Who

Therst, Amania, Ibrahim

What

Two Candidates are taken to Southern Barrier Hold to make a delivery to The Klah Bark and meet another wildling while planning a short adventure of their own.

When

It is afternoon of the thirteenth day of the twelfth month of the eleventh turn of the 12th pass.

Where

Southern Barrier Hold

OOC Date 14 Sep 2017 06:00

 

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"Alright, which way now?"


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Courtyard

Here lies an area stamped out in a neat square, laid painstakingly with cobblestones often slick with frost. Eastward lies the great expanse of the ice fields, and westwards the familiar lowing of the Hold's handful of beasts: but north does rise the dark-grey monolith of the cavernous entry to the Ice Fields proper, open-facing and airy, welcoming in contrast the the barbarous jagged outline of the barrier range lying beyond, ominous and eternal: it seems only fitting that to step past the ornate doors leading into the hold proper, one must step down rather than up. The way into this hold is the way into the earth itself.


What is worse than the hot icky summer that is at 108 degrees at Southern Weyr? The freezing cold of the Barrier Hold is your answer with it's warm day of 28 degrees. Therst steps down off the brown dragon that has ferried him and and a fellow candidate up here for some kind of delivery job. He is wrapped in his heavy cold gear and his eight foot scarf is wrapped about his shoulders and face to keep the short miner warm. When he gets down he will turn and offer a hand to Amania saying, "Be careful, the ground is slicker than it looks."

Winter nights in the Igen desert can get cold enough to leave a layer of frost upon the sand, sometimes. Amania is busy remembering what the sunrise over such a scene looks like in an effort to stop sweating so much in the cold gear she's swathed in as they leave the Weyr. Then there's ::between:: - still unnerving on her third trip through it, and still unbelievably all-consuming. Coming into the freezing air above the Southern Barrier Hold does actually feel warmer than the void…but not by much. When they land and the Zingari girl makes her way to the ground, accepting Therst's hand along the way, she can't help but feel winded with the chill. "This is insane," she declares breathily, marveling at the way her words make clouds that linger before her face longer than she expects. "People actually live in this?" Rhetorical, that; it's clear by the massive hold entrance before them that people do indeed live here and thrive. She stares upward at the jagged ice-crusted peaks looming over them, then glances about at the frost-coated courtyard. "It really is made of ice," she observes, and notes that, for the first time, Therst's gigantic scarf seems almost practical. "So where's this Klah Bark place we're supposed to be taking these crates?" she soon asks. "Inside, I hope."

Therst nods and will start helping the unload. "Aye, you will like it, it is unique." He actually seems happy to be here in the freezing cold. He hums a tune, back in his element as it were. Right now he can be Therst the Minecrafter. In the land of ice and snow he isn't as meek or worried about things as he is down at the Weyr. Looking over his shoulder he gives her a smile and says, "How are you holding up? First trip to the Barrier is a rough one for some."

At least there are only two crates. Amania finds it difficult to hold onto anything with her hands encased in thick gloves, but she's grateful for them nonetheless. Beneath her scarf, her expression is dubious over Therst's assertion that she'll like it…but she's willing to give it a chance, so long as this isn't the only part of the place she gets to see. The red-headed boy's joviality at being here is noted, garnering a little smirk as she takes up her crate, slipping her arms beneath to carry it for the sake of ease. "Well we've only been here a few minutes, Therst," she points out. "Hardly enough time to get the lay of land. You lead the way." Since she has no idea where they're going except beyond those doors.

Therst nods and though she can see it through his scarf the smile he has actually touches his eyes, "Sure thing, just walk slow till we get inside, first time I was here I ran to the doors and almost broke my leg slipping." He will lift the box with ease and walks at an obviously slower pace for Amania's benefit. When they get to the doors the rider they are with will open one so they can step inside.


The Atrium

A grand and airy space, this entrance to the frigid depths of the ice hold: lofty does the ceiling arc, painstakingly cleared of stalactites and scrubbed clean from the reaches of the mezzanines limning the upper tiers, reachable by a series of stairs and landings reaching ever upwards. Upward lies the rooftop, but here in the present the Atrium stretches vast, a fountain commanding the view of all who enter. Gorgeous and tiered, it is marvelous in more than one way, steam often rising from the trickling flows: for it is spring-heated water that rolls from the fountain's ranks, bubbling mutedly next to a pyramid of smooth-worn obsidian pebbles.


