Annik - Friday, May 24, 2002, 6:53 PM
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Main Meadow(#700RJ)
Public announcement: Annik ahems. "The Smithcraft would like to invite you to visit our lovely hall as we begin our spring festival! RL caused a slight delay, but now we're ready to start. Tents may go in our main meadow (+go SMI-Meadow), and everyone is welcome to come have a good time!"
Lyxia has arrived.
Lyxia goes into the Woodsmiths' Gather Tent.
Baleera has arrived.
Baleera supervises as several Winecraft apprentices erect the craft's pavillion.
Baleera goes into the Winecraft pavillion.
Wesit has arrived.
Annik smiles. "Welcome to Smithcraft."
Wesit sweeps in looking, truth be told, rather ill. But, she and her carde of apprentices make their way to the gather grounds. Glancing towards the sound of greetings, she wipes the nasty look off her face and replaces it with a calm smile. "Ah, yes, thank you. Master." She adds after taking in the woman's shoulder knot.
Wen walks out of the apprentice dorms.
Baleera comes out of the Winecraft pavillion.
Annik watches as people trickle in, greeting them with bright smiles and nods. "We'll be having some events shortly, after we give people some time to arrive."
Wen steps out of the dorms, followed by a line of apprentices who head for the tent. She pauses to nod politely in greeting.
Baleera gives a nod and walks over to the Smithcraft Craftmaster. "Fine weather you've gotten here, CraftMaster. I'm sure it'll be a night of festivities. I promise I'll do my part." She winks and gives a throaty chuckle.
Annik grins at the Winecrafter. "I appreciate it," she replies. "And thank you for coming." As Wen arrives, she flashes a smile, but says nothing at the moment.
Baleera smiles. "I shall have to commission another set of pewter mugs from your crafters when I have the chance. If you know any Journeyranks or apprentices who are looking to make a mark or two, I've got need for custom engraving. But business for later, at least for you, while the entertainment of others is WineCraft's domain. And we're much better than the Harpers. When the Harpers entertain, you think they sound beautiful. When we entertain, you think -you- sound beautiful.
There are some -very- barky orders given from the southernly direction of the field, but eventually the purple knotted apprentices get everything to Journeyman Wesit's liking. The healer pavilion begins to take shape.
Wesit takes a moment to install the healer's pavilion.
Annik chuckles, nodding knowingly. "Yes, that is quite a talent that you Winecrafters have. I'm certainly glad you are able to be here." She lowers her voice a bit, still grinning. "Never know when you'll need entertainment like that."
Baleera winks and looks about the area. "Thank you. I think I'll crack open a wineskin to whet the tastes of some of those gathering here. I'll be certain to mingle with you later." She pauses, putting one fleshy hand on her rolling hip. "Would you be more partial to wine or ale, CraftMaster?"
From above, Lysseth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!
Wesit has left.
From above, Decarath emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!
From above, Saulith emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!
From above, Spineth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!
Annik tilts her head to the side a bit. "Well, I can't say I drink very often, as it doesn't quite make a good combination with the forges, but some wine would be nice as there won't be any work tonight."
Wen enters the Smithcraft Building.
From above, Maireth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!
Baleera nods and meanders back to the WineCraft Pavillion to fetch a wineskin.
From above, A ringing trumpet serves as Lysseth's full-voiced greeting to the watchdragon on duty, given a moment before she deepens her flight-path into a spiral: down, down, down she goes.
Lysseth spirals down and lands carefully on the meadow.
From above, Saulith does another loop-the-loop, just because she can, and follows Lysseth downward with a piercing trill.
Saulith spirals down and lands carefully on the meadow.
From above, Decarath rumbles his greeting, low counterpoint to the greens.
Decarath spirals down and lands carefully on the meadow.
From above, Spineth trumpets loudly, a deep-toned resounding sound, announcing his arrival, his joy in flight, and anything else listeners want to make of it.
Spineth spirals down and lands carefully on the meadow.
From above, Maireth is late..and lazy, prefering to just follow along behind the rest.
Maireth spirals down and lands carefully on the meadow.
From her place aboard Lysseth, Kassima unbuckles her straps with a series of rapid clinks, shaking hair back from her face; relatively loose as it is, the stuff has, of course, managed to get all over the place during the flight over. "Duties to the Smithcraft and her masters!" she hails those on the ground just prior to joining them, sliding from her dragon's neck with considerable rustling of skirts.
Kassima slides down from Lysseth's neckridges to land beside her with ease. Lysseth cocks her head at her rider, rumbling quietly as Kassi gives her eyeridges a grateful scratching.
Kichevio slides down easily from Saulith's neck.
Annik grins at the riders as they arrive. "Smithcraft's duties and welcome!" she calls.
Atop Spineth, Ursa rearranges her skirts as Spineth settles into place. She pulls off her warm riding gear, looping it into the straps, and then somehow wrapping that skirt-thang around her legs, she dismounts without displaying her underthings to the festival. "Telgar's duties!" she echoes mid-dismount.
Ursa climbs carefully down with the assistance of Spineth's extended forelimb.
Kichevio is already taking avid looks around, even as she dismounts. "Telgar's duties to all and sundry," she greets, "and oh look Kassi, a winecrafter's tent. maybe they'll have something new to add to your 'What's in the Bottle' collection."
Between Maireth's neckridges, L'han salutes broadly. "What she said." He flashes a quick grin to Ursa, whistling whether her undies are shown are not.
L'han climbs down Maireth's side to the ground, using his foreleg as a step.
Mounted on Decarath, Yashira grins, calling, "Telgar's duties to Smithcraft!" She unstraps herself, beginning to climb down.
Yashira dismounts Decarath.
"Y'know I mix that sort of thing m'self, Kich," Kassi mock-chides, folding her arms and attempting to look stern. "Naught that can be bought in any tent--Ursa, that dress is as lovely as when you first bought it. You all look well, i'truth...." Turning from the other Telgar riders, she flashes Annik a broad smile. "Speaking for m'self, you've m'thanks, Craftmaster. Are we in good time, or have we missed any events?"
Baleera is circulating slowly through the milling crowds, offering drinks straight from the wineskin she carries, and stopping to chat amiably with many, her round face beaming with animated interest. When Baleera speaks with them, they seem the center of the world, and she moves on happily leaving a trail of smiles through the crowd, as much for her shared wit and laughter as for the samples of red wine she's passing out.
Annik shakes her head at Kassima. "Haven't missed a thing. We're just starting."
Ursa smoothes her skirts self-consciously, and returns, "Don't you be telling everyone just how long it's been since I bought this gown." She is, already, looking around, herself. She makes to tease, by calling, "Craftmaster! Will you be having dancing tonight? We've a weyrling who wants to know."
Yashira looks toward Ursa at the mention of the word 'Weyrling'. She pauses, eyes unfocusing for a moment, then blinks them back into focus for a sharp-eyed look at Ursa. "That Weyrling is certainly not me!"
Kichevio tacks her question on the end of Ursa's, trying very hard not to grin at Yashira. "And what events are scheduled, and are they audience-participatory?"
Annik raises a curious eyebrow. "Dancing? Well, I'm not sure. I suppose it depends on the Harpers."
Kassima widens her eyes at her clutchmate. "Would I do that t'you?" she protests, affecting injury. "Though if'n aught, you should be proud--I doubt I'd still look well in the gown I had at the time... aigh, dancing?" She backs up a step almost by reflex, her over- and under-hems swinging. "I may just sit out on that. But, aye, I'd love t'know what sort of events are planned."
Baleera overhears that remark and gives a guffaw. "Actually, come to the WineCrafter's tent. I'll get you dancing, whether the Harpers play for you or no."
Yashira smoothes her hair a little, cowlick in the back popping up. Though near and clean, she looks a bumpkin next to the other Telgari riders. "Master Baleera!" Yashira calls, waving an arm. "Ha! You'd have me worried, if I were allowed drink."
