The following is a log of roleplay from PernMUSH . The World of Pern(tm)' and 'The Dragonriders of Pern(r)' are copyright to Anne McCaffrey (c) l967. This is a recorded online session, by permission of the author but generated on pernMUSH for the benefit of people unable to attend.

10/7/02

You walk through the large entrance to the Living Cavern.

Telgar Weyr's Living Cavern

This huge cavern is sufficiently roomy to hold a large portion of the Weyr's population without feeling cramped. There's always a bustle of activity here. Fragrant dishes are constantly in preparation for mealtimes: currently for the evening meal. Drudges are always present, either cleaning under Pierron's watchful eye, or helping fetch and carry. A myriad of glowbaskets and many ever-lit hearths make the cavern warm and inviting despite its size. The scents of cooking meats, baking breads and pastries, and the pungent aroma of spices hang mouthwateringly in the air. It is little wonder that those seeking to relax nearly always find their way here to do it. Branches of evergreens and glistening winter berries are ornaments of the season.

A short tunnel jaunts northward out to the bowl and the merry sounds of cooking, chores, and laughter echo from the kitchen at the southeast end of the cavern near the easterly passage to the rest of the lower caverns. Within the lower caverns is an entrance to the infirmary weyr to care for injured dragons and riders.

Yashira is seated on the floor, a young baby crawling about nearby. Yashira's got her head craned to peer at the kid; there's an older woman with dark hair the same shade as Yashira's seated at a table nearby.

Cheni walks out of lower caverns, not a thing in her hands for a change. She spies the little one crawling and easily skirts around the little explorer and entourage on her way to the serving table. Grabbing a mug of klah and an apple, she calls a general greeting. "Evening."

"Evening," Yashira grunts from her post by the child. "It looks dirty on the floor here," she informs the older woman with the similar hair. "It's not dirty. You used to play there all the time. You used to eat the---" "Got it. Not dirty."

Jeroch walks in from the bowl.

Jeroch carefully sets down a wooden rack, followed by some sleds, visibly relieved to be rid of the weight.

Yashira is seated on the floor; there's a baby crawling about near her, and an older woman with the same colour hair as her seated at a table nearby.

Cheni grins as she listens in. "They are pretty hardy, aren't they?" Settling into a chair near the young mother and baby who sit on the floor, she crunches into her apple. The slight thump of wood, makes her jump and look to what made the noise. "Evening Jeroch."

Yashira nudges some blocks toward the baby - who has a cap of dark, short curls, and looks up. "Evening, Cheni - hey, Jeroch."

Jeroch grins appreciatively at the drudges who've helped him carry in the massive rack. The sound of his name makes him turn about rather suddenly, nearly whacking his head on a ski. "Oof, that was close. Evening Cheni, Yashira," he says, replying to each in turn. "Oh, hey, there's the little lass!" he says cheerfully.

Cheni looks at the strange - to her- apparatus being set up on the rack with open curiosity. "What are those long things?" She points to what seems to be polished wood slats.

Yashira grunts, nodding; she's paying more attention to the baby girl, who's sitting up and carefully grabbing at blocks. The older woman, mug of cider in hand, informs Jeroch with a smile, "Iralne."

"Oh these?" Jeroch asks of Cheni, pulling a ski out in front of him? "Skis. This one here's a downhill type. The thinner one's there are cross country," he informs her. "They're quite handy in the snow, and fun too." His lopsided grin is now turned upon the older woman. "Of course, Iralne. A beautiful name, ma'am." He watches the baby play with the blocks in silence a few moments, still smiling. "How old is she now, Yashira?"

"Nearly eight months," Yashira says, leaning forward to take the girl's hands as the child suddenly drops her blocks and reaches for her. The older woman clears her throat. "Aren't you going to intro..." is all she manages to say before Yashira smiles vaguely, eyes rolling a bit. "Jeroch, Cheni this is my mother, Karina. She works in the kitchens; Karina, this is Jeroch, a Woodcrafter, and Cheni, a Candidate from Braddle Hold."

Cheni wanders up to look at the skis up close. She shakes her head, dismissible. "I've got hard enough time keeping upright on the snow as it is, without something new to try to figure out." As her name is mentioned, she smiles pleasantly to Karina and looks between mother, child and Yashira to look for family resemblances.

