August 28, 2004
In the baths, R'hyn runs into Yasmin, Waverly and W'rik.

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You follow a long, curving tunnel toward the hot springs.

Waverly lifts her gaze, looking to the other candidate and the bronzerider where they bathe in the pool. "Hey," she greets in return, waving to them from her place on the bench. "How's the water?" Her tone is, as usual, terribly cheery. Pulling her boots and socks off, she pushes them to one side and then rises to remove the rest of her clothing.

W'rik's eyes trail back to Yasmin during all the greeting but he's quick to clear his throat and look elsewhere soon enough. The bronzerider stares at the water as he answers Waverly in an assuring tone, "It's great."

R'hyn, on his way into the cavern, gets tracked down by a young brownrider, who insists on talking very loudly - and quickly - to the Weyrleader, stalling his progress towards the pools. It looks as though R'hyn really needs his bath, as he's covered in firestone dust; by his longing glances, it looks as though he's looking forward to it, too. "Ah, okay," he says, attempting to smile at the other rider. "I'll, uh, look into it." The brownrider seems to show no signs of letting up.

"Really nice," Yasmin joins in answer to Waverly's question. If she notices W'rik's study of her, she doesn't indicate it in her expression. She looks back up to Waverly, "Have a nice rest day?" She asks the fellow candidate as she herself lounges against the edge of the pool. Seeing and hearing the approach of R'hyn, Yasmin lowers her arms back into the water at her sides, and smiles politely toward him in way of greeting.

Waverly wriggles out of her clothing, folding each piece neatly and setting it aside. "I spent mine helping out in the kitchen after lunch," she tells Yasmin. Reaching to grab a towel, she glances over towards R'hyn and the brownrider, a bit of amusement curving her lips. She doesn't offer greeting, seeing that they are in conversation, but makes her way over to W'rik and Yasmin's pool, slipping in and placing her towel on the rock so that she can lean her head back against it. "Oh that's good.." she murmurs. "So what are we talking about?"

W'rik looks up and around at the sound of the new arrivals to the cavern. He frowns slightly at the one with the bigger knot and sinks a bit into the pool as he returns his attention to Waverly for her answer. "Nothing," he assures her after she's described her fun day and questioned them on the current topic.

R'hyn misses Yasmin's smile, too far away at present to be paying attention to the occupants of the pools-- beyond which, his attention is still, reluctantly, on his companion. "Can we... sure, okay. Why don't you drop around tomorrow morning, and we'll discuss the proposal?" R'hyn's face has gone kind of pink, his fingers clutching his clean clothes tightly, as if for dear life. The brownrider apparently agrees to this - but still continues to talk, R'hyn beginning to quietly edge away. "Well, okay, I'll see you then." The brownrider peers after R'hyn, expression a little disgruntled, as the bronzerider heads towards the pools, expression murderous.

"Actually," Yasmin turns that smile from R'hyn to W'rik and then to Waverly, to whom the smile develops into an impish grin accompanied by a wink, "W'rik was just postulating on the ethical behavior of riders during Search and well past the Hatching. Quite intriguing really, some of his thoughts." Her tone is mildly teasing and she looks back at W'rik curious at his reaction.

Waverly just grins at W'rik, her brow lifting at Yasmin's explanation. She blinks once and then looks back over to W'rik as she sinks down in the water again. "Shards, I don't even know what half of that meant... W'rik?" When did he get smart?

W'rik is starting to almost look uncomfortable by Yasmin's free use of his previous thoughts, but he's doing his best to look nonchalant as Waverly gets into the pool with them. "Not that intriguing," he enthuses with a shrug. "At all. Just, yeah, nothing, really."

R'hyn ends up at the pool Waverly, W'rik and Yasmin are at, stripping off his clothes in silence, without paying any particular attention to his soon-to-be companions. His clothes he dumps in a pile on the ground unceremoniously - they're filthy, so perhaps that isn't unreasonable - while his clean ones are tidily set down upon the bench. He turns, stepping towards the pool.