L'han affects dejection, tearing his eyes from Ursa's dress to sulk at The Weyrling. "It's not? But Ursa said..well you wanted me to teach you, didn't you?"
From above, Aquileth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!
Kichevio's smile grows even wider, if possible. "You're going to teach Yash to dance?" she asks the beared brownrider. "Can I watch? Maybe sell tickets?" To Baleera, she adds with a grin, "Ply him with wine, and I'll give you half the proceeds."
Baleera excuses herself from giving samples to a pair of cotholders and moves over closer to where Yashira is standing. "Well, why wouldn't I? Can't expect our fine dragonriders to chase down Thread without enjoying the sweetness of life, as collected in the juice of the vine. Yashira, isn't it? Good to see you once again. And how is your lifemate?"
Aquileth spirals down and lands carefully on the meadow.
Annik chuckles, turning back to Kassima. "We Smithcrafter's don't like to bother with too much planning when we're having fun, as we get enough of it with our work, so it's a fairly loose schedule. There will be a tour of the hall, unveiling of some new projects, food, and fireworks later tonight."
Y'il swings his leg over Aquileth's ridges and slides down the straps to land on a bronze foreleg, which lowers him the rest of the way to the ground. He hops off Aquileth's foreleg and pats the dragon affectionately for the help.
"Decarath is well," Yashira tells Baleera. She looks to L'han, eyes widening. "What? What was that about teaching me to dance? Wait, no - I never said -"
L'han tilts his head to Ursa's. He's so pathetic. "Rejected already. And we only just arrived!"
Kassima's eyes follow the direction of Yash's wave. "Duties t'the Winecraft and her Masters!" she calls automatically, with an amiable nod of greeting to the second Craftmaster. "Remind me t'avoid that tent," she suggests to the other Telgarians in an undertone. "I don't really want t'leave anyone maimed this time... mind you, if'n someone's going t'teach m'mentee t'dance, I'd rather like t'see it. That all sounds lovely, Craftmaster," she tells Annik sincerely. "Think you there'll be any competitions along the way?"
From above, Madieth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!
From above, Madieth bleeds air speed to glide down to a landing in the lower meadows.
From above, Madieth soars up from the lower meadow.
Madieth spirals down and lands carefully on the meadow.
Ursa moves herself subtly so she's standing /between/ L'han and Yashira, possibly to prevent any outbreaks of physical violence. She takes his arm. "That means she likes you," she suggests lightly.
Annik offers a wave to those who have just arrived as she grins at Kassima and replies, "I suppose there might be, if there're some people who have a mind to do something of that nature."
Brees slides down from Madieth's back to the ground below.
Brees dismounts carefully obviously not quite sure how to move in the dress she's wearing. The greenrider looks around and then offers a cheerful. "Ista's duties!"
Baleera gives a slight bow to Kassima as she is addressed. "At your service, Ma'am. WineCraft's duties to all of the Weyrs of Pern and their Queens. Looks like most of you have sent representatives to participate in the enjoyment. Once the rest of the 'planned' entertainment is done, I'm sure we might be able to concoct a drinking contest. I've brought the trappings to let everyone try to 'guess the vintage'. In the pavillion, of course.
Kichevio lets herself be distracted from the Embarrassment of Yashira (for now, anyway,) to wave at a familiar face. "Telgar's duties to you too, Brees! Good to see you!"
Yashira gawks at Ursa, then, and then looks over at the mention of the name 'Brees'. She salutes the greenrider. "Telgar's duties, Brees!"
Annik looks over at Brees, calling out, "And Smithcraft's duties to you. Welcome!"
Kassima brightens automatically, a wide smile crossing her face. "Well, then--I'll hold out hope for it, though mayhaps I shouldn't. This outfit's nay very good for physical activity... more for shopping and dining and whatnay, I suppose." A shudder automatically wracks her frame at mention of the M-word; she holds up a hand and corrects, with a wry smile, "Please, Craftmaster, ma'am is a term that should be saved for the old or respectable; I'm neither. Kassima's m'name, and this green behind me who's trying so hard nay t'snicker is m'Lysseth. I can promise you that if'n a drinking contest *does* occur, you'll find me game. If'n there's one thing I can do...." Slanting a look towards the arriving Istans, she echoes the greetings sounding around her: "Duties t'Ista and her queens, and g'deve!"
L'han sniffles. Or perhaps is just sneaking sniffs of Ursa's hair. It's anyone's guess, really. He does press her for more information. "It does?" Press.
Brees glances over making her way a bit closer to the group. "Drinking contest? I'd like to watch that." She laughs over at Yashira. "I'm so glad I don't have to salute you all anymore."
Baleera winks slyly at the crowd. "Done then! I've heard it with my own ears, that this fine young Istan rider will enter into a drinking contest with Kassima when all is done for the night. Let's see who will hold out longer."
Ursa is pressed, but responds not. She changes the subject instead. "Are you shopping for anything tonight, L'han?"
Yashira's lips quirk a little. "And now I have to salute. Which I've been forgetting. Which is bad."
Kassima lets her voice rise into the lilt of song: "A man sat in a tavern with a lovely visaged lass, and watched as for the fourteenth time she raised and drained her glass; he said, 'You've outdrunk four strong men and half the bar, m'dear.' But she only smiled demurely and said, 'I'm from Benden Weyr.'" Falling back to speech, she says with a grin, "Given how much of the Red I've consumed in m'lifetime, I can honestly say I'm afraid of only S'riv where drinking goes... and I've nay heard that he plans t'attend tonight. But we'll see! Win or lose, it should be fun either way." Glancing, amused, towards her mentee, she suggests, "Just salute now. I don't think anyone here will mind the belatedness too much."
Kichevio looks solemnly at Yashira. "You'll be flogged with a wet noodle when we get back home. Or forced to dance with L'han, whichever is a more fitting punishment."
L'han pulls his eyes away from the young bronzerider to respond ever-so-eloquently. "Huh?" He straightens up and comb his fingers back through his bangs. "What were you wanting? I have the Marks to spare."
Brees shakes her head. "I have no doubt Kassima could drink me under the table. I said watch. I haven't really had much experience with drinking." She giggles over at Yashira. "You saluted me. One point in your favor, right?"
"Right. You'll be by to remind them of that when I'm assigned extra chores?" Yashira prompts Brees.
Ursa rolls her eyes bemused. "P'raps you should just meet me back here later," she tells the brownrider. "I'm thinking I'd like to find a gift for Rulyn."
Baleera shakes her head. "Young riders these days. No great desire to prove themselves at the table anymore. Ah well. You should at least try a glass, ma'am." she says to Brees. "Or three, if you have a care." Baleera nods to Kassima's ditty. "'Oh I'm from Benden Weyr,' she said, her cheeks demure and red, 'But the WineCrafter's Apprentice, -she- can drink me on my head. Oh, for it's one for the bottle and two for the hold, and three for the fire, to warm up the old, and it's one for the nighttime and one more for the day, and I'll drink wine from Benden fine, for that's just my way...."
Brees looks over at Baleera and laughs. "Ma'am? I'm not a ma'am. That would be scary. But I will agree to try a glass." She giggles over at Yashira. "Right. I'll see if I can schedule that in."
Kassima lifts both black brows. "That's nay a line in the Benden Weyr Drinking Song," she protests, but she sounds more amused than not. "If'n you composed that on the spot, then I'm thinking you may have missed your calling, Craftmaster; a fine Harper you'd have made!" Belatedly, she asks Ursa, "Did you say something about buying? I'm of a mind t'find a pair of gifts m'self, if'n nay more. Never hurts t'be looking ahead for all the children's Turndays."
