Gimme the om noms [Shoki/Hedara]

[Cait]

78.13.13

War was not fun. It seemed like a fairly obvious statement, but there was so much more to it than "war bad; peace good". War meant constant vigilance, increased security, increased duties and not enough sleep. Tension, anxiety and so much stress. There was never enough time in the day to do what needed to be done let alone what anyone wanted to do. So yeah, war was not fun. Irrikath was quick to remind his rider of this on a nearly weekly basis, lest he forget while trying to remember the last time he bathed. War wasn't just about fighting, there was so much more that went into it. Healing and logistics, supplies and transportation. There was always something to be done and never enough bodies to do it. Always willing to work and not the type to leave a job undone, V'quin frequently volunteered for tasks between his scheduled missions to acquire supplies as well as deliver them. Irrakath was just grateful to be useful and went along happily with whatever his rider threw them into. Of course, that happiness didn't always endure, especially when V'quin went too long without taking care of himself. He wasn't particularly delicate in pointing out when those moments occurred nor was he above absolutely refusing to go along with the next mission if he felt that V'quin needed a break.
[smear:#000000]
Just because I said that I would stay and defend the weyr if you died, doesn't mean you can elect to kill yourself via volunteer mission. When was the last time you ate?[/smear:#666666:0]

Uh...when was the last time you ate?

[smear:#000000]Probably around the last time you bathed. You're done for the day. I refuse to take you anywhere until you've eaten and you no longer smell like the midden heap.[/smear:#666666:0]

Nice, kid. Real nice. And what exactly are you going to be doing?

Irrakath let out a mighty harrumph and took to the sky, not bothering to adjust his down draft to avoid his rider. They both knew he was just grumpy because he hadn't eaten all day, perhaps longer. V'quin rolled his eyes and watched the Haze-Iron and his shifting, shadowy hide as he spiraled higher and then banked, gliding toward the hatching sands and no doubt the warm sand. Dragon muscles ached just as much human muscles from over working them, he supposed. The sands would do the dragon some good. But watching him disappear into the rock brought to mind the Ice that laid her clutches there, or more particularly her rider. On a three days stretch himself where he'd done little more than work himself until he passed out with various snacks shoved into his hands by observant kitchen staff that knew he wasn't visiting as often as he usually did, V'quin figured that Hedara wasn't in much better condition. He let out a mumbled curse knowing that he should've kept his friend at the back of his mind. As dedicated and hard-working as he was, Hedara took it to the next level. He wasn't certain she'd ever learned to take a break and just relax.

Tell Temperanth that I'm coming to fetch her rider.

[smear:#000000]What was that? You're going to bathe and eat?[/smear:#666666:0]

Seriously? You're going to be like that? Maybe I should go see if Ribbon has had any pups lately. I'm sure T'vax wouldn't mind letting us watch them for a while.

V'quin knew there weren't any pups at the moment and he knew he was playing dirty but all he'd asked was one simple favor. Most of the time he and his dragon were perfectly suited to each other. Equal parts drive and easy-going. But some days they tended to bicker like only the best of friends could. They knew all the perfect ways to needle and poke and rile. It was all in good fun, of course. Any feelings that were bruised or lines that were crossed were quickly mended. In truth, despite his own love of small and adorable little things, particularly the fluffy variety, he knew that such critters unsettled Irrakath and therefore was careful not to indulge his need for cuteness around the Iron.

[smear:#000000]Don't you dare! I'll tell her, jeez![/smear:#666666:0]

[smear:#000000]Temperanth, my rider says he's to come and fetch your rider. I've told him he's not allowed to leave the Weyr until he eats and bathes. I hope he does not offend her with his stench.[/smear:#666666:0]

You brat!

[smear:#000000]Hrrumph.[/smear:#666666:0]

Rolling his eyes, V'quin was already on his way to Hedara's office. He transversed the ramps and ledges with a bit of a slower pace. He knew Irrakath was right, that he needed to take a break, but there was still so much left to do. Still, knowing that he would only end up hurting himself or someone else if he didn't take a breather, he was more than willing to spend the rest of the day, or as much of it as possible, in leisure. Hedara, who had been a bit like a woman possessed lately with all the work she was doing, was no doubt in need of a break as well. The only problem was that she wasn't likely to be as amiable to the idea as he was. Still, he was a a true friend and didn't intend to take no for an answer in this case. He would drag her bodily from her stress cave if he had to which would not be an easy task, but he'd do it! At the very least he'd get her to spend a few hours away from everything, eat some snacks, maybe a proper meal...his stomach growled, coming to life after having been all but ignored over the past few days. Yes, a proper meal and treats were called for. Truthfully a hot soak wouldn't be amiss either.