Yasmin grins a bit but doesn't elaborate. She glances towards R'hyn only long enough to see that he means to join them and then averts her eyes with a mildly demure manner that seems a juxtaposition to the normally bubbly personality of the former seamstress. "In the kitchens you say, Waverly?" Yasmin asks suddenly, smile fading to a simply curious expression. "Did they snag you at lunch needing extra help? I got roped into scrubbing the infirmary floor after a nasty amputation the same way." She wrinkles her nose before relaxing her expression.

Waverly chuckles at W'rik and just nods. "Nah." Her eyes close as she starts to feel the water working its magic. "They didn't have to. I volunteered." One eye quirks open, her brow furrowing a bit. "Amputation? Evening, Sir," she greets R'hyn. "You look harried." The observation is delivered cheerfully.

W'rik only notes the Weyrleader with a glance and an, "Evening, sir." His eyes return to the surface of the water because it's just so much more interesting than looking at the girls while they talk about their chores and stuff. "Why?" he has to ask Waverly at her mention of volunteering.

R'hyn may well have intended not to join into the conversation, his attention kept well away from his companions as he slips into the water - but Yasmin's comment draws his focus. "An /amputation/?" There's a note of true horror to his voice, face a little green. "Today? A rider? Was it?" It takes him a moment - several, even - to register Waverly's greeting, though he gives her a tight-lipped smile. "No, er, rest for the, uh, you know. Um. Hi," he concludes, to the group in general.

Yasmin simply nods to Waverly's comment of volunteerism. She's been known to do it herself, though not for kitchen duty--more often for mending as it's something she knows and enjoys. The question from W'rik draws a wry smile from Yasmin and she seems ready to respond to it on behalf of Waverly when R'hyn's question stalls her. "Oh, um, no, not today." She finds herself flushing and adds, "Sir. Um . . . something of a sevendays or more now. I don't know who it was, it was late and we were all tired. Just wanted to get it done and over with so we could go to bed so we just worked quietly and quickly. Finola asked us to help her. It would have taken her all night, I'm sure, if she had to do it alone." She wrinkles her nose at the memory. "Don't know how she could put up with that smell though." Her voice trails off.

Waverly shifts to face W'rik a little better, trying to block out all conversation of body part removal. "I can't just sit around and do nothing all day," she explains to him, grinning. "It drives me crazy. I have to feel useful. What do you do when you get a rest day?" she asks, her gaze shifting over towards Yasmin to see if she's done with the gross stuff yet.

W'rik chuckles at Waverly's answer. "I'm sure I could've found something a lot more interesting than that for you to do," he winks at her, then shifts his gaze to Yasmin as well to hear her answer as he clasps his hands behind his head now that the talk of infirmary work is at a minimum.

R'hyn allows a slow nod, though the-- fear? -- on his face doesn't quite abate. "Ah," he says, slowly, managing a smile. "That one. That's, um, right. Okay. I think the smell is... much less of a problem, than the amputee's life." If there's some deeper issue there, he doesn't remark upon it, instead busying himself with the soap-sand in an attempt to clean the grit and dust from his face. "Make use of your restdays," he says, quietly. "If you Impress, there'll be no such thing for a while - not properly."

Waverly laughs at W'rik, not even blushing. She shakes her head and flicks water at him before looking to R'hyn. "I take half of it. C'lan managed to convince me to take a whole one once. It was the worst day.." She shakes her head sadly and then grins. "Jondeval is settled in."

"Finola didn't seem as concerned for him as she was for getting the stain up off the stone. I figure she's the expert, not me." Yasmin states pragmatically but with an suitably meek smile to R'hyn. She lapses politely quiet once more as the talk turns to rest days. She's been working on the obstacle course during hers, so is not one to talk. And certainly not going to draw attention to the fact what with the reaction Waverly is getting.

W'rik sits quietly, half-smiling to exchanged words even if he doesn't add much to the conversation now that his usual repertoire isn't exactly appropriate. Not that is was in the first place, but whatever. His gaze shifts between the company in a manner that would suggest at least minor interest in what's being said.

