, big barrier between me and the... you sound disappointed."

Matison looks very melancholy over his cracker. NOT. "Hmm?" he wonders cluelessly.

Matison watches a fair of firelizards wing toward the sea far up in the sky.

Aeia shakes her head. "Never mind, Mat." She picks up a cracker.

Matison shrugs. "Whatever. You don't get out enough, anyway," he accuses.

Aeia says, "Well, that's true."

Aeia says, "You'll have to take that up with the paperwork beast that lurks in my office."

Matison nods ruefully. "I tried to, but it tried to grab me by the ankles."

Aeia says, "What good are you, then, if you can't defend me from the beast?"

Aeia smiles and picks up another cracker.

Matison looks taken-aback. "What, prevention is worth a thousand cures," he grins.

Aeia says, "So you're going to keep me out of my office indefinitely?"

Matison nods definitively. "Absolutely. Until that paperwork beast starves to death, if that's what it takes."

Aeia chuckles. "I hate to bring this to your attention, Matison, but *in*attention causes paperwork beasts to thrive, not die."

Matison says, "Oh."

Matison appears minorly thwarted.

Matison scratches his chin, then just stretches out in the grass. If you can't be right, be comfortable.

Aeia laughs roundly, and polishes off the last of her redfruit.

Aeia says, "To look at you right now, my friend, one would think you do not have a concern in this universe."

Matison chuckles from where he lies in the grass. "Yep, that's right. Of course, as soon as I head back down the hill, those cares will pile on me again. Which is why I don't plan to go back, you see."

Matison says, "By the way, you're not going back either."

Matison adds nonchalantly.

Aeia unfolds her legs, stretching them out into the grass. She leans on one elbow. "I see," she says slowly. "Well, I suppose this is as good a place as any to spend the rest of our lives.... but still, don't you think they'll wonder?"

Matison turns his head to look at Aeia. "Who? I don't know anyone down there, do you?"

Aeia smiles and laughs. "No, I guess not. No one I can think of right now."

Matison says, "Well, there you have it. Nothing to go back to, nobody to bother us."

Aeia says, "Just the two of us. Here, in the pastures. Forever?"

Matison leans back in the grass... "Until it rains, anyway," he answers contemplatively.

Aeia's shoulders start to shake, and eventually she starts to laugh aloud, falling back with a *thump* onto her back. "Or one of the runners steps on one of us."

Matison starts chuckling low.

Matison says, "I suppose," he adds finally, "It might have been wiser to choose a place *not* in the pastures."

Aeia rolls up onto her elbows, looking down at Matison. "Quite possibly. But that's okay, I didn't hire your for your strategic talents."

Matison half-sits up, shocked. "You *didn't*??"

Aeia smiles. "Nope."

Matison quirks an eyebrow, confused. "Well then, what was it?" he wants to know.

Aeia says quite evenly, "Your body." She pauses just the right length of time. "You're one of the best rider/trainers the Craft has in its service."

Matison looks positively shocked - not by the joke, but by the fact that it came out of Aeia! Then, to the second half of her phrase, "You're kidding."

Aeia says, "I'm not kidding. You had recommendations out to here" -she gestures with her hands- "from Mulder, and so far, in nine Turns of service I've seen nothing to contradict them."

Matison flops back down. "Has it only been nine turns?" he wonders. "Seems like forever...." he winks.

Aeia smiles. "An eternity of toil for the overbearing MasterHerder?"

Matison chuckles. "Service, indeed. You make me sound like poor Perceval."

Aeia says, "Nine years of *that* kind of servicing might not be so bad."

Matison shakes his head, looking suddenly well-tired out. "You don't know what it's been like," he puts on that long-suffering tone... "All those apprentices..." his eyes twinkle with merriment.

Aeia starts to laugh again. "Poor, worn-out Herder stud... So *that* is why you wanted to be put out to pasture."

Matison raises an eyebrow. "But I notice I've been put in the same pasture as the mares, today."

Aeia smiles. "Wonder what that could mean?"

Matison shrugs. "Incompetent apprentices."

Matison nods definitively.

Aeia laughs again, and removes her elbow supports, plopping down onto the soft grass again. She puts her hands between her chin and the ground.

Aeia says, "We'll have to give them a talk."

Matison rolls over onto his stomach, putting him closer to Aeia. He shrugs. "Oh, I don't know," he replies, as if he's decided it might be a good thing after all.

Aeia turns her head awkwardly to look at him. "Not a serious error?"

Matison shakes his head. "With two old runners like us? Not likely," he affirms.

Aeia twists her neck the other way, making a loud /crack/. "No, I suppose not," she murmurs.