L'han keeps hold of Ursa's arm, whispering to her loudly, "But...but..if you leave..who will protect me from.." his brows wiggle over in Yashira's direction, "HER?" Y'see how hard it is to be the Redheaded Madman? One fine-looking Istan later, he's completely forgotten his determination to win Yashira over with his fancy footwork.
Baleera says "It's only because we WineCrafters seldom like to embarrass the Benden Weyr riders by singing the true end of the song, dear," Baleera says, winking. "I hope you'll excuse me for a moment, everyone. I've run out of this skin, and need another." She heads back toward the WineCraft Pavillion. "Begging pardon."
Ursa promises, "I'll protect you, if you'll help me pick out a nice lil something for my Igenite lad." To Kassi, she bobs her head, "Not sure what I'm seeking, but I want something nice. Simple. Something he'll like."
Yashira is standing near Decarath still, head turning about as she gawks at passersby. Many people.
Kassima laughs at that, grinning broadly. "We'll mayhaps see how true 'tis *later*," she suggests, impish. "G'deve, g'deve! --Think you he'd like new tools for working with, Ursa? Or would something less practical be better? Mayhaps Yashira," and here her eyes flick towards the brown Weyrling in question, "could be suggesting something. You know him fairly well, aye, Yash?"
Baleera goes into the Winecraft pavillion.
Kichevio just listens to the revolving conversations, content to peoplewatch and eavesdrop for the time being.
"Whuzza?" Yashira blinks, turning toward Kassima.
Ursa turns to look at Yashira, now. "A gift for Rulyn," she explains. "I need something to give him before the hatching."
Kassima repeats, half-echoing Ursa, "You know Rulyn fairly well, aye? Ursa's looking t'be getting him a gift--I thought you might be able t'be suggesting something."
Kichevio suggests, about three-fourths teasing, "A charm to protect him against red-headed madmen?"
"Oh! For Rulyn," Yashira says, blushing a little. "Huh. Umn." She reaches up, scratching the top of her head. "Nothing immediately springs to mind. Hmn. Perhaps some sort of decorated thong to hold his hair back?"
L'han's eyes wander the crowd, stating matter-of-factly, "I don't much see the point, Ursa. If he Impresses, he won't be in need of anything else..and if he doesn't, well that is when he might be in need of a great deal.."
Kassima nibbles at her lower lip. "Nay a bad idea. I wonder if'n Kay would like... nay, I don't think so, she'd probably prefer some sort of deadly weapon. Only I already *got* her a knife when she graduated."
"Never can have too many knives," Yashira says.
Brees laughs. "If he impresses at Igen, I'm not sure he'd need that, Kichevio." She giggles then shrugs over at L'han. "My mother found a journal somewhere in Igen colors and gave it to me when I impressed. It was great when I had time. It's nice now to look back at."
Niobe has arrived.
"True," Kassi acknowledges. "But I like t'vary the gifts a bit. Which means either a knife or jewelry's straight out. Wonder if'n she'd like a bow? Or a carving of Pheirth, was m'other thought; haven't seen her weyr yet, but how much decoration could she already have?"
Niobe heads into the SmithCraft Tent.
Ursa ponders all of this. "A journal's an interesting idea." L'han's suggestion gets a sad sort of grin, for the truth in his statement. She grins at Yashira, "You think the lad needs a new knife?" she ponders. "Methinks he'd be frightened of gifts of knives from me."
"This is a Smithcraft haven," Kichevio points out to Kassi. "Maybe a metal statuette of Pheirth? Something of that nature..."
Annik grins a Niobe very quickly, then turns to the crowd speaking loudly to be heard over the noise. "Firstly, I'd like to thank you all for coming and welcome you to the Smithcraft Festival! Very soon, I'll be starting a tour of our wonderful hall, for those of you who might be interested in seeing the facilities that create your smithcrafted items."
"I'm sure he'd like anything you gave him," Yashira informs Ursa. "Including a knife."
L'han either ignores the other comments in favor of having a pleasant evening, or he honestly doesn't hear anyone but Ursa. "Depends on the knife? He might like some new tanners tools. I bet the Smiths would have nice ones, here in their tent."
Yashira quiets, turning her head to peer over at Annik.
Kassima nods, but jerks her thumb back towards a certain tent. "Aye, but the Woodcrafters have their pavilion here. I've a mind t'buy something from the Smiths *too*, nay fear of that--a knife for someone else--but for Kay... well, I always get her metal. Variety's the spice of life and all that. I do like the idea of a knife for Rulyn." She lowers her voice when the Craftmaster speaks, flicking a curious look that way.
Annik grins as some attention is turned her way. "I'll start here in the meadow and anyone who would like to follow is free to. This is our main meadow, which, as you can see, we use for events and outdoor activities."
Brees glances over at Annik listening to the Smith quietly.
Ursa muses, "I think I'll wait and see if he impresses green before I go buying him a knife set." She speaks quietly, though, so as to not disrupt the tour.
Niobe emerges from the SmithCraft Tent.
Kichevio takes a look around the crowded meadow. "Activities? You think?" she asks softly, grinning, taking care not to disturb the tour with her commentary.
Niobe enters the Smithcraft Building.
Kassima flashes a smile at these words from Ursa, but offers no verbal answer; she's straightened unconsciously into a slightly more formal posture, the better to politely attend the words of the Craftmaster.
Niobe comes out of the Smithcraft Building.
Niobe heads through the giant entrance into the Main Work Hall.
Yashira rakes a hand through her hair, moving closer to Annik to listen better.
Kuroyi has arrived.
Annik walks over to the other end of the meadow, gesturing to one building on the outskirts. "Here we have the residential hall, where we house our staff and residents. This is also where our watchriders stay." Moving over to the next building, she says, "Next, we have the journeymen's hall, which, as you might have guessed, is where our journeymen live when they're not posted." Taking another few steps to the side, a hand is waved to, yes, the next structure. "This is the apprentice dorms, and the name should explain itself. Inside this building is also where our main classroom, Norgan Hall, is."
Yashira's hand goes up in the air immediately.
Niobe has arrived.
Annik notices Yashira's hand and smiles. "Yes?"
Kuroyi joins in the apparent tour, trying to blend in with the others standing around as best he can without drawing too much attention.
Yashira salutes Annik, and then inquires, "Why is it called Norgan Hall, Craftmaster?"
Kassima trails after the Craftmaster, duly peering towards each of the indicated buildings. She starts to lift her own hand, but pauses mid-motion and then lowers it entirely as Yashira asks her question.
Brees follows after Annik listening intently after a quick grin over at Kuroyi as he joins them.
Kuroyi flashes a grin back at the Rider, before turning his attention back to Annik, curious as to the answer to that question as well.
"That's a good question," Annik replies. "Norgan Hall is named after a very skilled Master we had, who was Craftmaster for a time, as well."
Yashira's head bobs. "Thank you!" she calls, clasping her hands behind her back.
Kuroyi looks around and hesitantly raises his hand.
Kichevio can't help asking, with a little grin, "Did he blow up the original Norgan Hall, and that's another reason why he's so remembered?"
"Might be named 'Shard-You-Norgan Hall,' in that case," Kassima murmurs under her breath.
Niobe joins the trail of tourists, quietly watching and listening to her Master and the line of people. All the questions they have - just like she did when she first arrived. At the raven-haired woman's query, she has to smother a loud laugh.
Yashira glances over at Kich, grinning.
Annik nods and looks at Kuroyi. "Yes?" A good natured glance in given to Kichevio. "No, his name was Norgan, and he unfortunately is no longer with us."
Brees giggles over at Kichevio then turns to smile at Annik listening.
Kuroyi asks quietly, "Are all the halls named after Master Smiths of old? Or just this one? And if just this one, what did he do that was so special?"