R'hyn has only a bland smile to respond to Yasmin with, nodding his head slowly. "Ah. Right. Well." Shuddering uncomfortably, he hastily continues bathing, scrubbing hard. "You just, uh, haven't fiured out enough hobbies, then," he notes towards Waverly, with a smile. "I wish I could take your restdays for you! Oh-- good, good. I'm pleased."

Yasmin listens as well, quiet for a time, simply nodding to R'hyn's reply to hers and looking from Waverly to the two riders during the interaction. Then begins to study her pruning fingers. Without much ado, she climbs out of the pool, and walks over to the bench next to it, still within conversation distance for the most part, but definitely getting ready to leave. She dries off and then wrings out her hair, braiding it and tying it up before getting dressed in clothes that thankfully don't carry the same ode-to-mucking-of-stables perfume as what she walked in wearing.

"What hobbies?" she asks. "I like working in the kitchens. It's fun for me." She watches as Yasmin gets out of the bath. "I don't think Avery's abed yet. Gonna try to get to sleep before he does?" She looks to the riders and explains, "He snores. It's fearful."

W'rik takes his turn to get out of the pool, moving to the bench where his stuff is for a preliminary wipe down with his towel. That done, he wraps it around his waist and sits on the bench, looking at his hands for a moment before returning his attention poolwards.

"Time to develop a hobby, then," asserts R'hyn, cheerfully, as he splashes around. "It's good to finish a long day and have something non-worky to do." He glances after Yasmin, but makes no comment towards her, remarking, instead, "Oh. Yes - snoring is... irritating. I'm sorry."

Yasmin chuckles to Waverly and nods, "Well, I think I will see what is left to eat first. I came here straight from the stables pretty much--only stopping in the barracks long enough for some clean clothes. But if possible, I try to get to sleep before him, true enough." She finishes putting on a fresh pair of shoes and stuffing the smelly stuff in her now empty satchel. "I'll see you back at the barracks, I'm sure." To Waverly, then nods to W'rik and R'hyn, "Good evening, sirs." A smile is offered to all three as she heads out.

"Good evening," Waverly offers, settling back down in the water. "I don't know that there's really anything that I'm good at," she confesses. "I know I'm not musical. That's for certain. You going to eat too, W'rik?" she asks.

W'rik lifts a hand to Yasmin. "Evenin'," he says to the departing candidate. A shake of his head is given to Waverly, "Nah, not yet. Unless you'd rather I get going?" he looks to both those remaining, though he doesn't look about to move.

"Night," says R'hyn, quietly, smiling hesitantly at Yasmin as the girl leaves. "I bet you could find something, Waverly," he adds, head tilted to the side. "Or, I don't know, have a child. Then you'll be assured to never have any time - doesn't matter if they're fostered, it's always good to see them."

Yasmin heads out the tunnel toward the bowl.

Waverly chuckles and shakes her head. "I wasn't trying to get rid of you. You're always welcome to talk to me," she tells him, winking. "Provided there's not a flight." She blinks and then turns slowly to look at R'hyn, as if he'd grown another head. "A.. child? I can't.. I mean.. well. I'm a candidate."

W'rik gives the candidate an odd look that skews the bruise over the bridge of his nose. "I could help you with that," he offers in a mostly serious tone, though he looks a little too hopeful. "And you ain't gonna be one forever. You could even stop being one."

R'hyn, flushing, hastily ammends, "I meant... you know, later. It was, er, mostly a joke anyway." Crimson, he ducks his head, apparently preferring to concentrate on his washing, though he's now basically clean. This gives him ample time to try and avoid choking at W'rik's comments - at least he can't turn even redder.

Waverly chuckles softly at W'rik's offer. "How very generous of you, dear," she murmurs, grinning and not blushing. "If I choose to follow his suggestion, I will certainly keep you in mind," she assures. "It's not like I've got men lining up, you know?" She winks at him and then flashes a grin at the rider still bathing. "I used to think that's what I'd have done by now," she tells him soberly. "But.. then I stood for the first time and.. you know... not yet."