Iralne's an average sized kid; her hair colour's a few shades lighter than Yashira or Karina's, and curly instead of the nearly straight, only slightly wavy locks of Yashira or Karina. Yashira's taller than Karina, though there's a hint of Yash's sturdy build in the older woman; the hands are the same, too, long-fingered and dexterous. Karina's got more laugh lines as well, and lacks Yashira's air of solemnity - she's even smiling.

"You fall a few times, you get back up. It's pretty fun if you ever want to try," Jeroch says with a grin of encouragement. Once she's done he places the ski back on the rack. A pleasant smile is given for Karina's benefit. "It's a pleasure to meet you," he turns an invitational glance upon Cheni before setting forward towards mother, baby and grandmother. "Wow, eight months already. Does she pull herself up to her feet already?"

"She might," Yashira says, still holding the girl's hands. "That's usually what she's going for when she goes for your hands like this." Iralne burbles a little - baby yammer - and peers about with wide hazel eyes. "Or she took a big dump. I'm never entirely sure."

Cheni shakes her head. "I'm doing good, I think, getting back into my daily long walks, in this weather, might as well not rock the boat, so to speak." Settling back in her spot near the hearth, she looks rather like a feline as she curls up with her feet tucked under her. Lazily watching the child, she chuckles. "They are hard to figure out, children."

Jeroch tosses his head back and just laughs as he flops himself in a nearby seat.

Karina leans forward and sniffs around Iralne a few times. "No, dear. She hasn't soiled herself. You'd smell it." Yashira nods curtly; Karina straightens up, and Iralne takes a few moments before hauling herself up with a gurgle to stand, wobbly-kneed. "Heeeeey, there you go," Yashira says with a grin.

Cheni grins as Iralne makes it up to her feet. "I suppose we all got to start somewhere, huh?"

Jeroch leans forward as he watches the babe pull herself up, smiling wistfully. He nods his agreement with Cheni, "I can't say I wouldn't mind having one someday. But you know, Leya's still Wingsecond and all. Isley and Ayken keep us busy even with their fathers helping out." He class his hands together before him, intertwining his long fingers as he makes for a stretch. "You know, I've got a real nice push toy for when she starts walking," he says through a yawn.

clasps

"I wouldn't turn down anything you made, Jeroch," Yashira tells him, eyes still on the girl. "She'll be walking soon enough, I think."

Cheni's eyebrows shoot up and she looks rather horrified. "Children? None for me, for many a turn. I got too many things to do and such than to be weighed down with that responsibility. No offence, Yashira, she's adorable. But me?" She holds a hand up as if to stop the possibility. "No thanks."

Yashira starts to snicker; Karina looks highly amused, too, and looks at Cheni with an arched eyebrow. "What do you think /she/ always used to say, dear?"

Jeroch grins wryly at the ladies. "Well, it's understandable. Cheni's still young yet. I can't say I wanted any children until a turn ago myself. I've got 30 turns on me now though." He shrugs it off dismissively though.

Cheni moves in her seat and with a smirk of her own and an exaggerated motion, she crosses her legs, tight. "I know of one way, and as I am not a rider, I don't need to be worrying about Flight babies, now do I?"

"Don't have to worry usually, anyway," Yashira says to Cheni. "Not with betweening so often. Not that the technique is precisely easy." She levels a rueful look at Iralne. "No offense." Iralne hiccups.

Jeroch leans far back in his chair, content to silently watch Iralne do baby things.

Cheni looks over her shoulder, watching Jeroch watch the child. "Forgive me, did you say you had children, or does your weyrmate have children. I get so confused with relations around here, I swear, I should be taking notes."

Iralne plunks back down, apparently having had enough of this 'standing' junk. Yashira releases her hands, and she goes for one of the blocks.

"My weyrmate, Leya, has littles. They're from different fathers. Flights," Jeroch says, running his hand through his hair, absently. "Great kids. They're with us whenever they're not off with their fathers."

Cheni is even more puzzled and a little intrigued. "Littles? What are .." She pauses, blushing slightly for interrupting. "Children, what a unique term for them. And .. .it doesn't bother you?" She asks point blank. "That they are not your children?"

Yashira blinks twice. "Why would it? They like him, he likes them... sounds good to me."

"Oh no!" Jeroch says, grinning. He nods his head agreeably with Yashira. "I love 'em. We all get along really well. I mean, it's not always the easiest. I have to remember my boundaries and all. I mean, I'll never be and never try to be their father, but they do respect me and I respect them." He quirks a curious brow at Cheni. "Oh you don't call them littles in Braddle?" he muses.

