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10/24/2001
Logfile from Elehu

Sudanna says, "Elehu? hey woman!" Cheeks still tingling from the trip between, the healer smiles at the other woman in the infirmary. "I've run away! "

Elehu blinks up from the ledger she'd been writing in and grins, leaning back in her chair. "Well now... and you came /here/??" she teases as she gets to her feet.

Sudanna chuckles.. "Can you think of any other place where I won't be found within 2 hours?" She sweeps the neat area, glad to be away from just about everything at ista. "The girls are fine with the nannies and Jathen. Jathen will grumble, but he'll be fine without me for awhile... Jaqui said 'go'.. so I did. I won't be in the way, will I?

"No, of course not," Elehu replies to the last question, moving to lean back against her desk. "So... /why/ have you run from Ista?" she asks. No, no compunctions about asking personal questions. It's her specialty. "I mean, didn't you have the latest child not too long ago, or have I mixed your news up with someone else's?"

Sudanna nods.. "Suthena is just 9 months now. Jade is almost 5 turns. And that may be why I ran. Suth recently decided to stop nursing, so there is no demand there and after all the pre-delivery bedrest, and the recuperation after, I needed a break or I would kill someone. Most likely Jathen, but with some of the new apprentices.." Her thoughts drop, no need to go there, after all. Elehu has her own, she knows.

Elehu laughs dryly and nods. "I know that feeling," she replies, voice tight for a moment. "Things just tend to build up, right? I've been hoping for a vacation of my own for ages now, but so far there just hasn't been a chance." She sighs quietly and glances around the infirmary, none of her customary enjoyment for the place in evidence. "I do love it here, don't get me wrong, but shells... some days I'd rather just up and leave."

Sudanna says, "Isn't that the truth? I understand the concept of burning out far better then any class on it. Thank Faranth, Jaqui does as well. And since Ista is well covered for healers, I took advantage of the chance to leave for awhile." Her smile is bittersweet. her ove of healing does get sorely tested it seems. "Do you run into many situations where no-one seems to pay attention to what you say?"

"Always," Elehu replies with a melodramatic sigh, then grins. "Nah, it's not really all that bad. The other healers here all seem to work well together. It's... not actually the job that's burning me out." But she just shrugs and pushes off from the desk.

Sudanna eyes her old friend with a bit of concern.. "Oh?" An eyebrow raises of it's own accord. "So, what /is/ bothering you? Got time for a cup of klah and some gossip?" From experiance she has learned that mindhealers tend to be the last ones to understand that stress is normal. "Maybe you should consider a break?

Elehu laughs softly and shrugs, crossing her arms loosely. "Oh, this and that. Really, it's nothing too major. Things just tend to build up. But I said that already, I think..." She trails off, frowning, and gives a tiny shake of her head. "But yes, a break. I've been trying, but Kariel and I haven't quite worked out a time for me to take off just yet."

Sudanna says, "Well, if you like.. I can stay here and you can go elsewhere foir awhile. Not sure how Kare would feel about that. He is a bit territorial about being the only midwife." But the offer is sincere. Jathen can handle things at home. And furthermore.. But wait, she's not arguing with him. "I really wouldn't mind."

Infirmary (#7841)
Echoing and austere, blank stone walls are vaulted high to overshadow the row of white-curtained cots along the back wall. Ancient metal gleams steel-bright in the form of sinks and examination table, lit relentlessly by bright glows and reflecting the colours of bottles and jars shelved above. Padlocked cabinets hide the more dangerous drugs and implements, whilst healer paraphenalia litters one solid oak table with sweetly-fragranced herbs and tattered scrolls. A small hearth contains a fire usually banked low, several cauldrons set ready nearby to for heating water. A dark staircase twists up from one corner to the dragonhealer's lair; one low door leads into the lower caverns, another to weyrhealers' quarters. Barn-sized doors open inwards with creak of hinges from the ground weyr.
Comfortable on top of a cupboard are Caerulus, Risidan, Hermes, Enjolras, Fluker, Kidda, and Klee.
You see examination area here.
You notice Zinyea asleep here.
Sudanna is here.
Obvious exits:
Ground Weyrs -- Inner Caverns -- Healers' Quarters

Elehu sighs softly, eyes sweeping the infirmary once more. "Um... yeah, we could do that," she finally answers with a somewhat tired smile. "Let me grab an apprentice to watch the infirmary. We can go up to the sewing room or something; there's hardly ever people up there."

