On the Morning Tide | 74.01.11 (Nicole/Open)

[Moo]

A strong wind swept through the rocky settlement, stirring up waves, buffeting unwitting travelers and snapping open loose sails. Combined with this morning’s clear, bright skies, it was altogether fair weather for sailing if you had business in the south – and despite the recent murder at the Weyr, there were many still that did. The crime at Rainbow Mists was hardly a secret here, yet for all intents and purposes, what had occurred at the Weyr did not affect the progress of trade, and so life continued on as normal in the quiet, sleepy Hold.

The wharf below was a different story.

Though the rest of the Hold appeared to be empty, the quay was bustling with activity as soon as the sun had risen. Men and women strode along the dockyard with various goods and supplies, each person calling out instructions and trying to be heard over the clatter of halyards, the groan of ships, and the crash of nearby waves. From high above, colorful firelizards swooped down from masts and into the fray, chirping for attention and food, while the Hold’s felines slinked through a tangle of legs to get to the fish market. The air was thick with the smell of salt and blood.

It was a good day for trading.

But not a very good one for staying dry.

With a slight scowl, N’kio trudged up the grassy knoll that overlooked the dockyard, bringing with him nearly half the ocean in his clothes.

What happened to you? asked Metanath, who landed gracefully before him, also in a similar state.

“I might ask you the same question!” he smirked and took a seat next to his dragon. “You know how rough those waves are at the End. You can’t get out of there with what you’re wearing.” He wiped away the water on his face. “We’ll have to make a stop at our weyr if the wind gets any colder.”

The Black nodded in understanding. The sea is a bit rough today, though…it looks like it’ll clear up once the sun rises higher. With a grand sigh, Metanath flapped his wings and shook off any remaining saltwater from his hide. I was helping bring in some ships when the spray got me. Speaking of, do you know who’s selling baggywrinkles today? As that last schooner docked, I was asked if I knew, but the answer slipped my mind.

“Baggywrinkles?” N’kio pulled off his damp, woolen sweater and began to wring out the water, completely unphased at being bare-chested in the cool air. “Hmm. Who’s doing the asking?”

A new girl from The Jeanneau. Didn’t catch her name though.

He paused a moment and scratched his beard, eyes scanning the lineup below. “I think she’d have to see Lasser about those. Wasn’t it she who started to – Oi!” He shouted suddenly, jumping to his feet. “Steer clear of the merchant’s row! Kedge those catboats windward and lay aloft those mainsails! Come now, you know the rules!” he called out to the ships below. “Don’t make me come down there!”

Metanath snorted in disbelief. Never seen such privilege with catboats before the last turn. It’s Jiat’s group, isn’t it? Oh, they act like they own the whole wharf just because they live here.

N’kio laughed and sat back against his dragon’s side. “Yeah, Jiat's group. They don’t know their own size just yet. Anyway,” he said, and resumed wringing out his clothes, “This girl of yours should be able to see Lasser if she wants them, though if memory serves me, they won’t be cheap from her. Hooper’s got a cheaper stock at this time of turn. D’you want me to go and find this Jeanneau girl for you?”

Metanath shook his head and peered down the cliff where they sat watch. No. It wasn’t urgent, and they had cargo to trade before they left for Ista. Which, by the way…You haven’t heard from her, have you?

A small, hopeful smile crept its way onto his face. “Only hearsay, but I’ve heard they’ll be visiting soon.”

That is good, he rumbled. I miss them.

As he lay his sweater out to dry in the sun and chill air, N’kio nodded to himself. “I miss them, too.” It had been far too long since he entertained any good company at Cliffside.

[Shoki]

Kashpa was watching the ocean, her violin in hand. She was well away from the ocean spray, though the ocean air could do things to instruments anyway. She knew how to deal with it though. After all, born a to a harper from Zaren, it wasn't like she wasn't used to it. She had arranged to say at Cliffside Hold, in no small part because it reminded her of home. It was close enough to Melisong to make her in the loop for some of the more interesting events, and (as she was now learning) close enough to Rainbow Mists Weyr to cause drama.