P'tod walks in from the bowl.

Ryklin walks here from the Inner Cavern.

Yashira is seated on the floor, with a baby girl in a green jumper, who is sitting up and playing with blocks.

Cheni blinks. "No, we call children - children or kids, or brats if they are bratty." She shrugs. "It's not used where I am from at all." She quietly looks Jeroch's way, and after a moment asks. "May I ask you something maybe a bit personal, if you don't want to answer it, please...well, don't."

"Uh oh," Yashira mutters, under her breath. "Buh boo," Iralne mimics.

Ryklin strolls in looking a little red at the neck, but otherwise his usually composed and charming self. A quick wave is tossed in his fellow candidate’s direction rather than disturb them from their conversations, as he moves over to the klah-pots.

P'tod waves to Yashira and to the child with her, winking and making a goofy face at the girl on his way past. He nods to Cheni and Jeroch on his way over to the serving table, where he pours a glass of wine and helps himself to a pastry.

Jeroch shrugs at Cheni. "Sure. Never hurts to ask in all honesty. Give it a go," he says cordially. P'tod and Ryklin are given polite nods and a smile to greet as they wander in from the cold.

Cheni tucks a stray bit of hair behind one ear. "Is jealousy a problem? When your weyrmate is a rider and their dragons catch or are caught, and children result .. how do you cope with that? Back home, in the Holds, it's a dreadful thing indeed but here, well, of course, it's not.."

"Evening, P'tod," Yashira says. There's an older woman with Yashira's hair colour seated at a nearby table; she smiles over at P'tod, too. Yash glances at Cheni, eyebrows raising. "Enh. Jealousy still happens around flights."

P'tod swishes the wine around in his glass and sticks his nose in to take a whiff. Smiling in approval, he sips from it, then turns back to wander over toward where Yashira is again. "Evening. How are you?" He nods also to the older woman, then looks down at the child. "I don't think I've ever met this lovely lady before," he says.

As Cheni waits for Jeroch's reply, she looks Yashira's direction. "But why? It is the dragons who choose, not the rider? Or so I've been told?" She tosses her apple core deep into the fire, just noticing Ryklin and P'tod's entry now, nodding a greeting to them both.

Yashira grunts, picking up Iralne and settling the girl on her lap, facing P'tod. "This is Iralne, my daughter with M'silne. And this," she nods to the older woman, "Is my mother Karina." Iralne yawns sleepily, hazel eyes focusing on P'tod for a moment. She's got short, dark curls. A bit of grimace is sent Cheni's way. "The dragon chooses, yes. But it's still someone you care about sleeping with someone else. A lot of people are fine with it; some aren't, though. Depends on the people. Only an idiot doesn't realize that it's out of the flight people's control, though, if they've weyrmate a rider."

Jeroch purses his lips lightly, turning his large eyes towards the air for a brief moment, "Hmmm. Well, that is a tough one." He pauses a moment, gathering his thoughts before turning his eyes back on Cheni. He listens to Yashira's thoughts before replying with his own. "Well, jealousy does exist. What Yashira sys is true. I personally handle it by thinking of the whole flight thing as a response rather than a desire. I can't let it consume me inside. I know Leya loves me, I know she enjoys my companionship. It's not always easy going, but I just find it easy to forget when it happens."

"That works," P'tod pipes up, in the manner of One Who Knows, "if it /is/ a response and not a desire. Sometimes, it's not all that clear. That's when you run into trouble, I think." That said, he finds himself a seat and bites into his pastry. "Lovely to meet you," he says, grinning at Yashira and her family. "She's a cutey, who does she favor?" he asks, obviously referring to Iralne.

Cheni is satisfied for now, with both answers from rider and woodcrafter, although she appears to have much to think on, she rises to her feet to refill her mug, and as she does, she passes Ryklin. "Sixteenth mark for your thoughts?" She gestures to the klah pot. "Get you something while I am up?"

"True," Jeroch replies to P'tod's added thoughts. "But then again, at least in my case I'm firm in my belief that Leya would be honest with me if that be the case. I can't say the same for everyone else." He finishes with an undaunted grin.