Scarves are good for hiding blushes, too, though in Amania's case it could just as easily be attributed to ruddiness brought on by the cold. She follows along carefully, slowing here and there when she can feel the frost starting to come between her foot and the cobblestones. She utters thanks to their escort before stepping through the doors…and into what seems like another world entirely. There's little in the atrium to betray the cold outside, save for the steam that curls faintly from the fountain that dominates the space. "Faranth," she whispers, her head on a swivel as she follows in Therst's wake. "This is…gorgeous." Not in the same manner the Zingari camp is, or like the cove by the sea, but strictly in its own right. "Is that water hot?" It's certainly warmer inside, but for there to be steam rising here, the temperature difference must still be quite pronounced.

Therst looks back and nods and will slow his pace further so she can look as long as she wants. "It is heated by a hot spring". He nods to the rider escort who doesn't seem to mind the two taking the leisurely route. He will guide her closer to the fountain so she can feel the heat if she needs it, saying, "Every now and then they have to get these huge ladders to come in and check the ceiling for cracks and such." He motions up so the guard turned Candidate can get the full view.

Amania set her crate down, bites the middle fingertip of one glove, and tugs it from her hand in order to dip her fingers into the fountain. She's surprised by how warm it is, reminded of the hotter bathing pools at the Weyr. "How does it happen in the middle of all this cold?" she wants to know, and cranes her neck to look overhead at Therst's last. "Even though the stone is so thick?" Not that it's impervious to cracks regardless, of course. But in a populated area like this, she can see how cracks forming overhead could be a hazard.

Therst nods and looks at the fountain first addressing that. "Same way we have them at the Weyr, water is heating from underground and brought up. Granted this had to come a long way probably." Then he will turn his attention to the ceiling saying, "Ice is always shifting and applying pressure in odd ways, and if not caught early yes it can crack stone." He has pulled down his scarf and smiles at Amania, happy to share his craft with his friend. He will wait here to see if she has other questions before motioning for them to go toward the stairs.

Hot water has been a fire-heated thing for Amania most of her life, so she hadn't ever considered that it might occur naturally. The things that can be found deep within the bones of the earth… She listens to Therst's explanation and nods, trying to picture how ice could be that powerful and taking his word for it in the end. He would know, after all! Picking up her crate again, she eyes the stairs with mild annoyance before following him up. "Is it much further?"


The Rooftop

This is a vast and open space, though often slippery — watch your step! Even finished, this man-made plateau above the high-ceiling'd grace of the Atrium below is a study in mayhem, the hustle and bustle of enterprise claiming an energetic frenzy of those risking peril on the ice-slick surface. Of everything, it is a crossroads: the northern bulwark, a tall blockade structure, houses the hold guards; dragon-weyrs flank east and west of a space kept clear for chromatic-sized dragons; nooks and niches and crannies skitter everywhere else, even up, for towering above in precious iron lie the scaffold of the fireheights.


After the pair ascend the tall stairs Therst gets to the top and will first step out to see if they de-iced the area so Amania doesn't become a very sore Candidate. "Seems ok, just watch your step," seems to be the mantra of the Barrier. He looks out over the view saying softly "it is almost like being in a different world you know." He looks over to see if Amania is alright and her reaction to this newer area.

Amania is most definitely puffing by the time they reach the top of the stairs, though the blast of icy air that greets her upon stepping out onto the roof is enough to obliterate the heat coming off her face. Blinking, she sets the crate down to give her arms a momentary reprieve and sits on it. "Why in great golden shells…is there a klah kitchen on the roof?" she huffs…and then she looks around and realizes just how much is on the roof. Whether or not it can properly be called a roof is debatable, to her mind; the hold is tiered, and this seems to be just another level of life. "It really does," she agrees quietly, taking in the vista of the hold below and the ice fields beyond with silent wonder. "It…shines. Sometimes the desert does, too, but…not like this." It's a striking thing to realize how the same sun lights two different places that reflect it so differently. Contrasting worlds, indeed…and yet the very same. Rested enough to take a new grip on her crate, she stands. "Alright, which way now?"

Therst grins and nods "Maybe you can show me your home sometime," he adds before moving south towards the Klah Bark. He will hold the door open for her so that she may enter first.


The Klah Bark

Welcome to the Klah Bark, hippest joint in the Hold. The place where everyone gathers to get that needed Klah fix. A curved bar dominates the space to the left of the doorway, laden with tiered trays of delectable pastries and square wooden canisters of herbs to add that extra spice to your brew. Behind the klah bar is a large hearth where all the magic happens. Baking a variety of snacks to tempt the pallet and brewing the signature Klah the place is known for. The recipe of which is a closely guarded secret. Smith crafted workshop stools line the curved bar for those who wish to gather and socialize briefly. While a smattering of hewn wooden tables fill in the rest of the room for those who would rather linger and enjoy.


