Early, late, it all felt the same sometimes. Especially when his schedule got stretched out to include more daylight hours. Lan had a seat in the dining hall, but hadn’t been doing much besides stubbornly refusing to go back to sleep. His little White flitter tried to help, but the only thing he could do was not sleep on her. So she sprawled out in front of him looking cute. Arc tried her best, and that was nice. The Wher handler tried to rub the sleep from his eyes but was not quite able to. Today was another round of learning not to trip over every other word with the lady harper. Sleep deprivation was just a nice bonus.
He sat at his seat for a while, trying to wake up, listening to the clamor of the dining hall at an actual busy hour. He was used to being in when things needed to be reheated and the only others in were other guards and the like. Before Ethilask he might be in at a decent hour, but he had still had Syne, and he wasn’t about to let his avian buddy skip out on exercise.
He stood up, looking half asleep, and wandered over to get some klah. All he really did was wander over to the first person who looked like they might have something to do with the kitchen and mumble something about klah. He was pretty out of it.
Ayrenn was up as usual, had to have klah, had to wake up. Wasn't gonna wake up without caffeine, that's for sure. She brushed the knots forming in her hair out, it was like firelizards were nesting in there at night. What even? "Ouch!" She grumbled as she ripped one particularly stubborn one out. Presentable enough. She thought as she tied her hair in a loose runners tail and headed for the dining hall for her morning fix of klah.
It was busy as usual for the morning, most of the Weyr must depend on klah to survive. The thought made her chuckle. It was rare that she ate a full, meaningful breakfast. She'd eat when she was more awake. Ayrenn patiently waited for the small line to move, taking her closer to what she'd even come here for.
She glanced up as someone approached her while she was gathering her morning drink. A bit of an odd look gracing her face as he mumbled something about klah to her. Ayrenn couldn't help but chuckle, and as she did she shook her head, handing the man the cup that was in her hands. "Shall I get you some, too?" She asked slightly confused, looking at the klah in her hands. Oh shells, why wait, he obviously needed it. "Here, take this, I'll get another." She said, handing the cup over to the man and making sure she got another for herself.
S'rico of [smear:B8860B]Bronze-Crimson Aldith[/smear:cc0000] Ayrenn of [smear:000000]Black [F] Junwingth[/smear:555555] Niylah of White-Green Rivith
The voice took some time to register, but a mug of something warm was placed in his hands and that was much easier to respond to. Smelled really good, so he didn’t stop for a second sniff and took a gulp. Man that felt good. Stay awake, you had a lesson you were paying for. He rubbed his eyes and tried to get his bearings. He felt some stubble and wondered if it wasn’t time to shave. Eh, he’d get to it tonight after sleep. However much sleep that would be. Thank Faranth for klah.
He vaguely registered a feminine voice had spoken to him and focused on that. The person speaking was a lot shorter then him, which wasn’t a big surprise for the monster he was. He didn’t quite have an entire foot on her, but it was close. He noticed her going back for another mug and the caffeine slowly got his wheels turning. He looked from the mug, back to her and then a nice bit of embarrassment woke him up.
“Sorry, t-t-thanks for the k-k-klah.” Not awake enough to try the things he had been learning to get his stuttering under control either. He was still not focused enough for it anyway. “I’m d-d-didn’t mean to steal yours.” He looked rather sheepish.
Ayrenn watched carefully as the man registered the warm mug, the wonderful caffeine substance in his hands now. Hopefully that'd help him, he sure did look exhausted to no end. She smiled softly as he took a drink, and softly blew on her own to cool it before she brought it to her lips, taking a drink as well. She looked over him, quite tall he was..or maybe she was quite short. Either way, he was absolutely taller than she was. She wondered quietly if he was a rider, or maybe even a handler. Ayrenn thought she'd probably find that out if she'd stick along long enough and talk to him. So that's what she decided she'd do, nothing like a little company to beat the boredom she had. And it would certainly help her to make some friends around the Weyr.
She smiled up at him when he spoke, thanking her for the klah. He obviously needed it way more than she did anyway, so what was giving up one cup. She'd gotten another, so no big deal in her eyes. "It's quite all right." She answered with a smile. "You seem very tired, much more so than I am." She sipped her klah carefully again and sighed contently. "I just can't seem to get awake in the mornings without some anymore. It at least makes it easier to wake up." She chuckled softly.