A brief sigh escaped her as she tuned her instrument. So many weird and dangerous sounding rumors. She'd hardly started to try and track down the one on the dark Weyr and now there was word of murder at RMW. Again. Not that she had gotten anywhere with trying to track down rumors. Everyone had heard them, therefore everyone was fuzzy on who they heard them from. She had found that a couple of the people had been exaggerating. Specifically a couple of people who had claimed that they were looking for candidates and eggs were on the sands. A lot of the people who were spreading this stuff were good enough people, but were panicky. The rumors had cooled some in the wake of the murder at RMW though.

She tested one more string and then started to play, a none to melancholy tune. It was one of her favorites, so she hardly had to think about moving her fingers to the correct position at the correct time. So she let her eyes wander to the Black dragon that landed in her field of view. Must be the Watchrider's dragon. She looked on from afar, still playing her tune.

[Moo]

Metanath perked up at the sound of an instrument, and his eyes spun a slow, contemplative teal as he considered its sound. I have heard that before. Ignoring the squabbles of firelizards and traders for a moment, he leaned to his right and sought out the source of the music – and realized that he was being watched as well! He stared back at the young woman, her skin nearly as dark as his own hide. She looked familiar. His head tilted as he listened to her play.

I know...it sounds like the ocean.

N’kio turned, easily finding the woman Metanath was fixated on. “It does,” he nodded, and then whispered, “If you’re wondering, her name is Kashpa Sol. Or so I’ve heard. But we haven’t really met her yet.”

The Black arched his head, neck wrinkling with the motion. Then how do you know her name?

“Scuttlebutt,” smiled N’kio, who turned back to watch the organized chaos on the wharf. “Perhaps we should introduce ourselves soon. I like her hair.”

Metanath considered the opinion and purred, What, do you want to ask her for tips on how to style that mess on your head?

N’kio ran a hand through his wind-tossed hair out of habit. “I can’t pay someone a compliment now, can I? And what’s wrong with the hair? That’s rich, coming from someone who doesn’t have any.”

Well, one of us has to look presentable.

[Nicole]

When Elora and Saphireth found that they had spontaneously been given the day off - though why, they weren't sure - there was a long list of things they could have done. Slept, gone swimming, a whole load of things.

And yet, encouraged to go do something they hadn't done yet, they set off down the Thoroughfare. It was interesting, and seemed fun, and it would get them out of the Weyr - a place that had been somber, as of late, due to the murder.

Stop thinking about that. We had decided we weren't going to think about that.

It had been a red flower that triggered Elora's mind to go down that path again and she sighed, running a hand through her hair. It was down and curling slightly around her shoulders at the moment, the bronze highlights catching the light as they walked. I know. I'm sorry. Shall we go back to playing Eye Spy?

Yes. I spy... something that has a lot of people!

Elora flashed Saphireth a grin as they approached Cliffside Sea Hold. "We hadn't planned on getting here. Just wanted to take a walk."

Maybe that explains why my legs are so sore. Do you think there will be somewhere for us to sit? Elora grinned, glancing at her DarkBlue dragon. I'm sure there will be, darling.

Should I tell Metanath-
No! We didn't come here to see them. Let's just explore. If we run into them, we run into them.

Elora was aware that her answer was quick and sudden and too zealous, and Saphireth knew it, but neither said another word as they walked into town. Some stared with curiousity at the Weyrling and her dragon - not many, but enough that Elora stood up straighter and draped an arm around her neck- as they worked their way through the town. In the distance, she could hear a violin. Perhaps she could go listen.

Or, perhaps, she could explore.

... it sounds pretty.

... or they could go listen to the violin.

[Shoki]

Kashpa's attention shifted subtly, observing the man speaking to the dragon. Must be the rider. That must make him N'kio. She smirked a little as she watched a one way conversation take place, at least to her eyes. She was being watched, so be sure, but she couldn't tell what direction the conversation was taking. Her bow continued to glide along the strings of her violin, as she pondered words for a moment. Ah, well, she could talk after she got to a break in the music. Which was pretty soon actually.

"I don't bite if you wanted to ask a question." Kashpa's voice carried well, and she looked like she took no effort in making herself heard. "Or is there some new gossip I should know?" Her face broke into a suspicious looking smile, but her chin didn't move from its rest. Her playing was quieter now, but it was actually part of the piece. It would get louder in several measures or so. Which was almost no time at all with the tempo this piece called for. A crescendo, a dramatic series of notes, and then a finale. she knew it by heart, but she loved the piece so much. With the piece wrapped up she straightened her head out and rested the body of the violin on her leg, steadying it with her hand on its neck. Practicing outside was fun, sometimes it attracted people.

