Great Campsite - Southern Anacet Lakes
To one side (to the north, nearest the lake) of this huge open area are
tents, pavilions, cook fires, the signs of mass habitation. To the other
side (to the south, in the foothills of the mountains) is covered in piles
of rough woods, stone and the workers who are processing the materials into
usable materials for building.
The tents and pavilions are of every color possible, some simple, some more
elaborate. In the center of it all is the largest pavilion of them all,
colored in the Royal colors of blue and silver. Cirall's royal flags and
banners fly from poles and posts around it, signifying it as defenitely
hers. A pair of guards stand out front while others walk around it and the
rest of the campsite, keeping peace and order around here.
Aldani Dragons are coming and going, even the children are being busy
helping with little chores such as helping prepare foods, gathering small
suplies for hunters, bringing water to those who need it, etc. Most of the
adults are active over with the building materials, bringing them in from a
path that cuts deeply south into the mountains, working on them in the open
area somewhere, or taking finished materials back down the path to where
something big is being built. Materials, tools and workers are also coming
and going down the path to the main roads, probably to or from the other
cities and Forts of the Aldani. A large table setup between the living and
working areas is covered by dragons and mass paperwork, people overseeing
supplies to make sure they get done right and to where they need to go.
Draft animals pull the wagons of supplies around, their corral set up down
near the lake.
The different public-use tents are marked for what they're used as with
signs and banners hanging around and over the entrances. There's the main
Engineers' tent where the head engineers, Nigel and Kaymar, can be found at
some time or another, mulling over papers. The Healer's tent, run
efficiently by lady Kiira from Sithern, can see to almost any wound. The
Mess tent, where food can be found almost constantly, even throughout the
night for those dedicated to working on construction or general life here at
the Campsite. The Queen's personal tent can be found further into the 'sea
of tents', an open ring around it, guards on patrol constantly. The Supply
tent can be found next to the Engineers' tent, near the open area where the
wagon trains come rumbling in and out. Cargo from supply trains is brought
in and processed here as well as most of it stored until needed. A new tent
has been set up for the Temple folks since they have decided that they are
safer here than in Menari. It is between the Queen's tent and the lakeside.
Zetan is taking a rest from her studies to observe other Aldanis in action, to try and learn more about how Aldanis interact ... a sort of anthropological study on her own new society. It hasn't taken much to dislodge her interest in returning to her own life ... even if there were a way, she wouldn't want to return to those who couldn't accept her for who she was then ... here, they accept total strangers who don't even know their ways. Dragonkind already seems a much better choice in her eyes to the humankind she's left behind...
Ashia slips out of her tent quietly, muttering to herself about overprotective guardians. Behind her trails her guard, looking angry and rather broody about the whole thing.
Zetan happens to be gazing in the direction of the high priestess' tent as she slips out, looking perturbed. Zetan absently shrinks back at the sight ... poor lass, errr dragoness, must be stressing out from the transition and adjustments to her new position or something, Zetan thinks to herself. Zetan tries to think of anything she could do or say to help get the priestess' mind off her duties, but thinking at the same time her consort or family would be a more appropriate choice ... still, Zetan is bothered by Ashia's disturbed state. Ashia is, more or less, permanently imprinted on Zetan's memory as the first dragon who talked to her, who helped her out ... she feels compelled to do something. Still not sure certain what she would or could do, the New One strolls out in Ashia's direction...
Ashia dosn't notice Zetan at first, she's too busy looking back at the tent to notice much, "I hope they stay asleep, I need some air."
Zetan puts on her best smile, determined to keep wearing it no matter how foul a mood Ashia's duties, or whatever it was that did it, got her into. She decides to risk dodging formality to be a friend in addressing the high priestess by her name instead of her title as she finally gets in conversational range of her. "Hello, Ashia, I'm glad to see you outside your duty-chains for a bit," she says warmly.
Ashia looks up startled, and sighs, relaxing a bit, "Its not like I have a choice." she mutters, looking back at her tent again, "I think Vahn's told everyone to deal without me... or something." she shakes her head, and sighs, "I'm sorry, I'm not in the best of moods right now. But greetings, Zetan."
Zetan doesn't let her smile drop. "Its okay ... I'm having a bit of information overload myself trying to learn all over again how to be a person."
Ashia nods, "Take your time. Don't want you to be like me..." Zetan shakes her head at the High Priestess. "I wish to be a productive member of your ... err, our society ... as soon as I can. I'm eager to learn ... I just haven't gone to school in ages."