Ryklin chuckles. "Fresh Avian steak, two bread rolls, half a plate of stew, some fresh rashers of porcine - extra crispy - and an order of greens on the side?" he says back with a faint trace of a grin. "Sure thing Cheni, if you’re getting."

"Lucky you," P'tod shoots back, making a face.

Ryklin porcine even

Cheni rolls her eyes and dryly asks. "Klah, water, or juice. That's my serving capacities tonight. Anything to do with food, you can go get it yourself." Pursing her lips in thought, she pours a mug for herself, waiting for Ryklin's response.

"Favour?" Yashira asks, blinking; Karina reaches down to take Iralne, smiling at P'tod as she gathers the kid into her arms. "M'silne. She's certainly far more sweet-tempered than Yashira was at that age. Iralne looks tired, Yashira; it's time for her to be put to bed." She nods to those present and heads for the inner caverns with Iralne. Yashira gathers up the baby's toys and puts them in a bag.

Ryklin chuckles. "Klah would be fantastic Cheni." he notes softly, as he's already moving amongst the serving dishes.

"Sure," Jeroch says softly, crossing his arms over his chest. He falls silent again, waving off after Karina as she disappears with Iralne.

P'tod waves to Iralne. "Good night!" he says brightly to her, smiling again at Karina and nodding to include her as well. He quirks an eyebrow at Yashira, amused, and murmurs, "Mothers..."

Cheni carries over two mugs of klah back to the candidate's table and nods a farewell to baby and grandmother. "Is she the foster mother for her, Yashira?"

"Sort of, Cheni," Yashira replies. "She's taken rather firm hold of her. She's a good foster, though - fostered quite a few people here. And I'm busy, besides." She rubs the back of her head, glancing ruefully at P'tod.

Jeroch rises to his feet rather suddenly. "I think I need to get myself to sleep rather soon. It's been nice chatting," he says cordially to those nearby. "Iralne's very beautiful Yash," he adds to the brownrider. "Pleasant evening all!"

Cheni smirks. "You've got, what? Fifty children to watch over right now anyhow, all shapes sizes and ages in the barracks. I bet you will be relieved when we are all out from under you once the eggs hatch and those that impress move to the weyrling barracks and the rest of us scatter?" She tucks a foot underneath her again and wraps her fingers around her mug. "Good night Jeroch."

Ryklin brings his plate of food with him as he descends on the table after Cheni. "Evening ladies, gents." he adds nodding to folks.

Yashira snorts. "Somewhat relieved," she replies. She nods to Ryklin, finally spotting them. "See you later, Jeroch."

P'tod lifts a hand to wave to Jeroch as the man departs, then chuckles at Cheni's comment. "Oh I'll bet she will be more than glad when they're the Weyrlingmaster's problem."

Cheni smiles sympathetically in the candidate coordinators direction. "I've heard tell that some have been a bit of a challenge." Shaking her head ruefully, she blows on the klah to cool it. "Why anyone would be anything else but well behaved and cooperative is beyond me."

Ryklin pauses to throw a wave after the crafter as he leaves, and then grins. "Oh definitely, well behaved and - cooperative -."

Cheni nods in perfect, innocent agreement with Ryklin. "Right, well behaved."

P'tod smirks a bit. "Ah, what any weyr wouldn't give for such responsible, well behaved candidates," he teases.

Yashira's eyebrows arch, and she looks over at P'tod. "I don't think my worries are quite over then."

Cheni places a hand on her chest and flutters her lashes over guileless eyes. "Well, we do our best, sir, we do our best." Ever the icon of utter responsibility, she takes out a hanky and polishes at a spot on the table in front of her.

P'tod looks back at Yashira. "Oh, you're going to be working with the weyrlings, then?"

Ryklin looks from one rider to the other, eyebrow half cocked, and he shrugs, deciding to eat instead for the moment.

"Let them sweat in fear of the possibility of not escaping me for another two turns," Yashira says lightly.

Ryklin grins wider. "Oh I don't know, some of us might like the idea." he says in a low voice. The smile he turns on at the statement is 'perfectly' innocent. Well one would hope it was for his sake now wouldn't one.

P'tod grins. "That's a plan," he says, nodding and chuckling. "There any real troublemakers in this bunch?" he asks the three. "I mind myself of one group we had back at Ista, some Turns ago. There were more stupid pranks... including dolling up a herdbeast with hair creams and ribbons and shoving it into the living cavern during a feast. I had to deal with that one after she impressed, too." He makes a face. "Undisciplined. Lucky she didn't get her dragon killed."