Annik shakes her head in reply. "No, only Norgan Hall. It's not that he did a certain one thing that was special, but the Masters of the hall wanted to show their respects, and they decided to rename the classroom." She smiles, quickly scanning the crowd. "Any other questions before we move on?"
Kassima considers the question, canting her head to one side, but at length shakes her head: no questions here.
Annik waits, but sees no more questions. "None? Then it's off to the dining hall," she says, pivoting around and heading inside one of the buildings.
You head through the entrance into the dining Hall.
Smith Dining Hall
Kuroyi comes in from the main meadow.
Brees comes in from the main meadow.
Kassima comes in from the main meadow.
Niobe comes in from the main meadow.
Kichevio comes in from the main meadow.
Kuroyi follows the rest of the crowd of people in following the tour, craning his neck around as if trying to see everything at once. He bumps into a black haired girl from not paying attention and mumbles an apology with a flushed face. "Sorry.."
Annik stands in the middle of the room. "Aside from being where we eat, this is where we have our craft meetings, which usually happen during the evening meal." With a quick grin, she adds, "And this is where the festival food will be when it's ready to eat."
Kassima asides to those nearest her in good humor, "I suppose 'what's on the menu' wouldn't be an appropriate question." She runs a finger lightly over a knife-scar on one table, her expression vaguely appreciative.
Brees nods her head glancing around then quickly back up at the mention of festival food before grinning over at Kassima.
Kichevio isn't fazed, she gets bumped all the time. "Not a problem," she murmurs to Kuroyi. "I'm merely an obstacle in the road of life."
Annik just grins mysteriously. "Nope, you'll have to find out what's on the menu." She turns and walks through the room, heading through another door.
You push your way through the swinging doors.
Kitchen
Niobe pushes through the swinging doors, coming in from the dining hall.
Kuroyi pushes through the swinging doors, coming in from the dining hall.
Brees pushes through the swinging doors, coming in from the dining hall.
Kichevio pushes through the swinging doors, coming in from the dining hall.
Niobe waves at Brees and waggles her eyebrows comically.
Kassima pushes through the swinging doors, coming in from the dining hall.
Yashira pushes through the swinging doors, coming in from the dining hall.
Ursa pushes through the swinging doors, coming in from the dining hall.
Kichevio is looking wary after that comment about 'what's on the menu'. "Should I be fearing?' she wonders to anyone within hearing range. "Do they season things with rust and iron shavings around here?"
Niobe responds to the young man, "Nope. I prefer diamond dust in my food." A grin to show she kidding him.
Kassima flashes a grin back to Brees as she meanders in Annik's wake. Her curiousity momentarily vexed, she crinkles her nose but settles for surveying this new room. "Iron's good for you," she informs Kichevio with a straight face. "'Twill put steel in your spine."
Brees waves over at Niobe making her way a bit closer to the apprentice through the crowd.
Annik stands to one side, as this room is nearly bursting with cooks and bakers already. "This is our kitchen, which, as you can see, is currently in a frenzy as our staff prepares the festival feast. We Smiths usually stay out of here, as cooking isn't usually something we do well. We leave it to the experts," she says as she passes through.
You slip through the small door leading into the lounge.
Smithcraft Lounge(#440RJM)
Yashira slips into the room from the kitchen.
Kassima slips into the room from the kitchen.
Niobe slips into the room from the kitchen.
Kuroyi slips into the room from the kitchen.
Ursa slips into the room from the kitchen.
Kassima comments as she enters *this* room, "Ah, now, I've been here a'fore. Did one of the best fleecings of m'life here when G'har was still an apprentice."
Kichevio slips into the room from the kitchen.
Annik grins as she enters the lounge. "This is probably the most comfortable place in the hall - the lounge. It's where we relax, and this is where we like to bring our visitors to chat. It's somewhat of an all-purpose room. At any given time, someone will probably be in here, eating, studying, or talking."
Brees slips into the room from the kitchen.
Yashira glances about, eyes widening. "This is very nice. Er... what was that, Kassi?"
"I hounded him into baby-sitting m'kids for me," Kassi fondly recalls, "as part of the price for a service *he* was doing. Granted, Bradamante still had t'pay him a bit for what she wanted--'twas bargaining on her behalf--but that wasn't a bad commission, hmm?" She keeps her voice low, not wishing to interfere with Annik's explanation.
Annik continues, "This is the least Smith-like room here, but a definite favorite." She moves on again, walking through the lounge and out the other end.
With a tug, you open the door and are greeted with the distant cacophony of noise coming from the work hall as you walk out.
Business Hall
Niobe walks out of the lounge.
Kuroyi walks out of the lounge.
Brees walks out of the lounge.
Yashira walks out of the lounge.
Kassima walks out of the lounge.
Kuroyi whistles softly as he looks at the pieces on display in the glass cabinet.
Ursa walks out of the lounge.
Annik stops in the middle of the hall. "And here we have our business hall. It's something of a formal hall, for special occasions." She gestures to one wall. "There we have some display cases, to show off some of the things we do around here. Other than that, this is mostly a gigantic entry-way," she says with a grin, turning to move along.
Niobe folows in Annik's wake, more interested in the people than the works, today.
Kassima is immediately drawn towards the cabinet containing jewelry. She was probably a magpie in another life. "Ohhh," she sighs, reaching towards the glass--but not quite touching. "M'mother would die happy if'n she could own just one of these... 'tisn't that I *mind* the children, Yash, but a bit of tending can be a lifesaver." Very reluctantly, she abandons the glittering gems to follow Annik once more.
You step into a sudden jangle of noise!
Work Hall(#457RA)
Brees steps into the noisy work hall.
Niobe steps into the noisy work hall.
Kassima steps into the noisy work hall.
Ursa steps into the noisy work hall.
Yashira steps into the noisy work hall.
Kuroyi steps into the noisy work hall.
Niobe grins at Brees, and murmurs, "Good to see you again! I didn't know if things were going to work out - but they did. "
Yashira stops dead in her tracks; the person behind her bumps into her and mutters. She gawks again. "There's so many machines..."
Annik seems to light up just a bit as she enters this room. "Now here is where it all happens. This is the work hall, where we do all of our creating and manufacturing." She gestures to different doors as she describes them. "There is the chemistry workshop, where many things explode, and next to that is the metal and glass workshop, where we do our forging. In the back are the baths and the infirmary."
Brees nods her head with a grin to Niobe. "I think it's turning out great. Exploding things, huh? That must be a good workshop."
Kassima eyes the various machines with vague interest; it's when forging is mentioned that her attention perks up. "There was a time I hoped Kay might grow up t'be a Smith and forge knives here," she comments to no one in particular.
Yashira cranes her neck, peering about with wide eyes.
Kuroyi laughs softly, murmuring , "A good workshop to stay away from, sounds like to me."
Annik chuckles at Brees' comment, lifting her shoulders in a shrug. "You could say that, I suppose, but there's a reason I didn't become a chemist." Turning around, she heads back outside.
Main Meadow(#700RJ)
Yashira has arrived.
Kassima has arrived.
Niobe has arrived.
Ursa has arrived.
Niobe addresses Annik. "We don't seem to have /too/ many huge explosions, do we Master?" A faint grin tugs at corners of her lips - eyes laughing.
Brees has arrived.
Kuroyi has arrived.
Annik shakes her head at Niobe. "No, if we had too many huge explosions, there'd be no hall left," she replies as she heads down the hill.
You begin the long walk down the hill, eventually ending up in the lower meadow.
Lower Meadow
Niobe comes down the hill from the main work hall.
Kassima comes down the hill from the main work hall.
Brees comes down the hill from the main work hall.
Yashira comes down the hill from the main work hall.
Kuroyi comes down the hill from the main work hall.
Kassima wades down through the grass, eyeing all the greenery with a mixed expression. "Beautiful," she murmurs, "if'n quite... well, green."
Yashira blinks twice. "Quite. Green, that is."