Ashia frowns, and shakes her head, "Just take you time, belive me. Things come faster if you do." she hmms, and glances back at the tent. She should probably be taking her own advice.
Zetan notices Ashia's glances back to the tent. "An 'unofficial' break?" she beams mischievously. "I wouldn't dare tell a soul," she promises. "I have a feeling your time as a High Priestess will be good for you, at least in time, and I have little doubt your service in that position will serve all of us well."
Ashia chuckles, "I'm just hoping my consort dosn't come out... He didn't want me to leave the tent after what happened yesterday." she sighs, and shrugs, "But I need fresh air... I'm not exactly eager to get back to work."
Zetan smiles and looks up .... fresh air ..... she feels eager to learn how to fly so she can /really/ get some fresh air. "How are your wings?" she asks, remembering Ashia mentioned she'd been injured and was healing.
Ashia mms, resettling her winds as she hears them mentioned. "They're fine now, really... I just don't want to fly much lately." she reaches back to rub one of her wings, "Not much reason to."
Zetan turns to Ashia. "Are there any mountains on the Aldani side of Argalia?" she asks. "I used to get away from it all by climbing some. Now, I guess that I can fly ... as soon as I learn ... its trivial ... but I always loved fresh mountain air."
Borvir, the apprentice messenger, walks up to the pair in confusion. She asks, "Ex..excuse me ladies... do you know where lord Korvinn's residence is. Th..they said it was around the temple.
Zetan sheepishly scratches at her chin. "I'm a recently arrived New One, I'm afraid, errr ... sir ..." she stumbles a bit.
Ashia nods, "There are some, but I really havn't been out of the city much until..." she breaks up, blinking at the messenger, then points off to her right, "Um, I think he's over there. If he isn't there check the temple tent... someone there should be able to find him."
Borvir proceeds to look for Master Korvinn with a shaky sense of self-confidence.
Korvinn is off away from the groups of dragons, deep in meditation.
Ashia watches the messenger go, "I wonder if she's ok.."
Borvir continues about her duties.
Zetan says to Ashia, "You're on break, Ashia, let them worry about their duties. Maybe they're new to their job as well."
Ashia mms, then offers up a grin, "I thought I was the one giving the advice."
Zetan chuckles a bit. "In the society I come from, the religious leaders sometimes take something called 'sabbaticals' ... a kind of vacation from their duties, to help get themselves together."
Borvir turns wide-eyed at hearing Ashia's name her green scales turning a little crimson. She seems to have realized she had asked directions from someone of great import.
Ashia chuckles, nodding, "I think a sabbatical would be a good idea.... but I doubt it would fly for more than a day or so."
Korvinn gets up from his meditation, stretching himself out a little bit, before heading back to the more busy areas of the camp.
Zetan gazes up at the night sky ... the sight of two moons she is still not accustomed to. "What are the names of those moons?" she asks. To shame they are just projections in the sphere, as she's learned ... not that this sphere has anything close to space travel technology anyhow.
Ashia mmms, looking up at the sky as well, "Names?"
Ashia mmms, eyes gazing of at the sky as well, "Schiza and Zaie."
Zetan repeats the names, before she forgets them, so she knows their pronunciation. "Schiza and Zaie." She gazes at the stars ... there is a bit of light pollution from the camp, but nowhere near as bad as the society she came from. "Are there any ... figures ... among the stars?" she asks. "I've always been one of a star gazer ... the home I came from, there were some patterns of stars we called constellations ... some animals, a hunter ..."
Borvir cries out, "MASTER KORVINN."
Korvinn erfs as he hears his name, hurrying along to the source.
Borvir says, "Thank the elements I found you. I bumped into Mistress Ashia on the road and she pointed me this way. I was sent to tell you they need your help at the healer's tonight, someone got sick so they're short."
Korvinn hmms, frowning a bit 'I see.." he murmurs thoughtfully "Very well, I'll be on my way.." he says "Does anyone know what the illness is?"
Borvir says, "I don't know. we aren't givin' all the info at messengers point."
Korvinn begins to head quickly over to the healer's tent, looking concerned.
Ashia's ears perk at this.. and she glances over, "What's going on?" she calls to Korvinn, forgetting he's one of the ones who would have her be abed today.
Zetan, not sure what else to do, just kind of tags along with Ashia.
Korvinn glances over to Ashia, his fronw returning "You're out of bed early, your holiness.." he says mildly "I've been told some are sick in the healer's tent, and my help was needed."