Cheni murmurs. "Congratulations, Yashira, you were recently asked to join the weyrling team?" She is swift to shake her head. "No one that obvious, sir." Wrinkling her nose, she rolls her eyes at the prank and gives Ryklin an odd look.

Yashira sighs. "Subtlety, your name is not Yashira," she mutters. She shrugs at P'tod, then points out Ryklin. "That one's a bit of a letch."

"So I see," P'tod observes, trying not to laugh. "I guess there are worse things."

Ryklin grins back at Yashira. "Funny, it was 'flirt' last sevenday." he says as he adds a genuine congratulations to Yashira. "And I'm not quite as bad as they make out, names Ryklin." he notes, sticking out a hand in greeting to P'tod.

P'tod raises one eyebrow slightly as he regards Ryklin's hand for a moment, then reaches out to grasp it politely. "P'tod. Semeth's rider. Formerly of Ista."

Yashira arches an eyebrow at Ryklin. "Watch it."

Cheni blushes and scoots her chair a bit away from Ryklin. 'Oh? Says who?" She snorts good naturedly however as she taps her mug with a finger tip."

Ryklin grins back at Yashira toothily, with his 'I'm behaving myself' look. "Formerly of Benden, now of Telgar Weyr." he chooses to ignore Cheni's comment as he says. "And currently in need of a good feed. So I hope you won't think it rude of me." he says, pointing back down at his plate.

Cheni waves her free hand with the air of a Lady Holder. "Don't stop on my account, dear Ryklin." Her eyes flash mischievously. "I am sure you need a lot of food to keep up your stamina."

"I'm sure nobody will think it rude of you to eat in a room designed for the purpose," P'tod says dryly, even though Ryklin wasn't addressing him. He glances at Yashira, rolling his eyes slightly.

Ryklin murmurs back to Cheni "I'd be happy to show you /anytime/ - when we aren't candidates." A wry grin and he nods politely back to P'tod, chowing down.

Yashira shrugs a little at P'tod. "His brother was the same way. And I'm not allowed to smack them upside the head too often."

P'tod grins at Yashira. "Are the rest of us?"

Cheni giggles at Yashira's comment but is even more amused by Ryklin. "You know what they say about a man..." She pauses for effect. "Or boy...who is all talk of his prowess.." She tsks sympathetically and takes another sip from her mug.

"Not really. Well, it risks me having to come smack you upside the head if I feel they didn't deserve the smack on the head from you," Yashira informs P'tod with a faint smile, though her tone's more amused.

Ryklin just grins at her. "Come on Cheni, I gave Yashira my word I wouldn't embarrass her too much." he says in a voice that isn't designed to carry.

P'tod snorts a bit at Cheni. He doesn't catch what Ryklin says next, but shakes his head a little. "Do you smack hard?" he asks of Yashira with a grin.

Cheni sighs and speaks just as quietly back to Ryklin. "In her presence, at least?" With a sardonic grin turning up her lips, she chuckles. "You're not quite the same meek and mild little candidate when the candidate coordinator is not present." As she hears P'tod's snort, she looks over her shoulder in his direction and giggles.

Ryklin points a finger at Cheni. "Now why do I get the feeling you're just trying to land me in hot water - I've had more than enough of that today." he says with a heartfelt groan as he shifts in his chair - easing backwards until it's tilting precariously again.

Yashira glances at P'tod, blinking twice. "Yes. Very. You haven't heard that yet, I suppose."

Cheni falls back against her chair and looks innocently at Ryklin. "Now why would I ever want to make another person uncomfortable or place them into a position that they might find it hard to squirm away from? And hot water? Steam bath duties?"

P'tod shakes his head. "Learn something new every day. I suppose I'd better not risk it, then." He gets up to refill his wine glass. "Want anything?" he asks the brownrider.

Yashira shakes her head, raising her hand. "No, thanks. If I wanted something, I'd've gotten it already."

Ryklin grins. "Exactly, I can do that well enough on my own sweetheart." he says with a smirk. "Laundry." is added offhand as another huge mouthful is bitten and chewed on.

Yashira's lips set into a thin line. "She has a name, Ryklin. It's not 'sweetheart'."

P'tod just gives Ryklin an I-can't-believe-this-guy look, and shakes his head as he returns with the full wineglass.