Pausing in front of the door V'quin tried to decide on his plan of attack. Ordering a Senior Weyrwoman around didn't typically get a man anywhere, certainly not this one. Perhaps if he tried a tactic similar to Irrakath's? He could certainly be obnoxious to the point that she had no choice but to relent. Or he could go the super sweet route but there was always a chance that would backfire and she'd ignore him completely. Shrugging, he reached out and pounded the side of his curled fist against the door before reaching for the latch. "Heda, Heda, Heda. I'm comin' in!"

[Shoki]

Temperanth watched her Weyr from the highest point she could perch on. She had her worries, as any Queen might have over her home at war. Today though, it was merely the backdrop of people and dragon watching. However when Irrakath sent his message she rumbled deeply.

[smear:33ccff]I see you also have a stubborn rider today. You have my condolences.[/smear:3366ff] The Ice paused to tell Hedara, word for word mind, what Irrakath had said. [smear:33ccff]I have informed Hedara of what to expect.[/smear:3366ff]

Hedara herself was drowning in paperwork. No surprise there. She continued to write, but had a small smirk on her face. Ivy sat, patient in her corner of the desk which was being threatened by the stacks of official business. Still, for now it was saved for her. Hedara moved a little faster, Ivy giving a small chirp to cheer her on. She could get this last thing done before V’quin showed up. In fact, she finished just as she heard his voice.

“Coming in to stink up the place I hear.” The smirk slightly widened as he opened the door, and she put down the pen. Ivy trilled out a musical greeting, taking wing to emphasis the welcome. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

[Cait]

Shoki

Stink up the...Irrakath!! What did you tell Temperanth to say?

[smear:#000000]V'quin, one does not simply tell Temperanth what to say.[/smear:#666666:0] There was a pause charged with contained humor at the situation. [smear:#000000]I merely informed her that you were restricted to the Weyr until you both ate and bathed. I cannot fault her for being thorough in her relay of the message.[/smear:#666666:0]

One of these days, I'm going to get you back for making me look like a fool all the time.

[smear:#000000]You may try. But later please, I would like to nap since you have better things to do.[/smear:#666666:0] Clearly amused at ruffling his rider's feathers a bit, Irrakath rumbled as he tucked himself into a secluded corner of the sands and sprawled on the warmth.

Rolling his eyes, V’quin poked his head through the door, lips pursing slightly at her greeting. Did he really stink that bad? He didn’t think he smelled any worse than a dragon. Shrugging and refraining from sticking his tongue out at his longtime friend, he turned his attention momentarily to her little green firelizard. “At least someone knows how to properly greet a friend.” V’quin teased, raising a brow as he cut a sideways glance at the Weyrwoman. Truthfully, if he stunk like a midden heap, Hedara’s office looked like one. It was positively overrun with...work.

Shaking his head he turned his attention back to the woman seated before him and approached, resting a hip on the edge of the table and poking idly at the stacks of papers and reports. It really was far too much. Didn’t any of the junior weyrwomen help Hedara out? There had to be someone she could push at least some of this mess off on, even in the midst of a war.

“Well, Heddy I thought I’d come whisk you away to a fabulous feast of whatever I can weasle out of the kitchen workers...away from here…” He lifted the edge of a stack with a fingertip then let it fall back into place again. “Far away.” Crossing his arms over his chest, he raised a brow, smirking. Despite his broad grin and the ever present sparkle in his eye, V’quin’s freckled features looked a bit drawn. There were dark smudges under his eyes and there did seem to be a thin film of dirt and grime covering his skin.

[Shoki]

“Heh.” Hedara let Ivy be pleased at herself, she really did adore her firelizard. She just was particular about when she showed it. She watched as V’quin poked about her paperwork. Well, she didn’t have anything secret out today so he could poke around if he wanted. She did eye a request she was penning to get wine for a certain celebration. Well, V’quin wouldn’t know about the why. It would be okay even if he did, though.