Ashia rolls her eyes, "I'm a healer too, drat you. Why didn't anyone come tell me?"
Korvinn hrms 'Perhaps they've been told you were resting, and not to be disturbed?" he says drily, contiuing to the tent.
Ashia lets out a soft growl as she follows, "I'm just tired, not breakable."
Zetan continues tagging along, until she's told otherwise, though she casts a glance back at a tent where she and the other New Ones currently studying under Marius are given shelter and a place to sleep until they can find more permanent residence.
Korvinn tosses his hands up in the air 'Well, then do what you wish, your holiness..." he says, a bit annoyed that she's still pushing herself.
Ashia makes a dead stop, and steps backwards, "Nevermind... I'll talk to you some other time."
Zetan finds herself admiring Strethan's form before shaking herself ... he's a male, jeez! It takes her a moment to remember she is a female now, but still ... that's just ... weird ... besides which, he's probably spoken for. She is too distracted with these thougths as Ashia stops, and almost walks into the high priestess.
Korvinn pauses for a bit, then sighs and heads into the healers tent, wondering if maybe he went too far.
Ashia stares after him, mildly hurt by his words, "I better go back to the tent." she murmurs quietly.
"May I go with you?" Zetan asks Ashia. She figures she probably has enough friends, but maybe not enough that see her as a friend and doesn't have the society-imprinted fear and distance her high position puts her. Even being a New One, and having known her at least a little before knowing her position, Zetan feels a little intimidated ... but figures it shouldn't hurt too much to shoot for the moon. Errr, make that moons.
Ashia nods, already walking away from the tent, "Yeah... I'm sorry about that... I shouldn't be meddling in things now... it was stupid of me to try."
Zetan raises her arms and is about to comfort Ashia when she suddenly realizes she doesn't know much about interpersonal protocols ... touching another dragon could be wholly offensive. Instead, she replies, "I think they feel you could stand a break and a rest as well."
Ashia sighs, "I know, I know. Thats what they keep telling me... They forget what I've been through. They don't understand." she gazes at the temple tent ahead, and sighs, "Even Vahn dosn't seem to."
Zetan nods. "Its hard to ... I couldn't know, of course. Is there anyone ... anyone at all, no matter how out of reach they might seem ... who would understand what you've been through?" she asks.
Ashia shakes her head, slowing down a little, "Probably not. The closest would be my consort... and him, I can't worry him, not any more than I already do."
Zetan nods. "Maybe you need a confidant ... or ... well, on my world, there were two kinds of healers ... those that healed the body, and those that specialized healed the mind, to help individuals through whatever life's troubles brought them. Are there mind-healers among Ardani?" she asks.
Ashia nods lightly, "Yes, many priests of Spiritus lean that way. I can mind-heal as well... the priestess before me, Dahliah, was better at it. Much better."
Zetan nods back, then chuckles slightly. "Well, unfortunately, at least on my old world, we had a saying that rang true - healers make the worst patients. If you feel too stressed, maybe you should try and find help from another mind-healer ... or if that's not convenient, sometimes I found it has helped to commit my own private thoughts to a private journal or diary ... sometimes just getting them out in such a fashion helps."
Ashia ms, "I've tried that.. it helps, but I worry Vahn'll read it." she sighs, "I know someone I can talk to... she dosn't understand as well as she could, but she at least listens."
Zetan nods as her mind helplessly wanders back to Strethan she saw earlier. "Who was that dragon with the one horn?" she idly asks, then can't believe she asked it. "Errr ... never mind, sorry. Having one who can listen is good," Zetan says. "Those who listen helps one to feel less alone than those who just talk at you ... in my experience," she adds. She starts to wonder if maybe she should become a mind-healer herself ... if anything she says proves to have any value, that is. What was that one-horned dragon's name? Stop it, Zetan ... that's just too ... weird!
Ashia searches her memory, and hmms, "I think you mean Strethan, he's Lord of Light's Gate." she pauses, and adds, "And Captain of the Guard." she takes advantage of the subject change... and ignore everything else happily.
"Wow," Zetan says, giving up on the weirdness what remains of her human male identity sets in place, but still ... "He probably has a few mistresses." She shakes her head ... the weirdness won't go away. "So ... weird ... just a few days ago, I was male ... it feels so very strange."
Korvinn steps out of the healers tent, looking a little calmer then he was.