Brees nods her head looking around. "Yeah. Green's good though."
Annik stops at the firepit. "Here is our lower meadow, where we also sometimes hold outdoor events. Those cots at the end are where the Masters get to live - far, far away from the apprentices." She flashes a brief grin at that. "Our barn is over there, where we stable any animals that come through here, and to the south is the mighty Telgar River. Across the bridge is yet another meadow, the southern meadow, in fact."
Kuroyi looks around the meadow and raises his hand.
Annik nods at Kuroyi and smiles. "Yes?"
"I love the color," Kassi immediately agrees, grinning. "Only as a Wingleader I still flinch a wee bit t'be seeing it. Nay that we'd ever allow a burrow t'infest this place!" That's added almost automatically, and with pride. "I wonder if'n this river's good for fishing... don't think I've ever fished the Telgar."
Kuroyi gestures at the Telgar river, and says, "I know that some of the ore used by the smithcraft comes up the river, where does it get offloaded at? Here?"
Annik nods at the question. "Yes, it is. This is the closest that the river is to the main hall, so we carry everything up the hill."
Annik glances around. "And that is basically it. You can feel free to wander around as you enjoy the festival, to look more closely at any of the places you saw."
Yashira's head bobs. "Thank you, Craftmaster."
"Thankee, Craftmaster," Kassima echoes, dipping a quick and shallow curtsey. "'Twas quite the educational tour, and 'tis always good t'know more about one of the areas we protect."
Brees grins over at Annik. "Thanks for the tour, ma'am. It was neat."
Kuroyi nods his agreement with the rest of those there, murmuring a soft "Thank you," at the Craftmaster. "It was fascinating.
Annik grins at her audience. "You're welcome. It's always a pleasure to show off my favorite place on Pern. Now, if anyone would like to see, I'm going to unveil some new projects that are hot off the forges."
Kassima had half turned back for the main meadow, but pauses at that; she glances to Yash, raising a brow. "There might be knives," she speculates.
Kuroyi starts to raise his hand and lowers it abashedly, and looks around with a slight flush on his face. "Er will you be doing it here, or should we follow you?"
Annik nods her head towards the main complex. "Back in the hall," she says, starting up the hill.
You begin the long hike up the hill, eventually reaching the meadow outside of the Work Hall.
You head through the ornate entrance into the Business Hall.
Business Hall
Niobe walks through the ornate entrance from the main meadow.
Kuroyi walks through the ornate entrance from the main meadow.
Kassima walks through the ornate entrance from the main meadow.
Brees walks through the ornate entrance from the main meadow.
Yashira walks through the ornate entrance from the main meadow.
Annik stands by a table that has been completely covered with a large black cloth. "I had hoped that there would be more here to show you today, but this spring has been more demanding than usual. Anyway, these are the absolute latest projects to come out of this craft."
Annik pulls off the black cloth with a flourish, unveiling the Smith project table.
Yashira peers at the objects on the table, and then raises her head to inquire, "The... blue-tinted metal. Are any knives made like that?"
"Might be too brittle," Kassi murmurs; it's caught her eye, too. "But if'n nay... a pretty piece 'twould be. Nay knives here, but 'tis all beautiful--I have t'say that I particularly like the necklace, with the amethysts."
Brees leans over to ask Niobe quietly. "Why do those shoes have blades on the bottom?" She points over towards the pair of ice skates.
Annik smiles, answering, "Not commonly, but it isn't impossible. That's an alloy of gold, so it would be most likely used for ornamental knives."
Kuroyi looks over each piece very carefully, whistling softly in amazement at the detail on the earrings. "Will all this remain on display in the craft hall, or does some get sold?"
Annik responds to Kuroyi, "These'll stay on display for the duration of the festival, but whether they're sold afterwards depends on the person who made each piece."
Yashira's head bobs in Annik's direction. "Thank you. Hmmn."
Niobe is in the middle of blushing redly in embarrassed pleasure at Kassima's kind words, but manages to answer Brees. "They're called ice skates, Brees," she murmurs. "You put 'em on and laced them up tight - on your feet - and you skate across ice on those metal blades. It's almost like a kind of dancing."
"Except you're less likely t'tread on someone's toes," Kassi tosses in, "and more likely t'sever those toes if'n you do. We ice skate sometimes at Telgar on our Lake in winter." To Niobe specifically, along with a smile: "The necklace is your work?"
Kuroyi looks doubtfully at those blue steel blades, "They seem awfully thin, how would you stay up on em?"
"Isn't like dancing," Yashira says, huffing a little. "Not nearly that... prissy."
Brees nods her head. "Don't you fall down alot trying to stand on something that thin?" She glances at the necklace then grins up at Niobe. "You did really well on that."
Annik grins and glances at the ice skates. "Ice skating takes some getting used to, but it's quite possible to balance on those, especially when moving along on the ice."
"Um, Yes ma'am," Niobe answers Kassima, still a faint rose color. To the other inquiries, she tries to answer: "It's the forward motion and the balance which count most in ice skating - and it takes /lots/ of practice."
Wen pushes open the door to the meadow, disappearing as it closes behind her with a soft thud.
"Kassima," Kassi corrects with a momentary wince. "Or Kassi. Never ma'am, never ever. Just ask the Weyrlings... well, anyway, 'tis a lovely piece; if'n you're of a mind t'sell it after this festival, let me know, hmm? 'Twould look lovely around m'youngest daughter's neck, though mayhaps in a few more Turns. She's only four now." She admits to Brees, "When 'twas first learning, and early in the season when I'm rusty, I fall *constantly*. But after several Turns of it I can finally skate backwards if'n I'm so minded. The fancier tricks I generally leave t'others."
Niobe blushes anew at Brees. "It was so fun to do that! I needed lots of advice from Annik, but we got it done!" She sounds happy, and proud.
Yashira moves over toward Kassi, nudging at the woman with her elbow. "It's a necklace. It won't go bad if you buy it now."
Brees looks over at Kassima. "They do tricks on those things? And they don't kill themselves?" She asks doubtfully then grins over at Niobe. "Needing lots of advice it good though, right, 'cause that means you learned lots making it too."
The Apprentice flashes a semi-startled look to Kassim- ah, Kassi, and grins just a bit. "Yes, Kassi. We can talk later on, if you want." Niobe can't help but grin at the rider.
Kuroyi asks curiously, "Did it take you a long time to make them?"
"It's fine work if'n I do say so, and I'm a connisseur of jewelry," Kassi professes, winking at the younger woman. "A'course 'twill nay, Yash, but I don't want t'deprive her of showing it off with the new projects for the festival if'n she likes. I'll look forward to it, Apprentice--and Kiss will be grateful too... well, when she's older." Bobbing her head to Brees, the other greenrider confirms, "Some of 'em can jump and leap about a bit. It takes a good deal of practice, but 'tis really something t'see."
A nod back to Brees. "I like to get things done /right/," Niobe grins with an impish look in her golden-brown eyes.
Annik smiles at Niobe's enthusiasm. "Everyone worked hard to get these projects done, especially during this busy season." After a pause, she comments, "I believe the food should be ready to eat now, so if anyone's hungry, feel free to head on over to the dining hall."
Brees nods her head and glances out towards the meadow. "I need to be getting back to Ista. It was very nice seeing you all."
Niobe answers Kuroyi, "Yes - and no. A longer time than I would have liked, but not long at all for a mere Apprentice," she snickers a tad.
Yashira nods to Brees, waving a little. "Good to see you again."
Kassima dips her chin again to Brees. "Likewise a pleasure; always a pleasure, really, t'meet one of Kay's clutchmates. Clear skies on your way back t'Ista, and regards a'course t'your green."
Annik smiles at Brees. "Thank you for coming, and please feel free to visit any time."