Sudanna nods and smile softly.. she looks exhausted. It can't be all work, knowing that number of appies and assistants the Reaches infirmary employs. "Great. There are all sorts of places I haven't seen here. It's been almost 8 turns since I was last here, I think." And that last visit was not for fun.. Poor Jathen, having to treat her.

Elehu nods quickly and moves to the door to the quarters off to the side, and a moment or two later a young apprentice pops in, two large tomes for reading in tow. "All right, it's up the stairs from the inner caverns," Ele says to Sudanna, nodding towards the doors leading farther inside the Weyr.

Sudanna says, "Lead the way. I am totally at a loss here. I was just at the infirmary and Jathen's room.. and that didn't count because I was in far too much pain to remember anything, anyway. Aerrin brought me up here."

Wafts of sweet-mint follow you out of the infirmary.

Inner Caverns (#7484)
Ancient caverns unfold in an endless maze of tunnels and stairs, the Weyr's cavities a labyrinth to the uninitiated. Here, trimmed by the last of the stone cutters, arched walls and vaulted ceilings retain the soapy smoothness of well-worn stone, as do the endless tunnel floors kept clear and tidy. Shadows creep and flicker across these glowlit mountain walls, creatures of non-light wending their way east to the main caverns and bowl, or branching out in a web of caves to the Weyr's living spaces.
Shadowed on stone-smooth ledge are Sadist, Twanda, Amobarbital, and Nina.
You see Delphin here.
Obvious exits:
Living Caverns -- Guests' Quarters -- Hallway -- Dorms -- Candidate Barracks -- Baths -- Brat Cave -- Infirmary -- Stairwell

Narrow stone steps lead steeply upwards... but not too far.

Quiet Corners (#18973)
Thick woolen tapestries dull the noise from the rest of the caverns, turning this well-lit little room into a welcome escape. The stairs up place it against the bowl wall somewhere above the living caverns, carpeted against the winters chill or left as cool stone floor in summer. Some high and narrow windows can be opened to the world outside, or secured with their heavy metal-sided shutters and blue-threaded curtains.
Glowlight gleams, brightening the well-cushioned stone couches and lighting the weyr residents half-finished projects: knitting undone, sewing only started, leathers being worked soft, and even a hide of sketches or half-finished Thread-chart spread out across one of the tables.
Curled up amongst the baskets of wool are Sahara, Eclipse, Dystopia, Zauberer, and Samedi.
Obvious exits:
Inner Stairs

Sudanna slips in from the little door.

MOO Time: 2001-10-24 11:38:38

Elehu checks the pot of klah to see if it's fresh, but doesn't move to pour any, just folding into one of the big armchairs. "See? Nice and quiet in here," she comments, fingers tapping against the chair's arm lightly. "We'll probably need to get a drudge to bring fresh klah though. Pastries?" First things first, after all.

Sudanna says, "ohh, I had forgotten about the Reaches chefs and cooks. Pastries would be wonderful!" As she speaks her eyes wander about the room, smiling at the comfortableness of it. "This is a lovely spot. I'm not surprised jathen never ventured up here. "

Elehu laughs softly and hauls herself out of her chair to disappear down the stairs again, reappearing after another moment or two with a pot and tray in her hands. "No need to wait for drudges," she explains, setting them down and going towards a cupboard, snatching a couple mugs. She then fills the two mugs and holds one out towards Sudanna. "So why were you burning out at Ista?" Ah yes, the age old aversion tactic.

Sudanna says, "I'll tell you, /if/ you tell me what's going on with you?" See has learned something from living with a mindhealer all these turns, after all. "Deal?" spoken as she reaches for 1: klah and 2: a delicious-looking pastry. "Who is your chef, anyway?"