“Oh?” Hedara considered it for a moment. She could feel Temperanth watching her from her perch. Fortunately, she was hungry. It was a little bit easier to agree. She had eaten something today, she just was having a harder time remembering how long ago it had been. “I suppose I might be able to spare a moment.” She rose from her chair purposefully. She was still having spells, but she only felt slightly lightheaded. She would be fine.

“Go on, let us see this ‘fabulous feast’.” Hedara’s smirk grew just a touch and Ivy chirped out excitement. In the privacy of her office, they were both more animated. Ivy would become more polite, and Hedara would start hiding any feelings at all in the general Weyr. Just a normal day.

“So what have you been doing that you can skip bathing?” It was another jab at V’quin, she tended to them, but she really hadn’t seen the other rider in a while. She hadn’t noticed it until he had showed up again. Then again, she was drowning in paperwork and meetings. It was hard to get out of it. Even as she tried to laid plans to do so.

[Cait]

“It’ll be more than a moment. Hopefully I can convince the kitchen staff to give us my weight in pies. Those take time to savor.” As she stood, V’quin pushed away from the table and moved to the door to wait for Hedara to pass through with her little green. Once she’d passed through, he eyed the stacks of papers and narrowed his eyes, shaking his head. There was far too much for one person to do. Despite being the Weyrwoman’s friend there was little he could do about it. He held no real rank in the Weyr yet. He had no pull. He could cajole and pester but that was the extent of his influence. What Heddy really needed was a Junior to take on some of the responsibilities of the Weyr.

Making sure that the scowl was wiped from his face and replaced with his ridiculously broad grin, V’quin offered his crooked arm to the Weyrwoman before they headed off. It might not be a cohesive feast he offered her but there would be plenty of food for them to gorge on. Knowing her, it would be devoid of any joking or laughter, just the odd insult that he found more amusing than hurtful. There were two very different women that were both named Hedara. One was the responsible, steadfast, unshakeable Weyrwoman and the other was just Hedara, the snarky Ice rider he’d known for turns.

Sure enough she pulled out another of her jabs and his grin settled into a smirk as he shrugged. Part of the reason they got along so well was due to the fact that both of them were liable to work until they dropped. Where Hedara had been trapped in meetings and buried under mounds of paperwork, V’quin had been performing almost back to back missions for supply runs, message running, transportation and whatever else was needed of him. Anymore it seemed that the second he got back from one run another was needed and those organizing were starting to come to him first, knowing that he rarely declined unless Irrakath needed a break.

“Just finished five back to back supply runs in the past three days.” As though it was nothing serious. As if most of the sleep he’d gotten hadn’t been comprised of naps in the saddle or curled up with his dragon when the Iron needed a breather. As if he hadn’t spent most of the last three days hefting sacks and crates and organizing riders and workers to properly load the dragons. Some of the trips had been easier than others; a quick trip between but others had required straight flight as the supplies would have been ruined in the short span of time between. “Sometimes there’s just not enough time in the day, eh Heddy?”

If she hadn’t linked arms with him by that point, V’quin would have let his arm fall. Either way he began to lead the way to the kitchens. Sometimes he wished that he had a firelizard to send ahead to give the staff some sort of warning but Irrakath didn’t particularly care for the little critters. They made him nervous. Not nearly as nervous as small creatures of the furry variety but nervous enough. Even little Ivy could freeze the Iron in place as he watched her intently. No, as absurd as he found his lifemate’s fear, V’quin wouldn’t subject Irrakath to the constant presence of a firelizard just because it was what he wanted.

“Do you think they’ll have pies in the kitchen? I hope they do.” The man did like his sweet treats, afterall.

[Shoki]

Hedara only shook her head with a small smile. V’quin and sweets. She exited the office, Ivy keeping pace until Hedara stopped outside the door. Ivy then orbited the humans neatly, waiting for them both. Hedara herself waited, something about her office interested V’quin. Well that made one of them, Hedara’s office was strictly a work space and had almost nothing in it that was personalized. Well, she had the sword from her graduation. That was about it. Otherwise work was the decoration.