Ashia nods, giving a small snort, "You'll meet him sometime, he likes meeting new ones." she smiles, and pats Zetan's shoulder, "You'll get over it in time... Being female isn't too bad."
Zetan nods. "I guess I will ... I'm kinda surprised, actually that part of me ... err ... felt something." Part of the weight of 'being female isn't too bad' starts to sink in ..... she'll have offspring?
Ashia chuckles, "Not surprising... he's a handsome dragon." she glances over, watching Zetan's face, "I hope it isn't too upsetting..."
Zetan reaches with an arm to idly scratch at her scales at the base of her crest. "It'll take some getting used to ... at least ... err ... I haven't felt that way about a female dragon ... yet ..." she giggles.
Ashia pauses, to pose for a second, "What, I'm not cute enough for you?" she teases, before moving on with a giggle of her own, "Its all in your prefrence, really."
Korvinn arches an eyebrow at that comment, having overheard it as he approaches.
Zetan laughs. "Oh, you're fine ... its probably ... just this body is wired to like males ... err, ummm, there are dragons that prefer their own gender? Native? I could picture New Ones like me who arrive in a different gender than they were being confused ..." she asks sheepishly, not expecting that explanation would be part of Marius' instructions.
Ashia chuckles, and shrugs, "It isn't a common thing, but there are a few that do."
"He is handsome, guess I can't deny that," the New One admits. "And whomever I used to be, whatever I used to be ... I am Zetan and an Aldani dragoness now," she tries to assert herself.
"And just who are we talking about, ladies?" Standing behind the conversing ladies is a much shorter dragoness. She looks up curiously witrh a simple smile on her muzzle. She winks at Ashia. For those who know this short one, she's obviously shy of two bodyguards. To a New One, she might even be considered a kid or at least a teen still from her size.
Zetan turns around, blushing a bit but also a bit of a blank expression, not recognizing Cirall. "Hello ... I ... err ... am a New One ... kinda ... felt something for a dragon I saw," she blushes some more. "My name is ... errr ... Zetan."
Ashia grins, nudging Cirall with her hip, "She was oggling Strethan."
Cirall tries to look around Zetan and Ashia, looking for the male in question and says, "Ooh, you think he's cute? Maybe I should tell him for ya." She's quite playfull and childish today, a very good change for her for once.
Zetan blushes. "Errr ... uhhh ... he's ... quite handsome, definitely ..."
Ashia giggles, "Maybe you should take her with you when you do." she teases, "And you have to tell me how you escaped your guards."
Cirall looks at Zetan and grins, "I have to agree, he is kinda cute." She's baiting Zetan, but being playful about it. She looks at Ashia witha look of mock-shock. "Who, me escape?"
Zetan blinks ... guards? Is Zetan just going to blunder into one high-ranking Aldani after another? She whispers to Ashia, "Who is she?"
Cirall reaches out towards Ashia and wiggles her finger, "Shhhh! Don't tell anybody I'm an escapee!" She winks at Zetan and says, "I'm just a vistor and they thought I needed a guard to keep out of trouble.
Ashia nods, mock-stern, "Yes you...." then she breaks down in a grin, "I want to do it too." she giggles at the question, and shrugs.
Cirall just wants to meet and greet as a normal person for a while...
Zetan shakes her head at Cirall. She may be new and blindly groping around, but she isn't so easily fooled. "I doubt that ... don't worry, I won't say a word ... ummm ... if I even knew your name ... you, uhhh ... you know Strethan?" she asks.
Cirall looks up at Zetan and puts a hand on her hip, "Well, no fooling you, is there?" She stands a little more formally and says, "My name is Cirall, please to meet you, although I'm afraid I didn't catch your name...?" She smiles to let everyone know it's all okay.
Zetan's muzzle agapes slightly, but she recovers, muzzling the word 'Queen!...?' but doesn't say it. Well, if the High Priestess can be a friend on a personal level, why not the Queen? Zetan mentally slaps herself to not ruin any friendships, even with individuals of positions that sound intimidating. "Zetan," she repeats. "I am Zetan. I'm a New One," she repeats as well, in case Cirall missed the whole introduction, though she feels any native could probably pick that fact out without any introduction at all ... still, she knows she is learning.
Ashia grins, not really caring one way or the other, she's amung friends now... and ones letting her have fun, "Cirall, you seem to be better a slipping away from your guards than I am... You /have/ to tell me how."