Elehu smirks a little as she settles in her chair once more. "Well... I suppose," she answers quietly and takes a sip of her klah. "It's called 'Young Healer has Love Troubles.' So why were you burning out at Ista?" she asks again, hazel eyes twinkling softly. "Or is that not going to cut it?"

Again an eyebrow raises.. "Oh? Surely you don't expect to get away with a cryptic remark like that, do you?" Settles in, ready for a good story and maybe even offer some advice. Not that Danna is so much older and wiser.

Elehu shrugs a little, amusement fading bit by bit. "It's just... a bit of unrequited love really. I mean, it happens, right?" she asks, swirling the klah in her mug idly. It must be intensely interesting.

Sudanna says, "Oh?" That's no were near enough information. "So, tell me about it. It does happen Ele, but that doesn't mean it isn't important." her own mug is lifted and drunk from. a bite of pastry follows. "Who is it? Anyone I might know? Not Kare, please!"

Reiko comes up the stairs.

Reiko (#21442)
Jet black hair falls shiny and straight just to her chin, a fringe of shorter hair in front just brushing delicate brows. Her skin is creamy-pale, with just a faint blush on high cheekbones and full lips. Wide-set emerald eyes are tipped up slightly at the outside corners and framed with thick black lashes, giving her a vaguely feline appearance. Neither overly tall nor overly short, Reiko stands straight-shouldered with quiet confidence and moves with an easy, quiet grace.
Supple leather clings to Reiko's slim form, so dark it seems true black until just the right light hits it, when it gives off a rich, plum glow. The jacket is a bit roomy but still tailored, more casual than truly elegant, given the collar up-turned in back in a flirtatiously naive way. Smudge-dark bronze fastenings allow for quite a bit of modification in how it is worn, even allowing a bit of cleavage to show when the jacket is not tightly closed for flight. The lapels are dyed a pleasant, contrasting cream, the color echoing in trim along the cuff and edges, as well as along reinforced seams. Emphasizing her slim hips and thighs, the trousers have just enough give to be comfortable, are snug enough to attract admiration. The cut widens a bit further down, parting in a slit below the knee along the outside of the calf to accommodate softly-buffed black boots.
She is awake and looks alert.
Reiko is 21 Turns, 1 month, and 25 days old.

Elehu shakes her head slowly and smiles. "No, it's not Kariel." She gives a short laugh and shakes her head again. "Not that he hasn't tried... It's... well," but then she just takes another sip of her klah as a rider comes up the stairs. After a moment the Healer nods to her quickly and smiles. "Good morning, Reiko. Have you met Sudanna before?"

Sudanna swings her head at the footsteps.. and studies the rider before her.. Noting the knot, "Good day Bluerider. No, I don't believe we have met, Danna.. jman healer from ista. I've run away..Shhhh>" Eyes twinkle at her confession.

Reiko climbs the stairs slowly, a pitcher in one hand and a mug in the other, both filled nearly full with steaming klah. Some mornings, the caverns are just too much to bear. She's hardly aware of the quiet conversation already taking place in the room, but she does notice when her name is spoken, emerald gaze sweeping across the room to light on Elehu with a twisted halfsmile. "Morning," she returns pleasantly enough, turning her eyes on the other journeywoman as the introduction registers in her klah-deprived brain. "No, I don't believe I have. Reiko," she returns easily. "Blue Cerdith's rider." Her gaze flickers over the unfamiliar healer in completely unconscious appraisal as she slips into a seat. She makes no comment at the 'confession' -- it's hardly unusual for people to escape to the Reaches, after all. Reiko did it herself, once upon a time.

Elehu smiles quickly at Reiko again and settles back in her chair a little more, quite intent on her klah. Next comes a pastry, which she generally just nibbles at now and then. "Have you settled in up here yet, Danna? And how long are you staying? You never did tell me why exactly you came up here..." Then turning to Reiko she offers yet another smile. "How are you and Cerdith doing?"

Sudanna isn't too taken with the cool rider and her even cooler glances. "I'm not sure how long I'll be here. Maybe until the current batch of apprentices all become jmen and post away." half-kidding, half-serious. "The Hall is in such turmoil with some of them." Why is she here? "I needed a break really from my surroundings. I was on bedrest during the whole pregnancy, then the delivery required convalescence.. I just need a change.

