Saved by the Bellow? An Evening of Slinky Entertainment

Eastern Weyr - Commons Cavern

A grand stairway leads downward into the cool rock of the commons cavern, a place for socializing and relaxing, as well as an area that provides solid shelter from the seasonal storms of this area. One of the few caverns at Eastern Weyr, the rock here has been worn away by centuries worth of water movement, leaving a nearly glass smooth polish over much of the room. Rocky shelves line the walls on which electric lights covered with paper lanterns rest, providing adequate illumination for the area. High above are further light fixtures, enabling a wide range of lighting options here. A natural pool occupies half of the far end of the cavern and is supplied with heated water piped in by an ingenious techcrafter. All about the room are balconies of rock with stairs leading to them and small dumbwaiters for the purpose of delivering food and drink to their heights.


It's been a long rainy day at Eastern, the ominous clouds a rich grey, covering the sky and highlighted by the storms passing through. The energy about is thick, resonating on a different level, there is excitement and anticipation captivating all. Mahlia is holding herself in good stride, her hands are finally starting to heal from all the stable work, small calluses taking place of the cracks that pained her so. She means to give thanks to J'yn for the /secret Ur'yu handcream/. Night has fallen and the moons are high and full, the foggy lull taking most to bed early. The lanterns have been dimmed and Mahl has set the mood in the Caverns with a few candles and some wonderfully orchestrated drummers, sitar player and bellydancer from the nether-regions of Pern. The music, and entertainment is slinky and authentic, the players wail and the dancer delivers with undulating hips, shimmying shoulders and twists of the wrists. Mahl has her hair tied back, business, scurrying about making contact with the small groups about, drinks flowing freely for everyone but the Candidates, still she gives great service with a smile "Thirsty this evening?" she queries.

Sarintar wonders in from outside, drenched to the bone and looking like something the weyr felines would have left instead of dragging in. His hair is plastered to his head and his clothes stick to his body and even his boots make a squish squench noise as he walks through the caverns, heading straight for the klah pots. "Shards what I'd give fer Cap'n's flask." he mutters as he pours himself klah and then tosses it back without nary a sweetener or diluter.

Etzlix doesn't like rain, it makes sleeping outside miserable, so she has managed to shuffle into the commons cavern, sticking to the shadows as much as she can. Drip drop squish squish. These are the sounds that escape the thin framed body as it minces its way towards someplace dry and warm.

A'dar's entrance into the commons cavern is not loud. But he too is soaked, apparently having been out in the rain for some time. And he doesn't seem too bothered by it. As he gets out of the rain, he shakes his head, shaking off like a canine, just getting the excess water off of him enough to come in so he isn't dripping everywhere. He gives not a second look to the entertainers — even the belly-dancer! He just makes for the nearest place he can get a drink. Though he's sticking to the non-alcoholic stuff.

The dancer is tastefully dressed, leaving much to the imagination, a mystery in movement unraveling a veil from her costume to bring another dimension to her choreography. She tells a story with every step, her hands creating roses as fingers ripple, a story of water and the elements. Mahlia notices three soaked familiar faces, this storm has been a doozie, drying linens are grabbed, and the Cavern has been kept warm by a fire the Candidate tends to often. Tis is followed by offers for a mug of klah, or refills, maybe even some ginger and vanilla tea for those who fancy. She comes first to A'dar "Something warm to drink A'dar?" towel passed his direction, then a refill to her sea-faring friend "Sarintar, evening there gent.. and always intriguing Etzlix, she raises a brow, sending a welcoming smile his direction, figuring that by this point she's seen him around enough times he's gotta at least be alright. If he seems receptive, she would approach him offering a toasty beverage.

Sarintar drinks down the second fill of coffee "Ahh, much better." he states "Thank ye." he then moves to stand as close to the fire as he can get without actually being in it. Letting his clothes steam. "Wasn't sure we were gonna make it inta port there, but we had ta be trying, the stallion we be shipping was doin' some mighty damage to the hold, and I be havin' to clean up after 'em." he grumbles a little "Shardin runner needs a cork and a knot."

Etzlix watches as towels and drinks are offered. Soaked hooded cloak is plastered to the runaway's thin frame and hazel orbs regard Mahlia as she speaks her name. "H'lo." Comes the hoarse raspy voice as the thin figure continues towards the most handy fire, slipping up next to it to try and dry off.