Cirall smiles and gives a small bow, "It's alright, Zetan. I may be queen, but I want to be thought of as a regular person first and foremost." She rolls her eyes upwards, "But there are times when formality dictates otherwise." She looks back at Zetan and continues, "But in other times, I'm just Cirall."
Strethan conveniently chooses this moment to stumble upon the three as he pushes through a tent flap. He stops in surprise, taking in the small cluster of females chatting like giggly adolescents, then inclines torso and head in the direction of Cirall. "My Queen..." he greets respectfully. He begins to greet the High Priestess and her companion, but pauses, glancing pointedly beyond Cirall's shoulders. He asks with no small amount of puzzlement, "...Where are your guards?"
Cirall looks over at Ashia and grins, "Easy, I asked if they wanted to help at the excavation site and they said yes." She looks over at Strethan and groans, pointing at him for Zetan's sake, "There are those who treat me by my station regardless, but I'm sure you'll figure things out in time." She calls over to Strethan, "They're working, what are you doing?"
Zetan flushes a bit at seeing Strethan and forces herself to stay in a little control in keeping her muzzle from drawing agape. Her breathing noticeably draws deep, however, as her mind wanders...
Ashia glances over at her glowering guard, "I don't think that'll work on him." she sighs, and would be mulling this over but Strethan's arrival distracts her, "Greetings Lord Formality." she offers, and nudges Cirall, tossing her head toward Zetan.
Cirall huhs softly and looks up at Zetan and reaches up to help shut Zetan's mouth. She whispers at her, "Stop drooling, he'll notice." She chuckles and takes Zetan's arm in her own and turns to walk off a bit in case Zetan needs to gather her conposure.
Zetan whispers back, "I'm glad he's a guard and not a teacher ... I don't think I'd get much studying done!"
Strethan answers as if it were the most obvious thing, "My duty, of course... have you been ordering your guards to other activities again?" His tone is almost chiding, but there is a definite undertone of humor, of amused and almost parental exasperation. He glances at Ashia, the ridge of spines smoothing slightly on his head as he struggles to find a response that wouldn't come across too rudely. His glance slides to Zetan and lingers in curiosity. "And who might this new friend be...?"
Zetan literally bites her tongue to bring herself back in control. "I am Zetan," she manages to say without fumbling too badly. "I'm a New One," she says. "I am pleased," to say the least, "too meet you, Strethan." Oops, gave away she's been told his name ...
A messenger runs up, "Your highness, you're needed at the Court tent for a meeting with the engineers and suppliers." Cirall sighs and let's Zetan loose and says, "I'm sorry, but duty calls. If you'll excuse me, I must go. But I look forward to meeting you more, Zetan." Cirall then turns to folow the messenger away. Before going, she tells Strethan, "No, I asked them! Besides, I'm perfectly safe with you lurking around anywhere!" She laughs and goes to her duty.
Zetan feels thrown to the wolves with her own feelings of having a crush on Strethan and walks back over to Ashia for support.
Ashia can only grin as Cirall takes Zetan aside, "Thats Lord Streathan." she speaks the title with a ounce of teasing. She frowns at the messenger... she starting to hate them lately, and bows a little at Cirall's departure. She smiles at Zetan, and throws a comforting arm over her shoulders.
Strethan snorts faintly and shakes his head, grinning with the faintest gape of his jaws at Cirall's parting words. To Zetan he says, "Pleased to meet you, and welcome to your new home. I'm sure you've already found us quite accomodating to New One's such as yourself..." It probably doesn't help her composure that his gaze travels down and up, studying her sleekly scaled form.
Zetan 's composure indeed is not helped ... she reaches her own arm around Ashia for more comfort. "In ... indeed ... Ashia, Marius ... everyone, really ... seems to bend over backwards to help adjust me to being Aldani. Are ... errr ... are you native?" she asks him.
Ashia leans over to kick Strethan's ankle, and glare at him suitably, "Its ok... he's just a guy." she whispers.
Strethan isn't always Lord Formality... once, not terribly long ago, he was a brash young lordling whose streak of pride persists to this day. "Indeed I am, a son of House Dawn-Wing." He grins openly, the facade of formality cracking, and confides, "Of course, I have plenty of ancestors who were New Ones... I think we all do." Ashia gets a curious, slightly offended look, and he sidesteps a pace or two farther from her foot.
Zetan nods at Strethan. Her eyes can't help but glance up and down his handsome form.
Ashia rolls her eyes at him, and nods, "I have a few myself." she grins, watching Zetan.