[Moo]

“Oh, there’s always gossip to be heard. Dock’s rife with it.” N’kio smiled from where he sat – now stood, sweater in hand – and nodded in the Harper girl’s direction. “This is Cliffside after all!” he replied, arms extended as if gesturing to the entirety of the Hold. “I’ve no questions for you today, Kashpa. Your playing was very nice. I hope you’ll stay in Cliffside a while longer.”

Metanath rumbled his agreement from where he lay, but kept any further comments or compliments to himself. Music was always welcome here, and good talent even more so, but he wouldn’t let anyone else think he wanted to talk to them. He didn’t, not really. So appearances needed to be kept up.

Tossing the ocean-drenched sweater over his bare shoulder, N’kio lowered his arms to his side. “I’ve got to get back to work, but thanks for the song!”

He nudged the dragon beside him. “Hey, I’m off to our weyr to drop this off. I’ll be down at the docks if you need me later.”

Of course. I’ll be here unless called elsewhere. See you at break.

Whistling the tune he had just heard, N’kio headed in the direction of their weyr with one hand waving a goodbye, and the other preoccupied with keeping his pants from slipping too low. He was ready to get back to work -- far less distractions there. While listening to Kashpa, he had found himself wondering what sort of music Elora liked -- if any at all.

Now was not the time for daydreams.

[Shoki]

His comment got her to laugh well enough, that about gossip. Too true. Harpers knew it well, they liked gossip more then was wholly healthy. To the other comments she bowed her head once, to accept his complement on her playing. She was glad, after all, it was the only real musical talent she had.

"Feel free to stop by whenever I'm practicing." She smiled and watched him go, though her eyes turned to the Black that was still watching her. Well, she hated to leave the air silent for too long. She tucked her violin back under her chin, pondering a moment what a dragon might like to hear. Well, there was a song she always thought reminded her of the sky. Dragons were creatures of the sky, so why not? She closed her eyes for a moment, tapping her foot in her boot. This one required concentration. Still, as it started up, it was deceptively slow, until it got started. Her bow rattled along then, and her fingers followed just as fast. Oh it was a harder piece, but that meant it was all the more fun once you could do it right. So she continued to play, her eyes half closed as she followed the notes in her head.

[Nicole]

Elora and Saphireth wormed their way through the town. Saphireth kept her head tilted to the side, pausing at the lull in the music before charging forward to find it.

She found Metanath first but didn't say anything as she walked past him and sat herself in front of the violinist, staring at her with gently whirling eyes. Her tail tapped in tune with the violin's rhythm.

Elora caught up a second later, glancing up at the big Black. "Don't you have work to do or something?" Her eyes shifted over to the violinist. "And sorry about Saphireth. She got it into her head to hunt you down, so to speak. I think she likes it."

I like it.

[Moo]

Metanath quietly hummed his pleasure at the latest song, its' swift, jumping notes playing on his desire to leap off the hill and back into wind. And it was such a nice morning for flying, too…No, no, that wouldn’t do. He had to stay and watch for any trouble up top. N’kio was down below. That was how it worked. Adjusting his wings with indecision, he tried to keep his eyes fixed on the quay, but it was rare he heard such good music while working…Oh, if only she could play that song and ride him at the same time.

Who do you want to ride you?

Kashpa, he answered. She is playing a most wonderful song that makes me want to fly. If the last one was the ocean, then this one is the sky. You should have stayed to listen!

Seas are calling.

His eyes swirled a brilliant blue as he spared a glance over to Kashpa. Fine. I guess I’ll have to enjoy this all by…myself?

Is that a question or a statement?

Metanath blinked at the sudden appearance of the young dragon. Was that…? No, it couldn’t be. Could it? He shuffled to the left and turned his head for a better look.

N’kioIthinkIswallowedtoomuchseawateronthatfirstround.

Wait, you did what now? Can you repeat that slower? I am sort of preoccupied down here.

He stared as Saphireth and Elora appeared at his side. But how could they be here if they were at the Weyr? He reached out tentatively to possibly-Elora, his eyes slowing down and changing to reflect his confusion. Wha…Yes, I am working. I mean, I’m keeping watch. What are you doing here? You are really here, yes? I am not just imagining?

Fine, don’t answer me. Not like I cared.