It's not really doing much for A'dar anyway, if his quick look is any indication. The gaze is just to mark the dancer's position relative to him. In fact, he seems to be doing that to everyone in the room — possibly assessing them for threat level. The towel is accepted from Mahlia, and he offers a nod. "…Thank you." And he dries his hair a little more. Even in this weather, he's wearing his sleeveless shirt. "…Just klah," he replies to the question of drinks. He looks to the others as they enter, falling silent as Sarintar and Etzlix — even the single word – speak.

Mahlia serves up a piping hot mug of fresh klah to the rider "Yer welcome.. Cubes or cream?" she's got them both, and the dancer glides by, keeping her distance but still attempting to captivate. Mahl's firelizard quartet works above to drop flower petals over the dancer as she shimmies and gyrates her way to a finale before taking a break. Music crescendo's, arms, hair and hips wild with the tempo.. and then it drops and she strikes a final contorted pose, abdominal musculature fluxing with each fervid breath. The Candidate whistles through her teeth, no hands needed as they tend to tray, nodding to Sarintar "I forgot t'give thanks to ya for catching m'Pier painting snafu the other day." Even if she was already 3/4 of the way done, good thing somebody noticed, otherwise nights like these would've been much more difficult with the wrong coat of unreflective paint. "Etzlix right?" how she knows the name will likely not be questioned, word travels around here, especially about unique individuals. She's cautious about her approach, knowing his propensity for falling on his bum, smiling and with good calm distance.

Sarintar blinks a moment and stands there and then he ohs "Aye, well nay trouble fer me ta tell ya. Tis a good thing though, we be havin' 'nuff trouble getting the ship to da docks." he murmurs. He's eyes flicker over towards Etzlix and he murmurs the name to himself. It means nothing and it means something. There's a deft plucking of a flower from out of an arrangement on the table and he's heading over to the 'em. Male or female, he really hasn't stopped to think about it. Intrigued him and piqued his interest though. He heads over drops to a knee and presents the flower. "For you, me mysterious little friend. I trust da fire had kept ye warm and the food filled yer belly? " Ahhm, he's learned a bit of gallantry.

Etzlix only falls on her bum on the beach, or when spooked or…okay, so she falls down a lot. A nod of hooded head at Mahlia's question of her name. "Aye." Surprisingly Etzlix isn't completely scrambling backwards trying to flee, it's still wet and rainy outside after all, and she doesn't want to go back out in it yet. Upon the approach of Sarintar, hazel eyes blink at the show, not sure what to think of the presentation of the flower. But one hand reaches for the flower, and there might just be the slightest little hint of a smile there if you can see beneath the hood. "Thankee." And thank goodness for the shrouding hood as it keeps rose-tinged cheeks from being revealed.

"No. Thank you," A'dar returns as Mahlia asks about additions to the klah. He finds a place to sit that's not too far away from the main group, but it's far enough to note that he's not part of any real grouping of people there. He seems quiet, abnormally so, and the scars are likely not helping him in appearing friendly. And if Etzlix is the skittish type, his piercing blue-and-green gaze is probably not doing much to settle her nerves. Sarintar likely would be unaffected by the strange quality of A'dar's gaze. It's just…kind of empty.

Mahlia nods gratefully to Sarintar, agreeing that making anyone's job harder is definitely not the intention "Good thing it was.." it's the best when you don't do something right the first time and get to do it again! "You've been around for awhile then, finally found whoever you're lookin' for? M'names Mahlia, well met.. n'care for a snack? As a Candidate with Common's duties I must make sure no one leaves hungry or thirsty!" She chuckles a bit, *on a mission!* putting down the drink tray and pulling out two platters to be set on nearby tables, one of warm meatrolls and spiderclaw cakes, the other of fritters and sweetrolls. "Please help yourselves.." she says, smirking as Sartinar turns his flowery intentions on Etz. The brunette takes a momentary break after all has been served, sitting somewhere between A'dar and the rest, the crowd clapping for an encore, the dancer finally reentering for one more beautiful facade of outer worldly fantasy.

Scars don't bother Sarintar, not in his line of work as a sailor, among other things. And though the gaze doesn't bother him indeed. There is a wary respect there as well. One does not mess with empty gaze men. In is experience it usually leads to situations of an all too, permanent nature. Still, he is all smiles for Etzlix and his eyes watch the hand and the smile is noted and kept. He gives a bow from his kneeling position and then he's up and offering his arm. "May I lead ye to a seat?" He seems to almost stumble on the last bit with not having a sir or miss or ma'am to add to it." There's a grin for Mahlia and a tip of his head. He's thankful for her efforts as he swipes up a sweetroll or two in passing to offer to Etz if the arm is accepted. Or to enjoy himself if not.