"You mean Igen?" Amania chuckles a little and sidles into the warmth of The Klah Bark, the contrast in temperatures again making her catch her breath. "I could introduce you to the Zingari, but the furthest I ever went into the Weyr was the living cavern," she confesses. "I was still getting used to being around dragonfolk then. Shells, it smells wonderful in here!" Seriously, she may have just discovered a new happy place, all without even trying the klah itself. She move to the far end of the bar and sets the crate down with a salute to those manning the place. Delivery made! With that, she turns back to Therst. "We're going to have some, aren't we? I don't think I can leave without it now."

Therst chuckles as he to drops his crate off and salutes. He will smile at Amania and say to the barista, "I will have the the one with marshmallows and minty sticks please, and whatever the lady would like." He fishes out the marks to pay. If she objects it is too late now, he will stand there waiting for the drinks and says softly to Amania after she orders, "Told you so…"

Amania peers at all the canisters full of spices and the trays of pastries and eventually orders a plain klah, which she means to doctor herself. She also gets a cheese pastry because she's curious, offering half to Therst. "It's too much by myself," she explains. Sweets are something she'd only just gotten accustomed to having readily available while with the Zingari. The "told you so" makes Amania blush, and she smirks sidelong at the erstwhile Miner lad. "All right, it hasn't been bad so far. But it's so cold. What makes it worth being outside the walls?" she wants to know. "The courtyard seems kind of dreary, except for the doors."

Therst grins as he takes half the pastry offered and moves to get her to come and have a seat at one of the tables where she can doctor her klah. His drink is sat down before he says to her, "There is a cave that is nothing but mirrors set up by the ice, and caverns so big a dragon could fit comfortably if it could get underground." He is happily lost in explaining the wonders he has seen here at the Barrier during his craft time.

Amania takes pinches of this, that, and the other thing as she follows Therst to the table, uncertain what exactly she's concocted for herself but expecting it to be delicious all the same. "Mirrors made of ice…" she echoes as she finally sits, shaking her head a bit incredulously. "Where is that?" She's willing to believe him, of course, but would much rather see for herself, if they have time. "Where are the mines where you worked?" she asks as she spoons sweetener into the dark liquid and stirs, adding a few splashes of milk shortly afterward.

Oh, hey, there's another in the Klah Bark — one who could really use a nice refresher after a day's work in the stables. At least he's muck-free, having managed a good bath to get the stink of runner off his skin. Ibrahim shuttle right through the doors and up to the bar to order himself something sweet'n'fancy. Oh, and a snack: a big giant sticky bun to go along with that lovely klah. These in hand, he turns himself round to case the joint, and the potential comapny to be had. He'll finally settle himself at a table near Therst and Amania, offering them a nod of acknowledgement. Sup, dragonba — er, candidates.

Therst grins over at Amania. "Not far from here is the mirrors." When she asks about the mines he motions out saying, "Over in the ice fields, we are not going there. You think it is cold here…" He shakes his head. He will wave merrily at the newcomer, before saying, "I could take you to the mirror cave if we have time but we need to get some spike treads so we don't slide away."

"I don't want to go there," Amania says with a snort. "I was just curious where you'd end up every day while you were here." A mine does not sound like a pleasant place to visit. Lifting her mug to her lips for the first sip of her creation, she spies the newcomer and watches him as he sits. Yet again, she finds herself intrigued by a hairstyle she's never seen before in a man - at least not in such lengths…though the face it frames manages to hold her attention just as equally. "Hello," she manages to the man evenly before quickly taking that drink in order to distract herself. Dark eyebrows hike a bit; she's managed a very tasty combination of things, just as she'd anticipated…though there's little too much of something that makes her tongue feel slightly numb around the edges. "Spike treads…for our boots," she says to Therst. "Hmmm…" The prospect doesn't seem as daunting as swimming did, at least.

Ibrahim is so used to the hair being given a second glance that he doesn't even really notice it anymore; he just lets the stuff flow like snakes down his back, wild and free. He offers Amania a slow, gentle smile for her greeting. Therst is offered a mishevious wink. Aren't girls funny creatures? "Ay, that sounds like fun, though. Bit of climbing, some exploration…" As well the wildling's the adventurous type, for his clan's sent him forth to learn all the things of the greater world beyond the jungles. His klah's sniffed appreciatively, savoring the sweet and spice of it, before he takes a judicious sip — it's hot! "Spirit of adventure and all that…" It's a grand life.