"Well, Captain of the Guard Strethan," Zetan smiles addressing him, "I am pleased to see your unwavering sense of duty doesn't preclude the same kindness and generosity I am seeing prevalant among Aldani." That's it, try to be formal, Zetan ...
Strethan groans in mock-agony, "Oh no... now I'm rubbing off on you already..." He arches as if physically pained by it.
Ashia throws an arm over her eyes and cries out, "I had hoped she was immune. We don't need another Lord Formality clinging around." she teases.
Zetan smiles humorously, but whispers to Ashia, "Please don't spoil my safety controls!"
Ashia giggles, whispering back, "Its ok, I'm just teasing."
Strethan straightens a bit and flicks his wings as if clearing them, sounding relieved as he says, "Well, if she's going to take over, I guess I can unwind a bit." He smiles warmly and easily at the two females.
Ashia lets out a loud, exaggirated sigh of relief, "Thank you, titles be banished."
Zetan feels as though she will melt under Strethan's gaze. "I hope I learn and adjust quickly ... I feel a little naked," errf ... bad reference to make! ... "living in a world as a being, a self I haven't a clue about."
Strethan smirks, emerald eyes glittering. "You'll get used to it quickly, I think... naked comes naturally, after all, no shame in feeling a bit... exposed."
Ashia shakes her head, "Some of us natives never quite get things like that. Some of us are fairly clueless, in fact..."
Zetan mentally groans ... he knows and is doing this on purpose, she thought-accuses him. "I guess my world ... my old world ... was different. I rather like being Aldani better," she smiles. She listens to Ashia as a voice to help keep herself grounded.
Ashia whispers, with a grin, "Awful, isn't he?" to Zetan.
Zetan nods in complete agreement with Ashia.
Strethan gives Ashia a comforting glance, thinking she is referencing her own passive nature and insecurities. To Zetan he says reassuringly, "Then embrace and just /be/ Aldani. You can't go wrong."
Ashia nods, ignoring Strethan for the moment as she hugs the new one, "You'll get used to things, my friend. It just takes time."
Zetan hugs back. "I guess ... there are always adjustments to make ... like you are making," she holds onto her for security.
Strethan nods at her words. "How much have you seen, since you arrived?"
Ashia steps back behind Zetan and stretches her wings and arms, letting the pair make their own conversation.
Could he offer to take me on a tour? Errr ... Zetan, you need a cold shower! "Not a whole lot, yet. I was hoping to be able to see some mountains ... I loved being in the mountains in my ... previous life. Spent a lot of time in them. Wonder if mountains will seem any less majestic when I learn to fly ... I hope not."
Strethan makes a vague rumbling sound in his throat, "The best mountains we have are the very heart of extremely hostile territory. Mountains are no less majestic from the top than from the bottom... but you'll have to settle for the local variety."
Zetan nods. "I've found every mountain, no matter how tall or small, to have their own ... personality. Probably sounds strange," she chuckles. "I like the peace and quiet ... even among rumbles of avalanche and cascading waterfall ... its always felt peaceful, healing to me when I am stressed." And right now, she's kinda feeling hot under the scales ...
Ashia mms, gesturing vaugely behind Zetan, "Your Light's Gate isn't to bad for mountains."
Zetan is distracted by Ashia, having forgot she was even there. "My Light's Gate? What's that?" she asks.
Strethan says, "Light's Gate is my city, and the center of our smithwork. The mountains there are certainly respectable... it is about 2 day's flight southwest of Menari."
Zetan smiles at the idea of taking a vacation with this handsome fellow. "Maybe when I learn to fly ... if you have the time ... maybe you could guide me there?" And if he isn't ... errr ... attached to a dragoness? Its hard to imagine of his admiral strength, dedication, not to mention 'cute' as the Queen put it, not being attached ... but it seems Aldani are open to 'consorts.' Zetan wonders about how relationships work ... by the study itinerary, though, that's a few lessons away under Marius.
Ashia chuckles, "I've been there once, and I was distracted going in, and on the way out... Didn't see much of the mountains."
Strethan smiles widely, "I was going to make just such an offer, duties permitting. It would be an honor..." Speaking of his duties, they make themselves known at just this moment as a messenger ducks into the tent and bows. "Lord Strethan, you are needed at the excavation site, please hurry..." He acknowledges and dismisses the messenger to other duties, then turns to the ladies. "I'm afraid I must be off... perhaps I'll see you both for dinner this evening?"