Etzlix shrugs briefly at Mahlia's question of if she's found who she was looking for, but the name has the thin figure bowing head in greeting. "Mahlia." Name is repeated, and the attempt made to put it to memory. Etz isn't really bothered by scars either, she's seen plenty in her short life. The eyes, though, if she would happen to look at them, they might make her consider fleeing back into the rain, and the fact that the man they belong to is a dragonrider would likely add to it. But right now hazel orbs are on Sarintar, and at first the thin figure isn't sure what to do. But then she'll settle her arm on his, if only because he promised food and drink. The runaway will follow the seacrafter, sweetroll accepted hesitantly.

"Thank you." A'dar nods politely when the baked goods are brought out. He'll get a plate and a few of each when the offer to 'help himself' is given. Sarintar's mental assessment of men with empty gazes is…probably pretty accurate where A'dar is concerned. Such gazes have normally been drained of their life by situations that have forged the man or woman behind that empty gaze into a more ruthless man or woman. It's probably fortunate that A'dar doesn't leave his gaze on Etzlix for too long, then. He'll be keeping an eye on her, but…he's keeping an eye on everyone, so that's nothing new. And then? A'dar will sit quietly, sip his klah, and nibble at his food for a while…until a quartet of firelizards start to pop in, one after the other, and alight on him at various points. Before long, he's got one on his head, one on each shoulder, and one on the table in front of him. And yup, they're all begging for scraps! Despite himself A'dar smiles, just a little bit, and offers the firelizards some of his food. He's got them trained, it seems, and breaks up squabbles with a quick "Tsst!" and a gentle poke to the offending firelizard's side.

Mahlia feels the rider's desolation, scars almost looked passed, they're all just trying to get by in this crazy place called Pern. So many different paths and experiences, one thing that brings 'em all together, food, drink and some good entertainment. This time the dancer comes out with a sword on her head, moving gracefully as head stays still for balance and body slithers. The music is low tempo, slow and sultry. Mahlia watches the sweetness unfolding between Sarintar and Etz, letting them be while she makes a SssSss sound to encourage the dancer. A few spiderclaw cakes, half a sweet roll and a topped off juice, the woman is turning back quickly to watch the show. She notices something peculiar about the rider, that shroud of disconnect hovering over him. Since Mahlia's own quartet is now finished with their part of the dance, they are quick to notice the four from /between/ and swoop the riders way. All four wedged heads tilt, eyes a-whirling *shareplease?* before their pet scolds "Hey?! What is with you guys begging?!" trying to keep it under her breath, but completely surprised by their mischievous acts, an act that could put a particular rider's firelizards on the defense.

Sarintar leads Etzlix over to a seat and not only is sweetroll given, but he leaves the table briefly and comes back with a tray of hot spiced cider and various meat pies, rolls and slices. However, he comes to a brief pause at the sight of the firelizards around A'dar. There's a curious gleam in the lads eyes as he notes this little interesting tidbit and then he's back at the table and pouring the cider for Etz. Being a cabin boy, one learns many little tricks of the trade. After all, he gets to serve his Cao'n personally. "Would you like some of these fine wares?"

Etzlix settles into the seat, hazel eyes taking in the dancer and the seacrafter, as well as Mahlia and briefly A'dar and his firelizards. So many firelizards around, she's not used to so many. "Yes..please." The last word comes as more of an afterthought, someone's likely lacking in manners. And, since it's difficult to eat with a hood over your face, the runaway hesitates a moment, but then the hood is slid from her face, revealing rather average features beneath marred and smudged skin. A'dar's not the only one with scars, apparently, for Etzlix has her own doozy of a scar across her throat, perhaps it will explain the hoarse raspiness of the runaway's voice, likely some permanent damage under that scar.

Oh, indeed, A'dar's four flying stomachs are on the defensive now — his brown stands with his head low in threat, but makes no sound; his greens both hiss, one arching her back like a cat and the other drawing herself up proudly; the blue however, does a very good impression of teary-eyes! "…Do you let others feed them? Or would you prefer to break them of begging?" A'dar inquires of Mahlia's quartet. He returns the gaze from Sarintar with a polite nod, but doesn't want to interrupt him. Though…Etzlix's scar draws his attention, and he looks to it consideringly….