Cheni's brow quirks up as she wills herself not to bristle at her fellow candidate. "Only one who has ever called me sweetheart is my aged uncle. And the only one I'd want to call me that is someone who has more sincerity than a addle-brained herdbeast in rut."

Ryklin smirks even more. "I'll take that as a compliment. I didn't know you could use such charming language." h looks as though he was about to tack on another 'sweetheart' at the end of that, but decided against it.

Yashira's lips curl back from her teeth.

Ryklin humphs. "Geesh, can't a guy eat in peace? I'm sure you folks have /better/ things to talk about." he adds, with a growl as he tackles the mug of klah. "Thanks for the klah by the way Cheni."

P'tod notes Yashira's expression, and advises Ryklin, "I'd quit while I was ahead, if I were you."

Cheni snorts. "Amazing what you can learn in the runner's pasture, isn't it, Ryklin." She smiles charmingly. "You are welcome, any time I can help a fellow candidate, just ask. I live to serve." She chokes on her klah as she stifles a giggle at herself.

Ryklin looks over at that. "You okay?" he asks sincerely as she starts spluttering.

Yashira stands slowly, eyes narrowing at both Candidates for a moment.

Cheni nods as she manages to get air going the right way down and klah from spilling from her mug. "I'm fine." She croaks, beet red in the face. "Had a hard time swallowing that last comment of mine is all."

P'tod leans back in his chair, sipping his wine and watching Yashira, eyebrows raised.

Ryklin just watches her for a long moment as she gets her breath back. "Well if you're sure you're okay... can do a lot of damage to yourself if you aren't carefu." he says, before turning back to his food, frowning slightly. The man is paying no heed to Yashira at this point.

Yashira strides toward the serving tables, grabbing a couple of meatrolls and scowling.

P'tod looks slightly disappointed that there wasn't any smacking. He tips his chair back on two legs and drains the rest of the wine out of his glass, twirling it empty in his fingers and waiting for Yashira to return.

Cheni shrugs. "I'm fine." Her voice returns to normal as she gets to her feet. "I'd better be getting back to the barracks. I've got some .. something to do down there, I am sure." As she passes Ryklin, she sticks her tongue out at him with a mischievous wink and by the time her mug is placed in the cleaning bin, her expression is modified to the sweet little innocent candidate look. "Good night, Yashira, P'tod."

Later the Same Evening -
Preface: Cheni had been pranking three candidates over the course of a month, subtly dipping their hands in warm water as they slept with the usual results, wet beds. The evening before, Maylia smelled something rotten in Cheni's supposed concern in the welfare of the three lads, either deliberately or innocently misunderstanding the situation, believing that Cheni was the one with the "problem".

Telgar Weyr's Living Cavern

This huge cavern is sufficiently roomy to hold a large portion of the Weyr's population without feeling cramped. There's always a bustle of activity here. Fragrant dishes are constantly in preparation for mealtimes: currently for the late meal. Drudges are always present, either cleaning under Pierron's watchful eye, or helping fetch and carry. A myriad of glowbaskets and many ever-lit hearths make the cavern warm and inviting despite its size. The scents of cooking meats, baking breads and pastries, and the pungent aroma of spices hang mouthwateringly in the air. It is little wonder that those seeking to relax nearly always find their way here to do it. Branches of evergreens and glistening winter berries are ornaments of the season.

A short tunnel jaunts northward out to the bowl and the merry sounds of cooking, chores, and laughter echo from the kitchen at the southeast end of the cavern near the easterly passage to the rest of the lower caverns. Within the lower caverns is an entrance to the infirmary weyr to care for injured dragons and riders.

PLAYERS: Yashira M'silne Maylia Pierron Ursa L'han

"Or roast a holding," May agrees, sagely. She's leaning back in her chair, that mysterious little bundle on her lap like a little monster. Er. Kitten. Or something. Whatever, she's casually guarding it with one hand. "But there could've been people stuck in that holding, and flame would've turned it into an oven. Okay, a damp oven, but one nonetheless."

Cheni wanders out from the inner cavern and heads to the meal table, acknowledging those she knows along the way with a sleepy yawn. Holding her blanket up around her shoulders, she manages not to trip on it as she pours a large mug of water.

Ursa is well practiced with a sleeping madman. She shakes him just enough to get him upright, and walk-shuffles with him outta here. As quickly as she can, which isn't that quickly, trying to get him outta there before everyone hears whatever mumbles come out of his mouth.