S'rico of [smear:B8860B]Bronze-Crimson Aldith[/smear:cc0000] Ayrenn of [smear:000000]Black [F] Junwingth[/smear:555555] Niylah of White-Green Rivith
Lan rubbed the back of his neck, suppressing a yawn, or at least hiding it behind a closed mouth. A trick one learned when your authority figure didn’t appreciate yawning during practice, no matter how tired you were. The other person mentioned something about not being that tired and hechuckled once.
“I’m used t-t-to sleeping at t-t-this hour. I g-g-got a night shift. Besides, I’m m-m-mostly nocturnal since m-m-most of my friends are.” Accurate. Arc was the only one in his bunch that didn’t keep strictly to the night hours naturally, though she had shifted to it somewhat. She wandered off to explore when he was sleeping though. He expected not too much, the little white wasn’t the most brave of firelizards. He took another sip of klah while she talked about her own habits. He nodded along with her words. He certainly felt better already.
Speaking of skittish firelizards, Arc wasn’t pleased to be left at the table so long. Even less so because people were milling about around her. So when someone came looking for a seat at the table, she bolted for Lan, nesting in his hair. The man looked up, keeping his head still, spying a white wing before she settled completely. He then turned back to his conversation partner and gave a sheepish shrug. He was kinda used to this behavior.
“She’s shy.” About the only thing to be said about it.
Hm, well if that didn't give away the fact that this man was more than possible a wherhandler she didn't know what would. Whers were always something she admired, sometimes she wondered if she could be better off as a wherhandler and not a dragonrider..but she'd take her chances and find out anyway. "Night shift sounds interesting." She answered. And it did, Ayrenn wasn't sure if she'd fair well staying up all night. All the klah on pern couldn't wake her up most mornings..she loved her sleep. The growing grumble in her stomach was telling her she'd love some food right now too. She raised a hand to lay it on the growling beast in her abdomen to quiet it down some.
"Not sure I could do the nocturnal thing though..are you a wher handler then?" She asked, curious of course. Ayrenn then watched the white firelizard burrow in her bonds hair, and laughed. They were certainly intersting creatures..she'd always thought so. Never had one of her own to decide if she really liked them or not. Some of them seemed a bit cranky for her liking. "They're a bit interesting, aren't they?" She asked, looking up to the white nestling in his hair before she turned her attention back to her klah for another drink. "Never had one myself. Maybe some day."
She then realized that in her 'I've just woken up but am not really awake' rambles that she'd not introduced herself. And she mentally kicked herself in the backsaide. "I'm Ayrenn by the way. A bit of klah made me realize how rude it was to not introduce myself." She said with a soft laugh.
S'rico of [smear:B8860B]Bronze-Crimson Aldith[/smear:cc0000] Ayrenn of [smear:000000]Black [F] Junwingth[/smear:555555] Niylah of White-Green Rivith
Lan sort of inclined his head to the comment about night shift. It might be interesting at the best of times, but it could also be boring or hectic. Quite the range of situations to be had. Sometimes it was just better for it to be boring.
“Yes, I am. B-b-but before, I got practice since m-m-my avian is n-n-nocturnal.” Ethilask and Syne tolerated each other, but it was always easier to give them their own time at night. Between all the things he had to do, it kept him busy. He liked that part of it. He eyed Arc, who was keeping to herself mostly. He nodded to her first comment. They certainly were interesting. The tiny flitter was at least a reason to not completely ignore the daylight hours. After all, he’d been out later than usual and gotten lucky.
“K-k-keep your eyes peeled. I g-g-got Arc from a hatching in the kitchens. You m-m-might get lucky too.” Lan gave her an optimist smile, the klah was doing good work. It helped that he was in a conversation with this woman, the need to focus helped him out. He took another gulp of his mug though. Couldn’t hurt. She introduced herself and Lan realized he hadn’t done the same. He extended his hand.