Cirall walks up as Strethan walks off. She watches as he dashes off and then turns back to Zetan and Ashia and asks, "Well, are we having fun still drooling over the Captain of my Guard?" She smiles and watches reactions.
Zetan chuckles and retorts, "As soon as I learn how to fly, I'm afraid you'll be needing a replacement for him ... I'll be stealing him away!"
Ashia glances around at Zetan's mouth, "Shoud be... I'm not drooling.. he may be cute but I've got my own."
Cirall looks a bit sad as she breaks it to Zetan, "Um, hate to tell you this Zetan, but he's already taken. You'll have to take that up with his consort, Lady Brightstar." She tries to soften the let down after all the ribbing she's done. "But don't worry, you can still look. I've my own consort and I still look and dream. Besides, he's a sweet guy and it's better to have him as a friend if you can't have him further..."
Zetan does feel her heart sink a bit at the news. "I was afraid of that," she sighs. "And its probably just something with this new ... transition ... that's making me so carried away with myself ... but ... he is very handsome," she giggles.
Ashia nods, "He is that... Fun to oggle. And there are more about." she glances at Cirall and grins, "I'm sure Vahn does the same, looking at all the pretty young things."
Cirall puts a reasurring arm on Zetan's wris and says, "Don't be so sad, I'm sure it's just your body still getting adjusted to being a dragon. You just gotta try to wait it out. Why not join me on a tour of the campsite and maybe we can distract your..um, thoughts." She smiles, looking cheerful.
Zetan smiles and nods. "Everyone here is so warm and friendly ... that's a pleasant change from my former life. So ... relationships here are monogamous?" she asks. Okay, she's trying to skip ahead a few lessons, heh.
Cirall takes Zetan's arm again and looks to Ashia, silently asking if she'll join the walk. She answers Zetan's question, "Yes, when two dragons wish to be together for life, they become consorts before actually taking vows of marriage. It is a test to both dragons as to if they are truly meant to be together."
Zetan chuckles and sighs in the same breath. "I hope my ... errr, hormones ... calm down a bit as I get more used to being female. Otherwise I fear I'll rather go a bit batty after awhile!"
Ashia nods to Cirall, and slips up beside her friend, "Sometimes, like mine, you find yourself a consort all the sudden.." she fingers her necklance absently, "These things are funny that way."
Zetan nods. "Its such a long commitment ... I should choose carefully."
Cirall nods and starts leading Zetan through the campsite, explaining which tent is which. She does comment about the starting situation, "Don't worry about finding a mate yet, Zetan. You've got a brand new life before you and barring any unforseen accidents or not-so-natural accidents, you have a very long time ahead of you. And trust me, enjoy the freedom while you can!" She chuckles and looks at Ashia and says, "They tend to be very protective and a little possesive." She winks, as if letting Zetan in on a little secret.
Zetan nods and knows this rationally, but her body isn't thinking rationally, her body is still thinking of exploring dragon biology with Strethan...
Ashia giggles, nodding, "Some more or less than others, and I kind of like those traits...." she blinks at what she's saying, and adds, "Sometimes."
Zetan spots some young Aldani playing in the camp and wonders about having young of her own someday ... errr, stop that Zetan! She smiles at Ashia. "And other times, you wanna slip out from under their shield," she chuckles.
Cirall just smiles and keeps trying to distract by pointing out more of the campsite. "Over here is the Audience Pavillion, also known as the court tent, where I hold what court proceedings I can and where I formally meet to listen to disputes and pass judgement as needed." She continues on, "Over here is Hearty Beast Pavillion. They used to be in a permanent building back in Menari, but felt it was safer and more productive to relocate here. I promised the owner first dibs at location when it is available to hand out after the construction is done on the palace and temple."
Zetan nods. Errr ... hearty beast? Zetan's stomach churns a bit ... her former life, she had been a vegetarian her adult life. The thought of eating meat ... umm ... hmmm, "Are ... are we strictly carnivores?" she asks.
Cirall ums and looks over at Ashia as she answers that question, "Well, not completely, but meat is our preferred diet." She looks at Zetan and asks, "I hope that's not going to be a problem for you...?"
Zetan's muzzle looks a little more green than beige at the moment. "It'll ... take some getting used to ... the society I was in was rather disgusting with their meat habits ... we were omnivores, but I'd made myself into an herbivore because ... well ... I couldn't handle the thought of eating meat."
Ashia nods, shrugging, "Most else is most likely supplimental."