Niobe attempts to hug Brees. "Thanks for coming again!"
Kuroyi grins at that, and looks around before bowing slightly, "Pardon me, but i believe I will go look around the hall a bit more. Have a good evening, all."
"Evening, Kuroyi!" Niobe adds.
Kuroyi pushes open the door to the meadow, disappearing as it closes behind him with a soft thud.
Brees pushes open the door to the meadow, disappearing as it closes behind her with a soft thud.
Kassima asks Yash, turning her head, "The hour's getting up there; think you'll stay on for the feasting? Methinks we've lost most of the rest of our contingent somewhere along the way."
Yashira smiles a little. "I wouldn't mind some feasting. Will you be staying?"
Annik glances down as a quiet rumble comes from her midriff. "Well, I'm famished. I think I'm going to see what the Bakers have cooked up for us."
"Methinks I could find the time for feasting." Kassi crinkles her nose and grins. "Particularly," she admits, "since I missed dinner. Shall we head that way, then?"
Niobe has finally lost all of her blush. "Oh, yeah," she comments eagerly at Annik's proposal.
You push open the door to the meadow.
You head through the entrance into the dining Hall.
Smith Dining Hall
Niobe comes in from the main meadow.
Yashira comes in from the main meadow.
Kassima comes in from the main meadow.
"At least I didn't bring throbbing into it," Kassi feels obliged to remind Yashira; why, precisely, might better remain a mystery. It may also be noted that she's being paraded on the brownrider's arm. "*Faranth*," she says with a low whistle when the food table comes into view, "those stuffed peppers look wonderful. And is that porcine there?"
"That is indeed porcine," Yashira says, blinking at the mention of throbbing, herself. "Oooh... tubers."
Annik is at the table with a plate, serving herself large portions of everything. Yes, this Master's got quite an appetite. "I'm going to have to make something nice for the cooks and Bakers. They've done a wonderful job."
Spread out on this long table are a variety of 'drinks', baskets of fresh 'bread', and dishes of 'pears'. There are also dishes of 'noodles', baked 'tubers', 'porcine' roasts, vegetable 'turnovers', 'herdbeast' steaks, and stuffed 'peppers'. For dessert, there is 'pie' and 'cake' near the end of the table.
Niobe is already ravaging the food table just behind Annik, declining the porcine, but heaping 3 stuffed peppers onto her plate, with a few tubers, and lots of salad greens.
Kassima shivers visibly at the T-word. "Methinks I'll pass. But most of the rest looks beautiful. Methinks we can just help ourselves?" It's half-question, directed towards any Smith-types who might happen to be nearby. "Who are the Bakers posted here? I'm nigh shamed to admit I can't recall."
Niobe nods eagerly at Kassi, and waves her to the food, smiling from ear-to-ear.
"It looks help-yourself-y," Yashira notes, glancing about. She disengages her arm from Kassima's, moving toward the plates and nabbing one for her mentor.
Annik takes her plate and some klah to the Masters' table, sitting down in her personalized chair. "Oh, since it is a festival, you can all come sit here at the Masters' table if you want."
Annik adds, "Journeywoman Krysta is our regular Baker, but she brought in a few extras to help with this feast."
Kassima accepts the plate graciously, and gratefully--with a smile of thanks back to Niobe, too. Help-yourself-y it is; she does so shamelessly, snagging a respectable slice of porcine roast and two peppers for herself, along with a slice of the bread and a smaller sampling of pasta. Desert is left for later, and as for the tubers, *they* are avoided quite like the plague. "I'm probably going t'eat m'self out of this dress," she mutters to Yash with wry humor as she pours herself a glass of juice to go with it, "but it should be worth it. Thankee most kindly, Craftmaster." She isn't shy about accepting the invitation, setting her heavy dinner down carefully. "I don't believe I've ever met Journeywoman Krysta. I used t'know more Bakers, when Ofira was stationed at Telgar."
Niobe blinks at Annik, and then happily escorts her plate, mug of juice, and herself to the Master's Table, to sit next to Annik, as she consumes and listens.
"As long as you find someone nice to eat yourself out of it in front of," Yashira says, mildly, loading her plate up with the poor little tubers. Weyrling respect. Tsk.
"Fortunately I didn't mean it quite like that, since people nice t'eat yourself out of a dance in front of are generally in short supply." Kassi raises her glass in a sort of toast to the sentiment. "But I suppose y'never know... gah, Yash, I can't understand how you can eat those things."
Annik spares no time in eating her food, though somehow she manages to squeeze in some conversation around her mouthfuls. "We used to have Ikal here, back when I was a Journeyman. He made good food, but what a temper he's got."
Kassima admits as she sets a knife to one of her peppers, "I don't believe I've met him, either. What sort of things would he do? Whang people with frying pans?"
"They're delicious," Yashira says, grinning. "So filling. And soft. And squishy."
Kassima shudders. Just shudders. Visibly.
Yashira spears a tuber and waves it around a little on her fork, then stuffs it into her mouth. "MMMMMN."
Kassima turns her eyes on the Smiths and asks plaintively, "D'you see how this mentee of mine tortures me? She's trying t'make me lose m'appetite, when here's all this lovely food in front of me."
Annik swirls some noodles around on her fork. "Ikal was fairly harmless. He just yelled a lot when he was angry." She chuckles at Kassima and Yashira. "I don't mind tubers myself, especially with butter and seasonings."
Yashira chews with difficulty. It was perhaps a large amount of tuber to try to stuff in her mouth. Her cheeks are puffed out.
Niobe finishes her latest bite with a question in her eyes. "Are you allergic to tubers, Kassima? Ot you just don't care for them?"
Kassima very carefully avoids looking at Yashira, thank you very much. "Can't *stand* 'em," she says with considerable feeling. "I've never been able to, saving that one time when 'twas pregnant. But 'twasn't in m'right mind then. They're just... ugh. I can't think of much I'd less rather eat."
Niobe jsut watches the greenrider with an interested expression, then glances fown at her own plate. Hmm. A few very small tubers are still mostly untouched, since there's PASTA tonight!
"Mrrphle." Yashira tries to say something, but, sadly, tuber is in the way.
Kassima takes advantage of this conversational pause to attack her food with good appetite, though she manages to eat somewhat neatly. Decorum and all that.
Yashira makes her way over to a seat, still chewing. And chewing. And chewing. And chewing. And... chewing.
Annik slices her meat into nearly bite-sized pieces. "Turbers are all well and good, I suppose, as is other food, but I think my favorite type has to be dessert."
Yashira swallows thickly, then wheezes a little.
Niobe nods at that. "Fruits, salads, pasta, and desserts for me," she chimes in her own half-marks-worth.
"I'm a meat person m'self," Kassi admits freely, "and dessert's nigh second to that... but a good slice of lemon bread makes m'day as far as it goes. I've gotten t'like peppers, though, quite a bit."
"Tubers," Yashira grunts. "Wherry. Good wherry."
Annik takes a bite of a vegetable turnover, chewing thoughtfully. "Desserts, then all other food comes second. I'm not sure there's anything I won't eat, though there was that one dinner when we had bivalves. Those were just strange looking."
Kassima starts to question, "Bi...? Oh, *shellfish*, aye. We had those occasionally at Greystones--they *say*, y'know, that the oysters are an aphrodisiac, but that's never made much sense t'me. Given what they look like."
Yashira blinks. "Aphro-what?"
Niobe grimaces a bit at the mention of bi-valves, then snickers at their supposed 'use.' "I much prefer spiderclaws - Mmmm..."
"Aphrodisiacs," Kassi repeats. "Things that supposedly get one hot t'trot, such as 'twere. Oysters, mushrooms, Istan red peppers, certain herbs... never used 'em m'self, mind you, but once 'twas planning with R'ehn and Lirra t'spike Mart's dinner full of the things while he was proddy and see what happened. Spiderclaws are delicious, I'd agree; especially with butter, when you can be getting it for the purpose, which is never oft enough."