“I’m Lan. It’s okay I d-d-don’t think either of us were quite awake.” He paused, looking at the hand on her stomach. “G-g-give me a second.” He trotted over to the kitchen workers, at least a few of them remembered him. He was the one who couldn’t talk quite right. To the girls anyway. He returned with a plate of rolls, and held them out to Ayrenn. “M-m-my turn to cover you.” He gave a big smile at that.
Oh so he was a wher handler. How interesting! She'd had little experience with all things wher, and they were cute in an almost ugly sort of way. Ayrenn glanced back to the white 'lizard on his head and smiled. So much she didn't really know about them..she could always learn about them. "I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for them. I'm not sure what I'd do with one..do they eat much? The remind me of cats..with wings..and more attitudes." She spoke, the look on her face becoming puzzled. Lots of people she knew had firelizards. She figured she'd end up with one before he lifetime was over. It was inevitable.
"Well it's a pleasure to meet you, Lan. Glad I could've been of service with your klah this good morning." She laughed. "I don't think we were quite awake. I feel better now, though." She said as her stomach made a rumbling once more. Sharding thing. She then watched as he made his way to the kitchen workers, and came back with a plate in his hand. Her stomach rolled and rumbled once again as he held the plate out to her. "Oh thank you so much." She smiled, resisting the urge to throw her arms around him and hug him. "We'll have eachothers backs when it comes to klah and food." She said with a giggle as she took one of the rolls and bit it.
S'rico of [smear:B8860B]Bronze-Crimson Aldith[/smear:cc0000] Ayrenn of [smear:000000]Black [F] Junwingth[/smear:555555] Niylah of White-Green Rivith
Lan chuckled at her question. “Arc d-d-doesn’t, but she’s a White.” Hardly anything compared to The much larger Syne and definitely not as much as Ethilask. Who would primly decide she needed food in HER time, not his. He had an odd Wher. But she was an amazing partner when she was focused. He just had to manage her tantrums.
“I d-d-don’t know what you are sup-p-posed to do with them, b-b-but she’s nice and likes pets.” He cleared his throat and half mumbled, “Plus she’s c-c-cute.” She really was. The little baby of the group, it was a surprise she wasn’t spoiled rotten. He might not have a kid, but Arc was certainly his little girl.
His smiled brightened when she seemed enthusiastic about the food, and he gave a nod. “Happy t-t-to help.” He could feel Arc crooning on his head, apparently pleased with all of the good feelings in the air. That was good.
"She seems really sweet." Ayrenn said after he'd finished, she guessed they couldn't be that bad. She picked another piece of the roll apart, promptly stuffing it in her mouth and waited until she was done to speak again. She nodded as he spoke, she chewed. "I supposed depending on any situation they could be helpful. Other than that, they'd surely brighten up anyones day." She smiled again, much bigger when he said about the little 'lizard being cute. Which she certainly was, that was for sure. "She's quite cute. She makes a lovely hat as well." She chuckled, looking up when the firelizard crooned from atop his head. That was a good noise if she'd ever heard one.
"D'ya wanna go sit down? It seems like you were staying awake to wait for something, I'd be happy to keep you company as you wait." She asked. She always felt nervous asking people things, but she truly did love company, and she was enjoying his, and the little whites. She shifted from foot to foot, a nervous habit of hers.
S'rico of [smear:B8860B]Bronze-Crimson Aldith[/smear:cc0000] Ayrenn of [smear:000000]Black [F] Junwingth[/smear:555555] Niylah of White-Green Rivith
Lan chuckled with the hat comment. Not too much, but Arc didn’t mind it anyway. She seemed to detect they were conversing about her, so she kept her attention the humans, without being as spooked as usual. She was still neatly perched on Lan’s head, so in order to observe him properly, she craned her head out to look at his face. She liked her very big master. He kept her safe from strange dark cousin and fierce feathered clawed thing. Even if they had claimed him first.
“Sure. I h-h-have a while to w-w-wait though.” He put his hand out as the symbol for ‘after you’, but followed where she went as far as tables went. “I am pretty sure m-m-my lesson won’t be for a c-c-couple candle m-m-marks.” The harper would come in from time to time, but as she pointed out, it wasn’t exactly a short walk from Cliffside to the Weyr. Part of the deal was he would work around her schedule, not the other way around. Hence klah.