When V’quin offered his arm Hedara’s right eyebrow raised. Hmm. “Are you trying to take me to a dance?” If she saw that blasted Pinkrider she was going to ‘suddenly remember’ half a dozen urgent reports she had to get to. She figured V’quin would know better though.

“Mmm.” That was a lot. But she knew well the number of supply runs it took to keep the wheels spinning. It was amazing how much work kept this place well stocked. Or at least moderately stocked. They had been running low on some things for a while, she was reminded of her trip to discuss things with the Aerie. “The sun can be up the whole day and it’s not enough time.” Of course, it was the opposite problem right now. Winter was close and the days were starting to get uncomfortably short. She wondered, sometimes, what it would be like to live in a place where the daylight stayed constant.

“I wonder. I asked them to reserve sugar recently, but there might be some to spare for pies.” They tended to be a weyr staple. Not so much for her, but for many.

[Cait]

He hadn’t really expected Hedara to take his arm but it was still amusing to offer it. Had to make sure her eyebrow got enough exercise, after all. He snorted at the mere thought of asking the queenrider to a dance. She was about as likely to dance as he was to fly without his dragon. At least not without being forced into it. “Oh, Farnath forbid! Whatever would you do if you were asked to a dance? THE HORROR!” Okay, so perhaps when he was in the mood, he could be a bit silly and dramatic but given the fact that he was a little low on proper sleep, food and bathing, it wasn’t too much of a surprise that he was a bit more animated than usual. It was what kept him going honestly.

“Well that would explain why the little devils are so hard to come by now. I suppose I should stop undermining your orders by sweet talking ladies in the kitchen to make me pies.” Had he known that Heddy had made such a request he would’ve refrained from begging...probably. He really did have a weakness for sweet treats. Sighing at the thought of no longer being able to gorge on his favorite snack was a bit disheartening, especially when all he wanted to do right now was eat his weight in sweet pies, soak in the hot springs for half the day and sleep for a week.

Shrugging, V’quin lifted a hand and ran his fingers through his hair, grimacing at the oily feel and the way it was matted to his head from his helmet. Yeah definitely he needed to bath. “So no sugar, what are you in the mood for? Halk and meat rolls? Maybe some root vegetables? I’m sure I could get Milcyne to oblige.” For all that he never really had the time to indulge in dalliances, V’quin had a few ladies in the Weyr that were sweet on him. He knew it and at times he took advantage but he did his best not to lead them on. He had to focus on his duties and advancing himself in rank. Seeking out a Weyrmate was the absolute last thing on his mind, especially during a war and supply shortage.

[Shoki]

Hedara’s smirk appeared for a moment at V’quin’s divaesque performance. “Well if you do not think it so terrible, I invite you to don dress and shoes for the next dance that comes around. I am sure you will perform admirably.” She could watch.

“It should not be too much of a problem. I tend to account for both sweet talking and begging into my equations.” Her expression fell toward serious, and she looked sidelong at V’quin. “It should not be too long regardless. After the next decent storm it will go back the way it was.” Weather at Ice Stone Weyr being what it was, she expected it would not be too long at all. Of course, she didn’t know how long until her next bit of sugar importing would be. However, morale being important, she did try to keep it on the list as long as feasible. This restriction was unrelated.

“A feast indeed. I would enjoy that.” Hedara’s expression was closed again, not open for enjoyment as they got closer. Ivy ducked closer to the humans, excited to be out and about, but not verbalizing it. Hedara did look up at Ivy though, and then her gaze went to V’quin’s hair. “I may have to enforce Irakkath’s other stipulation after this.” A ghost of a smirk flitted around her face before vanishing.

[Cait]

V’quin’s face became a mask of horror. Wearing dress clothes was bad enough without the thought of wearing a woman’s dress clothes. Point made, he shook his head and lifted a hand to scratch at the side of his neck short nails scraping through stubble near his jaw. “I’m gonna pass on that. You know a dress would do nothing to compliment my figure.” Wrinkling his nose at the thought, V’quin should his head. No, unless he lost a bet he would not be attending the next dance in a gown. “I don’t see why you think you have to wear a gown. You’re the Weyrwoman. That has to count for something.”