Yashira blinks rapidly. "The very idea of eating food to do that is... so odd. Er. But... dragons are always..."
Annik just chuckles at the talk of aphrodisiacs. "Food is food, to me. Some of it may have other uses to some people, but as long as it looks good and tastes good, that's all I care about."
Kassima prompts, "Dragons are always...?" She spears a slice of pork on her fork, and tucks it into her cheek. "'Tis the main thing I'm concerned with, too," she says once she's swallowed, "but now and then I'm a bit wary of something that supposedly has that use. I'd nay want someone else t'see me eating 'em and get *ideas*."
"Always flying, rising to fly, making people... er... hot to trot," Yashira says, shoving tuber about with her fork.
Niobe is now availing herself of some luscious looking, dark green vegetable - it's serrated stalks covered with melted butter and a bit of lemon. "Mmm!" she comments, chewing them up one-by-one.
Annik shrugs as she finishes off her herdbeast steak. "People'll get ideas no matter what I eat," she comments, possibly thinking of someone certain by the look on her face.
Niobe tunes in to the look on Annik's face as she says that. Hmmm...
"Well, *a* dragon is usually rising. Somewhere. But individuals don't as oft as that," Kassi recalls, reaching for her juice. "Take Lyss; she's about once a Turn. Any male, a'course, is going t'be worse, but from all I know 'tisn't usually the *males* who set other people off. Beyond their riders, a'course." Naturally. She twirls a few noodles about on her plate. Niobe's green vegetables get a considering look, and she glances back towards the food table, but must be content with what she has since she doesn't rise to procure a share. "Ideas?" she prompts Annik, curious.
Yashira holds up her fork. "Male? What? Decarath will get proddy?"
Annik blinks as she puts a forkful of pepper and rice in her mouth. Her expression now betrays the fact that she probably hadn't meant to say that last statement out loud. "Well, I just meant that, if they've a mind to, people don't need to see you eating certain foods to get ideas."
Kassima shakes her head emphatically. "Oh, nay. I just meant when he chases. Even proddy doesn't necessarily make someone hot t'trot--I mean, Faranth, you saw me." Twirling a bit of bread beneath her fingers, she queries, "D'your Crafters seem determined t'gossip about you or suchlike, Craftmaster?"
Yashira exhales, shoulders slumping again. She has some asparagus of her own, sucking the end of a stalk into her mouth.
Niobe twitches just a tad at the words from Kassima. /She/ isn't a roving ear for the rest of the Smiths... she's just interested on her own.
Annik scoops up another pile of pepper and rice. "Most of them don't, as far as I know. There's just the odd one or two that always seem to be... hot to trot."
"That sounds like some of the teenaged Apprentice boys, to me," Niobe snorts with a mix of mirth and disgust. "Always in rut..." she'll mumble.
"Sounds like some teenaged lads, and grown men, *everywhere*," Kassi mutters around a bite of the bread. "The Weyr certes isn't immune; neither is Greystones, come t'think on it." Yash's slump earns her a brief, concerned glance.
Yashira snorts. "Certainly not immune. R'tran. Ryklin."
"Scruffy," Kassi helpfully adds to the list.
Annik nods in agreement as the pepper is finished off. "I've found that most male humans are like that, at least for a good portion of their lives. Some are worse than others, and some just don't mask it well, or at all."
Niobe sighs and nods sage agreement with her elders.
Kassima feels obligated to note, here, "M'sons aren't." Pause. "Yet. I don't think Kris will be; can't swear for Ky, I suppose if'n he takes after his father... but I've known perfectly civilized young men. And others who'd hop on a table if'n they thought 'twould be willing."
Annik finds her plate desolately empty and stands. "I think there's a slice of pie over there that's calling my name," she says with a grin. "Not to mention that cake needs eating up."
Yashira eyes her plate. "I could use more tubers," she notes, rising from her seat.
Kassima shudders again. It's practically reflex. Chasing the last drip of meat-juice from her plate with a scrap of bread, she considers the buffet table; decides, "Methinks I'll have a slice of cake, but then I should likely get back t'Telgar if'n I'm t'be rested enough in the morn for work--nay t'mention the second day of the festival, for the shopping."
"Tu-oo-oo-oo-berrrs," Yashira sings, quietly --- badly.
Annik grins at the mention of shopping as she serves herself some pie and some cake, and returns to her seat. "Ah yes, shopping. Definitely one of my favorites things about these kind of gatherings."
Niobe taps a long, strong fingertip to her lower lip. What dessert to pick..? Out loud, she murmurs, "One of everything I like, I guess," and heads over to the desserts with a polite nod to the other women.
Yashira spoons a few more tubers onto her plate and trots happily back to her seat, not even touching the desserts.
"Vo-o-o-o-mit," Kassi sings back to Yashira, her good voice not well-suited to the subject. She helps herself to a generous slab of cake. "I've hopes of acquiring something for m'eldest lass," she explains, returning to her seat. "She just made Wingsecond at Ista Weyr. And there's a friend I owe a belated Turnday gift to; I promised him one, and thought I'd make it a knife. Aught beyond that is serendipity."
Niobe comes back to sit down with a full plate - as she mentioned - with one of nearly all the desserts. Good thing she didn't eat lunch...
Annik peers at the tubers on Yashira's plate. "Shells. I like tubers, but..." she trails off. "You must be some kind of tuber-holic," she says with a smile. To Kassima, she nods readily. "I'm sure you'll find everything you're looking for, and if not, that's what commissions are for."
Niobe nods in agreement with Annik, and dares to wink obviously at Kassima. Hint.
Kassima grins outright at Niobe, seeing the wink. "I plan t'commission at least those things if'n needs must," she allows. "Particularly for Kay, though I might, I confess, go with something from the Woodcraft for her this time. The knife, though... and that necklace I'd still like for Kisai."
Yashira shovels in her second helping of tubers rapidly.
Niobe grins impishly back, and then sets on her desserts like a canine.
Annik downs half of her pie in a matter of moments and washes it down with what's left of her klah. "Mmmm. Now this is delicious. I have to make those Bakers something. Rings, maybe? Pendants?"
Kassima suggests, with a sidelong look towards Yashira, "Mayhaps pendants in the shape of tubers? Since their tubers seem t'be *particularly* popular."
"Sounds good," Yashira notes around a mouthful of tuber.
Niobe speaks up, "Maybe something that wouldn't get in the way of everything they have to put their hands into? A brooch or pin, maybe?"
Annik keeps a straight face as she shrugs and replies, "But if I make them to look like tubers, she might try to eat them," as she glances at Yashira. She nods at Niobe. "Yeah, that'd be good."
Yashira mutters, "Wouldn't."
Kassima shudders. It's Pavlovian. "Methinks, now that I've foolishly brought up the subject of tubers, 'twill flee it," she decides, but with a grin. "Particularly since I've finished with the excellent cake. Clear skies to everyone, hey? Yash, are you all right getting home alone?"
Yashira grins. "I'll head out with you, Kassima," she says standing up.
Niobe pats her full tummy as she watches both riders stand. "It was nice to meet both of you and spend some time together," she smiles warmly.
Annik smiles at Kassima and Yashira. "My profuse thanks to you both for coming, and I hope to see you again tomorrow, or sometime later at least."
Niobe echoes Annik with a nod.
Yashira salutes Annik, and then Niobe. "Thank you."
"A right pleasure 'twas t'make both of your acquaintances, Craftmaster, Apprentice. I'll hope t'see you again on the morrow, but either way, m'best wishes for your Festival and duties t'your Craft and her Masters." Kassi goes for a bow rather than either salute or curtsey, then turns for the meadow with a last, friendly, "G'night!"