L'han doesn't mumble so much as laugh. A deep, throaty laugh. You know. That kind.

Yashira raises her eyebrows, peering after him. "Huh," she says.

"Cheni, from Braddle," M'silne says out of the blue, directing a nod towards the incoming Candidate. "There y'go, May. I'm off for now." Collecting his plate, mug, and half-asleep fire-lizard, M'silne nods to everyone else at the table and slips on out.

Yashira waves to M'silne. "See you," she murmurs.

Maylia looks over her shoulder to send a wave after L'han and Ursa's backs - accompanied by a chuckle. This grows into a very brief broad grin as she spots Cheni, though it's gone in a heartbeat. "Ah, Cheni. From Braddle, not Boll exactly and certainly not Igen. Night, M'silne. And how're you doing this evening, Cheni?"

"Evening, Cheni," Yashira says quietly, munching on a meatroll.

Cheni blinks as her name is called. "Yes, sir? That's me. Can I help you?" She grins at Maylia and then to Yashira. "Good evening. I'm just fine and yes, not exactly Southern Boll but close to it, was there something you needed?" She shuffles along with her drink and her blanket, heading towards the hearth. "Shards, I wish I could figure out a way of getting that lad to quit snoring."

Maylia gives the glass of water a pointed look, then beckons Cheni closer. "Been looking for you - got something for you, might come in handy. Not with the snoring, though. Besides that, how've you been sleeping?" For all that the greenrider might seem casual and breezy with the question, those who knew her as Weyrlingmaster *know* that tone. She meant something in particular by that.

Yashira's eyebrows go up a little; she finishes a meatroll and watches curiously.

Cheni draws her blanket around her, almost cocoon like, as she shuffles over even closer. She looks at the mug, then at Maylia, befuddled. "For me? If it's a pillow, it might work, although we've promised Yashira not to drown or kill off any of our fellow candidates. And sleeping, I was sleeping wonderfully, lovely dream, then -he- began." As she doesn't know Maylia well, she's not quite sure where this is going, yet.

Maylia waits until Cheni's close, then offers up the small bundle with a little pat-pat. Leaning close, she speaks softly, She mutters to Cheni, "... towelling ,... quite... absorbent... just... it... your sheets at... and... it out in... morning.... take till... but... enough... do... sure." That said, the woman leans back again, and what she says next might *just* be audible to those closer by. "You sure that water's a wise idea, in the middle of the night sweetie?" Sweetie. May *never* uses that word, not even to T'saren.

You sense Maylia waits until Cheni's close, then offers up the small bundle with a little pat-pat. Leaning close, she speaks softly, "Here, now. It's towelling, it's quite soft and absorbent. No need for anyone to know, just put it under your sheets at night, and wash it out in the morning. It'll take till next night to dry, I'd say, but there's enough to do you, I'm sure." That said, the woman leans back again, and what she says next might *just* be audible to those closer by. "You sure that water's a wise idea, in the middle of the night sweetie?" Sweetie. May *never* uses that word, not even to T'saren.

Yashira's forehead wrinkles. "Uh...." Very eloquent.

Cheni blushes red as her blanket and looks at the package as if it were holding dead tunnelsnake entrails. Cringing on the word, sweetie, the candidate stammers, "But I, I mean, I really, not me, honestly, I haven't done.. I really don't I mean I don't need that!" Maylia's supposed kindness only makes matters worse and she looks for help from Yashira. "Tell her, I'm totally healthy and haven't..and the healers say I should be drinking lots as it's so much drier here than Braddle."

"Totally healthy? I'll reserve that judgment 'til I discern whether you're both healthy /in the head/," Yashira says with a snort. "What is this about? Water?"

Maylia clucks her tongue, and notes for Yashira, "I'm just trying to help the girl with what seemed to be a rather embarrassing problem. Now, really Cheni, there's no need to make a big fuss over it." She's speaking slowly, clearly, and reasonably - the model of maternal concern.

Cheni protests - too much but manages to keep her tone respectful. "I told you last night ma'am that it's not my problem, it's Ranly and Panaard and Dolanfal, those three, they are the ones, I could pass them on to them, if you like, but I have a feeling they'd not be over receptive to the idea. And amazingly.." Her eyes blink wide open as she considers just how amazing it truly is. "They all seemed rather relieved this morn' and didn't go scurrying out of the barracks."