Curious if his penchant for sweets had dictated her allowance for begging and sweet talk, the Iron-rider raised a brow but didn’t comment. Heddy did know him well enough to know that he couldn’t go long without his sweets. But her tone became serious and his jovial nature slipped away. Despite the fact that he enjoyed a bit of teasing back and forth, V’quin was nearly just as serious as Hedara and was concerned about the welfare of the Weyr and the people in it.

“Yeah, well honestly I wouldn’t mind some company. You could catch me up on any missions that need volunteers.” It was a serious offer. Weyrfolk weren’t nearly as concerned about propriety as holdfolk and truth be told, if he didn’t have the company he’d likely end up passing out in the warm waters and drown himself. Wouldn’t be awful to have someone help him to scrape the grime off his back either. But first there would be food.

Once they entered the kitchens, V’quin slipped away from Hedara and went to speak with one of the staff, a sweet looking young woman with bright eyes and dimples. V’quin wasn’t oblivious to the fact that the girl seemed to be sweet on him. It was flattering but he’d made it very clear to her that while he found her sweet he did not have time to pursue a relationship. She said she’d understood but sometimes the Iron-rider wondered. In the end, however, V’quin walked back toward Hedara with a grin. “She’ll bring us some food and a pot of halk. Pick a spot.”

[Shoki]

She did enjoy V’quin’s obvious distain for the idea, didn’t it mirrored her own ideas on the subject. He might not have the figure for it, too be true, but she didn’t mind teasing him about it. When he mentioned that she shouldn’t have to wear a dress either, Hedara wished she could say that a dress wasn’t required. Maybe someday. She let the statement go uncommented.

Her eyes shifted sidelong as he mentioned about getting caught up on current missions. That would be…actually.

“A mission…” She seemed to be considering something, but V’quin needed to arrange food. It gave Hedara a moment to think. There was something she had been thinking about, and she wondered if it wouldn’t be a good idea to have V’quin tackle it. Ivy orbited, the little green pushing a feeling of general support to the woman. It was always nice to have the Green Firelizard around, she did her best to keep the mood up. V’quin returned shortly and told her to pick a spot. Hedara nodded once and went to find a spot with three chairs. She bade Ivy into the empty one with nothing more than a brief nod. Firelizards didn’t belong on the table, but neither did she want Ivy to be hovering the whole time. Ivy took her seat with pleasure.

“I do have something you might call a mission for you, if you are interested. I would ask you try to keep it a secret, but I believe you might already have the connections for it.” Hedara hadn’t chose one of the more secluded tabled for nothing. Fortunately she had a voice that didn’t carry unless she wanted to. None of this cheery high pitched nonsense.

[Cait]

Noting the fact that Hedara failed to comment, V’quin filed that bit of information away for later. He already knew that she didn’t care for frivolous things, but knowing that she didn’t care for wearing dresses and yet still felt obligated to do so seemed a bit strange to him. But then again, not everything could be simple he supposed. Following Hedara to a table tucked into a corner, he stifled a yawn before settling himself into the chair that remained after both the ladies in his presence settled themselves. Stretching his legs out he seemed to melt into the chair as he tipped his head back and closed his eyes for several seconds. It felt good just to sit for a while.

Hedara was quite for a few moments during which time V’quin took advantage of the silence to relax. He’d be up and running again soon enough but until then relaxing wasn’t totally awful. There was a faint hrumph in his mind and the ironrider rolled his eyes behind closed lids. It wasn’t long before a kitchen worker slid a plate of sweet and savory pies onto the table along with a pitcher of halk and two mugs. Even that didn’t bring him to adjust his posture, though when Hedara mentioned that she might have a mission for him, V’quin lifted his head and opened his eyes, fixing them on his Weyrwoman’s face with interest.

Reaching out, he snagged one of the sweet pies and took a large bite as she continued. Connections? Wiping at the corner of his mouth with the pad of his thumb, the ironrider took note of her lowered town and kept his equally as low. Unlike his sister, he was able to be discrete when he had to be. If only he knew what she’d been getting up to with that weyrmate of hers over the past turn or two he might not have been so disparaging. “Why the secrecy? Eat.” He nudged the tray toward her. If he had to take care of himself upon his dragon’s orders, it wouldn’t hurt to see Hedara taken care of as well. Besides, he was still trying to figure out how to ask the Weyrwoman to scrub his back in the bath later without it seeming awkward. Weyr mentality only went so far for a holdbred man.