Kassima heads out the large metal door to the meadow.
Yashira grins. "Good night," she offers, then trails after Kassima.
Yashira heads out the large metal door to the meadow.
The meadow ends here in a cluster of buildings dominated by the huge grey slate edifice to your south. This two-story building serves as the work hall for the smithcraft; if the stream of crafters rushing in and out of its double doors weren't enough to indicate its use, the almost constant sounds of craftwork from the hall would be. The air is still fairly chilly as the last signs of winter fade away, but warm spring breezes can occasionally be felt. All around, greenery is blooming and blossoming.
Glancing around, you note a few other buildings - the Dining Hall, partially connected to the Business Hall, to the east; the Apprentice Hall conveniently close to the Dining Hall, in the northeast; the smaller Journeyman's Hall directly to the north; and the Resident's Hall, to the northwest.
Contents:
Schedule(#11943)
Smithcraft Building
SmithCraft Tent
Obvious exits:
Work Hall Dining Hall Business Hall Residence Hall Journeyman Hall Apprentice Dorm Lower Meadow
Lyxia directs several Woodcrafters in the setting up of their gather tent.
Lyxia has left.
Baleera has left.
Wen has arrived.
Baleera has arrived.
Wesit enters the healer's pavilion.
Wen has left.
Lysseth has arrived.
Saulith has arrived.
Decarath has arrived.
Spineth has arrived.
Maireth has arrived.
Kassima has arrived.
Kichevio has arrived.
Ursa has arrived.
L'han has arrived.
Yashira has arrived.
Aquileth has arrived.
Y'il has arrived.
Madieth has arrived.
Brees has arrived.
Baleera has left.
Niobe has left.
Niobe has arrived.
Niobe has left.
Niobe has arrived.
Niobe has left.
As you step into this large room, rows upon rows of tables first greet you. The scars and spots in the wood and the benches distinguish them as apprentice benches, victims to younsters' curiosity about their first blades. Farther into the hall are groups of round tables with chairs, journeymen tables it would seem and finally across the top of the room sits one long table. The master's table is on a slightly raised dais, no doubt to allow the masters to keep a better eye on the apprentices during the meal. A swinging door near the apprentice tables gives a glimpse into the bustling kitchen.
A large metal door to the west leads out to the main meadow.
Contents:
Zianne
Obvious exits:
Kitchens Main Meadow
Kuroyi has arrived.
Brees has arrived.
Kassima has arrived.
Niobe has arrived.
Kichevio has arrived.
The kitchen is rather spacious to accomodate the many smiths and staff it provides for. Large fireplaces and smith-created stoves line most of the western wall, with good smells coming from them. Cabinets full of pots, pans, and all kinds of utensils (including some rather sorry-looking apprentice inventions) are packed away neatly in drawers to the east. Two long tables run the length of the room, north-south, providing working areas.
A pair of swinging metal doors lead to the dining hall to the north, and a smaller door leads to the lounge, to the south.
Obvious exits:
Dining Hall Lounge
Niobe has arrived.
Kuroyi has arrived.
Brees has arrived.
Kichevio has arrived.
Kassima has arrived.
Yashira has arrived.
Ursa has arrived.
Looking around the room, it is difficult to believe that this is part of the Smithcraft hall. The thick carved panel walls lend an air of elegance and the bright tapestries add color to the room. Several couches are placed around the room, with low wooden tables that are covered with scrolls and slips of hides, and of course pots of the famous Smith klah. Set into the eastern wall is a hearth which almost always has a pot of stew simmering over it. All in all, it is quite cozy and very relaxing compared to the rest of the hall.
A thick ornate door to the west leads to the business hall, and a smaller door to the north leads directly (and efficiently) into the kitchens.
Contents:
Klah Pitcher
Emalethe
Obvious exits:
Kitchens Business Hall
Yashira has arrived.
Kassima has arrived.
Niobe has arrived.
Kuroyi has arrived.
Ursa has arrived.
Kichevio has arrived.
Brees has arrived.
The beautiful Business Hall of the Smith complex is at odds with most peoples view of the Smithcraft. Stunning creations of the glass masters' best works over hundreds of turns can been seen in glass display cabinets along one section of wall. Another cabinet holds the finest Jewelry from generations of metal working masters. Wonderfully detailed scale models of all the Holds and Halls of Pern are in another set of cabinets. Samples of vividly dyed fabrics and painted wood slats of all hues are in another cabinet.
From the west comes the faint noises of hammering from the main work hall. To the east is a doorway to the lounge.
Contents:
Covered Table(#9628)
Master Display Cabinet
Journeyman Display Cabinet
Apprentice Display Cabinet
Obvious exits:
Offices LOUnge Work Hall Main Meadow
Niobe has arrived.
Kuroyi has arrived.
Brees has arrived.
Yashira has arrived.
Kassima has arrived.
Ursa has arrived.
Once inside the Work Hall, it can be seen that it is not, in fact, a two-story building, but rather one huge open room. Bustling smiths of various ages and descriptions abound as they busily go about their work. This is one Craft Hall that never rests! Machines have been stationed along the walls. Some of the machines are of familiar uses, others, however, are not. The sounds of industry -- grinding, sawing, drilling and such -- could almost deafen the unprepared.
The two huge doors leading out to the meadow are on the north wall of the building. A smaller pair of doors leading into the Business Hall are to the east. Resting in the center of the room, and taking up a good portion of the space, is a very large well-used table. Southeast lies the door to the infirmary, where the best emergency care for injured smiths is given. To the south are another pair of doors leading to the Chemistry Workshop where strange odors occasionally drift out. Southwest is the way to the Hall's bathing rooms. To the west, a double pair of doors open into the blazing heat of the Glass and Metal Workshop.
Obvious exits:
Meadow INFirmary Bath Business Hall Chemistry Workshop Metal/Glass Workshop
Brees has arrived.
Niobe has arrived.
Kassima has arrived.
Ursa has arrived.
Yashira has arrived.
Kuroyi has arrived.
Contents:
Madieth
Aquileth
L'han(#6283PJOce$)
Maireth
Spineth(#8674JOaepq$)
Decarath
Lysseth
Healer Pavilion(#13725JMe)
Winecraft Pavillion (WP)(#4493JMe$)
Woodsmith Gather Tent(#3617JOe)
Schedule(#11943)
Smithcraft Building
SmithCraft Tent
Obvious exits:
Work Hall Dining Hall Business Hall Residence Hall Journeyman Hall Apprentice Dorm Lower Meadow
You stand in the middle of a meadow, nestled in the side of a hill. The Telgar river rushes past towards the southwest, forming the southern boundary of the meadow. Buildings are spread out in all other directions. In the middle of the meadow is a large firepit, often used for craft cookouts. The air is still fairly chilly as the last signs of winter fade away, but warm spring breezes can occasionally be felt. All around, greenery is blooming and blossoming.
To the east, atop the large hill, sits the Main Work Hall. Several smaller buildings are clustered around it. To the west are the masters' cots. A road follows the river to the south.
Obvious exits:
Telgar Bridge Barn Masters' Cots Main Meadow(Smithcraft Hall)
Niobe has arrived.
Kassima has arrived.
Brees has arrived.
Yashira has arrived.
Kuroyi has arrived.
Contents:
Wen
Covered Table(#9628)
Master Display Cabinet
Journeyman Display Cabinet
Apprentice Display Cabinet
Obvious exits:
Offices LOUnge Work Hall Main Meadow
Niobe has arrived.
Kuroyi has arrived.
Kassima has arrived.
Brees has arrived.
Yashira has arrived.
Wen has left.
Kuroyi has left.
Brees has left.
Contents:
Buffet Table
Obvious exits:
Kitchens Main Meadow
Niobe has arrived.
Yashira has arrived.
Kassima has arrived.
Kassima has left.
Yashira has left.