[Nicole]

"Why would you be imagining?" Elora turned her head away from the violinist, raising an eyebrow at Metanath. "Is there a substance that can make dragons hallucinate? I suppose it would be the same for dragons as humans, given the right quantities, but I can't imagine you doing that. Although-"

I am not going to start sampling hallucinogens so you can learn things. Now stop talking. I'm trying to listen.

Elora looked at her dragon affectionately, a smile spreading over her face before turning her gaze back to the violin player who had so enraptured her dragon. That didn't stop her, however, from answering Metanath.

We got the day off. The Weyr's been so somber lately we decided to try a walk down the Thoroughfare. Didn't expect to make it down the entire thing. Saphireth's tired, so her sitting and listening suits her just fine.
Not that I'm that tired. Saphireth shot a look at her Rider. It's just exciting, that's all.

Elora whispered a thought into her dragon's mind. Not trying to impress a certain Black dragon, are we? Saphireth didn't answer, which was all the answer she needed.

[Moo]

Metanath sat up once he was given that look. I just – well, we just never expected you to come here so soon! Not that we mind, of course. It is a wonderful surprise to see you two here, of all places. As far as her comment on hallucinogens…I cannot help you with that. I would not know if there were any, and even if there were, it would be too dangerous for me to take here.

He wondered if N’kio knew of any.

No answer for me, then?

Oh! Sorry. I was distracted! You’ll never guess who’s here.

Who?

For once, and perhaps the only time, he wished his eyes could move independently from each other. That way, he could keep an eye on the quay as well as watch their new guests. Elora and Saphireth! Or maybe that would be too distracting, he thought as he considered Elora’s response.

It was nice to hear they had gotten the day off, though he supposed that meant they were here to forget about that horrible murder at their Weyr. After what happened to the Headwoman, he figured the Weyr would be upset. It was hard to imagine Cliffside being so. Things were much different here.

He could almost hear his Rider’s sarcastic laugh in reply. Right, and so’s the Queen. Didn’t I tell you?

Alright then, don’t believe me.

Metanath practically beamed at Saphireth as she was turned to face Kashpa. Well, if there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask. My weyr is not far from here. By the way, Elora – N’kio says hello, though he doesn’t believe you’re really here.

He returned his attentions to the waters below. He’s somewhere on the docks if you’re looking for him.

[Shoki]

Kashpa was well and truly distracted by the song when the Darkblue sat in front of her, so much so that she hardly noticed. When the Weyrling spoke however, her eyes flickered up, and she spotted the young dragoness. Ah, she was catching some more audience members.

"I take it as a complement when my audience goes out of their way to listen. It's no trouble to me." Kashpa's dark eyes reviewed the new dragon, Saphireth was it? She was a lovely shade of blue, deep and dark. She looked at both of her draconic audience members and resolved to keep playing well if they liked it so much. The sky song was difficult, but she would make it through well enough. They only thing that perplexed her was that the Weyrling started taking about things that could make dragons hallucinate out of nowhere, which sure caught the Harper's attention. What was that about? It took a while, between easier points in the piece, for her to realize she was taking to the Black dragon. Although, why she was talking on that subject eluded her. Ah well.

The song slowly made it way to the close, ending it much the way it began. It was like it took time for it to take off, and then like a bird, it landed and rested in its nest. At least that was how she looked at it. After the last note was done she straightened out her head to look at her audience a little better. Yep, two dragons. It was a wonder how she got two of them to watch, she'd never had a draconic audience before. Although P'shir had told her that Korintesth had liked to listen to him sing. Her brother had told her a bunch about the Pink dragons, apparently they loved Harpers. So maybe dragons did like music more then she knew.

"Any requests?" Sure she was a Journeywoman, but if she could play it on the violin, she'd practiced it. Some songs might slip through the cracks, as some were more popular by region, but she would have a go.

[Nicole]

"Oh, I prefer songs that I can dance to. But as I have no partner, I'll deter to Saphireth's taste - something calm." Elora flashed a grin at the violinist before getting distracted by Metanath's comment.

I'd hate to interrupt him if he's busy. Besides, I didn't come to visi-wait, he doesn't actually think I'm here? Elora's innocent grin turned wicked. Where, precisely, is he?

What are you thinking of doing?
Why, just saying hello!
You worry me. MusicWoman, I would be honored to hear you keep playing. My Rider may wander off, but I have no such plans.