Reiko drains the mug in one long sip, then refills it and curls into a corner of the couch. "We're quite well, thank you," she replies to Elehu, her tone almost warm at the thought of her lifemate. "He's... swimming just now, I believe. He was kind enough to let me get some klah before trying to talk me into joining him." Which is quite a concession -- and she's making the most of it. She only half-listens to Sudanna's explanation for her visit, since she doesn't seem to be included in this conversation. But her gaze keeps wandering to study the woman, finding something disturbingly familiar about her.

Elehu ahhs lightly at Sudanna, then nods to Reiko's news on her lifemate... and then goes back to studying her klah and pastry. "At least it's warmer now. Which is better than frigid." Indeed. "And I'm sure the apprentices will shape up in a little while, Sudanna. They usually do. Though... I didn't pay a great deal of attention last time I was down that way."

Reiko arches a brow at Elehu's statement of the obvious, but her smile is almost teasing. "Indeed," she agrees easily, lifting her mug for another sip and watching the conversation go by again -- until Sudanna abruptly solves the mystery. Reiko winces slightly at the memory, her nose wrinkling in distaste. "Right," she says dryly. "That was... interesting." Or not. But it was definitely one of maybe a handful of things she did during her tenure as infirmary assistant that didn't involve dusting.

Elehu laughs softly and shakes her head at both Sudanna and Reiko. "That's one job I don't think I'll ever get used to. I'm much better with children when they get to be a few Turns old," she comments and sets her mug to the side before brushing her fingers clean. "But interesting is a good way to describe that. I don't know how you do that, Danna."

Sudanna glows.. "I love it ele.. watching the mother as she goes through all the changes, then helping to actually bring the new life into this world. Most parents are so pleased, gender never an issue once the child is actually born." Don't get danna started on her profession.. Oh, and never mention broken bones, either.. she can go on for hours.

Reiko is beginning to think it's a good thing she only brought klah with her, because she's rapidly beginning to lose her appetite. "I suppose it takes all kinds," she says dryly (and with rare tact). She starts to lift her mug again, but only frowns at the contents and sets the mug down on the low table in front of her. "I'm just as glad I've other duties now." Because she'd rather fly Thread than deal with other people's pain and blood. Oh wait, sometimes you don't get to choose... Ah, well. She gets to her feet then. "Cerdith is telling me he's waited long enough," she explains, seeming somewhat resigned... but perhaps it was time to leave in any case. "Nice seeing you again... see you later?" The former, little more than an automatic courtesy; the latter, definitely a question for Elehu.

Elehu makes as if to stand as well, but remembering her company she simply gives Reiko a warm smile and a nod. "Yes, of course," she answer for the rider. "And if you have to go... tell that 'mate of yours I said hello." The healer then just settles into her chair once more, quietly contemplating the intricate patterns on the arm of her chair, sneaking a peek or two at both Reiko and the other Healer.

Sudanna watches the eye contact and by play.. Unrequited? Oh Ele, you need to get over that insecurity of yours. "My best to your Cerdith as well, Reiko." It /never/ hurts to thank a dragon for being there and doing it's job. "as i am staying for awhile, I am sure we will see each other again. enjoy the day.

Reiko nods, her gaze fixed on Elehu for just a moment longer than courtesy requires. "Of course," she replies quietly, that twisted smile tugging at one corner of her lips. "Join us, if you get a break," she suggests, almost offhandedly. "It could be hours before I talk him into drying off, and we won't have sweeps until afternoon." She gives Sudanna a quick once over, her smile becoming slightly more wry. "Thank you, Danna. I'm sure we will." Someone has had just enough klah, apparently, to be almost civil. With a quick, polite nod, she slips out the side entrance. No need to go back through the caverns. Some drudge or other will clean up after her.

Elehu watches Reiko leave, then just lets her head fall back against the chair while giving Sudanna a tiny smile. "So... what did Jathen have to say about your little get away up here?" she asks, sounding slightly distracted. She busies herself with getting a refill of klah and settles down again, fingers tapping against the sides of the mug.