Ayrenn felt much more like her usual peppy self now that she'd all but finished her klah. She giggled as she watched the white crane her neck to look at Lan. Before heading off to the tables Ayrenn quickly got another mug of klah, as if she really needed it. Truthfully she just liked the stuff. "It's okay, I have some time to kill too." She spoke as she walked to the table and sat her mug down.
"At least you'll have company!" She smiled as she spoke sitting down and fidgeting until she'd gotten comfortable. "Have you been here long? At the Weyr..I mean." Ayrenn asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she spoke. "I'm still trying to get the hang of things, but I like it here." The candidate sipped her klah as it cooled glancing around the dining hall. There were always plenty of people coming in and out of here, she was glad at least she met someone pleasant to talk to. It'd at least help her keep her nerves about standing at the hatching down. She'd been so nervous and unable to sleep recently because of it.
S'rico of [smear:B8860B]Bronze-Crimson Aldith[/smear:cc0000] Ayrenn of [smear:000000]Black [F] Junwingth[/smear:555555] Niylah of White-Green Rivith
Lan chuckled. “That’s true. Its g-g-good to have c-c-company.” It was. Stuttering issues aside, he liked hanging out with people. He might be better able to communicate with Ethilask and his various pets, but he liked people, and kinda wished he had more friends. Problem was, most other people liked the daylight hours. He was having a little trouble balancing that at the moment. He settled into his seat, checking if Arc wanted to get off his head. She did not.
“A little over t-t-two turns. The head wherhandler’s wher, er, p-p-protected a clutch and I g-g-got Ethilask from that.” He still wasn’t sure what all that was about, but the upshot was that he’d gotten a partner, so he hadn’t had too much trouble letting it be. “It’s a g-g-good place. Lots of n-n-nice folk. I’m sure you’ll l-l-like it even more.” He had to admit, it was a nice place. Even at night. Especially at night, he would say.
She smiled, nodding in agreement. It was indeed good to have company, and she enjoyed being around other people, and not so much off by herself. Ayrenn was sure she wouldn't be able to survive without other people around. She needed the stimulation, the company. Wrapping her hands around her mug she stared into it for a moment, watching her reflection stare back at her through the murky dark drink.
She nodded again at his words, her brow furrowed a bit at the whers name. Ayrenn had thought it had something to do with the handlers name..she may be wrong. But Ethilask was certainly not what she'd expected the whers name to be. "They seem really interesting, whers. I'm not sure I could do the whole night routine all the time." She replied. "Maybe a couple times a sevenday I'm up for a good portion of the night, though." She was happy to hear that this was a good place, with lots of nice people. She'd not encountered anyone who wasn't nice yet. Everyone had been pleasant enough to her since she'd arrived, she hoped that would continue as she lived her life out here. "That's comforting to know." She replied to him, smiling. "Sometimes people aren't too nice, so it's good to know theres good people here."
S'rico of [smear:B8860B]Bronze-Crimson Aldith[/smear:cc0000] Ayrenn of [smear:000000]Black [F] Junwingth[/smear:555555] Niylah of White-Green Rivith
“They are v-v-very interesting. Like Ethilask is t-t-temperamental, but when she p-p-puts her mind to it is b-b-basically invisible at night.” He hadn’t noticed her confusion at his wher’s name, he was trying to keep his focus on his words. Maybe he could try the stuff he was learning from the harper woman? That might be weird, his voice took on a different quality when he tried it. Like clear, more booming? It was hard to describe. He decided against it for the time being. He took another sip of his klah. He’d stay awake, for sure. “I g-g-got shifts in the middle of the night, b-b-but I know a few p-p-people who just have early m-m-morning, waking up early is easier. I g-g-guess.” Lots of different sorts of Wherhandlers. Most had continuous sleep schedules, but a very few woke up for their shift, and then went right back to sleep until some point in the day. He didn’t think he could handle that.
“If you w-w-wanted, I could introduce you. T-t-to some of the other n-n-night shifters. L-l-lots of them are nice. When you g-g-get a chance to stay up, that is.” He knew more night folk then daylight. And certainly there were a fair share of handlers, but not all guards were handlers. He knew for sure that the ones he hung out with were nice. He couldn’t exactly point her to other candidates, after all, he didn’t know any of the current ones.