[Shoki]

When Hedara’s attention returned, she found that V’quin was doing his best impression of a tired feline. She could see what Irrakath had been dealing with of late. When it came, the food was welcome, but Hedara went for the Halk first. V’quin had to bid her to eat before she finally reached for a savory pie. Warm and welcome, but she merely claimed it for her meal. She did want to explain after all.

“That would be because it is meant to be a surprise.” He hazarded a sip of halk, and it was hot, but not undrinkable. “I need to organize a thank you for the Aerie. They have done so much for us and I do not wish it to escape our notice. I am aware it is a bit difficult while we are still at war, but I thought the diversion would improve their morale.” She paused for another sip of halk. Thank Faranth for halk.

“I thought you might enjoy preparing a menu, and I do not have a particularly good knowledge base for sweets. I have been having the cooks reserve sugar for the purpose.” Hedara let a small smirk appear. “What do you think, are you up for this particular mission?” She finally got around to taking a bite of her food. When did she last eat? It was hard to remember amidst all the paperwork and meetings.

[Cait]

Oooh, a surprise? Interest piqued, V'quin leaned forward slightly and shoved the rest of his pie in his mouth unceremoniously. When one was tired and in the presence of friends, manners weren't nearly as important as they might otherwise be. Listening intently to her vague plan of honoring the Aerie, the ironrider nodded his approval as he chewed thoughtfully. The Aerie really had been working just as hard, if not harder than everyone else. Making sure that people stayed healthy and healing injuries with supplies just as tight as anyone else. He'd agree that that deserved some sort of recognition and everyone would enjoy the brief respite from war that a celebration would allow.

What really caught his interest though and had him swallowing his pie, was the idea that he might be able to help plan the menu. He was no master cook but he did know a thing or two about good food. Swiping his tongue across his teeth to hopefully remove any evidence that he'd just wolfed down a bubbly pie faster than anyone had any business doing, V'quin grinned and leaned forward, elbows propped on the table. "Oh my dear Weyrwoman, you know I live for sweets. I'm your man." Perhaps a bit sillier than usual due to the lack of sleep, he gave her a jaunty salute before snagging another pie and biting into it. He chewed then washed it down with a hearty swig of halk.

[Shoki]

Hedara continued on her meal, which she was realizing was probably a very good idea. Temepranth didn’t feel smug but somehow Hedara felt the Ice Queen was just waiting to rub that in later. She focused more on her friend though, who declared his delight at such a thing. Good, that was one less worry.

“Then it will be in good hands.” Hedara never truly relaxed, but she was not quite so stiff at that. Although she judged V’quin was a bit more…theatrical than usual. When exactly was the last time he had gotten some rest. She suspected he was on his way to crashing. She finished off her savory pie and grabbed on for the road.

“Come. I think we should get you rinsed off or some such before I let you go. There is one additional thing I should mention as well.” Actually, if she were being very honest there were a few other things she should mention but for now first things were first. She let the silence linger after the last statement, indicating that she wasn’t going to say it until she was confident she wasn’t going to be overheard. Surprises were one thing, but she seemed to be a bundleful of secrets lately.

[Cait]

Ah, right. The bath. Irrikath was just stubborn enough to refuse to let him leave the Weyr until he was appeased. V’quin was sure it was that haze streak in him that caused such stubborn displays of defiance and belligerence but who was to know. Dragons generally did as they pleased, from the largest of them to the very smallest. Even as close a bond as a rider shared with their dragon, there was always some part of them that was unfathomable. Smiling to himself at the thought, it took a moment for the ironrider to respond and he smirked.

“Making sure I wash behind my ears, Weyrwoman?” He teased, though his expression quickly turned thoughtful. “I could use a little help with my back. You willing?” As far as weyr society went, it wasn’t that strange to bathe in mixed company but V’quin still had a few remnants of the hold in him and found it a bit awkward to ask a woman he wasn’t either related to or sleeping with to help him bathe. Still, it was Hedara; they’d been friends for countless turns and it wasn’t an unreasonable request, was it?

Pushing up out of his chair, V’quin shoved the rest of the little pie in his mouth then gathered three more before giving a jerk of her head to signal the ice rider to come along with him. After taking several steps, the man frowned and look back at Hedara. “Where we going?”