Sudanna says, "Hurm? Oh.. he wasn't thrilled, but more then understanding.." Eyes linger to the staris as the blue rider disappears. "Alright Ele.. tell me about her.." And she doesn't mean what her favorite color is. "And why is it unrequited, do you think? I think you are just missing a few clues."

Elehu's gaze shifts to the door Reiko had just gone through then shuts her eyes tightly for a moment. "Well now, I'm pretty transparent, aren't I?" she mumbles quietly as she gives Sudanna a wry grin. "Really, it's not... well, it is important in a way, to me, but..." And she's off in a flustered babble. "I need to move on. That's all."

Sudanna says, "She doesn't feel the same way?" That isn't what it looked like to her.. and the girl is a bluerider, not totally unbelievable that she could/would respond. "So, what's the real problem?"

Ooh, watch as Ele's fingers start to turn white against the mug. Luckily she sets it to the side and just sighs, face almost a grimace. "Shells, Danna, I really don't know," she finally admits, voice subdued. She leans her head against her hand, elbow on the chair arm as she slouches down a few inches. "I think I may have made more of the whole thing in the first place."

Sudanna sighs as Ele goes taut with obvious frustration. "Ele.. have you even spoken to her about this? Does she /really/ know?" Yup, right to the heart of the matter. "Ele, you have to tell her before you can accept there is nothing there." A pause as her eyes sweep the healer in front of her from her own cozy seat. "That's where you start. I have no idea what would have happened if I didn't practically force Jathen to face our own feelings."

Elehu nods slowly, fingers picking at the stitching of the chair again. "I should... but things have changed now," she offers lamely, shoulders shrugging a bit. "I'm just too different from her first of all in... well, in that way. I mean," she rambles on quickly and winces. "Shells, I don't know what I mean." This is one confused little mindhealer. She'll just continue rambling instead, it's what she encourages her patients to do, after all. "Maybe I was just too young at the time. I'd never felt that for anyone, you know? And... I don't think it was exactly mutual back then anyway." She suddenly smiles again and gives Sudanna a sheepish look. "Do you really want to hear all this?"

Sudanna says, "It's fine. I once considered mindhealing, but babies caught me.. And you obviously need to say it.. " A gesture is made, if Ele knew Jathen well, she would recognize it as one he uses to encourage his patients to speak. "Don't worry about me. And why would you think she has changed if you haven't talked to her about this?"

"Ever hear of that saying that actions speak louder than words?" Elehu asks in reply, finally sitting up again. "I mean... this is almost two Turns ago now. Some little fling, and... I may be weyrbred, but that only goes so far," she adds in an exasperated voice. "We just... don't love the same way maybe." She gives another small shrug and glances off at nothing in particular. "I can't seem to care for more than one person, and I give everything to that one person... whereas she... well. She just isn't like that." Making sense yet? Probably not.

Sudanna says, "And all this you know without saying a word to her? Ele.. she's Bitran, surely you have noticed.. and most likely far from being a willing person to spill her emotions to anyone for any reason!" Sighs in exassperation. "Really, sometimes mindhealers are the worse! Do me a huge favor, and yourself as well and /talk/ to her. maybe you are right and there is nothing to be done but move on. But.." a pause as she lets the implication sink in. "Just maybe you have things all wrong. And she is in the same place as you are."

Elehu frowns a little, squirming in her chair just a bit. "Well, maybe... but there's still that other person... Shard it, Danna," she adds, tone again returning to a slightly defeated one, "flights I can deal with. I /am/ weyrbred, you know, unlike some of these silly twit pink-clad riders." Ahem. "But not... this."

Sudanna stares at Elehu and ponders.. a smile plays about her face in refernce to the pink twits.. "Ele, how can you assume you are competeing with/against anyone if you don't just ahve it out with her?" Frustration flashes in her eyes. She fought so many for jathen, she cannot imagine walking away from loving someone without a fight!