"Uh huh," Yashira says slowly, glancing between Maylia and Cheni. "Someone start explaining. From the beginning. Please."

Cheni shrugs innocently and sits in the nearest chair, carefully transferring her mug to the table top while clutching that package. She looks Maylia's way, deferring to the greenrider.

"Really?" Maylia asks, sweetly. "Dry sheets this morning, hmmm? Well, now, if -they- continue to have problems," she stresses the word, perhaps implying that she doesn't buy this for a minute, "These towels might come in handy. Explaining? Well, I don't see that there's that much to explain. Seems a number of candidates have been having dampness problems at night. Not exactly the sort of thing one owns up to readily, and Cheni here seemed just a tad too red-cheeked when mentioning it, so I put two and two together." There. All nice and easy. "But it seems it's a few lads, right, Cheni? You know, there were some water-proof tarps in the store room as well. Would keep your - er, their mattresses dry. If problems continue, I'll give them to you, and you can, well, pass them along?"

Yashira rubs her forehead. "Bedwetting. Uh huh. You know, they could probably just get their own tarps if it really concerned them."

Cheni blinks with alarm. This isn't going the way she had planned, no, not at all. Her eyes narrow as she too emphasizes. "If -they- do, I'm not sure I'd tell them anyhow. They are bullies and rude and they peek at the girls when we are getting changed." Shaking her head firmly, in disagreement, she adds. "Not several, only three, Ranly and the others. And this time, I'm afraid, .. ma'am, It doesn't add up to two. But three!"

Maylia tsks softly, flashing Yashira a briefly exasperated look, then continues after Cheni. "True, but you know boys. They'd never breathe a word of this sort of thing, and might not know where to look. I'd hate to embarrass them further by interfering. Or, Cheni, if you'd rather not relay the tarps, I could always tell Yashira or M'silne, and have them tarp whichever beds need it? Now, now, I think I'm adding two and two just fine. No need to make a big fuss over it."

"Peek back," Yashira says with a snort. "You might see something funny."

Maylia suggests, "Change somewhere else? Or rig up a screen?"

Cheni frumps, now glowering. "Peek back? I'd never do such a thing! And a screen? And get laughed out of the barracks? Besides, they are so dense, if they can't even figure out why their hands are.." She blinks. "I mean their heads are full of nothing!"

Yashira arches an eyebrow, glancing at Maylia. "Uh huh."

Maylia replies to Yashira, "Uh huhh." Nonverbal communication is wonderful.

Cheni looks between the two riders quizzically. "Uh-huh?"

Yashira nods and stands. "Well, Cheni, why don't we go put those whatever on your bed. Maybe we'll get some tarps. They wouldn't dare laugh at you with me there."

Cheni blinks at Yashira and protests as the rider stands. "What? Me! I told you, it's not me, it's that putrid trio."

Maylia smirks slightly, but then nods vigorously. "Sounds like just the thing. Wouldn't want you to have to sleep on a soggy mattress, after all - and there aren't many secrets in the candidates quarters anyways, might's well let you sleep high and dry."

Cheni belatedly adds. "And they are all sleeping and I am sure the dears need their sleep." Her charming smile is a bit belated but she tries to tack it on the end.

"High and dry. Well, if 'those three' can manage not to wet their beds, I suppose we don't have to. But if any of those 'awful boys' who 'wet the bed' do it again, we're marching right in there and making /sure/ your cot is high and dry," Yashira tells Cheni, smiling an overly sweet smile. It looks odd on her face, like it's contorting muscles that don't get much action.

Cheni is even more frightened by Yashira's smile - it's the first time she's ever seen the rider smile - than anything else and her suddenly blanched face shows it. "Yes'm, I'll be sure to let you know if there is any problems." She leaves her mug behind and lifts her blanket up around her knees and walks, half trots out of the cavern. "I think I'm plenty sleepy now. Good night." She gives Maylia a look over her shoulder and then Yashira and then mutters something about shardin' dragons and unfair tactics.

"Good night! Dry night!" Yashira calls.

Maylia actually looks disappointed at this turn of events. But she pleasantly bids, "Good night, and pleasant dreams, Cheni."

Yashira murmurs to Maylia, She mutters to Maylia, "... is... of a pud."





*** Disconnected from PernMUSH ***

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