Comparing Notes

Writers: Chelle, Mirren
Date Posted: 21st January 2016

Characters: Rhosyn, L'airev
Description: The two of them have a chat over a meal.
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 3, day 26 of Turn 8
Notes: Mentioned: Lenala

Waterball practice was finally over. Rhosyn got out of the water and toweled
off, wrapping the cloth around her. Grabbing a waterskin, she drank some
down and then licked her lips. All the activity was making her hungry, but
she needed to collect her things first. Grabbing up the carisak, she pushed
the balls into it as well as the folded up net.

It had been a while since L'airev had played, but he liked to watch practice
every now and again. It helped to know what team to bet on, but it was a
pleasant way to spend some time. "You have a strong team," he called out to Rhosyn as she packed her things away.

She turned around to see where the voice had come from. "Indeed. One of the
best in the South-if not the best I think. Of course I still need to manage
some matches with the northern teams to see how we stack up against them.
The ability to practice all the time doesn't hurt." That was one thing about
River Bluff that she liked. Besides, waterball was fun and it let her
competitive side come out in a healthy way.

"That's true," L'airev agreed. "Not much practicing in High Reaches in
winter." Not that they couldn't travel south to practice if they wanted to.

Struggling a moment with the tent, she finally shoved it inside and then put
the carisak over her shoulder. "We have a lot of people who have been
playing on this team for turns too. It helps when you know each other so
well. Just like flying in your wing."

The bronzerider nodded. "A little safer and more fun, but still a team
effort." That made all the difference in so many aspects of life.

"I don't know about safer. I've almost broken my nose quite a few times
doing this." Then again, Rhosyn wasn't in as much risk as the others in the
fighting wings by necessity. Standing up, she wondered if the bronzerider
had anywhere to be. Heading towards the entrance to the Lower Caverns, she
had the thought of food on her mind. "So how long have you watched?" It
occurred to her he might have criticism about how she and her players were
doing. Anything was welcome criticism to improve upon.

"Most of the practice." He shrugged. "Does that bother you?" Some people
didn't like being watched, even when doing things in public. Fair enough,
scrutiny wasn't always easy to deal with.

"No...just wondering if you saw anything. I can't always be watching since I
have to be in the water too." She shrugged, entering the Dining Cavern and
taking her usual place at the head table. Setting down her things against
the wall, she gestured for him to sit in an empty seat since it didn't
matter just then. "I'm hungry, but I'd like your thoughts." He could eat too
of course but that went without saying.

L'airev sat and nodded. He considered for a moment. "Have you had the same
riders in the same positions for long?" he asked carefully. "Some seemed
particularly comfortable where they were."

"Some positions have stayed the same for a long while yes. I've always been
goalie for example." It was where she was comfortable. Rhosyn was not a
strong forward by any means. "Why? Do you think people would be better
suited at something else?"

"A couple of people looked a little complacent," he admitted. "Those who
don't have to move around as often as others looked a little too used to
it."

Of course Rhosyn wondered if he was talking about her. The trouble was, she
wasn't a really good forward. And she didn't have the long arms or height
needed to be a defender. The goalie position afforded her a small area to
deal with in front of the net and most of the time it didn't get that far
anyway. "Which positions?"

"The tall guy on the wing, mostly." L'airev shrugged. He didn't know the man
personally, but he recognized him from other games and practices. "He was
staying back and letting the people near him cover the area."

Noting it and knowing she'd address it later, she received her breakfast and
started to cut things and prepare her food. "You've never played yourself?"
He didn't look like there was an injury stopping him.

"I have, but not for a while. I tend to get in people's way." He could
protect a good deal of the goal by just standing there, but he wasn't very
graceful or quick.

"Oh. Well." Putting meat into her mouth, she chewed and processed that
information. "What do you do, other than duties then?" She wasn't the best
at polite conversation but Rhosyn wasn't totally rude either. She did try.
Really.

He shrugged and started on his own meal, which was almost twice the amount
on her plate. "I like to read." He was about to add something when a blue
flit appeared above his head and landed on his shoulder. He stood on his
haunches and gave a little trill.

"Oh what sort?" There were books, stories, and pamphlets. Rhosyn didn't have
much time to read most days. It didn't mean she didn't like hearing about
interesting stories though. And she commended the man for finding time to do
something he liked. She gave the firelizard a look then put a piece of tuber
into her mouth.

"Books mostly." He gave the flit a piece of toast crust. "Anything I can get
my hands on. Although I'm not into romance. How about you?"

"Don't read much these days. My free time is taken up with eating,
waterball, sleeping, drinking, and sometimes dancing." She hadn't much of it
lately thanks to Lenala's health problems. So Rhosyn's freetime had
dwindled. Still, she did travel when she got the chance.

L'airev nodded. "I've seen you dance, you're very graceful." Hopefully that
didn't sound creepy, but he was a man, and not blind.

The small praise brought a smile to her face. "Thanks. It's one of my
favorite things and probably one of the ones I've been doing the longest.
They always said because I was so small it made it easier for tossing and
lifts." She also didn't tire as quickly.

"I'd imagine so." He wouldn't have too much trouble with that, unless he
tossed her over his head. "You danced before you impressed too?" Most
youngsters did eventually, if only to burn off the bubbly pies to make room
for more.

"There was always music when I was young, before I came to the Weyr. Farmers
like to dance, sing, and blow off air after a long day working. Then when I
came to the Weyr, there were less opportunities." Shrugging, she tried not
to remember her father in those days. He was a sore spot still when it came
down to it. As it was, Rhosyn remembered the recent discord with her sister
and she doubted the genuine feelings leftover from those days.

"Fisherfolk too," he replied. "But mostly singing while working. It makes
the day go more quickly." He too had a moment of introspection, recalling
his desire to be a harper, which had been largely unsupported by his family
and hold.

And so the two of them sat eating in companionable silence, absorbed by
their memories. Rhosyn found herself drifting off until dessert was put in
front of her.

Last updated on the January 26th 2016

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Comparing Notes