Therst grins and nods to the newcomer saying, "If you got the time come join us, always nice to have extra people along." Can't get introuble for rule breaking if there are witnesses, he is fully enjoying his drink right now.

The smile from the long-haired man keeps Amania's blush in place, though she's long since used to that happening by now. Girls are funny creatures, especially those who have come a bit late to figuring out that it's alright to find boys good-looking instead of intimidating. She takes another drink, adding to the color beneath the caramel tan of her skin with the rush of heat from the spiced liquid. "I can agree with that," she says of adventuring, "though we do have to be careful how much it we do and where right now. We're Candidates." And therefore shouldn't go sneaking off to poke around ice caves without permission. Not that it isn't crossing Amania's mind to just go do it anyway… "Do you think G'pel would mind?" she asks, giving Therst a sidelong glance. "We're kind of on his time here." And their escorting brownrider is the sort that would notice them taking too long, unfortunately.

Fortunately, Ibrahim isn't the type to tease the shy, or poor Amania would be beet red in very short order. Instead, he'll try his best not to notice her blushing. Or the fact that she's actually pretty cute, herself. He'll raise an eyebrow at Therst. "Definitely. Never been in those caverns." He isn't even sure quite where they are, but he'll play along for the curiosity of it all. New places to explore, things to see, people to meet; he's all over that like bees on honey. "Here's an idea. Go ask him?" Ibrahim suggests, rather like an eager puppy after a particularly tasty treat. He sends a sidelong look to Amania, grinning.

Therst chuckles and nods as he is now being asked by two people to go, PLEASE DAD!, "Alright I will go ask him. You two stay put while I do." That is right Ibrahim, he noticed you noticing. He will finish his drink then head out towards where there rider waits.

Amania totally wasn't asking Therst to go bug G'pel about letting them go to the mirror caves! She was even prepared to hop up and go do it herself. But Therst, somehow having taken on the mantle of Dad among the Candidates, beats her to the punch and slips out before she can protest. The tilted smile she returns to Ibrahim is sheepish before she downs some more of her klah. "Hopefully he'll say yes and we can just add it to our PT or something," she sighs, dark eyes flicking up to the man at the nearby table. "What's your name? Do you live here?"

Well, now, that was unexpected. Ibrahim hadn't expected Therst to go gallavanting off for the chaperoning rider himself! Ah, well, that just means he will have more time to nibble his sticky bun. "I'm Ibrahim. And yeah, I live here. Well, at the Weyr. Was doing some hunting, and here was closer'n going back to the Weyr to eat something that wasn't my cooking." A thing he's gotten very tired of, even though he's not a bad cook.

Amania's brows tick upward in surprise as Ibrahim reveals that he, too, lives at the Weyr. "I'm Amania," she returns. "Well met." The fact that he was hunting piques her interest sharply. "What is there to hunt out here?" she asks, and pulls at her mug yet again. "Do you go into the mountains, or is there good game out on the tundra?"

"You're Amania, then." Ibrahim rolls the name over on his tongue, according it an almost exotic hint. "As lovely a name as the lady who answers to it." He settles back into his chair, considering the candidate with a gentle eye. "I like the looks of the wild herds on the tundra. Haven't picked a good enough one yet for the spit, though. They're very canny, those beasts."

Therst pops his head in the door and grins. "We are a go, if you two still think you can handle it," he teases and is actually rather excited as he waits by the door for the pair. He already has the snow spikes that go over the boots for walking around in his hand, one pair for all three of them.

Amania blinks a bit owlishly at Ibrahim's compliment, completely caught off guard. She also seems surprised at the little laugh the bubbles up from her own throat and blushes even deeper. "Thank you," she eventually gets out quietly, though she's staring at her mug when she says it. At least it's better than being completely silent? "I, um…would hunt out in the desert fairly often, myself," she says after clearing her throat a bit. "I'm from Igen. Around the oases, out in the canyons, I'd find things like wild caprines, porcines, sometimes felines, but nowhere near as big as what I've heard are out in the jungles-" Then Therst returns, and her eyebrows lift again along with a pleased grin. "You must be a very convincing man, Therst!" she quips, tilting the last of her klah into her mouth. "Well then." She looks to Ibrahim with a little tilt of her head toward her fellow Candidate and the door. "Shall we?"

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