Whats a little smudging, a scar or poor manners even? Sarintar seems rather more entranced at the moment that not only was a face revealed but now he's lucky as to know her gender. His gaze flicks to her throat, but only briefly, for his gaze is drawn to her hazel eyes. "You honor me." he simply says as he serves her food and drink.

Brows furrow in the middle, a baffled peak above jade eyes "Y'know.. come t'think of it, only one other person has ever fed them, and it was recently. Habits sure are quick to form with these guys.. they should know better." Even with hissed and scowling head, Mahl's four pay more attention to the snacks before being called over by the girl, silly love buckets will eventually learn that not all are overtly receptive as they are. She has quickly torn up some meatroll, a few pieces each "I should probably break 'em of that.. starting now." Bagheera darts, gobbling up her share and them some, always a princess, little bronzen gent known as Chivas bugles and takes to next, *lizard-lunch-line* the dopy Dhoan who only trudges ahead due to the true ringleader, Foawr, stubborn blue holding it all down.

The dancer spins and spins, sword never falling, a few level changes, the beat rises and then settles again, rises and settles again, building to an abrupt ending as the show comes to a halt. She is poised, two more hits of the drum accented by fierce hip bumps, the stage lights go out, and she is gone. Mahlia finishes feeding her seemingly famished friends and claps, whistling again at the dancer's departure. She turns to those gathered and saying "Thank you all for joining me this evening, feel free to take any of the left overs with you and you can pick up a recording or contact info on the way out for our entertainment: Sanira and the Hamurabi's" One of the more famous vagabond performers around Pern.

Etzlix's hazel orbs flicker from A'dar and his flying stomachs to Mahlia's four flying stomachs, then they slip over towards the dancer as she finishes up her set. The Sarintar is there, looking at her eyes, and she lowers her eyes a little letting long bangs slip down to hide them at least a little bit. Not sure how to respond to the honoring comment, she just blushes a smidge, hiding it behind the biting down on her sweetroll.

Once Mahlia's four firelizards move away, A'dar's quartet calms. Though the darker of the two greens seems to give a huff and a flick of her tail. She has to share A'dar's attention with three other firelizards and a dragon. She's /not/ sharing it with anybody else! A'dar nods, offering a quiet "…Hn." It's an affirmative grunt, anyway. A bit of a smile pulls at his lips as he notes Sarintar's reaction to Etzlix…and to her reaction to Sarintar. A small one, mind…but it's there nonetheless.

Perhaps this will turn into a moment that should not be interrupted. A moment that will never come again. A moment that does not need the darkest cloud in all of Pern hanging over it. There is a movement of his head, a slight tic towards the door. The four firelizards disappear, one after the other, and A'dar stands. "…Good evening," he offers quietly in farewell. And then he strides towards the door. Though he'll take some food on his way out, and put it in something so the rain won't soak it.

Sarintar is entranced by the blush, oh my but he's smittin'. Alas, the moment cannot last, for outside in the rain comes a piercing whistle followed by a bellow long and loud "SARINTAR!" The lad just about falls off his seat. "Oh shards! The runner!" and the seacrafter lad is up and giving a bow to Etzlix, albeit a hurried one "Later perhaps?" and then he's scrambling as quick as his short legs will carry him "Coming!" he calls ahead of himself.

Good spirits, doesn't mean she isn't tired. After a morning in the galleries, followed by all that YUCKY /and embarrassing/ 'girl talk' with Syra then coordinating the evening's events, Mahl's about had it and realizes it's time turn in as juice is spilled all over herself, slipping right past bottom lip. "Oh shards and shells!" she exclaims, glad she missed her knot and that this is post bellydancer awe time. The quad-brat-pack heckle her with warbles and chitters, fluttering up to her shoulders as she stands and attempts to brush some of it off. Only when she excuses herself, saying "I should probably clean myself up, tend to these dishes and scoot in before curfew.. g'night everyone." is the scar on the young mysterious one noticed, as well as a flourishing something that is steered clear off. A brief glimmer of a smile is sent everyones way and she's of to continue on with that busy thing, before slipping in to the Candidate Caverns for what is hopefully a peaceful night's rest.

Saved by the bellow? The loud call from outside has Etzlix ducking without realizing it, blush interrupted as hazel eyes dart about towards the exit. But it wasn't her name that was called, that is at least a relief. But that also means that she's gotta lose her companion, at least for awhile. At the question, the runaway nods. "'Kay." And that blush is back full force as hazel orbs trail after the retreating seacrafter.

Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License