Cirall hrms and decides to lead the little group up to the pavillion and looks around. It's still quiet this early on, but it will pick up later in the day. She heads over to a picnic table and takes a seat, waving Zetan and Ashia to join her.
Zetan follows and sits beside Cirall. The thought reaches her - Strethan had invited herself and Ashia to dinner ... Zetan becomes a bit worried about making a scene. Dammit, Zetan ... decades of living as a strict vegan, of living in the belief meat eating is wrong, of adhering to that belief so strongly she actually gets ill watching others eat meat ... and now she must learn to accept the fact she must eat meat fairly quickly. Not an easy obstacle to overcome ... she sighs.
Ashia slips into a seat and yawns, "I can't believe Vahn have set up search parties yet... he must really be out cold."
Cirall shrugs, "Maybe Strethan sent word that you were with me. Who knows? It's better not to ask, just enjoy sometimes." She looks up at the dragoness who walks up. "Two regular lunches and..." She looks at Zetan, hoping she'll like this. "...one of those lunches Lady Gwynael eats for our friend here." The dragoness bobs her head and heads back towards the 'bar' that's been set up and takes up the whole far end of the tent. The kitchen tent used by the place is behind the bar.
Trying to think of something other than the inevitability she doesn't want to think about, Zetan's mind thinks of a response to Ashia, turns to her and mock-accusatorily asks, "So what did you slip into his drink?"
Ashia chuckles, giving Zetan a gental push, "Nothing. I was in bed long before he went."
After a few minutes, the dragoness returns carrying a large tray. She sets down three empty glasses and a pitcher of sweetwater tea before setting down a plate with a thick smothered steak in front of Ashia and Cirall. In front of Zetan, she sets down a large bowl with a big, leafy green salad, complete with crunchy cooked slon cubes. Cirall thanks her as the dragoness walks off.
Cirall looks at Zetan and hopes that is something much easier for her. She knows Gwynael doesn't care too much for the amount of meat dragons eat, so she hopes this is the same thing.
Zetan tries to avoid smelling Ashia and Cirall's steaks by breathing through her mouth instead of her nostrils. She clasps a fork in a hand and testingly takes a bite, slon cubes and all. The flavor of the leaves themselves are a bit stronger than she's accustomed to in a salad. The taste of the bite, as a whole, is not only palatable, but enjoyable she finds. "This is good," she says. "Thank you," she adds appreciatively.
Ashia mms, softly, sniffing her air over her steak, "Its too much green for me." she comment, looking at the salad sidelong, "But its good you enjoy it."
Cirall smiles between bites of steak. She takes a break and says, "Ah, good. Lady Gwynael is our resident Unicorn from Kefetiu. She's a veggie eater, but we're slowly getting her to eat meat. She came up with that combo with the chef here and it's one of her usual meals. When you started acting the same way she did, I hoped that this would work too."
Zetan is curious about the slon cubes, but follows her old addage of not looking a gift horse in the mouth. "Hmm, well at least there's someone who has followed the footsteps, errr ... unicorn? ... hoofsteps before me. I think I could benefit from a meeting with her, if she has the time to offer me some advice on how to ... errr, adjust myself ... how far has she adjusted to eating meat?" she asks.
Cirall stops mid-bite and thinks for a moment before answering, "You know, I'm not sure, I've not seen her around lately." She goes back to eating her steak.
Ashia takes a bite, and chews thoughtfully, "I havn't seen much of her at all. I don't think I've actually met her... only seen her in passing."
Zetan pours herself a glass of the tea from the pitcher. "As I suggested to someone else on transitioning to something new, I've learned from experience to only blaze a new trail if I have to. Lady Gynael ... hmmm, hopefully I'll have an opportunity to meet her and get a few tips."
Cirall nods and takes her time finishing the steak. She waves over the dragoness again and orders something called fireberry wine and three glasses. The dragoness returns quickly with three new empty glasses and a clear blue glass bottle full of some sort of liquid. Cirall takes the bottle and pours out a little into each glass, about half way full before stopering the bottle back. She offers one glass to each lady and says with a smile, "Enjoy, on me today."
Zetan smiles. "Thank you, Cirall," she says warmly and accepts the glass. She sniffs it at first ... curious odor ... before taking a sip.
Ashia takes her last bite of steak, and mms as she takes a glass, "Thanks." she offers, raising her glass in salute before taking a sip as well, "Mmm..."
Zetan can taste the burn, but draconian physiology helps make up for the difference in what she's used to, enough for her to enjoy the flavor.