Elora's pleasure at Saphireth talking to a stranger overwhelmed her for a minute and she took a look at the - the knots identified her as a JourneyWoman Harper. Elora, meanwhile, turned and eyed the docks and ocean.

Why N'kio liked it, she wasn't sure. It was just a lot of water.

[Moo]

Her devilish smile did not pass him up. It’s true, he doesn’t believe you are. If his guess was correct, she was up to something. He could hardly pass up the opportunity to mess with N’kio! He’s somewhere on the docks below us. Probably helping unload a ship, or cleaning fish, or talking trade with the other sailors. He’s not too hard to miss.

Metanath was torn between the opportunity to talk to Saphireth and his work – both of which he highly valued. I would watch my step down there if I were you, Elora, he added, settling on a happy medium in conversation. It’s high tide now, so the docks are a bit slippery at this time of morning.

He decided it was just best to watch for incoming ships and, every so often, listen in on the music. After all, N’kio could hear what was going on at the quay much better than he could, and it would be a shame to miss hearing JourneyWoman Kashpa play. If Saphireth wanted to listen, then he would as well. Then they had something to talk about.

#

“What news from Ista?” asked N’kio, craning his head to the side as he carried a large cargo crate down the gangplank of The Jeanneau. “I imagine trade’s harder now in the south with this murder.”

“Aye, of course. Can’t expect any less nowadays, but even moreso now that it’s the Weyr that’s been hit,” the tanned, barrel-chested man behind him answered. “Strange business, that murder. It’s a bit unsettling, if you ask me. I’d much rather cast off for a turn or two than stay here until another hit.”

Setting the crate down and out of the way, N’kio nodded and wiped his brow with the side of his arm. “You and me both, Erol. Metanath would disagree, though. He’s found himself a weyrling he likes.” He made his way back up the ship to the storage hold, bare chest glistening with sweat and the spray of the ocean. “These as well?”

Erol nodded and picked up another crate. “Good for him. About time, too, though I expect he’ll have to wait a while before the Flight. How do you like the Rider?”

With a shrug, N’kio shouldered the oddly-shaped package and headed down the gangplank. “She’s nice.”

“She’s nice?! N'kio, the only time I’ve ever heard you say that about a woman was when you –”

“How’s Isbel?”

The other man faltered momentarily, caught off-guard by the swift change in subject. “She’s doing well. No complaints when I last asked. Noila’s much taller now, and Aeli is…well, Aeli. Both send their regards. Oh, and this as well,” Erol said, stacking his crate beside the others on the dock. He fished in his pocket and pulled out a small, slightly wrinkled envelope. “They wrote this for you.”

N’kio set down the package he was carrying and accepted the letter. “Thank you,” he nodded, his eyes fixed on the letter as he blindly exchanged a bag of Marks in return. "Your business is always welcome here at Cliffside, you know," he murmured.

"Oh, I know, I know. Glad to hear of it."

He looked up and smiled. “If you don’t mind, I’m off to read this. You know where to find me if you need me, Erol.”

"We'll be here!"

Once dismissed by the captain (the action of which was really just for show), N’kio headed over to a quiet spot near the fish market and, with ill-concealed enthusiasm, began to read over the letter.

[Nicole]

As Elora wandered towards the docks, a sense of contented freedom came over her. Her obligation to the Weyr was - well, it was growing on her, and she enjoyed having a home, but there was a certain freedom that came with being one of the masses. Nobody here know who she was, now that Saphireth wasn't following her around. She had pocketed the Rainbow Mist weyrling knots.

She didn't need the Weyr to get the information she wanted. Eyes sparkling, she shook her hair and fluffed it to sit around her shoulders in waves. She shifted her shirt to fit a little more tightly and her pants to sit a little more snugly and, keeping an eye on the puddles of water, joined the groups of people on the docks.

The eyes of some of the sailors on her didn't go unmissed by her as she contentedly bounced through the docks, skimming until she found somebody leaning against some crates with apparently nothing to do. She walked up to him, flashing him a smile. "I was wondering if you could answer a question for me?"

---

Saphireth curled herself into a ball as Kashpa played, continuing to tap her tail in time to the beat. Her eyes didn't leave the violin. For all intents and purposes, she was acting as if Metanath wasn't even there.