"You'd probably be a good mother," says R'hyn, slowly, apparently regaining his composure - so easily embarrassed he is. "Ah. Well. In time, then. Harder, if you Impress, but-- still worth it. I miss my baby."

"Anytime," W'rik assures her. "And I'll look forward to when you choose to take his suggestion to heart." The young bronzerider looks almost touched, but quickly stops talking when the other man starts again.

Waverly grins at W'rik, chuckling again and then flushing as R'hyn continues. "Thank you," she murmurs, lowering her eyes. "Oh yes.. Do you at least get to see her sometimes?"

R'hyn adds, self-consciously, "Not that I know you all well. But. I do think so." Though he's got an amused smile for W'rik's comments, his response to the latter part of Waverly's words is less cheerful. "Not since I moved here. I just don't have the time-- and Arisvath doesn't like to leave Siramyth. I hope to, after the hatching. She's had a hard time of it, my girl."

W'rik stands up again and begins to go about getting himself dressed and proper, whistling a quiet, off-key tune as he does so. "I think it's time for me to go, eh, do something else," he states in stead of a farewell as he lifts a hand to each of them and makes his way out toward the bowl.

W'rik heads out the tunnel toward the bowl.

Waverly lifts a hand to wave at W'rik before looking over to R'hyn again. "Well perhaps they'll hatch soon," she offers warmly. "The moment they do, you should hop on Arisvath and head home. Go see that baby of yours. Why not bring her back?"

R'hyn echoes Waverly's motion, watching W'rik leave before he responds to the candidate. "It won't be long now," he agrees, smile thin - but honest. "I will. As soon as I can spare a moment. I won't bring her back, though; I don't have the time, and at least at Ista she's with my family. Mother is fostering her, now. I don't think it'd be fair to uproot her like that. But at least I'll be able to visit a bit more."

"Is her mother.. dead then?" she asks, uncertain she wants to know the answer but unable to stop herself from asking. "I mean.. well.. if your Mother is raising her.."

R'hyn pauses, reluctantly nodding. "A few months ago. Not long after I came here. Hence the upheavals."

The night grows late, midnight fast approaching on this spring evening. Strong, steady, thick rain falls from a darkly clouded sky. Puddles are deep with the heavy drops - the kind that smart when they meet bare skin. The spring air is cool, still brisk but no longer icy. (45F, 11C)

Waverly ahs, falling silent a moment. "I'm sorry to hear that," she tells him sincerely. "But.. Cardixa? She's nice, right? I don't think I know her. Maybe I've seen her." She doesn't do much, just content to soak in the warm water.

"Thank you," says R'hyn, complete with small smile. "We-- weren't involved, or anything. Just friends. And, well, it happens. But. Still." He's far from heartless. "We had Rhyena before Cardixa was on the scene. She's-- herself. I mean, I'm not sure if 'nice' is always the word, but she's a decent person. I don't think she's really comfortable here at Fort, yet. So."

Waverly grins. "Sort of like W'rik, huh?" She winks. "Hopefully prettier though. I guess the Fortians don't offer the warmest of welcomes.. Sorry." She shrugs. "Though if she's pretty, I'm certain N'thri's already tried to make her feel welcome."

R'hyn breaks into a smile, nodding. "Exactly. Well. /I/ think she's prettier than W'rik. N'thri probably would, too, though only... 'cause she's a woman." He's unashamedly contented in expression, as he talks about Cardixa, though he adds, "I don't think she'd take kindly to N'thri's attentions, though."

Waverly chuckles at that and nods. "He's got a girl anyway. That is a relationship I do not understand." She sits up a little to study his face, her head tilting to one side. "Do you and Cardixa.. you know.. have .. well.. that's personal. Nevermind."

"Me, either," admits R'hyn, immediately. "But it's kind of cute. And... surprising. I mean, Emani's just not usually like that. But. Cute." His brows raise, face flushing as if in anticipation of the cut-off question. "Um? I... What?"

Waverly arches a brow as he mentions Emani's name. "Nothing. Seriously. What do you mean she's not usually like that?" she asks, eyes narrowing slightly.