"I never said I was assuming," Elehu replies slowly as she gives Sudanna a sad little smile followed by a tiny shrug as a frown reappears. "And I didn't know she was Bitran... but anyway, you're right. I should just ask. At least... I can ask how she feels. But not about the other. I really don't think I want to hear about it."

Sudanna says, "Ele.." Patince is us, she can take all the time in the world to work this issue out.."I don't know about you, but it seems to me that if you do speak with her about what's in your heart.. You should also find out about hers. It really only makes sense."

Elehu nods slowly, then sighs, glancing away. "Yes, of course. That does make sense... Still doesn't fix the other things, but at least I'd /know/, right? I mean, what's she going to do other than lie to me and avoid my questions?" Bit of a sarcastic streak there? After the little rant though, Ele just slumps a bit in her chair and smiles at Sudanna. "But I will. I'll ask. More pointedly I mean. I can't go on like this. Not after..." But she just shakes her head and glances away again.

Sudanna perks up, pleased that ele will talk to this rider woman. Personally, she doesn't see the attraction, but she's not Ele.. Maybe there is more to he rider then Danna has seen? "Good.. And what 'after?'. What didn't you tell me? Is there someone/thing more to the equation then you let on?" Concern for her friend prompts the push. Grabbing her klah, she drinks, waiting...

Elehu continues to just stare off to the side as she picks distractedly at the arm of her chair. "Maybe it would be best to hear the worst, you know? Let me move on finally." She takes a slow breath and glances sideways at Sudanna. "That's been the hardest thing, you know? All I ever really know about her is what she chooses to tell me or what I pick up from others... so gossip, really. So on the one hand I'm constantly holding on for dear life, and on the other, I just want to let go, be done with it all."

Sudanna nods, encouraging without words. Seems the mindhealer needs a little of her own, luckily Danna studied it for her jman project.

Elehu shrugs in reply to the other Healer's nod as a little grin curves her lips. "Look, just forget it. I'll talk to her, I promise. And... we'll see what comes from that."

Sudanna says, "Ele, come on.. you mentioned it, so it's obviously bothering you. You know I don't know anyone here.. or elsewhere that's worh gossiping to, so why not say it to ease your mind?"

Elehu laughs softly and shrugs. "There's nothing to talk about anymore. And I can't do anything /more/ about it until I talk to Reiko anyway. You just want the gossip, admit it," she teases lightly as she starts to raise her mug to her lips. "Watch it or I'll start calling you Old Auntie Danna."

Sudanna says, "Well, gossip is fun, but really.. this time it was concern that prompted the conversation." A serious glint in her eye. "But at least you will talk to Reiko. That's most important."

Elehu nods. "It is important. And I will... and I'll likely let you know the outcome too," she adds, grinning as she takes a sip of klah. "And as for the rest, I just really don't feel like discussing it right now. There's nothing I can do about it, so no use dwelling on it more than I already do."

Sudanna says, "That's fine. usually if it's past, regretting doesn't do anyone any good. My Ma used to say.. 'Don't bother with regrets, they won't change anything..Just learn from the actions.' Ma was good for platitudes.."

"Yes, many mothers are," Elehu replies, eyes glimmering softly as she smiles. "At any rate... I should probably get back to the infirmary. There's always more to be done than time to do it. And I will talk to her, Sudanna. Thanks for listening."

Sudanna says, "And I shudder to think I will as well, come the time." Rising from her seat as well. "I heard from Hyti today, she needs help at Ista, seems the candies are flocking in and they all need physicals. So, I'm cutting my vacation short.." A small sigh.. she was just really getting to the relaxing stage, too. "But thanks for everything.. including giving me a hideaway with no pressure."

Elehu stands quickly as she gives Sudanna a quick nod. "Well, sometimes a day or so is all you need. Best of luck with that."

Sudanna says, "And best of luck to you as well, Ele.. Do keep me posted.." Approaches for ahug.. and grins. "Be well, regardless of the outcome, alright? NAd I am always available to vent and rant at, remember that."

Elehu smiles and nods again. "Of course, Sudanna. I'll be fine. Who knows, maybe I'll show up at Ista one of these days. I could always use some time in the tropical sun."

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