All Harpers Aboard!

Writers: Allison, Jane, Vix
Date Posted: 10th August 2007

Characters: Rahona
Description: Harper Jarind arrives aboard the riverboat Sungazer.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 5, day 10 of Turn 4

"Just welcome him aboard," Denna prompted Rahona as the lone passenger came up the landing stage.

The spot they had stopped had obviously been used by riverboats before but was still a bare stretch of bank in the middle of forestland. There seemed no reason why a man would be waiting there, nor why the Sungazer would stop to pick him up.

"Who is he? Why are we picking him up?"

"He's the harper. The Wintergreen will have dropped him here since we don't transfer harpers from boat to boat since the old chap ..." Denna's efforts to smother a smile were not noticeably effective. "Well, it was Turns ago. It was only a bit of a swim and you think the craft would be over it by now."

"So what do I have to do?"

"Just welcome him and take him up to Vaheri in the common room."

Rahona was fairly sure she could do that and stepped forward to greet the harper.

"Welcome aboard."

Jarind gave a small smile and held out his hand. "Well met. I haven't been on the Sungazer for quite a while," he said, setting his bag down on deck and looking around.

"And I haven't been on here for long," Rahona said, taking the man's hand. "I'm Rahona, the Captain's daughter-by-marriage."

"It's a pleasure to meet you. How long have you been on the boat now?" Jarind asked, looking around. "It's been a while since I've been on board."

"A month. A month today, actually," Rahona said, belatedly realising that her new life was indeed only four sevenday old.

"Well, sounds like you're becoming an old hand at it. So will I be staying in my usual quarters on this journey?" Jarind said, smiling at Rahona.

"I have no idea," Rahona admitted, feeling herself blush at the admission. "Perhaps -. Vaheri!" she called, waving at the headwoman and hoping her expression was not as flustered as she felt. She would have a word with Denna later about setting people up.

The Headwoman turned from where she was checking over the list of supplies that had been loaded. Her frown at being disturbed changed to a smile when she noted their new passenger. She approached cheerfully. "Harper Jarind, how good to see you again! Are you with us for just the leg to Emerald Falls Hold or will you stay on to return downriver?"

"Well, when I received my assignment, I was told I'd be staying to return downriver with everyone," Jarind replied, pushing the edge of his bag with his boot.

"Good. We prepared your usual room for you," Vaheri told him, but turned to address Rahona as well. "Do you remember the one we cleaned and aired to the rear of the passenger deck?"

"Oh, yes. That's the harper's room? I can take him there -" She smiled at the journeyman. "Though you probably know your way around better than I do.

I do know that you check the children's lessons though, and I'll be pleased to have my two brought up to the mark if they're behind on things. They seem to have been having more free time than ever before since we left the Weyr."

Jarind laughed and picked up his bag. "Well, if it's where I've stayed in the past, then yes, I have a good idea as to where I need to deposit my things," he said, as he followed Rahona. "I'll be glad to see your two, along with any other children on board, as soon as I drop off my things. No sense in waiting too long to get started."

"I'm sure they'll be expecting you," Rahona murmured, not sure that there would be any great joy among the children at the arrival of the itinerant harper. "Can I take your bag?" she asked as they headed toward the flights of stairs that gave access to first the crew deck where he would later meet up with the children in the dining room, and then on up to the upper deck that was reserved for passengers.

"No no, it isn't a problem," Jarind said, smiling down at Rahona. "Although I can't say they'll enjoy their first few lessons. Getting back into the swing of things can always be a bit difficult."

"Here's the room. I'm sure you know about the bathing facilities down the end of the deck. Shall I leave you to settle in before you go and see the children?"

"Yes, thank you, I would like to get settled in and unpack a few things before we get started," Jarind said, looking around the room and smiling.
His chambers were tastefully furnished and fitting for a senior journeyman harper.

Rahona left the journeyman alone and took the stairs down to the crew deck to warn the children that the harper was aboard.

Last updated on the August 11th 2007

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