R'hyn, after another pause, shrugs, and lets the issue go. "I mean... back at Ista? Emani flirted with everyone. And... er, slept with them, too. Not just one person."

Waverly chuckles lightly. "Ah.. Well she's a candidate. That's probably the only thing stopping her now. As I understand it they've an agreement. They are permitted to flirt and um.. do other things with other partners. I don't understand it. But.. I guess that's me." A hand lifts, pushing back some hair. "I don't really want to share my man. Not that I have one but.. if I did.."

"Before then, though - it's still... unnerving. For her to have a steady partner above others, even if she has them." R'hyn shakes his head, dismissing it quietly, though his lips curve into a quiet smile. "Me, either. Woman, that is. I mean... Aside from flights, which are just a different thing."

Waverly nods quickly. "Flights are more about the dragon and the bond you share than they are about the people involved." Evidently she's had enough of chatting about Emani. "The last one was rather interesting. All those men spouting that odd poetry.." She shakes her head. "And the aftermath. I'd never witnessed it. Next time, I'm hiding."

R'hyn nods quickly, leaning back against the edge of the pool. "Right. They're... um. Interesting experiences. I heard about, er, some of what happened. Gold flights, especially, cause a lot of trouble. I'm really glad Arisvath won't chase."

Waverly giggles at a sudden thought. "Oh.. if you ever want to see T'an panic, tell him that Yranth's hide seems to be glowing. It scares him to no end. He's terrified she's going to have a flight, I think." Her brow furrows once more, a bit of curiosity taking her. "Won't he chase after the hatching though?"

R'hyn holds back laughter, though his expression is distinctly amused. "Oh, I'll bet. I'm pretty glad I didn't Impress a green... I mean, even normally, Arisvath doesn't chase too much." Head tilted to the side, he shrugs, "Maybe. Not often, though. Until Siramyth gets caught by someone else, he'll be okay not chasing. He's not very good with greens, anyway."

Waverly nods slowly and then grins. "I meant when Siramyth had moved on," she murmurs. "Sorry. It's late and I think my brain is beginning to doze off. Timlath chased but obviously he didn't catch her. Don't know whether to be happy or sad for C'lan on that."

"Ah," says R'hyn, nodding quickly. "When she does, then-- yeah." Wrinkling his nose, he considers. "I'd say happy, but... It's a lot of trouble, catching queens. Arisvath is far too good at it."

Waverly laughs again. "W'rik says golds are nothing but trouble. Is it wrong of me to not want an Istan to Impress the gold in Siramyth's clutch?" she asks, her brow furrowing again.

R'hyn, grinning, says, "He's got it quite right. Mind you - they have their uses." Though he hesitates to say anything, R'hyn shakes his head firmly. "I don't think so. /I/ don't want an Istan to Impress her. Mind you, I don't think there are any Istans at Fort... only Fortians. But I'd rather someone who has not lived at Ista to Impress her."

Waverly blushes a bit and nods. "I know. I mean.. we're all working together here so.. it really shouldn't matter. It's just.." She sighs and let's it go. "I just think it would be good for balance. It would help lighten things around here a bit."

"I agree wholeheartedly," says R'hyn, quietly, nodding his head slowly. "Balance is important. I-- really do understand why people are uncomfortable, with Kiora and I. I want to improve on that. So. Yeah."

Waverly offers him a warm smile. "I believe you," she tells him softly. "It's just a matter of time. We'll come around. We're just stubborn." She pushes up out of the water, gathering up her towel and winding it about her. "I hope you'll forgive me, Sir. I should go to bed though. Chores in the morning and all."

R'hyn, laughing quietly, remarks dryly, "So I've noticed. And good on you. Just... let's hope that time gets here, mmm? For all our sakes." Nodding quickly, he draws his hand from the water, waving it for emphasis. "Of course! Sleep well."

She laughs as she goes to gather up her clothes, toweling off quickly and getting dressed. "And you as well. If um.." Her cheeks flush just the tiniest bit. "If you see C'lan.. tell him I said hello. I didn't see him today.. Night!" She scurries out of the springs.

Waverly heads out the tunnel toward the bowl.

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